Gokyo Trek 14 Days

When you arrive in Kathmandu, the energy of this valley is instantly alive; the colors, the movement, and the sound are all there. Private car transfers are waiting at Tribhuvan International Airport. They will take you to the heart of Kathmandu through the city's busy streets. The drive is your first chance to see Nepal's mix of ancient culture and contemporary life. Markets, temples and winding roadways set the tone for what lies ahead. As soon as you arrive at your hotel, settle down, relax, and recover. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax, explore the nearby streets or go sightseeing. As you mentally prepare to trek into the Everest Region, excitement grows. This is the day to get comfortable and settle in before going into the mountains.

• Max Elevation: 1,400 meters (4,593 feet)
• Travel Distance: 6 km
• Travel Hours: 20–30 minutes drive
• Accommodation: 3-star standard hotel
• Meal: Dinner

Swayambhunath Stupa: Swayambhunath is a hill that overlooks the Kathmandu Valley - is considered one of Nepal's most ancient religious sites. The prayer wheels and monkeys around the stupa create a very interesting mixture of calmness and dynamism.

Pashupatinath Temple: Pashupatinath Temple is Nepal's most holy temple for Hindus. It is located near the Bagmati River. It is a very spiritual temple where prayers are conducted regularly.

Boudhanath Stupa: This stupa is the biggest in the world at Boudhanath. It is a Tibetan Buddhist stupa that is the biggest tourist spot in the region. The circular dome stupa and the revolving wheels are responsible for the spiritual element of the stupa. 

Patan Durbar Square: The durbar square exemplifies the artistic culture of Nepal. The Kathmandu valley is well-known for its artistic structures and designs.

• Max Elevation: 1,400 meters (Kathmandu valley level)
• Travel Distance: 20–30 km (city sightseeing)
• Travel Hours: 4–6 hours 
• Accommodation: 3-star standard hotel
• Meal: Breakfast 

Post-breakfast, you fly to Lukla in the morning. Your guide in the Everest Hiking Team will help you board on time at TIA (Tribhuvan International Airport). Next, you make a flight to Lukla and witness the beautiful scenes of green valleys, meandering rivers, Sherpa settlements and Himalayan mountains. On arrival at Lukla Airport, our trekking crew greets you and gets you ready for the upcoming adventures.

You hike into dense pine forests, suspension bridges, typical Sherpa villages and prayer wheels. Within a few hours of hiking, you reach Phakding and have your dinner and sleep there. During peak seasons of trekking in Everest, the route of your plane to Lukla is diverted to Ramechhap via an alternate route other than Kathmandu because of air traffic and airport crowding. If this is the case, first, you have to travel about 4 to 5 hours to Ramechhap from Kathmandu and then a short distance of 20 minutes by flight to Lukla

• Max Elevation: 2,610 meters (8,563 feet)
  
• Travel Distance: 8–9 km trek
  
• Travel Hours: 30 to 35 minutes flight and 3 to 4 hours trekking/4 to 5 hours drive, 20 minutes flight, and 3 to 4 hours trek
  
• Accommodation: Teahouse/lodge 
  
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  

Post breakfast, the next leg of your journey involves reaching the entrance of the Namche Bazaar, which is the beginning point of the Everest region trekking. The journey involves you trekking through the riverbanks of the Dudh Koshi River. You get to cross through the lovely Sherpa villages of Zamfute, Toktok, Benkar, Monjo, and Jorsalle. Some of the bridges you will cross during your journey include bridges that have different colored prayer flags hanging from them, including the renowned Tenzing Hillary Suspension Bridge. As you move ahead, you see many walls, Buddhist stupas, and dense pines and rhododendrons, as well as beautiful views of the Himalayas that surround the place. The trail continues to ascend towards Namche Bazaar, giving you views of the peaks and, in clear weather, the first distant sight of the summit of Mount Everest. You reach Namche Bazaar after trekking for several hours and find it to be the business and cultural center of the Khumbu Valley. Known as "Sherpa Capital," it is built in a natural bowl shape and is enclosed by mountains like Kongde Ri, Thamserku, and Tabuche. Namche has many cafés, baker's, trekking shops, banks, internet services, and a vibrant local culture, and serves as a vital acclimatization point for trekkers moving deeper into the Himalayas. After getting settled in the lodge, you have dinner and stay overnight at Namche Bazaar.

• Max Elevation: 3,440 meters (11,286 feet)
• Travel Distance: 10–12 km
• Travel Hours: 6–7 hours walk
• Accommodation: Teahouse/lodge 
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This day will be spent on acclimatization, whereby your body gets used to the progressively high altitude levels by taking advantage of some of the best views in the Everest region. On this day, after breakfast, you go hiking towards the very famous Everest View Hotel, which is considered to be one of the highest hotels in the world. This journey involves climbing through Namche Bazaar and will offer you some of the most spectacular views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde Ri, Tabuchhe, and other Himalayan peaks.

Having spent some time enjoying the breathtaking views, you return down to Namche Bazaar and get acquainted with this colorful mountain town guided by your expert. The town is often called the "Sherpa Capital," being the cultural and economic center of the entire Khumbu area, providing tourists with a variety of amenities like cafes, bakeries, trekking stores, markets, museums, and much more. You might want to visit the Sherpa Culture Museum, the Everest Photo Gallery, or just take a walk around the colorful town. If you visit Namche on Saturday, you will be able to see how the Namche market takes place with traders and residents of the region coming to sell their products and exchange news. Having spent the whole day getting accustomed to the environment, you return to your lodge for the night.

• Max Elevation: 3,880 meters
• Travel distance: 5-7 km.
• Travel Hours: 3-4 hours walk
• Accommodation: Teahouse/lodge
• Meal: Breakfasts, Lunch, and Dinner

You will continue your trek away from Namche Bazaar and towards the Gokyo Valley on a relatively quieter route. As the name suggests, there will be an upward climb as you move through the rhododendron and pine forests, amongst others, away from the busy Everest circuit. With the crowd getting thinner and thinner, you get to enjoy the calm environment as you hike.
You will have the chance to come across various forms of flora and fauna, such as musk deer and mountain goats, as well as colorful prayer flags. Along the way, take in the sights of the various mountains as well as the villages that are dotted along the way. At some points, you get to enjoy some great views of Everest along with those of Ama Dablam and Lhotse.
The terrain along the trekking route is quite tough, with continuous uphill climbs and cooler air due to the increase in altitude. After 5 to 6 hours of hiking, you get to the destination, which is Dole, a small mountain village located amidst the Himalayas. The teahouse in the area gives you the comfort of sleeping in this serene environment.

• Maximum Elevation: 4,110 m (13,484 feet)
• Travel Distance: 11 km 
• Travel Hours: Approx. 5–6 hours
• Lodging: Teahouse
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

The route from Dole will take you into the alpine zone above tree levels. At higher elevations, there will be a more open environment and the views will include vast valleys, rock slopes and snow-covered peaks. Pace management will now become an issue. There will be stone houses and yaks along the way. Herders' huts are also visible. The area is less crowded, and it offers a more authentic Himalayan experience. Cho Oyu, who is sometimes visible in the background, adds to its dramatic nature. Machhermo is reached after 4 to 6 hours. This peaceful village is famous for its stunning valley views and rivers that are fed by glaciers. While your body adjusts, you can rest in a nearby teahouse.

• Max Elevation: 4,470 meters (14,665 feet)
• Distance to travel: 7-9 km
• Travel Hours: 4 to 5 hours walking
• Accommodation: Teahouse/lodge
• Meal: Breakfasts, Lunch, and Dinners

You will leave Machhermo today and travel to the highlights of the valley - the Gokyo lake. The trail gradually climbs through wide glacial valleys and rocky terrain. You first need to cross 1st and 2nd lake en route to the lake. As you near Gokyo, the landscape begins to change dramatically with turquoise water and ice formations. As the first of these sacred lakes is seen, the final stretch will be unforgettable. The contrast between the deep blue-green and grey mountains, snow fields and surrounding landscapes is striking. The remoteness of this region is felt fully. You will reach Gokyo after 4 to 5 hours. This settlement is situated beside the lakes and offers one of the most picturesque resting places in the Himalayas. Enjoy your evening walk on the beach, taking pleasure in the tranquility of the high-altitude landscape. 

• Highest Altitude: 4,790 m (15,715 ft)
• Total Distance to Cover: 8 -10 km.
• Travel Hours: 4 to 5 hours walking
• Accommodation: Teahouse/lodge
• Meal: Breakfasts, Lunch, and Dinner

Today marks the day for acclimatization and exploration as you trek to Gokyo Ri, one of the most amazing views within the Everest region. At dawn, you start your climb from the Gokyo village and move on to a very steep trail leading you above the stunning blue water of the Gokyo Lakes. The views will get more breathtaking as you climb higher and witness the beautiful alpine landscape surrounding the Gokyo Valley.

When you reach the top of Gokyo Ri, which lies at an altitude of 5,360 meters, you will be treated to one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the entire Himalayan range. This amazing spot lets you gaze upon the northern face of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and many other mountains, besides the massive Ngozumpa Glacier, which lies in the valley below. The top of the Gokyo Ri provides some of the most beautiful 360-degree mountain views in Nepal. You spend some time here taking pictures of the amazing scenery and then head down to Gokyo. For the rest of the day, you enjoy being around the beautiful lakes and the small village lying around it.

Maximum Height: 5,360 meters (17,585 feet)
Distance traveled: approximately  3-5 km (hike).
Travel Hours: 4 to 5 hours walking
Accommodation: Teahouse/lodge
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Retracing your footsteps, you begin your descent to Dole. It is easier to breathe on the downhill, but you must be careful on the uneven and rocky trails. As you pass through valleys, glacial landscapes and mountains, the views are spectacular. As you descend, your energy level increases, and the air is richer in oxygen. As you ascend, you pass by familiar yak pastures. You will arrive in Dole after 5-6 hours. Returning to lower elevations and warmer surroundings is comforting. After the experience at high altitude, you can relax in peace

• Max Elevation: 4,110 meters
• Travel distance: 8 km 
• Travel Hours: 5-6 hours walk
• Accommodation: Teahouse/lodge
• Meal: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

You continue downhill from Dole to Namche Bazaar. The trail winding through the forest and along hillside paths is a welcome change from the high alpine environment in Gokyo. Walking becomes easier as the air gets thicker. As you pass familiar villages, you gradually return to the busier routes. Returning greenery and forest adds warmth and life to the landscape. You arrive back in Namche Bazaar after 5-6 hours. After many days of trekking through rugged areas, the hustle and bustle, bakers, and even the culture of trekking can seem refreshing. After days of trekking, one is able to take time out at night to relax and contemplate their trekking experience.

Max Elevation: 3,440 meters
Travel distance: 10-12 km
Travel Hours: 5-6 hours walk
Accommodation: Teahouse/lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You continue your last trek from Namche Bazaar all the way to Lukla. The path is steep in some places and takes you through some suspension bridges and river valleys that you have already passed. The trekkers will be coming out of their adventure and will be feeling nostalgic as they witness the same villages in the lower Khumbu. Lukla can be reached within six hours. It's a lively town full of excited locals celebrating the completion of their treks. You should relax and enjoy your last day in the Everest region at a teahouse.

Max Elevation: 2,860 meters (9,383 feet)
Travel Distance: Approx. 18–20 km
Travel Hours: Around 6 hours walk
Accommodation: Teahouse/lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Return to Kathmandu by taking an early morning flight from Lukla. As before, the scenic views of the Himalayas in the flight are amazing. The scenery from the air will change from rugged mountains,and, if the weather permits, views of amazing Himalayas such as Numbur Himal, and Gaurishankhar Himal, alongside greenery to urban sprawl as you approach the Kathmandu Valley. Your transfer to the hotel has been arranged, and you will spend the day comfortably in your room. You may go anywhere you like during the rest of the day.

Max Elevation: 2,860m (departure from Lukla) 
Travel Distance: Aerial distance approx. 135 km
Travel Hours: 40-minute flight
Accommodation: 3-star hotel 
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You will end your journey in Kathmandu. You may be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport depending on your flight schedule. After your trip to the Himalayas, you feel at home in this city. As you depart Nepal, memories of high passes and turquoise lakes, Sherpa village, and the summit from Gokyo Ri will remain vivid. The journey lingers as more than just a trek; it becomes an experience of landscape, culture, and endurance that stays long after you depart.

Max Elevation: 1,400 meters (4,593 feet)
Travel Distance: 6 km 
Travel Hours: 20–30 minutes drive