Gokyo Valley Trek

We take a picturesque flight from Kathmandu early in the morning to Lukla (2827 meters), we fly for 40 minutes. Arriving at Lukla, in the afternoon, we start our walk by moving down to the Dudh Koshi River and take the key track to Namche Bazaar, sited just over Chaunrikharka (2713 meters).

The trail is easy, and after crossing the tiny village of Ghat (2550 meters), we have a short walk to Phakding.

The day will begin with a gentle walk to Monjo, another beautiful Sherpa settlement of the trek; the official entry into the Sagarmatha National Park where you will have to show your permits (SNP entry permit and TIMS card) at the office in Monjo.

The walk to Namche Bazaar involves a tough uphill climb of about 590 meters, taking approximately 2.30 - 3 hours. However, halfway up the hill, you will be able to see Everest and Lhotse for the first time.

As you approach the town of Namche Bazaar (3440 meter), the peaks of Thamserku (6648 meter) and Kwangde (6224 meter) are visible in the east and the sacred Khumbila mountain (5707 meter) appears in front of your eyes in the west.

As gateway to the Khumbu region, Namche Bazaar, at an altitude of 3440 meter, is famous for its many bakeries and the local market (Haat Bazaar) which is held each Saturday. Built on a steep mountain bowl with excellent views of high Himalaya on either side, the town has restaurants, shops, banks and currency exchange. Remarkably, for such a remote location, there are also availability of cyber cafes and pool halls.

It is important to walk to higher altitudes while you stay two days in Namche bazaar. We today make a day hike to to Thame village, the hometown of the great Everest Sherpa, Tenzing Norgay.

The day begins with a trail that leads to Sanasa. We ascend to Mong La hill to enjoy offers great views of Amadablam and Thamserku. The trail then leads back to the Dudh Koshi at 3550m before ascending to Phortse at 3800 meters. The views of Kongde and Thamserku and the valley are mind-blowing. Phortse is a charming spot inhabited by Sherpa people and climbers.

As we start trip to Machhermo (4470 meters), we trek down to the river again. After crossing this river, we come across a junction and then follow the trail to Dole Dole (4038 meters). During the spring months, this region is full of beautiful blooms.

We then climb gradually all along the side of the gorge, where we can see lush rhododendrons making way to scrub juniper as the elevation keeps increasing. Tremendous views of Cho Oyu can also be seen. This is a short day trek and we will reach Machermo in no time.

Today, moving ahead from Machermo, we continue towards the lakes at Gokyo (4750 meters) which pour down the west part of the Ngozumpa Glacier. We go across the three eye-catching Lakes and the third lake known as Dudh Pokhari. To the east, lies the settlement of Gokyo.

Walking alongside the lake, you will recognize the panorama of glorious summits such as Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang.

After walking for two hours from Gokyo you get to see fourth lake known as Thonak Tsho (4840 meters). We walk along the trek which leads us up to the fifth lake, Ngozumpa Tsho (4980 meters).

We can see a small hill adorned with prayer flags on the periphery towards the east of the lake. From here, you will see the stunning views of Mt. Cho Oyu, Ngozumpa glacier, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Makalu.

We trek to Gokyo Ri, also known as Gokyo Peak, at an elevation of 5357 meters for panoramic views of snowcapped mountains such as Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, Mount Cho Oyu, Mount Nagpai Gosum, Cholatse Peak, Tawoche Peak and more as well as the views of Ngozumpa glaciers and Gokyo Lakes.

We then return to Gokyo Lake for breakfast and retrace our steps down to Machhermo.

Today, our trek moves down to Namche Bazaar (3550 meters) and leads up steeply for around 1 hour to Mong La (4000 meters).

Here, you can observe beautiful views of Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Kusum Kangaru, Tawache peak and Konde-Ri. Again, the trail rises and falls continuously till Namche Bazzar.

From Namche Bazaar, we come across a suspension bridge and arrive in Monjo. We then descend downward along the Dudhkoshi River. Our route then moves toward Phakding treating you to the stunning scenery of Sherpa villages, snow-capped mountains, lush hills and deep forests all along the way. The trail continuously follows Dudh Koshi River to Lukla passing several Sherpa villages and cross a suspension bridge above Thado Koshi along the way.

Catch your connecting flight back to Kathmandu with great memories of Mt. Everest and the great Himalayas.