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Gokyo Valley Trek

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Gokyo Valley Trek
Gokyo Valley Trek

Trip Facts

  • Destination:Nepal
  • Trip Grade:Moderate

Tremendous views of the four 8000 meter peaks of Everest, Cho Oyo, Lhotse, and Makalu are ever present during this journey. An excursion to the top of Gokyo Ri at 5357 meters provides the most breathtaking panorama of the Khumbu region.

An alternative, or even better, an addition, to the Everest Base Camp trek is the trek up the Gokyo Valley. Gokyo is located in the valley immediately west of the Everest (Khumbu) Valley and is far less developed and crowded than its better-known neighbour to the east. In fact, the Gokyo Valley only has one traditional permanent settlement, the rest being summer pastures now catering to the passing trekkers.

If Gokyo is visited after the trek to Everest Base Camp the extra distance only adds another five days to the itinerary. If Gokyo is visited independently of Everest then care needs to be taken on the upward leg of the trek, as the altitude gain is much greater, leading to any unwary trekkers having problems with AMS.

If Gokyo is the ultimate destination rather than Everest then the Everest trail is followed as far as the teahouses at Kenjoma (where the trail from Khumjung joins the main trail). From here the Gokyo trail climbs up the hillside to a pass at Mong La before dropping steeply back down to the banks of the Dudh Koshi. The next two hours of trekking through beech, rhododendron and oak forest, past waterfalls, which are often frozen, and ultimately through pine forests before breaking out above the tree line is one of the best sections of any trail in the area. Just above the tree like are the teahouses of Dole, a convenient stopping place for the first night.

The following day must be very short if you are to avoid altitude problems. It only takes around four hours to reach Machhermo but this is as far as most trekkers should travel that day. The valley that leads west above Machhermo is well worth an afternoon visit. It is here that the last reported sighting of a Yeti was made. A Yeti sighting is unlikely but the valley is stunning none the less. The rocky bulk of Kyajo Ri, an unclimbed and impressive peak, dominates the head of the valley.

The final push up to Gokyo takes you past the teahouses at Pangkha and up the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal. Just above moraine is the first of the glacial lake which Gokyo is renowned. If it isn’t frozen, look for migrating ducks on the lake surface. The trail passes two more lakes to reach the teahouses of Gokyo about four to five hours after leaving Machhermo.

The Gokyo valley is dominated at its head by the massive form of Cho Oyu, at 8153 meters, the eighth highest peak on Earth. Many options are available in the Gokyo Valley. The most common destination is the rocky hill above the third lake known as Gokyo Ri or Gokyo Kala Patthar. This which takes at least two hours to climb provides an even better panorama than the one seen from the more famous Kala Patthar at Gorak Shep. To get the most our of a climb of Gokyo Ri, leave the teahouse at least two hours before dawn in order to have a sunrise view of the Himalaya. Other options include an additional day spent trekking further up the valley past the fourth and fifth lakes to Cho Oyu base camp. It must be remembered that there are no facilities beyond Gokyo and all trekkers must be self-sufficient.

Day

1Arrival in Kathmandu 1300m/4264ft

Welcome to Nepal! A friendly representative from Purple Journeys will meet-and-greet you at the arrival area of the Tribhuvan International Airport with a flower garland – a tradition gesture of Nepalese hospitality. You will then be ushered to your pre-booked hotel. Unwind from your flight and meet us in the evening at a traditional Nepalese restaurant for a fine meal accompanied by folk music and a cultural program.

Explore the cultural treasures of Kathmandu in our guided tour and immerse yourself in the vibrant array of bustling streets, incomparable historic buildings and heritage, exquisite temples and religious sites. The tour includes the holiest Hindu pilgrimage site of Pashupatinath Temple, the colossal stupa of Bouddhanath, Swoyambhunath Stupa also known as The Monkey Temple and the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square with ‘Kumari Ghar’. There will also be time for shopping, picking up a thing or two for your trekking, if you have not done it back home. In the evening, we will have a pre-trek discussion and familiarize with our leader, other crew and participants.

You’ll be picked up at your hotel after breakfast and transferred to Tribhuvan airport for an amazing flight to the Tenzing-Hillary airstrip at Lukla. Greeted by Kongde’s towering peak, we’ll begin our moderate ascent to Phakding where we spend our first night.

Today’s climb takes us along a wonderfully scenic trail following the DudhKoshi, with an outstanding view of Mt. Thamserku for much of the journey. We catch a peak of the distant Mt. Everest near Chautara. We’ll pass the checkpoint into the Sagarmatha National Park, and after crossing a high suspension bridge spanning the confluence of the DudhKoshi and BhoteKoshi rivers, we’ll make the final climb to Namche Bazaar.

Spend the day enjoying the sights around Namche Bazaar, the Khumbu region’s main commercial center. Several short climbs to spots of interest are available to help us acclimatize, including the Tourist Visitor Center and museum, or the Everest View Hotel, from where breathtaking views can be enjoyed.

Ascend from Namche Bazaar along an incredibly scenic trail with Mt. Thamserku towering above the valley to our right. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and AmaDablam stand proud on the horizon as our trail winds down to the DhudKoshi. Crossing a suspension bridge, we ascend through lush forests to Phorse, under the peaks of Tawoche and Cholatse.

Re-crossing the suspension bridge across the DhudKoshi, we pass several waterfalls and climb to a ridge above Dole. Passing several remote villages along a gradual ascent accompanied by the majestic peaks of Cho Oyu, Thamserku, and Kantega, we ascend the DudhKoshi valley to Machhermo, the last major settlement before Gokyo.

A gradual ascent will see the valley widen, passing several chortens and Pangka village, we reach the terminal moraine of Ngozumba glacier. A steep ascent along the glacier will take us to the first mountain lake Longpongo. Shortly after we’ll reach the lakes TabocheTsho and Gokyo Cho, on whose banks the village of Gokyo sits under the towering peak of Cho Oyu. Prepare yourself for scenery beyond your wildest imagination.

Breathtaking scenery abounds today as we embark on any number of walks to explore Gokyo Valley. Climb to GokyoRi to enjoy what is consider the Khumbu region’s best viewpoint. Gaze upon the amazingly azure ThonakTsho and NgozumbaTsho lakes, and ascend to Scoundrel’s viewpoint to admire the peaks of Cho-Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and Gyachung Kang.

Descending from the Ngozumba glacier past the first and second Gokyo lakes, we walk back to Machhermo. The easy walk to Dole is brimming with stunning mountain views, and the easy descent is a blessing after our hard days of climbing.

The hills become lush with plant life as we continue our descent. Passing several waterfalls and the charming lookout at Mong La, we meander our way to a welcome bit of luxury at Namche Bazaar.

The final descent to Lukla is steep and rocky, but the oxygen-rich air will bring great comfort. Descending into the lush jungles against the roar of the DudhKoshi below, we’ll leave the Himalayan giants behind us and stop for our final rest in Lukla.

A morning flight will bring us back to Kathmandu. You’ll be escorted from Tribhuvan airport to your hotel. Enjoy the sights and sounds of bustling Thamel for the evening and reminisce upon an amazing journey.

Take care of any last minute shopping or sightseeing as time permits. You’ll be picked up at your hotel three hours prior to your departure flight. Thanks for traveling with Purple Journeys. Farewell and Namaste.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Airport pickup and drop off in private vehicle
  • Hotel with included breakfast in Kathmandu
  • Private transportation and government licensed guide while sightseeing in Kathmandu valley
  • Entrance fees for attractions (UNESCO world heritage sites, museums, etc.) during sightseeing in Kathmandu
  • Government licensed, experienced trekking guide and porters during trekking
  • Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu domestic airfare with taxes
  • Insurance for trekking crew (guides and porters)
  • Accommodations in tea-houses during trekking
  • Three daily meals while trekking
  • All required conservation fees and trekking permits (TIMS)
  • Air ticket to and from Nepal from your point of origin
  • Visa fee for entry into Nepal
  • Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu
  • Personal insurance or cost of air rescue in the event of emergency
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, hygiene items, staff tips, etc.)

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