Gokyo valley is located in the Khumbu region, northeastern Nepal, home of Mt. Everest (8,848.86 m). If we have to choose a trek in the Khumbu region apart from the Everest base camp, then the Gokyo valley trek is another great alternative. Moreover, the Gokyo valley trail is way less crowded & a bit is trodden. Beginners or experienced trekkers both can enjoy trekking to Gokyo Lakes (4,700 m–5,000 m). Also known as the Gokyo Lakes trek or Gokyo Ri trek, this is an adventurous venture in the Himalayas.
The major highlights of the Gokyo valley trek are the holy Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) viewpoint, Ngozumpa Glacier, and mesmerizing views of Mt. Cho Oyu (8,188 m) & Mt. Everest (8,848.86 m). Likewise, the verdant foothills, lovely villages, and the locals of the Khumbu region make trekking phenomenal. You will be traversing far away from the modern cities amidst tranquil river valleys and giant mountains. The Gokyo valley trekking offers some of the best mountain scenery.
Gokyo valley trek is a 14 days program. Many trekkers love to extend the trek to Everest base camp or combine Cho La or Renjo La passes in the itinerary. Do know that combining these places in the itinerary will make it much more challenging and demands previous trekking experience. In 14 days of Gokyo valley trek, you explore the wonders of Sagarmatha National Park. The trek begins from Lukla village (2,860 m), and to reach this place, you have to take the famous Kathmandu Lukla flight.
Views during the Gokyo valley trekking
You get to witness some of the highest mountains in the world during the trek. The trail, first of all, offers diverse landscapes. Every new village will give you a distinct scenery. At the start of the trek, you'll see views of Kongde Ri (6,187 m), Kantega (6,782 m), Thamserku (6,608 m), Chamlang (7,319 m), and Ama Dablam (6,812 m).
With the progress of the trail, taller mountains like Everest (8,848.86 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Nuptse (7,861 m), Island Peak (6,160 m), Pumori (7,161 m), Cholatse (6,440 m), Makalu (8,481 m), and Cho Oyu (8,188 m) begin to come into sight.
We have two acclimatization days in our Gokyo valley trek itinerary. The acclimatization hikes take you to viewpoints that make the mountain landscapes even more surreal. Likewise, waterfalls, streams, bridges, colorful flowers, stupas, chortens, etc enhance the beauty of the trail furthermore.
Spend nights in picturesque Sherpa villages and the ancient cultural heritage of the mountain people
During the Gokyo valley trek, we have night stops in some of the finest villages, surrounded by beautiful snow cliffs and green hills. We spend nights in villages like Phakding (2,610 m), Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), Dole (4,040 m), Machhermo(4,470 m), Gokyo (4,750 m), and Pangboche (3,985 m).
Apart from these, you will walk past numerous villages on the way. The villages are resided by several mountain communities like Sherpas, Lamas, Bhotiyas, Rais, Limbus, etc.
The 14-day Gokyo valley trek will allow you to see and experience the mountain lifestyle. Interact with the locals and understand their simple life mantras.
Gokyo Lake:
Gokyo lakes are the world's highest freshwater lake system, which ranges from 4,700 meters to 5,000 meters (15,400 ft to 16,400 ft). For locals, these lakes hold religious importance. There are a total of 19 Lakes, out of which six of them are considered the main lakes. Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari), Thonak Cho, Gyazumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, Ngojumba Cho, and Kyajumba Cho. Gokyo village is located at the shore of Dudh Pokhari. During Janai Purnima (in the month of August), pilgrims take a holy bath in the lake.
Pangboche Gompa:
Situated at 3,985 meters, Pangboche monastery is considered the oldest one in the Khumbu region. The monastery was established by Lama Sanga Dorje, the patron saint of Khumbu. The monastery holds relics of the saint. The monastery used to safeguard the Yeti scalp and hand until it got stolen. According to the local's beliefs, the old juniper trees have grown from the hair of the Lama.
Tengboche Monastery:
Tengboche monastery is located at 3,867 meters (12,687 ft). It is the biggest monastery in the Khumbu region, first built in 1916 by Lama Gulu. Later on, the monastery was rebuilt twice with the help of volunteers and international assistance. Surrounding the monastery, one can see breathtaking views of mountains like Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Taboche, Lhotse, and Thamserku.
Mani Rimdu Festival:
Mani Rimdu is one of the major festivals of the Sherpa people. The festival is celebrated during the tenth lunar month of the Tibetan calendar (in October-November). Because the festival falls in autumn, one of the peak trekking seasons, there is a high chance you can participate in it with locals if you adjust your trekking date. The festival lasts for 19 days and involves different ceremonies & meditation. Locals make a huge mandala with colorful sand, and all the ceremonies are held around it. 16 dance numbers, mask dance, fire rite, etc., are performed during the festival.
Dumje Festival:
Dumje festival is another big festival for Sherpas. The festival is celebrated in the month of May/June. The festival marks the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche on the lotus flower. The festival was first started around 360 years ago. It is a four-day celebration, and every year three local families provide food & drink for the entire village until the festival lasts. Dances and rituals are performed by the monks in the Tengboche, Pangboche & Khumjung monasteries.
Lhosar:
Lhosar is the Tibetan New Year, celebrated for three days. The festival brings together sacred practices, ceremonies, folk dances, partying, and hanging prayer flags. Sherpa community celebrates it during February/March as per their calendar. Also known as Gyalpo Lhosar, the locals decorate their homes and cook different delicacies.
Why trek with Nepal Nirvana Trails?
We, Nepal Nirvana Trails carry more than a decade-long experience in organizing treks, tours, and expeditions around the Himalayas. You will be trekking with a team of experts who will make the journey hassle-free for you and your loved ones. Likewise, our Gokyo valley trek cost is the best in the market.
You can expect a well-trained and experienced trekking guide and high-quality service from us. Plus, all of our trips are eco-friendly and highly contribute towards the betterment of the mountain communities.
Optional trekking packages
If you are intrigued by the alpine lakes, then you should definitely check out these trekking packages- Rara lake trek, Tilicho lake trek, Shey-Phoksundo lake trek, and Gosaikunda lake trek.
Here are some other famous trekking packages in Nepal; Everest base camp luxury trek, Annapurna base camp trek, Manaslu circuit trek, Langtang valley trek, Tamang heritage trek, etc.
Book Gokyo valley trek 2024/2025
We have opened our booking for the Gokyo valley trek 2024/2025 departure. You can join in either of the trekking seasons- spring or autumn as per your wish. Likewise, if you desire to customize the itinerary, let us know. You can contact us at info@nepalnirvanatrails.com or get in touch with us anytime at +977 9841380469.
