Gokyo Lakes Trek

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m

Driving Time: Approx. 30 minutes, depends on traffic

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International airport, our representative will be awaiting you to cordially welcome you with great hospitality. The representative will be displaying the “Nepal Sanctuary Treks” placard outside the airport terminal.

You will be then escorted and transferred to the hotel in our private vehicle. Further, you will be given a brief description of the activities that will take place during the upcoming trip and a preliminary briefing on hygiene and safety by our representative.

Altitude above sea level:  Mulkot (493 m)

Tour Duration:  Approx. 4 hrs. approx.

Driving duration: 3 hrs. approx. (KTM-Mulkot)

Accommodation: Hotel

9:00 AM: Today you start a guided cultural tour around Kathmandu Valley. On this cultural tour, you will experience the numerous colors, sounds, and tastes of authentic Kathmandu and its surroundings. Our experienced tour guides will tell you all you need to know and answer all your curiosities regarding those sites.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

You will take a short drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square, also called Hanuman Dhoka Durbar. This ancient site used to be the residence of the Nepali royal family and administrators. It incorporates an architecturally extraordinary complex of ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and shrines dating from the 15th to the 18th century.

The prominent sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square are Kumari Ghar or the house of the living goddess.  Kasthamandap is a huge rest house that is said to have been built with wood from a single tree and is the source of which Kathmandu valley got its name. Other sites around Kathmandu Square are the ferocious Kal Bhairab – the red monkey God- Hanuman, hundreds of erotic carvings, temples, and statues dedicated to different deities.

Swayambhunath:

Swayambhunath (monkey temple), is the magnificent ancient religious architecture and the center of faith of Hinduism and Buddhism. Its lofty white dome and dazzling golden spire are visible from far and wide. Swayambhunath is the ideal place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. In the shadows of the imposing structure and besides the integrated architecture can be found the daily surge of devotees faithfully offering their prayers to the gods. Upon arriving at the top, you can hear the Buddhist song “Om Mani Padme Hum” resounds everywhere. The candles and the aromatic fragrance of incense that burns constantly create a serene vibe and enormous prayer wheels which encircle the stupa.

PM: You take a drive to Mulkot in the afternoon. Mulkot is a small settlement, from where Manthali Airport is just 37 km away (1 hour’s drive).

Altitude above sea level: Lukla (2,840 m), Phakding (2,610 m)

Driving duration: 1 hr. approx. (Mulkot-Ramechhap)

Flight Duration: Approx. 25 minutes

Hiking Duration: 4–5 hours

Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the Ramechhap airport for a spectacular flight to the mountain airstrip at Lukla. Lukla is Nepal’s busiest domestic airport and, for the trekker intent on seeing Mt. Everest, flying here is an essential part of the adventure.

During the flight, you get to see the world’s soaring mountains including  Cho Oyu (8,153 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Gauri Shankar (7,145 m), Menlungtse (7,181 m).

After an exhilarating landing at Lukla, you will set off on the hike to Phakding. You follow the ridge on the bank of milky Dudh Koshi River to the village of Phakding. Dudh Koshi, or Milk River, is named for its chalky color that emerges from all the glaciers up above.

You will follow this river the rest of the day, passing through picturesque hamlets filled with tea houses, suspension bridges, and shops, carved Mani stones, prayer wheels, and packed animals.

After passing through the small villages like Chaurikharka and Ghat you arrive at the Phakding which is located right next to the Dudh Koshi River.

Altitude above sea level: (3,445 m), Namche

Hiking time: 6-7 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today, after a hearty breakfast, you will cross and re-cross the thundering glacial river, named “Dudh” (milk) Koshi (river) because of its color. Sections of today’s walk are through pine forest and cleared areas to reveal terraced fields and a variety of crops. You pass small groups of donkeys and yaks carrying trading goods and trek gear along the trail. The trail passes through the villages of Benkar, Monjo, and Jorsale then climbs steeply the 2000′ feet to the market town of Namche.

Namche is the largest town in the Khumbu region, surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges, and opens out only where it faces the Dudh Koshi. This vibrant village is a central hub of the area and food, sundries and even mountain climbing equipment may be purchased here. Also, it is the main trading village in the Khumbu region, is the historic meeting point for Hindu traders from the lowlands and Tibetan yak caravans.

Altitude above sea level: 3,962 m

Hiking duration: 2-3 hrs. approx. (Hotel Everest View)

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Namche is an ideal place for acclimatization. The places of interest around Namche are remarkable and beautiful. There is plenty to do in and around Namche.  You can take a short walk above the town to get a view of Everest. The trail leading to the hotel is a pleasant walk across a hill. You might spot yaks grazing nearby, or a Himalayan Tahr (wild goat) balancing perfectly on the cliffs.

Hidden on a ridge overlooking the Everest range, Hotel Everest View is an incredible establishment that blends gracefully with its remarkable surrounding. Appreciate the panoramic view of the Everest Region from the iconic Hotel Everest View.

There is also an interesting Sherpa Culture Museum which is well worth a visit.  After exploring, you take a downhill track back to Namche. Spend the afternoon at leisure.  You can either relax or visit the colorful Namche Bazaar.

Altitude above sea level: (3,601 m) Phortse Tenga

Hiking duration:  5-6 hours 

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

You start the morning with a hearty breakfast at the lodge. Today the trail behind Namche is a gentle path that crosses high above the Imja River, overlooking spectacular views of Thamserku and Amadablam. Further, before reaching Kyangjuma, you pass a chorten in memory of Tenzing Norgay, the pioneer to summit Mount Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary.

You diverge from the classic trail to Everest Base Camp and take the higher path up to Mong La.  Admire the grandest views of Amadablam, Everest, Thamserku, Taboche, Cholatse, Lhotse I and II, Kangtega, and valley seen from Mong la pass. After soaking in the commanding view, you make your way to Phortse Tenga.

Phortse Tenga is a short downhill from Mong on the valley floor alongside the Dudh Koshi River. It is a small village located on the bank of a white-water river and surrounded by forests and mountains.

Altitude above sea level: (4,040 m) Dole

Hiking duration: 3-4 hours

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today’s trail climbs steeply out of the valley through rhododendron forests, which give way to fragrant stands of juniper and large conifers as the elevation increases.

The part of the trek between Phortse Tenga and Dole is exceptionally beautiful with its fairy-tale rhododendron forest, particularly in spring, when they are blossoming. It is an incredible experience to walk in the shadows of dense trees, with some mesmerizing views of mountains accompanying you throughout. You pass lovely waterfalls and sit to look at the glaciers that flow from Taweche and Cholatse on the opposite side of the valley. Behind you, impressive ridges lead to the peak of Khumblia and the many mountains that reach almost 6,000 meters, ahead you can catch your first glimpse of Cho Oyu.

You continue your hike until you reach Dole. Dole is a small village that lies in the Dudh Koshi river valley.

Altitude above sea level: (4,465 m), Machhermo

Hiking duration: 5-6 hours

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you follow a trail towards the Gokyo valley. You take a steep climb to walk alongside a verdant forest of Juniper trees. Along the trail, you traverse suspension bridges and a cliff.

Leaving the well-marked trail away, you’ll now follow a rocky trail heading to the moraine of Ngozumpa Glacier. Next is the Machhermo village where you will be staying overnight. Upon arrival, spend your afternoon at your leisure. You can either relax or explore the area that would also allow your bodies to properly acclimatize.

Altitude above sea level: (4,750 m) Gokyo

Hiking duration: 4-5 hours hike

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you continue with a trail to Gokyo valley. Take a ascend trail towards a series of farm buildings called Pangka. Beyond the ridge, the valley widens as the trail reaches the small village of Pangka.

From Pangka (4,548 m) descend slightly to a river which flows from the Ngozumba Glacier, The path from here follows a picturesque snow-melt river flowing west side of the Ngozumpa glacier.  The best part of the trip would still be the mesmerizing view of the incredible ice face of Cholatse and the lakes. Thereafter, ascend steeply from the river up to the first of the 3 sacred lakes, which mark the end of the transition from the lower Gokyo valley to the deserted upper part.

Hiking the flat route ahead, you’ll reach the second lake. For Dudh Kunda, you’ve to walk the trail across the glacier to Cho La. On its east shore is the summer settlement of Gokyo valley. Walking by the side of the lake, the scenery is magnificent, with the summits of Cho Oyo and Gyachung Kang reflected in its emerald green waters.  Gokyo valley is situated next to a beautiful emerald green lake. The view is absolutely wonderful from here, with luminous glacial lakes and mountains atop.

Altitude above sea level:  (5,357 m) Gokyo Ri

Hiking duration: 2 – 3 hours

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you hike around Gokyo to explore the topography of the region.  The views in the Gokyo region are tremendous. For the best view, you will hike up to Gokyo Ri, the small peak above the lake. From the summit of Gokyo Ri, you can witness the massive Ngozumpa glacier and breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Khumbu Himalayas, including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu, and Gychung Kang.

If you are energetic, you further hike to the fourth and the fifth Gokyo lakes. The 4th lake is marked by soaring cliffs and Himalayan peaks rising above it. You continue hiking a slight further and reach the 5th lake. In the fifth lake, there is a popular vantage point known as Scoundrel’s Viewpoint. You can see Ngozumpa glacier and Cho Oyu Base Camp from the northern part of the 5th Gokyo Lake.

After exploring, you follow the trail back to Gokyo Valley overnight.

Altitude above sea level:  (3,796 m) Phortse village

Hiking duration: 7 – 8hrs approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you follow the same path all the way back down to Phortse. After crossing, Dudh Pokhari, the second and first lake, you go downhill to Pangka before climbing a hill. You get to Phortse by passing the Machermo, Luza Lhafarma, and Dole villages.

Altitude above sea level: (2,850 m) Monjo (3,340 m) Namche

Hiking duration: 6 – 7hrs approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Leaving Phortse behind, you descend steeply through birch and rhododendron forest to the Dudh Koshi. After crossing the river, you follow the way that pushes forward beyond the settlements of Mong La (3,980 m), Sanasa, and Khumjung (3,970 m); all the way to Namche Bazaar (3,340 m).

From Namche Bazaar, you head through dense forests, suspension bridges, and settlements to our today’s destination, Monjo Village.

Altitude above sea level:  (2,840 m)  Lukla

Hiking duration:  5-6 hrs approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After having breakfast, you start walking through a pleasant trail. Taking down through the forest of rhododendron takes you to Phakding village. You cross the suspension bridge at Thado Koshi and hike onto Chheplung (2,700 m). Moving down on the mountainside on the banks of the Dudh Koshi River; eventually, you reach Lukla.

Altitude above sea level: (1,302 m) Kathmandu

Flight Time: 25 minutes approx.

Driving duration: 4 hrs. approx. (Ramechhap-KTM)

Meal: Breakfast

You will have an early breakfast and fly back to Ramechhap from Lukla airport. Once you land at Ramechap airport, you will take a drive back to Kathmandu.

Altitude above sea level: (1,302 m), Kathmandu

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Meal: Breakfast

It’s also a spare day in case of bad weather in Lukla if we could not fly on the scheduled date and time, or we can organize a guided day tour in or around Kathmandu. You can spend your leisure time shopping for souvenirs for your beloved ones or simply relax after an exhausting but momentous adventure.

Meal: Breakfast

It is time to fly back home, keeping all the incredible experiences of Nepal in mind. The representative from Nepal Sanctuary Treks will transfer you to TIA airport, where you should check in 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight.