Gokyo Valley Trek

duration 13 days
usd 1,275
difficulty Hard

Among the hardest available treks but still these treks are in reach of most people however one must be fit. These trips go above 5000 meters and for the duration of 15 – 20 days walking up to 6-7 hours in a day.
best season Sep-Dec | Mar-May
max altitude From 4,600 feet at Kathmandu to 17,575 feet on top of Gokyo Ri

trip overview

The Gokyo Valley offers a complete experience of the Everest region as you will witness Himalayan lakes, forests, gorges and peaks all in one place. The whole place is like one big garden and it is a wonder how life can spring up this high in the mountains.

The summit of the Gokyo Ri is considered to be the best vantage point for staring at the Himalayas so there is no doubt that you are in for a treat. The journey is a mix of trekking and mountaineering which will test your legs and body but scenes of life surviving at such a climate and with such elegance will please your senses. The Gokyo Ri route presents the Himalayas in a nutshell, packing everything you need out of an Himalayan expedition in 17 days.

Detail itinerary

day 01
Arrival in Kathmandu.

Ground zero of your big Himalayan trek is Kathmandu at 4,600 feet. Everything will be taken care of as you land into the country. We will pick you up at the airport and drop you off to your hotel.
- Accomodation: Hotel
day 02
Fly to Lukla (9,334ft) from Kathmandu or drive to Manthali – 5 to 6 hours for a 20 minutes flight to Lukla.) & trek to Monjo (9,301ft).

A half-an-hour flight takes you to Lukla, a small tourist town overlooking Everest. Landing into the Tenzing-Hillary Airport puts you officially inside the Everest Region from where you will begin your Everest Base Camp trek. We will start with a three-hour warm up trip downhill to Phakding village and rest for the day.

Note: During peak season March, April, May, October, and November the flight to Lukla will be operated from Manthali/Ramechaap which is a 5-6 drive from Kathmandu. We wake up early at around 2:30 am and take a 5-6 hrs ride to Manthali for our Lukla flight.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast
day 03
Trek to Namche Bazaar (11,290ft).

We will climb up for six hours through forests and past gorges to reach Namche Bazaar. This small town bustling with tourists is a must-see place on its own and is famous for its night clubs and bars.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
day 04
Rest at Namche.

We will rest up at Namche for a day for acclimatization purposes. In the middle of the Everest region and at temperature nearing or below 30 °F, you will need it. But you can spend the day leisurely walking around town talking to the local Sherpas or fellow travellers. And if you want to go for a last minute shopping, you will find almost everything at the Bazaar.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
day 05
Trek to Dole (13,248ft).

Dole village is another stop in the Gokyo route. This is a tough day of hiking through stone stairs carved on the side of mountains which is covered with snow and surrounded by forest. It takes about five hours to reach Dole from Namche.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
day 06
Trek to Machherma (14,603ft).

The terrain starts getting more rugged and barren this high from sea level. It’s only bare mountains and valleys for four hours till we reach Maccherma village. View from up here is amazing as you will see the Dudh Koshi River Valley below and Himalayan peaks above.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
day 07
Trek to Gokyo Valley (15,715ft).

We will reach the Gokyo Valley after six hours of trekking. There are mountain streams and lakes to watch as we reach the beautiful valley that is surrounded by the Himalayas. Fatigue starts to creep in this far and this high in your journey but the amazing view of Mount Everest and the Himalayas make the trip worth it.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
day 08
Trek to Gokyo-Ri & back to Machherma.

In the Gokyo Valley, we will walk to the base of Gokyo Ri or the Gokyo Peak (17,575 feet). You can make to the summit in three hours if you wish to. You will be treated with clear views of Mount Everest, Mount Makalu, Mount Lhotse and Mount Cho Oyu from there. The mountain is located just next to the largest glacier in the Himalayas, the Ngozumpa Glacier. After gazing at the Himalayas for a few hours, we will walk back to Machherma and rest for the day.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
day 09
Trek to Tengboche (12,600ft).

You have to trek for close to six hours to reach Tengboche. You start to feeling warmer here. Tengboche is located at the confluence of the Imja River and the Dudh Koshi River and the largest monastery in the region, the Tengboche monastery, lies here.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
day 10
Trek to Namche.

Downhill treks such as these are relatively easier now. We will have to cross rivers at a few places to get back to Namche Bazaar, the place you were at on the fourth and the fifth day of your trekking trip.It’s a great place to share your experience with fellow trekkers and recollect the exotic views of the Himalayas from up close.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
day 11
Trek to Lukla.

We are so down in Phakding that we actually have to climb up to Lukla. But this is the last climb you have to make as the trekking ends in Lukla. You have completed the trek to and back from the Gokyo Ri.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
day 12
Fly to Kathmandu.

You will back to Kathmandu in no time. The city will be quite a change in scene from the exotic Himalayas you were conquering a few days ago. But every good thing comes to an end, doesn’t it?
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast
day 13
Final Departure.

We will see you off at the airport. It will be a happy-sad moment as we know that it is hard to leave this wonderful country but you will be leaving with very rich memories.
- Meal: Breakfast

Included in cost

Receive you from and drop you to the airport or hotel in our company vehicle.
Stay at a standard hotel in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis. Breakfast is on us.
Stay at guesthouses during the trek on a twin-sharing basis.
Local government-licensed guides.
Porters (one each for a pair of travellers) and local support staff to help you trek.
Fees for Sagarmatha National Park entering permit and Trekkers’ Information Management System card
Fully paid round-trip tickets for Kathmandu-Lukla flight and back. Rides in private vehicles included in the itinerary.
A duffel bag(to be returned), a sun hat and a t-shirt as a souvenir from us.
All tourist fees, government charges and other official expenses throughout the trip.

Not included in cost

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
All meals during the trek.
Additional stay before, during or after the set itinerary.
Charges at airports or other areas for excess luggage.
Alcohol, hot or cold drinks, bottled water, and other snacks.
Phone calls, internet, laundry, additional porters, and other personal expenses.
Travel insurance. (It is compulsory and covers emergency rescue and evacuation.)
International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
Visa fees for entering Nepal.
Trekking equipment.
Other expenses not mentioned in “Included in cost” list.

Accomodation during the Trip

In Kathmandu, you will stay in a three-star hotel while you will be staying at standard guesthouses during your travel. There will be electricity, internet, laundry and hot showers in all of the places you stay. Also note that single rooms is easily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.

faqs

How do I come to Nepal?

You have to book your own international flight from your country to Nepal and back according to your trip departure dates.
What happens after I land into Nepal?

A chauffeur from Mountain Kick will come receive you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Representatives of the company will visit you at the hotel itself and brief you on your trip.
What will a trekking trip with Mountain Kick involve?

You will trek in the Himalayas in a group of international travellers fully assisted by our guides, porters and local support staff. We will take care of your entire trip as soon as you land in Kathmandu and safely take to your preferred destination and back as per the package you choose. Travel will involve plenty of sightseeing and mixing with local culture.
In what physical condition do I need to be for the trip?

A regular person can complete the trip with help from our guides and porters. But it is important that you are healthy and have no physical injuries. Trekking for long hours in high altitude and difficult terrain will surely put a strain on your body and you might suffer severe physical and mental breakdown, especially if you are trekking in the Himalayas for the first time. It is, therefore, expected that you have taken light endurance training especially for longer trips.
How long do I have to trek each day?

On most days of your trips, you will trek for a couple of hours only. But some trekking days require as much as six to eight hours of walking in high altitude. However, there will be plenty time each day for rest and acclimatization.
Where will I be staying during the trip?

In Kathmandu, you will stay in a three-star hotel while you will be staying at standard guesthouses during your travel. There will be electricity, internet, laundry and hot showers in all of the places you stay. You will have to share your room with a fellow traveller in our typical package. At some destinations, especially in the Himalayas, you will have to stay in a tented camp. If you want to make separate living arrangements, talk to us beforehand and we can arrange single rooms for additional $250. Some guesthouses at very high altitudes and remote places may not have attached washrooms or single rooms.
And food?

All your major meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are not included in your trekking package except in Kathmandu (where only breakfast is provided for). You will be served local food at all places we dine but you can order anything you like on the menu which you will have to pay for yourself. You will have a range of options so there won’t be a problem if you are a vegetarian or vegan. We make sure you get healthy and hygienic food throughout your travel.
How much help do I get during the trek?

Our guides and porters always put your safety and comfort first. We have English-speaking guides who take you to all major attractions throughout the travel and are happy to answer all your queries. We have one porter assigned each for two travellers and you will have to pay separately if you want to hire extra porters. We have local support staff in all villages and camps you reach to assist you in any way possible.
What happens in case of injuries and emergencies?

The guides always carry a professional first aid kit with them to treat with minor injuries. We also have health professionals at villages and camps along the journey. The travel insurance you take (which is compulsory) covers any and all emergency rescue and evacuation.
What if I want to do something beyond the itinerary?

We are always happy to accommodate your wishes during the travel so far as they do not conflict with schedules and other travellers. If you have special plans, you can talk to us beforehand so that we can arrange a customised trip for you.
What equipment do I bring?

You have to bring all travel equipment yourself. Please see the equipment list section for a standard list of required equipment prepared by our guides. Most of the items are easily available in Kathmandu in case if you miss any and we also lend you some of the gears for the duration of the trip for a small fee.
Will I get to communicate with the outer world?

There is internet and telephone connection in all of our stops for the day throughout the journey. You will be able to call back home or post your pictures on Facebook everyday.
What travel documents do I need?

As soon as you land into Kathmandu, we take care of all your travel documents required during your trip. You just need to bring your passport and a copy of your travel insurance. Tourist fees and permits to enter certain areas will be arranged for by Mountain Kick.
Which is best time of the year to travel?

Most of the trekking routes are open throughout the year but September through to December and March to May are the best months to travel.
What are the modes of transportation for travel mentioned in the itinerary?

Rides for sightseeing and reaching destinations within city limits are done in a private vehicle like a car, a jeep or a microbus. Most of the long distance travel is done in luxurious tourist buses hired exclusively by the company. In some journeys, you may also need to take a public bus but as you will travel in a group with our guides and support staff, you need not worry about your safety or comfort.
Can I use my credit cards?

Almost all international credit cards are accepted in Nepal. However, not all places, especially during your travel, accept them. There may be a fee involved in processing your card.
Are tips for my guides and porters expected? How much?

Our staff do not expect you to tip them. Generally, travellers tip them if they are satisfied with the service as a means of gratitude. Even when travellers tip the guides and porters, there is no fixed rate. However, if you like to tip them, follow customs of your own country for tipping (which, as we have learned, is 10 to 15 percent of total cost for most western countries).
Where will I get a visa to come to Nepal?

You can easily get a visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You just need two passport-size photographs. A tourist visa with multiple entry for 15 days costs $30 while the same for 30 days costs $50. You can apply for a VISA online before arriving in Nepal using the Nepal Immigration website.
How do I book a tour?

Click Book Now to enter your details and we shall contact you. You can contact us directly for any further information or to prepare a customized itinerary for you. For payment information, see our Terms and Conditions.

Trip notes

You will have to walk in the mountains for three to eight hours for 11 days. While rest and acclimatization will be a part of the trip, you have to bring stamina and determination from home.
Please make sure you take a travel insurance at home before arriving here. It is mandatory and you cannot take it in Nepal. Your insurance agent will know which insurance plan suits your travel.
It is advisable that you free up a few days before and after your trip schedule. For reasons beyond our control like flight delays, accidents and natural hazards, the itinerary may have to be altered. Please note that the flight to Lukla, the first step in your journey, is very vulnerable to weather shocks and it is common that flights are delayed or cancelled due to unfavourable weather.
Please inform us and our guides if you have any medical condition that might affect your trip. Please consult your doctor beforehand for any precautions you need to take and always carry medicines if you need them. However, our guides and local support staff have been trained in basic medical intervention and your travel insurance covers any emergency rescue or evacuation.
You may decide to alter your itinerary to some degree as long as there are no time constraints and everyone consents, if you are travelling in a group. Talk to us before embarking on the trip or you may also talk to our guides to see if we can arrange something. One thing we have learned from mountaineering all these years is however good you plan your journey, there are bound to be some improvisations to make our experience richer.

Equipment List

General

2 season sleeping bag – one.
Spring down jacket – one.
Duffel – one. (We will provide you one duffel to be returned after the trek.)
35-45 liter daypack – one.

Head

Hat (shade hat or baseball cap). You can additionally tie a bandana around your head or neck. (Mountain Kick provides you a baseball cap as a complimentary gift.)
You can alternatively use balaclava, beanie, or hooded jacket which will be quite sufficient to keep you warm.
Glacier glasses with side shields and 100% UV protection as you will face very intense sun rays at higher altitude with high UV radiation level. If you use prescription glasses, you can find glacier glasses with prescription lenses.
Headlamp that use lithium batteries. (It is recommended you carry spare batteries.)
Neckwarmer (optional).
Lip balm – two sticks. (You lips are bound to get chapped in the cold and dry weather.)

Hand

Synthetic liner gloves – one pair.
Winter fleece gloves or wool gloves – one pair.
Shell gloves – one pair.
Hand warmer (optional). Wearing multiple layers of your gloves should be enough.

Torso

T-shirt – two.
Lightweight thermal tops – two.
Fleece jacket – one.
Windstopper jacket (optional).
Rain jacket – one.
For women: synthetic sports bra – two.

Legs

Nylon hiking shorts – two pairs.
Trekking pants – two pairs.
Synthetic underwear – four.
Synthetic long underwear – two.
Synthetic softshell pant – one pair.
Waterproof pant – one pair.
Jeans, cotton or khaki pant – one pair.

Feet

Synthetic liner socks – four pairs.
Heavyweight socks – three pairs.
Lightweight socks – one pair.
Waterproof light trekking boots – one pair. Choose wisely as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Sneakers – one pair. (You will not be trekking throughout your vacation).
Hiking gaiters (optional).
Sandals (optional).

First aid and medicines

Extra strength Excedrin for headaches.
Ibuprofen for general pain.
Imodium or Pepto-Bismol for gas, upset stomach or diarrhoea.
Diamox for altitude sickness.
Ointment for blisters and cuts.
First aid kit (optional). Our guides always carry a professional first aid kit with them.

Do not forget

Your passport. Passport size photos – four copies.
Airline tickets.
SPF 40 sunscreen for UV protection.
A Swiss army knife.
Aqua iodine tablets.
A toiletry kit with towels, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, hand wipes, soaps, etc.
Kerchiefs

Optional

Trekking poles. These will provide stability, take the stress off your knees and greatly increase your trekking speed.
Munchies (all the walking might make you hungry during your trek).
Binoculars
Books or mp3 players (a smartphone is great).
Camera
Hydration bladder. You might also want to carry a thermos.
A pee bottle (or a pee funnel for women).

Note: The lists have been prepared by our guides based on experience and are meant as suggestion for an average trekker. Each trekker will have his/her own preferences and necessities and we recommend carrying everything that you think you might need. You will find several options for each equipment and we advise to select the best match for your particular trip. You can purchase almost everything on the lists in Kathmandu and we are happy to help you choose.

download equipment list

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DEPATURE DATES
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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.

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As one of the core guiding principles for Mountain Kick, we always give back to the mountain community in any way we can as a means of gratitude. The people who live in the Himalayas and share their homes with us deserve to have all their little problems fixed which seem very basic for outsiders but are commonplace in rural Nepal. The people lack proper access to healthcare, sanitation and education but a little effort from travellers goes on a long way to solve these issues. Mountain Kick has made it its corporate social responsibility to help improve the living standards of the local community. We make donations to their cause, organize social campaigns and programs and also have a few trips designed to mix a little volunteer work in your holiday.