Everest Gokyo Ri Trek - 14 Days Hiking Vacation

Breakfast at hotel, we begins a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual sites in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered world heritage sites including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous monkey temple ( Swayambhunath) and Buddhists shrine (Bouddhanath) which is one of the large Stupas in the world. In the evening, there will be a small meeting and briefing about your great trek to Gokyo Ri. Overnight at hotel. 

Early breakfast at hotel, we will be transfer to the domestic airport for an early morning flight to Lukla (2,860m), a gateway destination from where our trek begins. After a scenic 35 minute flight above the breathtaking views of green hills and White Mountains, we reach at Lukla airport. Upon arrival at Lukla, we meet our other supporting crew members and start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. Today is more likely a comfortable day. We walk about 4 hrs and stay overnight at Phading at guest house. 

Breakfast at guest house, we start our pleasant trek. The walk today will be delightful with few short uphill and downhill with multiple crossings over Dudh Koshi River and magnificent view of Mt. Thamserku (6,660m) from the Benkar village. We cross more bridges and enter to Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, where there is a check post for National park fee and tims cards. A descend and a gradual walk brings us to Jorsale, the last village until Namche Bazaar. The walk is pleasant through the river bed and we reach Hillary suspension Bridge. As we climb up towards Namche Bazaar, Stunning views of Kwangde peak, Kusum Kangaru peak, Tawache and many other wonderful mountains reward us. Our destination is Namche and finally we reach the colorful village of Namche, the Sherpa land, the main gateway of Everest region. Overnight at hotel or guest house in Namche Bazaar. 

Here we will sleep two days to have a proper acclimatization. Namche Bazaar is the main hub of the Khumbu region and has banks, ATMs, government office, internet cafes, outdoor gear shops, restaurants, bakery and a colorful market every Friday evening and Saturday morning. After breakfast, we start the day visiting tourist visitor Center near the headquarter of the Sagarmatha National park where can observe as assortment of things related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture and learn about the various plant and animal life of the Everest region. We also take an interesting side trio up to Khumjhng and also climb up to famous airstrip at Syangboche. Just above the airstrip is the Everest view hotel from where we can watch the great views of the highest mountains in the world. Visit to Hillary School which is located at the site will be highlights of the trip. We can have lunch over here. After lunch, descend to Namche Bazaar, overnight at hotel or guest house. 

After breakfast, we start our adventure hike enjoying superb views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and close up view of Thamserku. The trek follows on the gradual trail with few ups and downs overlooking magnificent view of the great Himalaya. Along the way, we may have a chance to see wild lives such as pheasant, musk deer, or a herd of Himalayan Thar. The path eventually reaches Sansa which is the major trail junction to Gokyo valley and Everest Base Camp. We trek gradual goes up through Mongla pass (3,975 m) from where we glimpse Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tawoche and Mt. Khumbila. Sherpas regard Mt. Khumbila as sacred mountain of the patron god of the Khumbu area. Descending to Dudhkosi Khola (3,250 m), we cross a bridge and again trek up through the rhododendron forest, a host for 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, a short trek leads to Phorse village where we spend our overnight at guest house. 

After breakfast, we start our pleasant hike to Dole, a small place with few teahouses. Further, we climb steadily up through a scenic ridge above Dole and the trail climbs via Lhabarma. Offering us good views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku the trail takes us through many summer settlements and a charming hamlet of Luza (4,360 m). While ascending from Luza, we will be at the Dudh Koshi valley. Walking along the hill side above thundering Dudkoshi, passing through some small hamlets and through sandy spurs, we reach Machhermo. Machhermo is the last major settlement on the way up to Gokyo Ri. Overnight at guest house in Machhermo. 

Today, we climb through a ridge Chorten from where we can see splendid view of both down the valley and of the Mt. Kangtega, Thamserku, and northern part to the Cho-Oyu (8,153m). Beyond the ridge the valley widens as the trail passes through a Chorten and reaches Pangka (4,480m) after some gentle walk. We descend to the river bank before beginning to climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozamba Glacier. It is a steep climb on the moraine. Upon crossing an iron bridge over a stream, the trial levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo at 4,690m. At this juncture, we get chance to observe the Lama footprints on a stone. At the sight of the second lake, Taboche Tsho we become mesmerized by the shimmering turquoise blue sheet of water sparkling in the sun. Little ahead of the second lake, we reach the third lake, the two linked by a surging stream. Gokyo village stands by the third lake and Cho-Oyu Mountain as a backdrop sets an amazing spectacular sight here. After lunch, we explore around the third Lakes. Overnight at guest house in Gokyo valley. 

Today is an acclimatization day but we know we should not stay idle. If the weather is good, we grasp the opportunity to climb Gokyo Ri today instead of next day to enjoy the scene from the best viewpoint of Everest Region. Or, as we know Gokyo is not only popular for its grand view but also for the six lakes which it hosts. Definitely we would not miss the chance to observe the fourth lake (Thonak Tsho) and fifth lake (Ngozuma Tsho). About 3 km north of Gokyo is the fourth lake with its high cliffs and peaks rising above it. The trail continues to fifth lake. If interested, we climb on a hill at the edge of the Lakes to get astounding views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makulu. We can see a lot more from here - the spot is called Scoundrel's Viewpoint. Beyond the fifth Lakes is the Cho Oyu Base Camp. Northern part of the fifth lake provides fabulous views of Cho-Oyu Base Camp and biggest glacier of the world- the Ngazumpa glacier. Moved by the charm, we may even try to go sixth lake too but depends upon our own interest and time. Back to Gokyo village. Overnight at guest house. 

The way 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. We see the hamlet of Phangka ahead. Cholatse and Taboche peaks rear up on the right of us. The trail descends below Phangka, and across a level terrace on the slope to climb a rib on the far side of the hill side. Upon reaching the Chorten at the edge, we see great views of Thamserku, Cho Oyu, and Kangtega. We slowly walk down to sprawling village of Machhermo. Again, through the charming hamlet of Luza and Lhafarma we reach Dole. Overnight at guest house in Dole. 

Taking last inspection back to Cho Oyu range, we start steep descent to Phortse Tenga. Our hike today is mostly down hills. The most outstanding feature of the trail is the abundance of plant and animal vegetation including wildflowers and Rhododendrons. We might spot faunas like mountain goats, musk deers, pheasants, etc. Waterfalls are also today`s attraction. Upon reaching MongLa, we will be greeted by a very wonderfully located lovely place perched on the spur of Mt. Khumbila. We take revised look at Taboche, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kangtega, and a distant view of Tengboche. After a bit of long distance walk, we reach an intersection where the steep path up from Sanasa meets our trail, now, the trail to Namche clings to the steep wooded slope beyond Kyangjuma, winding through several bends. Upon coming to Namche army camp hill, we look back to see Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche for one last time. About a kilometer from here is Namche Bazaar. We take hot shower and let rest our tired muscles at a comfortable lodge in Namche. Overnight at hotel or guest house.  

The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk slowly 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. By today, we start to get warmed up by the light breeze. Any remaining sore throats and colds will be gone by today as we pass through this charming mountain air. Although we are travelling the same route down, we feel completely different views. We snap a mixture of open plains, rhododendron and pine forests, and in the distance snow covered peaks. We walk through the Sherpa villages' noticing impressive faith in Buddhism and culture of prayer stones and prayers flag. Overnight at hotel in Lukla. 

The scenic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, finally we are in the city. The early morning flight drops us in Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu we have the rest of the day off to rest or do some souvenir shopping. In the evening we invited you to join a fare well dinner host by one of our team leaders. Celebrate the Everest Gokyo Ri trek with delicious meals, drinks and live culture show. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, we will drop you to international airport for your flight back to home. We wish you have a safe and sound flight. See you again in the future.