Overview

This trek explores the breath-taking Gokyo valley which is located adjacent of the Khumbu. Gokyo is a land of high altitude lakes and icy glaciers. Here, a hike to the high vantage point of Gokyo Ri (5350-m) will reward you with views of four of the eight highest mountains on earth - all in one panorama! From here, one can see more of Everest (8848-m) and the three other Himalayan giants - Cho Oyu (8153-m), Lhotse (8501-m) and Makalu (8463-m) and some of the great Glaciers, mainly the Ngozumpa Glacier.

The small herding settlement of Gokyo (4750m) lies on the banks of the third lake in a series of small turquoise mountain lakes and on the ridge above Gokyo, the four peaks above 8000m of Cho You, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu expose themselves. In addition to this you can have a look at the tremendous ice ridge between Cho You and Gyachung (7922m), considered one of the most dramatic panoramas in the Khumbu region. There are many options for additional exploration and high-altitude walking, including the crossing of Cho La, a 5420m-high pass into Khumbu and a hike to Gokyo Ri.

Your return trek will depart from the standard Gokyo trek as you will take the route back to Namche by crossing the Renjo La pass (5340m) instead of back trekking the Gokyo valley trails. This makes the trek a much more exciting and challenging one.

These mountains are magical - and so are your encounters with the Sherpa people, the famous mountain dwellers of this Himalayan wonderland. As in the classic Everest Base Camp trek, the warmth and hospitality extended by the local inhabitants of this region, the Sherpas, will add a further dimension to your experience of trekking in Nepal.

Short Itinerary

Day 01 : Kathmandu arrival (1300m). Overnight in Hotel
Day 02 : Kathmandu Sightseeing. Overnight in Hotel 
Day 03 : Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m.). Overnight in Trekking Lodge 
Day 04 : Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) Overnight in Trekking Lodge 
Day 05 : Rest at Namche Bazar for acclimatization Overnight in Trekking Lodge 
Day 06 : Namche Bazaar to Dole (4040m.) via Khumjung] Overnight in Trekking Lodge 
Day 07 : Dole to Gokyo [4750m] Overnight in Trekking Lodge 
Day 08 : Rest day at Gokyo and excursion Overnight in Trekking Lodge 
Day 09 : Gokyo to Gokyo Ri [5483m] & Trek back to Machhermo (4150m.) O/N in Trekking Lodge 
Day 10 : Machhermo (4150m.) to Namche Bazaar (3440m.) Overnight in Trekking Lodge 
Day 11 : Namche Bazaar to Phakding (2652m.) Overnight in Trekking Lodge 
Day 12 : Phakding to Lukla [2886m] Overnight in Trekking Lodge 
Day 13 : Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu. Overnight in Hotel 
Day 14 : Kathmandu free day of your own. Overnight in Hotel 
Day 15 : Final Departure

Trip Facts

Itinerary Detail

Day 01 : Kathmandu Arrival (1300m). Overnight in Hotel
Lumle Holidays representative will greet you in an airport and will transfer to your hotel. After the arrival, the group will be formally introduced to Guide for the activities over the next few days. One should pay attention in particular to the safety aspects of the briefing. Any questions or doubts should be asked and clarified at this time. We check your insurance details and other requirement for your trekking.

Day 02 : Kathmandu Sightseeing. Overnight in Hotel 
After breakfast, we start an interesting tour around Kathmandu. Escorting by an English speaking guide be, try to give them a full taste of our vivid culture image and an enchanting manner of its people. In our sightseeing tour we go to Monkey temple Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath and Kathmandu Durbar square.

Durbar Square: This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. An intriguing piece here is the 17th century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. The Durbar square, protected as an UNESCO world Heritage site, is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. There are also museums inside the palace building. There is an entrance fee of Rs.250 for foreign visitors. Your ticket to the Square entitles you to visit all the museums.

Swayambhunath, 6.5 kilometers west of Kathmandu, situated on a hillock, this 2000 years old Stupa is the world’s most glorious Buddhist shrine and is surrounded by several small pagodas. The main temple is capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt and is painted on the four sides with all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.

Pashupatinath, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the holiest and most famous Nepalese temple. Situated 5 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, it is an impressive pagoda style structure with gilt roof and richly carved silver doors. It has bathing and cremation ghats, which are of absorbing interest to the tourist, particularly in the mornings and on festival days.

Day 03 : Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m.). Overnight in Trekking Lodges 
Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m.) which takes approximately 30 minutes and trek from Lukla to Phakding (2640m.) which takes three hours. You transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Lukla. It is a small town with an airport. There are few tea shops, lodges, hotels and general stores. You begin today’s trek from Lukla following a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi. Nupla (5885m) can be seen in the distance on the opposite bank, is a peak atop the Kongde Ridge. You descend a mountainside path that merges into your route to Everest, with views to a valley to your right; and at its far end, Kusum Kang (6367m.) The Dudh Kosi approaches as you pass a Mani wall and arrive at Ghat teahouse. You continue along a small path with many climbs and descents following the left bank of Dudh Koshi to Phakding.

Day 04 : Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) Overnight in Trekking Lodges 
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) which takes about five hours. This day you trek and cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo (2800m.) is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and preserve this fragile mountain environment. You then ascend quite steeply to Namche and along the way, if the weather is clear, catch a first glimpse of Mt Everest in the distance. You can also enjoy the view of Mt. Kusum Kangaru, Thamserku, Konde-Ri and Tawache peak. You can also visit some of the village monasteries on the way of trekking to Namche Bazaar(3440 m.). Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu region and holds a busy Saturday market. There is set a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have reached there by crossing the glaciated Nangpa La.

Day 05 : Rest at Namche Bazar for acclimatization Overnight in Trekking Lodges 
Rest at Namche Bazar for acclimatization and excursion around the places. Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops as well as a magnificent outlook. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day for acclimatization at the high altitude before heading off towards Tyangboche. For the acclimatization you walk up to Khunde Hospital which was set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or an hour walk up to the Tyangboche (3800m.) where Everest View Hotel is situated above Namche for the outstanding view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. There are also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town.

Day 06 : Namche Bazaar to Dole (4040m.) via Khumjung. Overnight in Trekking Lodges  
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole (4040m.) via Khumjung] and it takes about six hours. From Namche the route heads up all the way to Kumjung, a picturesque village which also has its own gompa at the top end of town. Here you can have excellent views of Thamserku, Kantega and Ama Dablam. Soon after leaving Khumjung the trail climbs to a large chorten on top of a ridge. This ridge descends from Khumbila, a 5734m peak, said to be the abode of the patron God of the Khumbu region. The trail descends slightly towards the Sanasa and then trail ascends up to Mongla (4000m.). From here, you can see panoramic views of various mountains. You trek steeply descend passing through Phortse Tenga and from there, the trail climbs steeply to Dole, through rhododendron and birch forest festooned with hanging mosses and lichens. You can enjoy delicious meal at Phortse Tenga (3650m.).

Day 07 : Dole to Gokyo [4750m] Overnight in Trekking Lodges 
Trek from Dole to Gokyo [4750m] and it takes about six hours. From Dole you climb steadily along the side of the valley, where the small and thorny bushes give way to scrub juniper as the altitude increases. The trail passes many summer settlements, which are used when yaks are taken to these pastures to graze in the summer months. Ahead of you are excellent views of Cho Oyu, while back down the valley are the peaks of Kantega and Thamserku. This is a short day and you will arrive at Machhermo in time for lunch. Today you head for the lakes at Gokyo. You follow a very scenic path to Pangka and then descend slightly, following one of the melt-water rivers which flow down the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. You climb a steep rocky inclined into the valley by the side of the glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes. You soon arrive at the second of the lakes, crossing the path which heads across the glacier to Cho La (5420m.) -your route to Lobuche and Everest, later in the trek. The third lake is known as Dudh Pokhari and on its eastern shore is the settlement of Gokyo. Walking by the side of the lake, the scenery is magnificent with the summits of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang reflected in its emerald green waters.

Day 08 : Rest day at Gokyo and excursion Overnight in Trekking Lodges 
Rest day at Gokyo and excursion in and around Gokyo valley Gokyo is a trade centre where the Sherpa people run lodges to provide the best services to the trekkers. Gokyo is situated by the side of Ngozumpa glacier, the biggest glacier of Nepal. This day you can make a side trip to Fifth Lake via Forth Lake.

Day 09 : Gokyo to Gokyo Ri [5483m] & Trek back to Machhermo (4150m.) Overnight in Trekking Lodges  
Trek/climb from Gokyo to Gokyo Ri [5483m] & Trek back to Machhermo (4150m.) via Gokyo village and it takes about four and half hours. Gokyo Ri looms above the village on the northern edge of the lake and you leave camp just after first light, following a steep path up the hillside. As you climb, the summits of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu slowly come into sight and the view from the summit of Gokyo Ri itself, is one of the finest to be had in the Everest region - some say it is even better than that from Kala Patthar. After lunch it is a short walk to the village of Machhermo.

Day 10 : Machhermo (4150m.) to Namche Bazaar (3440m.) Overnight in Trekking Lodges 
Trek from Machhermo (4150m.) to Namche Bazaar (3440m.) which takes about five hours. The trail gently descends to Dole and then starts descending steeply to Photse Tenga (3650m.) passing through rhododendron forests. Then the path immediately ascends steeply to Mongla Danda (4000m.) and gently descends up to Kyanjoma (3500m.) following small ups and down to the destination.

Day 11 : Namche Bazaar to Phakding (2652m.) Overnight in Trekking Lodges 
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Phakding (2652m.) and it takes about four hours. The trails descend steeply for early one and half hours. After that, the path has small ups and down to Phakding through Monjo.

Day 12 : Phakding to Lukla [2886m] Overnight in Trekking Lodges 
Trek from Phakding to Lukla [2886m] and it takes about three hours. Your final day's trekking follows the Dudh Kosi back down to Lukla. This last evening in the mountains is the ideal opportunity for a farewell party with the sherpa guides and porters, where you can sample some chhang, try Sherpa dancing and look back on a memorable trekking experience.

Day 13 : Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu. Overnight in Hotel 
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu You take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu.

Day 14 : Kathmandu free day of your own. Overnight in Hotel 
This is the free day and you can use it for your shopping .In the evening we will drive you for farewell dinner with cultural dance.

Day 15 : Final Departure
All too soon it's time to bid Nepal farewell and one realizes that we can never be intimate, only acquainted with this amazing adventure Himalaya.

Date And Cost

Start Date	End Date	Price In GBP (£)		Status	Booking
24th Oct, 2013	7th Nov, 2013	GBP 777.00 per person
31st Oct, 2013	14th Nov, 2013	GBP 777.00 per person
8th Nov, 2013	22nd Nov, 2013	GBP 777.00 per person
20th Nov, 2013	4th Dec, 2013	GBP 777.00 per person
13th Dec, 2013	27th Dec, 2013	GBP 777.00 per person

AVAILABILITY OPTIONS

OPENED: This date is available and open for bookings.
LIMITED: There are very limited number of available places on this departure. Immediate booking.
GUARANTEED: We have reached minimum numbers and this trip is guaranteed to depart.
CLOSED: This date is currently unavailable. Please contact us, if you are interested in travelling on this date.
Your Program Duration = 15 Days
All the Prices are in GBP (£) Per Person.

Cost Includes

Welcome in Airport by garland 
Airport Pick up & Drop of Transportation by non a/c private vehicle 
Two bed accommodation at Kathmandu in 3 star or eqv standard hotels with breakfast 
Sightseeing in Kathmandu Escorted with English Speaking Guide by non a/c vehicle
Kathamandu / Lukla / Kathamandu flight for Clients and guide 
Accommodation in tea house during trek
All meals during throughout the trekking   
Everest trekking map for group 
All necessary paper work & Permits
National Park Fee

Cost Excludes

International Airfare
Nepal Visa fee (US$ 40 per person for 30 days)
Airport Departure taxes/Excess baggage charges
Lunch/Dinner in Kathmandu 
Medical evacuation in case of emergency by helicopter or overland
Entrance fee 
Personal gears & clothing (available on hire)
Tips, any expenses of personal nature, client's insurance
Soft/hard drinks
Expenses incurred due to mishaps, landslide, strikes, political unrest etc. In such case extra will be charged as per actual