Gokyo Lakes Trek – 18 Days

Following breakfast, a comprehensive briefing session will be conducted regarding the upcoming trip. Our knowledgeable guide will provide detailed information about the trek, including its geographical features, local customs and traditions, as well as the daily itinerary, notable attractions, and other relevant details. Additionally, we will offer assistance in acquiring the necessary trekking gear and guide you through the various stores in Thamel. Once the preparations are complete, and if time allows, we may embark on a brief sightseeing excursion to explore the captivating Kathmandu Durbar Square and the vibrant Thamel area. 

Upon departure from Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), we embark on an exhilarating flight aboard a twin-otter plane towards the Tenzing-Hillary Airport, nestled in the Sherpa village of Lukla (2840 m). This marks the starting point of our trek into the captivating Khumbu region. Throughout the duration of the flight, we are treated to awe-inspiring vistas of terraced hills and the majestic Himalayan range, creating a truly breathtaking experience. Following a satisfying lunch, our team engages in a light stretching and warm-up session before commencing the trek, which spans approximately four hours and leads us to the enchanting destination of Phakding (2610 m). Along this scenic journey, we encounter the sacred Mani stone walls, adorned with hundreds of stone tablets and intricately carved boulders, embellished with vibrant hues, symbolizing their significance in Buddhist culture. It is important to note that despite the warmth experienced in Kathmandu (1350 m), we advise keeping your fleece jacket, wind-resistant jacket, and warm hat readily accessible, as we will be landing at an elevation of 2840 m. 

Our trek will commence after enjoying breakfast at approximately 0800 AM. We will embark on a scenic journey alongside the mesmerizing Dudh Koshi River, traversing through picturesque villages such as Toc Toc, Benkar, and Monjo. Along the way, we will cross suspension bridges and make our way through enchanting forests until we reach the vibrant Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar. After a refreshing lunch and some well-deserved rest in Jorsalle, we will continue our expedition by crossing the renowned Hillary Bridge and ascending uphill towards Namche Bazaar. This uphill climb spans approximately 650m and is expected to take around 2-3 hours. 

Acclimatization is a crucial factor in preparing our bodies for trekking in high altitudes. As we ascend, the oxygen levels in the atmosphere decrease, making it necessary for us to acclimatize properly. Resting at Namche during our trek allows us to adjust more easily to the altitude. The most effective method of acclimatization involves walking at higher altitudes during the day and sleeping at lower altitudes at night. Therefore, on our third day of trekking, we will hike up to an elevation of 3850M.In the early morning, after having breakfast, we will embark on a hike to the Everest view point. From our hotel in Namche, we will have the opportunity to witness the majestic Mt. Kantega and Thamserku. Once we reach the Everest viewpoint, we will be greeted with our first glimpse of Mt. Everest, as well as the breathtaking sights of Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Amadablam, Mt. Thamserku, and the surrounding peaks. Following this, we will visit the Sagarmatha museum and continue our hike towards Khumjung via Syangboche. Along the way, we will have the chance to observe the Syangboche airport and pay a visit to the Everest view hotel. 

The team will set off from Namche Bazaar towards Deboche at approximately 0800 AM. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to admire the picturesque Phortse village, known as the village of Everest summiters, as well as the breathtaking view of the mountains. The trail will lead us downhill to Dudh Koshi River, passing through Sansaa village and Phunki Thanga, before crossing the river via a suspension bridge. From there, we will continue our ascent towards Tengboche. It will take us around 3 hours to reach Phunki Thanga, where we will take a break for lunch. Following that, we will embark on an uphill hike until we reach Tengboche. Tengboche is home to the renowned Tengboche Monastery, also known as Thyangboche Monastery or Dawa Choling Gompa. This monastery is one of the largest and most famous in the Khumbu region and in Nepal. At an elevation of 3850m, Tengboche marks the highest point of our hike for the day. Afterward, the trail will descend towards Deboche village. 

In a similar fashion to every other day, the team will commence their day with a warm-up session, stretching exercises, and a delightful breakfast before embarking on the trek at 08:00 AM. The trail will lead them alongside the Imja River, guiding them through the picturesque villages of Millingo, Pangboche, and Shomare, until they reach Dingboche village. Along the way, they will be treated to breathtaking views of Mt. Amadablam and Lhotse, while also having a high chance of encountering the majestic Himalayan thar (Mountain goat). Following a satisfying lunch in Pangboche, the team will have the opportunity to engage in a brief sightseeing excursion to the oldest Monastery in the Khumbu region, boasting a remarkable history of over 350 years. Subsequently, the team will resume their journey towards Dingboche village. 

Today marks another day of acclimatization during the trek, a crucial step in preparing the team for their journey to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, standing at 5364m and 5660m respectively. The team will embark on an acclimatization hike up the nearby Nangkartshang (Nagarjuna) hill, which reaches an elevation of 5070m. Equipped with packed snacks, the hike will commence promptly at 0800 am. The ascent up the hill is moderately steep, requiring approximately 3.5 hours reaching the summit. This day promises to be extraordinary, offering breathtaking views of majestic peaks such as Mt. Amadablam, Mt. Choyou (the 6th highest mountain at 8188m), Kantega, Thamserku, Taboche, Cholatse, Bruntse, Island Peak, and many others. Additionally, from the pinnacle of Nangkartshang hill, the village of Dingboche and the Chukhung valley present a truly spectacular sight. The entire hike is expected to last between 5 to 6 hours, ensuring a fulfilling and rewarding experience for the team. 

The team will commence their trek at 08:00 AM and make their way towards Lobuche village. Following the trail along the river that originates from Lobuche peak, they will cross a small bridge after approximately one and a half hours, eventually arriving at Thukla village. Positioned between Dingboche and Lobuche, Thukla is the sole village in this stretch. The team will take a break here, enjoying lunch and a brief rest. Subsequently, the trail becomes uphill, leading them through the Thukla memorial at an altitude of 4800m. This memorial serves as a tribute to the mountaineers who dedicated their entire careers to the pursuit of mountaineering. It is a somber sight to witness the numerous memorials. Beyond the Thukla pass, the trail becomes easier as they make their way to Lobuche village. The Khumbu glacier, originating from Everest, terminates at Thukla. This glacier is renowned as the highest in the world and the largest in Nepal. Standing directly in front of the village is Mount Nuptse (7861m), obstructing the view of Mount Everest,  Lobuche village also serves as the final place of accommodation for mountaineers preparing to ascend Lobuche peak (6119m). 

The upcoming day will prove to be quite challenging for the team, as they will have to navigate through the rugged terrain above the glacier. Due to the glacier's slow movement, the route will undergo slight changes on a daily basis. Additionally, the high altitude will add an extra level of difficulty to the trekking experience.  Gorakshep, a small village situated at a remarkably high elevation, serves as a starting point for two significant trails: Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp. Kala Patthar, standing at an impressive elevation of 5660m, offers unparalleled views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, and other majestic mountains in the Everest region. Everest Base Camp, on the other hand, holds great significance as a renowned landmark where countless mountaineers, accompanied by their dedicated Sherpa guides and porters, set up camps each year to embark on their journey to conquer Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks. Throughout the year, hundreds of thousands of trekkers from all corners of the globe flock to witness the magnificence of the Base Camp, which serves as the gateway to the world's highest mountain. Its allure and reputation as a must-see destination attract adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike, eager to experience the grandeur of this unparalleled natural wonder. 

The most breathtaking view can be witnessed once you conquer the most challenging ascent. To witness the majestic beauty of Mount Everest, one must embark on an early morning hike to Kala Patthar, preferably around 0300 AM or 0400 AM, in order to witness the sunrise over the towering peak and the surrounding mountains. This hike will take approximately 2 to 3 hours to reach the summit of Kala Patthar, which stands at an impressive elevation of 5660m, making it the highest point reached during the entire trek. Upon returning to Gorakshep, the team will indulge in a satisfying breakfast before retracing their steps back to Lobuche village and continuing towards Dzongla village. Compared to previous days, this particular day's trek will be relatively easier. The trail will lead you above the enchanting glacial lake known as "Chola Tso," which originates from Cholatese and Lobuche. Dzongla serves as the sole village and resting place after Lobuche on the way to Cho la pass. 

Cho-la pass is one of the three well-known passes in the Everest Region that attracts many trekkers. The journey to the pass begins early in the morning, around 5:00 AM, and it takes approximately four hours to reach the pass. As there are no tea houses between Dzongla and Thagnak village, the team must carry packed lunch for the day. The path to Cho-la pass is challenging, requiring the use of crampons to traverse the Chola glacier. However, it is now safer and better marked than it used to be. Once the team reaches the pass, they can savor their packed lunch and capture some memorable photos to commemorate their accomplishment of reaching one of the highest passes in the Everest region. After spending around 30-40 minutes at the pass, it is time for the longest descent towards Thagnak Village. The downhill route is steep, but fixed ropes are available to facilitate the descent, making it somewhat easier. It takes approximately 2-3 hours to reach Thagnak Village. 

The path can be quite challenging as it traverses over the Ngozumpa glacier. Similar to the Khumbu glacier, the Ngozumpa glacier is situated above the ever-changing loose rocky terrain. Although the trail is difficult, the sight of the Gokyo lakes after crossing the glacial region is truly gratifying. Upon reaching the Gokyo lakes, the team will take some well-deserved rest at the teahouse. 

Situated at an impressive altitude of 5357M, Gokyo ri offers an exceptional vantage point in the Everest region. This remarkable viewpoint not only provides breathtaking views of the majestic mountains but also allows visitors to admire the mesmerizing beauty of the five Gokyo lakes and the charming settlement of Gokyo village. Similar to the Kalapathar hike, reaching the summit of Gokyo ri requires a three-hour hike from Gokyo village. The hike typically commences before 0500 AM, allowing the possibility of witnessing a stunning sunrise if the team decides to do so. Following the descent, the team will enjoy a hearty breakfast at Gokyo before embarking on a journey towards Machhermo village, tracing the path along the tranquil dudh Koshi River. After a well-deserved rest and lunch at Machhermo, the team will continue their expedition towards Dole village, where they will spend the night, rejuvenating for the adventures that lie ahead. 

Once we have completed our daily warmup, stretches, and breakfast, we embark on our journey down the trail towards Phortse Tenga. As we make our way, we encounter a fork in the road where the path diverges towards Phortse village on the right and Mongla Hill on the left. Mongla Hill offers a picturesque setting to relish our lunch while taking in the breathtaking views of Thamserku, Kantega, Ama Dablam, and Taboche mountains. After our satisfying meal, we continue our descent along the trail, eventually reaching the charming village of Shansa, which we had previously passed through a week ago while trekking towards Deboche. From the vantage point of Mongla Hill, it is merely a 2 to 3-hour walk to reach Namche. Upon our arrival in Namche, the team will commemorate the completion of our trek with a small celebration. 

The team will retrace our steps from the first and second day as we descend the hill and cross the Hillary Bridge towards Jarsalle. We will then continue along the bank of the Dudh Koshi river, passing through Monjo, Toc Toc, Phakding, Thadokoshi, Cheplung, and finally reaching Lukla. Once we arrive in Lukla, we will express our gratitude and say goodbye to the porters who have been instrumental in carrying our heavy backpacks and ensuring a smoother trek for the entire team. 

After enjoying a hearty breakfast at Lukla, the team will embark on the earliest flight to Kathmandu. The thrill and excitement of taking off from the shortest runway at Lukla Airport, also known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport, will surely get the adrenaline pumping. The flight duration is estimated to be around 30-35 minutes. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will check out from the airport and embark on a 30-minute drive back to the hotel. The rest of the day will be dedicated to relaxation, allowing the team to recharge before a delightful team dinner event in the evening. 

 Should you find yourself with an additional day to spare during your visit to Nepal, we are more than happy to help you make the most of it by suggesting and arranging visits to other captivating destinations. Alternatively, if you have a flight scheduled to depart from Nepal, our dedicated team will be delighted to provide you with assistance and accompany you to the airport, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free departure.