Gokyo Lake & Everest View

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Duration: 17 Days

Trip Grade:

3 Nights in Kathmandu, 13 Nights on Trek.

Itinerary / Graded Challenging to Strenuous

INTRO : The Gokyo Lake & Everest Views 17 days trek offers sweeping views of the Everest Himalayas from the vantage points of Gokyo Ri are spectacular and well worth this away from the beaten trek and greatly rewarding.  Also a side trip to the small settlement of Thame is worthwhile to enjoy a "space" from the main trail upto to EBC. Those who enjoy the quiet and the extra ordinary is recommended to experience this amazing route!  

Day 1 : KATHMANDU ARRIVAL 1330m.

Arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel of your choice, meet your crew and present passport, photos to double check on the trek permit requirement and other documentation. If time permits, enjoy a half day tour in Kathmandu to one of the heritage sites which the valley is famous for.  Hotel stay.

Day 2 : KATHMANDU

Day for optional sightseeing tours in this very cultural and historical inner cities.  Hotel stay.

Day 3 : PHAKDING 2652m. 

All flights to Lukla now originate from Manthali airport, Ramechap a small town 132kms east of Kathmandu, 4hrs drive. Early start at 3.30am from Kathmandu for Lukla flight scheduled from 6am onwards. The short 25minutes flight has to be one of most spectaculars in the world.  The flight path over contrasting landscapes north with the snowy Himalayan ranges and rugged foothills stretching below all the away south.  After a sort out and a cup of refreshment, organizing the porter, head off to the trail north west and descending to Dudh Kosi river, with the first night stay at Phakding or Benker.

Day 4 : NAMCHE BAZAAR 3445m. 

Follow the Dudh Kosi river through forest and pasture land.  The valley is dotted with small Sherpa settlements.  After the national park entry point at Jorsale continue up river and cross the river.  From here climb steeply along switchbacking trail to Namche Bazar the largest Sherpa settle.  While going up this trail there are the first views of Everest 8848m and Lhotse 8511m.  A traditional traditional trading center, the bazaar is held every Saturday.  Views of Thamserku, Kwangdi and the sacred mountain of Khumbila can be seen from here.  

Day 5 : NAMCHE BAZAAR REST DAY FOR ACCLIMITISATION. 

A walk through this interesting village and an opportunity for proper acclimatization.  Lodge stay at Namche Bazaar.

Day 6 : THAME 3810m. 

Traverse westwards with view of Kwangde and the waterfalls cascading off its flanks.  Follow the Bhote Kosi as the trail sidehills high on its bank through yellow and white rhododendron forest. Cross the river, look backdown valley for views of Thamserku and Kusum Kanguru. Climb up through rhododendron forest to pasture lands in front of the village Thame. This secluded spot is the birthplace of Trnzing Norgay, the first Sherpa summiteer of Mt Everest. An hour's climb to the cliffside monastery is of great interest.  From here, the trekker can sidehill above the village, then climb across the ridge to view the route to the Nangpa La, a pass to Tibet frequently used by the Sherpas and their yaks during the monsoon.   

Day 7 : KHUMJUNG 3791m. 

Walk backdown the valley by way of Thamo a hillside nunnery.  Take the high trail which by-passed Namche and drops into Khumjung.  This village is one of the most beautiful in Khumbu with its symmetrically laid out stone houses. The village is a great stop over with its bakeries distinguishing themselves!

Day 8 : DOLE 4040m. 

The trail leads down past the school and Khumjung village before dropping into rhododendron scrub forest and then towards an impregnable looking fall on the north side of the valley.  A giants causeway of granite steps make an incredible route up this face before the trail emerges on high grazing ground.  One hour further and there is a very charming chorten which poses naturally as the foreground for wonderful photos across the valley to Ama Dablem, Kantega and Thamserku standing high above the meadowlands of Thyangboche monastery.  The trail drops quickly nearly all the way to the Dudh Kosi before leaving the route to Phortse.  There is a good lunch stop amidst birch and rhododendron forest. The trail continues with a stiff but attractive climb to Dole which lies on the tree line.  

Day 9 : PANGA 4400m. 

The first hour involves steady climbing before the trail contours to Luza 4870m, a small grazing area with potato fields and inhabited year round.  After lunch a short uphill followed by downhill to Phanga valley.

Day 10 :GOKYO LAKES 4750m. 

A steady hike soon leads to the first of the Gokyo lakes, the main lake and loges are reached by lunch.  

Day 11 : GOKYO RI EXCURSION 5363m. 

Unlike the Kala Pathar hill from Lobuje the foot of Gokyo Ri lies 5mins away across a steam that feeds the lake.  A 2 to 3 hrs "challenging uphill" leads to the summit from where the views are well worth all the effort involved.  An amazing 360* panoramic reveals Everest showing more of its northern flank than from Kala Pathar, with Makalu farther to the east.  To the north Cho Oyo, all around snows, ice glacial moraines and the giants of the world.  Return to Gokyo Lakes for the night.  

Day 12 : MACHERMO 4465m. 

Head back down the trail and stay in alternate villages.  

Day 13 : KHUMJUNG 3719m.

If time permits on this second visit, take a walk to see the hotel Everest View and perhaps enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.  

Day 14 : BEYOND JORSALE 2805m. 

Steep descending trail first to Namche Bazaar and the Dudh Kosi, followed easy descending walk along the river.  Stay at Benker a little beyond Jorsale.

Day 15 : LUKLA  2827m. 

After an easy walk, followed by a gradual ascent and the last uphill after Chaurikharka village arrive at Lukla. This is an day of mixed feeling having accomplished one of the most amazing treks of the Himalayas and also time to enjoy a farewell dinner with your Trek crew celebrating a great journey for as many days together. 

Day 16 : FLY TO KTM.

The short flight to Manthali airport and a long drive to Kathmandu where a welcome hot shower and soft bed await at your hotel!  Enjoy the rest of the day catching up with shopping or chilling out in the many restaurants available in and around Kathmandu.  Please check with you Guide for the best in town places for eateries.  Hotel stay.

Day 17 : DEPARTURE

Enjoy a leisurely morning before your transfer to for departure flight.

Bon voyage!

BOOK THIS AMAZING TREK - best seasons March - May, October - November.

Note : trek duration can be shortened by adjusting the itinerary.  Options available for a Helicopter charter services on Day 12.  Please note all walking times mentioned are approximate and depend on the pace of each individual, trail and weather conditions.

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