GOKYO TREK (13 DAYS)

While the EBC trek offers you a close view of Mount Everest, Gokyo trek offers you a panoramic view of the Himalayas from the Renjo Pass as well as a close view of the Gokyo lakes. The Gokyo lakes are considered not just beautiful but sacred by the Sherpas. Gokyo loosely translates as "holy water". The Sherpas often engage in various religious and spiritual activities by these lakes. Whether it’s the quiet of the high-altitude lakes, the history of the Sherpa villages, or the humbling scale of the mountains themselves, this trek offers an experience that lingers long after you’ve completed it.

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our staff will receive you at the Tribhuvan International Airport and take you to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day resting or visiting places like Thamel, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath. Early next morning, you will fly to Lukla Airport (the gateway to Mt. Everest) in a small aircraft. It is a short flight . Once you land at Lukla, your trek begins. You will hike through green and lush landscape, covered with forests of pine and rhododendron. The path is gentle, allowing you to adjust to the pace of trekking in the mountains, and giving you a first glimpse into the lives and culture of the Sherpa people as well as the stunning views of the Himalayas, beginning with a grand view of the sacred Khumbila (God of Khumbu).

Your first destination is Phakding, a quiet settlement by the Dudh Koshi River. The trail up to Phakding is relatively easy. You will pass through quiet jungles and villages along the Dudh Koshi River. From Phakding, the journey continues to Namche Bazaar, the central village of the Everest region. It is a short journey, but the path is steep. The trail to Namche ascends steadily, crossing multiple high suspension bridges. As you climb, the views begin to shift, and the mountains become more imposing, offering the first hints of what’s to come. By the time you reach Namche, the altitude begins to make its presence felt, which will only get significantly higher from there on. Therefore, the next day is set aside for rest and acclimatization. While in Namche, you will take a short hike to the famous Everest View Hotel, from where you get a great view of Ama Dablam, Mount Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, and several other mountains. You will also visit small villages around Namche, particularly Khumjung, a charming little village popular among the locals for its school.

After spending an extra day at Namche, you will trek to Thame. Thame is a beautiful village where the Himalayas stretch out in all directions, and the presence of the mountains is almost overwhelming. The place also has a sense of history that pervades the air. This village, with its monastery and old stone buildings, is known for being the birthplace of many famous Sherpas who have played pivotal roles in Everest expeditions. Here, you’ll have the chance to witness traditional Sherpa life in its most authentic form. From Thame, you’ll trek to Lungden, after which you will take the challenging path towards Renjo La Pass, a route that rewards every step with magnificent panoramas of the surrounding mountain ranges. From here, you can see a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Everest range, including the peaks of Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Chotatse,  and Lhotse, as well as the Gokyo Lakes far below. The moment you stand at the top of the pass, it’s hard not to feel a sense of accomplishment and awe, as if you’ve reached the threshold of the world. After savoring the views, you will descend to Gokyo Valley, your main destination. The tranquil lakes of Gokyo are nothing short of heavenly. You will feel a profound sense of happiness just sitting by the windows of your hotel and observing these serene lakes surrounded by the snow-capped mountains. After spending an extra day at Gokyo for the exploration of the lakes , Gokyo Ri, and the village, you will begin your return trip. Your return route will be via Dole, a small Sherpa village on the slopes of Gokyo. Eventually, you will head back to Namche again, after which you will trace your steps back to Kathmandu following the same route.