Gokyo Trek – 17 Days

Rest day for trek preparation or self exploration. Another option is to consult with our specialists for guided tours to explore the numerous unesco world heritage within kathmandu valley. Hotel - Meals: Breakfast

This morning, we shall fly from Kathmandu to the tiny airstrip of Lukla (2,744m), built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpas. The flight itself is awe inspiring. Once landed, we shall have a short rest, while our equipment is sorted and loaded. Gather up with your other team members & begin your adventure into the footsteps of famous mountaineers & adventurers. You will be passing by lovely Sherpa settlements, along gentle undulating trails and enjoying the marvellous scenery of the Dudh Kosi valley. Along the way, the sounds of plodding porters with transistor radios stuck to their ears, the cacophonic mix of myriad languages, strange sounding birds, the sight of porters, loads aside, resting outside tea houses, weather-beaten, windblown trekkers winding their way back to Lukla, prayer flag a-flutter, the brightly painted tea houses and of course the dramatic scenery are memories to treasure of this first day on the trail. Slowly, but surely you will arrive at the village of Phakding, which lies on the banks of the Dudh Kosi. It is a small but picturesque village in the foothills of the Himalayas. (3-4hrs walk) Lodge - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Today, you will be walking along the Dudh Kosi Valley. At monjo, you shall enter the Everest National Park, where entry formalities will have to be completed. Today will be one of the tougher days of the trip, but we take it slowly, enjoying the scenery as you climb slowly up to Namche Bazar. You will be crossing several suspension bridges and small villages. Arrive at Namche, at 3440m. This is an important village in this region with distinctly Sherpa flavor. (6-7hrs walk) Lodge - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

A rest day today at Namche today, as you unwind from the uphill walks of the past few days. You will have the option to village the Namche village or go on an exploratory walk of the surrounding hills. If you are feeling well, a visit to Shyangbochen area & National park area is recommended. Lodge - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

From Namche, you will ascend to the airstrip at Shyanboche, and then to a lunch spot in Khumjung, the largest village in the region. Here you can fill up on dhal bhat, noodles, and more. Towering above Khumjung is the sacred rocky peak of Khumbilya (5761m). It’s the home of the guardian goddess of the region, often depicted in religious paintings (or thangkas) as a white-faced figure on a white horse. The trail winds around Khumbilya's lower slopes, passing through beautiful birch forest and then climbing from treeless, grassy slopes to a stupa on top of a rocky ridge (3992m). Once again the views of the surrounding mountains are magnificent. Phortse can be seen across the valley – a picturesque village set in a patchwork of stone walled fields. You will stay overnight at the cluster of lodges on the saddle, known as Mongla. Lodge - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Acclimatisation is tough, so be sure to take it easy over the next three days and don't push yourself too hard. From Mongla, descend 300 metres on a series of switchback trails to the Dudh Kosi River at Phortse Bridge. The trail to Gokyo can be deceptive and some can ascend too quickly, but you will take your time. Leaving Phortse Bridge, you’ll ascend steeply at first and then contour high above the valley, enjoying excellent views (truly, every view is beyond excellent) of Kantega, Thamserku and Ama Dablam (6856m). About an hour's walk from Phortse Bridge, you’ll get your first views of the mammoth peak of Cho Oyo (8153m) at the head of the valley. Trek beyond the tree line and pass some imposing waterfalls en route to the yak herding settlements of Tongba (4015m) and Gyele (4050m). From here it’s a short distance to Dole, where you’ll spend the night. You’ll also explore the upper Dole Valley while you’re here, returning via a high ridge above the lodge to take some incredible photos of Cho Oyo and Gyachung Kang (7922m) to the north, and Taweche (6542m) and Cholatse (6440m) across the valley to the east. (4hrs walk) Lodge - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You might come to appreciate the term ‘short walking day’. Today will be just that, with a climb out of the small Dole Valley before a gradual ascent up the Dudh Kosi Valley, high above the river. Though the walk is quite easy you’ll definitely start to feel the effects of altitude on even the smallest hill. The barren alpine scenery, with only small clusters of scrub juniper, is a stark contrast to the snowy white peaks and deep blue skies. After a couple of hours you’ll arrive at Luza (4360m), then soon enough you’ll reach the lodge at Machhermo – tonight’s accommodation. If you’re still feeling energetic, then after lunch there’s the option to take an excursion across rocky rubble to the base of Kyajo Ri (6168m) and Machhermo Peak (6073m). Lodge - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you'll need a new word to describe the colour blue after seeing the Gokyo Lakes. A short, steep climb leads from the Machhermo Valley on to the steep grassy slopes of the Dudh Kosi Valley. Keep an eye open for the colourful Tibetan snow cocks, often found in this area. The valley widens as you pass through Pangka (4390m) and on to the jumbled moraines (glacier debris) of Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest in Nepal and the source of the Dudh Kosi River. Climbing steeply over a rocky trail you’ll keep to the western side of the glacier to reach a small lake at the head of a wide valley and then pass a larger lake at Longpongav (4690m), before following the lateral moraines to the third lake at Gokyo (4750m). Gokyo has a number of stone dwellings surrounded by stone walled yak pastures. Today’s lodge is located close to the lake and, if there are no clouds around, the sunroom will be lovely and warm in the afternoon. For those feeling energetic, it’s worth ascending to the ridge at the back of Gokyo for views down to the mighty Ngozumpa Glacier.  (4hrs walk) Lodge - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gokyo is a wonderful location in the lap of the Himalayas. You can choose to the top of Gokyo Ri, which is at the same altitude as Everest Base Camp. From the summit, you will enjoy spectacular views of Everest and other very high mountains and glaciers. Or, a well deserved rest day is also a possibility if you wish to enjoy the views amongst the himalayas. Lodge - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Retrace our steps down to the village of Phanga. (7hrs walk) Lodge - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We continue down from valley to the village of Khumjung. (7hrs walk) Lodge - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Retrace your step back to Monjo, as you walk alongside the Dudh Koshi river. We shall pass through Namche Bazaar & leave the Everest Natiuonal Park behind. (5hrs walk) Lodge - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Today's return trek to Lukla will bring us through the village of Phakding. (5- 6 hrs walk). Descend to Lukla for tomorrow's flight. Lodge - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. 

Today you shall leave the mountains behind and fly back to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu you will be met and transferred to the hotel. Check into your hotel & the rest of the day is free for exploration & a nice hot shower at the hotel is a welcome experience indeed. Hotel - Meals: Breakfast 

Its a rest day in kathmandu. Time to relax and reflect on your adventures. Its a contingency day, incase the unforeseen weather delays your domestic flight on the previous day. Another option is to consult with our specialists for guided tours to explore the numerous unesco world heritage within kathmandu valley. Hotel - Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. 
Meals: Breakfast