Everest Gokyo Valley Trek - 14 Days

A scenic and thrilling flight awaits us.

Early morning, we will take 30 minutes to Lukla – the gateway to Everest. After landing, we will meet our further support crew for the trek and then commence our walk. Along the forested trail, we will encounter ups and downs, cross rivers, and use staircases. Along the way, we encounter many small settlements with traditional houses, introducing us to Sherpa communities.

Crossing a suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, we will reach Phakding, a prominent Sherpa village with a cluster of our houses made with big stones and fluttering prayer flags, where we will camp for the day.

Phakding Altitude: 2610 meters
Walking Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Overnight: Mountain Tea Houses in Phakding
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Leaving Phakding, we will continue our walk through villages shaded by giant hills and paved trails. Upon arrival in Jorsalle, we will enter Sagarmatha National Park after completing the required paperwork at the checkpoint. Further down, we will reach TukTuk, where a powerful waterfall welcomes us and offers a brief break.

The rest of the trail is a steep staircase that leads to the Hillary Suspension Bridge. Crossing the bridge, we will enter the pine and rhododendron forests. In the tranquil atmosphere, we will continue climbing the hill, enjoying the view of Kusum Kanguru Peak. Once the climb is finished and we pass the forested area, we will reach the famous Namche Bazaar.

In the steep landscape, we will find clusters of lodges, cafes, and shops welcoming fellow adventurers. Along the way, the first view of Everest and Thamserku greets us, marking the end of our walk for the day.

Namche Altitude: 3200 meters
Walking Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Hiking Distance: 11 Kilometers
Overnight: Mountain Tea Houses in Namche
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, we will need acclimatisation, as oxygen levels in the atmosphere drop significantly, and our bodies need to adjust.

In the morning, we will take a steep 1.5-hour climb to reach the Khumbu Viewpoint (Everest Viewpoint). The green pastured area offers an enchanting view of the Neputse, Thamserku, the mighty Everest and the world’s most beautiful mountain, Ama Dablam, up close. Enjoying a hot tea and soaking in the view, we will spend a few hours at a high altitude.

Later, we will descend towards Khumjung village, a popular Sherpa settlement. We can visit the Hillary School or the Khunde Monastery, where the “Yetu Scalp” relic is on display. The town offers insight into the daily life of the Sherpa people and an opportunity to converse with locals. After sightseeing, we will walk back to Namche, where we can watch mountaineering films at a café or enjoy delicious baked goods.

Namche Altitude: 3200 meters
Walking Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Overnight: Mountain Tea Houses in Namche
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

From the balcony trail at the Everest Viewpoint, we will walk along the Nepalese plain with an unobstructed view of Ama Dablam. The open trail will lead us to Tashingo, where our route diverges from the Everest Base Camp trail and continues with a challenging climb through the hills.

Soon, we will find ourselves in an open pasture where yaks graze, leading us to Mong La Pass (3,975 meters). Crossing the pass, we will begin our descent to Phortse Tenga (3,680 meters), located by the river and nestled in the forest.

Along the pine and birch forest, we will once again begin an ascending trail. At the end of the forest lies our destination for the day – Dole, a small settlement with an open view of the mountains surrounding it. Ama Dablam, Kangtega, and Thamserku will adorn the skyline, and we will find ourselves in a rhododendron forest that looks spectacular in spring.

Dole Altitude: 4200 meters
Walking Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Overnight: Mountain Tea Houses in Dole
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today is an easy day.

Leaving behind the Dole, we will climb a steep hill for a short period. Then we will reach more alpine settings, where the land is barren, and there are only yak pastures as far as we can see. We will see small stone huts built as resting places for yak herders. The settlement is fragile, with a limited number of tea houses scattered over a wide area.

Crossing Luza, a small settlement, we will cross a small stream to reach the Machhermo, where the view of Cho-Oyo welcomes us. The village of Machhermo is also famous for the belief that in 1974, a Yeti was sighted in the area. We will take a break for the day, enjoying the fresh mountain air and the warm hospitality of the locals.

Machhermo Altitude: 4,470 meters
Walking Duration: 4 hours
Overnight: Mountain Tea House in Machhermo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is an exciting day as we will reach our final destination for the trek.

Starting with a short climb, we will enjoy a scenic walk with mountain views and pastures. Soon, we will descend the Dudhkoshi River, where the thunder of the river will echo through the quiet air. Reaching all the way down to the riverside, we will again ascend through the staircase. Crossing a small iron bridge, we will go to the first lake (Lonhponga Tsho) in Gokyo, surrounded by grasslands and a serene atmosphere.

We will continue crossing the second lake (Taujung Tsho) and then get a glimpse of the Gokyo valley perched on the edge of the turquoise third lake (Dudh Pokhari). Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, and Everest adorn the sky far above, while we will get our first glimpse of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Reaching the valley, we will rest for the day and explore the valley in the evening.

Gokyo Altitude: 4,790 meters

Walking hours: 4 to 5 hours

Overnight: Mountain Tea House in Gokyo Valley

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner