Excellent 4.7 out of 5
Deep Roots. High Peaks.
Born in the heart of the Khumbu, we are more than a trekking company. We are the stewards of the Gokyo trail. Our journey began with a simple passion for the mountains and has grown into a lifelong commitment to preserving the beauty and culture of the Himalayas.See More
Trusted by 121,3k+ users
From a single yak to a Himalayan Legacy.
Gokyo Explorer wasn't founded in a boardroom—it was founded on the rocky trails between Namche Bazaar and the turquoise lakes of Gokyo. Our story began thirty years ago with Tuphan Sherpa, who spent his childhood guiding yaks through the high passes.
Tuphan saw how the world was falling in love with Everest, but he wanted to share the quiet majesty of his home: the Gokyo Valley. He started with a vision of "Authentic Himalayan Hospitality," ensuring that every trekker wouldn't just see the mountains, but feel the soul of the Sherpa people.
Today, we remain 100% Sherpa-owned and operated. Every guide we employ comes from the villages you visit, ensuring your journey supports the community that makes it possible.
Why Trek With Us?
We maintain the highest standards in the industry, from oxygen protocols to fair-wage practices.
Safety Excellence
Every guide carries pulse oximeters and comprehensive medical kits. We are certified by the Nepal Mountaineering Association.
Eco Stewardship
We strictly follow 'Leave No Trace' principles and lead waste-clearing initiatives in the Gokyo Lakes region.
Sherpa Heritage
Don't just walk the trail—understand its history, culture, and mythology through the eyes of the people who live here.
Meet the Guardians of the Lakes.
Our guides are all local to the Khumbu, with decades of combined experience.
Tuphan Sherpa
Born in the shadow of Everest, Tuphan has summited Gokyo Ri over 200 times and is dedicated to preserving Sherpa culture.
Rita Sharma
A certified Wilderness First Responder, Rita ensure every trek meets the highest global safety standards.
Pasang Lhamu
Pasang manages our local impact projects, ensuring our treks directly benefit Himalayan schools and cooperatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you hit the trail
Gokyo offers superior panoramic views (4 of the 14 highest peaks), pristine turquoise lakes, and significantly fewer crowds than the main EBC highway, providing a more serene and authentic experience.
Common Questions
Q: Why choose Gokyo over Everest Base Camp?
Gokyo offers superior panoramic views (4 of the 14 highest peaks), pristine turquoise lakes, and significantly fewer crowds than the main EBC highway, providing a more serene and authentic experience.
Q: What fitness level is required for trekking in Nepal?
A moderate to high level of fitness is required. You should be comfortable walking 5-7 hours a day with a light pack. Cardiovascular training and leg strength are key preparations.
Q: What happens if I get altitude sickness?
Our guides are trained to spot early AMS symptoms. The primary protocol is to stop ascending, hydrate, and if symptoms worsen, descend immediately. Helicopter evacuation is available for emergencies.
Booking
Q: How far in advance should I book my trek?
We recommend booking 3-6 months in advance, especially for peak seasons (Spring and Autumn), to ensure flight availability to Lukla and the best teahouse accommodations.
Q: What is your cancellation and refund policy?
We offer a full refund for cancellations made 30 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 14 days are subject to a 50% fee. We recommend travel insurance to cover unexpected cancellations.
Preparation
Q: Is there WiFi and electricity on the trail?
Yes, most teahouses offer WiFi (via AirLink or EverestLink cards) and charging stations for a small fee ($3-$7). Note that reliability decreases as you go higher.
Q: How much extra cash should I bring?
We recommend $25-$40 USD per day for personal expenses like snacks, hot showers, charging, WiFi, and tips for your crew.
Safety
Q: Does my insurance need to cover helicopter rescue?
Yes, it is mandatory. Your insurance must specifically cover trekking up to 6,000m and include emergency helicopter evacuation.
Q: Is the water safe to drink?
We do not recommend drinking tap or stream water. Use water purification tablets, filters, or purchase boiled water at teahouses to stay safe.
Permits
Q: What specific permits are required for Gokyo?
You need the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit and the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. We handle all paperwork for our trekkers.
Q: Do I need a guide for this trek?
As of 2023, the Nepal government has made it mandatory for solo trekkers to hire a licensed guide in the Everest region for safety and environmental protection.
Q: What is the luggage limit for the Lukla flight?
The weight limit is 15kg total per person (10kg for checked bag, 5kg for hand carry). Extra weight can be paid for but is not guaranteed to fly on the same plane.
Need a custom itinerary?
We can design a trip tailored specifically to your needs, fitness level, and schedule. It only takes 2 minutes to start.
Voices from the Trail
"The sheer color of the Gokyo lakes defies imagination. Waking up to see the reflection of Cho Oyu on the water was the highlight of my trekking life. The guides were simply phenomenal."
Sarah Jenkins
Photographer"I did EBC three years ago, but Gokyo felt much more intimate and wild. The ascent to Gokyo Ri was tough, but standing at the top alone with my group was an unmatched feeling."
Marcus V.
Adventure Enthusiast"I was extremely nervous about the altitude, but the acclimatization schedule built into our itinerary was perfect. I felt strong the entire time thanks to the incredible support team."
Elena Rodriguez
First-time Trekker