Gokyo Valley & Cho Oyu Base Camp

Gokyo Valley & Cho Oyu Base Camp

Duration:  18 days
Trip level:  strenuous
Maximum altitude:  5483 m
Accommodation:  teahouse
Season:  March, April, May, September, October, November

Introduction

If you do not want to hike the crowded trail of the famous Everest Base Camp trek, this is a refreshing but great alternative in the Khumbu region with its famous and beautiful mountains. The Gokyo Lakes are situated in a panoramic mountainous area. You will spend a couple of nights at the lakes to explore the surrounding area with a visit to the remote Cho Oyu base camp, and a climb to Gokyo Ri for stunning views of the Everest mountains.

Gokyo Valley & Cho Oyu Base Camp Overview

You start the Gokyo Valley & Cho Oyu Base Camp journey with a travel from Kathmandu to Lukla. A spectacular flight of about thirty minutes that takes you to an airfield amidst the mountains. From Lukla, it is a two-day walk to the village of Namche Bazaar, where you stay an extra day to acclimatize to the altitude.

An optional day hike to the famous Everest View hotel is a pleasant walk and at the same time good for acclimatization. Also, a visit to the visitor centre of the Sagarmatha National Park offers an interesting introduction to the local flora and fauna, and the Sherpa culture.

From Namche Bazaar, you’ll leave the Everest Base Camp trail and hike towards the Gokyo Valley. The trail follows the stream of the Dudh Kosi River. At the shore of the Gokyo Lakes, you’ll spend a few days exploring the surrounding area. The first day, you will hike along the large and impressive Ngozumpa glacier towards the remote and desolate Cho Oyu base camp. The next day, you’ll get up early for your climb to the viewpoint of Gokyo Ri. From the summit, you will enjoy a stunning view of the entire Everest region, Makalu, and Kangchenjunga.

After your exploration of the Gokyo valley, you will leave the high Himalayan barren landscape for Phortse. A village where you can enjoy a view of the Khumbu valley. A visit to the Gompa of Pangboche and the monastery of Tengboche will give you a good impression of how Buddhist monks live in the Khumbu. Both sites are beautiful and it will show the importance of Buddhist life for the local Sherpas who live and worship here.

Via Namche Bazaar, you will descend towards Lukla where a flight back to Kathmandu ends this impressive Gokyo Valley adventure.

Our itineraries are designed to be flexible. If you would like to modify this plan, let us know, and we will work with you to create a personalized trip.

Day 1: Arrival Nepal; pick up at the international airport and drop off at a hotel in Thamel Kathmandu

Day 2: Free day at leisure in Kathmandu

Day 3: Flight Kathmandu / Ramechap to Lukla (0,5 hrs.) and trek to Phakding (2640 m – 3 hrs.)

Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440 m – 5 hrs.)

Day 5: Resting day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization. Optional day hike to the Everest View hotel

Day 6: Trek to Dole (4200m – 6 hrs.)

Day 7: Trek to Machermo (4470m – 5 hrs.)

Day 8: Trek to Gokyo Lakes (4800m – 5 hrs.)

Day 9: Day hike to Cho Oyu base camp/ Fith Lake (5200m) overnight at Gokyo Lakes (6 hrs.)

Day 10: Day hike to Gokyo Ri (5483m) overnight at Gokyo Lakes (5 hrs.)

Day 11: Trek to Phortse (3810 – 6 hrs.)

Day 12: Trek to Pangboche (3930m – 5 hrs.)

Day 13: Trek to Tengboche (3867m – 5 hrs.)

Day 14: Trek to Monjo (2880 m – 6 hrs.)

Day 15: Trek to Lukla (2830 m – 4 hrs.)

Day 16: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu / Ramechap (0,5 hrs.)

Day 17: Free day at leisure in Kathmandu

Day 18: Departure; pick up from the hotel and drop off at the international airport

During the trekking season prices may rise. The final price depends on the trekking season, group size and, if applicable, the cost of the local transfers.

Cost includes:
– Pick up and drop off from Kathmandu International Airport to the hotel
– 4 nights hotel room in Kathmandu; breakfast included
– Teahouse room during trek
– Return flight Kathmandu/ Ramechap to Lukla and transfer to and from the domestic airport
– Licensed and certified mountain guide. Well experienced and English speaking
– Porter service for carrying luggage; 10 kg per person
– Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for the mountain guide and porters
– 3 meals per day; breakfast/ lunch/dinner
– Free use of a waterproof bag
– Sagarmatha National Park entrance fee, TREK card and local taxes
– Support of the Sherpa Heritage Trails head office in Kathmandu

Cost excludes:
– International flight to Kathmandu
– Nepal entrance visa
– Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu
– All beverage bills, hot shower, internet services, laundry and battery charge during trek
– Personal travel insurance
– Rescue operation charge in case of an emergency
– Any cost that arises due to a change of itinerary, like flight delay, natural calamities, etc.
– Gratitude and tips for the guide and porters