Gokyo Lakes Trek

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport, a Wind Horse representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure until the evening. Later in the evening, there will be a briefing followed by dinner, along with a cultural performance, at a traditional Nepalese restaurant. Overnight in Kathmandu

Today you will visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites within the Kathmandu Valley: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple.

Your exploration begins at Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you’ll immerse yourselves in the area surrounding the former palace of the Nepalese kings, admiring various temples and monuments.

Subsequently, you’ll journey to Boudhanath Stupa, Nepal’s largest Buddhist stupa, engaging in the act of circumambulation alongside pilgrims and exploring the nearby monasteries.

Lastly, you’ll head to Pashupatinath Temple, revered as Nepal’s holiest Hindu temple. Following these visits, the evening remains free, offering an opportunity for last-minute shopping to acquire any necessary supplies for the trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.

The mountain flight into Lukla is spectacular, and the landing is an exciting experience. One end of the runway is 60 meters higher than the other. The flight is typically on a small Dornier or Twin Otter aircraft, with a duration of around 25–30 minutes.

Upon arrival at Lukla (2800m), you will meet your guides and porters before commencing the trek towards Phakding. Begin the trek by descending gradually for about 2 hours to Thado Koshi, then gradually ascend, crossing several suspension bridges, passing through villages, and finally arriving at Phakding (2610m). Overnight in Phakding.

Following the Dudh Koshi River, the trail traverses through Sherpa settlements such as Bengkar and Chumao, and then enters the Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. Crossing over the Hillary Hanging Bridge, continue with a steep uphill climb to Chautara, where you get the first glimpse of Everest through the trees.

Continue the ascent to reach the vibrant Namche Bazaar (3440m), the pulsating heart of the Sherpa community, offering accommodations, cafes, and stores vending souvenirs and trekking essentials. Namche Bazaar serves as an ideal location to procure any forgotten items and acclimatize to the altitude for the remainder of the day. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Today is set as an acclimatization day, you will embark on a short hike to Syangboche Hotel Everest View, situated at 3880m, which takes about 1-2hrs. This location is renowned as one of the best vantage points, offering breathtaking views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other peaks.

After relishing at the panoramic scenery, a brief descent on the other side leads you to the large village of Khumjung, home to Hillary’s School. Following the visit, you will descend back to Namche, where you have the rest of the afternoon to relax or explore on your own. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

The trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole traverses through diverse terrains with stunning views. The hike is over a relatively accessible path that presents incredible views while ascending along the Dudh Koshi valley.

At Sanasa, the trail diverges: one path continues toward Everest Base Camp, while the other heads toward the Gokyo Valley. Leaving the Everest Base Camp route, you will turn left, and proceed toward Mong La. Though the ascent is steep, the pass rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Crossing over Mong La, the trail descends sharply towards Phortse Tenga. Departing from Phortse Tenga, the trail ascends amidst enchanting rhododendron forests, guiding your way toward the picturesque village of Dole. Overnight in Dole.

Today’s hike alongside the Dudh Koshi River, that offer a captivating view as you head towards Machhermo. Machhermo serves as a summer pastoral settlement and an essential stopover for trekkers heading towards the Gokyo Valley.

The trail from Dole to Machhermo is relatively straightforward, featuring a gradual incline. Throughout the journey, you’ll traverse villages such as Labarma and Luza, each offering unique glimpses into the local culture amidst the beautiful natural surrounding. Overnight in Machhermo.

Departing from Machhermo, the trail initially climbs up to a ridge, presenting breathtaking views of Kangtega, and then meanders through open country towards Gokyo. As you climb higher, the landscape changes to rockier, drier terrain, offering unparalleled views of Cho Oyu, Cholatse, and the neighboring peaks.

The trail then descends to the Dudh Koshi valley, and a steep ascent will take you along the Ngozumpa glacier, passing by the first and second lakes before reaching the third lake. Gokyo village rests by this serene lake, framed by the towering presence of Gokyo Peak in the backdrop. Overnight in Gokyo.

Hiking up to Gokyo Ri at an altitude of 5,330 meters is an extraordinary adventure that offers panoramic vistas of some of the world’s tallest peaks such as Mount Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Pumori, Nuptse, and others.

Begin your hike early in the morning to make the most of the daylight and to witness the sunrise over the Himalayas. Once at the summit of Gokyo Ri, take your time to absorb the incredible vistas. The view of the mountains and the surrounding Gokyo Valley is truly captivating. Soak in the beauty, and appreciate the natural magnificence of the Himalayas before descending to your lodge at Gokyo.

After lunch, depending on your energy levels and available time, you can take a walk around the 4th or 5th Gokyo Lakes. These locations provide different vantage points and perspectives of the surrounding mountains. Overnight in Gokyo.

Today the hike goes alongside the Dudh Koshi river with the breathtaking views of the Gokyo lakes along with the towering peaks of Taboche and Cholatse. You will come across several charming villages such as Machhermo, Lhabarma, and Luza, each offering a distinct peek into the rich local culture and Sherpa way of life. Overnight in Dole.

Descending from Phortse Tenga, you will navigate a steep pathway that winds through forests with rhododendron and pine trees. This serene village nestled in a river valley offers a perfect and scenic location for a well-deserved rest.

Continuing onward from Phortse Tenga, the trail gradually ascends towards Mongla, presenting panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains. Further along, the path descends towards Sanasa, intersecting with the classic Everest trekking route. From Sanasa, the journey follows the iconic Everest route, leading you toward the vibrant and bustling hub of Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Your final day of the trek drops you back down to the Dudh Koshi River, crossing numerous suspension bridges and retracing your route past Jorsale, Monjo, Bengkar, Phakding, Ghat, and Choplung, before arriving back at Lukla. The last section from Ghat to Phakding is a steep climb of approximately 3 kilometers. Overnight in Lukla.

Board an early morning flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, proceed to transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure, allowing you to relax and unwind. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Today has been set aside as a contingency day to accommodate any potential flight cancellations from Lukla due to the unpredictable mountain weather, which often happens. However, if the flight proceeds as planned, you have the freedom to utilize this day as you desire. You could consider exploring souvenir shopping options or, upon request, we can organize a sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley for you. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Transfer to the airport in time for your departure flight to your next destination.