Gokyo Valley Trekking

Upon your arrival, we will meet you at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport and you will be transfered to hotel. When you have had your time to freshen up after your long fight, you will be invited to visit our office for a briefing about your program. You will have meeting with your trekking guide and discuss about the equipment needed for the trekking and we will process for the trekking permits. If you arrive at night we will have same discussion in next day morning after your breakfast. Overnight at hotel.

Today after breakfast we will start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu including Durbar Square, and Pashupati temple that are both Unesco World Heritage Sites. You will also visit the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambunath) and Buddhists shrine (Buddha Nath) that is one of the large Stupas in the world. Afterwards, you will meet with your trek leader for a briefing and a short question and answer section about your trip. You will also have time to shop for any additional trekking equipment with staff assistance if necessary.

After an early breakfast will fly to Lukla. After an exciting 40-minute flight above breathtaking green and white mountains, we will arrive at Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful flights in the world culminating with scenic and memorable landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains peaks. After arrival we will start our trek through Lukla before arriving in Phakding. As a precaution to promote proper climate acclimation, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities we can arrange a short side trip to a nearby monastery. Overnight at hotel.

Following breakfast we embark on a pleasant slightly uphill journey with multiple crossings over the Dudh Koshi River and magnificent views of Mt. Thamserku (6,608m/21,675ft) from the Benkar village. We will continue toward the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, where our trekking to register as official visitors to the region. Following a peaceful and serene descend and a gradual walk we will arrive in Lorsale. The enjoyable walk through the riverbed lead to the Hillary Suspension Bridge. As we continue our climb l towards Namche Bazzar, views of Kwangde Peak, its sister peaks, Kusum Kangaru, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, are available and we will take a break at Chautara here to admire the view. Finally, we reach the bustling village of Namche Bazzar, the main gateway of the Khumbu region. Overnight at hotel.

This is first scheduled ‘acclimatization’ day for this trek. It is advisable to stay active and keep moving during the acclimation period to familiarize your lungs with the thing air. We either spend the day taking a day hike to Thame or visiting Khunde or carry out relaxed exploration of Namche Bazaar itself. Namche Bazzar is the main center of the Everest (Khumbu) region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colorful market each Friday Saturday evening. We will travel to the Tourist Visitor Center near Sagarmatha National to learn about the first climbers in Everest, Sherpa culture and the various plant and animal life of the Everest region. We also take an interesting side trip up to Khumjung to climb up to the famous airstrip at Syangboche offering timeless views of the highest mountains on Earth. The Khumjung valley is surrounded by the snowy peaks of Kongde and Thamserku and the sacred peak Khumbila which hosts a well-known monastery that houses a yeti scalp. Overnight at hotel.                   

After breakfast in Namche, we start our trek enjoying superb views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and close up view of Thamserku. We will travel along a trail with several ups and downs overlooking magnificent views of the Himalayas. This area is home to many animals including the pheasant, musk deer, and Himalayan Thar. The trail goes gradually down up to Kayangjuma. The path eventually reaches Sansa before heading to the Mongla pass (3975 m) offering glimpses of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tawoche and Mt. Khumbila. Sherpas regard Mt. Khumbila as sacred mountain of the patron god of the Khumbu region. Descending to Dudhkosi Khola (3250 m), we cross a bridge and again trek up through a serene rhododendron forest hosting Himalayan wild deer and musk deer. Finally, we arrive to the walled fields of Phorse. Phorse is just under the snow dusted peaks of Tawoche and Cholaste. From here it’s a short trek to Phorse village where we will spend the night. Overnight at hotel.

We return back the last days trail up to Phorse and after crossing the bridge on the Dudh Koshi River. Spotting wild lives like pheasants, mountain goats, and the elusive musk deer while on the way is not unusual. We will pass through forests, waterfalls and bridges until we reach Dole; a small place offering a few quaint teahouses. We climb steadily up through a scenic ridge above Dole and the trail climbs via Lhabarma while offering panoramic views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku. The trail takes us through many summer settlements and a charming hamlet of Luza (4360 m). While we ascend from Luza we will see the Dudh Koshi valley, which is a deep canyon with ridged sides. Walking along the path above Dudkoshi while passing through some small hamlets, we reach Machhermo. Machhermo is the last major settlement on the way up to Gokyo. The beautiful stream flowing down from the Kyajo Ri and Phari Lapche mountains runs through the middle of village before draining into the Dudh Koshi. The town is famous as the site where the Khumbu people spotted a Yeti in 1974. We will have the chance to visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital here for a lecture regarding the altitude sickness, its precautions, and primary treatment. Overnight at hotel.

Today, we climb through the Chorten ride offering views both down the valley and of Mt. Kangtega, Thamserku, as well as northern part of Cho-Oyu (8153m). Beyond the ridge the valley widens as the trail passes through Chorten and reaches Pangka (4480 m) after a gentle walk. Phangka is the site of a famous avalanche that tragically killed 40 people in 1995. We will descend along the riverbank before beginning to climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozamba Glacier. After a steep climb along the moraine, we cross an iron bridge over an stream that leads to the first lake, known as Longpongo at 4690m, where we get chance to observe ancient the Lama footprints timelessly captured in stone. At the sight of the second lake, Taboche Tsho you become mesmerized by the shimmering turquoise blue sheet of water sparkling in the sun. We will arrive at the third lake following surging stream before arriving at Gokyo village next to Gokyo lake. Cho-Oyu Mountain serves as an excellent backdrop offering spectacular sights combining the lakes with untouched mountains. After lunch, we will explore around Dudh Pokhari Lake before returning to Gokyo for the night.Overnight at hotel.

Today is full day rest or an acclimatization. If the weather is good, we may take the opportunity to climb Gokyo Ri today instead of tomorrow to enjoy the scene from the best viewpoint of Everest Region. This view is a famous vantage point offering views of a series of six lakes in the region. The then trail continues along another lake before reaching Scoundrel’s Viewpoint that offers astounding views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makulu. We will continue until we reach Cho Oyu Base Camp and its breathtaking scenery surrounded by Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang. The Northern part of the lake provides fabulous views of Cho-Oyu Base Camp and Ngazumpa, the largest glacier in the world. We will then return back to Gokyo village for the night. Overnight at hotel.

The trip back from Gokyo is an easy downhill walk along the Dudh Koshi River that emerges out of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Passing by the second and then the first Gokyo Lakes, we come to a small gushing stream over an iron bridge providing sights of the hamlet of Phangka ahead as the Cholatse and Taboche peaks rear up on the right of us. The trail descends below Phangka before crossing a level terrace on the slope to climb along the hillside. Upon reaching the edge of Chorten we see great views of Thamserku , Cho Oyu, and Kangtega . We continue slowly walking down past the village of Machhermo before reaching Dole. Overnight at hotel.

After taking one last look at the Oyu range, we start our steep descent to Phortse Tenga. Today’s trip is mostly down hills but offers an abundance of plant and animal vegetation including wildflowers and Rhododendrons. We might spot animals such as the mountain goat, musk deer or pheasants. The hike also features many peaceful waterfalls before reaching MongLa, which offers altered views of Taboche, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kangtega, and a distant view of Tengboche. After a long walk, we reach an intersection and continue along the trail to Namche Prior to arrival, we will pass the Namche army camp hill offering one last look at Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche. After a short walk well will arrive back at Namche. Overnight at hotel.

The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk slowly and under control as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries the trail becomes more level and natural. Although we are travelling the same route down, you will see completely different views offering looks at a mixture of open plains, rhododendron and pine forests surrounded by snow covered peaks. We pass through the Sherpa villages’ noticing impressive faith in Buddhism and culture of prayer stones and flags along the way. On arrival in Lukla, we will relax before culminating our trek on a happy note with a small overnight celebration featuring local song and dance in Lukla.

Today early in the morning, after having your breakfast, then you will fly to Kathmandu are usually scheduled for morning due to potential complications with afternoon wind patterns. We fly back to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey where you can rest and relax throughout the day in your hotel or continue to familiarize yourself with Kathmandu. This is a great time to venture out in Thamel for typical Nepalese goods and souvenirs with staff assistance if desired. Take time to shop and explore before the celebration dinner in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

Today your all programmed are ending in Nepal, It’s saying a goodbye, after having your breakfast, then you will transfer to (TIA) airport approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight time. You will be escorted to the airport with a representative from Yala Adventure staff. After our farewells, you will have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in Nepal with Yala Adventure, as one time is never enough, wonderful country of Nepal.