Gokyo Valley Trekking

Gokyo valley trekking is a mostly desired and moderately challenging trekking route in Everest region that takes you to the pleasing Gokyo valley, situated at the foot of amazing Gokyo Ri and the Gokyo Lakes. This trek offers stunning sight of some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mt. Everest. Similarly, it involves trekking rugged terrain, high altitude, and some steep ascents and descents, a world heritage site, Buddhist monasteries, besides the glorious grimace one can get glimpses of the livelihood of the Sherpa known for the world- famous mountain climbers.

Gokyo valley trek is another great option for those who are heading to Everest Base Camp and willing to trek in the less crowded hiking trails in the Everest region leading to Everest base camp. Gokyo lakes are the major attraction of this trail which is known as the world’s highest fresh water lake system comprising six lakes (Gokyo Cho, Thonak Cho, Gyazumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, Ngojumba Cho, and Kyajumba cho). 

The lakes are considered scared by both Hindus and Buddhists. About number of Hindus take a holy bath in the lakes during the festival of Janai Purnima, which usually falls on Augusts. Similarly, numerous tourists also visit the Gokyo lakes annually to enjoy heavenly moment and explore this natural land. The site is worshipped as the residing place of snake God and temple of Hindu deities Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva can be explore at the western corner of the lakes. The strong faith on “no harm” to birds in the lake provides shelter to wetland birds. This trek will certainly provide you thrills, adventure and memories that will last a lifetime.

Permits for Gokyo Valley Trekking

Like other treks in the Everest region, Gokyo valley trek also need two different permits which can only be obtained through a registered trekking agency in Nepal. 

1 The sagarmatha National park permit

2 TIMS Cards

Travel Insurance 

Any trek in Nepal, including the Gokyo valley Trek, needs travel insurance. The trek includes high-altitude trekking, which may be physically challenging and dangerous. Travel insurance can cover you financially in the event of an accident, a medical emergency, a flight cancellation or delay, or lost or stolen luggage. 

When buying travel insurance for this trek, ensure that it covers high- altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation, as these can be expansive without insurance. Depending on your plan, you can also obtain additional coverage of activities like hiking, mountaineering and adventure sports.

Guide and Porter

It’s always suggested to trek with a knowledgeable experienced licensed guide or join a trekking agency to assure safety and utilize your time in a best way. Moreover, according to Nepal tourism board all the trekkers are required to gain services of licensed trekking guide and to acquire (TIMS Cards) through authorized trekking agencies with the government of Nepal.

Significantly, Nepal Holiday Treks and Tours Pvt. Ltd. is a reliable and reputable company registered with the government of Nepal that can provide you helpful, friendly, English speaking with technically competent government authorized license holding guide and porter with their insurance. As they are highly experienced trekking guide prompt in safety performance and always carry essential safety equipments, first aid kids and gear.  

The ideal season for visiting Gokyo

Trekking to the gokyo valley is advantageous in every season but the best time allows you best experience till the end. However, the different season will offer you with different heavenly moments and memories for lifetime.

Autum Season (September- November)

The autum months are the time of the harvesting season with the hours of daylight and the hours of night are the same. The temperatures are mild, the weather is relatively unchanged, the clear skies provide astonishing mountain views, and the day time walking temperature are also the most pleasant overall. However, the high mountains are still cold and lower elevations are warm. Along the trail, you will witness yellow, orange, red, and brown leaves on the trees.

Spring Season (March- May)

It is the pre- monsoon period when nature regenerates its lost beauty. You can explore a wide variety of flowers blooming making colorful hills such as magnolia, Nepalese national flower Rhododendron and other variety of wildflowers in various part of the country. 

Spring is the advantageous season to tackle treks with high passes. The temperature of surrounding begins to rise allowing stronger sunlight and the days grow longer.

Summer (June- August)

In the context of Nepal, monsoon and summer season are combined. It is blazing hot for the first few weeks and begins to rain by the mid of the season. So, due to the continuous rain showers, the paths are slippery and muddy. Summer is best for adventure seekers and nature lovers. It is a time where wildflowers are in full bloom and the foothills are lush.

Winter (December- February)

Winter is the months for snow fall, icy- cold season of the year, but the lower region trek is entirely enjoyable at this time. 

Altitude Sickness

Generally altitude sickness occurs when you travel to a high altitude too quickly. Headache, nausea, tiredness etc are the symptoms occur when your body tries to adjust to the lower air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. When it comes to this illness, one should be pro-active and notify the guide as soon as possible.

Fitness/ Experience

Physical fitness level, health, and medical required for Gokyo valley trekking. The trekking trail is a challenging and adventurous. You will be regularly hiking for around 5 to 6 hours on average depending on the destination. So, this trek is not recommended for trekkers who are suffering from chronic ailments or have heart or lung diseases. It is better to avoid this trip.

However, all the trekkers having an average level of fitness can easily complete this trek. If you have any kind of previous trekking experience or regular exercise it will be an added advantage but not compulsory.

Foods and lodging

The accommodation in the mountains and remote villages are generally modest and basic. The room, shower and rest rooms are available in a twin- shared basis. The mountain teahouse provides rooms with just a bed, pillow, and blankets but the view is spectacular from the rooms. The standard lodge has two single bedrooms with mattresses, pillow, warm blankets, attached bathrooms and hot water. 

Teashops and lodges usually provide plentiful and delicious foods which suits the preferences of various trekkers such as Nepali foods, Indian, Italian, Tibetan and Continental food. All the foods will be cooked by the local cook by using local vegetables so the taste would be very local. During the trek, we will ensure accommodate you to the best available tea houses with great views, sceneries, and serve with organic, healthy and hygienic foods.