Gokyo Lake Trek

Today, you'll commence a guided tour of several of Kathmandu's most iconic sites, starting with the Swayambhunath Temple, affectionately called the Monkey Temple, perched on a hilltop. From there, we'll visit the revered Pashupatinath Temple and also the expansive Boudhanath Stupa, Nepal's largest stupa. Next, we'll explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, an ancient royal residence that now is an open museum of courtyards, palaces, and shrines. the encompassing lively local market and diverse eateries raise the colorful atmosphere. After the tour, you'll need time to rest before we meet at our office for a meeting on the upcoming trek. we'll handle all necessary permits for the Gokyo Lake trek beforehand, so you'll relax. Our meeting also will include time for packing and any last-minute shopping to confirm you're fully prepared for the journey ahead.

The flight to Lukla is scheduled for early morning, so we'll depart from the hotel promptly. Your guide will pick you up, and through the flight, you will be treated to breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayan mountains. Upon landing in Lukla, a tiny low town that marks the start line of our Gokyo Lake trek, porters will join us to help with the journey. We won't spend the night in Lukla; instead, we'll head down to Phakding village, which is about 200 meters lower, aiding our acclimatization process. The trek from Lukla to Phakding passes through Chaurikharka village and descends along the Dudh Koshi river towards Ghat village, crossing several suspension bridges and trekking through alpine woods. Upon arriving in Phakding, you'll enjoy fantastic views of peaks like Kongde Ri and Khumbila. Later in the day, we'll visit the old Rimishung monastery, providing a cultural insight into the region. at present sets the tone for the journey that awaits within the stunning landscapes of Nepal.

Today's trek takes us to the renowned Namche Bazaar, the bustling hub of the Everest region. After a hearty breakfast in Phakding, we aim to line off between 9:00 to 10:00 AM. Our path follows the banks of the Dudh Koshi River, crossing it multiple times throughout the day. After some hours, we'll reach Monjo village, where we'll stop for lunch and handle permit registrations. Post-lunch, we'll cross the long Hillary span and continue our trek along the uneven terrain of the hillside. The trail winds through lush forests of rhododendron and magnolia, leading up to the ultimate steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. This segment requires caution but rewards us with increasingly spectacular mountain views as we climb higher. Today's journey is both challenging and incredibly scenic, setting the stage for our adventure within the heart of the Khumbu region.

Today, we take a well-deserved break in Namche Bazaar. In the morning, we'll hike to the Hotel Everest View, a perfect spot to catch your first glimpse of Mt. Everest, together with stunning views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, Kongde Ri, and Khumbila. counting on our energy levels, we would extend our hike to Khumjung Monastery or return to Namche Bazaar for a leisurely afternoon. Namche Bazaar, the most important Sherpa settlement within the Khumbu region, is a vibrant hub for trekkers with its array of cafes, pubs, souvenir shops, restaurants, and museums. The town's bustling atmosphere may be a pleasant surprise for several visitors. If your stay coincides with a Saturday, don’t miss the bustling Saturday Market, a cultural experience where locals and trekkers alike mingle and trade. This day of rest in Namche isn't just for acclimatization but also provides an expensive cultural immersion into the center of Sherpa country.

Leaving Namche Bazaar, we start a less-traveled path towards the serene Gokyo valley. Our trek progresses through the scenic Kyanjuma village, perched above the Dudh Koshi gorge, offering sweeping views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kongde Ri. We'll then climb to the Mong La Pass at 3,972 meters, where the panoramic mountain vistas are truly breathtaking. Descending from the pass, we approach the Dudh Kosi River and trek onward to Phortse Thenga. Our route meanders through vibrant rhododendron and juniper forests, enhancing our journey with sights of yaks leisurely grazing in lush pastures. As we advance, our next destination is Dole, marking another beautiful stretch of our trek toward Gokyo.

As we progress towards Lapahrma, our path is adorned with trailside shrines and vibrant prayer flags, enhancing the serene and tranquil atmosphere of our trek. Upon arriving in Lapahrma, we are greeted by an impressive view of Mount Cho Oyu, the world's fifth-highest mountain at 8,201 meters. The journey also offers breathtaking vistas of Mount Kantega and Thamserku, showcasing nature's awe-inspiring beauty. Alongside these majestic peaks, we'll encounter beautiful meadows where yaks graze peacefully. Our route continues through the scenic Luja Valley, flanked by towering peaks, leading us to the charming village of Machhermo, where the blend of natural splendor and quiet village life creates a memorable experience.

During our acclimatization day in Machhermo, we concentrate on resting and fascinating light activities, like short hikes to higher elevations, to assist our bodies with the altitude. This practice is crucial for preventing hypoxia by allowing us to acclimate to the lower oxygen levels found at higher altitudes. Trekkers often explore nearby natural attractions to remain active without overexerting themselves. Popular activities include hiking to the Machhermo Ri viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains, including Cho Oyu, the world's sixth-highest peak. Another excellent option for acclimatization could be a trek to the nearby Machhermo Glacier, offering an opportunity to experience its stunning icy landscape. These activities not only aid in acclimatization but also enhance the trekking experience with spectacular scenic views.

The trek from Machhermo to Gokyo Village could be a breathtaking journey. After crossing Phangan, you'll cross an iron bridge to reach Longpongo Lake, known for its crystal-clear waters and a well-liked spot for trekkers to rest. Continuing, you'll encounter the formidable Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal's largest glacier. Traversing its challenging moraines is often tough, but the stunning scenery is rewarding. Further along, you'll discover the series of six Gokyo lakes, each distinguished by its unique color and charm. Gokyo Village itself is beautifully nestled beside Dudh Pokhari, one of these remarkable lakes, offering a scenic and tranquil setting. Spending the night in Gokyo Village allows you to soak in the serene beauty and tranquility of this spectacular area.

Gokyo offers two compelling exploration options for visitors. First, a shorter, 3km trail north of the village leads past the series of Gokyo lakes. Aim for Thonak Tsho and Ngozumpa Tsho, culminating at Scoundrel's Viewpoint for breathtaking views of Cho-Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu, among others. This hike provides an intimate encounter with the rugged high-altitude landscape, requiring about 2 hours for a return trip to Gokyo. Alternatively, the trail to Gokyo Ri begins with a short walk around the lake. Starting early is advisable to avoid clouds later in the morning. The ascent to the summit of Gokyo Ri, standing at 5,360 meters, takes roughly two hours. From its peak, you'll need an unparalleled bird's eye view of the Mahalangur Himal, including the formidable north face of Everest, the sweeping Ngozumpa Glacier, and an enormous array of other majestic peaks above 6,300 meters. This ascent provides one of the foremost memorable vistas within the Himalayas, encapsulating the awe-inspiring great thing about this mountainous region. Return to Gokyo for the night after these explorations.

The trek is initiated from Gokyo Village, taking you along a rocky path adjacent to the Dudh Koshi River. After traversing the river, the route proceeds through Phangka and ascends to Machhermo. Beyond Machhermo, a challenging steep climb results in the highest of a ridge. Descending from the ridge, you cross a bridge over the Dudh Koshi River to succeed in Luza. From there, the trail to Dole winds through rhododendrons and juniper forests, providing spectacular views of the Khumbila and Tawache mountains, and enhancing the trek with breathtaking natural scenery.

Departing from Dole, our trek traverses through dense forests of juniper and rhododendrons, leading us to Phortse Thenga. Following the trail alongside the Dudh Kosi River, we'll ascend to Mong La Pass. After the pass, the trail descends through the Dudh Koshi gorge, passing by Kyanjuma village, before finally arriving at Namche Bazaar. This leg of the journey combines both challenging ascents and scenic descents, culminating within the bustling hub of Namche.

From Namche Bazaar, we start with a steep descent along rough terrain, entering a forested path that meanders past remote settlements. The trail winds through magnolia and rhododendron forests, crossing several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River before reaching Phakding. Continuing from Phakding, we retrace our steps back to Lukla, ascending along the Dudh Koshi River through lush forests, passing small villages, and crossing multiple bridges. This segment of the trek provides a reflective journey back to where our adventure began.

Today, we return to Kathmandu early in the morning after our successful Gokyo Lakes trek, enjoying a final stunning mountain panorama during the flight. you will have the remainder of the day at leisure in Kathmandu to unpack, enjoy delicious local cuisine, shop, and explore as you would like. In the late evening, join us for a farewell dinner where we'll present you with a trek certificate, celebrating your accomplishment.

It's time to say goodbye. Please make sure you pack all of your belongings and leave any feedback with us. Nature Heaven Treks team will pick you up from your hotel lobby consistent with your flight schedule and transfer you to the international airport. If you've got extra days and need to explore more, allow us to know—we offer a spread of adventurous and relaxing trips throughout Nepal. Safe travels!

Allow our experts at Nature Heaven Treks and Expedition to help you Plan one of the most Memorable Vacations based on your interests with their in-depth knowledge of the Himalayas, they can craft the journey of your dreams considering your preferred location, time frame, and Budget

During the peak seasons for the Everest Base Camp Trek (March to May and September to November), all the Lukla flights will be operated from the Manthali Airport due to congestion at Tribhuvan Airport.