Gokyo Valley Expedition

After breakfast, head on a guided tour of the valley towards various historical and spiritual attractions. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ Swayambhunath, and the Buddhist shrine of Boudhanath, the largest stupas in the world. In the afternoon join in for a short briefing regarding the trip with your trekking leader and other team members. 

Maximum Altitude: 1400m 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner 

Accommodation: Hotel

After breakfast head towards the domestic airport and catch a flight towards Lukla. Lukla is regarded as the gateway to the Everest region. The thrilling flight you will take you flying amidst the grand Himalayas. Upon landing at Lukla and after a brief stop, start your trek. Following the descending trail, you will reach the village of Cheplung, from the village witness the view of Mt. Khumbila known as the "God of Khumbu". The sacred peak is prohibited to climb, making it one of the unclimbed peaks in the region. From Cheplung, continue the trek along lush woodland on a descending trail towards Phakding. 

Maximum Altitude: 2860m 

Duration: 40 minutes flight and 4 hours trek 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner 

Accommodation: Teahouse

Today you will be heading towards Namche Bazaar. The Sherpa capital and economic hub of the region, where you can find basic to grandeur amenities. Start your trek traversing across the dense wilderness of the Khumbu region. Crossing through the hamlet of Zamphute and Tok Tok. Following uphill and downhill trails and crossing multiple suspension bridges over the rapids of the Dudh Koshi River. Along with this section witness the magnificent view of Mt. Thamserku (21,675ft) and you will pass the settlement of Benkar and Chumoa. As you progress from here you will reach the Sagarmatha National Park entrance at Monjo. After your permits are checked, head on an uphill climb towards Namche Bazaar following a steep path over a high bridge with views of the Dudh Koshi River gorge. As, you gain elevation witness views of Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, and other mountain giants. Upon reaching Namche head towards your accommodation and rest. 

Maximum Altitude: 3440m 

Duration: 5-6 hours 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner 

Accommodation: Teahouse

This is the first day of acclimatization. At higher altitudes due to the presence of thin air proper acclimatization is very important for your body to adapt. Today you will be heading on various small hikes in and around Namche Bazaar. Hike up to Everest View Hotel to enjoy admirable views of the Himalayan vista. From the Hotel catch a glorious view of the beautiful landscape filled with evergreen fir trees, shrubs, and endless rhododendron forests and offers a 360-degree view of the awe-inspiring Himalayas. After soaking in the views, on your way back to Namche, head towards the Khumjung Monastery. The monastery house, what is to be believed as a Yeti scalp. After exploring the ancient monastery, visit the Tourist Visitor Center near the headquarter of the Sagarmatha National Park and observe an assortment of things related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture, and learn about the biodiversity of the Everest region. 

Maximum Altitude: 3440m 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner 

Accommodation: Teahouse

Start by climbing a steep incline out of the valley along the lush wilderness of rhododendron, and juniper. As you gain altitude the landscape changes to patches of large conifers and shrubs. Today you will be covering a distance of 5.7 kilometers/ 3.5 miles. Along the trail witness the true culture of the Sherpa People. As you progress the trail takes you across Yak Kharka a high alpine pastureland and summer settlements villages. Witness grand views of Ama Dablam and other snowy peaks. Next, you will reach the settlement of Mong, marked by a large white Gompa. This village is the birthplace of the Khumbu saint, Lama Sangwan Dorje. From here after a short descent, you will see the village of Phortse Thenga, across the river. Following the trail, you will eventually reach the village, a riverside settlement. 

Maximum Altitude: 3680m 

Duration: 6 hours 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner 

Accommodation: Teahouse

Today’s trek is long and takes you to higher altitude, which means thin air so take it slow and have frequent rest. First head out of Phortse Thenga ascending on a ridge section with excellent views down the valley to Kangtega and up towards Cho Oyu. As you progress you will be traversing on high alpine grounds where the tree line disappears. Witness grand views of the Himalayas along the trail. Next, descend towards the river and upon crossing the river head on a tuff uphill section, as you gain altitude you will be traversing the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa glacier. Following the moraine, you will reach the tiny hamlet of Machhermo. 

Maximum Altitude: 4470m 

Duration: 7 hours 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner 

Accommodation: Teahouse

Today's trek will take you to Gokyo. Covering a distance of 6.8 kilometers/ 4.2 miles and gaining 320 meters in altitude. Start by following the river network sparkling with glacier waters. Along the trail witness splendid views of the Ngozumpa glacier as well as Khumjung and Khunde peaks. As you progress you will be traversing high alpine grounds with arid landscapes and flat terrain of brown and grey shades. After traversing across high mountain country crossing glacieric streams and river networks a steep ascend will lead you to the settlement of Gokyo. For the next 2 days, you will be exploring the wonders of Gokyo. 

Maximum Altitude: 4790m 

Duration: 7 hours 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner 

Accommodation: Teahouse

Today you will be exploring the wonders of the Gokyo region. Before dawn witness the Himalayan sunrise. After breakfast head out to explore the series of Gokyo Lakes. The region nestles the world's highest freshwater lake system comprising six main lakes and associated wetlands of 7,770 ha (30.0 sq mi) which has been designated a Ramsar site. The lakes also have cultural significance and are visited by Hindu and Buddhist devotees at various festivals. Explore the emerald, green lakes and soak in the energy. After exploring the 3 lakes located in small proximity of the tea house. Next head out to explore the fourth Gokyo Lake which is 3km north of the Gokyo Village. Next, continue trekking towards the 5th lake. The view from ‘Scoundrel’s Viewpoint’, located at the edge of the 5th lake, is astonishing. Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu mountains, and the huge Ngozumba Glacier appear in its majestic form. Spend the day strolling around the lakes and visiting other sacred lakes. After exploring return back to the settlement. 

Maximum Altitude: 4790m 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner 

Accommodation: Teahouse

Gokyo Ri is the highlight of the Gokyo valley Trek and is an epic vantage point for the mountain views. Following an uphill section will lead you to the summit of Gokyo Ri, start by traversing across the stream on the northern end of the village and ascending for a couple of hours and you will reach the summit marked by a cradle of prayer flags. The climb is non-technical, but the altitude may be a problem for some, so take it slow and have frequent rest. From the summit, witness splendid panoramic views of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, and Taboche, with the Ngozumpa Glacier cutting across in front like a massive tear in the landscape. Catch the views of a series of emerald, green lakes. After exploring the Ri and soaking in the majestic views retrace your steps back towards the village. 

Maximum Altitude: 5483m 

Duration: 6 hours 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner 

Accommodation: Teahouse

Today enjoy the majestic views of the landscape while heading on a descending trail. Traversing across the alpine territory, crossing streams and the tracks of Ngozumba glacier. Along the way witness views of Cholatse and Cho Oyu peaks. Retracing your steps back you will eventually reach the settlement of Dole. 

Maximum Altitude: 4200m 

Duration: 6 hours 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner 

Accommodation: Teahouse

Today you will be heading towards Namche Bazaar and most of the section is downhill. Start early as you will have to cover a lot of ground about 11.5 kilometers. From the high alpine ground, you will reach lush woodlands. Along the way witness grand views of the landscapes and the snowy mountain range. As you progress you will reach the settlement of Khumjung. From Khumjung head towards Namche Bazaar. Upon reaching Namche Bazaar after a brief rest, head out to visit various pubs and restaurants in the region. 

Maximum Altitude: 3880m 

Duration: 6-7 hours 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner 

Accommodation: Teahouse

Today’s trek is entirely on a downward section. Cross several bridges over the fast-flowing Dudh Koshi River and its tributaries. Along the trek, enjoy walking on open plains, through rhododendron and pine forests, and distant views of the snow-covered peaks. Along the trail cross several villages. Upon reaching Lukla, rest for a while. Later celebrate the success of your trek and the last night in the mountains with your team members. 

Maximum Altitude: 2860m 

Duration: 6 hours 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner 

Accommodation: Teahouse

The flights to Kathmandu are usually scheduled for the morning for safety purposes. After reaching Kathmandu head towards your accommodation and rest. Today you can take a guided tour of the city or stroll by on your own. In the evening, attend a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of your trek. 

Maximum Altitude: 2860m (Lukla) 

Duration: 40 minutes flight 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner 

Accommodation: Hotel

Today bid your goodbyes to Nepal and the friends you made along the journey. A company representative will pick you up from your hotel and drop you off at the airport 3 hours before your scheduled flight. 

NOTE: All of the aforementioned trekking hours are approximations and should only be used as a general guideline.