Trekking In Nepal

Everest Gokyo Trek (12 days)

This trek explores the breath-taking Gokyo valley which is located adjacent of the Khumbu. Gokyo is a land of high altitude lakes and icy glaciers. Here, a hike to the high vantage point of Gokyo Ri (5350-m) will reward you with views of four of the eight highest mountains on earth - all in one panorama! From here, one can see more of Everest (8848-m) and the three other Himalayan giants - Cho Oyu (8153-m), Lhotse (8501-m) and Makalu (8463-m) and some of the great Glaciers, mainly the Ngozumpa Glacier.

The small herding settlement of Gokyo (4750m) lies on the banks of the third lake in a series of small turquoise mountain lakes and on the ridge above Gokyo, the four peaks above 8000m of Cho You, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu expose themselves. In addition to this you can have a look at the tremendous ice ridge between Cho You and Gyachung (7922m), considered one of the most dramatic panoramas in the Khumbu region. There are many options for additional exploration and high-altitude walking, including the crossing of Cho La, a 5420m-high pass into Khumbu and a hike to Gokyo Ri.

Your return trek will depart from the standard Gokyo trek as you will take the route back to Namche by crossing the Renjo La pass (5340m) instead of back trekking the Gokyo valley trails. This makes the trek a much more exciting and challenging one.

These mountains are magical - and so are your encounters with the Sherpa people, the famous mountain dwellers of this Himalayan wonderland. As in the classic Everest Base Camp trek, the warmth and hospitality extended by the local inhabitants of this region, the Sherpas, will add a further dimension to your experience of trekking in Nepal.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m.) and it takes about 30 minutes. Trek from Lukla to Phakding (2640 m.) which takes approximately three hours. You transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Lukla. Lukla is a small town with an airport. There are few tea shops, lodges, hotels and general stores. You begin today’s trek from Lukla following a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi river. Nupla (5885m) can be seen in the distance on the opposite bank, is a peak atop the Kongde Ridge. You descend a mountainside path that merges into your route to Everest, with views to a valley to your right; and at its far end, Kusum Kang (6367m.) The Dudh Kosi approaches as you pass a Mani wall and arrive at Ghat teahouse. You continue along a small path with many climbs and descents following the left bank of Dudh Koshi to Phakding.

Day 2
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) which takes about five hours. This day you trek and cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo (2800m.) is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and preserve this fragile mountain environment. You then ascend quite steeply to Namche and along the way, if the weather is clear, catch a first glimpse of Mt Everest in the distance. You can also enjoy the view of Mt. Kusum Kangaru, Thamserku, Konde-Ri and Tawache peak. You can also visit some of the village monasteries on the way of trekking to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.). Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu region and holds a busy Saturday market. There is set a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have reached there by crossing the glaciated Nangpa La.

Day 3
Rest at Namche Bazar for acclimatization and excursion around the places. Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops as well as a magnificent outlook. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day for acclimatization at the high altitude before heading off towards Tyangboche. For the acclimatization you walk up to Khunde Hospital which was set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or an hour walk up to the Tyangboche (3800m.) where Everest View Hotel is situated above Namche for the outstanding view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. There are also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town.

Day 4
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole (4040m.) via Khumjung and it takes about six hours. From Namche the route heads up all the way to Kumjung, a picturesque village which also has its own gompa at the top end of town. Here you can have excellent views of Thamserku, Kantega and Ama Dablam.

Soon after leaving Khumjung the trail climbs to a large chorten on top of a ridge. This ridge descends from Khumbila, a 5734m peak, said to be the abode of the patron God of the Khumbu region. The trail descends slightly towards the Sanasa and then trail ascends up to Mongla (4000m.). From here, you can see panoramic views of various mountains. You trek steeply descend passing through Phortse Tenga and from there, the trail climbs steeply to Dole, through rhododendron and birch forest festooned with hanging mosses and lichens. You can enjoy delicious meal at Phortse Tenga (3650m.).

Day 5
Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4150m) and it takes about five hours. From Dole you climb steadily along the side of the valley, where the small and thorny bushes give way to scrub juniper as the altitude increases. The trail passes many summer settlements, which are used when yaks are taken to these pastures to graze in the summer months. Ahead of you are excellent views of Cho Oyu, while back down the valley are the peaks of Kantega and Thamserku. This is a short day and you will arrive at Machhermo in time for lunch.

Day 6
Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (4750m) which takes about four and half hours. Today you head for the lakes at Gokyo. You follow a very scenic path to Pangka and then descend slightly, following one of the melt-water rivers which flow down the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. You climb a steep rocky inclined into the valley by the side of the glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes. You soon arrive at the second of the lakes, crossing the path which heads across the glacier to Cho La (5420m.), your route to Lobuche and Everest and later in the trek. The third lake is known as Dudh Pokhari and on its eastern shore is the settlement of Gokyo. Walking by the side of the lake, the scenery is magnificent with the summits of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang reflected in its emerald green waters.

Day 7
Rest day at Gokyo and excursion in and around Gokyo valley. Gokyo is a trade centre where the Sherpa people run lodges to provide the best services to the trekkers. Gokyo is situated by the side of Ngozumpa glacier, the biggest glacier of Nepal. This day you can make a side trip to Fifth Lake via Forth Lake.

Day 8
Trek/climb from Gokyo to Gokyo Ri (5483m) and trek back to Machhermo (4150m.) via Gokyo village and it takes about four and half hours. Gokyo Ri looms above the village on the northern edge of the lake and you leave camp just after first light, following a steep path up the hillside. As you climb, the summits of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu slowly come into sight and the view from the summit of Gokyo Ri itself, is one of the finest to be had in the Everest region - some say it is even better than that from Kala Patthar. After lunch it is a short walk to the village of Machhermo.

Day 9
Trek from Machhermo (4150m.) to Namche Bazaar (3440m.) which takes about five hours. The trail gently descends to Dole and then starts descending steeply to Photse Tenga (3650m.) passing through rhododendron forests. Then the path immediately ascends steeply to Mongla Danda (4000m.) and gently descends up to Kyanjoma (3500m.) following small ups and down to the destination.

Day 10
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2886 m.) and it takes about six hours. The last day of your trek leads from Namche Bazaar via Monjo to Lukla. The trek is pleasant, except for few short uphill climbs and then down to the Bhote- Koshi River crossing it three times. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes will bring you to Lukla for your overnight stay.

Day 11
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu which takes 30 minutes. You take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu.