Gokyo Ri Trek 11 days

Wake up early in the morning, drive to airport to catch flight to Lukla and trek downhill to the Sherpa settlement of Cheplung. The trail then follows the side of the Dudh Koshi Valley before ascending to Ghat (2 530 m). Another gentle hour leads up to Phakding.

The trail follows the Dudh Kosi before climbing to Chomoa through magnificent forests of rhododendron, magnolia and giant firs. Further long the track we cross the Kyashar Khola before entering the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where we may be fortunate enough to see Himalayan tahr, musk deer and himalayan pheasants. Inside the park, the trail makes a steep descent to again follow the Dudh Kosi before the long climb to Namche.

Acclimatize and exploration day hiking around Namche bazaar to Everest View Hotel, Khumjung village and Hilary school to Namche Bazaar has ATMs, cyber cafés, delicious restaurant food and bakeries, plus a colourful market each Friday evening and Saturday morning. Visit the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park Visitor’s Centre on the hillock: with informative displays on Sherpa culture, local flora and fauna.

Leaving Namche Bazaar, we climb the Khumjung hill and then descend to the east of the village down the broad valley leading to the Dudh Koshi from where the route turns north.There are two trails and our guide will choose the best option for us to follow. There is a chorten on the ridge top at 3,973 meter which descends from Mt. Khumbila (5,761 m). Then we trek northwards and reach Mong (Mohang) which is known as the birth place of the Saint Lama Sanga Dorje, the reincarnation lama of Rongbuk Monastery. This Monastery is believed to have introduced Buddhism in the Khumbu region of Nepal.The trail descends in a series of steep switchbacks down a sandy slope to the Dudh Koshi and enters at Phortse Thanga. Then the trail climbs steeply through rhododendron forests, passing many Kharka on its way to Tongba (3950m) and Gyele (3960m) and finally Dole (4200m).

On the following day, we have to climb uphill in order to reach Machhermo. The trail climbs through a huge rock at Lhabarma (4330m) and carries on to Luza (4340m).From Luza the trail continues to climb to Machhermo (4410m) where we can have good views of the mountains. There is a Chorten right before the Luza village. Throughout today’s journey we will be walking alongside the Dudh Koshi River.Overnight at Machhermo.

We commence our trek by climbing a ridge for a superb view of Kangtega down the valley and also up towards Cho Oyu (8153 m). The narrow valley now begins to widen as the trail passes through Phangkha (4390 m), where an avalanche in 1995 killed 40 people. We then descend to the riverbank before climbing onto the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier on a steep trail. Upon crossing an iron bridge over a stream, the trail levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo, at 4690 meter. At this juncture, we get a chance to observe lama footprints on a stone. At the sight of the second lake, Taboche Tsho, we become mesmerized by the shimmering turquoise blue sheet of water sparkling in the sun. Further walk from the second lake, we reach the third lake, the two linked by a surging stream. Gokyo village stands by the third lake and Cho-Oyu Mountain as a backdrop sets an amazing spectacular sight here. After lunch, we explore around the third lake, Dudh Pokhari. Overnight in camp.

Breakfast and climb Gokyo Ri (5,360m/17,586ft) for Sunrise, which begins on the northern side of the lake, opposite the village. Its panorama invites an early start and involves a two hour climb to its summit. It overlooks the broad, rubble-covered Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal’s longest, gouged out beneath a wall of towering peaks on its south-eastern flank. From the flag bedecked summit is the unforgettable vista of the Himalayan chain that includes Cho-Oyu and Ghyachung Kang, the north face of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cholatse, Taboche, Thamserku, Kangtega, Kusum Kangru and many more, some unnamed, and back to Gokyo Lake, have lunch and explore Gokyo valley and other lakes in Gokyo village.

Breakfast and trek downhill to Dole for 6-7 hours. Stay night at Dole.

Follow the western side of the valley to gain different views of Khumbila. Continue to small Sherpa settlement to Phortse Thenga and Mungla, then rejoins the classical route from Khumjung and Everest Base camp. Another 1 ½ hrs easy walk brings to Namche for hot shower and big dinner.

From Namche, the trail descends to more comfortable altitudes, passing through the friendly farming villages of Jorsale (where we exit the National Park), Monjo, Phakding, then crosses the suspension bridge at Thado Koshi before rising to Ghat and Cheplung. Round off the adventure with the final 700m, 35min ascent to Lukla: and say goodbye to your porters.

After an early breakfast, take the return flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel. Rest of day free.