start/end point
Kathmandu/Kathmandu
Everest Gokyo Valley Yoga Trek
The Gokyo Valley (lake) Yoga Trek is in the Everest region and will take you to Gokyo lakes and Gokyo Ri.
The Everest Gokyo Valley Yoga Trek is a unique and breathtaking adventure that combines the beauty of the Everest region with the practice of yoga. This trek takes you through the Gokyo Valley, which is located in the Khumbu region of Nepal.The journey begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. From Lukla, you will trek through picturesque Sherpa villages, lush forests, and across suspension bridges over roaring rivers. The trail gradually ascends, allowing you to acclimatize to the high altitude.As you make your way towards Gokyo Valley, you'll be surrounded by stunning Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu. The Gokyo Valley itself is known for its pristine turquoise lakes, including the famous Gokyo Lake. The peaceful and serene environment of the valley provides the perfect setting for practicing yoga and meditation.Throughout the trek, you will have the opportunity to engage in daily yoga and meditation sessions led by experienced instructors. These sessions are designed to help you connect with nature, find inner peace, and rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit amidst the majestic Himalayas.
The Everest Gokyo Valley Yoga Trek is a moderate-level trek that requires a good level of fitness. It typically takes around 14 to 16 days to complete, depending on the itinerary and the pace of the group. Accommodation during the trek is usually in teahouses or lodges along the trail, providing basic but comfortable facilities.In addition to the yoga and trekking experience, you will also have the chance to immerse yourself in the local Sherpa culture and visit monasteries along the way. The warm hospitality of the Sherpa people and their rich cultural traditions add a special charm to this incredible journey.Overall, the Everest Gokyo Valley Yoga Trek offers a harmonious blend of adventure, natural beauty, and spiritual practices. It is a transformative experience that allows you to explore the magnificence of the Everest region while nurturing your body and soul through yoga and meditation.
- One Yoga practice per day
- Two asana practices per day
- Daily Meditation and Pranayama
Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m) & transfer to hotel.
At Tribhuvan International Airport you will be met by a representative from Himalayan Yoga and Excursion taken to your hotel in Thamel, the tourist hub of Kathmandu. There will be a short briefing of what to expect on the trek and arranging permits to Sagarmatha National Park.
Day 2 : Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and Trek to Phadking (2650m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
A 30-minute early morning flight from Kathmandu’s domestic airport will take us to Lukla. After landing at Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla we will spend some time preparing our packs for the trek. There will be one porter for every two clients. We then hit the trail and descend to the Dudh Kosi River where we join with the trail that heads to Namche Bazaar. The trek today is easygoing and will not be too tiring. On the trail, we pass through the small village of Ghat (2,550 m) and continue until we reach Phakding where we will stay overnight.
Day 3 : Trek from Phadking to Namche Bazaar (3440m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
This morning we head out to the Sherpa capital of Nepal - Namche Bazaar(3435m) via Jorsale. From along the trail, you will get your first glimpse of Mt. Everest. Namche Bazaar has many modern facilities, such as the internet, bakeries and some good cafes/restaurants.
Day 4 : Trek from Namche Bazaar to Thame Village (3825m) Duration: 5-6 hours
This morning on the trail we pass many colorful Tibetan prayer flags and Mani stones near Namche Gompa (temple). Thame is a small religious community (3825m) and home to Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, the first man to climb Mt. Everest with Edmund Hillary (New Zealand).
Day 5 : Trek from Thame to Lungden (4500m) Duration: 4-5 hours.
This morning we follow the trail to Lung - known for its caves. We then cross Renjola Pass. Along the trail, it is likely we pass Tibetan yak caravans coming from Tibet. We will spend the night at the settlement of Lung.
Day 6 : Trek from Lungden to Gokyo Via (4500m) Renjo La Pass (5335m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
After breakfast, we head to the easily navigated Renjola Pass, one of the most easily traversed passes in the Khumbu region, in contrast to Chola and Congmala passes. We will stay at a guesthouse here overnight.
Day 7 : Hike up to Gokyo Ri (5,370m) & back to Gokyo; Duration: 4-5 hours.
Today is a more physically demanding day as we trek up a steep trail up to the peak of Gokyo RI (5357m). The spectacular views will leave you captivated and have your camera at full speed! The magnificent views of Gokyo Valley, the massive Ngozumpa Glacier (world’s highest), incredible panoramic views of the entire Khumbu region, including the towering peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu and Gychung Kang (7952m) will leave you gob-smacked! We will then trek back to the foot of Cho La pass where we will stay in a dormitory.
Day 8 : Trek from Gokyo valley to Dole (4200m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
This morning we follow the trail back to Dole via the villages of Pangla, Machhermo, Luza, and Lhabarma. We will stay at a lodge here overnight.
Day 9 : Trek from Dole to Namche (3540m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
After breakfast, we say farewell to Gokyo valley and drop down to Khumjung and to Namche Bazaar via the Sherpa settlement of Sanasa.
Day 10 : Trek from Namche to Lukla (2850m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
We descend through a rhododendron and pine forests to Jorsale, a trek of around 2 hours, with another 5 hours to Lukla via Monju, Phakding, Ghats Khola, Chaurikharka, and Chheplung. We will stay overnight in a guesthouse at Lukla.
Day 11 : Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu (1,400m) Duration: 35 minutes flight.
We will take an early morning flight to Kathmandu in order to avoid strong and gusty winds later in the day. The flight offers fantastic views of the Khumbu Himalaya region. Tonight we will have a farewell dinner at a local Nepali restaurant where you can say farewell to your guide and fellow trekkers.
Day 12 : Transfer to the International airport for your final departure
A representative from Himalayan Yoga and Excursion will take you to the airport at least three hours prior to your scheduled departure. It is possible you are already planning your next adventure among these massive mountains. We will happily assist you in choosing a destination that meets your requirements. We would also love to hear from you regarding your experience with us.
SERVICES
COST INCLUDE
- Airport pickup and drop by private vehicle.
- Two nights standard twin sharing Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek.
- Fresh fruit every evening after the dinner.
- Trekking Lodge (Tea House) accommodations throughout the trek.
- All necessary paper works Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit & Khumbu Pashang Lhamu Rural Municipality fees
- Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight with private airport transfer and domestic airport tax.
- A highly experience, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly , English speaking well trained, Government License holder guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.
- Strong, helpful porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment his salary, foods, accommodation and insurance (one porter for two people).
- Comprehensive medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service (paid by your Travel Insurance company).
- Use of sleeping bag, down Jacket, Duffel bag and walking Poles (if you don’t have your own, To be return after trip completed).
- Government taxes and official expenses.
- Oxymeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) Which will ensure you trek is in the safest hands possible for all levels of trekker.
- Assistant guide group size above 6+ person.
COST EXCLUDE
- Meals whilst you are in Kathmandu Lunch and Dinner.
- Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa on arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport – Kathmandu). $25 USD for 15 days Visa.
- Your Travel and Medical Insurance.
- International Airfare.
- Your Personal Expenses.
- All the alcoholic and non alcoholic cold and hot drinks on trek ( i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the Tea Houses)
- All desserts sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
- Hot shower and battery charging on the tea houses.
- Tips for the guide, porter and driver (Tipping is expected)
- Kathmandu sightseeing monument entrance fees($30 USD per person)
- Excess baggage more than 10kg for Lukla flight.
EQUIPMENTS
The Following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek as the backpack for the hiking in Nepal and the gear play a vital role for the successful trip and we suggest you to have all the necessary gear for the trip and not to have unnecessary equipment/things that you will not be using for the trip and list of the gear you need for the trek are:
- Good down Sleeping bag (Optional/we can provide one if you do not have on your own and it is to be returned after the trek.
- Duffel or Rucksack bag to keep your all the gear and this will be carried by the porters.
- Daypack bag for yourself
- A down Jacket
- Shade hat
- Warm wool hat to cover your ears
- A pair of lightweight warm gloves.
- T-shirts 2- 3 pieces
- Lightweight thermal tops.
- Fleece jacket.
- Fleece Wind-proved jacket (optional).
- A pair’s nylon hiking shorts which are quick drying one
- Underwear
- Two pairs of lightweight long underwear.
- Two pairs trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts
- Four pairs of liner warm socks
- A pair of light to medium weight waterproof hiking/trekking boots.
- A pair of light trekking shoes for camp/lodges
- A pair sandal (Optional)
- A water bottle.
- Head/Torch Light.
Medicines and First Aid Kits
- Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude-related headaches like DMX.
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains.
- Imodium or Peptone besom, Flexon capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Diamox 125 or 250mg or 400mg tablets for altitude sickness.
- 1 small personal sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as moleskin, band-aids, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc.(Himalayan Yoga and Excursion's team also provide first aid kits)
Miscellaneous but Important
- Passport and extra passport photos (4 copies)
- Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport.
- Lip care (Balm) At least SPF 20, 2 sticks.
- Sun’s cream with SPF 40 is recommended
- Pocket knife.
- Water purification Iodine tablets
- Toiletry kits and be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.
Note Regarding Itineraries:
Although we generally adhere to the schedule, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions, suitable campsite availability, and the group's general fitness level. It is important to understand that our trek is logistically complex and it is not unusual that adjustments be made. Our guide will orient you each evening to the following day's plan and their good judgment is the key to the long history of successful treks that Himalayan Yoga & Excursion. Please remember that our ability to make adjustments as needed helps to ensure that your trek is safe and successful. Your safety is paramount.
GOOD TO KNOW
ACCOMMODATION
In Kathmandu, you will stay in 3-star hotels. We will spend the trek staying in lodges and teahouses. During the trek, we sleep in a very basic tea house or tent, and our guides will choose the best camping site with a nice view of the Himalaya. You might not find teahouses that are more comfortable or of a higher quality.
MEALS DURING THE TREK
Breakfast is included in your hotel stay in Kathmandu, but the trek will provide all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Potatoes, buckwheat, oats, Sherpa stew, and Tibetan bread are all staples in the Khumbu region. When the first seeds were introduced to the area in the early 1990s, sherpas began cultivating potatoes. At higher elevations, food choices are limited, with the exception of many potato dishes. Potatoes have a lot of carbohydrates, which are a great way to get the energy you need at high altitudes.
TRANSPORTATION
For sightseeing and transportation from the airport to the hotel, we hire a private car. During the trek, we are not required to utilize local buses or public transportation. The only flight we have are Kathmandu to Lukla and Back to Kathmandu.
PHYSICAL AND FITNESS
The Everest Gokyo Valley Yoga Trek is hard, and you often have to walk for six to seven hours a day. While no prior experience in hiking or trekking is required, it is always advantageous to have done so! We have met people who have completed the trek from all walks of life and sizes. The only challenging aspect is the potential effects of altitude sickness on the body and when it occurs. It is beneficial to physically prepare yourself before departing for Nepal by increasing your oxygen consumption and stamina.
Keep in mind that the more you prepare, the more enjoyable your trek will be!
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I have never hike before, can I make it to Gokyo Valley/Gokyo Ri?
Yes, you can. No matter who you are, as long as you are reasonably fit, can walk for 5-6 hours a day and trek/hike a few uphills, Himalayan Yoga and Excursion Trekking team will support you to the fullest to transform your dream of standing at Gokyo Valley/Gokyo Ri into reality.
How long will it take to reach Gokyo Valley?
It takes 4 to 8 days to reach Gokyo Lake depending upon the mode of transportation and packages of Sherpa Expedition and Trekking offers.
Are there ATMs available during the Gokyo Valley trekking?
ATM services are available only in Namche Bazaar and Lukla. However, the services might not work or run out of cash. Therefore, we suggest you carry a small amount of money to buy snacks, etc during the trekking.
Is there Wi-Fi on the trek?
Yes, There's most guesthouses offer Wi-Fi, for a small charge. it cost USD $5 per day.
Can I buy the gear in Nepal and sell it afterwards?
Himalayan Yoga & Excursion will introduce dozens of shops selling knock-off gear in Kathmandu. You can also barter those gears at the knock-off places but be sure you keep the receipt safely. Moreover, you can rent the needed gears if you do not want to buy them.
Do I need to tip my porter and guide?
Your guide and porters are a big reason why you got a chance to feel something very few can have. Apart from guiding and carrying your necessities and being mindful of your safety, they want to see you happily succeeded more than anyone like family and help you successfully complete the trek safely. So, your tips reflect gratitude towards them. So, tipping is a recommended culture for porters and guide in Nepal as a gesture of thankfulness.
I am a vegetarian. Am I supposed to get enough meal on my trek?
Himalayan Yoga and Excursion Trekking won’t recommend non-veg items because the meat in such places may not hygienic and healthy. Himalayan Yoga and Excursion also encourage to avoid dairy and cheesy items and strongly suggest not to consume them during the trek. So, our packages are suitable for both vegan and vegetarians.
What types of liquid do I need to drink at high altitude?
Garlic soup is a must while trekking. Himalayan Yoga and Excursion recommend trekkers to drink green tea, lemon tea, hot lemon ginger tea and drink at least 2-4 liters of water a day. However, it is better to avoid alcohol and alcoholic beverages, caffeinated items, and hot-chocolates at high altitude.
What is the luggage limit for porter and flight to Lukla?
Himalayan Yoga and Excursion will provide one porter for two trekkers to carry 20 kgs of luggage (maximum 10 kg for each trekker). Please be sure your porters are not overloaded because they do not carry only your equipment but also lift your spirit to reach new heights, and your love, affection, and generosity can be the reason for them to work hard to take you to your destination. However, the weight limit on flights to the Everest region, basically to Lukla is a total of 10 kgs and you need to pay an extra amount per kg for the excess baggage. Himalayan Yoga and Excursion pays up to 5 kgs of extra baggage making your total to 15 kgs with your hand bag.
What if my flight to and from Lukla is cancelled or delayed?
The flights are usually regular between September and May. But due to high altitude, bad weather and unforeseen technical issues, you may experience a delay or cancellation of the flight. On the occurrence of such events, Himalayan Yoga and Excursion charter a helicopter to make sure you are on the safe schedule either for a trek or for your flight back home which would cost extra charge as an unexpected event. However, if the visibility is less than 1,500 meters, it is unable to operate helicopter facilities and Himalayan Yoga and Excursion will reschedule the flight.
What are the mode of transportation?
You can either trek on foot or by a helicopter. Himalayan Yoga and Excursion offer exciting and reasonable Helicopter trek to Everest Base Camp for 5 days and 10 days. Himalayan Yoga and Excursion can also customize your tour as per your necessity.
How safe is Gokyo Valley Trekking
We at Himalayan Yoga and Excursion Team always have the safety, comfort, and satisfaction of our valued customers as our foremost priority at all times, and we assure you a wonderful and unforgettable time with us in our beautiful country. Himalayan Yoga members of Himalayan Yoga and Excursion will be carrying all the necessary gear, equipment, and first aid kits and they have extensive first aid training. If a trekker falls sick on high altitude, the leader will decide whether to continue the trek. In case of emergency, Himalayan Yoga and Excursion have a rescue helicopter to bring you back from the higher elevation. Moreover, Himalayan Yoga and Excursion also provides oximeter to monitor the oxygen level at high altitude and offers regular health check-up facilities.
How long do I need to walk per day during my trek to Gokyo Valley?
The trekking will be 5-7 hours a day depending upon the landscape and destination.
What is the best Season for trek to Gokyo Valley?
The month of March to May in Spring and September to December in autumn seasons are considered the best for the Gokyo valleyTrek as the weather conditions become favorable during this time, providing you with good visibility and a suitable atmosphere for Gokyo Valley trekking.
Do I need insurance for Gokyo Valley trekking?
Make sure to have both medical and evacuation insurance before coming to Nepal for Gokyo Valley trekking. You should be careful in choosing a policy while traveling to a Himalayan country like Nepal as some insurance companies may make special exceptions for adventure travel. If you are confused about the insurance, please inform us and we will help you. It is usually better to arrange your insurance in your country before travel.
What problems can arise on high altitude?
Our itinerary has been specially tailored to prevent any kind of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) while moving up to higher altitudes. Normally, altitude sickness starts from 3,600 meters and above. You will be trekking at a relatively slow and gradual pace as part of the acclimatization process. Cut off caffeinated, alcoholic and smoking items. Drink at least 4 liters of water a day. Trek slow. Don't skip the acclimatization days. Better to continue with Diamox (if any symptoms show up). Drink Garlic Soup. In the higher elevation, there is less oxygen in the air and this is more so while crossing high passes. Our expert guides will advise you on how to avoid AMS and treat it when/ if required.
Is it possible for me to store extra clothing that I will not need?
Yes, if you have a bag of extra clothing for when you return from the trekking, you will be able to store it safely in Kathmandu Himalayan Yoga and Excursion office. The storage facility is provided by most hotels and lodges in Kathmandu or you can also store it in our office for the duration of the trekking.
Do I need to bring any personal equipment like sleeping bags, down jackets, Trekking poles etc?
If possible, we suggest you bring your own equipment. However, sleeping bags and down jackets will be provided to you by Himalayan Yoga and Excursion. With regards to trekking poles, if you are used to walking with it then take them with you, as you will probably find them useful especially on the way down. They are not essential though and the walk is manageable without them. It is mostly a personal preference. If you prefer to take the trekking poles with you on the trekking then you can either bring your own pole or buy it from numerous options available in Kathmandu itself.
Do I need to bring any bags for trekking? If yes, what kind?
During the Gokyo Valley trekking, you will be on a long journey for which you will need two bags to keep your belongings. A rucksack/duffle bag and a day bag for personal items. Himalayan Yoga and Excursion will provide you with a duffle bag (which is need to refund after the trek) that you can use throughout your entire journey and even afterward. These bags are durable and hence perfect for any kind of trekking journey. While the duffle bag will be carried by the potters, you will have to carry a day bag on your own. A day bag is a small backpack that has enough room for everything you will need on a day hike such as lunch, water, extra clothing and perhaps a few personnel items like camera, battery chargers, etc.
What kind of clothes do we require for the trekking and is it possible to purchase it in Kathmandu before the start of the trip?
What you want to wear depends on you but we suggest you wear warm clothes during the Gokyo Valley trekking. A down jacket, thermal longs and top, comfortable trekking trousers, t-shirts, fleece, windproof jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves might be useful. There are numerous trekking shops in the Thamel area of Kathmandu where you can get all of these items in both local and branded stores alike. Himalayan Yoga and Excursion may also accompany and assist you if required.
Are there toilet facilities at the tea houses? What opportunities will I have for shower during trekking?
Most of the teahouses on the Gokyo Valley trail have squat toilet facilities but recently built lodges have western-style toilets as well. Nowadays, flush toilets are also being introduced with a number of increasing foreign mountaineers each year. It is highly recommended to carry your own toilet paper and other required toiletries. Hot shower facilities are available till Gorakshep. The most common type is a bucket shower, usual buckets with tap filled with hot water and placed in a shower room. Hot shower costs from US$ 4 to 15 peruse and the price increases along with the elevation. Attached bathrooms and toilets are not available unless you book for a luxury lodge during the Gokyo Valley trek.
What kind of accommodation will be provided during the Gokyo Valley trekking?
A teahouse trekking accommodation will be made for you for the Gokyo Valley trekking whereby you will be able to stay at tea house(Local lodge) and have wholesome food and net and clean comfortable bed throughout your trekking journey. This form of arrangement also allows you to carry less baggage; you can trek at your own pace and enjoy the Everest panorama on your own schedule. It is also an eco-friendly way of trekking whereby trekkers can have more contact with the local's sherpa peoples.
What are the meals on the Gokyo Valley trekking like?
During trekking, you will be served meals in the teahouses. Typical meals are noodles, rice, pasta or potato dishes along with vegetables and egg/chicken/meat dishes. Other items mostly served as breakfasts include Tibetan, egg, pancake, bread, porridge, muesli, and toasts with peanut butter and hone
Is there an age limit for Gokyo Valley trekking?
No, there is no age limit for the trek to Gokyo Valley but, you need to be in good physical shape and have a positive attitude. We also suggest you to prior to the excursion though we suggest you to please see your doctor and obtain necessary permission and advice, as well as medications for traveling in extreme altitude prior to the excursion.
Will I be able to charge my batteries during trekking in the gokyo Valley?
Most of the tea houses/ lodges have electricity whereby you will be able to charge your iPod or camera batteries. Please note that lodges/tea houses will charge you some extra money for the services. The fee may vary from 1 USD to 3 USD per hour.