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The Everest region in all its splendour offers many exciting trekking options. Not everyone has the desire to follow the well worn trail to get up close to Mount Everest. Some people choose less trodden routes to get deeper into a the beating heart of the Solu Khumbu Region. The Gokyo Valley Trek is just that, remote, removed and very rewarding. A beautiful exploration of the glacial lakes of The Gokyo Valley combined with mountain vistas to die for.
A Himalayan adventure that provides you with a challenging hike and some fantastic mountain views a lot of the way. The five pristine lakes of Gokyo never fail to cast a mystical charm where trekkers soon forget all the hard effort they have put in to reach them.You do need to be fit to get the most from this journey as it is pretty hard going at times.
Although the lakes and the mountain views are the focused attractions, the hike itself is also very rewarding. Traversing the Dhud Kosi River valley as we go with its surrounding greenery is truly an enjoyable experience. A trek that provides wonderful Sherpa villages to stay in overnight inhabited with wonderful mountain people.The view of the mountains from Gokyo Ri is breathtaking. Mt. Everest, the massive Ngozumpa Glacier and the whole of Khumbu Himalayan Range including Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Makalu (8481m), Mt. Cho-Oyu (8153m) and Mt. Gychung Kang (7922m) caps off a great ten days on the trail.
Please note:
Lukla Flights at present are departing and returning to Ramechhap (instead of Kathmandu due to ongoing upgrades at Kathmandu Airport which are due to finish on the 30 November). It is around a 4 hour drive to Ramechhap from Kathmandu so we need to be ready for the drive to the airport around 2 am. The return drive at the end of the trek is between 4 and 6 hours depending on traffic.
Delays with Lukla flights:
These can happen any time of year, but are especially likely around monsoon season (late May to early Sept.). If your flight is delayed Himalaya Heart will reschedule you on the next possible flight. As conditions can change rapidly this may be very soon after your scheduled departure, or on very rare occasions be as much as a few days later – it is very difficult to predict. This can be pretty frustrating, but is simply part of the journey to the Everest region. We strongly recommend you add at least a day or two to the end of your trip if you have an international connecting flight to give yourself some flexibility in the case of any delays.
- Beautiful scenic Flight to Lukla
- Explore Sherpa museum in Namche Bazaar
- Amazing Gokyo Lakes exploration
- Breathtaking mountain views from Gokyo Ri
- Enjoy serene and pristine nature along the trail
- Indulge in the joy of peaceful surroundings
A Himalaya Heart representative will be at the airport to welcome you and take you to the hotel. After you have settled you will meet your tour guide for a briefing on the tour.This is an ideal opportunity to ask any questions you may have. If we need to complete any details we can do this today or alternatively at our office after sightseeing on day 2.
Overnight Hotel.
Today, after breakfast a full day sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley is scheduled. You will visit the centers of pilgrimage Pashupatinath Temple and Swyambhunath along with ancient and enlisted UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Largest Buddhist Stupa in Asia at Boudhnath and witness the fine arts and historical architecture of Kathmandu Durbar Square . Evening is free to explore the local areas, gullies, and lifestyle.
Overnight Hotel.
In the early morning we take the spectacular flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2827m), flying parallel to the Himalayan giants bordering Nepal and Tibet. Flight time is about 40 minutes to the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpas in the mid-1960s. After landing we will have time to explore the village while the Sherpa crew sort and load the trekking equipment. In the afternoon, we begin the trek by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River, where we join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, just above Chaunrikharka (2713m). The walking is easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat (2550m), it is a short walk to Phakding. Overnight Lodge.
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From Phakding, the trail follows the Dudh Koshi Valley northwards, meandering through the beautiful pines, crossing the river twice by small suspension bridges before reaching the village of Monjo, the entrance gate to Sagarmatha National Park. From here we begin with a slight climb to Jhorsalle, the trail passes waterfalls and villages are interspersed with magnificent forests of Rhododendron, Magnolia, and fir. Along the way to we are rewarded with our first glimpse of Kusum Kanguru (6369m) Thamserku (6608m), Everest (8848m), and Nuptse (7879 m). A steep climb up to the beautiful village of Namche Bazaar (3440m) afford us further spectacular views and this bustling trading post is a comfortable place to spend the second night of the trek. Overnight Lodge.
As we are going to be at over 5000 metrs in a few days we need to spend a day here allowing our systems to get used to the higher altitude. Set in a beautiful natural amphitheater, Namche Bazaar is one of the most attractive settlements in the Khumbu region. This is a good opportunity to make short acclimatization treks.One is the hike up to Khumjung, a lovely Sherpa village above Namche visit The Everest View Hotel from where there are wonderful panoramic views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Tawche, and Kwangde . Then back down to soak up the atmosphere Namche provides. Overnight Lodge
The walk from today onward leaves the Everest Base Camp trekking trail and heads towards the Gokyo valley.Our destination today is Dole.It is a peaceful trail with some good views along the way with nature and mountains to soak up as we go.Trekkers are few here allowing you to fully appreciate the wilderness.Dole is a small settlement set within beautiful surroundings.Great views of Cho Oyu, one of the 8,000-meter peaks and the world’s 5th highest at 26,864 feet. We have an opportunity to hike higher and back to help with acclimatisation. Overnight Lodge.
The route to Machhermo today is fairly short and straightforward. It is basically a gentle climb that gains a net 1,200 feet; a half day of walking that allows for a little rest and acclimatisation.The village sits in a little cove,with a beautiful mountains rising just above it. Machermo is essentially a summer farming and pasture village for the Sherpas, remade now as a trekking stop through the season.
From Macchermo, the trail leads us up to a scenic ridge,from here there is a majestic view of Kangtega.The valley is narrow to begin with before widening out as we make are way up it. We reach Pangkha before a descent down to the riverbank of Dudh Kosi.
From here it is a stiff climb to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. We get our first view of the first Gokyo lake. Ahead, there are some amazing pastoral landscapes with small summer houses of the shepherds dotted along the way.Gokyo appears at last,a beautiful small village situated on the shore Gokyo’s third lake, Dudh Pokhari. From the hill close to Gokyo village, Ngozumpa glacier is visible. The hill is the most beautiful viewpoint of Ngozumpa glacier. Overnight Lodge.
This is a special day a hike to Gokyo Ri (5,360m). We start walking towards the base of Gokyo Ri after breakfast the only kind of trekking peak in Khumbu region.It takes around three hours of steady push. Once at the top there are some superb views of Mt. Everest, the massive Ngozumpa Glacier and the whole of Khumbu Himalayan Range including Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nutse, Mt. Makalu (8481m), Mt. Cho-Oyu (8153m) and Mt. Gychung Kang (7922m). If there is enough time, we can take a walk around Gokyo Lake before heading back to our lodge. Overnight Lodge.
Today the trek back to Dole is an easy downhill walk along the Dudh Koshi River.The river itself is formed out of the Ngozumpa Glacier. We pass by the second and then the first of the Gokyo Lakes and continue our trek as we descend to Pangka (4390m).There is a beautiful view of Cholaste (6335m) and Tabuche (6495m) peaks that rear up to the right of us. The trail goes below Pangka, and across a level terrace on a slope before a climb to a rib where there is a chorten on the far side of the hill side. Upon reaching the Chorten at the edge, we have great views of Thamserku, Cho Oyu, and Kangtega . We then have an easy walk down to the sprawling village of Machhermo. Again, through the charming settlement of Luza and Lhabarma to finally reach Dole (4090m). Overnight Lodge.
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m). Walking hours 6 -7 hours
We set out fairly early today after breakfast. It is a harder day than the easy one of yesterday as we head towards Namche Bazaar. We start by following the DudhKoshi river upstream, crossing it five times over suspension bridges.We trek on past a series of mani walls and stupas, before arriving at the village of Banker.Here we get a first glimpse our first snow mountain Thamserku (6608m).We continue to the village of Manjo where we reach the office of Sagarmartha National Park where our trekking permits are checked. We continue on through a beautiful forest rich in animal and Bird life to Jorsale where we take lunch.After lunch be prepared for a three hour ascent to reach Namche.Good lodges good food and time to catch up on things in what is a fascinating trading center in the Khumbu region. Overnight Lodge.
Our last day on the trail as we head back to Lukla for the flight the following day.We begin with a descent to Larja dobhan where two river meettwo rivers through the pine forests.We cross the bridge at Larja Dobhan where the trail descends for while before a walk along the Dudh Koshi River. We need to re-cross the Dudh Koshi and then continue on the level to Jorsale. We continue on an up and down route crossing the river before a short steep climb to Monjo (2835m). From Monjo the trail descends for a while back ove the Dudh Kosi over the suspension bridge then a short easy level walk to Benkar. There is a lot of the same before reaching Phakding.The rest of the day is similar as we pass through samall settlements on the way to Lukla.Time to celebrate with our trekking crew. Overnight Lodge.
Time to leave this wonderful part of the world,at least for the time being.In the morning we take an early flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu you will be transfered to the hotel. The afternoon is free and in the evening we often arrange a farewell meal. Overnight Hotel.
Today its time to move on we hope you have had a great time with us and we would like to meet again in the future. If you are flying today.we will drop you at the airport as per your flight schedule or assist you with any other move.
Trip Includes
- Pick up & drop off on your arrival and departure
- Two nights Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast on twin sharing basis
- A professional trekking Guide
- Necessary number of porters (one porter in between two people]
- Trekking Entry permit
- TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System)
- Flight to Lukla and back to Kathmandu
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner during trek
- Simple guesthouse accommodation during the trek
- Road transportation
- Insurance for guide & porter that includes their emergency rescue
- Necessary equipment for guide & porter
- Emergency rescue arrangement (Makes sure your insurance will cover it)
- First aid kits
Trip Excludes
- Tips
- Meals in Kathmandu
- Hotel for more than two nights in Kathmandu
- Alcohol and any drinks on trek (including bottled water)
- Hot shower and washing
- All expenses of a personal nature e.g. toilet paper, medicines, confectionery etc
- Nepal entry visa fee
No. You should not drink the water from the tap or streams on most treks mineral water is available on the trail. It is expensive to buy not to say damaging to the envireonment also (perhaps 10 times more than in Kathmandu). You can use a water purifier or SteriPen.
Elevation on treks that exceed 3,500m. The possibilities of getting altitude sickness generally start at this elevation. But in order to avoid this as much as possible,Himalaya Heart have designed our itineraries to minimise any risk
There is no knowing who will suffer from altitude sickness. It does not follow that the younger and fitter people will not get altitude sickness where the older and less fit will. It is not related to (general) fitness or age. Talk to your doctor at home. There are prescription medications which help avoid the onset of altitude sickness. But above all, go slowly, listen to your body, be aware of any changes, and listen to your guide if he feels you are showing symptoms (which you might not notice).
We will collect your travel insurance policies and details before the trek which must include an evacuation clause. In case of an emergency Himalaya Heart will initially fund the rescue and coordinate with your insurance company and the helicopter providers for evacuation.It is essential that your insurance covers this risk.
On every trek Himalaya Heart carry a first aid kit. We also recommend you carry your own.
Yes. Himalaya Heart only provides insurance for our own staff. We recommend you buy insurance in your country. Note: Insurance must cover you for the altitudes you are trekking at (not all do).
Yes, bring your own or you can rent it or buy it in Kathmandu. Renting a sleeping bag in Kathmandu will cost you $1 or $2 per day. To buy a new sleeping bag in Kathmandu expect to pay around $150 to $200 for a good quality one.
No. The trails are well marked . Unless you go in mid-winter you will not need crampons. Instead of crampons, carry micro spikes which are not technical, lightweight to carry, cheaper and fit any shoe size.
If you forget something it probably won’t be difficult to find here. There are many trekking and adventure shops in Kathmandu. Please enquire if you would like us to send you a comprehensive checklist for (general) trekking in Nepal. If you are not a frequent hiker, you can rent most of the trekking gear in Nepal when you arrive.
In general No unless you have booked on a more remote trek. There are guesthouses along the trek with beds and mattresses. If you are joining a camp group Himalaya Heart provides the essential gear.
Anything you don’t want to take on the trek with you can be stored at your hotel or in the Himalaya Heart office in Thamel. We suggest you ensure your bag is lockable.
Himalaya Heart use our own experienced local guides. On each trek our guides have been to the relevant areas numerous times. All of our guides are authorized licensed guides with the Government of Nepal and have udergone mountain first aid training.
It is preferable. If you use a porter it has double benefit: you can fully enjoy your trek without carrying a heavy bag, and its improves the income of the local community.
On average a porter carries 22kg including their own backpack. So, they can carry up to 18kg of your gear and equipment. We provide backpacks for porters.
Yes. Himalaya Heart make sure all our staff are well insured.
When’s the best time to visit Nepal?
The main seasons for trekking are the spring (Mar to May) and autumn (Sep to Nov) when you’ll have clear skies and superb mountain views. The winter (Dec to Feb) is also a great time to visit— these months offer a unique experience and fewer crowds but lower altitude treks are better at this time of year as its cold at night.
What is it like during the monsoon season?
(Jun to Aug), Most of Nepal experiences heavy rain for a few hours each day. It’s humid, wet, and the trails in the lower regions (Ghorepani, Ghandruk, Langtang, etc) can be quite muddy. If you don’t mind the rain you’ll have the trails to yourself, the skies often clear up in the morning, and certain treks offer stone-paved trails that drain the rain and make for easy trekking. Also, certain regions, like Mustang and the upper reaches of Everest, lie in the rainshadow of the Himalaya and receive little rain but views however are still likely to be restricted.
Is Wi Fi available on treks:
The main trekking regions of Everest / Annapurna / Langtang have Wi Fi facilities on the major trekking routes. There will be times when trekking in remote areas when it is not available.
What is Altitude Sickness?
Many sites on Google speak about 2.500 meters as when problems may arise. In our experience this is misleading you may feel a slight headache but rarely anything more that a painkiller won’t relieve. If we are talking about the possibility of contracting a more severe form of altitude sickness it is likely to occur over 4.000 meters and once again rare and easily resolved by descending to a lower altitude. Altitude sickness describes several symptoms that happen to your body when you’re exposed to a higher elevation within a short period of time. When people are traveling or either climbing to a higher elevation quickly. The higher you climb, the lower the air pressure and oxygen levels get. Our bodies can handle the shift, but they need time to gradually adjust. Himalaya Heart carefully designs treks to minimise any risk.Having said that genrally people will experience the following to a lesser or higher degree.
Lack of appetite/ nausea /Fatigue/ Shortness of breath
Money and payment in Nepal:
Payment in hotels, trekking/travel agencies, and airlines are made in foreign exchange. Most of the International Cards including Visa Card, Master Card, JCB, Maestro, Americal Express etc. are widely accepted by hotels, restaurants and leading travel/trekking agents. The receipts may be needed to change left-over Nepalese Rupees into hard currency before leaving the country. However, only 10 percent of the total amount may be converted by the bank. ATM and Debit cards are widely in use in major cities of Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini and others.
Nepalese Rupees are found in denominations of 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. One rupee equals 100 paisa. The rate regularly fluctuates and is fixed and published by Nepal Rastra Bank every other day.
What’s the difference between private and group tours?
Private tours are tailor-made itineraries built by us around your travel dates and personal interests, whereas group trips are pre-packaged and depart on specific dates. Group trips are also open for others to join, whereas private trips are just for you. You will find a list of fixed departure dates on our website.
How do I get my visa for Nepal?
For most nationalities visa can be obtained on arrival in Kathmandu. It takes around 45 minutes and is the most convenient way to get your visa you will need passport size photos.. You can also apply for a visa in advance from a local Nepali consulate in your country if you’d like to have everything arranged in advance. Cost15 Days – 25 USD / 30 Days – 40 USD / 90 Days – 100 USD
How much luggage can I take on domestic flights?
For mountain flights, you’re allowed 5 kg. carry-on to the plane and 10 kg. for checked-in luggage. For non-mountain sector flights, the check-in allowance increases to 20-25 kg.
Are hotels included in the tour price?
Himalaya Heart organise complete tours, meaning everything is taken care of from the moment you arrive in Nepal to the moment you leave, including all of your accommodation in a three star Hotel. If you require better accommodation please let us know and we can arrange this and adjust the tour cost accordingly. Each of our tour pages shows clearly what is and what is not included in the tour price.
Are there any extra expenses not included in my tour price?
Personal expenses (tips, soft drinks, bar bills, laundry, telephone calls, donations, and extra snacks, etc) are not included in your tour price. When checking a particular trek page on our website we have clearly stated what is and what is not included. If you’re going trekking, the only things you’ll need to pay for out of pocket are wifi and battery charging (when available), extra meals outside of what’s included, alcohol, and soft drinks and perhaps hot showers.
