Gokyo Valley Lakes Trek

The Gokyo Valley Lakes Trek rivals Everest Base Camp and has a completely different charm and is less crowded. Highlights of this trek include an astonishing view of Everest and surrounding peaks from renowned viewpoint Gokyo Ri (5360 m, 17,585 ft). In fact, the entire trek offers jaw-dropping scenery including shimmering, mountain lakes and Nepal’s largest glacier, Ngozomba Glacier.

This Gokyo Valley Trek passes through the homeland of the famed Sherpa people in a region referred to as The Khumbu. The Sherpa are famous for their climbing talents and many Sherpa in this area still follow a customary way of life. Also known as Tigers of the Snow, the trek allows insight into their lifestyle and associated Buddhist monasteries, regally perched near highland settlements. Exotic wildlife in the area includes the musk deer, Himalayan thar, snow leopard, snow cock, and pheasant (many people lay claim that the fabled yeti resides somewhere in the Khumbu).

Our journey to the Gokyo Valley begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and its high elevation landing strip. We then follow an ascent schedule designed by experts that provides sufficient time to rest and acclimatize to increasing elevation. The trail follows from Lukla along the Dudh Kosi (Milk River) Valley up to Namche Bazaar where we take a rest day for acclimatization with a chance to explore nearby villages and attractions.

Continuing onward, the natural beauty is marvelous all the way up to the tourist settlement called Gokyo near the third and largest of several serene alpine lakes. It is bordered by snowy peaks which dazzle as they reflect off its waters.

We take the chance to explore the area around Gokyo including the viewpoint Gokyo Ri and its mind-blowing panorama with Everest towering into the skies. Then we make a pleasant return hike to the mountain village of Lukla for a return flight back to Kathmandu.

The best season for trekking in the Everest area is considered to be October to late November and March to early June for the clearest weather and views, and it is open all seasons. Neo Horizon has regular departures year-round, and we can customize the journey according to styles and preferences This trek can be designed to include other options and shorter journeys are possible, too. There is much to explore around the Everest area. (Please find more about Nepal's seasonal variety here, When to Visit Nepal.)

Please contact us anytime for more questions or concerns and booking details. We truly look forward to hearing from you, and ultimately, Neo Horizon hopes to be given the pleasure of guiding you on the Gokyo Valley Lakes Trek and its mesmerizing sights and treasures.

Adventure is calling in the Khumbu, and Secrets of the Himalaya is ready to answer with you. Give us an opportunity to guide you. We are sure that you will be satisfied with the experience and our services.

Please Note: We strongly advise visitors flying into and/or out of the Everest Region at Lukla to include extra days in their international travel itinerary to ensure that they have the time to meet their scheduled international departure from Kathmandu. Flights between Kathmandu and Lukla are regularly delayed by weather. These delays sometimes last days. In such cases, we will always do our best to re-schedule flights to/from Lukla upon first availability. However, the chance of delayed flights and sometimes even cancellations are real. Therefore, we recommend that you please schedule at least two extra days into your international flight schedule to avoid possible conflicts with departure date from Nepal and consider travel insurance, too. In the event of extended delays, an option is to arrange a helicopter evacuation at extra cost. Nevertheless, it is also likely that there are no delays to/from Lukla. In that case, if you have scheduled extra days and have free time in Kathmandu, then we can suggest and arrange for sightseeing tours and other activities.

Experience the Everest Region's dazzling Gokyo Valley Lakes Trek on the journey of a lifetime. Read about a dazzling, record-breaking adventure that began in Nepal's Everest Region (written for Nepal's leading culture magazine ECS Nepal by Secrets of the Himalaya founder Alonzo Lyons)--Flying Snow Leopards

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Day to Day

Day 01Arrival at Kathmandu’s International airport (1350 m/4450 ft)Welcome to Nepal. You will be greeted at the arrival area of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu's international airport by our representative and escorted to your hotel. Welcome to Kathmandu, the ancient capital of the Himalaya. Take the time to refresh yourself after your international travel. The first evening is open to enjoy as you like, rest and relax at the hotel or explore the surroundings.

Day 02Full Day Tour, Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley After a leisurely breakfast, our seasoned guide leads a tour of Kathmandu Valley’s highlights and attractions, including World Heritage Sites of cultural and historical significance. After the tour, we will hold a pre-departure discussion with our Trek Leader and staff.

Day 03Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,850 m/9,350 ft), trek to Phakding (2,650 m/8,690 ft) After an early morning breakfast we transport you to the airport for a brief, scenic flight to the mountain settlement of Lukla. There, our tour leader will introduce the porters and staff and we then start the first day’s hike up the Dudh Kosi (Milk River) Valley to our destination of Phakding. After settling into the lodge, according to your interest, we can take a side trip to a village monastery.

Day 04Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,435 m/11,270 ft)The trek continues up the valley with sneak peaks of the snowy mountains. We enter the Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo village and enjoy a lunch break before continuing to trek through pine trees to the bustling Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar has immense views of surrounding peaks and the valley below.

Day 05Rest & acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar We take a chance to get used to the increased altitude with an acclimatization rest day before forging ahead. If feeling fit and fine, we start by exploring Namche with an abundance of lodges, restaurants and souvenir shops. We can visit the national park visitor center above town which has information on the region’s history and its mountains, plants and animals. We have an optional hike to Khunde and Khumjung over a ridgeline with beautiful views of the peaks on the way, including Mount Everest. Kunde and Khumjung are Sherpa communities with monasteries which we can visit before returning to Namche Bazaar for our overnight stay under the stars which, on clear nights may seem close enough to touch.

Day 06Trek Namche Bazaar to Dole (4040 m / 13,254 ft) After the acclimatization and rest day in Namche, we make a trek to Dole via Mongla and its commanding panorama. From Mongla the trail descends steeply to Phortse Tenga before climbing through forests to Dole.

Day 07Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4410 m/ 14,468 ft)We have a steady climb along the west side of the valley passing juniper trees and summer settlements, used when yaks are pastured for grazing. Ahead are great views of Cho Oyu, and back down the valley Kantega and Thamserku soar high.

Day 08Trek Machhermo to Gokyo (4750 m / 15,584 ft)We reach the lakes of Gokyo today. We follow a scenic path along the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes. Soon after is the second lake and then our destination, the third lake, known as Dudh Pokhari.

Day 09Gokyo rest day with excursion around Gokyo valley & LakeGokyo offers much to explore. Today, we will make a scenic walk around the third lake and a side trip up to the fourth and fifth lakes if you are up for it.

Day 10Gokyo to Gokyo Ri viewpoint (5340m / 17,519 ft) and return to Machhermo Gokyo Ri is the ridge top viewpoint above the northern edge of the lake. We depart just after dawn's first light and climb to view the snow-clad summits of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu and more. It is one of the finest viewpoints in the Everest region. We return to Gokyo for lunch. After lunch then we have a short trek to Machhermo.

Day 11Trek from Machhermo to Namche Bazaar The trail gently falls to Dole and then steeply to Photse Tenga passing through rhododendron forest along the way. It is a steep climb to Mongla Danda and then an easy descent to Kyanjoma and great views to Namche Bazaar.

Day 12Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,850 m/9,350 ft) This is our last day of trekking in the Khumbu Region. It is a pleasant return hiking to the mountain village of Lukla where our trek began. In Lukla, we have a celebration with the crew and friends you have trekked with over the days gone by. We hope that you enjoy a last merry night in these beautiful mountains.

Day 13Fly from Lukla to KathmanduWe are scheduled for an early morning flight back to Kathmandu and the rest of the time is available to explore the city on your own, search for souvenirs for friends and loved ones back home, and relax and enjoy yourself after the high elevation trekking.

Day 14Leisure day in Kathmandu (buffer day for flight from Lukla)This is a extra day in the itinerary to buffer against delays flying into or out of Lukla airport. Rest, relax and enjoy the day as you will, perhaps exploring the sights of the lively tourist hub of Thamel and searching for mementos and gifts for friends and family. If you might like to add on an extra tour, the we can arrange something more structured. In the evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner together.

Day 15Transfer to the international airport for your final departure Our representative will escort you to the airport for your departure back home. We are sure that you will have enjoyed the experience and our services. As you travel to your own country, hopefully you will remember us and Nepal very fondly. Farewell friend.

Cost Include

Vehicle transportation to and from your trip arrival point, for example, from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport to your hotel in the city; Pokhara airport or bus station to hotel in Pokhara.
Three-star (or above) accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara (breakfast meals are included).
A sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley with professional guide and entrance fees to World Heritage Sites, Palace Squares and temples.
Round Trip flight between Kathmandu and Lukla*
Tea–house accommdation during journey.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the journey.
Trained, certified and experienced guide with assistants (we typically provide one porter per two clients--weight limits apply).
Fees and taxes for entering Sagarmatha National Park.
Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card (necessary in all trekking areas).
First Aid Kit and supplies
Farewell Meal following the journey and typically, on the eve of your international departure
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*Please Note: We strongly advise visitors flying into and/or out of the Everest Region at Lukla to include extra days in their international travel itinerary to ensure that they have the time to meet their scheduled international departure from Kathmandu. The flights between Kathmandu and Lukla are often delayed by weather. These delays sometimes last days. We will always do our best to re-schedule flights to/from Lukla upon first availability. However, the chance of delayed flights and sometimes even cancellations are real. Please schedule at least two extra days into your international flight schedule to avoid possible conflicts with departure date from Nepal and consider travel insurance. In the event of extended delays, one option is to arrange a helicopter evacuation for extra fees. Nevertheless, the chances that there are no delays to/from Lukla are also likely. In that case, if you have scheduled extra days and have free time in Kathmandu, then we can suggest and arrange for sightseeing tours and adventure activities and others options.

Cost Exclude

International travel to and from Nepal.
Major meals other than breakfast while staying in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Personal Expenses, for example, laundry expenses, extra drinks and extra snacks, telephone calls.
Personal clothing and gear.
Personal toiletries.
Travel Insurance and Medical Insurance with rescue coverage.
Extra fees at tea-houses and trailside lodges, for example, extra fees for hot shower, fees for recharging electronic equipment, alcoholic drinks, laundry and similar personal expenses.
Tips for crew and staff along the journey.
Unforeseen expenses due to cancellation of events and activities because of circumstances beyond our control, for example, weather delays, trail changes, political disruptions, illness of a group member and similar events beyond our control.

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+1-408-329-3042
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