13 Day Gokyo Lake & Gokyo Ri
Gaze at the mountains of Everest as we trek though sleepy mountain villages, ancient landscapes and delve into the local culture and food in the beautiful Gokyo Region.
We'll visit all the best attractions; Kathmandu, Gokyo Region, Namche Bazaar, Phortse and Machhermo. All the while, trekking in your own private group, sleeping in qaint teahouse lodges, gazing at the Himalayas and creating some amazing memories and new friends.
- Guaranteed Departures
- Trek to the incredible Gokyo Region
- Spectacular Mount Everest Views
- Explore Sherpa villages
- All Transport
- Experienced/Knowledgable guide
- Teahouse Lodging
- Trekking Porters Available
- Trekking Support Staff
- Vegetarians OK
- Small group experience
- Taxes & Permits
- Trip length:
- 13 Days
- Group size:
- Max 12
- Start:
- Kathmandu
- End:
- Kathmandu
- Vehicle:
- Plane, private vehicle
- Sleep:
- Hotels, Teahouse Lodges
- Physical Demand:
- Comfortlevel:
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1320m).
Welcome to Nepal. Here our representative will meet you with a name card as you leave the airport. You will be welcomed by receiving a garland (floral wreath) around your neck, this means welcome to Nepal. You will then be driven to your hotel by car. Here you can have a rest and enjoy the day around Thamelthe tourist center of Kathmandu.
Day 02 – Flight to Lukla/ Start Trek to Phakding (2650 m) about 3 hours.
Early morning your guide will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the Domestic airport. Your flight this morning will be to Lukla (2827m), an exciting and scenic flight. The flight runs parallel to the Himalayan giants bordering Nepal and Tibet. Flight time is about 40 minutes and we land at an airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpa’s in the mid-1960s. After an exciting landing you will meet with your porters who will carry your equipment during the trek. We explore the village before hitting the trail. The trek starts with a descent towards the DudhKosi River, passing through prayers stones and prayer flag and then joining the main trail towards Namche Bazaar. (Dudh means ‘milk’ as the waters of the river are a milky white colour from the glacial melt). The walk is easy and after passing through the small village of Chheplung (2650m) and Ghat (2550m), we soon reach our lodge at Phakding. Your guide will be happy to accompany you for a short walk around the area, or just rest and read a book.
Tea House in Lukla
Day 03 –Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3450m) about 7 hours
We start the day by Crossing the River to walk through Blue Pine and Rhododendron forests, in the spring when the flowers are in bloom it is a magical sight. Enjoy great views of the snow-capped peaks of Kusum Kanguru (6369m) and Thamserku (6623m). From here it is only a short walk to Monjo (2835m), where we arrive in time for lunch. The walking gets a little tougher and includes a steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. It is a short walk to the entrance of the national park, where our permits are checked before we descend quite steeply to again cross the Dudh Kosi to Jorsale (2805m). The trek continues upstream on generally flat terrain, to the confluence of the Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi rivers. After crossing a large stable suspension bridge high above the river we climb steeply to the village of Namche Bazaar. A slow and steady pace is recommended on this section of the climb and we are encouraged to make the most of the fantastic photographic opportunities as the peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Taweche come into view for the first time. You may notice you are travelling a little more slowly as the effects of altitude start to become apparent. Take your time on this path which is used by the local peoples as a ‘foot highway’ on this important trading route. At Namche we stay in a lodge in the heart of the village.
Tea House in Namche
Day 04 – Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
Due to the high altitude, we stay in Namche Bazaar for a second night to help with acclimatisation. This also enables you to fully explore the town and its surroundings. Namche is a prosperous village, situated in a large protected hollow. The town grew in importance when Tibetan salt was traded for the lowland grains of Nepal. Today trade still continues at Namche and Tibetans are sometimes seen in the village trading rugs, Chinese-made goods, clothing, salt and dried meat. It is highly recommended that you see both the sunrise and sunset views from the national park headquarters above the village. The panorama can be stunning at both times of the day with a superb view of the Khumbu peaks, including great sightings of Everest. After breakfast there are various options, including a walk with a series of great peaks rearing to well over 6,000 meters just to the west. Alternatively you can visit the national park headquarters to see the interesting displays of Sherpa lifestyle and culture. Your guides will be on hand to offer advice and to escort you on the walks. Another option is the steep climb out of the village bowl to the Everest View Hotel where beautiful views of Everest, Amadablam, Lhotse, Tawoche, Peak 38, and Thamsherku can be enjoyed.
Tea House in Namche
Day 05 –Trek from Namche to Phortse (3810m) about 6 hours.
Today after breakfast we climb the hill to Khumjung, turning the north gokyo we will reach Mong the birth place of the saint Lama Sange Dorje, the reincarnation Lama of Rongbuk Monastery. From where we could see gorgeous view of Nuptse, Lhotse , Ama Dablam and close to Thamserku. Then the trails descend to the Dudh Koshi and enter Phortse.
Tea House in Phortse
Day 06 –Trek from Phortse to Machhermo (4470m) about 6 hours.
Today the trails climb steeply through Rhododendron forest, passing many Kharkas (Temporary settlement for yaks) to Dole. Then the trails climb through a huge rock at Lhabarma (4330m) and carries on to Luza (4340m). From Luza we continue to climb up to Machhermo the last major settlement of Gokyo valley.
Tea House in Machhermo
Day 07 – Machhermo to Gokyo (4650m) about 6 hours
After breakfast, we climb through Chorten and reach Pangha (4390m). Beyond Pankha the trail drops down first and then starts to climb steeply. Once we climb up to Gokyo we can see the massive view of Ngozmpa glacier and other small lakes on the way before finally reaching Gokyo.
Tea House in Gokyo
Day 08 – Hike to Gokyori (5420m) and stay again Gokyo 4 hours
The views around Gokyo are tremendous. For the best views we will climb Gokyo Ri (5357m) today. From here we will have a panoramic view of Cho Oyu, Gyanchung Kang, Everest, Lothse, Makalu, Cholatse and Tawachee. After we enjoy the view we will return back to Gokyo village for the night.
Tea House in Gokyo
Day 09 –Trek from Gokyo to Dole (4200m) about 5 hours
After breakfast at the lodge, the way back from Gokyo is an easy downhill walk along the Dudh Koshi River passing by Ngozumpa Glacier. We could see the Cholatse and Taboche peaks rear up on the right of us. The trail descends below Phangka, and across a level terrace. Upon reaching the Chorten at the edge, we see great views of Thamserku, Cho Oyu, and Kangtega. We slowly walk down to sprawling village of Machhermo. Then head towards Dole.
Tea House in Dole
Day 10 –Trek from Dole to Namche bazaar about 4 hours
Our hike today is mostly downhill. On the trail we could see some animals like mountain goat, musk deer, pheasant as well as more plants and vegetation including Rhododendron forests. Finally an easy walk leads you to the Namche Bazzar for tonights accommodation where you will have really hot showers which is amazing after a few days having no shower.
Tea House in Namche
Day 11 – Trek from Namche to Lukla 5 hours
After breakfast at the lodge, the trail drops downhill through the pine forest accross a bridge and continues on to the Monjo. After check out from the park check post, continue walking to the Phakding for lunch. This is your final trek of the journey that takes you to Lukla.
Tea House in Lukla
Day 12 – Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu (1,350m) 35 minutes flight
Normally flights are always in the morning due to the weather. Your guide will organize all the airport formalities by the time you have finished your breakfast at the lodge. Your luggage will also be taken to the airport for you. Once your guide gets news about your flight arrival at Lukla airport, you will get the chance to watch how these small aircraft land into this small airstrip.
After a quick photograph, head to the airport and catch your flight to Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu airport, your guide will take you to your hotel by private vehicle. The rest of the day in Kathmandu is yours to rest or explore. Join us tonight for a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepalese Restaurant with a cultural program.
Day 13: End of Trip. Final Departure from Kathmandu, Nepal.
Our agency’s representative will greet you at your hotel and offer you a Khada (a kind of cloth which is worn on your neck). Wearing Khada means good luck and protection during travel. Our tour officer will drop you at Kathmandu International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.
What to bring
CLOTHING
- Wind and waterproof Jacket & Pants
- Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes (worn frequently prior to departure)
- Socks: thick wool blend and thin cotton to be worn in combination - ensure boots fit such combination
- Running shoes or sandals for evening
- Wool jumper / sweater / fleece. Lightweight during summer, 1 heavyweight or 2 lightweights during winter months. Down jackets in winter. Down jackets can be hired in Kathmandu.
- Fleece Jacket
- T Shirts 2 or 3
- Shirt - Long Sleeved
- Pants - lightweight long trousers (jeans are unsuitable)
- Thermals upper and lower
- Extra warm clothing during winter (December to March) layered clothing - thermals
- Pocket hand warmers (for winters)
- Sleeping Bag/Sleep sheet - Four season bag is recommended for high altitude
- trekking in summers and -20 degrees sleeping bag in winters. Sleeping Bags can be rented in Kathmandu at reasonable rate.
- Light weight Towel
- Hat - Beanie with ear flaps or balaclava for nights, peaked 'French Legionnnaires' style that will keep neck protected. Sunglasses
- Gloves - wool or fleeced and gore tex
- Scarf
- Sarong a multitude of uses
EQUIPMENT/OTHER
- Passport (with photocopies)
- Travel insurance (with photocopies)
- Airline tickets (with photocopies)
- USD cash for meals approximately $25 a day.
- Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- Hand sanitizing lotion
- Reading/writing material
- Binoculars
- First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking, Chlorine Dioxide (water purification tablet for water sterlisation).
- wet wipes for cleaning can be purchased at Kathmandu.
- Protein bars, chocolate, dried fruits, candies and snack foods.
- Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets, voucher,passport photo (x 3)
- Health requirements arranged
- Swiss army knife
- Whistle to attract attention in the event of an emergency.
- Spare Boot Laces
- Toiletries
- Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
- Alarm clock and torch/flashlight - headlamp style is ideal
- Insect repellent, sunscreen and lip balm
- Ear plugs & eye mask can assist light sleepers
- Refillable water bottle - Min 1 Litre Aluminium or Nalgene polypropylene are best
- Nepali phrase book
- Bag Liners to waterproof your bags
- Sewing Kit
What is included
Cost Includes
- Transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the trek as per itinerary
- Accommodation in tea houses or in tents as per itinerary during the trek.
- Highly experienced Government licensed guide and necessary porters during the trek.
- Proper Insurance of all staff including porters.
- Government / Local taxes, Tourist service charge, guide / porter insurance and salary, general equipment, national park and conservation area fees.
- Respective region ( Annapurna) trekking map. TIMS Card & Trek Permit
- Trekking Registration Certificate (TRC).
Cost Excludes
- International airfares
- Trekking Equipment
- Optional: Highly experienced Government licensed guide and necessary porters during the trek.
- Major meals: Lunch and Dinner. Allow USD$25 per day for meals not included in the itinerary.
- Any type of personal expenses, such as alcoholic beverages and drinks, phone and laundry.
- Nepal entry visa fee US $30 (duration 60 days from date of issue) – you may easily obtain the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu.
- Rescue & travel insurance, trip cancellation costs, accident or health emergency, evacuation, loss, theft or damage to baggage and personal effects. We strongly advise you to take out personal travel insurance.
- Tips & Gratuities
Trip Info
Preparing for the trip
Where do I get more information about the tour?
If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.
What should I pack for my trek?
You can see a full list under the “what to bring?” section above. This is specific to the tour itinerary. For packing tips and advice please follow this link - https://worldlypeople.org/trekking-gear-list
What immunisations do I need for Nepal?
Immunisations vary from country to country and we strongly recommend you contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre or local doctor to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations. In some places anti-malaria medication may also be required. Some vaccines need to be administered a few weeks before departure, so allow plenty of time. It is also important that you obtain a certificate of vaccination and you must carry this with you on your trip. Please note that in some cases a certificate of vaccination is compulsory in order to obtain a visa.
Why is a guide necessarily?
I've trekked/hiked/camped before - can't I guide myself? While it is not a legal requirement, we cannot overstate the importance of trekking with a licensed, experienced guide. You'll be traveling through wilderness, remote countryside, and high elevations - from an aspect of pure safety, it is highly dangerous to go it alone. Additionally, very few locals in Himalayan villages speak English. Should you get lost (and, with many paths crossing through many, many villages, this is more a likelihood than a possibility), it would be difficult to communicate directions or obtain food and shelter. Additionally, our guides are experts in Himalayan treks with an average of over 15 years trekking experience. No matter how confident you feel in your skills or knowledge, it is almost certain that we can help enhance your experience.
Do I need to take any medical supplies?
We recommend you carry personal medical items for managing common minor ailments such as colds, diarrhoea, blisters and sore throats etc. Travellers who take regular medication should take an appropriate supply. Asthma sufferers should ensure that they have an adequate supply of their routine medicine, as some major cities have high levels of smog.
How much luggage do I take?
As a general rule, the less luggage you bring with you, the better. You’ll probably be buying souvenirs and the like along the way, so leave some space! Suitcases aren’t suitable for these types of holidays. A comfortable quality backpack that you are familiar with is best to bring. Trekking porters are included or available for hire on all tours. Please check in the inclusions section if you are unsure.
How do I get a visa?
Please note that visas for Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The Visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. For the most up to date information please check your governments foreign ministry website or with your travel agent as rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself. For most travellers there will probably be an embassy and consulate in the country that you live in. *Please have extra USD on hand in case the customs officials charge more at the border crossing.Please be aware that you will require two clean pages (minimum) in your passport and at least six months validity.
Do I need travel insurance?
It is compulsory that you have comprehensive travel insurance. Domestic government medical insurance and private health schemes will not cover you in most overseas countries. Your policy MUST cover medical costs in case of hospitalisation, emergency travel and repatriation. Once you have paid your deposit or full payment, certain fees will apply if you cancel your holiday. Insurance should therefore be organised at the time of booking to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances that would require you to cancel before travelling. Your tour guide will need two copies of your policy - the Tour Guide and our Ground Operator will keep one copy each in the unlikely event of an emergency. The copies must show the policy number and the emergency hotline phone number.
Can I book accommodation at the start and/or end of the tour?
Yes. In all cases, we can organise extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour. Just let us know and we’ll organise a quote for you.
What form of transport do we use around the Himalayas and Nepal?
As a general rule, we travel on local transport, mixing with the locals and getting involved. In some places, the best way to explore is on foot, in others we’ll jump on boats, bemos, canoes, camels, tuk-tuks, songthaews… you get the picture. The style of transport will be as varied as it is fun…. we don’t like sealing you up in a 50-seater coach. Sometimes, however, local transport is not practical – you just can’t jump on a No. 96 bus in northern Thailand – so in these instances, we hire our own vehicles.
Private tours and families
Will I be sharing my trek with other travellers?
No. This is your own trekking adventure! If you and your friends book this trip is will only be you and your guide. There will not be other unknown travellers joining you. This is a private trek. This makes your trip more flexible - if you want to change something about your itinerary its easy. It also means that all bookings have a gauranteed departure as there are no minimum numbers of travellers required.
Booking the trip
Do I need to book online?
No. Whilst this site is designed to make booking as easy as possible, we appreciate that sometimes it’s nice to talk to a human being, so give us a call! We can do the whole booking procedure over the phone.
How do I know if the tour is available?
To see the scheduled departure dates just click the “Check Dates” button on the top right of the page. To ensure the scheduled departure is going ahead send us an email to info@worldlypeople.org and we get back to you within a couple of hours.
Are these trips guaranteed to depart?
Yes. All our trips have gauranteed departures. As they are private tours, we don't require a minimum number of people to book. If you've booked a trip with us, you are going!
When is final payment on tours due ( for deposit payments )
The final payment is due in full 56 days before the departure of your trip. If you’ve booked your trip within 56 days of the departure date, full payment is needed.
Who travels with us
Do you use local tour guides?
One of the main reasons many travellers choose us is the fact that we exclusively use tour guides who were born and raised in the region. They are highly qualified, speak excellent English and their intimate knowledge of their homeland enables them to show you things that other travellers miss out on. Travelling with a local tour guide means that you enjoy a uniquely local perspective, meeting your guides’ friends along the way, eating at restaurants where the locals eat and seeing things that you won’t find in any guidebooks. Aside from the benefit to you, by employing locals, we are providing income and training to local people. And we work to ensure our staff and local partners are the best in the business. Throughout the regions we visit, our operators possess a wealth of knowledge and experience, so you can be confident you’re in safe hands. They are out in the field, continually monitoring and refining our adventures to ensure we offer the most innovative trips, as well as the best value for money.
How much free time is there?
It is an integral part of all our trips to give you enough free time to explore by yourself. Many of your most memorable experiences will occur when you branch out and do your own thing. We understand that different people have different interests, so we build in free time to make your own discoveries. The framework is in place and the details are taken care of, but on many days, you decide what you want to see and do. After all, you might be thoroughly sick and tired of temples, while another group member just can’t get enough of them. It’s your holiday, so it’s your choice.
I am travelling by myself. Is that OK?
Travelling by yourself is no problem for us. Your trek will have a strong social element and you'll almost certainly come home with some new friends. We have no minimum requirement of people needed to guarantee departure of a trek. All our treks offer a single traveller price.
Cost and Fees
What's included in the tour price?
Please refer to the “what’s included” section on your tour page for the most up to date information.
Will I need additional money?
Visitors are advised to bring some cash as ATMs and banks can be few and far between depending on where we are during the trip. It’s handy to have some extra cash as we do stop by local shops and cafe.
Can I pay the local payment in local currency?
The local payment needs to be paid in the currency indicated in the itinerary and final invoice. Most tours will have this included in the tour price. Please check the included section above.
How much spending money do I need?
Not a lot! Your accommodation, transport, local leader and some meals are included. Depending on where you are, you'll generally get by on about US$25 a day, covering meals, drinks and souvenirs.
What is the best way to take money with me?
A combination of cash, an ATM card and perhaps a credit card as back-up is good. Travellers cheques are a safe way to carry money, however travellers can find it difficult in some areas to exchange them.
As a general rule, American dollars are accepted throughout the world, but make sure you have small denomination bills, and that they are not ripped or marked, as this may affect your ability to change them. And remember to check with your bank about using your bank cards overseas.
Do I need to tip the local guide?
Your tour guide works hard to ensure you have a great trip, so please don’t hold back if you feel they have earned a tip for their efforts. If you would like to reward your tour guide for his or her services, you can choose to do so individually or make a group presentation at the end of the tour.
Whilst on tour
Will I have internet access during my trek?
You will mostly likely be without internet for the majority of the trek. Some of the lodgings where we stay offer wifi however it's not always guaranteed and connections can be unstable. Please make sure that an emergency contact is aware of when you will be gone and returning to civilisation.
Can I do a section of the tour and not the whole trip?
Unfortunately it is not possible to just do sections of the tour. Some of the longer tours are made up of smaller tours completed back-to-back, and hence might be possible to book separately. It may be possible to arrange a private charter for you from a section of the tour so please contact us.
Will there be time to explore the cities we start and finish in? Or should I arrange extra time?
With all of our tours, we strongly believe we have well balanced itineraries to enable you to explore all the places you are visiting. There is generally no need to arrive early or leave later. However, there is always more to discover and we can arrange additional accommodation, should you need it.
What standard of accommodation should I expect?
Your lodging will be basic, but clean and comfortable, locally run, and usually reflecting the character of the region. Aside from being a more interesting place to stay than a bland internationally-run hotel, this also helps to keep the cost down and by supporting local businesses you help the local economy. Ask us about upgrading your accommodation as this is possible on most tours.
What about if I am a vegetarian? Or if I have a special diet?
No problem at all! The only important thing is that you let us know in advance, so we can inform our local tour guides. That way, they can look out for you and make sure you are looked after in the local restaurants. It is important to realise that in some places your diet might be slightly limited, as meat can form an integral part of the local diet. If in doubt, ask our consultants for their first-hand knowledge of each individual destination.
What will the food be like?
Experiencing the local flavours is definitely a highlight on our trips. Our local tour guides take you to out of the way places and experience the best and most interesting cuisine of the cultures you visit. The guides’ local knowledge will mean you can decipher menus, get useful tips on what to try, and visit all the most interesting restaurants and markets. There will always be a very strong local influence in the food, which we believe is what travel is all about.
Are any permits required for trekking?
Some trekking areas require a special permit for trekking, while as others require only permits to enter conservation or national parks. We handle all permits for you, so you have one less thing to worry about!