Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Summit Nepal Adventure will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Once you've settled in, you can relax or stroll around the vibrant Thamel area. In the evening, there will be a trek briefing where you’ll meet your guide and fellow trekkers and prepare for the adventure ahead.
The day begins with a scenic early morning flight to Lukla, one of the world’s most thrilling mountain airports. After meeting your porters and finalizing gear, you'll start trekking along the Dudh Koshi River, passing mani stones and picturesque Sherpa villages. A gentle hike through forests brings you to the peaceful village of Phakding, your first overnight stop in the Khumbu region.
Today’s trail follows the Dudh Koshi River and crosses several suspension bridges draped in prayer flags. You’ll pass through Benkar and Monjo before entering Sagarmatha National Park. After Jorsale, a challenging climb awaits, but the reward is sweet—your arrival in Namche Bazaar, the vibrant Sherpa capital nestled into a natural amphitheater surrounded by Himalayan peaks.
To help your body adjust to the altitude, today is set aside for acclimatization. A short hike to the Everest View Hotel offers breathtaking panoramas of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. You’ll also have time to visit the Sherpa Culture Museum or explore the lively market streets of Namche. It's a day of both rest and light exploration.
Leaving Namche, you’ll climb up toward Mong La with incredible views of Thamserku and Kangtega. The trail then descends briefly before climbing again through rhododendron and juniper forests. As you leave the treeline, the landscape becomes more alpine. You’ll arrive in the quiet, less-trodden village of Dole, offering a tranquil escape and stunning mountain backdrops.
Today's trail ascends steadily through open valleys, with occasional sightings of Himalayan wildlife like musk deer and pheasants. Passing through Lhabarma and Luza, you’ll continue to Machhermo, where you’ll have beautiful views of Cho Oyu in the distance. This village also has a small medical post that provides altitude awareness for trekkers, making it a wise spot to rest.
Today is a visual highlight as you approach the shimmering Gokyo Lakes. The trail climbs along a moraine ridge with ever-widening vistas. Upon crossing the Ngozumpa Glacier, you'll reach the first of several turquoise glacial lakes. The village of Gokyo sits beside the third lake, Dudh Pokhari, surrounded by dramatic snowy peaks. It’s a surreal setting at high altitude.
Wake up early for the optional but highly recommended climb to Gokyo Ri. The ascent is steep but rewarding, offering one of the most jaw-dropping panoramas in the entire Himalaya. From the summit, you can see four of the world’s highest peaks—Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu—as well as the sprawling Ngozumpa Glacier below. Return to Gokyo for breakfast and spend the rest of the day relaxing.
After the high of Gokyo Ri, the trek begins its descent. Retrace your steps along the scenic ridges and quiet pastures back to Dole. The walk feels gentler now, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take in the changing light and color of the landscapes you previously passed through.
Descending further, the trail passes through familiar villages and forested paths. After reaching the Mong La pass and enjoying final views of the upper valleys, you’ll make your way back to the lively streets of Namche Bazaar. This is a great night to unwind, indulge in a bakery treat, or shop for souvenirs.
The final trekking day winds down through pine forests, Sherpa villages, and over the Dudh Koshi River one last time. It’s a nostalgic walk, filled with reflections of the journey. Arriving in Lukla, you’ll celebrate the completion of your trek with your guides and porters before resting for your early flight the next morning.
After breakfast, you’ll catch a scenic morning flight back to Kathmandu. Once back in the city, a driver will transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours—relax, enjoy a hot shower, or explore more of Kathmandu’s cultural gems or restaurants.
Depending on your travel plans, you’ll either be transferred to the airport for your international departure or enjoy an extra day in Kathmandu. Summit Nepal Adventure can help you arrange a day trip to Bhaktapur, Patan, or even a cooking class if you want to make the most of your final day in Nepal.
The Gokyo Valley Trek is a scenic and less-crowded alternative to the classic Everest Base Camp trek, offering spectacular views of glacial lakes, Himalayan giants, and the Ngozumpa Glacier—the largest glacier in Nepal. The highlight of the trek is the climb to Gokyo Ri (5,357m), which offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the region, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Unlike the Everest Base Camp route, this trek explores the peaceful Gokyo Lakes region, giving trekkers a quieter, more serene experience with deep cultural and natural immersion.
The standard Gokyo Valley Trek organized by Summit Nepal Adventure takes around 12 to 14 days, depending on your pace and desired acclimatization time. The journey begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, followed by trekking through Phakding, Namche Bazaar, and Dole, before reaching Machhermo and finally Gokyo village. A key highlight is the early morning hike to Gokyo Ri, offering sunrise views over Everest and surrounding peaks. After exploring the high alpine lakes and glacier areas, the trek loops back down to Lukla for your return flight.
The ideal time to do the Gokyo Valley Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to early December) seasons. These times offer the best combination of stable weather, clear skies, and favorable temperatures. Spring adds a splash of color to the trail with blooming rhododendrons, while autumn offers crisp mountain views and a festive atmosphere in local villages. Winter treks are possible but come with extremely cold conditions and potential snow closures at higher elevations.
The Gokyo Valley Trek is considered moderately challenging, making it suitable for both experienced trekkers and fit beginners. The trail includes daily hikes of 5–7 hours with gradual altitude gains. The main physical challenge is the altitude, especially around Gokyo village and Gokyo Ri. Summit Nepal Adventure ensures a slow and steady pace, with built-in rest days for acclimatization to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
Accommodation during the trek is provided in locally run teahouses, which offer simple but cozy rooms with twin beds and shared bathrooms. The teahouses are warm and welcoming, especially in popular stops like Namche and Gokyo. Meals are prepared fresh and include traditional dal bhat, soups, noodles, pasta, pancakes, and Tibetan-style breads. Our team ensures that all food is hygienic and suitable for high-energy trekking days. Hot drinks and purified water are also available along the way.
Yes, due to the elevation (with Gokyo Ri reaching over 5,300 meters), altitude sickness is a possible risk. That’s why Summit Nepal Adventure includes acclimatization days, particularly in Namche Bazaar and Machhermo, to give your body time to adjust. Our guides are trained in AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) prevention and management, and our itinerary is carefully designed to reduce risk. We encourage you to stay hydrated, ascend gradually, and speak up if any symptoms occur.
To trek in the Gokyo Valley, you’ll need a Sagarmatha National Park Permit and a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. Summit Nepal Adventure handles all permit arrangements on your behalf. Simply bring a valid passport and a couple of passport-sized photos, and we’ll take care of the rest.
No previous trekking experience is required, but being in good physical shape is important. We recommend starting a light training routine a few weeks before your trip—focusing on cardio, leg strength, and endurance exercises like walking or hiking. The trek is manageable for anyone with a decent fitness level and strong determination. Prior experience with altitude is a bonus, but not necessary.
Essential items include a warm down jacket, layered clothing, comfortable trekking boots, a sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures, sunglasses, a hat, gloves, sunscreen, and a headlamp. Summit Nepal Adventure provides a detailed packing checklist upon booking. You’ll also have the option to hire a porter, allowing you to carry just a daypack with water, snacks, and personal essentials.
Yes, your safety is our highest priority. Summit Nepal Adventure employs experienced, certified guides who are knowledgeable about high-altitude safety and local terrain. We keep in constant communication with our teams, and all guides carry first-aid kits and emergency contact equipment. In the unlikely event of an emergency, we have evacuation protocols in place and can arrange helicopter rescue if necessary. Travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking is strongly recommended.
Booking is easy! You can reserve your Gokyo Valley Trek by visiting our official website or contacting us directly via email or phone. A small deposit secures your spot, and we’ll guide you through the rest of the preparation process—from itinerary planning to gear recommendations. Our team is always available to customize your experience based on your schedule, fitness level, or travel preferences.
