Gokyo Lakes And ValleyTrek

We’ll board a scenic flight today, which utilizes about 30 minutes to reach Lukla from Kathmandu. En route, we’ll be greeted by the aerial view of irresistible snow-clad mountains within the Himalayan range.

Once, we set our foot on land, we pursue the trail that advances the mountainside positioned on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi river.

Along the way, we come across the settlement of Chaurikharka then to Chhelpung, where we can gaze Mt. Khumbu-Yul-Iha (5761m), which the local Sherpas believe to be resident of God of Khumbu. Subsequently, we proceed to Ghat (2,530m).

The Ghat Village comprises Mani walls, small Gompa, man-sized prayer wheels, and a jungle of prayer flags. Eventually, we make it to Phakding (2,652m).

With the break of day, we’ll commence our trek on the trail progressing across Dudhkoshi River via a long suspension bridge. Thereafter, the trail makes its way beyond the enchanting woodland of rhododendron and fir to Monjo.

Shortly, we’ll arrive at the entry point of the Sagarmatha National Park (a UNESCO world heritage site since 1979A.D.), where we are required to show our trekking permits. Succeeding the check of the permits, we move along the trekking trail to Jorsale.

On the way, we catch the sight of beautiful Mani walls. Finally, we now ascend 600m uphill to Namche Bazaar (3,440m), the Sherpa capital of the Khumbu region.

Generally, the initial sight of Mt. Everest (8,848m), Nuptse (7,861m), and Lhotse (8,414m) can be spotted upon arriving at Toap Hill.

Surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges; the Sherpa settlement of Namche Bazaar opens out towards Dudh Koshi River, and functions as a center of commercial as well as the administrative activity of the entire region. 

Namche Bazaar bestows the window of opportunity to observe the sublime vistas, chiefly. Today is our first acclimatization day.

We accommodate our bodies according to higher elevations where the surroundings contain a lower level of life-saving oxygen. In order to acclimatize properly and speedily, we hike along a path beyond the hill to Everest View Hotel.

On the way, we may get a glance of Himalayan Tahr grazing nearby. Here, we can witness the awe-inspiring view of the Everest range.

Afterward, we return to Namche Bazaar and explore the National Park Museum that renders the facts relating to the Himalayas, traditions of Sherpas, and the native flora and fauna. 

This very day, we make our way to Khumjung Village (3,790m) renowned for the monastery with a purported Yeti scalp. Then, we continue to follow the trail which now descends out of the valley across rhododendron woodland.

Thereupon, the trekking trail advances to Sanasa and ascends to Mongla Danda (3,975m). From here, the trail plummets to Phortse Thanga.

Climbing uphill past the alluring forest of rhododendron, we trek past a handful of summer settlements utilized by Sherpas and end up at Dole (4,200m).

From this village, we can take pleasure from the wonderful vistas highlighting Mt. Khumbila (5,761m) and Mt. Tawache (6,542m) throughout the clear day.

It’s day seven of our journey and we resume our trekking journey. We now make a climb along the side of the valley and stay on the trail, which progresses across summer settlements of Sherpas such as Lhabarma (4,330m) and Luza (4,390m).

Along the trail, we can witness the striking outlook comprising Dudh Koshi valley alongside some villages on the horizon. Adjacent to that, we can also take pleasure in the snow-capped mountaintops such as Cho Oyu (8,818m), Kantega (6,782m), and Thamserku (6,608m) functioning as the backdrop.

Utilizing just a few hours; today’s trek is relatively short and pleasant. Therefore, we reach the village of Machhermo (4,150m) in the middle of the day.

In order to make use of our remaining time, we visit the Himalayan Rescue Association aid post situated in the village.

This aid post specializes in cases related to altitude sickness and volunteer doctors stationed here extend professional lectures and advice related to Acute Altitude Sickness (AMS).

Machhermo to Gokyo (4,800m/15,744ft)

Accompanied by the alluring outlooks of snow-covered Kangtega and Thamserku mountains above the lovely valleys; today, we’ll make an ascent to the higher elevations.

Along the trekking trail, we can observe Mt. Cho Oyu and its majesty from a close distance. Also, we can catch a glimpse of Himalayan snow pheasant and other high Himalayan birds. The trail now proceeds through the settlement of Phang (4,550m).

From this point onwards, few stretches of trail harbor multiple layers of ice; thus, it’s highly recommended to be cautious of this hazard.

Subsequently, we progress beyond the various lakes of the Gokyo Lake System and make it to Gokyo Village i.e. positioned on the west side of the Ngozumpa glacier: the largest glacier in the Himalayas

Accompanied by the alluring outlooks of snow-covered Kangtega and Thamserku mountains above the lovely valleys; today, we’ll make an ascent to the higher elevations.

Along the trekking trail, we can observe Mt. Cho Oyu and its majesty from a close distance. Also, we can catch a glimpse of Himalayan snow pheasant and other high Himalayan birds. The trail now proceeds through the settlement of Phang (4,550m).

From this point onwards, few stretches of trail harbor multiple layers of ice; thus, it’s highly recommended to be cautious of this hazard.

Subsequently, we progress beyond the various lakes of the Gokyo Lake System and make it to Gokyo Village i.e. positioned on the west side of the Ngozumpa glacier: the largest glacier in the Himalayas

This morning, we go ahead with our trek to Gokyo Ri (5,357m), which overlooks Gokyo Village situated eastern shore of the Dudh Pokhari (third Gokyo Lake).

It takes about three hours to conquer the summit where we can lay our eyes on the grandeur of snow-covered massifs. This phenomenal vista embraces the more of Everest gracefully surrounded by Makalu (8,485m), Lhotse (8,516m), and Cho Oyu (8,188m).

Besides these, you can also spot other magnificent peaks like Nuptse (7,861m), Changtse (7,543m), and many more. Few speculate that the finest Everest view observed from here is even better than that from Kala Patthar.

Eventually, we climb down to Goyko then continue down to the Machhermo. At the end of the day, we arrive in Dole village (4,200m).

This day, we’ll eventually trek downhill to Phortse Thanga via an abrupt trail that traverses rhododendron woodland.

Afterward, the trail quickly ascends abruptly to Mongla Danda then makes a descent to Khumjung Village (3,790m). Confronting some rise and falls along the trail, we ultimately reach Namche Bazaar.

Today is the last day of our Gokyo trekking. We tighten our shoelaces and commence our journey back to Lukla. Other than some bumpy stretches, the trekking trail is smooth and the trek on this section is pleasant.

Following this, we trek beyond Bhote Koshi River multiple times through suspension bridges. Finally, we’ll make a final descent to Lukla

This time, we’ll fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla. The 30 minutes quaint flight takes you beyond the Himalayas, above the limitless sky; thus extending prepossessing aerial views of the amazing snowscapes.

At Kathmandu, you can make use of your remaining time by visiting the other landmarks of the city. Or, you can perform some last-minute shopping for souvenirs for your family and loved ones. If you had enough action, you may rest and relax in your hotel room.

Day fifteen marks the end of your entire adventure. We hope you are happy and fully satisfied with our services and expertise. Either you may choose the next package and initiate a new escapade or you can fly back home.

We’ll drop you at the Kathmandu Airport; three hours prior to flight time so that, you don’t have to confront any troubles during your final moments in Nepal