Everest Gokyo Trekking

The Gokyo Valley is perhaps the most spectacular of the valleys in the Everest region and while the trail to Everest Base Camp gets close to the world's highest mountain there are those who suggest the view from Gokyo Peak offers the best panoramic view in the region. The trail to Gokyo has a network of small lodges, which have recently seen big improvements in food and accommodation facilities. This now makes the programme ideally suited to lodge-based trekking. The highlights are many, the sensational Ngozumpa Glacier, one of the largest in the Nepal Himalaya, the lakes at Gokyo, and the side trek to the top of Gokyo Kang (5360m) where the views are the amongst the most spectacular in Nepal including four 8,000-metre peaks: Cho-Oyo (8153m), Makalu (8475m), Lhotse (8511m) and, of course, Mount Everest (8848m).

After a magnificent mountain flight to Lukla we start the trek by following the Dudh Koshi river valley to Namche Bazaar. We trek at a steady pace allowing ample time for acclimatization and plenty of opportunity to enjoy the renowned Sherpa hospitality. The trail to Gokyo is a gradual ascent up the valley passing through patches of birch and rhododendron forest where the elusive musk deer can sometimes be seen. The mountain views are impressive as we head through small yak grazing settlements to the Gokyo Lakes. Here we stop for two nights for exploration, which will include the straightforward climb to Gokyo peak. Our return route crosses to the opposite side of the valley and passes through the village of Phortse and on to Thyangboche monastery, a most magnificent location where we rest and savour the incredible scenery, including magnificent views of Everest, Ama Dablam (6856m), Kantega (6809m), Kwangde (6194m), Nuptse (7879m), and Lhotse (8511m) to name but a few. Our return route heads back to Lukla for our flight back to Kathmandu.

This trek through the Gokyo Valley and over the Chola Pass takes us through some of the Khumbu Himal's most dramatic sceneries.

It combines the attraction of the more popular approach to Base Camp while allowing more time to explore the wild beauty of the less populated areas. This is a strenuous trek and should only be attempted by those who are very fit and experienced. The Sherpas are our constant companions and their hospitality is world know.