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.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1300m/4,264ft)
Day 02: Acclimatise kathmandu
Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2800m/9187ft), trek to Phakding (2160m/8563 ft) 2-3 hours trek, 200m descent, 50m ascent
Day 04: Trek to Namche (3420m/11221 ft) 5-6 hours/1000m ascent, 100m descent
Day 05: Acclimatise at Namche
Day 06: Trek to Phortse Thenga (3680m/12074 ft) 5 hours
Day 07: Trek to Machhermo (4410m/14469 ft) 5 hours
Day 08: Trek to Gokyo (4750m/1558 ft) 5 hours
Day 09: Explore around Gokyo
Day 10: Trek to Gokyo Ri (5360m/1758ft) and Gokyo 5 hours
Day 11: Trek to Dole (4090m/1341ft) 6 hours
Day 12: Trek to Namche via Khumjung 5 hours
Day 13: Trek to Lukla 6 hours
Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu
Day 15: Fly back home or extend your holidays
