Gokyo Valley Trek

After you take breakfast, we’ll brief you on our upcoming adventure and then take you on a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu, including several UNESCO World Heritage sites. You can spend the rest of the day preparing for your upcoming trek.

Early in the morning, we catch a flight to Lukla from the Kathmandu domestic airport. We enjoy the incredible mountain views during the short flight. After landing, we begin our trek full of excitement. After passing picturesque Sherpa villages, their fields of crops, and many monuments toward Tibetan Buddhism, we see a spectacular view of Kusum Kanguru just as we arrive in Phakding. Overnight in a guest house.

After breakfast, we head to Namche Bazaar. The path leads us across several suspension bridges, while enjoying spectacular views of Thamserku. Following the Dudh Koshi River bank, we reach Monjo and officially enter Sagarmatha National Park. We continue along the river bank and eventually ciimb in altitude. We cross the highest suspension bridge of the Everest region, and again trek higher. We catch our first peek of Mt. Everest and continue to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in a guest house.

Today is our acclimatization day. We must take time to let our bodies adjust to the difference in altitude, as the air is thinner here. We take a short day hike up to Sagarmatha National Park Museum and Khumjung Village. From the museum, we can see a perfect view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and many more Himalayan peaks. Afterwards, we explore Namche Bazaar, a major trade center in the Khumbu region, densely populated by Sherpa people as well as trekkers who have finished or are preparing for the various Everest region treks. There is much to explore in the streets of Namche Bazaar. Overnight in guest house.

We start the day by descending about 300 meters on a series of switchback trails to the Dudh Kosi River at Phortse Bridge. Leaving Phortse Bridge, we ascend steeply above the valley, enjoying excellent views of Kantega, Thamserku and Ama Dablam. About an hour’s walk from Phortse Bridge, we have our first views Cho-Oyo (8153m) at the head of the valley. We are now trekking beyond the tree line. From here it is a short distance to Dole, where we spend the night. After lunch, we can explore the upperDole Valley, returning via a high ridge above the lodge to enjoy fantastic views of Cho-Oyo and Gyachung Kang (7922m) to the north, and Taweche (6542m) and Cholatse (6440m) across the valley to the east. Overnight at guest house.

Today, we trek from Dole to Machhermo, with nice mountain viewsthroughout the duration. The trail is slightly uphill to Machhermo. In the afternoon, wecan climb up a bit past Machhermo for acclimatization.Overnight at Lodge.

Today, we will hike from Machhermo to Gokyo Lake. The trail from Machhermo to Gokyo Lake is pleasant and relatively easy. We start by climbing a ridge for an excellent view down the valley to Kangtaiga, as well as Cho Oyu (8153m). The valley now widens as the trail passes through Phangkha. We head to the riverbank before climbing onto the moraine of the Ngazumpa Glacier on a steep trail. Upon crossing a bridge over a stream, the trail follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo. At the sight of the second lake, Taboche Tsho, we become mesmerized by the sheer beauty of the turquoise waters. A little further, we reach the third lake. Gokyo village stands by the third lake with Cho Oyu in the background. The whole scene in jaw-dropping. Overnight in a guest house. Upon arrival, you can explore around Ngozumpa Glacier and Gokyo lakes.

Gokyo is a trade center where Sherpa people run lodges and provide the best services to the trekkers. Gokyo is situated by the side of Ngozumpa Glacier, the biggest glacier in Nepal. Today, we will walk around the lake and we can make the side trip of the fifth lake as well if you are up for it. We will also hike up to Gokyo Ri, a stunning viewpoint to see the glacial lakes and massive peaks. Overnight at guest house.

Early in the morning, we wake up and climb to Gokyo Ri. A highlight of the trek, the view is absolutely spectacular. It is the best viewpoint to see the glacial lakes and massive peaks. Afterwards, we retrace our steps back to Machhermo. Overnight in guest house.

The trail from Machhermo (4410m) to Namche Bazaar (3440m) takes about five hours. The path gently descends to Dole and then starts descending steeply to Photse Tenga (3650m) passing through rhododendron forests. Then the path immediately escalates steeply to Mongla Danda (4000m) before a gentle downhill to Kyanjoma (3500m).We go through several gentler slopes, ultimately descending toreach Namche Bazaar. Overnight here.

After having breakfast, we start head down to Lukla. We enjoy the last views of Mt. Everest, already looking forward to seeing it again. We cross six suspension bridges and pass several Sherpa villages before arriving in Lukla. After crossing the highest of the bridges, we walk for another 3 hours to Phakding and stop for lunch. We arrive in Lukla after about 2.5 hours of walking after Phakding. Time to enjoy the last night of the Himalaya in Lukla!

We have breakfast and then walk to Tenzing and Hillary airport and fly back to Kathmandu in the morning, enjoying the scenery during the flight. We’ll have a celebratory dinner in Kathmandu in the evening. Otherwise, the rest of the day is yours. Overnight in hotel.

Transfer to Tribhuvan Airport. Thank you for choosing Shikhar Adventure as your trekking guide! We look forward to your next adventure with us.