Gokyo Valley Trek Overview
The Gokyo Valley Trek is the second most popular trek route in the Everest Region, after Everest Base Camp Trek. The Gokyo Valley, in Nepal's Khumbu region, is one of the most picturesque valleys in the region, offering trekkers an incredible blend of natural, cultural, and spiritual splendor.
This 14-day trek to the Gokyo Valley will take you to the majestic Gokyo Ri Peak (5,357 m/ 17,575 ft), with a maximum elevation gain of 5,340 m offering the view of the magnificent ice edge between Gyachang(2,922 m) and Mt Cho Oyu & Gokyo Lake in the Khumbu region is one of the trek's most impressive and memorable features.
Gokyo Valley Trek provides us with a rare and unique opportunity to see amazing Himalayan ranges exceeding 8,000 meters, including Mt Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8414m), Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Ngozumpa Glacier — Nepal's largest glacier.
The highest freshwater lake system in the world, Gokyo Valley, houses 19 lakes in total, both large and tiny. Six of them are particularly notable due to their size and scope.
Another attraction in the vicinity is Gokyo village (4,700 m), a charming village on the third Gokyo Lake's shore. The vista of Gokyo Valley, which features a collection of stoned buildings and meadows on the coast of the huge lake, Dudh Pokhari, is particularly noteworthy. If you enjoy walking, the Gokyo Valley Trek is something you should not miss.
Those seeking unforgettable breathtaking vistas will not be disappointed in your hike to the Gokyo.
Environmental scientists, ecologists, photographers, and pilgrims all enjoy trekking in the Gokyo valley. Gokyo is the most traditional Sherpa settlement, with a large population of yaks and yak milk producers. Aside from the natural splendor, the Sherpa people's culture and traditions are fascinating and unique for the trekkers.
The Gokyo Valley Trek starts from Lukla but Namche Bazaar has become a gathering point and a site where climbers relate their travels to some of the world's highest mountains, thanks to several expeditions and literally thousands of climbers.
The trek to Gokyo Lake is often included in trekkers' itineraries to Everest base camp and the Everest Three Passes because of its incredible scenery.
Gokyo Lake Trek Highlights
- From the air, a magnificent vista
- Sagarmatha National Park's multi-faceted wilderness Freshwater lakes in Gokyo
- Gokyo Valley trek is encircled by the six holy lakes
- Ngozumpa Glacier is a glacier in the Ngozumpa National Park (Nepal Largest of Nepal)
- Historical Tengboche Monastery, Khumjung Monastery
- Namche Bazar is a well-known market.
- Panoramic views of Gokyo Ri, Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and other peaks are breathtaking.
- The Everest Sherpa people are a group who live in the Everest region.
- Gokyo valley trek has magnificent sceneries and Buddhist culture and tradition
- Mountain goats and yaks can be seen grazing on the slopes and mountainsides.
Trek Route
In general, the package includes touring in architecturally rich and picturesque Kathmandu, including a historic pagoda temple and lively residents, as well as a morning flight to Lukla.
The journey begins with a descent to Phakding and a climb up to Namche, passing through beautiful pine and rhododendron forests as well as the banks of the Dudh Koshi River on the way to Namche Bazaar, Everest's front door. We stay there for the night, which is ideal since you can enjoy the gorgeous neighborhood while learning more about mountain climbing and the weather.
We also visit a local market, visit monasteries, and take a brief tour of the museum and schools in the area. We will go from Khumjung to Dole, exploring the Himalayan lifestyle, people, and nature after taking the necessary relaxation.
As you ascend to Dole, you'll notice a dramatic change in the atmosphere, greenery, and civilization, however, little tea houses will keep you company along the route. From Dole, we cross the river and travel steep, difficult trails to Machhermo, where we will have the opportunity to visit various glacial lakes including Ngozumpa, Cho La, Dudh Pokhari, and Gokyo Lake itself.
The Gokyo Valley Lakes are freshwater lakes at high elevations that have been recognized by being registered on the Ramsar site since 2007. It has five large lakes, the biggest of which is Thonak Cho (160.8 acres), followed by Gokyo Cho (160 hectares).
These lakes provide life for many, including nature, people, and flora, demonstrating their significance in every aspect, including as a religious, cultural, and ecological sanctuary (festival in August) and a means of survival. This tour has it all: lush green vegetation, clear azure water, icy glaciers, shining snow-covered mountains, and kind people.
Permits
While trekking in Khumbu Region, you will require some of the permits. But you don’t need the TIMS Card. Permits you need are given below:
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit will cost- US$ 20
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit will cost - US$ 30
- If you wish to trek Gokyo via Jiri then you need to get Gaurishankar Conservation Area Project Permit as well.
- Gaurishankar Conservation Area Project Permit will cost – US$ 30
All permits will be obtained by Himalayan Trekkers on your behalf.
Trek Difficulty
Gokyo valley trek is considered a moderately challenging trek of the Khumbu Region. Trekkers should be physically fit and have a high level of stamina, as the trek requires between 5 to 7 hours of trekking every day. The rough routes, steep terrains, and high passes become more difficult as the elevation climbs.
Getting all the information such as climate, weather, altitude sickness, and surrounding atmosphere before starting the trek will be very beneficial.
Best Season
While trekking in one of the most popular Khumbu Region will be amazing. And trekkers can do trekking every season they want. But most trekkers and travelers prefer Spring and Autumn to explore the Himalayan Region because the weather will be very pleasant and suitable for trekking, climbing, and hiking.
In this season trekkers can see the amazing view of crystalline peaks, green hills, blooming flowers in the trail, and the best shade of nature's beauty. The traveler might get to experience some of the festivals while trekking in Khumbu region because both seasons bring lots of festivals and celebrations along with them.
In winter the snowcapped mountain peak looks really magical and worth seeing. In winter, it is very chilly and you can see snow everywhere on the trail. It may be difficult to do trek because of the cold and snow but with good guidelines, warm clothes, and perfect winter trekking gear, you can do snow trekking in winter and enjoy the shining snow with a peaceful route.
The climate will be very hot with heavy rain in the Summer and Monsoon season which makes trekking in Gokyo a bit challenging. Because of the heavy rain, the trail will be sloppy and muddy, which make difficult to do trekking in high altitude area.
The sunny day might get to some sunburn as well but the best part to do trekking in summer and monsoon is the water wash view of the mountain and the surrounding area after the rainfall stopped.
