Highlights

Gokyo Valley Trek

Trip Overview

Trip Overview

Highlights

  • A thrilling flight to Lukla, offering breathtaking aerial views of the eastern Himalayas.
  • Follow a less crowded trail through the rich flora and fauna of Sagarmatha National Park and along rugged cliffsides.
  • Trek across icy rivers, rocky glacier debris, and glacier moraines at higher elevations.
  • Discover the hidden gem of the Everest region, the stunning Gokyo Lakes.
  • Spend nights in picturesque Sherpa villages and experience their unique mountain lifestyle firsthand.
  • Enjoy ample acclimatization days with thrilling side trips to Hotel Everest View, Machhermo Ri, and Gokyo Ri.
  • Experience diverse landscapes and awe-inspiring views of towering mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu.
  • Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of your surroundings and savor the tranquility of the mountains.
  • Encounter Nepal's largest glacier, Ngozumpa, with its striking icy ridges.

About the Trip

One of the foremost well-known trekking goals within the Everest area is the Gokyo Valley Trek. It's also considered a typical trek and is suitable for everybody. There are a total of 19 Gokyo lakes within the Gokyo Valley trek, and every one of them is part of the freshwater system. After we finish Gokyo Lake, we are able to see the Gokyo Ri, which is the highest hill at 5357 m that proudly stands straight towards Mount Everest.

On the Gokyo Valley Trek, we are able to experience the culture of the famous Sherpas and learn first-hand about their renowned mountaineering skills, fascinating culture, and way of life. The beauty of mountains, lakes, glaciers, and ridges can be experienced with the Gokyo Ri Trek. Trekking in Gokyo valleys offers a great opportunity to view the Ngozumpa Glacier, known as the biggest in Nepal’s Himalaya. Gokyo’s fifth lake track is famous for large views of various mountains, including Mt. Everest, Cho-Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu, which can be seen clearly from Gokyo Ri above Gokyo Lake. You might even spot the elusive snow leopard!

We begin our 13-day trip in Kathmandu with a visit to UNESCO World Heritage sites before heading to the most beautiful and challenging experience of the Gokyo Valley Trek.

If you like a touch of a challenge, Aarohi Holiday is glad to organize this Gokyo Ri Trek for you, making it a highly recommended life experience.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,345m) at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, we provide a pickup service and arrange your stay at one of the city’s most comfortable hotels. You will meet your trekking team and start preparing for the journey ahead.

Day 2: Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley (1,345m)
Experience an exhilarating day exploring Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visit the Pashupatinath Temple, Bauddhanath Stupa, Patan Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath, immersing yourself in the rich cultural and religious heritage of the city.

Day 3: Fly to Lukla (2,840m) and Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
Enjoy a scenic 40-minute flight to Lukla, a small airport at 2,840m. From Lukla, embark on a three-hour easy walk through the cultured Sherpa village, enjoying the exceptional beauty of the region. Overnight stay at Phakding.

Day 4: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,441m)
Trek to Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the Everest region. Enjoy great views of Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, and your first glimpse of Mt Everest. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.

Day 5: Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar (3,441m)
Spend the day resting or hiking uphill to the villages of Khunde and Khumjung. Visit a monastery, the Hillary School, and the Everest National Park for glimpses of Everest and other peaks. Overnight at Namche Bazaar.

Day 6: Namche Bazaar to Dole (3,620m)
Trek uphill from Namche Bazaar towards Kyangjuma, with incredible views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other peaks. Overnight in Dole.

Day 7: Dole to Machherma (4,440m)
Climb gradually along the valley, with excellent views of Cho-Oyu. Walk through Lhabarma and Luza to reach Machherma. Overnight at Machherma.

Day 8: Machherma to Gokyo Lake (4,750m)
Trek to Gokyo Lake, offering outstanding mountain views and turquoise blue glacial lakes. Overnight at Gokyo.

Day 9: Hike up to Gokyo Ri (5,365m)
Hike up to Gokyo Ri for sunrise, enjoying spectacular views of Cho-Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Thamserku, and more. Overnight at Gokyo.

Day 10: Gokyo to Namche Bazaar (3,860m)
Return trek to Namche Bazaar, taking in Himalayan views from a different perspective. Explore the area and enjoy the local food and culture. Overnight at Namche Bazaar.

Day 11: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,840m)
Descend to Lukla, preparing for the flight back to Kathmandu. Visit local sites including the hospital and school established by Sir Edmund Hillary. Overnight at Lukla.

Day 12: Fly back from Lukla to Kathmandu
Take a 40-minute scenic flight back to Kathmandu. Enjoy a farewell dinner featuring Nepali cuisine to celebrate the successful completion of our journey. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 13: Final Departure
Your adventure in Nepal concludes today. A representative from Aarohi Holiday Pvt Ltd will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight.

Includes/Excludes

    Cost Includes:

  • All airport pick up / drop off and hotels transfers as per the itinerary.
  • Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast as per the itinerary.
  • Everest national park permit.
  • Khumbu Entrance Fee.
  • Khumbu VDC entrance fee.
  • One porter for each two people.
  • Accommodation in tea houses twin sharing (private room/ Shared bathroom).
  • 3 Meals a day – breakfast, lunch, Dinner during the trek (Anything from the menu).
  • Flight ticket (Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu).
  • Sightseeing tour car A/C with driver.
  • Farewell dinner at Nepalese cultural restaurant after the trek in Kathmandu.
  • All taxes and Company service charges.


    Cost Excludes:

  • Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport size photographs).
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Monument sites entrance fees while sightseeing in Kathmandu.
  • Excess baggage charges.
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and earlier return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
  • Travel and rescue insurance.
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, internet / Wi-Fi, laundry, bar bills - tea/coffee, hot chocolate, juice, beer, battery recharge, extra porters, bottled or boiled water, shower etc.).
  • Tips for guides and porters (Tipping is expected, but not compulsory).


Essential Info

1. Physical fitness
Physical fitness is an important part of any outdoor activity. It is probably less of an issue at the start than you might think. Trek is about taking your time settling your own pace and enjoying the experience to its fullest. Basically, there are three components of Nepal trek preparation: Aerobic, strength, and mental. Aerobic conditioning is important primarily because you will trek in thinner air, up to 40 percent less than at sea level. With good aerobic conditioning, you will be able to better metabolize whatever oxygen is available to you.

Before your arrival in Nepal, you should plan on doing at least one hour of aerobic exercise 3-4 times per week for 1 month. Jogging, hiking, cycling, and walking on alley floors to ridgeline ascents with a day pack are excellent forms of exercise, as long as you're strengthening leg muscles and building stamina. Speed is not the essence; confidence, stamina, and continuity are.


2. Trekking Seasons in Nepal
Nepal experiences peak tourist seasons primarily in two periods: fall (September to November), which is the most popular, and spring (March to May), which follows closely behind. The summer months (June to August) coincide with the monsoon season, resulting in washed-out trails and, at times, impassable roads due to landslides. Additionally, scenic views are often obscured. However, some regions lie within rain shadow areas, receiving little to no rain, making summer a viable option for visiting these places despite the season.

Winter in Nepal is characterized by dry weather, with nights at higher altitudes seeing temperatures drop as low as -20°C. Despite the cold nights, the days are generally sunny and pleasant. One of the perks of this season is the reduced crowd on the trails. In Kathmandu, daytime temperatures can reach a comfortable 20°C.

Fall is the most popular season in Nepal as it follows the monsoons, bringing dry air, sunny days, and lush green landscapes in the lower valleys due to the heavy rains. Spring is also a favored time to visit.


3. Trekking Day
A typical trekking day in Nepal starts with a cup of tea around 6 AM. It's recommended to pack your trekking gear into a duffel bag and keep essential items in your day pack during the early morning. After breakfast, the trek begins around 8 AM. The morning trek is longer, taking advantage of your refreshed energy and enthusiasm. Around 11:30 AM, the group stops for lunch, where you can enjoy a meal and explore the area or relax at your own pace. After an hour or two of rest, the trek resumes, aiming to reach the teahouse or campsite by 3-4 PM. The afternoon trek is shorter and may include activities like games or side trips arranged by the guides. Along the way, you can take breaks to relax, read, explore, or engage with locals to observe their lifestyle. Dinner is served around 7 PM, marking the end of the day.


4. Meals and Accommodation
During the length of the trek, the accommodation style is commonly referred to as a teahouse. These are family-run basic lodges that fill the role of a restaurant, meeting place, and boarding house for tourists. Electricity can be found in the rooms, which means one light bulb, and one or two outlets for charging electronics. The common areas are also lit by electricity. Teahouses may use solar, hydroelectric, or have electrical lines running into the village, so the commonality and availability of electricity may vary.

Most teahouses have private rooms, though if the trek is in a more remote or high-altitude place, dormitories are the norm. Each room has 1 or 2 single beds with basic bedding, and the bathroom is shared. Expect a mix of western and squat-style toilets in the bathrooms.

Breakfast and dinner are taken at the teahouse, and these lodges have large family-style dining rooms centered on a stove to provide heat. The menu will have Nepali-style western foods such as pasta, pizza, pancakes, burgers, and fries. Also on the menu is the traditional Dal Bhat meal, a lentil soup with rice and vegetable or meat curry. Most menus will also offer a smattering of local cuisine.


5. Internal Flight Delays
Nepal is a stunning country of mountains, valleys, rivers, and lush hills, but this diverse landscape makes road travel time-consuming. As a result, domestic flights are often essential for reaching popular trekking destinations. However, the mountainous terrain also increases the likelihood of inclement weather, and during peak seasons, the high number of visitors can lead to frequent internal flight delays. To manage this, it’s wise to plan for a few extra days on either side of your tour.

Flight delays, especially between Kathmandu and Lukla (the gateway to the Everest region), are common. To stay on schedule, we offer services to arrange helicopter transfers if needed, adhering to Nepal's Civil Aviation Rules, which allow helicopters to fly with 1500m of visibility. The cost for this service ranges from USD 350 to USD 650, depending on the number of passengers. Payment can be made directly to the helicopter company or to us, by cash or credit card.

It's also helpful to review your travel insurance, as some policies may cover alternative travel arrangements in the event of delays or cancellations. Flight insurance may also cover changes to your international flights if necessary.


6. Travel Insurances
Many expeditions and tours require purchasing travel insurance before arriving in Nepal, though some treks and tours may not. Nevertheless, travel insurance is a crucial consideration. First, check if the company you're booking with mandates it. Since Nepal is a landlocked country with limited direct flights, disruptions can occur. Make sure your insurance covers flight delays and cancellations. Additionally, despite all precautions, unforeseen accidents can happen. Ensure your policy covers trekking or other activities, as some insurers may exclude coverage for certain areas. Having the right insurance ensures peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy your trip without worry. Take the time to research and select a plan that meets your needs.


7. Nepal Visa Entry Procedures
For entry into Nepal, visitors (except Indian nationals) must hold a passport and valid visa. The Nepal visa entry procedure can be completed at the Nepalese embassies or consulates abroad. A Nepal visa can also be obtained at entry points like Kathmandu international airport upon arrival. No visa fee is required for children under 10 years of age. To get a Nepal visa, you must fill out a form with truthful information, passport details, and a photograph.

Visa on Arrival Tourist Visa
Visa Facility Duration Fee
Three options are available for entry:
Single entry 15 days: US $30
Single entry 30 days: US $50
Multiple entry 90 days: US $125

Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the time of entry. Have cash ready in US dollars. For more information and an up-to-date list of visa exemptions or to obtain the most current visa details, visit the Nepal Department of Immigration website.


8. Acute Mountain Sickness
Acute mountain sickness is common at high altitudes and depends on the elevation, the rate of ascent, and individual susceptibility. Symptoms tend to be worse at night and include headache, loss of appetite, lethargy, nausea, breathlessness, hopelessness, and irritability. An altitude over 3000 meters (9843 feet) is usually defined as high altitude. Treks are designed to properly acclimatize you to changes in high-altitude climates, and sufficient precautionary measures are taken. Our staff is equipped with cell phones and satellite phones for emergencies. The safety and security of our clients are always our foremost concern.


9. Drinking Water
Water is essential for life, and clean water is imperative while on holiday. When choosing to visit less-developed countries, all travelers should consider safe drinking options. Tap water should not be ingested, even for brushing your teeth. Most travelers buy bottled water, but ensure the cap has not been tampered with. Since plastic waste is an issue, consider using alternatives like water filters or purification tablets. Your guide can help steer you to safe drinking options.


10. Arrival Instructions
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our company representatives will welcome you to the country. Look for your name being held by our representatives as you exit. They will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Be cautious of people offering to carry your luggage. Pay attention to your belongings to avoid complications.


11. Can We Customize a Private Trek?
Depending on the situation, you can modify your trek slightly after consulting your guide. However, the trek completion date must coincide with the original itinerary. In the remote Himalayan regions, unforeseen events may require changes to the itinerary. In such cases, our team or your senior guide will suggest the best alternative plan that closely matches the original itinerary.

Price Per Person

USD$3199

No. of Person

Why Choose Us

How Much Does This Trip Cost?

The price of the trip varies based on the type of services selected and the size of the group. Each trip we organize is priced differently because we consider travelers as individuals with unique needs and preferences.

Prepare for an incredible journey customized to your interests and preferences, whether you’re seeking a budget-friendly adventure or a luxurious escape. Leave the planning to us—we’ll handle all the details to make your dream trip a reality. You can relax and focus on creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

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