Swagat Holiday Treks & Expeditions Pvt Ltd.
+977-9851002768 / +977-9860460464

Gokyo Ri Valley

Trip Introduction


Gokyo Ri Valley
Gokyo Ri Valley is one of the most picturesque valleys in Nepal. The Gokyo valley lies towards the west of the more famous Khumbu region of the Himalaya. The serene valley boasts extensive pastures for yaks to graze during summer and the pristine turquoise lakes are simply breathtaking.  The trail to Gokyo lakes or valley is a package of phenomenal bliss. Gokyo valley trek constitutes a view of the magnificent Mount Everest (8848m), along with mountains above 8000m like Cho Oyu (8201m), Mount Lhotse (8516m), and Mount Makalu (8463m). The enchanting turquoise Gokyo Valley supplements to the abstract beauty of Gokyo Valley. Adding up to beauty, we can also witness the longest glacier-Ngozumpa Glacier. An incredible view of stone houses and meadows on the shore of Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari) is the best part of the trek. With such a spectacular landscape and the warm hospitality of the people, this trail offers us a new wonder every day. This Trekking is a blend of adventure and delight. An alternative to the classic Everest Base Camp Trek, the secluded beauty of Gokyo Valley will make this trip a very remarkable one.
Gokyo can be visited after trekking up to Everest Base Camp by adding another five days to the Itinerary.
If Gokyo is your main destination, then the trek goes up the Everest trail only as far as the teahouses at Kenjoma (where the trail from Khumjung joins the main trail). From this point on, the trail leads up towards Mong La pass before dropping steeply back down to the banks of the Dudh Koshi River.
Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri trek is for those who like to walk in the Everest region without the physical stress of reaching the base camp of Everest or crossing high passes in the vicinity. It is instead for travelers who wish to try something new in the Everest region. However, for trekkers who want to reach the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain than Everest Base Camp Trek: 16 days is ideal. Another option for trekkers who like to conquer high mountain passes in the Everest region is the Everest High Passes Trek: 20 days.

 


Group Size : minimum 02 Pax Max - altitude : 5357m/17570ft
Destination : Destiny Country Fitness level : Fit
Arrival : Kathmandu Departure from : Kathmandu
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation : Double/Twin Sharing in Hotel/Lodge
Day 01: Arrival to Kathmandu (1300m/4264ft)
Day 02: Guided Sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley
Day 03:  Fly to Lukla (2800m/9184ft), trek to Phakding (2652m/ 8700ft), Duration: 3-4 Hrs
Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11283ft), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
Day 05: Acclimatization at Namche
Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Phorse (3810m/12496ft), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
Day 07: Phorse village to Machhermo (4470m/14663ft), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
Day 08: Machhermo to Gokyo (4800m/15744ft), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
Day 09: Climb Gokyo Ri (5357m/17570ft), (Rest Day)
Day 10: Gokyo to Dole, Duration: 5-6 Hrs
Day 11: Dole to Namche Bazaar, Duration: 4-5 Hrs
Day 12: Namche Bazaar to Lukla, Duration: 6-8 Hrs
Day 13: Fly Back to Kathmandu
Day 14: Final day, fly back to Home country
 
Note: This is a general itinerary, which can always individually be “tailor-made”. The Trek package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your need and taste, for more information please contact us at [email protected]
 

Day 01: Arrival to Kathmandu (1300m/4264ft)
Upon your arrival a representative from Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. will be waiting outside the international Airport (Tribhuwan International Airport) gates to take you to the hotel. Depending on the time of arrival, plans will be made for a briefing meeting once you have settled in. Please let us know if there is anything special you would like to do while in Kathmandu. We can help you arrange that. Stay Overnight in Hotel.
Includes: Bed & Breakfast
 
Day 02: Guided Sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley
After an early breakfast, at 8:30 am your sightseeing trip will start. You will have a private vehicle and a professional tour guide at your disposal. Today we will visit some heritages listed below:
Pashupatinath Temple:
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most significant Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva in the world, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. Though you are not allowed to go inside the temple as it is strictly for Hindus only, you can clearly see the temple and the activities from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River. It is a square two-tiered pagoda temple built on a single-tier plinth which is famous all over the world.
Boudhanath Stupa:
Boudhanath Stupa is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. It was built in the 5th century with four pairs of eyes of Lord Buddha in four cardinal directions keeping an eternal watch over the people and their doings. You will find Buddhist pilgrims from Tibet going round the stupa spinning the prayer wheels.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square:
Visit the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the Royal Residential Quarter of Bhupatindra Malla, the famous five-storied temple of Nyatapole in Pagoda style Batsala Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, Dattatreya Temple, Pujari Muth and Palace of 55 windows.
The rest of our time in Kathmandu is free for further exploration. Some last-minute we get our equipment check by our climbing leader and shopping in the Thamel area for trekking essentials. Stay overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Include: Bed and Breakfast
 
Day 03:  Fly to Lukla (2800m/9184ft), trek to Phakding (2652m/ 8700ft), Duration: 3-4 Hrs
We leave for Lukla on an early morning flight. It will be an adventurous flight as the Tenzing Hillary airport is a steep airstrip that is actually hanging off the side of a mountain. After reaching Lukla, we meet the rest of the trekking staff and begin trekking to Phakding. We will stay overnight at one of Lodge in Phakding.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11283ft), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
Our trail moves forward alongside the Dudh Koshi River. During the trek, we cross several suspension bridges and pass several villages, monasteries, and chortens. We can enjoy a good view of Mt. Thamserku from Benkar Village. Our trekking permits will be checked at Monjo as we enter the Sagarmatha National Park. A descent and a gradual walk bring us to Jorsale, the last village until Namche Bazaar. The walk is enjoyable through a river bed and we reach the Hillary Suspension Bridge. As we climb up towards Namche Bazaar, the magnificent sights of Kwangde Peak, Kusum peak, Kangaru peak, Mt. Everest, Lhoste, Tawache, and many other fabulous mountains greet us. We will stay overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 05: Acclimatization at Namche
Acclimatization is important for us to adjust to the gradual change in the environment. It will also help us to prevent catching acute mountain sickness (AMS). Today we hike to Khumjung villages, enjoy the Himalayan vista from Syangboche, or tour the quaint streets of Namche Bazaar. We can also visit the Tourist Visitor Center where we can see a variety of things related to the first Everest ascenders and Sherpa culture. This visit will also get us acquainted with various plant and animal life of the Everest region. In Khumjung, we can even visit a monastery that houses a yeti scalp! We also climb up to the airstrip above Khumbila Mountains. We walk back to Namche Bazaar to spend the night.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Phorse (3810m/12496ft), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
We leave Namche Bazaar on a trail with gradual ups and downs. On the way, we will spot Himalayan pheasants, musk deer, and Himalayan Thars. We then begin descending to Kyanjuma. From Sansa, we follow the Gokyo trails and from Mong, we get a glimpse of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tawoche, and Khumbila mountains. Our trail descends to Dudh Koshi Khola after which it is an uphill climb through rhododendron forests before reaching Phorse. From here we get good views of the Tawache and Cholaste mountains. We will stay overnight at Phorse.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 07: Phorse village to Machhermo (4470m/14663ft), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
After crossing bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, we are likely to come face to face with local wildlife like pheasants, mountain goats, and Musk Deer. Our trail passes through forests, waterfalls, and bridges before reaching Dole. We climb on a steady trail through a scenic ridge with views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku mountains. We ascend from Luza village and walk above the Dudh Koshi River. We continue walking through small villages and sandy trails before reaching Machhermo. We can visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital for a lecture regarding altitude sickness, precaution, and primary treatment. We will stay overnight at Machhermo.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 08: Machhermo to Gokyo (4800m/15744ft), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
We ascend on a hill and enjoy views of the Dudh Koshi Valley and Kangtega, Thamserku, and Cho-Oyu mountains. Beyond the ridge, the valley widens as the trail passes through a Chortens and reaches Phangga. We descend to the river bank before climbing up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozamba Glacier on a steep trail. We pass through Longpongo, Raboche Tsho, and Dudh Pokhari before reaching Gokyo. On the trail next to the first lake, we see what is believed to be the footprints of a Lama (Buddhist priest). We explore Dudh Pokhari before calling it a night. We will overstay at Gokyo tonight.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 09: Climb Gokyo Ri (5357m/17570ft), (Rest Day)
We spend another day in Gokyo to acclimatize to the high altitude. If the weather is good, we climb Gokyo Ri today. From the top of Gokyo Ri, we admire the Himalayan vista and the tranquil Gokyo lakes. A climb up a nearby hill will guarantee us remarkable views of Cho- Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu. We can see a lot more from here the spot is called scoundrel’s viewpoint. We will stay overnight at Gokyo.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 10: Gokyo to Dole, Duration: 5-6 Hrs
We descend on a trail along the Dudh Koshi River and pass the first Gokyo lakes. On the way, we also enjoy views of the Cholatse and Tabuchi peaks. Our trail descends before climbing a hill. After reaching the Chorten at the edge, we see great views of Thamserku, Cho-Oyu, and Kangtega mountains. We walk past Machhermo, Luza, and Lhafarma villages before reaching Dole. We will stay overnight at Dole.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 11: Dole to Namche Bazaar, Duration: 4-5 Hrs
We descend on a steep trail to Phorse Thanga admiring rhododendrons, wildflowers, and waterfalls. We also come across mountains goats, musk deer, pheasants, etc. From Mong, we can admire a good view of the Khumbila peak. On our way to Namche, the view of Tabuche, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtega mountains are ours to admire. After walking for a while, we reach an intersection where the trail from Sanasa meets our trail. We walk on a trail that clings to a forested slope beyond Kyangjuma, winding through several bends. After reaching Namche army camp hill, we look back to see Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche for one last time. About a kilometer from here is Namche Bazaar. We will stay overnight at Namche Bazaar.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 12: Namche Bazaar to Lukla, Duration: 6-8 Hrs
We descend on a rocky trail and cross several suspension bridges before walking on a leveled trail. The air is warmer as we walk on the same trail to reach Lukla. Our trek in the mountain ends after we reach Lukla. We spend our time reminiscing about our time spent on the mountain. We will stay overnight at Lukla.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 13: Fly Back to Kathmandu
We fly back to Kathmandu on the earliest possible flight. After reaching Kathmandu we have the rest of the day is rest. In the evening we will take a tour of the local market. We will stay overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Included: Bed & Breakfast
 
Day 14: Final day, fly back to Home country
The final day marks the end of your journey with us. A farewell is certainly not at all a good feeling, but with a weighty heart and with the hope to see you again, one of our representatives from Swagat Holiday Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd.; Team will drop you off at the International Airport three hours prior to your departure time.
Included: Bed & Breakfast


Cost Include 
  • Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off service by a private tourist vehicle. (for both international and domestic flights).
  • Welcome Dinner at Typical Nepalese Restaurant with a cultural dance show.
  • 2 Night standard twin-sharing accommodation in a hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast.
  • Basic guesthouse accommodation during the trek in mostly twin-share and occasionally dormitory-style rooms.
  • Three meals a day: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the trekking.
  • A Highly experienced, Helpful, Knowledgeable, friendly, well-trained Government license holding English-speaking trekking guide.
  • We provide an assistant guide for walking with the group to support where necessary as per group size.
  • National Park entrance fee and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS card).
  • The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests.)
  • Food, accommodation, insurance, equipment, and medicine for all staff.
  • Everest National Park permits and Khumbu permit for trekking.
  • Airfare from Kathmandu – Lukla - Kathmandu including airport departure tax in Kathmandu and Lukla airports.
  • Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your Travel Insurance Company).
  • All applicable government taxes, vat, tourist service charges as per Itinerary.
 Cost Exclude 
  • Your Nepal Visa Fees (should bring small accurate fees in USD and 02 passport size photos)
  • All the International airfare to and from Kathmandu ( no need to pay departure tax for international flight)
  • Lunch and Dinner during staying in Kathmandu
  • Personal travel and Health insurance as well as insurance for helicopter evacuation
  • In case of extra night’s accommodation, Lunch and Dinner in the city due to early arrival or departure as well as early back/return from Mountain/Trekking(due to any reason) than the given time period of Itinerary. We can help you arrange extra nights’ accommodation.
  • Your personal expenses such as (soft beverages, confectionaries, laundries, phone calls, bar bills, Extra porter, etc.)
  • Extra baggage excess while flying to Lukla.
  • Medical expenses and trip cancellation.
  • Any other extended trips and accommodation.
  • Tips of the guide, porters, and driver as a token of appreciation.
Any other expenses or charges that are not mentioned in the “cost includes” list.

Leave a Review


Rating

Important Note:
Your safety is our paramount concern while traveling with Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition. In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. for rescue. The charge must be paid by the client or their travel insurance company.
 Please note that your leader/guide has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails traveling in remote mountain regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health conditions of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc. can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader/guide will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.
 
Please note that often the Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flights get delayed by a few hours or may even be canceled for one, two, or more days due to unfavorable weather conditions. Such conditions may arise even in the best seasons. Hence, in such cases, you must be prepared for long waits either at Kathmandu or Lukla airports, as this can happen either at the start or end of the trek or even both! We will do our best to avoid such delays. And arrange the nest flight for you. We also organize Helicopter rescue in such conditions, if it is available and upon request by our clients. The helicopter charges around USD 3500 and it can lift 4-5 persons per flight. Still, we suggest you be prepared for possible delays/cancellations. And if possible to come with some extra buffer days (1-2 days) at the end of the trip to accommodate such delays. If everything runs smoothly and you still have a few days of your buffer days left then you may even engage yourself in optional activities that can be arranged by Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition upon request. The optional activities may include visiting places/landmarks of your choice, adventure sports, shopping, etc.
In case the flight delays/cancellation happens at the start of the trip and it goes so long that it disturbs your onward travel schedule, you are free to choose an alternative trip such as a trek in the Annapurna, Langtang or any other region. If you are not interested in the alternative trip and would rather wait for your original preferred trip, you are welcome to wait in Kathmandu for as many days as it takes to get a flight to Lukla. However, please note that there will be no refund if you lose time waiting at the airport and do not take an alternative tour or you only do a short trek later due to time limitation. If the cancellation happens before the trip, we will provide you accommodation and lunch in a guest house in Kathmandu. In case of the flight delay/cancellation after finishing the trek, you will be responsible for all your expenses. Please also note that you will not be entitled to any refund for the services (such as hotel, transport, flight, etc.) included in the package that you would not use later.

Equipment and Gears
  • Duffle Bag\Rucksack Bag\ Suitcase (We provide one complimentary Swagat Holiday Duffle Bag that is to be returned after the trip)
  • One pair of a walking stick
  • Trekking Shoes
  • Sports shoes or sandals
  • Sun Hat/Cap
  • Basic Medical Kits
  • Head Lamp
  • Hand Sanitizers
  • Trekking towels
  • Sunglasses (UV Protection)
  • Warm Hand gloves ( Inner & Outer)
  • Warm woolen cap
  • Warm fleece jacket or puffy jacket
  • Waterproof Gore-Tex layer
  • Pullover or warm sweeter
  • Raincoat
  • 5/6 pairs of good quality socks
  • 2\3 pairs of trekking trousers
  • 3\4 pairs of trekking shirts
  • 5\6 pairs of underwear( non-cotton preferred)
  • Water bottle
  • Good quality Sleeping Bag
  • Camera and Batteries

Trip Location Map


Recommended Packages

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trisuli River Rafting

Duration: 06 Days

Cost: $0

Departure Date: 31 Dec, 2019
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Upper Dolpo Trek- 27 Days

Duration: 27 days

Cost: $0

Departure Date: 31 Dec, 2019
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mount Baruntse Expedition

Duration: 30 Days

Cost: $0

Departure Date: 31 Dec, 2019