16 Days
Duration
Moderate
Physical
Nepal
Location
+20
Age
Jun-Oct
Dates

Gokyo Trek combines the classic Khumbu region adventure with an equally magnificent trip to Gokyo village. You have probably heard all about the Everest Base Camp Trek but, few have heard about Gokyo Ri or Gokyo Lakes, lying just few kilometers away from Everest Base Camp.The glimmering emerald waters of Gokyo Lake will take your breath away. It is often overlooked when trekkers visit the Everest region. Before even reaching there, though, there is a magnificent journey to have.

The trail begins with a thrill ride from Kathmandu to Lukla with a brief journey by turboprop aircraft. Start moving up past lush forests of rhododendron, pine, and other trees. Take in the lovely fresh air, which quickly gets thinner as we climb up. The landscape gets increasingly more desolate as we climb higher. Take a stop at Tengboche Monastery and receive blessings for good luck on the rest of the trip.

Beauty lies ahead at the majestic Gokyo Lakes, which are sacred to locals. You might believe so too once you lay your eyes on them. Either that night or the following morning (or both!), make your way up to Gokyo Ri (5357 meters), which rivals Kala Patthar as one of the best Everest region views. Watch the sunset and/or sunrise on several of the highest peaks known to man. Mount Everest (8848 meters), Lhotse (8516 meters), Cho Oyu (8201 meters), and Makalu (8481 meters) are all visible from the lookout point. Seeing the glow of the sun lighting up these mountains is mind-blowing.

Itinerary Highlights
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu:
Day 02: Kathmandu:
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2886 m.) and trek to Phakding:
Day 04: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazar (3440m.) :
Day 05: Rest day at Namche Bazaar (3440m) for acclimatization:
Day 06: Trek to Tengboche [3867m]
Day 07: Trek from Tengboche to Dole (4040m.) via Khumjung.:
Day 08: Trek from Dole to Machheromo (4150m.)
Day 09: Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (4570m.)
Day 10: Rest day at Gokyo and excursion around Gokyo valley:
Day 11: Rest day at Gokyo:
Day 12: Trek from Gokyo to Dole (4040m.):
Day 13: Trek to Namche [3450m]
Day 14: Trek to Lukla [2800m]
Day 15: Fly to Kathmandu
Day 16: Departure:

1

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu:

Meet, assist upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, by our representative who will escort you to your hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu.
2

Day 02: Kathmandu:

While we proceed in applying for the trek permit, you can have a sightseeing tour to Kathmandu city, Swoyambhunath stupa and Patan city.

Kathmandu city: The seat of royalty till the last century, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a wondrous cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets. Kumari, the living Goddess, the stone carved statue of ferocious Kal Bhairav, erotic carvings glorifying the art works in the temples, the giant temple of the Goddess Taleju and image of Shiva and Parvati peering outside through the window are just a few of the most noteworthy attractions in the area. One can’t help but admire the exceptionally attractive woodcarvings, statues and buildings that is cluster in the area.

Swoyambhunath stupa: A golden spire crowning a conical wooded hill, Swayambhunath Stupa is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Katmandu valley. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spires are visible from many miles and from all sides of the valley. Historical records found on a stone inscription give evidence that the stupa was already an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination by the 5th century AD.

Patan city: Nowhere else can be seen such a compression of marvelous monuments within a limited space like in the Patan Durbar Square. Besides the old royal palace, which dominates all others in grace and grandeur, here is the 17th-century Krishna Mandir. Entirely made of stone, this shikhara-style structure with 21 pinnacles is dedicated to Lord Krishna, a saviour deity in Hindu pantheon, and is equally noted for rare stone carvings on its walls, which depict various episodes of the epic wars of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Other landmarks within the Square are Tusha-hity (water spout), Sundari Chowk, Taleju Temple and the Keshav Narayan Chowk. The Hiranyavarna Mahavihar (Golden temple), Rudravarna Mahavihar and the terra-cotta temple of Mahabouddha are other highlights in the vicinity.
Overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

3

Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla -2886 m and trek to Phakding:

After having an early breakfast, transfer to the domestic airport to connect the flight to Lukla. It takes about 30 minutes flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and also takes about 03 and half hours to trek to Phakding (2640m.) from Lukla airport. Lukla is a small town with an airport. There are few tea shops, lodges, hotels and general stores. You begin your trek from Lukla following a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudhkoshi. Nupla (5885m.) can be seen in the distance on the opposite bank, is a peak atop the Kongde ridge. You descend a mountainside path that merges into your route to Everest, with views to a valley to your right and its far end Kusum Kang (6367m.). The Dudh Koshi approaches as you pass a Mani wall and arrive at Ghat tea house. You continue along a small path with many climbs and descents following the left bank of Dudhkoshi to Phakding.
Overnight at Tea House.
4

Day 04: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazar -3440m :

It takes about 5 – 6 hours walking and the trail starts through a level path along the right bank. Thamserku looms skyward on the opposite bank. You cross a stream and climb the terraced hill from the Dudh Koshi route and arrive at Benkar. The trail now climbs from the riverbed on the left bank into the mountain, through a forest to Chumoa. You continue along a path with many ups and downs; cross the stream and pass by a tiny village of Monjo. Now you descend the path of stone steps and return to the right bank. After a short climb you come to Jorsale’s tea house and hotel, also stop at the national park entrance counter where national park fee is collected. After Jorsale, you enter a forest mountainside. You follow a short walk along a riverbed of this V-shaped valley where the river forks the right, is the Dudh Koshi and the left is Bhotekoshi that leads to Nampa La. After a short distance along the Bhotekoshi you begin the steep ascent to Namche Bazar. As the mountain path zigzags uphill, you will emerge at the ridge top rest area that offers excellent views of Everest (8848m.) and Lhotse (8516m.), the climb eases somewhat and Namche Bazar appears ahead as you travel along the path surrounded by Pines. Pass the plateau where the Saturday Bazar is held and enter the village. Namche Bazar (3440m.) is surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges and opens out only where it faces the Bhotekoshi. The village is a central hub of the area and food, sundries and even mountain climbing equipment may be purchased here.
Overnight at Tea House.
5

Day 05: Rest day at Namche Bazaar-3440m for acclimatization:

Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the gaint peak of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, teashops and souvenir shops as well as a magnificent outlook. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day for acclimatization to the high altitude before heading off towards Thyangboche. For acclimatization, you walk up to Khhumjung where you can visit monastery. Khhumjung is densely populated by Sherpa community. You can also enjoy the splendid views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Tawche and Kongde. OR you can have an hour walk up to the Syangboche (3800m) where Everest view hotel is situated above Namche for the outstanding view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam,Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. There is also good views from the National park center and museum just above the town. This museum exhibits Sherpa culture.
Overnight at Tea House.
6

Day 06: Trek to Tengboche -3867m

From Namche, the trail contours on to the side of the valley, high above the Dudh Kosi. We get our first really good views of the great peaks of the Khumbu including Mt Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam. Passing by several villages and numerous tea shops, we descend steeply to a bridge over the river at Phunki Tenga. The village is an ideal stopover for lunch. Here we can rest before making the steep climb to Tengboche. Although the hike up the zigzag path is tiring, it presents us with many beautiful sights of rhododendron bushes with beautiful birds and superb mountain scenery. Tengboche is famous for its legendary monastery, the largest in the Khumbu. A spectacular panorama of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam rising in the horizon can be seen from the campsite.
Overnight at Tea House.
7

Day 07: Trek from Tengboche to Dole-4040m via Khumjung.:

It takes about 06 hours. Heading up all the way to Khumjung, a picturesque village which also has its own Gompa at the top end of the town. Here you can have excellent views of Thamserku, Kantega and Ama Dablam. Soon after leaving Khumjung the trail climbs to a large Chorten on top of the ridge. This ridge descends from Khumbila, a 5743m peak, side to be abode of the patron god of the Khumbu region. The trail descends slightly towards the Sanasa and the trail ascends up to Mongla (4000m.). From here, you can see panaromic views of various mountains. Your trek steeply descends passing through Phortse Tenga from here, the trail climbs steeply to Dole,
Overnight at Tea House.
8

Day 08: Trek from Dole to Machheromo -4150m.

It takes about five hours walk altogether. From Dole you climb steadily along the side of the valley, where the small and thorny bushes give way to scrub juniper as the altitude increases. The trail passes many summer settlements, which are used when yaks are taken to these pastures to graze during summer. Ahead of you are excellent views of Cho Oyu, while back down the valleys are the peaks Kantega and Thamserku.
Overnight at Tea House.
9

Day 09: Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo -4570m.

It takes about 4 – 5 hours of walking. Today you head for the lakes at Gokyo. You follow a very scenic path to Pangka and then descend slightly, following one of the melt-water River which flows down the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. You climb a steep rocky inclined into the valley by the side of the Glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes. You soon arrive at the second of the lakes crossing the path which heads across the glacier to Cho La (5420m.). The third lake is known as Dudh Pokhari and on its eastern shore is the settlement of Gokyo. Walking by the side of the lake the scenario is magnificent with the summits of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang, reflected in its emerald green waters.
Overnight at Tea House.
10

Day 10: Rest day at Gokyo and excursion around Gokyo valley

Gokyo is a trade center where Sherpa people run lodges to provide the best services to the trekkers. Gokyo is situated by the side of Ngozumpa glacier, the biggest glacier of Nepal. These days, you can make a side trip to fifth lake via fourth lake.
Overnight at Tea House.
11

Day 11: Rest day at Gokyo

Opting to ascent the Gokyo Ri.
Overnight at Tea House.
12

Day 12: Trek from Gokyo to Dole -4040m.

Walk down to dole enjoying the splendid views of Thamserku, Katenga and Ama Dablam.
Overnight at Tea House.
13

Day 13: Trek to Namche-3450m

We continue to follow the river and, after crossing it, climb back up through birch and rhododendron forest to Tengboche. Kwangde, Tawache, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kantega and Thamserku are just a few of the Himalayan giants to be seen. From Tengboche we descend to the bridge over the Dudh Kosi. At Phunki Tenga, we get to see the water driven prayer wheels, before making our way back to Namche.
Overnight at Tea House.
14

Day 14: Trek to Lukla-2800m

Our final day’s trekking follows the Dudh Kosi down to Lukla. This last evening calls for a celebration. We have a party with our sherpa guides and porters. We sample some chang (local beer) and try out some Sherpa dance steps. Altogether an end to a memorable trip on a merry note.
Overnight at Tea House.
15

Day 15: Fly to Kathmandu

We pack up early and head for the airstrip to hop a flight back to Kathmandu. Receive upon arrival in Kathmandu by our representative and escort to the hotel. 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.
Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
16

Day 16: Departure

Free till departure and later, transfer to the International Airport to connect the flight to onward destination.
  • Twin sharing accommodation at the Hotel in Kathmandu.
  • 12 days trek as specified in the itinerary with the accommodations at the Tea Houses on the trail on full board (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner).
  • All the surface transfers and the sightseeing tours in the itinerary with private vehicle.
  • Two way airfares for Kathmandu / Lukla / Kathmandu sectors with domestic airport tax.
  • Two way airfares for Kathmandu / Lukla / Kathmandu sectors with domestic airport Tax for Sherpa guide.
  • Equipments, clothings for porter.
  • Prevailing government taxes, Sagarmatha National Park fee, Tims card fee.
  • Any international airfares, Airport tax, Visa fees etc.
  • Expenses of personal nature such as alcoholic, non-alcoholic beverages, telephone & laundry bills, camera fees etc.
  • Insurances of any kind and any extra cost arises during the trip due to the natural calamities, political disorder or due to any reason which is beyond the control of Adventure Gear Nepal Pvt. Ltd.
  • Any other services which is not specified in the COST INCLUDES section above.

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