Gokyo Lakes Trek - 15 Days

Today, you’ll be invited to our workplace where we’ll have a discussion regarding your upcoming adventure. At the very moment, you’ll be introduced to your trekking guide with whom you can exchange views about the trek you are about to initiate. After that, we’ll set off for a guided sightseeing tour and explore magnificent buildings and monuments which are declared a UNESCO world heritage site located around Kathmandu Valley. At the beginning of the sightseeing tour; we’ll visit the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath. Devoted to mighty Hindu deity Lord Shiva, the Pashupatinath Temple is situated on the banks of Bagmati River. You can feel an essence of spirituality and peace in your mind within its vicinity. Then, you’ll explore the Buddhist stupas of Boudhanath and Swayambhunath, which are considered as an ancient architecture marvel. Adorned with prayer flags, the surroundings of these two grand stupas will bestow you a sense of tranquillity.  At the end of the day, you’ll drop round to see spectacular Patan Durbar Square. The durbar square complex comprises of a royal palace and many temples within its premises that flaunt imposing fine arts through sculptures as well as carvings in wood and stone.

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), that the local Sherpas believe to be resident of God of Khumbu. Subsequently, we proceed to Ghat (2,530m). The Ghat Village comprises of 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 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 centre 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. Afterwards, 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 ascend 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 the 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 of 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).

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 harbour 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 Ngozumpa glacier: the largest glacier in the Himalayas.

With the Gokyo Ri above, Gokyo Village showcases jaw-dropping Himalayan panoramas that trekkers and travel enthusiast cannot have enough in their entire lifetime. It’s the second acclimatization day and we adapt to the surroundings while watching spell-binding vistas. On top of that, to speed up the acclimatization process and see more of Gokyo Lake System, we hike to 4th and 5th Gokyo Lakes located to the north of Gokyo Village. After a hike of nearly 2 hours, we arrive at 4th Gokyo Lake aka Thonak Tsho (4,840m). Eventually, we continue our hike to 5th Gokyo Lake known as Ngozumpa Tso (4,980m). A small hill adorned with prayer flags is situated on verge of the moraine to the east of this very lake. From this point, breathtaking vistas including snow-clad peaks like Everest, Nuptse Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, and Ngozumpa glacier can be sighted. After gazing at nature’s splendour, we trek down to Gokyo (4,800m).

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

As the weather condition in the Himalayan region is unforeseeable, the domestic Kathmandu-Lukla flight can be cancelled or delayed with/without prior notice due to poor weather conditions. Therefore, we had added this day in case that any such hold-up could not set you back behind the schedule. If everything goes well then you will have a free day in Kathmandu, which you may utilize accordingly or you can pick one of our tour packages and enjoy!

The 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.