Trek to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for a single viewpoint that takes in four 8,000m peaks, guided by Sherpas who know this valley by name.
Stand at 5,357m with four 8,000m peaks in one frame
Guides born in the Khumbu, not hired for the season
A fraction of EBC foot traffic on the same Lukla flight
Namche Bazaar, Ngozumpa Glacier, six turquoise lakes
The Gokyo Valley Trek covers around 110km over 9 walking days, starting with a flight to Lukla and finishing on Gokyo Ri at 5,357m. Daily stages run 4 to 7 hours. The route passes through Namche Bazaar, climbs past the Ngozumpa Glacier, and reaches Gokyo village beside the third of six glacial lakes. The summit push on Day 8 leaves at 4:30am and rewards you with Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu visible at the same time.
The altitude is what makes this challenging, not the terrain. The trail is never technical, but the air gets thin quickly above Namche. Anyone who can sustain a 5-hour hike and has trained consistently over 8 to 12 weeks can complete this route. The itinerary includes a full acclimatisation day at Namche Bazaar built around the climb-high, sleep-low principle. Read our altitude sickness guide before you go.
Gokyo gets a fraction of EBC foot traffic. The teahouses are quieter, the lakes are something EBC trekkers never see, and the view from Gokyo Ri is, by most accounts, better. If you want both, the EBC via Gokyo Valley trek covers both in 17 days. Our full EBC vs Gokyo comparison breaks down the differences if you’re still deciding.
Our representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. The evening briefing covers gear, the route, and what to expect on the trail. Get to bed early — the trek starts the next morning.
A 30-minute flight from Kathmandu lands you at Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, one of the world’s most dramatic runways. During peak season (March to May and October to November) flights operate from Ramechhap/Manthali instead, which means a 1:00 to 2:30am departure from your hotel for a 4 to 5 hour drive before the 20-minute flight. From Lukla the trail descends steadily through pine forest and Sherpa villages, crossing several suspension bridges on the way to Monjo.
Today is the hardest climb of the first half, a sustained ascent through Sagarmatha National Park to Namche Bazaar. You cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge over the Dudh Koshi River and get your first clear view of Everest if the weather holds. Namche is the main hub of the Khumbu, with gear shops, bakeries, and a Saturday market worth timing your arrival around.
Rest days at this stage are not optional, they are why most trekkers make it to Gokyo Ri. We hike up to the Everest View Hotel at 3,880m for acclimatisation then return to Namche to sleep lower. The afternoon is yours for the Sherpa Culture Museum, the market, or simply sitting with a coffee and watching the valley.
From Namche the route splits from the EBC trail and heads northwest toward the Gokyo Valley. The trail traverses a high ridge with open views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam before dropping to Phortse Thanga and climbing again to Dole. The terrain gets more exposed here and teahouses fewer, a sign you are moving into quieter country.
A shorter day by distance but the altitude gain is real. The landscape above Dole is open and stark, sparse grass, rock, and sky. Machherma is a small cluster of teahouses with views down the Dudh Koshi Valley and up toward Kyajo Ri. Take it slow, drink water, and eat well tonight.
The trail passes the first and second Gokyo Lakes before reaching the third, the largest and most striking of the six, beside which sits Gokyo village. The Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal’s longest, fills the valley floor to the west. Most trekkers take an afternoon walk along the glacier edge to settle in and assess how they are feeling before tomorrow’s summit push.
You leave at 4:30am with headlamps. The climb to the summit takes around 3 hours, steep, cold, and completely worth it. On a clear morning you see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu simultaneously from the same ridgeline, a view that many experienced trekkers rate above Kala Patthar. After descending to Gokyo for breakfast, you continue down to Machherma for the night.
The longest walking day of the trek but mostly descending, so the legs recover quickly. The route drops through rhododendron forest to Phortse Thanga before climbing to Tengboche, home to the most important monastery in the Khumbu region. If you arrive in time for the evening prayer ceremony, go, it is one of those moments that makes the whole trip feel real.
A straightforward descent back to Namche through forest and small settlements, crossing the Dudh Koshi River at Phunki Tenga. The route is familiar from Day 3 but the direction is kinder on the knees. Namche feels noticeably warmer and more comfortable after a week above 4,000m, a good evening to eat well and reflect on what you have covered.
The longest day by distance and the last full day of trekking. From Namche you descend steeply to the Dudh Koshi River, cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge, pass through the Sagarmatha National Park checkpoint at Monjo, and make the final climb into Lukla. Celebrate tonight, the hard work is done.
An early breakfast before heading to Lukla airport for the return flight to Kathmandu. During peak season (March to May and October to November) the return flight operates via Ramechhap, meaning a 20-minute flight followed by a 4 to 5 hour drive back to Kathmandu. Morning flights are weather dependent so build buffer time before any international connections. The rest of the day is yours for a hot shower, a proper meal, and last minute shopping before the farewell dinner.
Our driver transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport based on your flight time. If you have time before departure, Thamel has plenty of options for last minute shopping or a final coffee. Standard hotel checkout is midday and luggage storage is available for late flights.
In Kathmandu: 3-star hotel in Thamel, twin-sharing, private bathroom, breakfast included.
On the trail: teahouse accommodation throughout, twin-sharing, shared bathrooms at most stops. Rooms are clean and simple with beds, pillows, and blankets provided.
Facilities get more basic with elevation. Above Namche expect cold nights and limited hot water. Single rooms are scarce above Dole and not guaranteed.
Namche and Lukla have the best teahouse options on this route. Gokyo village fills fast in October and November we handle all bookings in advance.
Meals are not included in your package price during the trek. Teahouses along the route serve a standard menu of dal bhat, momos, noodle soups, fried rice, pasta, porridge, eggs, and Tibetan bread. Vegetarian options are reliable throughout. Avoid meat above Namche Bazaar as storage is unreliable at altitude.
Prices increase with elevation as everything is carried in by porter. A meal in Namche costs less than the same dish in Gokyo. Tea and coffee are available everywhere but factor these into your daily budget.
Build in extra for snacks, hot drinks, and the occasional hot shower.
| Breakfast | $5 to $8 |
| Lunch | $8 to $12 |
| Dinner | $8 to $15 |
| Hot drinks (tea, coffee) | $2 to $4 |
| Hot shower | $1 to $3 |
| Bottled water | $1–3 |
| Wifi (where available) | $2–3 |
“I’m already planning for the trip AGAIN and you would know which company I’d choose AGAIN…”
Finally, I had the opportunity to meander across the splendor of the Himalayas. My first concern after researching everything there was to know about Nepal was my safety and my child’s welfare. But upon our arrival at the airport, I found out that Kathmandu is one of the meanest places…
“MountainKick is haven for trekkers and one cannot afford to miss it if you are interested in trekking in Nepal.”
To whoever reading this and wondering about the legitimacy of this company, they are for real. The team is genuinely dedicated to making your trekking memorable and rewarding. Such is the professionalism of the company that they went steps further to assist us that included the tracking down of the…
“We liked the concern of this company for its staffs and the environmental awareness and it has.”
There was always a response from Jagat as we had so many things to ask. We had insisted on having a Nepali guide instead of a westerner because we had to make sure the money we spend actually goes to Nepali people. We chose this company because we had heard…
“We had the trip of our lifetime”
We had the trip of our lifetime thanks to the warm hospitality bestowed upon us and the beauty of such amazing country. From well-organized trips, exotic locations, cultural sightseeing to the thrill of safari, “soft” trekking to Poon Hill, everything was memorable. Our trekking guide was Shiva, apparently named after…
The trek is rated Hard. You will be hiking 4 to 7 hours daily over 9 walking days, reaching 5,357m on Gokyo Ri. There is no technical climbing involved.
The altitude is the main difficulty, not the terrain. The trail is well-marked throughout and the gradient is manageable. What demands respect is the elevation above Namche and the early morning summit push on Day 8.
Anyone who can sustain a 5-hour hike and has trained consistently over 8 to 12 weeks should complete this trek. Read our trek difficulty guide if you want a fuller picture of what challenging means in practice.
Both start with the same Lukla flight and pass through Namche Bazaar. From Namche the routes split.
EBC takes you to the foot of Everest at 5,364m, which is a powerful experience. Gokyo takes you to a 5,357m summit where Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu are all visible at once. Many experienced trekkers rate Gokyo Ri as the better viewpoint of the two.
Gokyo also carries a fraction of EBC foot traffic, and the turquoise lakes and Ngozumpa Glacier are unlike anything on the EBC route. Our EBC vs Gokyo comparison breaks down the differences in full.
Yes, two options.
The EBC via Gokyo Valley Trek (17 days, from $1,260) crosses Cho La Pass and visits both Gokyo Lakes and EBC in one route. For the full circuit, the Everest Three Passes Trek (20 days, from $1,320) crosses all three high passes while visiting both Gokyo and EBC.
Contact us if you want a custom itinerary built around your dates and fitness level.
The two best windows are March to May and September to December.
Autumn (October and November) gives the clearest skies and sharpest views from Gokyo Ri. Temperatures drop in November but visibility on a clear morning is exceptional. This is peak season so teahouses are busier and Lukla flights operate from Ramechhap.
Spring (March to May) is warmer with rhododendrons in bloom at lower elevations. Visibility is generally good though some haze can build in May.
Monsoon (June to August) brings heavy rain and trail conditions deteriorate. Winter (January to February) is possible but cold at altitude with some route closures.
The two best windows are March to May and September to December.
Spring (March to May) brings warmer temperatures and rhododendrons in bloom at lower elevations. Visibility is generally good though some haze can build in May. This is peak season so trails and teahouses are busier.
Autumn (September to December) is the most popular window. October and November offer the clearest skies and sharpest mountain views. Temperatures drop significantly in November but the visibility from Gokyo Ri on a clear morning is exceptional.
Monsoon (June to August) brings heavy rain and trail conditions deteriorate. Winter (January to February) is possible but cold at altitude with some trail closures.
Yes. Since April 2023 Nepal requires all foreign trekkers in the Khumbu region to be accompanied by a licensed guide. Solo independent trekking is no longer permitted.
Your MountainKick package includes a licensed Sherpa guide throughout. Beyond the legal requirement, having someone who knows the route, the teahouses, and the early warning signs of altitude sickness is genuinely valuable at this elevation.
Follow the acclimatisation schedule. The 13-day itinerary includes a full rest day at Namche Bazaar built around the climb-high, sleep-low principle. That day is not padding, it is why most of our trekkers reach Gokyo Ri.
Key steps: drink 3 to 4 litres of water daily, avoid alcohol above 3,000m, and tell your guide immediately if you develop a persistent headache, nausea, or loss of appetite. Descending even 300 to 500m usually brings fast relief.
Talk to your doctor about Diamox before you leave home. Our altitude sickness guide covers everything you need to know before you go.
You should be comfortable hiking 5 to 6 hours a day carrying a light daypack of 3 to 5kg. You do not need to be an athlete but you need a solid cardiovascular base.
A good 8 to 12 week preparation plan: cardio 3 to 4 times a week (hiking, jogging, or cycling), leg and core strength training twice a week, and at least 3 to 4 practice hikes of 4 to 6 hours before you depart. Stair climbing is particularly good preparation for Khumbu ascents.
Consistency matters more than intensity. The trekkers who struggle most are those who have not trained, not those who are inexperienced hikers.
Two permits are required for the Gokyo Valley Trek.
1. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
2. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit
MountainKick handles all permit arrangements as part of your package. We will need your passport details and two passport-size photos before departure. Full details are in our Nepal trekking permits guide.
Round trip Lukla flights are included in your package. During peak season (March to May and October to November) flights operate from Ramechhap/Manthali Airport, around 4 to 5 hours from Kathmandu. This means a 1:00 to 2:30am hotel departure for a drive to Manthali before the 20-minute flight to Lukla.
Off peak, flights depart directly from Kathmandu and take around 30 minutes.
MountainKick arranges all transport from your hotel. Weather can delay flights on both ends so we strongly recommend building at least 2 buffer days before any international connection. Read our Lukla flight delays guide for what to expect and how we handle it.
Travel insurance is compulsory for this trek. Your policy must explicitly cover trekking above 5,357m and emergency helicopter evacuation. Standard travel insurance typically does not include this so check before you book.
Helicopter evacuation from altitude costs $3,000 to $6,000 and rescue services confirm insurance before dispatch. Our travel insurance guide for Nepal trekking explains exactly what to look for in a policy.
Carry enough Nepalese Rupees for the entire trek. ATMs are available in Namche Bazaar but nothing exists beyond that point. ATMs in Lukla are unreliable and card payments are not accepted at teahouses.
Exchange rupees in Kathmandu before you start. Budget $25 to $40 per day for meals and extras on the trail and carry small denominations as teahouses rarely have change.
We are a Kathmandu-based operator with Sherpa guides who have walked this route hundreds of times. Group sizes are kept small, pricing is transparent, and we never subcontract your trek to another agency.
Our guides are trained in altitude sickness recognition and first aid. We handle all permits, flights, and logistics so you focus on the trek. If weather delays a flight or changes a plan, we sort the rebooking at no extra cost. Read what our trekkers say on TripAdvisor or check our guide to choosing a Nepal trekking company.
| Trip Starts | Trip Ends | Status | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEPTEMBER 2026 | ||||
| 4 Sep 2026 13 days | 16 Sep 2026 | available | $1,130 | |
| 11 Sep 2026 13 days | 23 Sep 2026 | available | $1,130 | |
| 18 Sep 2026 13 days | 30 Sep 2026 | available | $1,130 | |
| 25 Sep 2026 13 days | 7 Oct 2026 | available | $1,130 | |
| OCTOBER 2026 | ||||
| 2 Oct 2026 13 days | 14 Oct 2026 | available | $1,130 | |
| 9 Oct 2026 13 days | 21 Oct 2026 | available | $1,130 | |
| 16 Oct 2026 13 days | 28 Oct 2026 | available | $1,130 | |
| 23 Oct 2026 13 days | 4 Nov 2026 | available | $1,130 | |
| 30 Oct 2026 13 days | 11 Nov 2026 | available | $1,130 | |
| NOVEMBER 2026 | ||||
| 6 Nov 2026 13 days | 18 Nov 2026 | available | $1,130 | |
| 13 Nov 2026 13 days | 25 Nov 2026 | available | $1,130 | |
| 20 Nov 2026 13 days | 2 Dec 2026 | available | $1,130 | |
| 27 Nov 2026 13 days | 9 Dec 2026 | available | $1,130 | |
| DECEMBER 2026 | ||||
| 4 Dec 2026 13 days | 16 Dec 2026 | available | $1,130 | |
| 11 Dec 2026 13 days | 23 Dec 2026 | available | $1,130 | |
| 18 Dec 2026 13 days | 30 Dec 2026 | available | $1,130 | |
| 25 Dec 2026 13 days | 6 Jan 2027 | available | $1,130 | |
| MARCH 2027 | ||||
| 2 Mar 2027 13 days | 14 Mar 2027 | available | $1,130 | |
| 9 Mar 2027 13 days | 21 Mar 2027 | available | $1,130 | |
| 16 Mar 2027 13 days | 28 Mar 2027 | available | $1,130 | |
| 23 Mar 2027 13 days | 4 Apr 2027 | available | $1,130 | |
| 30 Mar 2027 13 days | 11 Apr 2027 | available | $1,130 | |
| APRIL 2027 | ||||
| 6 Apr 2027 13 days | 18 Apr 2027 | available | $1,130 | |
| 13 Apr 2027 13 days | 25 Apr 2027 | available | $1,130 | |
| 20 Apr 2027 13 days | 2 May 2027 | available | $1,130 | |
| 27 Apr 2027 13 days | 9 May 2027 | available | $1,130 | |
| MAY 2027 | ||||
| 4 May 2027 13 days | 16 May 2027 | available | $1,130 | |
| 11 May 2027 13 days | 23 May 2027 | available | $1,130 | |
| 18 May 2027 13 days | 30 May 2027 | available | $1,130 | |
| 25 May 2027 13 days | 6 Jun 2027 | available | $1,130 | |
| 30+ days before departure | Deposit forfeited, balance refunded in full |
| 15–29 days before departure | 50% of total trip cost charged |
| Under 15 days | No refund |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
We give you the power to choose the departure date that suits your group best. A private trip is a perfect solution if you can’t find a published departure date that you and your companions agree on. You can set up a private departure for most of the trips we offer.
| Travellers | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1415 |
| 2-3 | $1130 |
| 4-9 | $1010 |
Ready to go? Request your preferred dates or message Kumar directly on WhatsApp — he'll confirm availability within a few hours.
We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary. You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.
"*" indicates required fields
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof trekking boots | 1 pair | Ankle support essential. Must be well broken in. |
| Camp sandals or light shoes | 1 pair | For teahouse evenings |
| Trekking socks | 5 to 6 pairs | Merino wool preferred |
| Thermal socks | 2 pairs | For cold nights above Namche |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal tops | 2 | Lightweight, moisture-wicking |
| Thermal bottoms | 2 | |
| Trekking shirts | 3 to 4 | Mix of short and long sleeve |
| Underwear | 4 to 5 pairs | Synthetic or merino wool |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Fleece jacket | 1 | Mid-layer insulation |
| Down jacket | 1 | Essential above Namche. Can be rented in Kathmandu. |
| Waterproof jacket | 1 | Windproof and fully seam-sealed |
| Waterproof trousers | 1 pair | |
| Trekking trousers | 2 pairs | Quick-dry fabric |
| Trekking shorts | 1 pair | For lower elevations |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Warm beanie | 1 | |
| Sun hat or cap | 1 | UV protection at altitude is stronger than at sea level |
| Buff or neck gaiter | 1 | |
| Liner gloves | 1 pair | |
| Fleece or wool gloves | 1 pair | |
| Waterproof shell gloves | 1 pair | Essential for the Gokyo Ri summit push |
| Sunglasses | 1 | UV400 or glacier rated |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Duffel bag | 1 | 70 to 80L. Carried by porter. Max 15kg. MountainKick provides one. |
| Daypack | 1 | 25 to 35L for daily essentials |
| Rain cover for daypack | 1 | |
| Dry bags or zip-lock bags | Several | For electronics, documents, spare clothes |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping bag | 1 | Rated to at least -10°C. Can be rented in Kathmandu. |
| Sleeping bag liner | 1 | Adds warmth and keeps the bag clean |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Trekking poles | 1 pair | Highly recommended for descents. Rentable in Kathmandu. |
| Headlamp | 1 | Essential for the 4:30am Gokyo Ri start. Bring spare batteries. |
| Water bottles | 2 x 1L | Insulated sleeves prevent freezing above 4,500m |
| Water purification | 1 | Tablets or SteriPen. Saves money and reduces plastic. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sunscreen SPF 50+ | 1 | UV radiation is intense above 4,000m |
| Lip balm with SPF | 1 | Cold dry air cracks lips fast |
| Quick-dry towel | 1 | Teahouses rarely provide towels |
| Biodegradable soap and shampoo | 1 each | |
| Hand sanitiser | 1 | |
| Toilet paper | Sufficient supply | Not always available at teahouses |
| Wet wipes | 1 pack | Useful on days without shower access |
| Small padlock | 1 | For your duffel bag |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Personal first aid kit | 1 | Plasters, bandages, blister treatment |
| Pain relief | 1 | Ibuprofen for headaches and inflammation |
| Diamox (acetazolamide) | As prescribed | Discuss with your doctor before departure |
| Anti-diarrheal medication | 1 | |
| Throat lozenges | 1 pack | Khumbu cough is real above 4,000m |
| Electrolyte tablets | 1 pack | Important for hydration at altitude |
| Personal medications | Full supply | Bring extra in case of delays |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Original | Required for permits and flights |
| Passport photos | 2 | For permit processing |
| Travel insurance documents | 1 copy | Must cover above 5,357m and helicopter evacuation |
| Cash in Nepalese Rupees | Sufficient for full trek | No ATMs beyond Namche. Exchange in Kathmandu. |
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Microspikes | Trail sections above Gokyo can be icy in December and January |
| Expedition Mittens (down) | Insulated gloves are not enough at minus 25 degrees |
| Balaclava | Full face coverage essential on the Gokyo Ri summit push in winter conditions |
| Heavyweight down jacket | A 4-season jacket rated to -20°C. Your regular down jacket will not be enough above Namche in winter. |
| Heavyweight thermal base layers | Add an extra set on top of your regular thermals |
| Gaiters | Keeps snow out of boots on icy sections above Machherma |
| Extra thermal socks | 2 additional pairs on top of your standard kit |
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Waterproof gaiters | Trails above Namche get muddy and wet throughout monsoon |
| Extra waterproof jacket | Your main jacket will work harder. Bring a lightweight backup. |
| Dry bags | Everything in your daypack needs to be waterproofed |
| Insect repellent | More relevant at lower elevations around Lukla and Phakding |
| Anti-fungal powder or cream | Prolonged wet conditions cause foot problems fast |
| Extra quick-dry clothing | You will get wet every day. Plan for it. |
| Trekking umbrella | Useful on lower trail sections where rain is constant |
Sleeping bags, down jackets, and trekking poles can all be rented in Kathmandu through us. We connect you with trusted shops in Thamel during your pre-trek briefing. MountainKick provides a duffel bag for every trekker as part of the package.
Kumar and the team have guided this route for over a decade. Ask anything — gear, fitness, altitude, private groups — before you commit.
Ride 550 km from Kathmandu to Muktinath through jungles, Chitwan wildlife, Annapurna views, and the Kali Gandaki gorge on a 13-day adventure.
Remote Trek, Adventure, Essentials, Travel
Two base camps, four passes, 21 days. The honest guide to the Kanchenjunga Circuit: difficulty, permits, best time, costs, and whether you're ready for it.
Annapurna Region, Everest Region, Adventure, Essentials, Travel
No five-star hotels. No heated rooms. Here is what luxury trekking in Nepal actually delivers and why the private guide matters more than the lodge.
"*" indicates required fields
