Gokyo valley Trek

Welcome to Gokyo valley:

The Gokyo Ri Trek is among the most breathtaking hikes in the Everest region. A great alternative to the Everest Base Camp Trek is Gokyo Ri (5483). The Gokyo lakes are spectacularly seen from there. On a clear day, Gokyo Ri offers views of numerous other mountains, such as Makalu (8475 m), Everest (8850 m), Lhotse (8501 m), and Cho Oyu (8153 m). This trekking camp is special because of its lakes, climbs, and views of Gokyo Ri. Because of the superior vistas from the Gokyo Ri trek compared to Everest Base Camp, the Gokyo Ri Trek is superior to Everest Base Camp. Another explanation is that there are less people on the Gokyo Ri Trek than Everest base camp trek.

The Gokyo Ri Trek, also known as the Gokyo Lakes Trek, is a thrilling adventure in Nepal’s Everest region, offering breathtaking mountain peaks, high-altitude lakes, and stunning vistas. The trek begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla airport, one of the world’s most extreme airports. The journey takes you through off-the-beaten trails, including the vantage point of Gokyo Ri (5,357m), where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu. The trek also takes you through the famous Sherpa center, Namche Bazaar. The trek lasts 11 days, with a maximum altitude of 5,357 meters at Gokyo Ri. The trek is challenging, with 5-6 hours of walking per day. The best time to trek is in autumn and spring, and a minimum group size of one person is recommended. The journey can be arranged by flight to Lukla airport, helicopter charter, or driving to Jiri from Kathmandu. The Gokyo Ri Trek ends at Lukla, with a retracing route back to Kathmandu. This adventure is suitable for experienced and novice trekkers, offering breathtaking mountain scenery, serene lakes, and a memorable Himalayan experience.

Gokyo – Lake:

The Gokyo Lakes are a series of six oligotrophic lakes in Nepal’s Sagarmatha National Park, located at an altitude of 4,700–5,000 meters. Named after the nearby peak, Gokyo Ri, the lakes consist of six main lakes: Gokyo Cho, Thonak Cho, Gyazumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, and Ngojumba Cho. These glacier-fed freshwater wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining water sources. The lakes receive water from various sources, including seepage from the Ngozumpa glacier and streams from the Renjo La pass. Thonak Cho is the deepest at 62.4 meters, while Gokyo Lake is 43 meters deep. The Gokyo Lake system lies in an ecologically fragile and unstable zone, with the outburst of the Ngozumpa glacier constantly threatening its existence. Both Hindus and Buddhists consider the Gokyo Lakes sacred, with around 500 Hindus taking a holy bath in the pristine waters during the Janai Purnima festival. Approximately 7,000 tourists visit the Gokyo Lakes annually, drawn by their natural beauty and spiritual aura.

Trekking in Gokyo Valley Difficulties:

A somewhat difficult trip across the stunning Himalayas of the Khumbu Region is the Gokyo Valley trip. Technical skills may not be necessary, although prior hiking experience and a strong level of physical fitness are advantageous. Hiking to high altitudes is a part of the route; Gokyo Ri, at 5,357 meters, is the highest point. As the trip goes on, acclimatization becomes increasingly important since it enables hikers to progressively adjust to the rising altitude. The trek takes about 12–14 days to complete. It does, however, rely on daily mileage and difficult terrain, such as rough trails and steep ascents and descents. There are times when the trail has exposed, narrow areas, especially when hiking to Gokyo Ri, where hikers must maintain their footing. The weather can be erratic; cold temperatures, for example blustery gusts and the possibility of snowfall making the hike more challenging. In addition, the trail’s isolated location means that there aren’t many amenities along the route, such as rudimentary restrooms and lodging. Notwithstanding these difficulties, the Gokyo Valley Trek promises a life-changing experience, rewarding travelers with breathtaking views of the mountains, tranquil lakes, and the chance to learn about the unique Sherpa culture. Similar to this, preparation through exercise, consulting with Adventure Leaders Nepal’s trekking specialists, and obtaining suitable travel insurance are essential for a successful Gokyo Valley Trek.

Trekking Permits for Gokyo Valley Trek:

It is necessary to obtain a permit from the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality. This permission can only be acquired in Lukla or Monjo; it is not available in Kathmandu. The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit costs around US$18 per person. You also need a national park permit in order to enter the Sagarmatha National Park. You can get this permit directly from Monjo or through the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu. The Sagarmatha National Park Permit is US$27 per person. If you choose to begin the Gokyo Ri Trek by the traditional Jiri path, you will additionally require a Gaurishankar Conservation Area Project Permit (GCAP). The Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu is the place to get the permit, which costs US$ 27 per person.

Main attraction of Gokyo valley trek:

• One of the most audacious airports in the world, Tenzing Hillary Airport, is accessible for an amazing vacation.
• Namche Bazar and the biggest glacier on the Gokyo Ri are visible.
• At the highest altitudes of 4700–5000 meters, one can explore the Gokyo Lakes, which are freshwater lakes fed by many glaciers and streams. From Gokyo Ri and along the trail leading up to Gokyo Ri, one can see numerous peaks rising above 8000 meters. Among them are Cho Oyu (8201 m), Makalu (8485 m), Lhotse (8516 m), and Mount Everest (8848 m).

Altitude sickness:

Every trek that Ascend Hikes plans take altitude sickness, or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) seriously into consideration. A medical condition that is potentially fatal is brought on by ascending at a higher elevation too quickly. We are aware that planning enough time for acclimatization is crucial to ensuring a safe trek in the Himalaya. Therefore, prudent planning is necessary to reduce the chance of AMS. The itinerary for Ascend Hikes is created to minimize the risk of AMS. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that certain guests are more exposed than others. Throughout the entire journey, your guides and porters will do every effort to provide you with support.

The Best Time of Year to Trek the Gokyo Valley:

The seasons of March through May and September through November are ideal for the Gokyo Valley Trek in Nepal. In Nepal, the weather throughout these two seasons is conducive to hiking. For this voyage, nevertheless, we provide you with additional details about each of these seasons:

Spring: March to May:
The Gokyo Valley sees a lot of trekking activity in the spring because of the pleasant, mild weather. The weather is often nice and warm, which makes trekking comfortable. The nearby mountains are beautifully visible due to the frequently clear skies. But trekking is also very busy during this season. As spring approaches, the trail gets crowded.

September to November:
Another popular time to hike the Gokyo Valley is in the fall. The daytime highs are moderate, and the weather is steady. That being said, it gets a little chilly and cool at night. During the day, the sky are usually clear and provide expansive views of the mountains. The trek’s overall splendor is enhanced by the post-monsoon foliage that the autumn months bring to the regions. In addition, there are less people on the trail than in the spring.

Each season has its own unique qualities, and the one you favor will rely on your own tastes. Spring is the ideal season if you want to go trekking in a bustling setting with colorful vegetation. But autumn might be the greatest if you want to hike on quieter paths in nice weather choice. These two seasons are often the greatest for trekking in Nepal. However, we always advise checking the weather prediction before leaving on a vacation. You can also speak with the hiking specialists at Ascend hikes team.

For our incredible customers, Ascend Hikes Pvt. Ltd. has been creating custom itineraries that ensure safe travel to Gokyo Valley. A porter and an expert guide who will explain you to the rich Sherpa culture of the region while providing you with guidance and support are usually included in our Gokyo-Valley itineraries. Our years of expertise in the Everest region have taught us where to find the best places for local services, things to do, and places to stay overnight. So, if you’re considering traveling to the Everest region, get in contact with us and we’ll help you plan a fantastic journey. Namaste!