Gokyo Valley Trek

A few places epitomize Nepal’s raw and unspoiled beauty, like the Gokyo Valley, a natural marvel. It’s an incredibly gorgeous and charming dale with spectacular sceneries, unique geographical features, and diverse topography that are to be found nowhere else.

Gokyo Valley trek is one of the favorite trek destinations of visitors flocking to Nepal. Its moderate climbing paths with a jaw-dropping vista fascinates the hikers and makes them travel the region for once. With the team of Nepal Eco Adventure, trekkers will visit many hidden places and landmarks that are significant and impressive.

The hike is all about great adventures and stunning views that trekkers receive as a reward for climbing difficult trails. Visiting primordial villages and learning about new cultures comes as a bonus for trekking Gokyo Valley.

Trekkers will get to embrace multi-culture and language from the ethnically diverse community in Khumbu. You will get to know about the history and background of people of different castes but mostly Sherpa, who are inhabitants of Khumbu.

Those who visit the region in Autumn will get to partake in many festivities, religious gatherings, and social occasions. Travelers are free to visit the Buddhist monasteries and join the locals to perform ritual dances and songs.

Everest Gokyo Valley Trek lies in the Khumbu Village at 15,500 ft, one of Nepal’s highest settlements. The village sits at the eastern shore of Dudh Pokhari, overlooking the gorgeous Gokyo Ri and sheer glaciers.

Gokyo Valley, which spans 42.9 km from Lukla, walks past several villages, cross suspension bridges and glaciers. The trail runs through famous towns like Lukla before entering the sanctuary in northeast Nepal.

Trekkers will also have to traverse the shaded forest and ascend the rugged hills with rocks and boulders to arrive at the Gokyo Valley. Walking Ngozumpa Glacier is one of the most challenging walks of the entire trek as the hikers have to use crampons and rope to walk the trail.

The glacier is sheer and slowly sliding, so trekkers will have to be highly cautious while climbing the glacier. Trekking the terminal moraine and gorges over the unmarked trails is also strenuous and exhausting.

But, after arriving at the lake, visitors will get to enjoy the mesmerizing view of pristine lakes, epic landscapes, and snow-capped mountains. Standing at the foot of the Gokyo Ri, trekkers can watch the surrounding snow peaks, including Lhotse and Cho Oyu.

They can explore as many as five oligotrophic lakes, all at an altitude of 4,700 to 5,000 meters altitude while in the valley. It includes Thonak Lake, Dudh Pokhari, Gyazumpa Cho, and Ngozumba Cho, which spreads at 72 acres of land.

There are many photo-centric spots in the region but, the most spectacular one is Renjo La Pass, which looks stunning. It takes a long and steep ascend to arrive at the pass from where trekkers can get the best shot of surrounding views, distinct landscapes, and wilderness.

After the sightseeing, trekkers will be guided on the way back to Lukla. From there, the crew of Nepal Eco Adventure will accommodate you up to Tribhuvan Airport, before dropping you back at the hotel.

Note: If you don't want to participate in the Kathmandu day tour and want to say your choice of hotel, we have designed 10 days Gokyo valley trek.

Highlights of Gokyo Valley Trek

• An eagle-eye view of a series of mountain ranges and landscapes
• Serene glacial lakes, including Dudh Pokhari and Gokyo Lake
• Exploring the verdant valleys, sharp cliffs, and wild forests
• Taking a look inside into the rich culture, tradition, and lifestyle of people in the Himalayas
• Encounter a large species of wild animals and birds such as musk deer, Himalayan Tahr, and alpine cough
• Witness undulating landscapes with sheer glaciers, tall rock hills, and cliffside
• Explore the Tibetan Thame Monastery and sight Renjo La Pass

Altitude Chart

Best time for Gokyo Valley Trek

Although the Everest Gokyo Valley trek never runs out of season, the best time to visit it is mid-April or early October. The early spring and autumn put the best view for trekkers to enjoy along their journey to the valley. It brings them lovely weather with beautiful fall foliage and blooming flowers that look magical.

Spring Season

With the ideal temperature, several hours of sunlight, and major scenic spots, spring is the perfect time to visit Gokyo Valley. It offers a fabulous atmosphere to visitors with marvelous views that make the trek exciting.

Late March through April has moderate weather with an average temperature of -6.9 Degree Celsius. From May, the temperature starts rising, causing the day to be hot and wet. Hikers walking the trail at the end of the month will be sweating a lot while climbing the hills and valleys.

It’s a bit cold in early March in the Himalayas. With the temperature falling up to -11 Degree Celsius in the month, trekkers will have to brave freezing weather. But, by the end of the month, the surrounding atmosphere becomes nice with bright sunshine throughout the day. Trekkers can still expect cold air and fog in the morning.

Gokyo Valley shines through during spring with vivid color flowers, green terrains, and glistening white mountains. The weather is incredible during the season, with a light breeze and chills in and around the lake.

Following the clear sky, they can easily catch a glimpse of shimmering snow-capped mountains, including Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. They can also witness the most spectacular sights in Khumbu, the turquoise blue Gokyo Lake.

Autumn Season

Those who know the Himalayas know that the best time to climb the mountain or any other hike in Khumbu is Autumn. The season is as incredible as it can be with hot summer days, gentle wind, and overwhelming atmospheric conditions.

In the day, there’s enough sunlight for trekkers to sight glimmering mountain ranges and sheer glaciers. It makes the trail dry but not too much so that trekkers can easily climb up their way to the Gokyo Valley.

Mornings and nights are usually cold in Gokyo Valley, even during autumn. Fog and mist are looming around the mountains and above the lake, which obstructs the scene. It gets better as the sun reaches its height, making the day warm and cozy.

Autumn is a peak trekking season, so it remains a busy time for visitors. The temperature between mid-September and November ranges from 20 to -12 Degree Celsius. The early season of Autumn is warm, but it significantly cools as high winds start blowing.

The peak fall foliage with bright yellow, red, and orange leaves can be observed in October. You can enjoy the breathtaking view of crystal-clear mountains, sweeping landscapes, and steep glaciers that look amazing.

Winter & Monsoon

Winter and monsoon aren’t the best of times for Everest Gokyo Valley Trek. The weather is dry, harsh, and severely cold during this time of the year. Winter in the valley is frosty, with heavy snowfall and blizzards that cause trekkers to shiver.

The daytime temperature stays mild, but the weather in the morning makes trekkers suffer a lot. It witnesses the snow-covered trails, which is difficult to walk for any hiker. They often struggle to pass the Ngozumpa Glacier, which has thick layers of snow.

Trekkers need a high-insulated mountaineering boot with crampons to walk the snowy paths, which are often quiet with fewer visitors. In winter, the average temperature of Gokyo is -10.2 Degree Celsius. High winds usually cause whiteouts and make it impossible for them to find their way.

In winter, the best part of hiking Golyo Valley is the staggering view of frozen Gokyo Lake, icy sidewalks, and fascinating snow-washed valleys. Visitors in winter will get to watch the delightful snow-capped mountains, including Gokyo Ri, Makalu, and Lhotse.

Just like winter, the weather in the monsoon is inhospitable for travelers to trek Gokyo Valley. There’s continuous drizzle in the season, which makes the trail filthy and greasy. The season begins from June and lasts till September, which is why the early monsoons are hotter.

There’s high humidity in the air, with the temperature exceeding 40 Degree Celsius. There’re frequent rain showers which put the trek on halt and even cause delays. But, once the rain stops, trekkers will get a clear view of vibrant valleys, snow peaks, and icefalls.

Monsoon weather is infamously famous for its unpredictable weather. So, those who intend to do the trek in the season will have to plan the trip carefully. Or else, they should wait for the season to end as it doesn’t last long.

Preparation for Gokyo Valley Trek

Preparation for Everest Gokyo Valley Trek isn’t as intense as any other hike with immense technical difficulties. But, the trekkers will still have to invest a great deal of time in fitness training and exercise to stay in shape. It’ll help to improve their stamina and make it relatively easy to walk the trail.

However, keep the physical routine simple and don’t overdo it. Choose the exercise carefully or just follow the regular aerobic or cardiovascular exercise like jogging, brisk walking, and running to increase the physical endurance power.

Start with a short hike before bouncing into the long winding trails of Gokyo Valley. Keep the first hike near the home and then work your way through the unmarked trails, so you can easily deal with the mountainous terrains of Khumbu.

Apart from the physical exercise, you’ll also have to take care of your mental health and don’t let the stress shake your confidence. Get all the essentials required for the trek as it’ll help you beat the harsh weather and severe environmental conditions of the Khumbu region.

Stay hydrated, especially when climbing the trails at higher altitude sickness. It’ll help you prevent altitude sickness and any other emergency medical conditions. Consume at least 5 liters of water each day so that your body doesn’t lose fluid while walking an average of 6-7 hours each day for almost two weeks.

Equipment required for the Gokyo Valley Trek

Hiking Gokyo Valley is definitely unlike anything else. It’s not a simple walk with many difficulties and hindrances. Professionals or not, trekkers of Gokyo Valley will have to beat the steep trails with terminal moraine and glaciers, which is not easy.

However, those who make a preparation beforehand will have an easy time compared to novice hikers. Knowing what to bring and not to bring on the trek also helps a lot to ease the trek. Trekkers won’t have to bring unnecessary items and gear, causing them to minimize the load.

Carrying heavy luggage with random stuff and traveling the uneven path of Gokyo Valley is strenuous. So, you’ll have to be sure which equipment is best to handle the adverse weather and climate in the given season. The Following is the general list of equipment required for the 13-days Gokyo Valley Trek itinerary.

Clothing & Footwear

• Long-sleeve t-shirt and fleece pants
• At least three pairs of synthetic or woolen socks
• Waterproof or insulated jackets to prevent cold
• Heavy-weight pants for high elevation
• Lightweight trekking pants
• Sturdy mountaineering boots

Other Miscellaneous

• First-aid kit with prescribed medicine
• Reusable water bottle with water purifier
• Camera with extra batteries, chargers, and powerbank
• Personal toiletries and hand sanitizer
• Journals and pen
• Hiking poles

Why trek to the Gokyo Valley?

Gokyo Valley is one of the most trekked destinations in Nepal for its unparalleled and unreal beauty. The trek is adventurous, challenging, and wonderful, with splendid views, unique landscapes, friendly people, and famous historical landmarks. Here are some other reasons for which trekkers are so excited to hike Gokyo Valley.

1. Scenic View

The trek to Gokyo Valley may be arduous, but the reward is certainly worth all the disquiet and trouble. It offers the visitors a magnificent view of turquoise Gokyo Lake, fed by the melting glacier. Trekkers will also get to enjoy glimpses of towering snow-capped mountains, including Gokyo Ri, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Lhotse.

During fall and spring, they’ll find colorful autumnal leaves and beautiful rhododendron flowers throughout the forest. During the Gokyo Valley Trek, clear sky and dust-free air help snap the shot of steep-sided valleys, deep gorges, terminal moraine, and glaciers.

2. Moderate trekking trails

Although the trails of Gokyo Valley are long, unpaved, and bumpy, it isn’t as difficult as ascending the mountains. Except for the course moving through Ngozumpa Glacier, trekkers won’t have to face any extreme challenges.

They’re not required to learn technical skills like rope climbing, abseiling, or bouldering. Trekkers can simply follow routine exercise, which helps their bodies get in shape and stay healthy. They’ll have to make sure that the workout prepared is beneficial and helps in increasing the physical strength to beat the jagged trails.

3. Accommodation

Gokyo Valley Trek maybe a tea house trek, but there is still a wide range of accommodation options for trekkers. From standard hotels to guest houses on the budget and well-equipped lodges, they are free to choose either from the available ones.

Tea houses seem to be the ultimate choice of most trekkers as they are more affordable and convenient. The facilities offered by tea houses in Gokyo are standard. The facilities offered are basic but enough to sustain life.

They provide clean double bedrooms which have to be shared. Foods and drinks are delicious and cost almost a penny despite having to be transported. They’re available even at a higher altitude so, you don’t have to worry about running out of one.

Based on the Gokyo Valley Trek itinerary, you can choose anyone that’s suitable for you. However, make sure that whatever you choose, you do it in advance, or else you might go out of the dwelling.

4. Amicable locals

Another great thing about Gokyo Valley Trek is its friendly locals, which encourage trekkers to visit the valley more often. They make the guest feel at home by providing a warm and hospitable environment. People in the Khumbu Valley welcomes the guest with open arms and gives them all the needed facilities. Despite the language barrier, they try their best to have a conversation with the visitors and ensure they don’t feel left out.

Difficulties of Gokyo Valley Trek

1. Altitude Sickness

Altitude Sickness is probably the greatest fear of Gokyo Valley trekkers. It’s something hikers find incredibly difficult to avoid unless they have great physical stamina and endurance power. Acute mountain sickness in Gokyo Valley mostly occurs due to the high elevation gain and low atmospheric pressure.

Trekkers, particularly novices, are more likely to show symptoms of altitude sickness like headache, nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Shortness of breath while going to higher altitudes is one of the major difficulties faced by the hikers.

To prevent the sickness, trekkers must acclimatize well before exposure to higher elevation. They should trek the vertical slopes gently, keeping it calm and cool. Drinking lots of water and following the exercise also helps to minimize the effect of altitude sickness.

2. Weather and Temperature

The weather of Gokyo Valley is somewhat much harsher and unsympathetic than the Everest Base Camp. It’s ever-changing as the trekkers experience different atmospheric conditions while on a trip to the valley.

Winter weather is usually more rough and downright frigid with icy cold wind and snowstorms. Even the minimum temperature in winter is below -10 Degree Celsius with low humidity and perception. Trekkers can expect heavy snowfall and damp weather, which interrupts the trek.

The sun may shine on days during winter, but the mornings still remain frosty. It tends to get dark earlier in winter at Gokyo Valley while the sun rises late. This eventually creates trouble for hikers who have to cover a long distance in a day.

Monsoon weather also creates difficulties for hikers. It makes the trail murky with the continuous downpour and adverse weather conditions. When it doesn’t rain, the weather gets much drier and hotter.

3. Rough and uneven trails

Gokyo Valley has long and winding trails that never seem to end. It has the trekkers walking every day for almost two weeks, which is exhausting. They’ll have to cover a nerve-wracking total distance of 27 miles to reach the charming Gokyo Lake starting from Lukla.

They’ll have to pass several villages, cross suspension bridges and walk from the side of the valley. For most of the day, trekkers will have to navigate the rugged terrains with rocks and boulders, which takes a lot of time.

As the trails leading to Gokyo Valley are extremely demanding with continuous uphill, trekkers will have to up their physical fitness level. They’ll have to prepare for the trek at least a month in advance and strictly follow the fitness routine.

4. Frostbite

Hikers of Gokyo Valley are also likely to suffer from frostbite while crossing the Ngozumpa Glacier. Walking the snowy trail can freeze their skin, causing it to turn red and pale. Sudden exposure to the cold temperature for a longer period of time can see the hands and feet of trekkers go numb.

To avoid frostbite, trekkers of Gokyo Valley will have to wear warm clothes and wrap their hands. They must use high insulated clothes to walk the glacier so that the snow doesn’t enter inside and their feet stay warm.

5. Fatigue

Fatigue occurs when trekkers have to walk a long journey without proper rest. It results from extreme tiredness from physical and mental pressure. The lack of energy in the body makes trekkers weak to even walk the trail. Due to exhaustion, they feel drowsy all the time.

Fatigue among trekkers of Gokyo Valley occurs due to walking for the whole with heavy luggage on the trail. Thus, to avoid such circumstances, trekkers will have to have enough food and water. They’ll also have to keep doing the exercise to keep themselves fit and healthy.