Green Getaways

Gokyo RI Photographic Trek

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Gokyo RI Photographic Trek

Duration : 14 Days
The Price : $ 1,999
Max People :   12
Start Location :  Kathmandu

Overview

Gokyo Lake Trek is an alternative to the traditional Everest Base Camp trek while still providing the trekker with plenty of stunning views of Everest as well as overnight stays in the iconic town of Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the Khumbu Region. The route to the Gokyo Lakes is less busy but still offers the trekker with an insight into local village life, impressive views of icy rivers, glacier debris, snow-capped mountains, and of course the dazzling turquoise waters of Gokyo Lakes themselves. The Gokyo Lakes are actually made up of six bodies of water, or lakes, located at an altitude of 4,700 to 5,000m in the Gokyo Valley. Moreover, the Gokyo Valley falls within the Sagarmatha National Park area.

The lakes are some of the world’s highest freshwater lake system and have been designated as a Ramsar site (wetlands of international importance) as well as being sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. And if you need any more testament to the beauty and importance of this area, the Lonely Planet states, “for our money the Gokyo Valley is the most spectacular in the Khumbu”! By spending an extra day in the Gokyo Valley, you can visit the 5th and 6th lakes which sit in a high alpine bowl at the foot of Cho Oyu, the world’s 6th highest mountain.

You should expect to walk around 5 hours a day, with one of the highlights being a steep climb up Gokyo RI (5,357m) to view Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu. In order to acclimatize before setting off for the Gokyo RI and Gokyo Valley, time spent in Namche Bazaar offers trekkers the opportunity to trek to nearby Khumjung Village to visit the school set up by Sir Edmund Hillary, who, along with Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, was the first person to successfully summit Mount Everest. Since that time dozens of climbing expeditions and thousands of trekkers have made Namche Bazaar a vibrant, bustling market town where it is possible to swap trekking stories with members of other groups.

 

Trip Highlights

  • Cultural Sightseeing in UNESCO Heritage Sites (Kathmandu Durbar Square & Swayambhunath), in Kathmandu Valley. Explore the fine arts and architecture of ancient Nepal through the series of idols and monuments in the Heritage Sites
  • Majestic view of mountains like Mt. Everest (8848m), Kwangde (6,011m), Thamserku (6,623m), Kangtega (6,782m), Nuptse (7,861m), Lhotse (8,516m), Ama Dablam (6,812m), Cholatse (6440m), Mt. Makalu (8481m) and many more
  • Fly into the high altitude Hillary Tenzing Airport at Lukla. (2860m)
  • Visit Sherpa villages and yak herders
  • Explore the Vicinity of the Gokyo Lakes and the Valley
  • Be stunned by the chilling beauty of the Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefalls
  • Pass through Sagarmatha National Park with its unique flora and fauna like pine, hemlock, rhododendron, juniper, pirch, Himalayan Monal, blood pheasant, red-billed chough, yellow-billed chough, musk deer, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear and red panda. Himalayan tahrs, langur monkeys, martens and Himalayan wolves
  • Follow the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary and many other famous mountaineers

Schedule Details

Day 01: Namaste in Kathmandu 1300m

Once you land in Kathmandu, our representatives will be there waiting for you to meet and greet. Later, you will be transferred to your hotel where you can rest and freshen up. In the afternoon, you will meet your tour leader and other members of Green Getaways. Here, you will have the opportunity to ask for any last minute questions regarding your holiday and itinerary.  

In the evening, we will host a welcome dinner in a cultural restaurant where you can witness cultural music and dance of Nepal. Here, you will meet your tour leader and tune up for your upcoming days in Nepal. 

Meals: Welcome Dinner

Accommodation: Malla Hotel

Highlight of the Day: Welcome Dinner

Day 02: First day in mountains 2610m

Embark on your Everest adventure with an early morning flight to Lukla, where our dedicared support staff eagerly await at the airport. Brace yourself for an unforgettable mountain flight to Lukla in a mini plane, treating you to breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas. The 30-minute journey from Kathmandu airport to Tenzing Hilary airport at Lukla sets the stage for an exhilarating expedition.

Upon landing in Lukla, your trek to Phakding commences. This initial section of the journey is an easy walk, leading you through pastoral lands, charming villages, and picturesque farms, AS you traverse this 3-hour trek, you’ll reach the entrance of the national park, where the captivating landscapes will captivate your heart and leave you in awe of the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Local Lodge-Phakding
Flight Duration: Approx. 45 minutes
Trekking Duration/Distance: Approx. 3 hours/6km
Highlight of the Day: Flight to Tenzing Hillary Airport, Trek to Phakding

Day 03: Trek to Sherpa Capital, Namche 3440m

Embark in the trek to Namche through the enchanting Sagarmatha National Park, where the rich biodiversity in Himalayan flora and fauna awaits. The alpine landscape adorned with pines and junipers will evoke a delightful sense of wonder. Traverse yak pastures, where these creatures, along with horses, paint the landscape, providing a vivid backdrop to the Sherpa culture that colors your da with diversity.

The day commences with an easy trail leading to Monjo, where a well-deserves lunch break awaits. Post-lunch, the journey continues through wooded valley, navigating a scenic trail that crosses a high suspension bridge over a running rives. As the climb towards Namche unfolds, it may be long and steady, but the reward is imminent-the first glimpse of the awe-inspiring Mount Everest. Upon reaching Namche, take the opportunity to explore the vibrant local culture and immerse yourself in the unique Sherpa way of life.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Local Lodge-Namche
Trekking Duration/Distance: Approx. 5 hours/10.5km
Highlight of the Day: Trek to Sherpa Capital-Namche Bazaar

Day 04: Explore the Sherpa Capital

Namche Bazaar stands as the bustling heart of the Khumbu region, offering a plethora of facilities such as internet, ATMs, restaurants, and bars. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the city’s labyrinthine streets and vibrant markets, providing a firsthand glimpse into the traditional Sherpa way of life. Immerse yourself in the Himalayan cuisine and witness the day-to-day activities of the local people, making for a rich cultural experience.

For those seeking adventure, the option to hire horses and explore Namche Bazaar independently is available. Additionally, hiking enthusiasts can venture to the charming villages of Khumjung and Kunde, where the Sir Edmund Hilary Foundation has established a clinic and a school. This 4-hour round trip not only offers a captivating exploration of the region but also serves as a crucial acclimatization in the high-altitude setting.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Local Lodge-Namche
Highlight of the Day: Explore the Sherpa Capital-Namche Bazaar

Day 05: Trek to Dhole 4040m

Leaving Namche, you'll trace the path alongside the Dudh Koshi River, gradually ascending amidst Mani walls and fluttering prayer flags. Along the way, the majestic peaks of EverestEverest (8848 m), Ama Dablam (6856m), Lhotse (8414m), Taboche (6367m), and more decorate the horizon, casting a mesmerizing glow. After journeying through Sherpa villages and quaint monasteries, you'll arrive at Dhole, a picturesque stop on your trek. 

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Local Lodge-Dhole
Trekking Duration/Distance: Approx. 5 hours/11km
Highlight of the Day: Trek to Dhole, Majestic View of the Mountains

Day 06: Trek to Machhermo 4140m

The trail from Dhole to Machhermo features a continuous view of the snowy peaks like Taboche (6367m), Cholatse (6335m), Cho Oyu (8188m), Everest (8848 m), and many more sister peaks. You make gradual ascend alongside Dudh Koshi River and pass the settlements of Kele and Luza before arriving in Machhermo.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Local Lodge-Machhermo
Trekking Duration/Distance: Approx. 5 hours/10km
Highlight of the Day: Trek to Machhermo

Day 07: Trek to Gokyo 4750m

Today is the day you reach your ultimate destination, Gokyo Valley. As you ascend on the banks of Dudh Koshi River with the views of the Khumbu Himalayas, you pass a few monasteries and chortens before arriving at the first Gokyo Lake. Then, walking on the moraines of Ngozumpa Glacier, you arrive at the second lake, and finally at the third lake, behind which the ancient Sherpa village of Gokyo resides.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Local Lodge-Gokyo
Trekking Duration/Distance: Approx. 5 hours/9.5km
Highlight of the Day: Trek to Gokyo Valley, Sightseeing around the Lakes

Day 8: Excursion in Gokyo, Hike to Gokyo Peak 5483m

You will spend the whole day exploring the Gokyo vicinity. You can either just stroll around the village or hike up to Gokyo RI (5360m) for a mind-blowing vista of Cho Oyu (8188m), Everest (8848 m), and the Mahalangur Himalayan Range. You will also be able to see the whole Gokyo Valley and the Gokyo lakes along with Ngozumpa Glacier from the top of Gokyo RI (5360m). In the afternoon, you'll hike back to Gokyo village and explore the places at your own pace. 

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Local Lodge-Gokyo
Highlight of the Day: Explore the Vicinity of Gokyo

Day 09: Trek back to Dhole

It is time to say goodbye to the pristine valley of Gokyo. You leave the third, second, and first Gokyo Lakes respectively and walk past the settlements of Phanga, Machhermo, Luza, and Kele to arrive in Dhole. Throughout the trek, you will be accompanied by the views of Cholatse (6335m) and Taboche (6367m).

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Local Lodge-Dhole
Trekking Duration/Distance: Approx. 6 hours/19 km
Highlight of the Day: Trek Back to Dhole

Day 10: Trek back to Namche

Leaving Dhole behind, you head back to the vibrant town of Namche Bazaar. You trek downhill to Sanasa via Phortse Thanga and Mong to join the bustling Everest Base Camp trail. You then descend through the alpine forest and past small monasteries to reach Namche Bazaar. Feel free to explore the pubs and eateries in Namche at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Local Lodge-Namche
Trekking Duration/Distance: Approx. 5 hours/11km
Highlight of the Day: Trek to Sherpa Capital-Namche Bazaar

Day 11: Trek back to Lukla

After breakfast, you leave for Lukla via a small mountainous trail. You cross Banker and arrive at Phakding where you will have lunch. You then will finish your trek by a last climb with an elevation of 200 meters! It's time to say goodbye to your trekking team before spending your last night in the mountains. On the way to Lukla, there is an option to visit the Kyongma monastery which has its own spirituality and divine. The place is also a resting point for many trekkers.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Local Lodge-Lukla
Trekking Duration/Distance: Approx. 5 hours/16km
Highlight of the Day: Trek Back to Lukla

Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu

Following a hearty breakfast, the next chapter of our adventure unfolds as we embark on a short yet spectacular flight back to Kathmandu. This aerial journey promises a breathtaking panorama of the majestic mountains, providing a fitting conclusion to the awe-inspiring trek.

Upon landing at Kathmandu airport, a seamless transfer awaits, whisking you away to your hotel. Here, you'll have the luxury of free time, allowing you to explore the enchanting locales of Kathmandu at your own pace. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, discover hidden gems, and indulge your taste buds with the diverse cuisines offered by the local restaurants, each dish a culinary delight reflecting the rich flavors of Nepal. This post-trek relaxation provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on the memories created during the trek while savoring the cultural and gastronomic treasures that Kathmandu has to offer. 

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ganesh Himal
Flight Duration: Approx. 45 minutes
Highlight of the Day: Back to Kathmandu, Free time

Day 13: UNESCO sightseeing in Kathmandu

Dive into the UNESCO World heritage sites that grace the city. Wander through the historic marvels of Kathmandu Durbar Square, once the abode of Malla Kings, featuring palaces, temples, and art galleries that showcase centuries-old architecture and vibrant cultural heritage. 

Next, ascend to the revered Swayambhunath Stupa, nestled atop a hillock, where ancient shrines and serene monasteries await, creating an aura of spiritual tranquility. 

Finally, experience the sacred ambience of Pashupatinath Temple along the banks of the Bagmati River, a sprawling Hindu Temple complex hosting captivating rituals and enchanting evening chants, offering a profound insight into Nepal's rich religious traditions. 

This immersive journey guarantees a day filled with fascination and wonder, exploring the city's historical treasures and spiritual essence. 

In the evening, you will have a farewell dinner hosted by Green Getaways to celebrate the successful completion of your holiday in Nepal. 

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Malla Hotel
Highlight of the Day: Sightseeing in UNESCO sites in Kathmandu

Day 14: Final Departure

Your holiday in Nepal has came to an end today! Although, it might be difficult to say goodbye to this beautiful country, note that you have done something truly special while visiting this unique place. Our representatives will transfer you to the Kathmandu airport for your flight back home three hours prior your scheduled time to ensure smooth departure. 

As you fly back home, take some time to reflect on this unforgettable journey and plan another trip in the future.

Meals: Breakfast
Highlight of the Day: International Departure

What's Included

  • 24/7 Support
  • Accommodation
  • All ground transportation including airport transfers
  • Breakfast
  • Domestic Flights
  • Entrance Fee
  • Farewell Dinner
  • Guide
  • Permits
  • Porter Service
  • Service charge and VAT
  • Sightseeing in UNESCO heritage sites
  • Transport
  • Welcome Dinner

What's Excluded

  • Anything not mentioned in 'What's Included'
  • Anything not mentioned in includes
  • Dinner
  • International Ticket
  • Lunch
  • Personal Expenses
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visa Fees

Activities

  • Farewell Dinner
  • Mountain Flight
  • Mountain View
  • Sunset and Sunrise
  • Trekking
  • UNESCO heritage sightseeing
  • Welcome Dinner

Why Book With Us?

  • Commitment to Sustainability
  • Empowerment of Local Communities
  • Minimal Harm to the Environment
  • Thoughtfully Curated Products
  • Full Transparency
  • Founded by Young Sustainable Tourism Enthusiasts