Gokyo Valley Trek

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destination Gokyo
duration 12 Days
grade Moderate
start/end point Kathmandu/Kathmandu
region Everest
max altitude 5473m
group size 2-12
meal All inclusive
activity 5-6 Hrs
accommodation Tea House
season Autumn/spring

Gokyo Valley Trek

The Gokyo Valley (lake) Trek is in the Everest region and will take you to Gokyo lakes and Gokyo Ri.

One of the main attractions of this trek is to see Gyachang(2922m) and Cho Oyu situated in the Khumbu region.  Gokyo Valley is, without doubt, one of the most picturesque valleys in the Solu Khumbu District in the Himalayas. It offers awesome views over the Eastern Himalayas and of several 8000m plus peaks, such as Mt. Everest (8,848m), Cho Oyu (8,201m), Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8481m) and. Gokyo Ri (5,357m). It is also home to the Sherpa people with their rich Tibetan Buddhist culture and traditions. Buddhist monasteries, chortens, Mani walls are visible throughout the trek highlighting their devout beliefs. On the trail you will see wildlife: musk deer, Himalayan Thar, the colorful pheasant (Nepal’s national bird) and you may be lucky to glimpse the elusive snow leopard. It is also rumored to be home to the fabled Yeti who is said to reside in the

Khumbu Valley. Gokyo Valley is located in the west of the Khumbu region.
This trek is jam-packed with interesting features, such as the famous Ngozumpa Glacier and the authentic Sherpa village of Gokyo (4750m) and its large herds of Yak grazing on the alpine hillsides. You will also visit

Gokyo Lakes at an altitude of 4,700 to 5,000m; the highest lake in the world.

The Gokyo Valley 12 day trek starts and ends in Kathmandu, and begins with a scenic 40-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla where the trek begins. After donning your boots we follow the trail to Phakding and along the trail pass Mani stones (stones inscribed in Buddhist mantras). Namche Bazaar is is next; a thriving town that looks down over the valley and up to the surrounding snow-capped Himalayan peaks. The Gokyo trail follows the same route of those who are heading to Everest Base Camp and then we climb up to Kenjoma. The Dudh Koshi River's source is Gokyo Lake and glacier. We will also trek up to Gokyo Ri (5,483m) and then return to Namche Bazaar and finally to Lukla for our return flight to Kathmandu.

ITINERARY

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At Tribhuvan International Airport you will be met by a representative from Uma Holidays, Travel & Tours and taken to your hotel in Thamel, the tourist hub of Kathmandu. There will be a short briefing of what to expect on the trek and arranging permits to Sagamartha National Park.
A 30-minute early morning flight from Kathmandu’s domestic airport will take us to Lukla. After landing at Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla we will spend some time preparing our packs for the trek. There will be one porter for every two clients. We then hit the trail and descend to the Dudh Kosi River where we join with the trail that heads to Namche Bazaar. The trek today is easygoing and will not be too tiring. On the trail, we pass through the small village of Ghat (2,550 m) and continue until we reach Phakding where we will stay overnight.
This morning we head out to the Sherpa capital of Nepal - Namche Bazaar(3435m) via Jorsale. From along the trail, you will get your first glimpse of Mt. Everest. Namche Bazaar has many modern facilities, such as the internet, bakeries and some good cafes/restaurants.
This morning on the trail we pass many colorful Tibetan prayer flags and Mani stones near Namche Gompa (temple). Thame is a small religious community (3825m) and home to Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, the first man to climb Mt. Everest with Edmund Hillary (New Zealand).
This morning we follow the trail to Lung - known for its caves. We then cross Renjola Pass. Along the trail, it is likely we pass Tibetan yak caravans coming from Tibet. We will spend the night at the settlement of Lung.
After breakfast, we head to the easily navigated Renjola Pass, one of the most easily traversed passes in the Khumbu region, in contrast to Chola and Congmala passes. We will stay at a guesthouse here overnight.
Today is a more physically demanding day as we trek up a steep trail up to the peak of Gokyo RI (5357m). The spectacular views will leave you captivated and have your camera at full speed! The magnificent views of Gokyo Valley, the massive Ngozumpa Glacier (world’s highest), incredible panoramic views of the entire Khumbu region, including the towering peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu and Gychung Kang (7952m) will leave you gob-smacked! We will then trek back to the foot of Cho La pass where we will stay in a dormitory.
This morning we follow the trail back to Dole via the villages of Pangla, Machhermo, Luza, and Lhabarma. We will stay at a lodge here overnight.
After breakfast, we say farewell to Gokyo valley and drop down to Khumjung and to Namche Bazaar via the Sherpa settlement of Sanasa.
We descend through a rhododendron and pine forests to Jorsale, a trek of around 2 hours, with another 5 hours to Lukla via Monju, Phakding, Ghats Khola, Chaurikharka, and Chheplung. We will stay overnight in a guesthouse at Lukla.
We will take an early morning flight to Kathmandu in order to avoid strong and gusty winds later in the day. The flight offers fantastic views of the Khumbu Himalaya region. Tonight we will have a farewell dinner at a local Nepali restaurant where you can say farewell to your guide and fellow trekkers.
A representative from Uma Holidays, Tours & Travel will take you to the airport at least three hours prior to your scheduled departure. It is possible you are already planning your next adventure among these massive mountains. We will happily assist you in choosing a destination that meets your requirements. We would also love to hear from you regarding your experience with us.

SERVICES

What is Included

  • Airport pickup and drop by private vehicle.
  • Two nights standard twin sharing Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek.
  • Fresh fruit every evening after the dinner.
  • Trekking Lodge (Tea House) accommodations throughout the trek.
  • All necessary paper works Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit & Khumbu Pashang Lhamu Rural Municipality fees
  • Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight with private airport transfer and domestic airport tax.
  • A highly experience, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly , English speaking well trained, Government License holder guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.
  • Strong, helpful porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment his salary, foods, accommodation and insurance (one porter for two people).
  • Comprehensive medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
  • Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service (paid by your Travel Insurance company).
  • Use of sleeping bag, down Jacket, Duffel bag and walking Poles (if you don’t have your own, To be return after trip completed).
  • Government taxes and official expenses.
  • Oxymeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) Which will ensure you trek is in the safest hands possible for all levels of trekker.
  • Assistant guide group size above 6+ person.

What is Excluded

  • Meals whilst you are in Kathmandu Lunch and Dinner.
  • Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa on arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport – Kathmandu). $25 USD for 15 days Visa.
  • Your Travel and Medical Insurance.
  • International Airfare.
  • Your Personal Expenses.
  • All the alcoholic and non alcoholic cold and hot drinks on trek ( i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the Tea Houses)
  • All desserts sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
  • Hot shower and battery charging on the tea houses.
  • Tips for the guide, porter and driver (Tipping is expected)
  • Kathmandu sightseeing monument entrance fees($30 USD per person)
  • Excess baggage more than 10kg for Lukla flight.

EQUIPMENTS

Trekking equipment

The Following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek as the backpack for the hiking in Nepal and the gear play a vital role for the successful trip and we suggest you to have all the necessary gear for the trip and not to have unnecessary equipment/things that you will not be using for the trip and list of the gear you need for the trek are:

  • Good down Sleeping bag (Optional/we can provide one if you do not have on your own and it is to be returned after the trek.
  • Duffel or Rucksack bag to keep your all the gear and this will be carried by the porters.
  • Daypack bag for yourself
  • A down Jacket
  • Shade hat
  • Warm wool hat to cover your ears
  • A pair of lightweight warm gloves.
  • T-shirts 2- 3 pieces
  • Lightweight thermal tops.
  • Fleece jacket.
  • Fleece Wind-proved jacket (optional).
  • A pair’s nylon hiking shorts which are quick drying one
  • Underwear
  • Two pairs of lightweight long underwear.
  • Two pairs trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts
  • Four pairs of liner warm socks
  • A pair of light to medium weight waterproof hiking/trekking boots.
  • A pair of light trekking shoes for camp/lodges
  • A pair sandal (Optional)
  • A water bottle.
  • Head/Torch Light.

Medicines and First Aid Kits

  • Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude-related headaches like DMX.
  • Ibuprofen for general aches and pains.
  • Imodium or Peptone besom, Flexon capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
  • Diamox 125 or 250mg or 400mg tablets for altitude sickness.
  • 1 small personal sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as moleskin, band-aids, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc.(Uma Holidays  company's team also provide first aid kits)

Miscellaneous but Important

  • Passport and extra passport photos (4 copies)
  • Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport.
  • Lip care (Balm) At least SPF 20, 2 sticks.
  • Sun’s cream with SPF 40 is recommended
  • Pocket knife.
  • Water purification Iodine tablets
  • Toiletry kits and be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.

Note Regarding Itineraries:
Although we generally adhere to the schedule, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions, suitable campsite availability, and the group's general fitness level. It is important to understand that our trek is logistically complex and it is not unusual that adjustments be made. Our guide will orient you each evening to the following day's plan and their good judgment is the key to the long history of successful treks that Uma Holidays Pvt. Ltd.  Please remember that our ability to make adjustments as needed helps to ensure that your trek is safe and successful. Your safety is paramount

MAP

Departures

Trip Date Duration Price Seats Left

FAQS

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Yes, you can. No matter who you are, as long as you are reasonably fit, can walk for 5-6 hours a day and trek/hike a few uphills, Umaholidays Trekking team will support you to the fullest to transform your dream of standing at Gokyo Valley/Gokyo Ri into reality
The month of March to May in Spring and September to December in autumn seasons are considered the best for the Gokyo valleyTrek as the weather conditions become favorable during this time, providing you with good visibility and a suitable atmosphere for Gokyo Valley trekking.
No, there is no age limit for the trek to Gokyo Valley but, you need to be in good physical shape and have a positive attitude. We also suggest you to prior to the excursion though we suggest you to please see your doctor and obtain necessary permission and advice, as well as medications for traveling in extreme altitude prior to the excursion.
During trekking, you will be served meals in the teahouses. Typical meals are noodles, rice, pasta or potato dishes along with vegetables and egg/chicken/meat dishes. Other items mostly served as breakfasts include Tibetan, egg, pancake, bread, porridge, muesli, and toasts with peanut butter and hone
A teahouse trekking accommodation will be made for you for the Gokyo Valley trekking whereby you will be able to stay at tea house(Local lodge) and have wholesome food and net and clean comfortable bed throughout your trekking journey. This form of arrangement also allows you to carry less baggage; you can trek at your own pace and enjoy the Everest panorama on your own schedule. It is also an eco-friendly way of trekking whereby trekkers can have more contact with the local's sherpa peoples.
Most of the teahouses on the Gokyo Valley trail have squat toilet facilities but recently built lodges have western-style toilets as well. Nowadays, flush toilets are also being introduced with a number of increasing foreign mountaineers each year. It is highly recommended to carry your own toilet paper and other required toiletries. Hot shower facilities are available till Gorakshep. The most common type is a bucket shower, usual buckets with tap filled with hot water and placed in a shower room. Hot shower costs from US$ 4 to 15 peruse and the price increases along with the elevation. Attached bathrooms and toilets are not available unless you book for a luxury lodge during the Gokyo Valley trek.
What you want to wear depends on you but we suggest you wear warm clothes during the Gokyo Valley trekking. A down jacket, thermal longs and top, comfortable trekking trousers, t-shirts, fleece, windproof jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves might be useful. There are numerous trekking shops in the Thamel area of Kathmandu where you can get all of these items in both local and branded stores alike. Umaholidays may also accompany and assist you if required.
During the Gokyo Valley trekking, you will be on a long journey for which you will need two bags to keep your belongings. A rucksack/duffle bag and a day bag for personal items. Umaholidays will provide you with a duffle bag (which is need to refund after the trek) that you can use throughout your entire journey and even afterward. These bags are durable and hence perfect for any kind of trekking journey. While the duffle bag will be carried by the potters, you will have to carry a day bag on your own. A day bag is a small backpack that has enough room for everything you will need on a day hike such as lunch, water, extra clothing and perhaps a few personnel items like camera, battery chargers, etc.
If possible, we suggest you bring your own equipment. However, sleeping bags and down jackets will be provided to you by Umaholidays. With regards to trekking poles, if you are used to walking with it then take them with you, as you will probably find them useful especially on the way down. They are not essential though and the walk is manageable without them. It is mostly a personal preference. If you prefer to take the trekking poles with you on the trekking then you can either bring your own pole or buy it from numerous options available in Kathmandu itself.
Yes, if you have a bag of extra clothing for when you return from the trekking, you will be able to store it safely in Kathmandu Umaholidays office. The storage facility is provided by most hotels and lodges in Kathmandu or you can also store it in our office for the duration of the trekking.
Our itinerary has been specially tailored to prevent any kind of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) while moving up to higher altitudes. Normally, altitude sickness starts from 3,600 meters and above. You will be trekking at a relatively slow and gradual pace as part of the acclimatization process. Cut off caffeinated, alcoholic and smoking items. Drink at least 4 liters of water a day. Trek slow. Don't skip the acclimatization days. Better to continue with Diamox (if any symptoms show up). Drink Garlic Soup. In the higher elevation, there is less oxygen in the air and this is more so while crossing high passes. Our expert guides will advise you on how to avoid AMS and treat it when/ if required.
Make sure to have both medical and evacuation insurance before coming to Nepal for Gokyo Valley trekking. You should be careful in choosing a policy while traveling to a Himalayan country like Nepal as some insurance companies may make special exceptions for adventure travel. If you are confused about the insurance, please inform us and we will help you. It is usually better to arrange your insurance in your country before travel.
ow long do I need to walk per day during my trek to Gokyo Valley? The trekking will be 5-7 hours a day depending upon the landscape and destination.
It takes 4 to 8 days to reach Gokyo Lake depending upon the mode of transportation and packages of Sherpa Expedition and Trekking offers.
We at Umaholidays Team always have the safety, comfort, and satisfaction of our valued customers as our foremost priority at all times, and we assure you a wonderful and unforgettable time with us in our beautiful country.Sherpa members of Umaholidays will be carrying all the necessary gear, equipment, and first aid kits and they have extensive first aid training. If a trekker falls sick on high altitude, the leader will decide whether to continue the trek. In case of emergency, Umaholidays have a rescue helicopter to bring you back from the higher elevation. Moreover, Umaholidays also provides oximeter to monitor the oxygen level at high altitude and offers regular health check-up facilities.
You can either trek on foot or by a helicopter. Umaholidays offer exciting and reasonable Helicopter trek to Everest Base Camp for 5 days and 10 days. Umaholidays can also customize your tour as per your necessity.
The flights are usually regular between September and May. But due to high altitude, bad weather and unforeseen technical issues, you may experience a delay or cancellation of the flight. On the occurrence of such events, Umaholidays charter a helicopter to make sure you are on the safe schedule either for a trek or for your flight back home which would cost extra charge as an unexpected event. However, if the visibility is less than 1,500 meters, it is unable to operate helicopter facilities and Umaholidays will reschedule the flight.
Umaholidays will provide one porter for two trekkers to carry 20 kgs of luggage (maximum 10 kg for each trekker). Please be sure your porters are not overloaded because they do not carry only your equipment but also lift your spirit to reach new heights, and your love, affection, and generosity can be the reason for them to work hard to take you to your destination. However, the weight limit on flights to the Everest region, basically to Lukla is a total of 10 kgs and you need to pay an extra amount per kg for the excess baggage. Umaholidays pays up to 5 kgs of extra baggage making your total to 15 kgs with your hand bag.
Garlic soup is a must while trekking. Umaholidays recommend trekkers to drink green tea, lemon tea, hot lemon ginger tea and drink at least 2-4 liters of water a day. However, it is better to avoid alcohol and alcoholic beverages, caffeinated items, and hot-chocolates at high altitude
Umaholidays Trekking won’t recommend non-veg items because the meat in such places may not hygienic and healthy. Umaholidays also encourage to avoid dairy and cheesy items and strongly suggest not to consume them during the trek. So, our packages are suitable for both vegan and vegetarians.
Your guide and porters are a big reason why you got a chance to feel something very few can have. Apart from guiding and carrying your necessities and being mindful of your safety, they want to see you happily succeeded more than anyone like family and help you successfully complete the trek safely. So, your tips reflect gratitude towards them. So, tipping is a recommended culture for porters and guide in Nepal as a gesture of thankfulness.
Umaholidays will introduce dozens of shops selling knock-off gear in Kathmandu. You can also barter those gears at the knock-off places but be sure you keep the receipt safely. Moreover, you can rent the needed gears if you do not want to buy them.
Yes, most guesthouses offer Wi-Fi, for a small charge. it cost USD$5 per day.
ATM services are available only in Namche Bazaar and Lukla. However, the services might not work or run out of cash. Therefore, we suggest you carry a small amount of money to buy snacks, etc during the trekking.
Most of the tea houses/ lodges have electricity whereby you will be able to charge your iPod or camera batteries. Please note that lodges/tea houses will charge you some extra money for the services. The fee may vary from 1 USD to 3 USD per hour.

We Offer Group Discount

No. Of People Price Per Person
1 Pax USD 1,199
2 Pax USD 1,150
3 Pax USD 1,099
4 - 6 Pax USD 1,030
7 - 12 Pax USD 1,020
13 - 18 Pax USD 980
19 - 24 Pax USD 960
  • Best Price Guarantee
  • Hassle-Free Booking
  • Team of highly experienced Experts

All Inclusive Cost

USD 1,199

Per Person

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