Gokyo Valley Trek-13 day

Starting early in the morning, you catch an early flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.

 In about 30 minutes of time, you will land on the narrow airstrip of the mountainous airport.

Then we will begin your trekking to Gokyo Lakes, after meeting your trek leader here.

As you cross the Dudh koshi River, the trail gets lined by lush and beautiful forests.

The beautiful trail and view of mountains, especially Mt Khumbila, will contribute to your excitement.

You will stop for the night in a lodge in Phakding.

From Phakding, the trek starts uphill on a scenic journey to Namche Bazaar, situated 3,440 meters above sea level.

 The trek passes through rhododendron forests and over suspension bridges that go high before you reach the famous Hillary Bridge.

 A short walk after crossing Monjo takes you into Sagarmatha National Park, with breathtaking views of the valleys and mountains.

The last rise, leading up to Namche Bazaar, is steep but rewarding.

 When you get inside, it is a bustling town with markets, cafes and tremendous Himalayan peaks.

 Take time out to rest at this height or explore the nearby Buddhist monasteries and see Everest on a good day.

Namche Bazaar wakes you up for a breakfast that is irreplaceable by the view of the Himalayas.

 Acclimatization will be all in order today, with easy hikes and relaxation.

 Have a short trek to Hotel Everest View, with great views of Mount Everest.

Then after, return to Namche and visit the nearby shops or a bakery.

 You may even treat yourself to a cafe.

And finally, before the day ends, observe the golden sunset over the mountains.

It’s a sight which is basically overwhelming in the heart of the Everest region.

 However, let us remind you, your journey has just begun.

After breakfast, today you will begin your Gokyo Valley trek ascending through the trail until Kyangiuma cliff.

From that point, we will be viewing Mount Everest and Mount Nuptse.

 Further ahead, we reach a meeting point of two routes.

 We take the left one for Gokyo Lakes and leave the right one heading towards Everest Base camp.

 We proceed our journey with the panorama of Mount Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Tawoche and Khumbila mountains, till we reach Fortse Thanga. 

Further, we cross a forest with rhododendrons and other trees, where you are likely to spot musk deer and mountain blue sheep.

Finally, we arrive at Dole, a beautiful village where you will stay.

Today’s four-hour hike from Dole to Machhermo gains only some 400 meters in altitude gain.

But this makes all the difference when talking about vertical landscapes and mountainous terrain.

 Splendid views of the Khumbu region are given by the trail today.

We hike along, passing by scattered forests and several Kharkas.

 A Kharka is a temporary summer-time shed made specially for the cattle in the mountains.

 Even some grasslands fall with glimpses of Cho Oyu along the road uphill. 

 Though the walk becomes difficult, the views of glaciers and peaks offer fantastic scenery.

After a strenuous walk with numerous stopovers, we finally reach the village of Machhermo for the night.

 This small village has few buildings with the grandeur of Ngozumpa Glacier looming large in the vicinity.

Today you will start the trek early with anticipation of more breathtaking views along the route.

Completely surrounded by mountains on almost every side, we go through the challenging trail ahead.

 As the rocky trail opens up, we feel highly enthusiastic to see the turquoise lake at Gokyo.

 The view will make you more determined to walk and gain strength with each step.

 Sometimes you will encounter scenic vistas of white peaks, the grand reminder of nature’s geographic beauty.

Our trail gains gradual altitude, taking us towards the lake.

 The road is difficult, lined with rocks, and as we reach near Gokyo, we begin to see prayer flags.

 We move ahead, full of a sense of triumph.

 With every step we take, we know we are drawing closer to the Virgin Lake Gokyo.

Additionally, we instantly get rewarded with a serene view of peaks and ancient glaciers.

You will rest for the night in a cabin beside the turquoise lake of Gokyo.

On this day, at dawn we commence the ascent to Gokyo-Ri at 5,357 meters, the highest point of Gokyo Valley trek.

The views are somewhat similar to that at Kala Patthar, offering views of peaks such as Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu.

Take pictures and videos of the stunning sunrise views after which we will head back for breakfast.

Later on, the exploration of Gokyo Valley offers beautiful sights since the large lake tends to be in your sight wherever you go.

You’ll see the longest glacier in the Himalayas, the Ngozumpa Glacier, from closer quarters.

Today, while you acclimatize with thin air, cherish every given moment as it is a lifetime experience.

The majestic Himalayan landscapes will remain with us always.

Finally, as the day ends, we will rest in Gokyo village, right in the middle of breathtaking beauty.

You will be trekking back to Dole as the end of your Himalayan adventure closes. 

Once you reach a point beyond which Gokyo will no longer be visible, there is a tinge of loss.

So, enjoy the views as much as possible, especially the scenic view of several peaks, including Mount Everest.

Inside you, a sense of fulfillment will develop.

Why won’t it?

You have accomplished your mission, to reach the crystalline lakes of Gokyo in the Everest region, Nepal.

Have a view and take a rest for a while and then start to walk along steep paths.

The small lakes and a range of peaks greet you today on the road to Dole after today’s walk.

Reaching Dole, you unwind for the night in the quiet solitude that is far away from civilization.

Look at the memories you have captured in the camera and don’t miss anything that will leave you in regret.

On this day, begin your trek from Dole to Namche Bazaar with a newly found inspiration.

Moving down along treacherous bridle paths, you would ache for the comfort of Namche Bazaar.

This anticipation will keep you on the trail filled with lush valleys and picturesque villages.

Make sure not to miss the scenes of Thame, an old trading outpost en route to Tibet.

You will even cross some suspension bridges high above gushing rivers along the way.

You will further go downhill trekking and reach the rhododendron forests, before getting the visual sight of Namche Bazaar at last.

A feeling of relief overpowers you in the evening when you take a hot shower, enjoy a selection of food and have a good sleep.

Reflect on the arduous but once-in-a-lifetime journey you just undertook.

Today is the day you say goodbye to Namche and head towards Lukla.

As you lace your boots up, a mixed emotion of joy and humility will fill you up.

The scenic descent towards Lukla gets even more beautiful with the presence of the raging Dudhkoshi River.

The path keeps going down the steep slope down to forests and valleys, reaching Phakding.

Enjoy your final lunch at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas.

Then, continue the trek, and you’ll finally reach Lukla after some hours of walking.

Here at Lukla, you will see the familiar settlements, shops, cafes, little lanes and narrow airstrips.

Exchange your experiences and laughter with locals and your trekking colleagues on the last night in the Himalayan region.

The flight from Lukla to Kathmandu is a scenic one.

It presents you with the peaks you recently went to and some more.

You will be landing in Kathmandu, flooding your memory with a stream of actions.

The city will be bustling, as you drive into the traffic jam towards your hotel.

Then, you could take a soothing massage in the afternoon or just wander around the market.

Hunt for souvenirs and those “hashish” t-shirts that everyone returning from Nepal buys.

In the evening, we will host a farewell dinner at Nepali restaurants, marking the completion of the trek.

Do share your stories about your experiences and challenges along the Gokyo Valley trek with us.

After having breakfast or according to your flight schedule, we will drop you to the airport.

Your Himalayan adventures in Nepal conclude for this time as your plane takes off from the runway in Kathmandu.

Planning to extend your Nepal visit? Explore more adventure trips of Trek Me Nepal.