Gokyo Lake Trek

Today we will take a wonderful flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2827m). After 40 minutes, we will land on a runway and our caretaker will help us carry our belongings. Then we will walk down to the Dudh Koshi River, where we connect with the main path to Namche Bazaar.

After moving all the way through the small area of Ghat (2550m), we will soon arrive at our tea house at Phakding. Overnight at tea house.

Special Note:
The weather in Lukla is highly unpredictable. The small airstrip, located on top of a hill with mountains surrounding on three sides, is widely known for terrible weather, which impacts the regular flight schedules. The flights, in such circumstances, may likely be delayed or even canceled in worst cases

The transportation back to the hotel and accommodation on this night is not included. You will have to pay additional for this yourself. If the weather is clear the next day, you will get either the 3rd or 4th flight to Lukla.

On this day, you will pass through several small villages and cross over the Dudh Kosi river several times on suspension bridges. You will also have the opportunity to visit the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge, named after Sir Edmund Hillary, who was one of the first climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

As you continue on the trek, you will enter the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including musk deer, Himalayan black bear, and the Himalayan monal, a colorful pheasant found in the region.

After around 6-7 hours of hiking, you will reach Namche Bazaar, a bustling town that is the administrative and business center of the Khumbu region. Namche Bazaar is also known for its Saturday market, where local farmers and traders come to sell their goods.

The trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar is relatively easy, with a gentle ascent and a total distance of around 10 kilometers (6 miles). It is a good introduction to the higher altitudes of the Everest region and a great way to acclimatize to the thinner air.

The acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar is a chance for trekkers to rest and take it easy after the first few days of trekking.

On the acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar, you can take a short hike to one of the nearby viewpoints, such as the Syangboche Airport or the Namche Museum. The airport is a short and easy hike that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including Ama Dablam and Thamserku. The Namche Museum is a small museum that displays the culture and traditions of the Sherpa people, as well as the history of the region.

You can also take the opportunity to explore the town of Namche Bazaar and visit the local market, where you can find a variety of goods, including traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. Namche Bazaar is also home to several restaurants and cafes, where you can relax and try some local cuisine.

It is important to remember that on the acclimatization day, you should not push yourself too hard and should allow your body to rest and adjust to the altitude. It is also a good idea to stay well hydrated and to drink plenty of water to help your body acclimatize.

Namche bazar to Dole trek involves a total distance of approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) and a total ascent of approximately 1,000 meters (3,280 feet). The trek starts with a descent from Namche Bazaar to the Dudh Kosi river, followed by a steep ascent to Phortse Tenga. From Phortse Tenga, the trail continues through a forest and then opens up into a clearing with views of the surrounding mountains.

After a short descent, the trail then climbs again to Mong La pass (3,700 m), which offers panoramic views of the mountains and valleys below. From Mong La, it's a relatively easy descent to Dole, which is a small village located in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Dole has a few tea houses and lodges where trekkers can spend the night.

The total trekking time from Namche Bazaar to Dole is typically around 5-6 hours, depending on your pace and the number of breaks you take. The trail is well marked and there are plenty of tea houses and lodges along the way where you can rest and have a meal. As always, it's important to pace yourself and listen to your body to avoid getting fatigued or altitude sickness.

Dole to Machhermo trek involves a total distance of approximately 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) and a total ascent of approximately 740 meters (2,427 feet). The trek starts with a descent from Dole to a bridge over the Dhudh Koshi River. After crossing the bridge, the trail begins a steep ascent through forests and pastures to Luza (4,360 m).

From Luza, the trail continues to climb through a valley, passing several small villages and fields of wheat, potatoes, and buckwheat along the way. After a short descent, the trail then climbs again to a ridge and then descends to Machhermo, a small village located in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Machhermo has a few tea houses and lodges where trekkers can spend the night.

The total trekking time from Dole to Machhermo is typically around 5-6 hours, depending on your pace and the number of breaks you take. The trail is well marked and there are plenty of tea houses and lodges along the way where you can rest and have a meal.

Machhermo to Gokyo trek involves a total distance of approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) and a total ascent of approximately 320 meters (1,050 feet). The trek starts with a gentle ascent from Machhermo, passing through fields and forests of fir, rhododendron, and juniper.

As you continue to climb, you will pass several small villages and tea houses, and the views of the surrounding mountains and valleys will become increasingly expansive. After about 3-4 hours of trekking, you will reach Gokyo, a small village located in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Gokyo is located near the base of the Ngozumpa Glacier and is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Cho Oyu, the sixth highest mountain in the world.

Gokyo has a few tea houses and lodges where trekkers can spend the night. The total trekking time from Machhermo to Gokyo is typically around 4-5 hours, depending on your pace and the number of breaks you take. The trail is well marked and there are plenty of tea houses and lodges along the way where you can rest and have a meal.

Day 8 of the Gokyo Lake trek is a rest day in Gokyo, which is a great opportunity to acclimatize and explore the village and surrounding area. Gokyo is located at an altitude of 4,790 meters (15,715 feet) and is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Cho Oyu, the sixth highest mountain in the world.

One of the highlights of a rest day in Gokyo is a visit to Gokyo Ri (5,360 meters/17,590 feet), a small peak located above the village that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. To reach Gokyo Ri, you will need to hike for about 2-3 hours from the village, depending on your pace. The trail to Gokyo Ri is steep and challenging, but the views from the top are well worth the effort.

On a rest day in Gokyo, you can also visit the nearby Ngozumpa Glacier, which is the longest glacier in the Nepal Himalayas. The glacier is located about 1.5 hours from Gokyo and can be reached by a combination of hiking and boat ride. Alternatively, you can spend the day exploring Gokyo village and relaxing in your guesthouse.

It's important to keep in mind that a rest day in Gokyo is not a complete day of rest and you should still try to stay active to help with acclimatization. You can do this by taking short walks around the village, practicing yoga or other light exercises, or simply by stretching and breathing deeply to help your body adjust to the altitude. As always, it's important to listen to your body and take it easy if you are feeling tired or unwell.

Day 9 of the Gokyo Lake trek is a moderate to challenging day of trekking that involves a total distance of approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) and a total ascent of approximately 310 meters (1,020 feet). The trek starts with a descent from Gokyo to the Gokyo Lakes, a series of freshwater lakes located in the Khumbu region of Nepal. The Gokyo Lakes are considered sacred by the local Sherpa people and are known for their stunning blue-green color.

After exploring the Gokyo Lakes, the trail continues to climb through a valley, passing several small villages and fields of wheat, potatoes, and buckwheat along the way. After about 3-4 hours of trekking, you will reach Thangna, a small village located at an altitude of 4,700 meters (15,420 feet). Thangna has a few tea houses and lodges where trekkers can spend the night.

The total trekking time from Gokyo to Thangna is typically around 4-5 hours, depending on your pace and the number of breaks you take. The trail is well marked and there are plenty of tea houses and lodges along the way where you can rest and have a meal.

Thangna to Dzongla trek involves a total distance of approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) and a total ascent of approximately 630 meters (2,070 feet). The trek starts with a descent from Thangna to a bridge over the Ngozumpa Glacier. After crossing the bridge, the trail begins a steep ascent through a valley, passing several small villages and fields of wheat, potatoes, and buckwheat along the way.

As you continue to climb, you will pass through a forest of rhododendron, fir, and juniper, and the views of the surrounding mountains and valleys will become increasingly expansive. After about 4-5 hours of trekking, you will reach Dzongla, a small village located in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Dzongla is located at an altitude of 4,830 meters (15,860 feet) and has a few tea houses and lodges where trekkers can spend the night.

The total trekking time from Thangna to Dzongla is typically around 4-5 hours, depending on your pace and the number of breaks you take. The trail is well marked and there are plenty of tea houses and lodges along the way where you can rest and have a meal.

Day 11 of the Gokyo Lake trek is a moderate to challenging day of trekking that involves a total distance of approximately 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) and a total ascent of approximately 880 meters (2,890 feet). The trek starts with a steep ascent from Dzongla, passing through a valley and a forest of rhododendron, fir, and juniper. As you continue to climb, you will pass several small villages and fields of wheat, potatoes, and buckwheat, and the views of the surrounding mountains and valleys will become increasingly expansive.

After about 5-6 hours of trekking, you will reach Lobuche, a small village located in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Lobuche is located at an altitude of 4,910 meters (16,110 feet) and has a few tea houses and lodges where trekkers can spend the night.

The total trekking time from Dzongla to Lobuche is typically around 5-6 hours, depending on your pace and the number of breaks you take. The trail is well marked and there are plenty of tea houses and lodges along the way where you can rest and have a meal.

Today we cover a total distance of approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) and a total ascent of approximately 250 meters (820 feet). The trek starts with a gentle ascent from Lobuche, passing through a valley and a forest of rhododendron, fir, and juniper. As you continue to climb, you will pass several small villages and fields of wheat, potatoes, and buckwheat, and the views of the surrounding mountains and valleys will become increasingly expansive.

After about 3-4 hours of trekking, you will reach Gorak Shep, a small village located in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Gorak Shep is located at an altitude of 5,160 meters (16,930 feet) and has a few tea houses and lodges where trekkers can spend the night. From Gorak Shep, you can visit the Pumori Base Camp, which is located at an altitude of 5,400 meters (17,700 feet) and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

The total trekking time from Lobuche to Gorak Shep is typically around 3-4 hours, depending on your pace and the number of breaks you take. The trail to the Pumori Base Camp is a round-trip of about 4-5 hours, depending on your pace and the number of breaks you take. The trail is well marked and there are plenty of tea houses and lodges along the way where you can rest and have a meal.

Day 13 of the Gokyo Lake involves a hike to Kala Patthar (5,545 meters/18,192 feet) and a trek to Pheriche (4,240 meters/13,910 feet). Kala Patthar is a small peak located near the base of Mount Everest that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The hike to Kala Patthar is steep and challenging, but the views from the top are well worth the effort.

To reach Kala Patthar, you will need to start from Gorak Shep, a small village located in the Khumbu region of Nepal. From Gorak Shep, it takes about 3-4 hours to hike to Kala Patthar, depending on your pace and the number of breaks you take. After reaching the summit of Kala Patthar, you will then return to Gorak Shep and have lunch before continuing your trek to Pheriche.

The trek from Gorak Shep to Pheriche is a moderate to challenging day of trekking that involves a total distance of approximately 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) and a total descent of approximately 920 meters (3,020 feet). The trek starts with a gentle descent through a valley and a forest of rhododendron, fir, and juniper. As you continue to descend, you will pass several small villages and fields of wheat, potatoes, and buckwheat, and the views of the surrounding mountains and valleys will become increasingly expansive.

After about 6-7 hours of trekking, you will reach Pheriche, a small village located in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Pheriche is located at an altitude of 4,240 meters (13,910 feet) and has a few tea houses and lodges where trekkers can spend the night.

The total trekking time from Gorak Shep to Pheriche is typically around 6-7 hours, depending on your pace and the number of breaks you take. The trail is well marked and there are plenty of tea houses and lodges along the way where you can rest and have a meal.

Day 14 of the Gokyo Lake trek is a moderate day of trekking that involves a total distance of approximately 17 kilometers (10.6 miles) and a total descent of approximately 800 meters (2,620 feet). The trek starts with a gentle descent from Pheriche, passing through a valley and a forest of rhododendron, fir, and juniper. As you continue to descend, you will pass several small villages and fields of wheat, potatoes, and buckwheat, and the views of the surrounding mountains and valleys will become increasingly expansive.

After about 6-7 hours of trekking, you will reach Namche Bazaar, a small village located in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Namche Bazaar is located at an altitude of 3,440 meters (11,290 feet) and is known for its traditional Tibetan-style houses and its vibrant Saturday market. Namche Bazaar has a few tea houses and lodges where trekkers can spend the night.The total trekking time from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar is typically around 6-7 hours, depending on your pace and the number of breaks you take.

The return trek from the Everest Base Camp continues along the Dudh Koshi River to the small mountain airstrip at Lukla where you will catch your return flight to Kathmandu.

Amazing scenic fly back to Kathmandu. It’s better to consider this day as buffer day too as just in case flight did not take off due to bad weather condition.