Gokyo Valley Trek

We’ll board a flight to Lukla (2810m). You will be able to enjoy the beauty of splendid hills, rivers and mountains during the 30 minute flight. On reaching Lukla airport, you’ll be introduced to your porter, and served a wholesome breakfast. After that, we will head north to Phakding (2620m). It is an easy 3 hour hike through the Dudhkoshi valley. We will head north from the airstrip to Chheplung (2700m) and cross the crystal clear Thadokoshi on a locally built suspension bridge. Past the bridge, you can witness KusamKanggru (6367m), which is one of the toughest mountains to conquer. Away from the ThadoKoshi, the trail continues towards the Ghat (2590m) and we will cross a ridge marked with painted Mani stones. We will reach the beautiful tribal village of Phakding where you will stay overnight.

We will head to Namche bazaar, celebrated village of Khumbu region. On our way, we will cross the winding Dudhkoshi River 5 times on thrilling suspension bridges, covered with colorful Buddhist prayer flags. Then,We will keep climbing to Jorsale. From there, it’s a two and a half hour ascent to Namche, with two major viewpoints on your way. If you’re lucky, on a clear day, you can relish the hypnotic view of Everest. At Jorsale, you will enter Sagarmatha National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site) where you’ll be required to verify your permits. After 5-6 hours of tough hiking, we’ll reach Namche Bazaar, the economic hub of the region, also, gateway to Everest.

Adaptation to harsh geography and high altitude is vital before continuing the ascent, to avoid altitude sickness or other unwelcome illness. You’ll be taken for a one day hike through the beautiful villages of Khunde and Khumjung. After getting back at Everest view hotel, you can go to look at the giant skull of a mystical creature “Yeti”, in a monastery in the region. On a fairly clear day, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of peaks such as Everest, Lhotse or AmaDablam. The view of mountains from the Everest View Hotel is also commendable. After a nourishing breakfast, we will endeavor an hour long climb to the Syangboche airstrip (3790m), from where we will steadily ascend towards Khundu. On our way up, you will see century’s old Chorten (stone Buddhist monuments). From there, we will move eastwards to Khumjung, the largest settlement in the whole Khumbu region, at the lap of the holy peak of Khumbila. After savoring lunch at Khumjung, we will trail a slow climb to Everest View Hotel. The descend to Namche (3540m) is approximately 4/5 hours walk.

A little climb to the ridge top out of Namche will grant us a glorious view of Everest and Lhotse. From there, we will continue the mainstream trail. All through the trail, you will witness vendors selling Tibetan handiworks. After we arrive at the crossroad, which lies considerably high all above the DudhKoshi, the trail is divided. The upward trail, which we will follow stretches to Mon La Pass. The downhill trail leads to Everest base camp. We will follow the pass to reach Phortse Tanga and trail steeply to rhododendron jungles. After that, we will arrive at Dole, where you will admire Khumbila and Tawache (6,542m). We will explore around Dole, and stay overnight.

We will begin our daily hike with a steady climb along the valley.The juniper forests dominates the woods. As we go up, you will see beautiful summer settlements and grazing land throughout. Superb views of Cho Oyu, its neighboring peaks Kantega and Thamserku will feast your eyes. By noon, we will arrive at Machermo (4,410m). We will spend the rest of the day exploring Machermo (4,410m) and spend the night there.

After breakfast, we will continue the trail over the ridge for more exotic views. Majestic Cho Oyu will stand tall, right in front of you. Below is the gorgeous view of Khantega gorge, innate. Beyond the edge, the valley extends as the trail goes side by side to Pangram at 4,390m. We will go down towards the riverside, before climbing up to the fetal glacial deposit of the Ngozumpa glacier. After a slightly higher ascent, we will arrive at Gokyo, for a night stay. After lunch, we will visit and relish the sight of magnetic Forth and Fifth Lake for a close view of Mt.Everest and other mountains. Finally, we will walk back to Gokyo village where we will spend the night.

Early in the morning, we will conquer 5463m high GokyoRi from where you will admire the outstanding Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu among others. We will hike to Fifth Lake from where the view of peaks is even better. We will then descend to Dole to spend the night.

We will continue our trek down the Sherpa villages of Khumjung, leaving the mountains in the backdrop. We will walk down to the village of Namche bazaar, the epitome of Sherpa culture, where we will spend the night.

It is around a seven hour long walk downhill from Namche to Lukla. On this day, our time at the exotic Sagarmatha National Park will come to an end. Following day, we will board a plane to the capital. You will bid goodbye to this trek with a memorable walk down to Lukla.

Early morning air trip from Lukla to Kathmandu. Don’t forget to pick a seat on the right side, to see the insatiable mountains again. On reaching Kathmandu, we will be time to say goodbye! May you enjoy the rest of your journey here in Nepal.