Gokyo-Ri
Sitting on the top of Gokyo-ri is an amazing experience to put it mildly. It is like a magic island with the highest mountains, glaciers and the purest lakes surrounding it and forming a vista so wonderful that it humbles even the most
The peaks around Gokyo-ri are a roll call of some of the most famous mountains in the world. Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and others too many to name but impossible not to notice.
Gokyo valley is a trekkers dream but it is still a route less travelled compared to the alternate trek which take people straight to the base of Mt. Everest. Which is fortunate in a way because it is less busy and you have more of the place to yourself.
Day 01- Arrival in Kathmandu (1345meters).
Representatives from Adventure First will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International airport and transfer you to your hotel. Welcome dinner in the evening followed by briefing on the trip ahead.
Day 02- Preparations / Sightseeing
We need to sort your gear, whether you have everything you need, get rid of things you don’t need on the trip. This will take the better part of the morning following which those interested can take in some of the sightseeing places around Kathmandu.
Day 03 – Fly to Lukla (2,804m) – 35 mins. Trek to Phakding (2,610m) – 3 hrs
An early morning start takes us to the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu for the 35-minute scenic flight to Tenzing and Hillary Airport at Lukla (2,804m). On arrival at the airport guide will brief you and introduce our porters before we begin our trek towards Phakding (2,610m).
After landing we have time to explore the village while our Sherpa crew sort and load our trekking equipment. Then we begin our trek by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River where we join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, located just above Chaunrikharka (2,713m). The walking is easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat (2,550m) it is a short walk to Phakding.
Day 04 – Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,441m) – 5.5 hrs
The trek continues along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing the majestic river many times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering the Sagamartha National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views. Namche Bazaar (considered the Gateway to Everest) is home to many quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, money exchange services, internet cafes and bakeries. Namche is the biggest town along the Everest trail.
Day 05 – Namche Bazaar acclimatization day
We spend a day in Namche Bazaar in order to acclimatize and adjust to the thinning air. We will trek a short distance to a museum that is celebrated for its exhibits of the traditional customs of the Sherpa people. We also hike up the Syangboche Airport near the Everest View Hotel. From this point, we can see rewarding views of the Himalayas with a stunning sunrise and sunset over the panorama of Khumbu peaks. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 06 – Trek to Phorste Thanga (3,680m) – 5 hrs
The trail climbs steeply out of valley through rhododendron forest, juniper and large conifers start to appear as the elevation increases making the trekking very pristine in springtime. The trail passes through Yak Kharkas and summer settlements. The views of Khumbi La and Tawache are magnificent throughout the day.
Day 07 – Trek to Machherma (4,470m) – 5 hrs
We climb a ridge for an excellent view both down the valley to Kengtega and up towards Cho Oyu and descend to a river and again climbs steep to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpz glacier. We will reach Machherma by early noon.
Day 08 – Trek to Gokyo (4,790m) – 5.5 hrs
The trek today takes us at one of our main destinations, Gokyo (4,790m). We will make this camp our base for 2 nights as we will have couple of sightseeing and hiking trips around Gokyo.
Day 09 – Trek to Gokyo Ri (5,483m) and back to Gokyo – 5 hrs
Early in the morning we have a steep climb up to the top of Gokyo Ri at an elevation of 5,483m. There are ample rewards for those who attempt this trip – you get stunning views of the super Gokyo valley, the massive Ngozumpa glacier and an incredible panoramic view of the whole Khumbu Himalayas, including the giants Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu and Gychung Kang. This day we have for acclimatization and after noon back to the camp.
Day 10 – Trek to Dole (4,200m ) – 6 hrs
Following the trail we make our descent to Dole.
Day 11- Trek to Namche Bazaar via Khumjung village (3,780m) – 5 hrs
We continue walking through a typical Sherpa village of Khumjung, leaving the mountains behind us as we descend back to Namche Bazaar.
Day 12 – Trek to Lukla (2,804m) – 6 hrs
Finally we return to Lukla where we started our trek, which might seem like a lifetime ago. We’ll spend some time enjoying and reflecting on the trek as a group and the personal achievement of all those who took part. We also have some spare time to explore the town some more.
Day 13 – Morning flight back to Kathmandu
On your flight back to Kathmandu as you leave Lukla, you can enjoy some last-minute glimpses of the mountains you just recently visited. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our airport representative will transfer you to your hotel from the airport.
Day 14 – Leisure day and farewell dinner in Kathmandu
This will be a spare day in Kathmandu after the tiring trekking program. You have the option
to extend your trip to continue onto Chitwan jungle safari, rafting adventure, Kathmandu valley shopping tour, scenic Everest flight, mountain biking and other activities. In the evening we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances. (Your guide(s) and an office staff will accompany you.)
Day 15 – Transfer for your final flight departure
The trip concludes – our airport representative will drop you to Kathmandu’s Tribhuwan International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.