Gokyo Lakes Trekking

On your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.Your hotel is in the center of the city, in the vibrant and colourful area known as Thamel. With its restaurants, bars, and shops with unique Nepali handcrafted items and trekking gear, this is an interesting place to spend the afternoon.There will be the opportunity to meet your guide today and ask any questions you may still have about your trip to Everest Base Camp.

Accomadation: Tea House

It is an early morning start to fly into Lukla, one of the highest airports in the world.  The views are stunning, particularly as you are flying directly into the land of the Sherpas. The clean, fresh air hits you on arrival u2013 even as the views take your breath away.There is an approximately 3-hour hike from Lukla to Phakding, where we stop for our first night in the mountains.  Crossing a suspension bridge, passing a monastery, and seeing perhaps your first mani (prayer) wall are some of the highlights of the day. 

Accomadation: Guest House

After breakfast, set off for a day of ups and downs to reach the market town of Namche Bazaar.  On the way, you enter Sagarmatha National Park proper, cross a few more suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, and walk through rhododendron forests.Excitement is building as you approach Namche, where dozens of trekkers and climbing expeditions have gathered before heading out on their respective adventures.

Accomadation: Guest House

Today is a day to let the body acclimatize to the high altitude u2013 and it will get even higher!  But we suggest you stay active as that is the best way to acclimate.  There are several walks around Namche u2013 you could head for the Everest View Hotel, which has the finest views of Everest.  So good, in fact, that some people helicopter in for breakfast.  Yes, breakfast with the best view in the world!  From the hotel, continue on to Khumjung village. Here there are a number of interesting things.  Khunde Hospital was built in 1966 by Sir Edmund Hillary and is funded today by the Himalayan Trust. Even older is the Khumjung School, which Sir Edmund also set up.  Starting with two classrooms, the school today has more than 350 students in attendance. Finally, there is Khumjung Monastery which dates back hundreds of years, although it was reconstructed after the 2015 earthquake.  This center of Sherpa religion and culture was rebuilt with the help of all community members.  You might be interested to see a Yeti scalp (okay, not scientifically proven!) inside the monastery.After a day of exploring around Namche, donu2019t forget to stock up on any goodies in the abundant shops before heading out on the next leg of your trek. 

Accomadation: Guest House

Leaving Namche, the route is incredibly scenic as you hike up the Dudh Koshi valley, passing stupas and views of Ama Dablam, Everest, Thamserku, and many more on the way.  Descending into pine and rhododendron forests, the trail divides. The route to Gokyo Lakes is to the left.  On the way, we reach Mong village u2013 a very small village but very scenic as well.  Sitting on a ridge, the views from here reach Tengboche and beyond.  Enjoy waterfalls and rhododendrons on this trail, and perhaps not so much, enjoy the stone stairs you will encounter! Finally reaching the village of Dole, we stop for the night here, enjoying the surrounding views.

Accomadation: Guest House

This beautiful scenic trail is a steep climb taking you through scrub juniper.  Leaving Dole, there is an uphill gradient for around half an hour, then a more gentle uphill the rest of the way. The Dudh Koshi River lies far below. Hiking on towards the tiny teahouse settlement of Machhermo, the trail comes to a ridge above the village with stunning views of Thamserku.

Accomadation: Guest House

Leaving Machhermo, the trail heads up to another scenic ridge with views of Kangtega before heading through a narrow valley that leads into a wider valley.  Overall the trail today is not too tiring, with only one or two short steep sections. The trail descends to the Dudh Koshi River.  It is a steep climb to the Ngozumpa Glacier and the first Gokyo lake.As you continue north, the second lake appears.  Unlike the small first lake, this lake is quite long and runs parallel to the hiking trail.  Further on, we come to the 3rd lake and some teahouses (yes, there are 6 lakes in total, all falling under the name Gokyo Lake).Here we stop for lunch and then climb up to Gokyo Ri.  This takes 2.5 to 3 hours to climb up. The viewpoint at Gokyo Ri is a high 5,357 meters, with a great panorama of mountains above and lakes and glaciers below.  Sunset is spectacular and highly recommended.

Accomadation: Guest House

This morning hike to the 4th Gokyo Lake is mostly a flat trail and will take approximately 45 minutes to one hour.  After viewing the lake for some time, return to Gokyo for breakfast, then to Machhermo.

Accomadation: Guest House

After an early breakfast, head on towards Namche Bazaar.Namche feels quite lively and busy after the quiet of smaller villages, and we spend our final night of the trek here.

Accomadation: Guest House

Follow the Dudh Koshi River, crossing the suspension bridges you crossed at the beginning of your trek, and once again, you are in Lukla, where we overnight, waiting for our flight back to Kathmandu early the next morning.

Accomadation: Guest House

A short flight brings us back to the countryu2019s capital.  Your hotel awaits, and there is time to explore a little of the city or do some gift shopping.

Accomadation: Guest House

We will escort you to the airport for your departure.  If you are staying longer in Nepal, we will wish you a great continued stay u2013 and can arrange your next adventure too!