Gokyo Valley Trekking

Welcome to the trekkers paradise known around the world as the sovereign nation of Nepal, outlandish land majestic mountaintops, elegant hills, cascading waterfalls, gushing rivers, classic heritages, vivid cultures and of course, good-natured people. Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Airport, you will be cordially greeted then escorted to your hotel. Here, you can take your time to repose after such a fatiguing flight. It is highly recommended to try out the vividness of exuberant Thamel market that sprung into life with the close of the day.

We wake-up before the daybreak and board a 30-minute flight to Lukla. As we fly in the limitless blue sky, we initially come by the picturesque landscapes comprising lush greenery and terraced hilltops, then eventually pass over the snowscape, where we can catch sight of the formidable Himalayan Range. Once at Lukla, we initiate our trekking journey and make our way through the trail that progresses throughout the length of the sparkling Dudh Koshi River to the settlement of Chheplung (2,700m). Accompanied by the eye-catching sight of Kusum Kanguru (6,369m), and the Kwongde Mountain Range, we advance past the village of Ghat (2,590m) and it’s beautifully painted Mani walls and get to Phakding (2,610m).

Note: Please be advised that during the busy autumn (October and November) and spring (March to May) seasons, the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla may not be direct due to air traffic. If you plan to travel during these months, it is recommended to depart from Kathmandu at midnight in order to reach Manthali Airport and catch a flight to Lukla. Alternatively, if you prefer not to travel early in the morning, you have the option to travel a day prior and spend a night in Ramechhap, near the airport.

To the north of the Dudh Koshi Valley, we pursue the windy trail that proceeds by thriving pine woodlands across the suspension bridges covered with prayer flags to Monjo where we are needed to verify our permits at the checkpoints. We’ll now enter the territory of Sagarmatha National Park (a UNESCO world heritage site since 1979 A.D.).  After a short climb, we’ll reach the village of Jhorsalle, the last human settlement before Namche Bazaar. Leaving behind the cascading waterfalls and villages bestrewn with the woodlands of Magnolia, fir, and rhododendron; we march forward further on the trail and catch the sight of lofty mountains. Following a tough uphill trek, we arrive in Namche Bazaar (3,340m), the paramount Sherpa village in Khumbu region. Largely benefitted with the boom in the mountain tourism, Namche Bazaar is a commercial hub in the region and celebrated around the globe as the ‘gateway to the Mt. Everest’.

With the increase in the elevation, the atmosphere tends to get thinner. As a result, the levels of oxygen drastically fall down. Due to low levels of live-saving oxygen, trekkers and climbers find difficulty in breathing and often become the victim of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) time and again prove to be fatal. In order to avoid these circumstances, we must get accommodate according to the surroundings. This process is known as acclimatization. Today, we acclimatize in Namche Bazaar. To speed up the process, we may hike to nearby villages of Khunde and Khumjung that extends wonderful mountain vistas along with the opportunity to witness beautiful monastery and time-honoured chortens. Moreover, you may also hike to Hotel Everest View, the hotel positioned in the highest elevation around the world. Here, you can have a lovely breakfast while enjoying a 360 o view of majestic Mt. Everest and other neighbouring peaks. When done with these hikes, you can explore Namche Bazaar at the end of the day and gaze the splendour of this Sherpa capital.

This morning, we forge ahead on the trail that navigates out of the Namche Bazaar and progress to the Khumjung Village, the largest settlement in the whole Khumbu region; observing the sublime outlook of Everest and Lhotse. Afterward, we push forward to the settlement of Sanasa and then move up to Mangola (3,980m). The village of Mangola put forth a dreamy spectacle embracing an overview of Phortse Thanga village alongside snow-clad peaks of Ama Dablam (6,856m), Tabuche (6,367m), Thamserku (6,608m), and Kangtega (6,685m). After watching this view, we make a decent and cross a suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River then continue beyond the rhododendron woodland. Finally, we make it to Dole (4200 m).

Resuming our trek, we again follow the abrupt trail through the woodland of rhododendron. Inhabited chiefly by wildlife such as musk deer and pheasants; the woodland features lichens and mosses suspended in air. Beyond many grasslands and temporary settlements, the trail now makes it’s headway to Luza Village (4,360m) accompanied by the beautiful vistas of Cho Oyu (8,201m), Kantega (6,685m), and Thamserku (6,608m). Subsequently, we advance down the rock-strewn trail to Machhermo (4,470m).

This very day, the trail proceeds all the to a hilltop that bestows the sublime outlooks of splendid mountain peak Cho Oyu, the world’s sixth highest mountain soaring at 8,201m asl. Descending down the hilltop; the trail now moves forward past a Chorten to Pangka (4,480m). On the other side of a spurting stream, the trekking trail reaches Longpongo, the first lake. Further, getting to the second lake, the exquisite Taboche Tsho; the trail eventually progresses to Dudh Pokhari, the third lake. Situated beside the third lake is the village of Gokyo (4,800m) in the lap of Gokyo Ri (5,375m). Once we reach the Gokyo village, we can gaze at the vista of the turquoise Dudh Pokhari complemented by 3600 views of surrounding snow-covered peaks encompassing Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, Tawache, Cholatse, and Gyachung Kang.

The eighth day of our escapade is exclusive for exploration of the alluring Gokyo region. Considered by some as heaven on earth; the Gokyo region, along with its sublime lakes and magnificent viewpoints rewards trekkers with awe-inspiring vistas. Obviously, we cannot afford to miss the opportunity to explore the fourth lake (Thonak Tsho) and the fifth lake (Ngozuma Tsho). After setting foot here, we can speculate the panorama including lofty mountains covered in white snow such as Everest (8,848m), Makalu (8,481m), Lhotse (8,501m), Cho you (8,201m), Gyachung Kang (7,922m), etc. Subsequent to our return to Gokyo Village, we’ll have a stroll around the enchantress Dudh Pokhari. Then, we’ll go for the nearby viewpoints. Adorned with prayer flags, the vertex of these elevated grounds extends the remarkable view of Ngozumpa glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal; together with outlooks of adjacent mountains. If time is on our side, then we’ll also reach the top of Gokyo Ri which showcases phenomenal landscapes and stupendous mountain views in close proximity.

Bidding our farewells to the ‘way-out-of-this-world’ Gokyo region; we trek past Machhermo village via the same trekking trail by which we first entered the Gokyo region. From here, we’ll continue across the village of Luza and lush rhododendron woodland to Dole (4200 m) at the very end of the day.

It’s day ten of our adventure and we’ll continue to descend downhill. We’ll follow the trail that pushes forward beyond the settlements of Mangola (3,980m), Sanasa, and Khumjung (3,970m); all the way to Namche Bazaar (3,340m). Here, we’ll take a break and have some tea and light snacks. today’s endpoint, Namche.

The descent from Namche to Lukla is our final trek in the Khumbu region. Trekking down the flourishing woodlands of rhododendron, we’ll come by the village of Phakding (2,610m). Keeping on with the descent, we’ll arrive at Chheplung (2,700m). Moving down on the mountainside on the banks of the Dudh Koshi River; ultimately, we set our foot in Lukla. From here, we’ll take 30 mins of delightful flight over the soaring Himalayas to Kathmandu. Rest of the day in Kathmandu, you can perform some last-minute sightseeing or souvenir shopping or simply you can relax in your hotel room and prepare your body for the return flight to your homeland.

In this day we will either fly out from Lukla to Kathmandu or from Ramechhap, then drop you off at your hotel in Kathmandu. The next day, we will drop you off at the airport for your final departure. 

The Gokyo Valley trek has reached its conclusion today. If you wish, you have the opportunity to explore either the Pokhara or Chitwan Safari tour, both of which we offer at the most competitive prices. In the event that you are returning home or traveling to another country, kindly inform us of your departure time, and we will provide you with private car transportation to the airport for your convenience.