Gokyo Valley Trekking

We wake-up before the daybreak and board a 30 minutes scenic flight for 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 the sight of formidable Himalayan Range. Once at Lukla, we initiate our trekking journey and make our way through the trail that progresses throughout the length of sparkling Dudh Koshi River to the settlement of Chheplung (2,700m). Accompanied by the eye-catching sight of Kusum Kanguru (6,369m), and 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).

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 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 extend wonderful mountain vistas along with the opportunity to witness beautiful monastery and time-honored 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 3600 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. Afterwards, we push forward to the settlement of Sanasa then move up to Mangola (3,980m). The village of Mangola put forth dreamy spectacle embracing 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 Phortse Thanga (3,680m).

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 which bestows the sublime outlooks of splendid mountain peak Cho Oyu, 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 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; Gokyo region, along with its sublime lakes and magnificent viewpoint reward trekkers with awe-inspiring vistas. Obviously, we cannot afford to miss the opportunity to explore the fourth lake (Thonak Tsho) and fifth lake (Ngozuma Tsho). After setting our 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 of Nepal; together with outlooks of adjacent mountains. If time is on our side, then we’ll also reach to the top of Gokyo Ri that 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 Phortse Thanga (3,680m) in the very end of the day.

It’s the 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. Thereafter, we tighten our shoelaces and head through dense woodlands, suspension bridges and human settlements to our today’s endpoint, Monjo Village.

The descent from Monjo 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 returning fight to your homeland.

The present-day marks the conclusion of your exhilarating escapade. We are really hoping to meet again and assist you with our services and expertise during your next adventure in Nepal. One of our representatives will escort you to Kathmandu Airport, 3 hours prior to your flight back home. Have a safe flight!! See ya!!