Gokyo Lakes Trek

Today we take an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla on STOL aircraft. Flight time is about 35 minutes to the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpas in the mid-1960s. After landing we will have time to explore the village while the Sherpa crew sort out and load the trekking equipment. In the afternoon, we begin the trek by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River, where we join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, just above Chaurikharka at 2713m. The walking is easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat at 2550m, it’s a short walk to Phakding

We will continue our journey along Dudhkoshi River which will take us through pine forest. After crossing suspension bridges at several points and passing through small settlements of Zapute, Toktok, Benkar and Chumoa, we will reach Monjo. Ahead of Monjo is the entry to the Sagarmatha National Park planned to look after and preserve the fragile mountain environment. Lowering down from the park, crossing another suspension bridge, we will proceed towards high Hillary Bridge located at the foot of the hill. Crossing this bridge, we will climb uphill to the Namche Bazaar. We can get view of Thamserku Mountain. If weather is clear, we can also have first view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Kusum Khangru mountains.

We remain at Namche for a second night to allow for proper acclimatization to the altitude. Namche is a prosperous village, situated in a large protected hollow. After breakfast, there are a number of options: perhaps a hike up to Everest view hotel, Khumjung and Khunde, or walk towards Thame (3810m) above the beautiful Bhote Khola river valley, or a visit to the National Park Headquarters to see the interesting displays of Sherpa lifestyle and culture. There is also a mountaineering display and details of the park’s flora and fauna. Your guides will be on hand to offer advice and escort you on your walks.

Today it’s a steep climb out of Namche Bazaar up to Kyangjuma Village. At Kyangjuma, we can contemplate on terrific views of Thamserku, Kantega, and Ama Dablam. The tough part of today is sure going to be the ascent of the Mong La, a very appealing place hanging on the spur of Mt. Khumbila. A medieval historical Chorten stands at the centre of the settlement of Mong La. We spend some time at the top of Mong La to look with awe at the surrounding snow-capped mountains and valleys while enjoying lunch. The most eye catching feature of the trail today is the wealth of plant and animal vegetation including wildflowers and Rhododendrons that we see on the way. We may even spot wild lives like pheasants, mountain goats, and the subtle musk deer. Continuing our hike through forests, some waterfalls and bridges, we reach Dole, a small village with few teahouses.

Today it’s another short day starting with a climb out of the small Dole Valley before ascending more gradually up the Dudh Kosi valley, high above the river. The walking is easy, but we will still feel the effects of altitude on even the smallest hillock. The barren alpine scenery with only small clusters of scrub juniper is a stark contrast to the snowy white peaks and deep blue skies. After two hours, we will arrive at Luza (4360m), and after a further hour's walk we reach our lodge at Machhermo (4465m) where you will spend the evening. After lunch there is an option to take an excursion across rocky moraines to the base of Kyajo Ri (6168m) and Machhermo Peak (6073m). However, keep an eye open for the Yeti! It was here, in 1974 that three yaks were killed and a Sherpa girl injured when trying to fight off a hairy, ape-like intruder that could have been a hungry grizzly bear!

We are more or less nearing an altitude of 4500m, so we haul up at Machhermo for an extra day to acclimatize by getting our bodies used to the thin air as we climb up. There are plenty of outlets for exploration around the camp and just above the village there is a gracious vista that encircles Cho Oyu at [8210m] and the mountains which flank the Ngozumpa Glacier.

After breakfast, we climb through a crest Chorten from where we enjoy master views of the valley below and Mt. Kangtega, Thamserku, and the northern part of Cho-Oyu at (8153m). Beyond the ridge the valley opens out as the trail passes through a Chorten and reaches Phangka at (4480m) after a brief soft hike. Phangka is an area where an avalanche in 1995 killed 40 people. We descend to the river bank before beginning to climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. It is a steep climb on the moraine. After crossing an iron bridge over a stream the trail levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo at 4690m, where we get chance to see the Lama footprints on a stone. As we see the sights of the second lake, Taboche Tsho, we watch in awe the glimmering turquoise blue mass of water dazzling in the sunshine. Just ahead of the second lake, we reach the third lake, the two connected by a heaving stream. Gokyo village is neatly placed by the third lake and Cho-Oyu Mountains stand tall in the backdrops, setting off stunning scenery, an ideal spot for our video cams to go on overdrive at this awesome area. After lunch, we discover more of the third Lake, Dudh Pokhari.

Today will be the highlight of our trip as we hike to Gokyo Ri early in the morning to catch the spectacular sunrise over Everest and surrounding peaks. Afterwards we retrace back to our hotel in Gokyo for breakfast before we head down to Dole.

We continue along the same trial to Namche Bazar passing through pasture land and remote territory with splendid views. We eventually reach the Namche Bazar and rest of the evening is free to explore the town.

Our last day of trek following the Dudh Kosi River down to Lukla. It’s only a gradual walk along the Dudhkhosi river after our steep descent from Namche. We’ll have lunch on our way and we make the final climb up to the airstrip at Lukla. Rest of the day is free and you can relax under the warm sun & reflect on the emotional experiences we had while hiking through these massive mountains that have probably helped us re-discover ourselves in ways least expected. This is our final day on these fantastic mountains. Later we celebrate our successful completion of trek with our Sherpa guides and porters who we’ve got to know so well & are now good friends. It’s a pleasure to end this wonderful trip on a happy note. We then slumber into blissful sleep.

We get up early in the morning, enjoy our b/fast & get ready for the arrival of our aircraft for the flight back to Kathmandu. On our touchdown at the Kathmandu airport, we will be met by our office reps and transferred to your hotel. Rest of your day is free to do your own things.

Free and easy day to spend, perhaps doing shopping or rest at hotel’s beautiful court-yard. At eventide, we will relish a farewell dinner to celebrate your successful completion of the ‘Gokyo Lakes Trek.’ While enjoying our supper, we will also be entertained to a scintillating cultural dance performed by the local belles Please do not hesitate to let us know if you would like to extend your stay. Kindly email us for more details on extensions.

Thank you for joining us on this trek and it has been a pleasure getting to know you during this time. We hope this venture has enriched your experience with happy memories. Keep in touch and hope to hear from you soon. Bon voyage for a safe and pleasant trip home.