Gokyo Valley Lake Trek – 10 Days

Day 01: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and Trek to Phakding

Your adventure begins with an exhilarating 35-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, offering stunning aerial views of the Himalayan range. Upon landing in Lukla, you meet your trekking team and start the journey towards Phakding. The trail follows the left bank of the Dudh Koshi River, passing through scenic landscapes and small Sherpa villages before reaching the village of Phakding, where you’ll rest for the night.

Day 02: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar

From Phakding, you continue trekking alongside the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges and passing through dense pine forests. You’ll stop at Jorsale for a lunch break before tackling the steeper, more rugged path towards Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar, a vibrant hub in the region, offers a range of shops and supplies, making it a great spot to prepare for the days ahead.

Day 03: Rest Day at Namche Bazaar for Acclimatization

Acclimatization is key to a successful trek, and today you’ll stay in Namche Bazaar to allow your body to adjust to the altitude. You can explore the village, visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and Everest Photo Gallery, or take short hikes to nearby spots like Khumjung village or the Everest View Hotel for stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest.

Day 04: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole

After breakfast, the trek continues towards Dole. You’ll follow the same route as trekkers heading to Everest Base Camp until you reach Sanasa, where the trail ascends to Mongla at 4,000 meters. After a steep descent through Phortse Tenga, the path climbs again through birch and rhododendron forests, leading you to the small settlement of Dole, where you’ll spend the night.

Day 05: Trek from Dole to Machhermo

Leaving Dole, the trail ascends alongside the valley, and as you climb higher, the landscape transitions from lush forests to scrub juniper, with fewer signs of vegetation. You’ll pass several summer settlements along the way and descend into Machhermo, enjoying superb views of the towering peaks of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku.

Day 06: Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo

Today is one of the most beautiful days of the trek. You’ll follow a scenic path to Pangka, descending alongside a glacial river. From there, the trail climbs steeply into the valley, passing by the first, second, and third of the Gokyo Lakes. Eventually, you’ll reach Gokyo village, located beside the stunning fourth lake, where you’ll settle in for the night with breathtaking views of the lakes and surrounding peaks.

Day 07: Trek from Gokyo to Gokyo Ri and Return to Machhermo

After breakfast, you embark on a short but challenging hike up to Gokyo Ri, a peak offering some of the best panoramic views of the region. From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. After soaking in the scenery, you’ll descend back to Gokyo village and trek further down to Machhermo, retracing part of your route.

Day 08: Trek from Machhermo to Namche Bazaar

The trail continues to descend today as you make your way back towards Namche Bazaar. You’ll pass through Dole and Phortse Tenga, navigating steep sections and crossing lush rhododendron forests. After a climb to Mongla Danda, the trail drops down to Kyanjoma before leading you back to Namche Bazaar, where you’ll spend the night.

Day 09: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla

After breakfast, you’ll retrace your steps along the familiar path from Namche Bazaar to Lukla. You’ll cross the suspension bridges one last time, pass through Sherpa villages, and enjoy your final views of the Himalayan peaks. Upon reaching Lukla, you can celebrate the successful completion of the trek with your team members.

Day 10: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu

An early morning flight from Lukla takes you back to Kathmandu, providing one last opportunity to admire the stunning Himalayan scenery from the air. After arriving in Kathmandu, you’ll transfer to your hotel, with the rest of the day free for relaxation or exploration at your leisure.