Gokyo Trekking

This trek explores the breath-taking Gokyo valley which is located adjacent of the Khumbu. Gokyo is a land of high altitude lakes and icy glaciers Here, a hike to the high vantage point of Gokyo Ri (5350-m) will reward you with views of four of the eight highest mountains on earth - all in one panorama! From here, one can see more of Everest (8848-m) and the three other Himalayan giants - Cho Oyu (8153-m), Lhotse (8501-m) and Makalu (8463-m) and some of the great Glaciers, mainly the Ngozumpa Glacier.

The small herding settlement of Gokyo (4750m) lies on the banks of the third lake in a series of small turquoise mountain lakes and on the ridge above Gokyo, the four peaks above 8000m of Cho You, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu expose themselves. In addition to this you can have a look at the tremendous ice ridge between Cho You and Gyachung (7922m), considered one of the most dramatic panoramas in the Khumbu region. There are many options for additional exploration and high-altitude walking, including the crossing of Cho La, a 5420m-high pass into Khumbu and a hike to Gokyo Ri.

Your return trek will depart from the standard Gokyo trek as you will take the route back to Namche by crossing the Renjo La pass (5340m) instead of back trekking the Gokyo valley trails. This makes the trek a much more exciting and challenging one.

These mountains are magical - and so are your encounters with the Sherpa people, the famous mountain dwellers of this Himalayan wonderland. As in the classic Everest Base Camp trek, the warmth and hospitality extended by the local inhabitants of this region, the Sherpas, will add a further dimension to your experience of trekking in Nepal.


Itinerary

Day 1. Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m)

Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The Langtang Ri Trekking & Expedition representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After your refreshment you will be picked up from your hotel lobby and driven to our Thamel office where you will be formally introduced to your trekking guide. We will go through all your trek itinerary and arrangements with you to insurer every detail is in place. We will also ask to bring your passport, extra passport photographs and a copy of your travel insurance so that we can organize permits required for your trek in the Sagarmatha National Park.

Day 2. Drive to Ramechhap, Flight to Lukla and commence Trek to Phakding overnight in trekking lodges (2,886m/4hr)

Very Early morning 4 hrs. Drive you to Ramechhap, catch the morning flight to Lukla and a very scenic flight to Lukla, just south of the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park and the Mount Everest region. The flight is brief and takes only about thirty minutes to complete. Once in Lukla and all your packs and equipment are organized you will start your trek with the walk northwards along the Dudh Kosi River valley to the village of Phakdings and its impressive suspension bridge over the river far below. At this stage, the scenery is a well vegetated and impressively large river valley with glimpses to the north of the towering snow-capped Himalayan peaks that await you.
Day 3. Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m/6hrs.)

Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) which takes aboutsix to seven hours. This day you trek and cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo (2800m.) is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and preserve this fragile mountain environment. You then ascend quite steeply to Namche and along the way, if the weather is clear, catch a first glimpse of Mt Everest in the distance. You can also enjoy the view of Mt. Kusum Kangaru, Thamserku, Konde-Ri and Tawache peak. You can also visit some of the village monasteries on the way of trekking to Namche Bazaar(3440 m.). Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu region and holds a busy Saturday market. There is set a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have reached there by crossing the glaciated Nangpa La.

Day 4. Rest at Namche Bazar for acclimatization

Rest at Namche Bazar for acclimatization and excursion around the places. Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops as well as a magnificent outlook. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day for acclimatization at the high altitude before heading off towards Tyangboche. For the acclimatization you walk up to Khunde Hospital which was set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or an hour walk up to the Tyangboche (3800m.) where Everest View Hotel is situated above Namche for the outstanding view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. There are also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town.

Day 5. Namche Bazaar to Dole (4040m/6hrs.) via Khumjung

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole (4040m.) via Khumjung] and it takes about six hours. From Namche the route heads up all the way to Kumjung, a picturesque village which also has its own gompa at the top end of town. Here you can have excellent views of Thamserku, Kantega and Ama Dablam. Soon after leaving Khumjung the trail climbs to a large chorten on top of a ridge. This ridge descends from Khumbila, a 5734m peak, said to be the abode of the patron God of the Khumbu region. The trail descends slightly towards the Sanasa and then trail ascends up to Mongla (4000m.). From here, you can see panoramic views of various mountains. You trek steeply descend passing through Phortse Tenga and from there, the trail climbs steeply to Dole, through rhododendron and birch forest festooned with hanging mosses and lichens. You can enjoy delicious meal at Phortse Tenga (3650m.)

Day 6. Dole to Macchermo (4470m/4 hrs)

Trek from Dole to Meccharmo takes 4 hors/This beautiful scenic trail is a steep climb taking you through scrub juniper. Leaving Dole, there is an uphill gradient for around half an hour, then a more gentle uphill the rest of the way. The Dudh Koshi River lies far below. Hiking on towards the tiny teahouse settlement of Machhermo, the trail comes to a ridge above the village with stunning views of Thamserku.

Day 7. Macchermo to Gokyo [4750m/5hrs]

Trek from Macchermo to Gokyo [4750m] and it takes about 5 hours. From Machhermo you climb steadily along the side of the valley, where the small and thorny bushes give way to scrub juniper as the altitude increases. The trail passes many summer settlements, which are used when yaks are taken to these pastures to graze in the summer months. Ahead of you are excellent views of Cho Oyu, while back down the valley are the peaks of Kantega and Thamserku. You follow a very scenic path to Pangka and then descend slightly, following one of the melt-water rivers which flow down the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. You climb a steep rocky inclined into the valley by the side of the glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes. You soon arrive at the second of the lakes, crossing the path which heads across the glacier to Cho La (5420m.) -your route to Lobuche and Everest, later in the trek. The third lake is known as Dudh Pokhari and on its eastern shore is the settlement of Gokyo. Walking by the side of the lake, the scenery is magnificent with the summits of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang reflected in its emerald green waters.

Day 8. Rest day at Gokyo and excursion

Rest day at Gokyo and excursion in and around Gokyo valley Gokyo is a trade centre where the Sherpa people run lodges to provide the best services to the trekkers. Gokyo is situated by the side of Ngozumpa glacier, the biggest glacier of Nepal. This day you can make a side trip to Fifth Lake via Forth Lake.

Day 9. Gokyo to Gokyo Ri [5483m] & Trek back to Dole (4470m/5hrs.)

Trek/climb from Gokyo to Gokyo Ri [5483m] & Trek back to Dole (44700m.) via Gokyo village and it takes 5 hrs >Gokyo Ri looms above the village on the northern edge of the lake and you leave camp just after first light, following a steep path up the hillside. As you climb, the summits of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu slowly come into sight and the view from the summit of Gokyo Ri itself, is one of the finest to be had in the Everest region - some say it is even better than that from Kala Patthar. After lunch it is a short walk to the village of Machhermo and Dole.

Day 10. Dole to Manjo (2835m.) via Namche Bazaar (3440m/6 hrs.)

Trek from Dole (4470m.) to Manjo (3440m.) which takes about six hours. The trail gently descends to Photse Tenga(3650m) passing through rhododendron forests. Then the path immediately ascends steeply to Mongla Danda (4000m.) and gently descends down to Kyanjoma (3500m.) And Namche Bazar (3440m) ups and down to Manjo.

Day 11. Manjo to Phakding to Lukla (2652m/6 hrs.)

Trek from Manjo to to Phakding (2652m.) and it takes about 2-3 hrs hours. After that, the path has small ups and down to Phakding through Monjo.Trek from Phakding to Lukla [2886m] and it takes about three hours. Your final day's trekking follows the Dudh Kosi back down to Lukla. This last evening in the mountains is the ideal opportunity for a farewell party with the sherpa guides and porters, where you can sample some chhang, try Sherpa dancing and look back on a memorable trekking experience.

Day 12. Flight to Ramechhap and drive to Kathmandu) overnight in Kathmandu hotel

Your flight from Lukla will depart early in the morning to Ramechhap and 4 hrs drive you back to Kathmandu and overnight in hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 13. Final Departure.

All too soon it's time to bid Nepal farewell and one realizes that we can never be intimate, only acquainted with this amazing adventure Himalaya.

What's Included

    • Airport pick-up & drop-off transportation by private vehicle.
    • Twin/Double sharing deluxe accommodation in 2-3 star hotel with breakfast.
    • Kathmandu/Ramechhap/Kathmandu private transfer.
    • Ramechhap to Lukla and Ramechhap flight for clients and guide.
    • Meals - Breakfast with 2 cups of tea/coffee, lunch, dinner - during trek.
    • Everest trekking map for group.
    • All necessary paper work & permits.
    • National Park entrance fee.
    • A First Aid and Eco trained & government licensed English speaking guide.
    • One porter between each two members during trek.
    • Accommodation, meals, salary, equipment, transportation & Insurance of trekking staff.
    • First Aid kids.
    • Travel & rescue arrangement.
    • All government taxes.
    • Farewell dinner.

What's Not Included

    • International airfare.
    • Nepal Entry Visa fee (US$ 50 per person for 30 days).
    • Excess baggage charges.
    • Lunch/Dinner in Kathmandu.
    • Drinking Water, tea , coffee Electricity bills charge batteries of Mobile and Camera & hot shower during trek.
    • Medical evacuation in case of emergency.
    • Personal gear & clothing - these may be available for hire.
    • Tips for Nepali staffs , any expenses of personal nature, client's insurance.
    • Soft/hard drinks.
    • Expenses incurred due to mishaps, landslide, strikes, political unrest etc. In such case extra will be charged as per actual.
    • Anything not specified in the Cost Include section.

Equipment Check List

Recommended equipment list: Trekkers need to provide their own personal clothing and equipment. Some items of equipment are available for hire from us as like Down Jacket

Footwear

Well broken-in walking shoes - these must be suitable for snow, thick socks, light socks, camp shoes.

Clothing

Down or fiber filled waterproof jacket and trousers, sweater or fleece jacket, underwear, warm and cotton trousers or jeans, shirts and T-shirts, shorts, long underwear, wool hat, sun hat, gloves, bathing suit, track suit.

Other equipment

Sleeping bag (5 seasons),  lock, day pack, water bottle, sun cream, sunglasses, flashlight with spare bulbs and batteries, lip salve, gaiters.

Other Items

Insect repellent, toilet articles, diary, toilet roll, laundry soap, wet ones, pocket knife, towel, sewing kit, plasters, binoculars, camera, film, cards and personal medical kit.

Important Note

Itinerary and Dates: Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as this is adventure travel in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it. Weather conditions and the health of trekkers can all contribute to changes. Your guide, and their Sherpa assistants, will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if necessary. Our aim is to return you safely to Kathmandu in time for your departure flight booking.

Experience Required: This Trek is suitable for keen walkers who are able to walk for 6 – 7 hours each day, with a light rucksack. Some of the days are quite long, and walking feels more strenuous at altitude. Generally, the trail is a good quality, but occasionally it will be uneven and rocky.

Food & Accommodation: You will be accommodated in a teahouse each night, unless the itinerary stipulates tent camping is necessary on some nights. Teahouses are simple, locally-run guesthouses with twin-share or single rooms. Toilets and showers are of varying standards. Typical food available for lunch and dinner is Nepali rice & lentils, pasta, potato dishes, soups or pizzas. Delicious pancakes, porridge, toast and eggs are the main breakfast fare, while tea, coffee and hot chocolate are always available. You will probably be pleasantly surprised by the variety of food at the lodges.

What about our luggage: One porter will be shared between two trekking clients. Porters will carry a maximum of 12kgs per client. If you wish to, you may keep excess clothing and items in a storage room at your Kathmandu hotel.

What will the temperature be like: The weather obviously varies considerably by season and may also change drastically within a single day, particularly at high altitude. If your itinerary takes you above 3,000m need to be prepared for conditions that may range from -10 to 25 degrees on any day. Some useful weather data is available here: https://bit.ly/3vi7rHX You will also need good protections from sun and wind exposure. Contact us for a suggested trek packing list to suit your itinerary.

How much money should we bring: You will need to carry Nepali Rupee to pay for things not covered by your itinerary package. This may include bottled water; evening hot showers; additional food treats; additional hot drinks; equipment replacement or repairs; battery charging and gifts and tips. Shopping can also be done on your last day in Thamel. Talk with us in our office before departing on your trek and we can provide more advice and currency exchange.

What about Acute Mountaineering Sickness (AMS): AMS is essentially impossible to predict. Some people are affected, and other not. Only a very small percentage of people suffer serious effects. Effects may become apparent at any altitude, not just at the extremes of your itinerary.

Signs of AMS includes:

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Drowsiness
  • Flatulence
  • Peripheral Edema (Swelling of extremities)
  • Fluctuation in body temperature

Prevention of AMS:

  • Adequate rest prior to the trek.
  • Adequate hydration maintained throughout the trek.
  • Adequate salt and sugar in your bloodstream. So, eat plenty and don’t skip meals.
  • Adequate warmth. Use clothing layers to maintain warmth without sweating excessively. Controlled and regular breathing. Breathe deeply from the diaphragm to use all your lung capacity. Try and walk to a pace that maintains controlled and steady breathing. Breathe through your nose to protect you throat from drying. Consider wearing a muff over your mouth and nose at high altitudes.
  • Managed exertion. Trekking is not a race to the next pass or teahouse. Go at a constant, manageable pace, do not chase after the person in front. Keep a slow steady pace rather than pushing too hard and needing to stop frequently. Take time to enjoy the scenery.

Trip facts

  • Price
    USD 1499
  • Region
  • Activity
    Trekking
  • Duration
    13 Days
  • Grade
    Demanding
  • Best Time
    March- May- September- November-
  • Max. Altitude
    5483m
  • Group Size
    Min 2 pax
  • Transportation
    Private Vehicle and flight

Your Host

Mrs Pamfa Dhamala

 My company has been helping people plan and experience the Himalayan treks and tours of their dreams for over 25 years. Please Let me assist you with your inquiry.

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Tour Extensions

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Since its establishment in 1991 AD, Langtang Ri Trekking and Expedition has stood as a beacon of adventure and exploration in the realm of tourism. With three decades of unparalleled experience, the company has been at the forefront of creating unforgettable journeys for clients hailing from every corner of the globe. Rooted in Nepal's breathtaking landscapes, Langtang Ri has continuously raised the bar for trekking, tours, expeditions, and extreme sports, offering a comprehensive range of services that cater to the intrepid spirit of travelers.
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  • 97714523360 9779823010252

  • langtangritrekking@gmail.com
  • Tridevi Marg, Nurshing Chowk Thamel, Kathmandu