Gokyo Valley Trekking

Our adventure begins in Kathmandu! As soon as you land, a driver will be waiting to whisk you away to your hotel.

Your Everest Base Camp adventure starts upon arrival in Kathmandu! As soon as you land, a driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel. After breakfast, you'll meet your guide from Mac Treks and Tours Nepal for a comprehensive briefing on the trek. They'll also double-check your gear to make sure you're well-equipped. If anything's missing, no worries – you can rent or buy it locally in Kathmandu. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring some of Kathmandu's most fascinating religious sites. First, you'll visit Pashupatinath Temple, a highly sacred Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here, you'll witness devotees offering prayers and observe various rituals within the temple complex, including cremation ceremonies (it's important to note that non-Hindus are not allowed inside the main temple building). Next, you'll journey to Boudhanath Stupa, a significant Buddhist shrine. Immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere as you explore the monasteries surrounding the stupa and observe monks practicing their prayers.

Get ready for a thrilling morning! We'll take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a small mountain town nestled at 2,827 meters. After landing, we'll hit the trail for a gentle trek with a mix of flat sections, slight descents, and easy ascents. Our destination for the day is Phakding, a charming village where we'll spend the night.

Today's trek takes us from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, a bustling town situated at 3,440 meters. The journey is estimated to take 5 to 5.5 hours, and along the way, we'll cross exciting high suspension bridges. Prepare to be awestruck! As we pass Monjo (2,800 meters), we'll reach the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, established to safeguard this fragile mountain environment. Following this, we'll tackle a steeper climb towards Namche. With clear skies, you might even catch your first glimpse of the mighty Everest in the distance! Keep an eye out for other breathtaking peaks like Kusum Kangaru, Thamserku, Konde Ri, and Tawache. Feel free to explore some of the village monasteries on the route to Namche Bazaar. As the main trading center in the Khumbu region, Namche boasts a vibrant Saturday market where Hindu traders from the lowlands meet Tibetan yak caravans that have journeyed over the Nangpa La glacier pass. This lively town will be our base for the next couple of days.

Take a well-deserved rest in Namche Bazaar, a charming town nestled amidst towering Himalayan giants. This day is dedicated to acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust to the higher altitude. Explore the village's many lodges, tea shops, and souvenir stores, soak in the magnificent mountain views, and visit the local monasteries.

Today's adventure takes us to Khumjung (3,790 meters), a picturesque village with a captivating gompa (Buddhist monastery) perched atop a hill. The 4-5 hour trek offers stunning vistas of Thamserku, Kantega, and Ama Dablam peaks.

Get ready for a scenic journey as we trek from Khumjung to Dole (4,040 meters), a journey that takes about 5 hours. The trail climbs to a large chorten (Buddhist shrine) atop a ridge before descending slightly towards Sanasa. We'll then ascend to Mongla (4,000 meters), where breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains await. The descent to Dole is steep, passing through Phortse Tenga, a delightful spot to savor a delicious meal. Finally, we'll climb through a beautiful rhododendron and birch forest adorned with hanging mosses and lichens before reaching Dole.

Enjoy a relaxed trek from Dole to Machhermo (4,410 meters), which takes approximately 3 hours. The trail steadily ascends alongside the valley, where vegetation transitions from thorny bushes to scrub juniper as the altitude increases. We'll pass by summer settlements used by yak herders during grazing season. Keep your eyes peeled for incredible views of Cho Oyu, while the descent offers glimpses of Kantega and Thamserku peaks. This short day allows us to arrive in Machhermo comfortably in time for lunch.

Embark on a scenic journey from Machhermo to Gokyo (4,750 meters), a 4-hour trek leading us to the famed Gokyo Lakes. The path winds through Pangka before descending slightly alongside a meltwater river flowing from the Ngozumpa Glacier's western side. We'll then tackle a steep climb, passing the first of the holy lakes before reaching the second. Here, the trail leading to Cho La (5,420 meters) – our route to Lobuche and Everest later in the trek – intersects ours. We'll continue to Dudh Pokhari, the third lake, and finally reach Gokyo, a Sherpa settlement nestled on the eastern shore. The emerald green waters of the lake reflect the majestic peaks of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang, creating a picture-perfect scene.

Enjoy a well-deserved rest day in Gokyo. This charming village serves as a trading center where Sherpa people operate lodges catering to trekkers. Explore the surrounding Gokyo Valley, a breathtaking landscape dominated by the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal. You can also embark on an optional side trip to Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters) for even more spectacular panoramic views or visit the serene Fifth Lake.

Challenge yourself with a pre-dawn trek to Gokyo Ri (5,340 meters). As you ascend the steep path, witness the majestic peaks of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu gradually come into view. The summit of Gokyo Ri offers one of the most breathtaking panoramas in the Everest region – some even say it surpasses Kala Patthar! After basking in the glory, descend for lunch before continuing to Thangna, a village nestled on the shores of the Ngozumpa Glacier (4,650 meters).

Today's journey takes us from Thangna to Dzongla (4,843 meters) via the challenging Cho La Pass (5,420 meters), a roughly 5.5-hour trek. Brace yourself for a rocky climb followed by a steep descent for about an hour. However, the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains will make it all worthwhile. The trail then gently descends all the way to Dzongla.

The trek from Dzongla to Gorakshep (5,180 meters) via Lobuche takes approximately 5 hours. The path alternates between gentle ascents and descents, contouring the west side of the Lobuche Khola valley. As you navigate, keep your eyes peeled for stunning views of Ama Dablam, the Nuptse-Lhotse wall, and of course, the mighty Everest. The trail from Pheriche joins ours at the Lobuche Khola.

Embark on a thrilling hike to Everest Base Camp (5,337 meters) from Gorakshep. This 4.5-hour journey winds through a trail weaving between ice pinnacles and past the crevasses of the Khumbu Glacier. During spring, you might even encounter Everest expedition teams. On the return leg, opt for a higher route to capture spectacular views of the Khumbu Icefall and surrounding mountains. Celebrate your achievement before returning to Gorakshep for the night.

Rise before dawn and conquer the challenging climb to Kala Patthar (5,545 meters). Witness the awe-inspiring sunrise paint the surrounding peaks in a golden hue. From the summit, absorb the panoramic vista encompassing Everest, Pumori, Lingtren, Khumbetse, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and many more giants. Descend to Pheriche (4,250 meters), a village known for having the highest permanent settlement in the Khumbu region. Here, you can connect with the outside world via phone calls, observe the sturdy mountain yaks used for carrying supplies, and visit the Himalayan Rescue Association Aid Post.

The trail from Pheriche to Tyangboche (3,850 meters) takes about 4 hours. We'll pass through Pangboche village, boasting the title of the highest permanent settlement in the Khumbu. The route features gentle ascents and descents, culminating in the arrival at Tyangboche, renowned for its magnificent monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region. Explore the trekker's center and witness a showcase of local Sherpa handicrafts and a slide presentation about their culture, Buddhist religion, and environmental initiatives.

Our journey continues with a 4-hour trek from Tyangboche back to Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters). The path descends steeply towards Phunki Tenga (3,250 meters), crossing the Dudh Koshi River. Prepare to be captivated by panoramic views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kusum Kangaru. We'll pass by charming villages and numerous tea shops before tackling a steeper climb to Sanasa, where Sherpa people sell Tibetan goods. The final leg to Namche features gentle ups and downs with scenic views of forests and mountains.

Our adventure culminates with a final trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,800 meters). As we descend along the Dudh Kosi River, take a moment to cherish the breathtaking landscapes and the memories you've created. Tonight is a special occasion – a farewell party with your amazing Sherpa guides and porters! Raise a toast with some local chhang (rice wine), learn some traditional Sherpa dances, and reminisce about your unforgettable Everest Base Camp trek.

Bid farewell to the Himalayas as you catch an early morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in the bustling capital, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a well-deserved rest for the remainder of the day.

This is it – the day to say goodbye to Nepal. Perhaps you'll extend your stay to explore more of Kathmandu's vibrant culture, or maybe you have other adventures planned. No matter what your next chapter holds, we hope you'll take home cherished memories of your Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp experience.