Gokyo Valley Trek is an alternative to the common Everest Base Camp Trek. Enjoy hiking in the less crowded trail of Gokyo Ri Trek with astounding views of towering snowy mountains, stunning glacier, and pristine lakes.
Gokyo Lakes are the world’s highest freshwater lake system and comprises of 6 main lakes. The glittering turquoise Gokyo Lakes, which is of religious importance to both Hindus and Buddhists, is located in Sagarmatha National Park.
Marvel at the breathtaking views of the high Himalayas including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Makalu. Hike across the longest glacier in Nepal, Nzogumpa Glacier.
Everest Gokyo Ri Trek is filled with breathtaking mountain scenery and will give you an abundance of photographic opportunities. Also, get an insight into the local Sherpa culture which shares similarities with Tibetan culture.
Gokyo Valley Trek Route
Gokyo Valley Trek starts and ends in Kathmandu. After a scenic flight to Lukla, you will begin your trek to Phakding, a beautiful village on the bank of river Dudh Koshi.
Hike through jungle and cross suspension bridges on your way to the popular Sherpa town, Namche Bazaar. Spend a day acclimatizing in Namche Bazaar by indulging in an activity of your choice. Explore the town; relax in restaurants, cafes, or bakeries.
You can hike to the Everest View Hotel to enjoy a mountain panorama of Everest and other mountains. Hike past pine forest to Dole and following a scenic route overlooking the Himalayas you reach Machhermo.
Day 7 of your Everest Gokyo Lake Trek is significant as you will be trekking to Gokyo Valley and hiking past pristine Gokyo Lakes. Moreover, you will be spending an acclimatizing day at Gokyo Valley.
Hike to Gokyo Ri and bask in the awe-inspiring views of the Nzogumpa Glacier and Gokyo Lakes. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Himalayas including Everest, Cho Oyu, and others.
Walk down to Dole and retrace your steps back to Namche Bazaar and Lukla. Your Gokyo Ri Trek ends with a flight back to Kathmandu.
Gokyo Valley Trek Difficulty
Everest Gokyo Trek 11 days is a moderate to difficult trek. The maximum height that you will be attaining is 5,360m at Gokyo Ri. You will be walking for a maximum of 7 hours, minimum of 3 hours, and an average of 5 hours.
It is a physically demanding high altitude trek, so, you need to be reasonably fit. Gokyo Valley Trek doesn’t require technical skills and is suitable for both novice as well as experienced trekkers.
Gokyo Valley Trek Itinerary
Fly Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840m/9,318ft)
Trek to Phakding (2,610m/8,563ft)
Duration: 35 minutes flight, 3-4 hours (8 km) trek
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft)
Walking distance: 5-6 hours (10.5 km) trek
At Namche Bazaar: 1st Acclimatization Day (3,440m/11,286ft)
Trek to Dole (4,038m/13,245ft)
Walking distance: 5-6 hours (11.5 km) trek
Trek to Macchermo (4,470m/14,665ft)
Walking distance: 3-4 hours (5.3 km) trek
Trek to Gokyo (4,790m/15,715ft)
Walking distance: 3-4 hours (7 km) trek
Gokyo Valley: 2nd Acclimatization Day, Gokyo Ri Climb (5,360m/17,585ft)
Walking distance: 3-4 hours (3.8 km) trek
Trek to Dole (4,038m/13,245ft)
Walking distance: 5-6 hours (12.3 km) trek
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft)
Walking distance: 5-6 hours (11.5 km) trek
Trek to Lukla (2,840m/9,318ft)
Walking distance: 6-7 hours (18.5 km) trek
Fly Lukla to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft)
Duration: 35 minutes flight
