Everest Gokyo Valley Explorer Trek

€ 975

Overview

Everest Gokyo Valley Explorer Trek starts Gokyo Valley Region at the head of the Dudh Kosi Valley provides a superb option for the popular Everest Base Camp Trek. This is the ideal Explorer trek that opens avenues to spectacular landscapes as you hike the walks through old-time Sherpa villages & gompas (monasteries) that represent their culture & the Buddhist doctrines that make up their religion which is extended to the sacred peaks they climb in order to appease the mountain gods.This is a more serene trek through the heart of Sherpa terrain that affords ample time for acclimatization with great chances to view mountain panoramas that warm up your emotions from the tea-house guesthouses you live in & as you hike the trails. The core attraction of the trek is our ascent of Gokyo RI at 5483m. We climb to the higher elevations of Gokyo’s alpine lakes as we explore the upper valley beneath the huge mountain mass of Cho Oyu. From the summit, at over 5000m we take in lovely views of Everest as well as the 8000m peaks of Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu in Tibet. A lot of veteran hikers will suggest that this is probably one of the finest views in the Himalayas, with the awesome bulk of Everest that supersedes the skyline. Sometime between the early afternoon & late twilight would be an ideal time to make the climb above the shimmering lakes to capture sunset over one of the most overwhelming spectacles the Nepal Himalaya has to offer those who trudge its dangerous paths.This area is not the only a place to view peaks & lakes, but the whole region has also seeped in spirituality, and we see this in the many colourful & quiet gompas, where we are warmly welcomed by monks who happily provide us butter tea; Tengboche, Pangboche, Namche, Khumjung, Khunde, Thame and Lawudo Gompa are some places where we find some of the most important monasteries in the region.Trekking in the Gokyo Valley area is a wonderful place to introduce yourself to the wild where the warmth of the people & the beauty of the territory invigorate your feelings & imaginations for the good things in life that may actually change you forever.

Spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other towering peaks

Exploring vibrant Sherpa culture and monasteries in Namche Bazaar

Passing through the stunning Sagarmatha National Park

Reaching Everest Base Camp at an altitude of about 5,364 meters (17,598 feet)

Visiting the vantage point of Kala Patthar for sunrise views

Arrival in Kathmandu:

You will be picked up at the airport by one of the Real Travel staff and driven to your Kathmandu host family or a hotel. Here you will be welcomed into the family, be given your own room and be provided with all your meals while in Kathmandu. This will be your home during your orientation and volunteering in Nepal. With easy bus routes into town and the surrounding countryside, this quiet and safe suburb is the perfect base for your time in Nepal. Meals: Bed and Breakfast

Kathmandu : Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

We tour Durbar Square, Pashupatinath temple, Swayambhunath stupa and Bouddhanath stupa which are all world heritage sites. The Durbar Square sheds light on the life of the royals in ancient times. Pashupatinath temple is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for all Hindus. Swayambhunath is also known as the Monkey Temple and Baudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, we are introduced to our fellow participants and discuss our trip at the Real Journey Nepal office. Overnight in Kathmandu. Meals: Bed and Breakfast

Kathmandu - Lukla - Phakding Trek

We take an early morning flight to Lukla which is where all Everest treks begin. We meet the rest of our team in Lukla and start trekking from there. We walk on a trail that gradually descends to Cheplung village from where we get a glimpse of Mt. Khumbila, a sacred mountain which has never been climbed. From here, we gradually descend until Phakding. Overnight stay in Phakding.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Phakding to Namche Bazaar Trek:

Our trail passes through a pine forest and we continue our walk on the trail that goes north up the Benkar valley. We cross Dudh Koshi River and pass Chumoa and Monjo villages before reaching the entrance of the Everest National Park. Then after crossing a suspension bridge, we pass Jorsale village and walk alongside of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. We ascend on a steep trail and reach Namche Bazaar which is probably the biggest town in the Everest region. Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Namche Bazaar - Phorse Village

The trail to Phorse Village is rather steep but boasts great views over to Phorse and to the spectacular river gorge below, including an inaccessible natural rock bridge. Starting on a level trail, we trek up through the stone steps and reach Mongla pass (3975 m) from where we glimpse Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Mt. Khumbila. Sherpas regard Mt. Khumbila as sacred mountain of the patron god of the Khumbu area. Descending to Dudhkosi Khola (3250 m), we cross a bridge and again trek up through the rhododendron forest, a host for Himalayan wild deer and musk deer. Finally, we arrive to the walled fields of Phorse. Phorse is just under the snow dusted peaks of Tawoche and Cholaste. From here it’s a short trek to Phorse village where we rest overnight.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Trek Phorse Village - Machhermo

Today we head for the holy lakes at Gokyo following a very scenic path to Pangka (4548m.) then descend slightly, following one of the melt water rivers which flow down the west side of the Ngozumba Glacier. The walk offers spectacular views of the incredible ice face of Cholatse and is easy until you reach a steep rocky incline into the ablation valley by the side of the glacier and get to the first of the holy lakes. It is the place where Khumbu people got first sighting of Yeti in 1974. We visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital here for a lecture regarding the altitude sickness, its precaution, and primary treatment. Precaution regarding altitude sickness is vital while trekking in the high altitude region; however our guides are quite knowledgeable about this. Overnight at Lodge
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Trek Machhermo - Gokyo

Today we climb through a ridge Chorten from where we can see fabulous view of both down the valley and of the Mt. Kangtega, Thamserku, and northern part to the Cho-Oyu (8153m). Beyond the ridge the valley widens as the trail passes through a Chorten and reaches Pangka (4480 m) after some gentle walk. Pangka is the palace where an avalanche in 1995 killed 40 people. We descend to the river bank before beginning to climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumba Glacier. It is a steep climb on the moraine. After crossing an iron bridge over an stream the trial levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo at 4690m, where we get chance to observe the Lama footprints on a stone. Gokyo village stands by the third lake and Cho-Oyu Mountain as a backdrop sets an amazing spectacular sight here. After lunch, we explore around the third Lakes, Dudh Pokhari. We spend night in a teahouse with comfortable bedrooms. We stay overnight at Lodge Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Rest day at Gokyo Valley ; ascend at Gokyo RI (5,483 m.) & explore the Fifth lakes

Today is full day rest or an acclimatization day to give the lungs a chance to respiration well; our shaky knees also need some readjusting for the fluctuating hikes ahead, but we know we should not stay idle & the body’s system just collapses & this could cause joint pains. If the weather is good, we grasp the opportunity to climb Gokyo RI today instead of next day to enjoy the scene from the best viewpoint of Everest Region. Or, as we know Gokyo is not only popular for its grand views from Gokyo Peak but is also home to the best six lakes ever imagined. Definitely we would not miss the chance to observe the fourth lake (Thaknak Tsho) and fifth lake (Ngozuma Tsho). About 3 km north of Gokyo is the fourth lake with its high cliffs and peaks rising above it, giving it an aura of mystery. The trail continues to fifth lake. Gokyo is a trade centre where the Sherpa people run lodges to provide their best services to the trekkers going through this area. Gokyo is situated by the side of Ngozumpa glacier, said to be the biggest glacier in Nepal. We stay overnight at Lodge
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Trek Gokyo - Dole

The way back from Gokyo is an easy downhill walk along the Dudh Koshi River that emerges out of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Passing by the second and then the first Gokyo Lakes, we come to a small gushing stream over an iron bridge. We see the hamlet of Phangka ahead. Cholatse and Taboche peaks rear up on the right of us. The trail descends below Phangka and across a level terrace on the slope to climb a rib on the far side of the hill side. Upon reaching the Chorten at the edge, we see great views of Thamserku, Cho Oyu, and Kangtega. We slowly walk down to sprawling village of Machhermo. Again, through the charming hamlet of Luza and Lhafarma we reach Dole, an overnight stop for most of the trekkers going towards Gokyo Valley. We stay overnight at Lodge.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Trek Dole - Namche Bazaar

After breakfast we descend down to the Phortse Thagnak through the beautiful Gokyo Valley, now we have to climb about 1 hour to the Mong-La, where we can see spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku and other mountains and easy walk to Namche Bazaar. We stay overnight at t lodge.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Trek Namche Bazaar - Lukla

This is going to be our last day on these amazing mountains that have been home to us all of these days. And this is the last day of our trek which takes us out of the bustling outpost of the Everest Region; Namche Bazaar via Monjo to Lukla. The latter end of our trek is a pretty nice hike, except for a few short uphill climbs and then down to the Bhote Koshi River crossing it three times in different areas. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes will bring us to Lukla where we have enough time to rest our weary bones & begin a celebration with the crew whom we’ve got close to over the weeks. Altogether it’s been a merry trip & we taste some ‘chhang’ {locally brewed mountain beer made from fermented rice}, we do a dance to a Sherpa jig & have a hearty meal. We then go to bed under a starry moonlit sky & reminisce on the wonderful things we experienced on this trip. It’s been awesome all the way! We stay overnight at Lodge.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Fly back to Kathmandu & Farewell Dinner

This is an early morning flight back to Kathmandu which takes about 40 minutes. Your day is free, however, at even tide; you will be taken to a well known Nepali kitchen for a delicious farewell dinner of the original Nepalese cuisine. As you enjoy your meal, you will also be entertained to an exciting cultural dance performed by the local belles. You will enjoy this experience which is complimentary on behalf of the Real Journey Nepal. Overnight at hotel (B, D)

Transfer to the airport for departure to Homeland

Our office representatives will escort you to the airport for your connecting flight home. It’s been wonderful meeting you & knowing you all of these weeks. We are doubly sure you’ve had the vacation of a lifetime & we hope you will pass on your experiences to the generations to come. We will remember you & also hope you will remember us in the days ahead. Bon Voyage!! & take care!!! (B) Thank you for doing this venture with US. We’ve got to know each other well over the weeks. Please do stay in touch & we wish you a wonderful journey back home.

If the above mentioned itinerary does not meet your requirements, please feel free to make your own, we are happy to create personalized travel plans tailored to your preferences and specifications.

FAQs

Are permits required for the Everest Gokyo Valley Explorer Trek?

Yes, trekkers need permits, including the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card.

How long does the Everest Gokyo Valley Explorer Trek take|?

The Everest Gokyo Valley Explorer Trek typically spans around 10 to 13 days, depending on the specific itinerary chosen and the trekking pace.

 

When is the best time for the Everest Gokyo Valley Explorer Trek?

The best times for this trek are during the pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (September to November) seasons. These periods offer clear skies, moderate temperatures, and optimal trekking conditions.

How challenging is the Everest Gokyo Valley Explorer Trek?

The trek is considered moderately challenging, involving varied terrain, high altitudes, and long trekking days. Proper acclimatization and physical fitness are essential.

What types of accommodations are available in the Everest Gokyo Valley Explorer Trek?

Accommodations include tea houses and lodges along the route, offering basic amenities such as meals, lodging, and sometimes hot showers.

How do I reach the starting point of the Everest Gokyo Valley Explorer trek?

The trek typically begins from Lukla, we will take a scenic flight from Kathmandu. From Lukla, trekkers hike to Phakding and continue towards Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the Everest region.

Is internet access available during the Everest Gokyo Valley Explorer trek?

Internet access is available at some tea houses and lodges along the route, although the connectivity may be limited or intermittent.

Is the Everest Gokyo Valley Explorer Trek safe?

The trek is generally safe, but trekkers should follow safety guidelines, listen to their guide’s advice, and be prepared for varying weather conditions and rugged terrain.

What essentials should I pack Everest Gokyo Valley Explorer for the trek?

  • Comfortable trekking boots
  • Lightweight and warm clothing layers
  • Rain gear (depending on the season)
  • Sleeping bag (for tea house stays)
  • Trekking poles
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
  • Water purification tablets or filter
  • Snacks and energy bars
  • Personal toiletries

Can I join a group for the Everest Gokyo Valley Explorer Trek?

Certainly! We regularly organize group treks to Everest Gokyo Valley Explorer Trek. You’re more than welcome to join us for this adventure.

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    The Trip Cost Includes

    • Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport(in our own vehicle)

    • Transportation to and from!!

    • Food all along the trip(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea) and accommodations during the trip in hotels

    • Transportation, food, accommodation and insurance of Guide during the trip

    • Down jacket, all-season sleeping bag, duffel bag and trekking map(in case if you don’t have your own. Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag must be returned after completion of the trip)

    • First Aid Medical Kit(Your guide will carry the Medical Kit but we also advise to bring yourself for your own use, as far as possible)

    • All the required permits and paperwork

    The Trip Cost Excludes

    • International Airfare

    • Visa Charges

    • Hotel Expenses(In Kathmandu, some packages do include hotel expenses)

    • Your travel and medical insurance

    • Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc

    • Food and accommodations in Kathmandu

    • Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency

    • Emergency expenses such as expenses on chartered helicopter.