Gokyo Valley Trek 2025/2026

kay D

United Kingdom

2nd May, 2025

My partner Sid and I have just returned from a two week trek to Gokyo lakes with the ever-sought-after Hari as our guide. I've not been able to return to Nepal for over ten years because of life's ups and downs, but this was Sid's 50th birthday present to me and it couldn't have been a better way to celebrate my 50th year. It was wonderful to see Hari again and he looked after us so very well, as always. Trekking is not as easy as it was when I was younger, but Hari never pushed us, and actually we ended up doing pretty well. We got to the lakes and trekked up to 5,000 metres, so we were enormously happy with that. Hari made sure we drank enough, we ate well, we had comfortable bedrooms (and ensuite toilets where possible - important for men of a certain age!). We really enjoyed each other's company and at all times felt safe, supported and well informed. We had a few logistical problems because of the weather - so getting to and from Lukla was a nightmare, but Hari remained calm and determined and got us good deals on a heli to get there and a convoluted journey to Ramechhap airport followed by a 5 hour bus journey to Kathmandu - just so we wouldn't miss our international flight the next day. Hari knows his stuff and is well networked. He is also incredibly affable and never rubs people up the wrong way, so is great at getting good deals.
We didn't see any snow leopards or red panda, for which we told Hari we would remove a star from his rating :-) but he did point out a beautiful musk deer only feet away from us, lots of Himalayan Blue Tar and various birds.
Our porter, Lukendra (sp?) was courteous, hard working and friendly and we were hugely impressed with his stamina (as we always are of porters in the Himalayas). He frequently joins Hari on treks in the Sagarmatha region and we would recommend him.
I also still fundamentally believe, that despite the extra expense, hiring a guide when trekking in Nepal is an essential part of your holiday. Not only does it put vital money into the economy but it adds huge cultural depth to your experience, and you make a life-long friend. This was my fifth trip to Nepal and I will be going back again at some point. Guaranteed I will be going with Himalaya Heart Treks & Expeditions again.
As a separate point, if any of you are thinking of trekking in Nepal, be aware that the treks from Lukla to EBC or Gokyo are incredibly busy these days. You will find bottlenecks at bridges, busy lodges and lots of pack animals. It is not the peaceful experience it used to be. So be prepared for that. Also, the erosion on the paths is horrific now, so it is very dusty. Wear something over your nose and mouth, like a bandana or a buff (you can buy these everywhere in Nepal now). Lots of people were getting very bad coughs and chest infections and you really don't want that on the way up the mountains. We got pretty sick on the way down (thankfully not at altitude) and have had chest infections now for weeks, even back at home. So take your antibiotics with you and be prepared for a bit of an assault on your immune system.
That said it was all worth it. The mountains are as stunning as you could ever imagine, Gokyo lakes were breathtaking, the Nepali people are the kindest, friendliest people you could wish to meet, and they rely on tourism to keep their economy afloat - so please do go!! And when you do, go with Himalaya Heart, because they care for you like you are family. Thanks again Hari for an amazing time. See you again soon!!

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