Gokyo Lake Trek

Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Your hotel is located in the heart of the city, in the vibrant and colorful district of Thamel. With its restaurants, bars and shops offering unique Nepali handicrafts and trekking gear, Thamel provides an engaging place to spend the afternoon.

You will also have the opportunity to meet your guide today and address any questions you may have regarding your upcoming trip to Everest Base Camp.

Kathmandu – Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding

The day begins with an early morning flight to Lukla, one of the highest airports in the world. The views are stunning, particularly as you fly directly into the land of the Sherpas. The clean fresh air greets you on arrival even as the scenery takes your breath away.

From Lukla, there is an approximately three-hour hike to Phakding, where we spend our first night in the mountains. Crossing a suspension bridge, passing a monastery and seeing perhaps your first mani (prayer) wall are some of the highlights of the day.

Phakding to Namche Bazaar

After breakfast, set off for a day of ups and downs to reach the market town of Namche Bazaar. On the way, you enter Sagarmatha National Park proper, cross a few more suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River and walk through rhododendron forests.

Excitement builds as you approach Namche, where dozens of trekkers and climbing expeditions have gathered before heading out on their respective adventures.

Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

Today is a day to allow your body to acclimatize to the high altitude and it will get even higher! We suggest staying active, as that is the best way to acclimate. There are several walks around Namche – you could head to the Everest View Hotel, which offers the finest views of Everest. So good, in fact, that some people helicopter in for breakfast – yes, breakfast with the best view in the world! From the hotel, continue on to Khumjung Village.

Here there are a number of interesting sites. Khunde Hospital was built in 1966 by Sir Edmund Hillary and is funded today by the Himalayan Trust. Even older is the Khumjung School, which Sir Edmund also established. Starting with two classrooms, the school today has more than 350 students in attendance.

Finally, there is Khumjung Monastery, which dates back hundreds of years although it was reconstructed after the 2015 earthquake. This center of Sherpa religion and culture was rebuilt with the help of all community members. You may also be interested to see a Yeti scalp (not scientifically proven) inside the monastery.

After a day of exploring Namche, don’t forget to stock up on any goodies from the abundant shops before continuing on the next leg of your trek.

Namche Bazaar to Dole

Leaving Namche, the route is incredibly scenic as you hike up the Dudh Koshi Valley, passing stupas and views of Ama Dablam, Everest, Thamserku and many more along the way. Descending into pine and rhododendron forests, the trail divides.

The route to Gokyo Lakes is to the left. On the way, we reach Mong Village, a very small village but also very scenic. Sitting on a ridge, the views from here extend to Tengboche and beyond. Enjoy waterfalls and rhododendrons on this trail and perhaps not so much, the stone stairs you will encounter!

Finally, upon reaching the village of Dole, we stop for the night and enjoy the surrounding views.

Dole to Machhermo

This beautiful scenic trail involves a steep climb through scrub juniper. Leaving Dole, there is an uphill gradient for around half an hour followed by a more gentle ascent for the remainder of the way.

The Dudh Koshi River lies far below. Hiking toward the tiny teahouse settlement of Machhermo, the trail reaches a ridge above the village with stunning views of Thamserku.

Machhermo to Gokyo (Afternoon Hike to Gokyo Ri)

Leaving Machhermo, the trail heads up to another scenic ridge with views of Kangtega before passing through a narrow valley that opens into a wider valley. Overall, the trail today is not too tiring with only one or two short steep sections. The trail descends to the Dudh Koshi River and then climbs steeply to the Ngozumpa Glacier and the first Gokyo Lake.

Continuing north, the second lake comes into view. Unlike the small first lake, this lake is quite long and runs parallel to the hiking trail. Further on, you reach the third lake and some teahouses (there are six lakes in total, all collectively called Gokyo Lake).

Here we stop for lunch before climbing Gokyo Ri. The ascent takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The viewpoint at Gokyo Ri, at 5,357 meters, offers a spectacular panorama of mountains above and lakes and glaciers below. Sunset from here is breathtaking and highly recommended.

Gokyo to Machhermo (Morning Hike to Gokyo 4th Lake)

This morning hike to the fourth Gokyo Lake follows a mostly flat trail and takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour. After spending some time at the lake, return to Gokyo for breakfast before continuing on to Machhermo.

Machhermo to Namche Bazaar

After an early breakfast, begin the trek toward Namche Bazaar.

Namche feels lively and busy after the quiet of the smaller villages and we spend our final night of the trek here.

Namche Bazaar to Lukla

Follow the Dudh Koshi River, crossing the suspension bridges you passed at the beginning of your trek and once again arrive in Lukla, where we spend the night while waiting for our early morning flight back to Kathmandu the next day.

Lukla to Kathmandu by Flight

A scenic flight carries you back to Kathmandu, the bustling capital of Nepal. Upon arrival, your hotel will be ready to welcome you. You’ll also have some free time to explore the city, pick up souvenirs, or enjoy a final taste of local culture.

Departure

We will accompany you to the airport for your onward journey. If you are extending your stay in Nepal, we wish you a wonderful continued adventure and can help arrange your next experience!