Gokyo’s Enchanted Peaks and Lakes

The next morning, after breakfast, you will depart for a full-day sightseeing trip of Kathmandu Valley. You can see the historic Pashupatinath Temple and Swyambhunath Temple, which are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The largest Buddhist Stupa at Boudhanath, as well as the magnificent artwork and historical architecture of Kathmandu Durbar Square, depict ancient Nepalese culture and are highlights of our guided trip. Patan City will enchant you with its renowned beautiful arts and ancient architecture. When you return to your hotel, you will have time to explore the surrounding neighborhood, eat dinner, and perhaps take a leisurely stroll down the famous streets. Finally, the day closes with an authentic Nepalese dinner at Nepali Cultural Restaurant.

After breakfast, we’ll be transferred to TIA’s domestic terminal for an early morning flight to Lukla. After flying above the stunning green and white mountains, we arrive at Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla. This is one of the most picturesque aviation routes in the world, culminating in a landing on a hillside surrounded by towering mountains. When we arrive in Lukla, we meet our other crew members and, after some packing and arrangements, we begin our journey through the wealthy settlement of Lukla to Phakding. We have a short hike today to help with acclimatization. However, if you are interested in extra activities, we can take a side trip to a local monastery. Overnight in Phakding.

After breakfast, we stroll through gorgeous pine trees and along the Dudh Koshi River, completing our nature-filled excursion in Namche Bazaar. After walking for over an hour, we come across the gleaming Mt. Thamserku (6,608m) on our right and enjoy the tranquility of pine, fir, and juniper forests throughout our trek. If the weather is clear, we may even see Mt. Everest looking over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. We continue walking till we reach the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Mt. Everest and the region’s primary trading center. This day, we traverse five suspension bridges, the highest being the Hillary Bridge. It is an uphill hike from the Hillary Bridge to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar

This day is set aside for acclimatization. Health experts advise us to be active and walk about even on rest days rather than being sedentary. There are a few possibilities put aside for today. We may take a stroll around Namche’s picturesque villages and get to know the Sherpa people and their rich culture, or we can hike up to the Everest glimpse Hotel and get a close-up glimpse of Mount Everest. Trekkers can visit the local museum at Namche village or on their way back from the hike to the Everest View Hotel, which displays exhibits of the area’s native flora and wildlife as well as the history of the Mount Everest region.

Trekkers who want to hike for a little longer may consider a hike to Khumjung village (5-6 hours). While in the hamlet, we can visit the Edmund Hillary School and Khumjung Monastery (which is famed for housing the Yeti’s head!). Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

We leave Namche Bazaar on a path with modest climbs and descents. On the journey, we’ll probably see Himalayan pheasants, musk deer, and Himalayan Thars. We then start descending towards Kyanjuma. We follow the Gokyo routes from Sansa to Mong, where we can see Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tawoche, and Khumbila mountains. Our trail drops to Dudhkoshi Khola, followed by an upward climb through rhododendron trees before reaching Phorse. From here, we get fantastic views of the Tawache and Cholaste mountains. Overnight in Phorse.

After crossing a bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, we will most likely see native fauna such as pheasants, mountain goats, and musk deer. Before we arrive in Dole, our trail takes us through forests, waterfalls, and bridges. We climb steadily up a magnificent ridge, with views of the Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku summits. We ascend from Luza village and stroll above the Dudh Koshi river. We continue trekking through little settlements and sandy trails until we reach Machhermo. We can go to the Himalayan Rescue Hospital for a lecture on altitude sickness, its prevention, and initial treatment. Overnight in Machhermo.

We climb a hill and take in views of the Dudh Koshi valley, as well as the Kangtega, Thamserku, and Cho-Oyu mountains. Beyond the ridge, the valley opens as the trail goes through a Chorten before arriving in Phangga. We descend to the riverbank before ascending to the Ngozamba Glacier’s terminal moraine via a steep path. We pass via Longpongo, Raboche Tsho, and Dudh Pokhari before arriving at Gokyo. On the trail near to the first lake, we find what appear to be the footprints of a Lama (Buddhist priest). Before retiring for the night, we explore Dudh Pokhari. Overnight in Gokyo.

We stay another day in Gokyo to acclimate to the high altitude. If the weather is nice, we’ll climb Gokyo Ri today. From the summit of Gokyo Ri, we can see the Himalayas and the calm Gokyo lakes. We also hike to the fourth and fifth Gokyo lakes.

The fourth lake is only around three kilometers north of Gokyo. It is distinguished by towering cliffs and Himalayan peaks looming above it. We continue walking a little further till we reach the fifth lake. A climb to a nearby hill will provide us with stunning views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makulu.

We can see a lot more from this location, which is named Scoundrel’s Viewpoint. From the northern section of the fifth lake, we can view the Cho Oyu base camp and the Ngazumpa Glacier, the world’s largest glacier. We hike back to Gokyo and stay the night.

We descend on a route along the Dudh Koshi River, passing the first Gokyo lakes. On the way, we can see the Cholatse and Taboche peaks. Our trail drops before ascending a hill. After reaching the chorten at the edge, we can see the Thamserku, Cho Oyu, and Kangtega mountains. We go via Machhermo, Luza, and Lhafarma villages before arriving in Dole. Overnight in Dole.

We decend from a rocky trail to Phortse Thanga, admiring the rhododendrons, wildflowers, and waterfalls. We also come across mountain goats, musk deer, and pheasants. Mong offers a great view of Khumbila Peak. On the journey to Namche, we can admire the views of Taboche, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtega mountains.

After a bit of trekking, we come to an intersection where the Sanasa route meets our trail. We travel down a trail that clings to a forested slope beyond Kyangjuma and winds through multiple curves. After reaching Namche Army Camp Hill, we gaze back to view Lhotse, the summit of Everest, and Tengboche for the last time. Namche Bazaar is around a kilometer from here. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

We descend a rocky trail and cross numerous suspension bridges before continuing on a flat path. The air is warmer as we continue on the same trail to Lukla. Our mountain adventure comes to an end when we reach Lukla. We spend our time thinking about our time in the mountains. Overnight in Lukla.

After breakfast, we head to the airport for our flights. The terminal building is exceedingly cold, with limited refreshments and snacks. The flight is amazing once you’ve lifted off and are rushing down into the emptiness. After missing the hillside below Number Peak and avoiding the Lamjura Pass, the plane heads to Kathmandu. Then you will be met by Gravity Expedition agents at the domestic airport. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Leisure day in Kathmandu, followed by a farewell meal and celebration. You can ask your guide to take you on a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley. On this day, you can visit the valley’s numerous museums, including the Narayanhiti Museum, which was previously the residence of Nepal’s last king. You can also visit the hilltop of Nagarkot. After exploring the valley’s world heritage sites, you will enjoy a farewell supper with your Nepali friends and guide. You and your guide may even decide to extend your stay to include a Chitwan jungle safari, rafting activities, and other activities.