> The alternative to the Everest Base Camp Tek
> Visit the 5 sacred lakes
> Less crowded trails
Gokyo Valley Trek is a fine alternative to the Everest Base Camp Trek which climbs the valley to the west of Everest to the village of Gokyo and five sacred lakes on the moraine beside the Ngozumpa Glacier. This two week spectacular climb almost as high as the Everest Base Camp Trek offers similarly jaw dropping Everest views, but the trails are less crowded and quieter with traditional Sherpa villages serving local meals to legions of hungry trekkers. The trail follows the Dudhkoshi River to its source – a series of emerald green lakes. Gokyo is a Sherpa village that lies besides the largest of these lakes. From Gokyo we climb to Gokyo Ri (5360m) for a heart stopping view over Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Makalu, Cholatse and Taboche.
As Everest Base Camp Trek has Kala Patthar at an elevation of 5545m , Gokyo Valley Trek has Gokyo Ri at an elevation of 5360m on the north side of Dudh Pokhari which is an epic vantage point , offering the kind of view over Everest that is normally reserved for balloonists or mountaineers.
In this trek as well, we fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and start our trek onwards to Namche Bazaar (3,440m), the trading center of Khumbu Region. We take a days rest for acclimatization in Namche. From Namche Bazaar, 3 days trek will take us to Gokyo, where we take another day of rest for acclimatization and exploring around. The next day we climb Gokyo Ri (5360m) for the superb views of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse and Taboche, with the Ngozumpa Glacier cutting across in front like a massive tear in the landscape. We then walk downhill to Gokyo (4750m).
The Gokyo Valley Trek is specially designed for those who prefer a less crowded trail with only basic lodge facilities and in this trail one will miss out most of the famous monasteries of Khumbu region.
If needed, your transfers from and to the airport are included.
All necessary transfers (bus, taxi, flights, etc.) as described in the programme are included.
During the trek, we stay in lodges or teahouses. These are simple in nature, but fully equipped. Do not expect too much luxury.
One porter per two trekkers. This way you don’t have to carry your complete equipment yourself. The guide speaks English.
The total amount covers not only your own basics, but also those of your guide and porter. No unpleasant surprises.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are prepared during the trek. The meals are basic, but will give you enough energy for your appetite. Fruit is also available after each meal.
Coffee and tea are also organized by the trekking company. Every morning fresh coffee and tea are made. There are scheduled breaks to enjoy this.
The total amount includes costs for the permits needed for the Gokyo Valley Trek. This also applies to the TIMS Card, to the Trekkers Information Management System.
In order to pull in the Himalayas as prepared as possible, it is important to bring a good down jacket and sleeping bag. These are provided by your trekking company.
We also have a cap, t-shirt, and a roadmap for you. Not only are they ideal for trekking, but they are also beautiful souvenirs.
If your group is larger than 6 people, we will take an extra assistant guide with you to support you.
The guides carry an altitude sickness kit to monitor your pulse rate, oxygen saturation, and heart rate twice a day (very useful for monitoring the symptoms of altitude sickness (AMS) at altitude).
The trekking begins and ends with an exciting flight. The cost of flights to and from Lukla is included in the price and will be booked with your trekking company.
Your trekking company will not take responsibility for the travel visa for Nepal. This should be organized by yourself. Contact your local Nepalese embassy for the latest visa information.
The total amount is also exclusive of flights to and from Nepal. To get an idea of which airlines are flying on Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), have a look at the website.
Before and after the trek you have to take care of your own accommodation.
All personal expenses such as drinks at the bar, washing and other similar expenses are for your own account.
Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. It is important that your travel insurance also covers adventures at a high altitude. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before you travel to Nepal.
Tips for guides and porters are exclusive. 10% of the total amount is an excellent target price, but the final amount is up to you.
Certain luxuries such as desserts, a hot shower, hot running water, bottles of mineral water and Wi-Fi should be missed during a typical trek in the Himalayas. The water we encounter along the way is drinkable and is heated or boiled by us.