Gokyo Valley

The Everest area is undoubtedly one of the most baggage-laden places on earth, with myth often clouding reality. While Everest base camp has semi-mythical status, there is actually better, more rewarding walking (better views of Everest, even) to be had elsewhere, and the Gokyo Valley is the perfect evidence.

This amazing trek has everything you could want from a high mountain yomp. Beautiful walking in up deep gorges and alpine valleys (the word valley somehow seems to undersell this incredible area) to the village of Gokyo, in an immaculate setting by a very perfect lake, by the foot of the huge Ngozampa Glacier and surrounded by the fiercest of serrated mountain ridges. Stunning scenery all around in what is the absolute heart of the Himalayas.

The trek takes 12 days (min.) from Lukla,18 days as part of an Everest Base Camp circuit. It is 8 days there from Lukla (including necessary rest days) and three or so back.

There is a fantastic day walk above the great glacier past a series of glorious lakes in the long, gently rising valley toward Cho Oyu base camp.

Revel in outstanding views from the passes of a sweep of huge peaks: The Renjo La (somewhere between 5,345m - 5,360m) to the west is said to have perhaps the best views in the whole area.

Gokyo Ri (5360 - 5483m) to the west is a great day-walk trekking peak with an extraordinary view into the heart of Everest. 4 hrs

Namche Bazaar is at 3420m, and Gokyo at 4750m. You need to spend time (Lonely Planet recommend 3 days) acclimatizing in the Namche area (there are many worse things.  See our Bhote Kosi Valley page for one option.  Don't rush the ascent: four days to Gokyo are recommended, which means very short days.

Consider walking out either over the Renjo La westward toward Thame (3 days back) or estward over the 5420m Cho La to join the crowds on the Everest Base Camp trail (5 days if you don't turn up the valley toward EBC). These are two of the three passes on the Three Passes route.

Remember that the altitude can cause misery and even death. It will undoubtedly detract from your enjoyment, although most still think that a major walk here is a high point of their hiking lives. You don't HAVE to do this, and slightly lower-level treks can be more unsulliedly joyous.

SEE OUR MOUNT EVEREST REGION PAGE FOR DETAILED PRACTICAL INFORMATION (AND WARNINGS).