Gokyo Lake Trek

Our dedicated team members will greet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After check-in, our guide will provide a brief orientation session about your trek and answer any questions you may have. We offer assistance with any last-minute gear purchases at local shops and will handle all logistics for your stay.

• Free time to explore the bustling streets of Thamel
• Visit nearby temples or simply rest after your flight
• For energetic travelers: Quick visit to Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
• Enjoy panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley
• Catch your first glimpse of the distant Himalayan peaks

After breakfast at your hotel, our cultural guide will take you on a guided tour of Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage sites. We'll organize your trekking permits and conduct a comprehensive gear check to ensure you're fully prepared. In the evening, we'll host a welcome dinner featuring authentic Nepali cuisine where you'll meet your trekking guide and fellow travelers.

• Perfect blend of cultural immersion and trek preparation
• Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites: Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square
• Gain insights into Nepal's rich cultural heritage
• Acclimatize to the local timezone and environment
• Listen to fascinating stories about the mountains from our experienced guides
• Mental preparation for the adventure ahead

We'll arrange your early morning transfer to the domestic airport and assist with check-in for the scenic flight to Lukla. Upon landing, our team will organize breakfast at a local teahouse while porters prepare the luggage distribution. Our experienced guide will lead you on a gentle trek to Phakding, carefully monitoring your pace and well-being throughout.

• Begin your mountain adventure with a thrilling 35-minute flight to Lukla
• Enjoy spectacular aerial views of the Himalayas
• Land at the famous Tenzing-Hillary Airport (2,860m)
• Trek downhill along the beautiful Dudh Koshi River valley
• Wind through pine forests and cross suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags
• Pass mani walls and small Sherpa villages
• Experience your first taste of authentic Sherpa culture

Following breakfast, our team will prepare a nutritious packed lunch for the day's journey. Your guide will carefully monitor the pace, ensuring proper acclimatization as you gain significant elevation. We'll help you check into your accommodation in Namche Bazaar and provide evening briefings about acclimatization strategies and the next day's itinerary.

• Experience one of the most picturesque yet challenging sections of the trek
• Cross several suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Bridge
• Enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo checkpoint
• Follow the powerful Dudh Koshi River
• Ascend steeply through pine forests to Namche Bazaar
• Arrive at the horseshoe-shaped village, gateway to the high Himalayas
• Enjoy your first magical view of Mt. Everest peeking above the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge

Our team arranges a carefully planned acclimatization schedule, including a morning hike to higher elevations. We'll organize a visit to the Sherpa Culture Museum and provide detailed information about altitude sickness prevention. Our guides remain available throughout the day for questions and will conduct evening health checks to ensure everyone is adapting well to the altitude.

• Follow the mountaineering principle of "climb high, sleep low"
• Embark on a day hike to either the Everest View Hotel (3,880m) or Khumjung village
• Enjoy stunning panoramas of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and other peaks
• Explore Namche's markets, bakeries, and cafes in the afternoon
• Shop for any last-minute trekking supplies
• Observe the fascinating blend of traditional Sherpa culture with modern influences
• Rest and prepare in this vibrant mountain hub

After breakfast, our team will prepare you for the day's trek with a detailed briefing. Your guide will set an appropriate pace to ensure proper acclimatization as you gain altitude. We'll arrange your accommodation in Dole and provide hot drinks and nutritious meals to help with your adaptation to the increasing elevation.

• Depart Namche on a trail that climbs to a chorten with magnificent views
• Follow the less-traveled trail toward Gokyo instead of the main EBC route
• Pass through the villages of Kyangjuma and Sanasa
• Enjoy spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kantega
• Descend to the village of Phortse Tenga near the Dudh Koshi river
• Climb through rhododendron forests to the small settlement of Dole
• Experience your first night above 4,000m elevation

Our team will monitor your health more vigilantly as you ascend to higher altitudes. Your guide will set a measured pace with frequent rest stops to aid acclimatization. We'll organize your accommodation in Machhermo and arrange for you to attend the optional daily altitude sickness prevention talk at the Himalayan Rescue Association post.

• Trek through a landscape that grows increasingly barren as you gain altitude
• Follow the valley high above the Dudh Koshi river
• Pass summer settlements with stone herder huts
• Enjoy magnificent mountain views with fewer trekkers than the main EBC route
• Spot wildlife including Himalayan tahr and pheasants
• Visit the Himalayan Rescue Association post for valuable altitude information
• Experience the peacefulness of Machhermo, a small settlement with stunning views

As you approach very high altitudes, our team implements strict health monitoring protocols. Your guide will set an extremely measured pace and encourage frequent hydration. We'll prepare high-calorie meals to combat the increased metabolism at altitude and ensure your accommodation in Gokyo is as comfortable as possible in these remote conditions.

• Climb a ridge offering spectacular views of the Himalayas
• Reach a viewpoint overlooking the first of the Gokyo Lakes, Longponga
• Pass stone cairns draped with prayer flags
• Follow the lateral moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal
• Cross a sandy, relatively flat valley before the final climb to Gokyo
• Arrive at the mesmerizing turquoise waters of the third Gokyo Lake
• Settle into your lodge overlooking this magnificent alpine scenery
• Prepare for tomorrow's summit of Gokyo Ri

Our team will wake you before dawn with hot drinks to prepare for the Gokyo Ri summit climb. Your guide will closely monitor each trekker during this challenging ascent. We'll provide packed breakfasts to enjoy at the summit while witnessing the sunrise. After returning to Gokyo, we'll arrange a guided tour to the fourth and fifth Gokyo lakes for those with sufficient energy.

• Begin your Gokyo Ri ascent in darkness with headlamps illuminating the path
• Climb steeply up the rocky trail with frequent rest stops
• Reach the summit ridge decorated with colorful prayer flags
• Experience one of the Himalayas' most spectacular panoramas at sunrise
• Marvel at unobstructed views of four 8,000m peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu
• Descend to Gokyo for a well-deserved rest
• For those with energy, trek to the fourth and fifth Gokyo lakes in the afternoon
• Appreciate the vivid turquoise waters contrasting with the barren landscape

After breakfast, our team will prepare you for the day's descent. Your guide will set a comfortable pace, allowing time to fully appreciate the surrounding beauty. We'll arrange your accommodation in the traditional Sherpa village of Phortse and provide a special dinner featuring local specialties.

• Begin your descent from the Gokyo region
• Experience a sense of accomplishment mixed with nostalgia
• Pass by the lower Gokyo lakes one final time
• Descend alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier
• Cross streams fed by glacial meltwater
• Notice the gradual return of vegetation as you lose altitude
• Cross the river to reach the authentic Sherpa village of Phortse
• Experience a traditional settlement less visited by trekkers

Our team will organize an early breakfast before beginning your trek to Namche Bazaar. Your guide will lead at a comfortable pace through beautiful forests and traditional villages. We'll arrange a special dinner in Namche Bazaar where our staff will present certificates commemorating your trek to Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri.

• Trek through beautiful rhododendron forests (spectacular if in bloom)
• Pass through the village of Mongla with panoramic views of the Khumbu region
• Visit the Khumjung monastery that claims to house a yeti scalp
• Descend through pine forests with chances to spot wildlife
• Return to the relative comfort and oxygen abundance of Namche Bazaar
• Enjoy the amenities of this mountain trading hub
• Reflect on your high-altitude achievements

Our team will organize an early breakfast to allow plenty of time for the long day's trek. Your guide will lead you safely through the varied terrain, and our staff will have arranged your final night's accommodation in Lukla. In the evening, we'll host a farewell celebration with your porters and guides, providing an opportunity to express gratitude to these essential team members.

• Experience your final day on the Everest region trails
• Return through Phakding and other now-familiar villages
• Cross suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags one last time
• Notice how remarkably easy the trail feels compared to your first uphill journey
• Pass through the checkpoint at Monjo, exiting Sagarmatha National Park
• Navigate the final uphill section to Lukla
• Complete your circuit in the Khumbu region
• Reflect on memories and experiences that will last a lifetime

Our team will handle your early check-in for the return flight and manage any potential weather delays. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we'll transfer you to your hotel and assist with luggage. You'll have free time in the afternoon, with optional spa services available to soothe tired muscles. In the evening, we'll host a final celebration dinner at a premier restaurant in Kathmandu.

• Board an early morning flight back to Kathmandu
• Enjoy one last aerial view of the majestic Himalayas
• Experience the surreal contrast between mountain wilderness and bustling city
• Appreciate simple luxuries of hot showers, varied cuisine, and soft beds
• Take time for souvenir shopping in Thamel
• Process and reflect on your remarkable achievement
• Share stories with fellow trekkers during a final celebration dinner
• Begin organizing photos and memories from your adventure

Depending on your flight time, our team will arrange airport transfers and assist with check-in procedures. We'll provide information about departure requirements and help with any last-minute souvenir purchases. Our staff will ensure you depart with all trek certificates, photos, and memories properly secured.

• Conclude your Himalayan adventure
• Depart with photographs, memories, and personal growth
• Reflect on challenging yourself in one of the world's most spectacular environments
• Carry memories of the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and panoramic mountain views
• Treasure experiences of the journey, culture, and remarkable people
• Take home a transformative experience that provides perspective beyond the mountains
• Begin planning your next adventure with us
• Bid farewell to Nepal with a heart full of extraordinary experiences