Gokyo Lakes Trek Nepal

Arrival in Kathmandu – Airport Pickup & Hotel Transfer

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative of Monkvana | Himalayan Monks Sp. z o.o., operating through its local partner, Jagdamba Holidays. Our representative will be waiting with an official Monkvana sign and a traditional marigold garland to welcome you to Nepal.

You will then be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel. For late-night arrivals, transportation will be arranged according to your arrival time.

Your representative will also provide information about the tour briefing and group meeting. During the briefing, we will review your travel plans and included services and introduce you to your trekking or tour guide.

Before the journey begins, all participants will complete the required travel and liability forms. Any outstanding tour balance should also be settled during the meeting.

Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla & Trek to Phakding

We normally fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,846 m), the gateway to the Everest region. If direct flights are unavailable, we travel via Ramechhap (Manthali). When time allows, we explore Kathmandu Valley before driving to Manthali for an overnight stay. If the schedule is tight, we depart Kathmandu around 2:00 AM for the 132 km, four-hour drive to Manthali to catch the early morning flight.

The first flight from Ramechhap to Lukla departs at 6:30 AM. After landing in Lukla, you’ll meet your trekking guide and porter and enjoy a short tea break before beginning the trek.

The trail to Phakding (2,620 m) follows a scenic route through Nurning Ghat, covering approximately 8.5 km in 3–4 hours. The trail features gentle ups and downs, with around 190 m of ascent and 380 m of descent.

Arrive in Phakding, a charming riverside village and the largest settlement in the area. Check in at Namaste Lodge or a similar-standard tea house, then relax and enjoy your first evening in the Everest region before meeting your guide to review the next day’s plan.

Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar

After breakfast, set out from Phakding toward Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) via Monjo. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges adorned with colorful prayer flags and winding through traditional Sherpa villages and beautiful rhododendron forests. As the trail climbs, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, with spectacular Himalayan views emerging along the way.

The trek covers approximately 9.5 km in 5–6 hours, with an elevation gain of around 860 m. The steady ascent marks an important step into the higher Khumbu, leading you to Namche Bazaar, the region’s vibrant Sherpa trading and cultural hub.

After reaching Namche, check in at Khumbu Lodge or a similar-standard tea house. Take time to rest and enjoy a warm meal, or explore the town’s colorful markets, cafés, and bakeries before settling in for the evening.

Acclimatization Day – Hike to Khunde

Enjoy a well-earned acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar, giving your body time to adjust to the altitude. After breakfast, begin an optional scenic hike to Khunde and Khumjung, two traditional Sherpa villages rich in local culture and heritage.

Continue to the famous Everest View Hotel (3,880 m), where you can enjoy refreshments while taking in spectacular views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. After enjoying the mountain panorama, return to Namche Bazaar for lunch and free time to explore the lively town, browse the markets, or relax at a café.

In the evening, gather for dinner and a briefing to prepare for the next stage of the trek.

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole via Mong La Pass

After breakfast, set out from Namche Bazaar to Dole (4,200 m) via Mong La Pass (3,975 m). The trail winds through lush rhododendron and pine forests, with occasional sightings of yaks and mountain goats. The climb to Mong La Pass is a highlight of the day, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Ama Dablam and Thamserku. From the pass, the trail descends through alpine meadows and yak pastures before reaching the peaceful Sherpa settlement of Dole.

The trek covers approximately 11.8 km in 6–7 hours, with an elevation gain of around 1,160 m. The steady climb and changing alpine landscape make this a rewarding stage as you venture deeper into the Khumbu region.

After reaching Dole, check in at Dole Resort or a similar-standard tea house. Take time to rest and enjoy a warm meal while soaking in the peaceful mountain atmosphere before settling in for the evening.

Trek from Dole to Machhermo

After breakfast, set out from Dole to Machhermo (4,470 m). The trail winds through open alpine meadows and yak pastures, passing traditional stone houses and small streams along the way. A short stop at Luza (4,360 m) offers time to rest and enjoy the peaceful high-altitude scenery. On clear days, spectacular views of Cho Oyu (8,201 m), the world’s sixth-highest peak, unfold above the valley.

The trek covers approximately 5 km in 3–4 hours, with a gradual ascent of around 400 m. The steady climb provides an ideal pace for acclimatization as you continue deeper into the high Himalayas.

After reaching Machhermo, check in at Machhermo Lodge or a similar-standard tea house. Take time to explore the village, known for its yak-herding culture and Machhermo Rescue Center, then enjoy a warm meal and a restful evening surrounded by dramatic Himalayan scenery.

Rest & Acclimatization Day in Machhermo

Enjoy a well-earned acclimatization day in Machhermo (4,470 m), giving your body time to adjust to the increasing altitude. After breakfast, relax, explore the village, or visit the Machhermo Rescue Post to learn about altitude awareness and safe trekking practices.

For those feeling energetic, take an optional hike to Machhermo Peak (approximately 4,600 m). The scenic climb offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayas, including Cho Oyu, while providing valuable altitude gain for acclimatization.

After returning to Machhermo, stay at the same lodge, enjoy a warm meal, and relax in the peaceful high-altitude surroundings.

Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo

After breakfast, set out from Machhermo to Gokyo (4,790 m). The trail passes through open valleys and alpine meadows, with grazing yaks, small streams, and impressive views of Cho Oyu and surrounding snow-capped peaks. As you approach Gokyo, the famous Gokyo Lakes come into view, their striking turquoise waters creating a spectacular highlight of the day.

The trek covers approximately 6.9 km in 3–4 hours, with a steady ascent of around 390 m. The gradual climb through the high-altitude landscape makes this a rewarding stage of the trek, with magnificent Himalayan scenery throughout.

Upon arrival in Gokyo, check in at Gokyo Resort or a similar-standard tea house. Take time to relax, explore the peaceful lakeside settlement, and enjoy a walk along the shores of the beautiful Gokyo Lakes before settling in for a warm meal and restful evening.

Gokyo Ri (5,360 m) Sunrise – Trek to Dole

Rise early for the unforgettable Gokyo Ri sunrise hike (5,360 m / 17,585 ft). The rocky trail offers stunning views of the shimmering Gokyo Lakes, rewarding you at the summit with breathtaking panoramas of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu as the morning sun illuminates the Himalayan peaks. The Gokyo Ri round trip covers approximately 3.65 km in 3–4 hours, with 570 m of ascent and descent.

After enjoying the sunrise, descend to Gokyo village for breakfast before continuing toward Dole (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). The trek covers approximately 12.5 km in 5–6 hours, with around 70 m of ascent and 590 m of descent. The trail winds through alpine meadows and valleys, with grazing yaks, wildflowers, and dramatic Himalayan scenery along the way.

Upon reaching Dole, check in at Dole Resort or a similar-standard tea house. Take time to rest and enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings before a warm meal and a relaxing evening, reflecting on the unforgettable sunrise and the day’s journey.

Trek from Dole to Tengboche via Phortse

After breakfast, set out from Dole to Tengboche (3,860 m) via Phortse Tenga and Phortse. The trail winds through beautiful rhododendron and pine forests before descending to the riverside settlement of Phortse Tenga. From there, it climbs gradually toward Phortse, a traditional Sherpa village with terraced fields and stone houses, before continuing to Tengboche. The final stretch brings you to the famous Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual heart of the Khumbu, surrounded by spectacular views of Ama Dablam and the Himalayan peaks.

The trek covers approximately 7.35 km in 4–5 hours, with a mix of ascents and descents. The varied trail offers a rewarding combination of forested paths, Sherpa villages, mountain scenery, and cultural highlights as you continue through the Khumbu.

Upon reaching Tengboche, check in at Tashi Delek Lodge or a similar-standard tea house. Take time to explore Tengboche Monastery, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and settle in for a warm meal and relaxing evening.

Trek from Tengboche to Monjo

After breakfast, set out from Tengboche to Monjo (2,835 m / 9,301 ft) via scenic Kyangjuma (3,600 m / 11,811 ft). The trail descends through beautiful rhododendron and pine forests, with spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Everest, and Lhotse from Kyangjuma. Continuing downhill, the route passes through traditional Sherpa villages, lush river valleys, and suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River.

The trek covers approximately 15.5 km in 6–7 hours, with around 400 m of ascent and 1,450 m of descent. As you lose altitude, the landscape gradually changes from alpine terrain to greener valleys, offering a refreshing contrast and a rewarding final stretch through the Khumbu.

Upon reaching Monjo (2,835 m), a peaceful village at the gateway to Sagarmatha National Park, check in at Alpine Valley Lodge or a similar-standard tea house. Take time to rest and enjoy the tranquil Dudh Koshi Valley surroundings after a long day on the trail.

Trek from Monjo to Lukla

After breakfast, set out from Monjo to Lukla (2,846 m / 9,350 ft) via Phakding (2,610 m). The trail follows the rushing Dudh Koshi River, winding through lush rhododendron forests and traditional Sherpa villages. Along the way, enjoy the peaceful mountain scenery, colorful prayer flags, local culture, and glimpses of Himalayan wildlife.

The trek covers approximately 12.5 km in 4–5 hours, with around 410 m of ascent and 330 m of descent. The changing landscape and gentle trail make this a rewarding final day of trekking through the Everest region.

Upon reaching Lukla, check in at Buddha Lodge or a similar-standard tea house. Take time to relax, reflect on your Himalayan journey, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of this famous gateway to the Everest region.

Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu & Hotel Transfer

After completing your unforgettable trek in the Everest region, take a scenic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. As the aircraft lifts off from Lukla’s iconic mountain runway, enjoy sweeping aerial views of deep valleys, winding rivers, and towering Himalayan peaks. On clear days, you may catch final glimpses of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu from above. If a direct flight to Kathmandu is not available on your travel date, you will fly from Lukla to Ramechhap (Manthali) instead.

The direct flight from Lukla to Kathmandu takes approximately 40–50 minutes. If traveling via Ramechhap, the Lukla–Ramechhap flight takes approximately 20 minutes, followed by a road journey of approximately 132 km to Kathmandu, which takes around 6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, check in at Hotel Kailash Kutee and take time to relax after your Himalayan adventure. Enjoy a free evening to reflect on your journey or explore Kathmandu’s rich culture, colorful markets, and renowned cuisine.

Buffer Day in Kathmandu

Keep a flexible buffer day in Kathmandu to allow for possible weather-related flight delays and ensure a smooth, stress-free journey. Mountain flights are highly weather-dependent, making this extra day an important part of the itinerary.

If flights operate as scheduled, you may enjoy a relaxed day in Kathmandu or arrange a sightseeing tour at short notice through our local partners, subject to availability and at an additional cost. Popular options include Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple, offering a glimpse into Nepal’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

Enjoy your final day at your own pace and stay at Hotel Kailash Kutee before your onward journey.

Farewell – Airport Transfer & Departure

As your Himalayan journey comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on Nepal’s stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unforgettable experiences—from majestic mountain landscapes to the warm hospitality of local communities.

For a smooth departure, a representative of Monkvana | Himalayan Monks Sp. z o.o., operating through its local partner Jagdamba Holidays, will meet you at your hotel approximately 3.5 hours before your scheduled flight and provide a comfortable transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.

Thank you for choosing Monkvana | Himalayan Monks Sp. z o.o. and Jagdamba Holidays. We look forward to welcoming you again on future journeys across the Himalayas and beyond.