Kathmandu Altitude: 1,400 meters
Lukla Altitude: 2,860 meters
Phakding Altitude: 2,610 meters
Flight Duration: 35-40 minutes
Trek Distance: 9 kilometers
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours

Our adventurous Gokyo Valley journey begins with an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Lukla is a charming mountain village with an airport in the Khumbu region where the trek officially begins.

The scenic trails from Lukla to Phakding go mostly downhill through lush forests and small streams with gratifying views of the Kusum Kanguru mountain. The walk is relatively short and easy while providing an introduction to the Khumbu region’s natural beauty and unique culture.

Phakding is a quaint hamlet beside the Dudh Koshi River. Here we will spend our first glorious night in a traditional teahouse taking in the views of the surrounding snow capped peaks.

Namche Bazaar Altitude: 3,440 meters
Trek Distance: 11 kilometers
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

Today we will leave Phakding after a heart morning breakfast and move towards the vibrant Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar. The trail cuts its way through river banks, lush pine forests and swaging suspension bridges spanning the Dudh Koshi.

As you ascend, the landscape becomes more dramatic with glimpses of snow capped peaks like Thamserku and Kongde Ri. The climb to Namche is steep and exhausting but the scenic rest stops at Benkar, Monjo and Jorsalle make it easy and enjoyable.

Finally reaching Namche Bazaar you will be surrounded by colorful houses, bustling markets and prayer flags against the backdrop of colossal Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam.

Namche Bazaar is a crucial acclimatization point to adjust your body to the higher altitude before continuing further. After a meal in the teahouse, you can set off for a leisurely walk around the village, explore its local markets and enjoy the local culture and hospitality.

For acclimatization, hiking to the Hotel Everest View is a better option which offers superb views of the surrounding Himalayas. Next is to pay a visit to the Sherpa Culture Museum which provides an in-depth understanding of the history and culture of the region. In a similar way, trekking to nearby villages such as Khunde or Khumjung makes for a great option for acclimatization while exploring.

Dole Altitude: 4,038 meters
Trek Distance: 12 kilometers
Trek Duration: around 7 hours

Today we will enter the Gokyo Valley from the Khumbu Valley. The trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole follows picturesque trails gradually ascending through beautiful pine forests. The spectacular views of Ama Dablam and Thamserku follow you along the way.

En route you will pass the village of Khumjung with its traditional Sherpa houses and yak pastures. From here we will continue upward towards Dole traversing some steep sections. The breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains and valleys makes the trek rewarding.

Dole is a crucial stop before heading higher into the Gokyo Valley.

Macchermo Altitude: 4,470 meters
Trek Distance: 6 kilometers
Trek Duration: 3-4 hours

After breakfast, we will depart from Dole. The trails to Macchermo are gradual uphill through the alpine meadows and forests. En route, the views of the towering Cho Oyu and Thamserku are spectacular.

The more you ascend, you will experience the rugged landscape with increasing remoteness and very few settlements in between. The scenery becomes even better after arriving in Machhermo. This mountaintop settlement is surrounded by spectacular snow capped peaks and glaciers.

The amazing high altitude terrains and the sense of isolation are what make today’s journey a rewarding experience.

Gokyo Lake Altitude: 4,750 meters
Trek Distance: 7 kilometers
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours

On day 6 of the Gokyo Valley Trek itinerary, we will leave for the wonderful Gokyo Lakes in the hidden Gokyo village. The route is a steady climb through rugged terrain with gratifying views of the surrounding Himalayas. Alpine meadows, yak pastures and rocky paths characterize this day’s trek. The landscape becomes more dramatic with every step and the turquoise Gokyo Lakes await at the top.

Though today’s walk to Gokyo Lkaes is a bit challenging due to the altitude, arrival at its tranquil ambiance makes the effort worthwhile. The Gokyo village beside this lake is an ideal stop before exploring further into the Gokyo Valley or hiking to Gokyo Ri.

Gokyo Ri Altitude: 5,357 meters
Trek Distance: 12-14 kilometers
Trek Duration: 6-8 hours

We will leave Gokyo village early at dawn to scale the stunning viewpoint of Gokyo Ri Peak for a mesmerizing sunrise over the Himalayas. The trek starts with a steep ascent from the village following the rugged rocky trails towards Gokyo Ri. Gokyo to Gokyo Ri distance is around 3 kilometers.

The top of this vantage point rewards you with astounding sights of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and other surrounding peaks. The series of all six turquoise Gokyo Lakes, the vast Gokyo Valley and the stunning Ngozumpa Glacier are also visible from the summit.

After enjoying the views from the top we will begin to descend back to Dole. The walk is a bit easier passing through rocky terrain and grasslands. Upon arrival in Dole, you can rest and

Trek Distance: 12 kilometers
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

We are on the return journey towards the ending point of the trek. Retracing the footprints we made to reach Dole from Namche Bazaar will take us on the same way again.

The trail descends gradually from Dole and passes through the picturesque villages of Khumjung and Khunde. The stunning views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Everest in the backdrop keep you excited. The landscape shifts from alpine pastures to lush forests of rhododendrons and pine as you make your way down.

You will cross bridges over the Dudh Koshi River and walk past through dense forest before you get back into Namche Bazaar. This section of the trek is mostly downhill making it a bit easier after the previous days of ascent.

Trek Distance: around 17 kilometers
Trek Duration: 7-8 hours

From Namche Bazaar, we head back to Lukla. The trail passes the villages of Jorsalle, Monjo and Benkar before joining the Dudh Koshi River. The landscape becomes more lush and forested with occasional views of peaks like Ama Dablam and Thamserku in the distance as you make your way downhill. You will cross several suspension bridges en route and the trail gradually flattens out as you approach Lukla.

The trek is considerably easier compared to previous stages but caution is still necessary on all the downhill stretches to avoid too much strain on the knees. Once you reach Lukla, you are done trekking and ready for your tomorrow flight back to Kathmandu.

After breakfast in Lukla teahouse, we will bid farewell to the Himalayan region. Early in the morning, we will head out for Lukla Airport to catch a return flight to the capital. Due to the high altitude and mountainous terrain, flights are usually scheduled in the morning when the weather is most stable.

The flight between Kathmandu and Lukla is one of the most thrilling and scenic parts of the trip with magnificent views of the Himalayan range, valleys and hills from a unique vantage point. Upon landing in Kathmandu the journey culminates and we will transfer you comfortably to the place of your stay.