Gokyo Valley Trekking

Drive to Ramechap fly to Lukla (2,800m) and trek to Phakding (2,652m): 3-4 hrs walk. The 40 minutes adventurous flight gives us the chance to enjoy the diverse topographical features of Kathmandu valley, green hills and silver mountains. On arriving Lukla, our actual trekking starts. On taking concern about the altitude, we make a short hike today. We leave the fantastic Lukla village and reach to Phakding for overnight stop today.

From Phakding, the trail goes up through the Pine forest along the Dudh Koshi river. We cross the famous Hillary and many other suspension bridges. The huge Mt. Thamserku (6,618m) sparks just in front of us. On passing Benkar, Chumao and Monjo village, we come to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park. Ahead we meet Jorsale village before reaching Namche bazaar. From around the Chautara we get to enjoy first Everest view in the far. Namche Bazaar is the main trading center of the Khumbu region and also a main gateway to Mt. Everest (8,848m). Overnight at Namche Bazaar.

Today we rest at Namche Bazaar to acclimatize our body with the altitude. We are recommended to go around instead of being idle. On the day, go for hiking to Thame (3,493m) or explore around the beautiful trade center Namche Bazaar itself. It's a rare town in the Himalayas with the availability of modern facilities as like shops, market, ATMs, Internet cafes and government offices. Do conversation with and learn about the local (Sherpa people) culture and lifestyle.

From Namche Bazaar ascend up along the incredibly spectacular trail. The huge Mt. Thamserku (6,618m) gives welcome smile from our right. At far in the horizon; Everest (8,848m), Nuptse (7,861m), Lhotse (8,516m) and Ama Dablam (6,812m) stands proudly on competing to touch the sky. We catch the way of lush green forest above the Dudh Koshi River and trace to the village of Phorse (3,810m). Overnight here.

Morning breakfast is followed by crossing of suspension bridge above the Dudh Koshi River. In the uphill trail; we encounter many waterfalls, rhododendron forest and amazing landforms. On passing the village of Dhole, Labarma, Luza and many small other we reach to Machhermo (4,470m) for overnight stop. Enjoy the majestic view of Cho Oyu, Thamserku and Kantera.

The Valley of Dudh Koshi River widens as we ascend up. On passing many chortens and Phang village, we reach to the south edge of huge Ngozumba glacier. On steep ascend we get to see the first mountain lake 'Longpunga Tso', the second 'Taujung Tso' and the third 'Gokyo Tso'. On the bank of Gokyo Lake, the Gokyo settlement sits under the lofty peak of Cho Oyu. Overnight at Gokyo.

Today is the highlight of our whole trek. The Gokyo valley itself offers many breathtaking glacial lakes, mountain peaks and amazing local culture. As we climb Gokyo Ri, we find the actual assets of Everest region. This is the best viewpoint to admire the Mt. Everest, Cho-oyu (8,210m), Makalu (8,481m), Lhotse, Nupse and numerous others. Trek back to Gokyo for overnight stay.

Today on the back step, we descend down on passing lakes and Ngozumba Glacier. As the whole trek is along downhill, we reach to Dole to stop today.
Re-sight the extreme view of all those mountains from all the way back.

As we continue descending down, the hills become lush with green plants. On retracing the way along Dudh Koshi River, go down to Namche Bazaar. After the remote life of about a week, we again find the access of modern society here. Overnight at Namche.

This is our final day trek back to Lukla. On descending along steep & rocky trail through lush green forest, we leave Himalayan giants behind us. Because of downhill, we can easily make the way climbed by two days. Overnight rest in Lukla.

Today by early morning flight, we fly back to Ramechap and drive back to Kathmandu.