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Gokyo Valley Trekking

Trip Legend

   Trekking around Gokyo valley is considered a traditional culture trek that offers magnificent views of the mountain peaks and the Ngozumpa Glacier- the largest in Nepal's Himalayas. The landscapes in this region are known for the towering views of the most popular mountains in Nepal, at an altitude of 8,000m such as Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu which are greatly visible from Gokyo Ri above Gokyo Lake. One of the most remarkable features is the views of the tremendous ice ridge between Cho Oyu and Gyachung (2,922m) located in Khumbu region.

 After a sweeping thirty five minute flight from Kathmandu landing at Lukla’s tiny airstrip, the adventure really begins. We spend the next few days trekking and interacting with the local mountain folks also known as Sherpas; we stay at local lodges and trek into the heartland of their villages. Everything is well organized in combination with the local Sherpa guides. Along the trek we will pass Buddhist monasteries with the views of Everest and other snow laden mountains glittering in the sunshine which we get closer to by the day. We will have rest & acclimatisation in the villages of Namche bazaar that will allow us to explore the region and acclimatize, which is very important. After hiking to Gokyo Ri at (5,483m), we return at a leisurely pace back to Namche and Lukla for our flight back to Kathmandu.

    Your trip in brief:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu,Pick up and drop to Hotel 

Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing and Trekkking Preparation

Day 03: Kathmandu to Phakding via Lukla (2675m)

Day 04 : Phakding to Namche Bazar (3440m)

Day 05: Acclimatization in Namche

Day 06: Namche to Phortse Tenga (3500m)

Day 07: Phortse Tenga to Luza (4400m)

Day 08: Luza to Machhermo (4470m)

Day 09 : Machhermo to Gokyo (4750m)

Day 10: Acclimatization day in Gokyo

Day 11: Gokyo to Dole

Day 12: Dole to Namche Bazaar

Day 13: Namche Bazaar to Lukla

Day 14: Lukla to Kathmandu

Day 15: Departure home from Nepal or extra activities.

          Itinerary in  Details:-

Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu

It’s exciting as you fly into Kathmandu if the day is clear. The views from the windows of your plane give you fantastic views of snow-capped mountain peaks begins to stir the excitement in you that makes you feel elated, & this begins a whole link of blissful experiences that stay with you for a long time. Our escort and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Our escort will also help you check into your reserved hotel. At the hotel, you will be oriented on your daily activities.

This is your first overnight in the valley of the gods.

Day 2 Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu is the cultural heart of Nepal and has been a famous destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its borders to visitors. The city displays an interesting combination of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, the two important neighboring cities bear much cultural and religious significance to Nepal’s landscape. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, the 15th century Palace of 55 windows and Swoyambhunath.  Overnight at your hotel

Day 3 Kathmandu- Lukla [2,800 m/9,184 ft] - Phakding (2,652 m/8,700 ft): 3-4 hrs

Early morning, after breakfast we get transferred to domestic airport to fly to Lukla. After an adventurous 40 minute flight above breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a dramatic landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains peaks. At the airport, we meet our other crew members. We get time to stroll around while the guide divides and manages baggage to be carried by porters. We start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery. Overnight in Phakding with all your meals included

Day 4 Trek to Namche [3450m] 5-6 hours

From Phakding; we do a double cross on the river over high suspension bridges. We then head into Monjo which is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park and was set-up in order to protect and preserve this fragile mountain environment. We then ascend up to Namche and along the way, if the weather is clear, catch a first glimpse of Mt Everest in the distance. Namche is a happening little town & is the main trading village in the Khumbu and has a busy Saturday market – an ancient meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed the glaciated Nangpa La. We camp near the bazaar at Namche.

Day 5 Rest day in Namche to acclimatize

Namche is wonderfully nestled between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu. This remotely situated town, ironically, has it all; name it, & its there: a whole lot of well maintained lodges, tea hops and souvenir shops. You can even send an email & use the fax machine at namche. This is just the place to rest your bones & acclimatize to the new altitudes before heading off towards Gokyo.

Your options for acclimatization can include an uphill visit to Khunde Hospital, which was set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or take a one hour walk up to the Everest View Hotel above Namche. From this point, you can watch the sunset over Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. We can also get good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the village.

Day 6 Namche Bazaar - Phortse Village-[3810 m/ 12,496 ft]: 5-6 hrs

After breakfast in Namche, we start our walk enjoying superb views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and close up view of Thamserku on the way. Our trek goes by a gradual trail with a few ups and downs overlooking amazing views of the great Himalaya. Along the way we can spot wild mammals like the pheasant, musk deer, or a herd of Himalayan Thar. The trail goes gradually down up to Kayangjuma. The path eventually reaches Sanasa which is the major trail junction to Gokyo valley and Everest Base Camp. We trek gradual up through reach Mongla pass (3975 m) from where we glimpse Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tawoche and Mt. Khumbila. Sherpas regard Mt. Khumbila as sacred mountain of the patron god of the Khumbu area. Descending to Dudhkosi Khola (3250 m), we cross a bridge and again trek up through the rhododendron forest, a host for Himalayan wild deer and musk deer. Finally, we arrive at the walled fields of Phortse. Phortse is stands under the snow dusted peaks of Tawoche and Cholaste. From here it's a short trek to Phortse village where we bunk out for an overnight.

Day 07 Phortse Tenga to Luza (4360m}

From Phortse Tenga, we cross the bridge on the Dudh Koshi River, we spot wild fauna like pheasants, mountain goats, and the elusive musk deer. Through forests, some waterfalls and bridges, we reach Dole; a small place with few teahouses. Further, we climb steadily up through a scenic ridge above Dole and the trail climbs via Lhabarma. Offering us good views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku; the trail takes us through many summer settlements and a charming hamlet of Luza (4360m). While ascending from Luza, we will be at the Dudh Koshi valley in time to make it for our overnight stop in Machhermo.

Day 08 Luza to Machhermo {4470m}

Walking along the hill side above thundering Dudh Koshi, passing through some small hamlets and through sandy spurs, we reach Machhermo. Machhermo is the last major settlement on the way up to Gokyo. The beautiful stream flowing down from the Kyajo Ri and Phari Lapche mountains runs through the middle of village before draining into the Dudh Koshi. It is the place where Khumbu people got first sighting of Yeti in 1974. We visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital for a lecture regarding the altitude sickness, its precaution, and primary treatment. Overnight in Machhermo

Day 09 Machhermo to Gokyo {4800m)

On this day, we climb through a ridge Chorten from where we can see fabulous view of both down the valley and of the Mt. Kangtega, Thamserku, and northern part to the Cho-Oyu (8153m). Beyond the ridge the valley widens as the trail passes through a Chorten and reaches Phangka (4480m) after a soft walk. Phangka is the palace where an avalanche in 1995 killed 40 people. This was a very tragic day for the Himalayas of Nepal.

We descend to the river bank before beginning to climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. It is a steep climb on the moraine. After crossing an iron bridge over an stream the trial levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo at 4690m, where we get chance to observe the Lama footprints on a stone. At the sight of the second lake, Taboche Tsho we become mesmerized by the shimmering turquoise blue sheet of water sparkling in the sun. Little ahead of the second lake, we reach the third lake, the two linked by a surging stream. Gokyo village stands by the third lake and Cho-Oyu Mountain as a backdrop sets an amazing spectacular sight here. After lunch, we explore around the third Lakes, Dudh Pokhari. We spend the night in a teahouse with comfortable bedrooms. We crash out for an overnight in Gokyo

Day 10 Acclimatization day in Gokyo

Today is an acclimatisation day, but we shouldn’t remain idle. We make a beeline for the lakes at Gokyo. We hike through a real scenic trail to Phangka and then descend slightly, hanging to the route of the rivers which flow down the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. We climb a steep rocky incline into the valley by the side of the glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes. We soon arrive at the second of the lakes, crossing the path which heads across the glacier to Cho La - our route to Lobuche and Everest, later in the trek. The third lake is known as Dudh Pokhari and on its eastern shore we come across the settlement of Gokyo. Walking by the outer rings of the lake, the scenery is almost stunning with the summits of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang reflected in its emerald green waters.

Day 11 Gokyo to Dole

The trail back from Gokyo is an easy downhill walk along the Dudh Koshi River that emerges out of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Passing by the second and then the first Gokyo Lakes, we come to a small gushing stream over an iron bridge. We see the hamlet of Phangka ahead. Cholatse and Taboche peaks rear up on the right of us. The trail descends below Phangka and across a level terrace on the slope to climb a rib on the far side of the hill side. Upon reaching the Chorten at the edge, we see great views of Thamserku, Cho Oyu, and Kangtega. We slowly walk down to sprawling village of Machhermo. Again, through the pert hamlet of Luza and Lhafarma we reach Dole, an overnight stop for most of the trekkers going towards Gokyo Valley. It’s a well called for overnight in Dole.

Day 12 Dole to Namche Bazar

As we view the Cho Oyu range for the last time of this trek, we start hiking a steep descent to Phortse Tenga. Our hike today is mostly like a roller coaster down hill. The most outstanding feature of the trail today is the abundance of plant and animal vegetation including wildflowers and Rhododendrons. We might spot faunas like mountain goats, musk dears, pheasants, etc. Waterfalls are also an attraction for today. Upon reaching Mong-La, a very wonderfully located lovely place perched on the spur of Mt. Khumbila; we take a final look at Taboche, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kangtega, and a distant view of Tengboche. We now walk for a pretty long distance, & reach an intersection where the steep path up from Sanasa meets our trail. Now, the trail to Namche clings to the steep wooded slope beyond Kyangjuma, winding through several bends. Upon coming to Namche army camp hill, we look back to see Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche for the last time of the day. About a kilometer from here is Namche. We take hot shower and rest our weary bones at a comfortable lodge in Namche with all meals provided for.

Day 13 Namche Bazaar to Lukla…this is our last night on these beautiful mountains that were home to us all of these days…

The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk slowly and balance ourselves for control as our wobbly tired legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries the trail becomes more level and natural. By today we start to get warmed up by the light breeze. Any remaining sore throats and colds will be gone by today as we pass through this charming mountain air. Although we are traveling the same route down, we feel completely different views. We snap a mixture of open plains, rhododendron and pine forests, and in the distance snow covered peaks. We walk through the Sherpa villages' noticing impressive faith in Buddhism and culture of prayer stones and prayers flag while we walk through the villages. On arrival in Lukla, we stretch our sore legs and reminisce about the experiences of the last couple of weeks. We experience the final conclusion of an amazing trek on a merry note with everyone back safe and sound with happy facial expressions. Overnight at Edmund Hillary’s Lukla

Day 14 Lukla to Kathmandu

We do some early morning packing and head for the airstrip to hop a flight back to Kathmandu. On touchdown, the rest of your day is free to do your own things. You could do some last minute shopping and packing, or send a few post cards home or even go down for a stroll to Thamel, an internationally known hub for tourists in Asia.

Day 15 Departure home from Nepal or extra activities

The journey on the mountains of amazing Nepal concludes today! There is nothing much to do but we can send a few emails home & to our travel companions and organize our packing. If we have more time we can do some shopping or sightseeing. At last approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight, a representative from our office will escort you to the airport. On our way home we will have plenty of time to wonder about our great adventure & plan another wonderful holiday to the lovely country of Nepal.