Everest Gokyo Lake Trek

Welcome to the city of temples! Upon landing in Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representatives will meet and transfer you to your hotel. Later in the day, you will meet your guide for a pre-trek briefing and gear check.

You enter Lukla with a thrilling flight to the Tenzing-Hillary airport. Here, you will meet your trekking crew and begin a gentle descent toward Phakding. The trail takes you along the Dudh Koshi River and passes small Sherpa villages.

Today’s trek involves a steady climb through pine forests. You will cross high suspension bridges, including the iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge. The trek follows the legendary routes toward Monjo, the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park. From Monjo, you will begin a steady ascent over the Namche Hill. At around mid-way point, you will catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest peeking through the trees before reaching the bustling town of Namche Bazaar.

Acclimatization is vital for a safe and memorable trek, especially in high-altitude regions. You will follow the golden rule of “climb high, sleep low.” As a part of this process, you will hike to the Everest View Hotel for a stunning 360-degree panorama of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Everest. As you descend back to Namche Bazaar, you can take a quick detour to the Sherpa Culture Museum or see the Yeti Scalp in Khumjung Monastery.

As you leave Namche Bazaar behind, you will divert from the EBC trail and branch off toward Gokyo Valley. The path consists of a steady climb through rhododendron and birch forests. On the way, keep an eye out for Himalayan Tahr and the colorful Danphe (Himalayan Monal) as you head to your overnight destination of Dole.

Today’s trek is short, but the altitude gain begins to make its presence felt. You will climb the scenic ridges, enjoying the views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku. After a 4 to 5-hour hike, you will reach Machhermo, where a “Yeti” was reportedly spotted in 1974.

Your journey climbs onto the terminal moraine of Ngozumpa Glacier. Continue past the first and second Gokyo Lakes before reaching the third lake, or Dudh Pokhari. On the shores of the third lake, the charming Gokyo Village sits. In the afternoon, you will take on the steep climb to the Gokyo Ri summit, and find the best view of Mount Everest, and other 8,000ers, including Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

The morning starts with a hike to Thonak Tsho, or the fourth lake. Here, you can see the dramatic reflection of the icy peaks on the still waters. After spending some time, you will head back to Machhermo for an overnight stay.

Today, you will retrace your steps back to Namche Bazaar. The journey descends through Dole and back toward Dudh Koshi River before finally reaching the bustling hub of Namche Bazaar. Here, you will find the air is warmer and easier on the lungs.

The final day of the trek takes you on a steep downhill descent from Namche. You will cross several suspension bridges before reaching Lukla. Tonight, you can enjoy a customary farewell dinner with your trekking crew and porters.

An early morning flight takes you from the Himalayas back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. You have the rest of the day to yourself. Take the time to explore the vibrant spiritual city and engage in souvenir shopping.

You have come to the end of the 12-day Everest Gokyo Lake Trek. A Global Compass Travels representatives will receive you from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight back home.