The Everest Region has a few different alternative scenic routes, and among them, the Gokyo Valley Trek is considered one of the best scenic treks and a less crowded trail compared to the Everest Base Camp Trek. During the high season time, the Everest Base Camp trail is very busy, and if you are looking for a less crowded trail in the Everest Region, then the Gokyo Valley Trek is going to be the ideal trip for you, which offers stunning views of Mt. Everest and its surrounding peaks. Compared to views, Gokyo Valley beats the view seen from Kala Patthar, while Kala Patthar is definitely one of the most scenic viewpoints of the Everest Base Camp trek. Many trekkers combine the trek to Gokyo Valley/lake together with the Everest Base Camp trek, and some trekkers choose the most demanding trail, the Everest Three Passes Trek, to get to Gokyo Valley. To reach the Gokyo Valley via the Everest Three Passes Trek, individuals must be in excellent health, as they will be at altitudes over 4000 meters for nearly two weeks, and the entire trip lasts about three weeks; therefore, the Gokyo Valley Trek is the best option for those with a short holiday who wish to experience stunning views in a limited timeframe.
Gokyo Valley is a small human settlement situated at an altitude of 4750 meters above sea level, and there is a freshwater lake called Gokyo Lake. In the clear weather, you can see a lovely reflection of snow-capped peaks. The journey to the Gokyo Valley Trek starts from Kathmandu with a short flight to Lukla, which is known as the gateway to Mount Everest and many other peaks. The hike continues through mountain small villages and pine and rhododendron forests, offering wonderful views of the Himalayas and stunning landscapes. There are a few side trips that can be done from Gokyo Valley—hike to the fifth lake or Renjola Pass (5360 m), in case you have more than fifteen days' holiday in Nepal and want to spend more time in the mountains, then we can customize the plan according to your needs.
Gokyo Ri (5360 m)—The Viewpoint of the Gokyo Valley Trek
The final goal of the Gokyo Valley Trek is to be on top of Gokyo Ri (5360 m), from where you can see the stunning view of Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Makalu, which are all over eight thousand meters high. Apart from these highest peaks, the stunning Nagozumpa glacier, which is considered the largest Himalayan glacier, and countless snow-capped peaks will make your effort of reaching the summit of Gokyo Ri worthwhile. The hike to reach Gokyo Ri takes about three hours of demanding walking from Gokyo. Once you stand on the top of Gokyo Ri, then you will realize the reward of your efforts.
Best Time for Gokyo Valley Trek
Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to December, are the best times for the Gokyo Valley Trek. The visibility in Kathmandu during spring is misty due to pollution and forest fire smoke, but once you are in Lukla and onward, the visibility is clear as in autumn, and you can see different types of alpine flowers while planning a trip to Gokyo Valley in springtime. Sometimes the weather can be tricky and can start snowing during the spring season. As an effect of climate change, now the snow likely happens between March and April, which is very unusual, so you may prepare accordingly with gear while planning your trip. In the autumn season, mostly the visibility in the city is clear, and of course in the mountains too, but a post-monsoon can still cause some rain and clouds.
Backpacking or Equipment List for Gokyo Valley Trek
Proper packing is really essential for a successful trip to the Himalayas. You should prepare for warm temperatures in Kathmandu, around +25 degrees, but as you begin your trek and gain altitude, the temperature will gradually decrease, so you need to be ready for conditions as low as -15 degrees. Below is the list of equipment for the Gokyo Valley Trek.
- Upper Parts: A few pairs of t-shirts (3-4), a couple of long-sleeve shirts, a fleece jacket or merino shirts, One down jacket, light gloves, thick gloves with water/wind proof outer shell, waterproof jacket, windstopper, scarf for neck/head, warm hat, sun hat, sunglasses with UV protection, suncream (+40 or more), trekking poles, purifying
- Lower Parts: a few pairs of shorts (2-3), underwear (4-5 pairs), one pair of trekking trousers, fleece or merino warm underpants, waterproof/windproof trousers, gaiters, a few pairs of light trekking socks (3-4), warm socks (2 pairs), micro crampons, trekking shoes, and light sport shoes or sandals
- Toiletries: One quick-drying towel, antibacterial hand gel, toothpaste, toothbrush, shower gel, soap, toilet paper, tissue paper, nail cutter, face cream, wet wipes,
- Miscellaneous: First aid kit, headlight with batteries, trekking maps, camera, books, water bottle, chargers, power bank, water tablets, vitamins, minerals, sleeping bag (20 degrees minimum), small lock to secure your main luggage, etc.
Accommodation and meals during the Gokyo Valley Trek.
There are plenty of teahouses along the way to Gokyo Valley, so you do not need to worry about finding a place to stay in a teahouse. The accommodation is basic but sufficient for trekkers. If you would like to upgrade your accommodation, you can do so in Manjo, Namche Bazar, and Gokyo by paying extra for our package. These places have three-star category accommodation and serve electric blankets and buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals are generally basic but enough for trekkers along the way. There are a wide variety of meal options at each teahouse you stay at, and you can simply choose the meals you prefer and place your order.
