Everest Gokyo Lake Trek

A representative of Bharal Adventure escorts the guests to their hotel from the airport. A stroll along the streets of Thamel could be arranged for the afternoon. Dinner is hosted by the company where it aims to introduce the guests to authentic Nepali cuisine.

A 40-minute flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla will be taken from Kathmandu airport after breakfast. Meeting with other crew members and preparation for the trek will begin here. To assist in acclimatization, a short hike from Lukla to Phakding will be set. A side trip to nearby monastery could also be organized.

Hiking through the villages of Benkar, Chumoa, Monjo, and Jorsale, the team disembarks the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park. After passing the confluence of Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi Rivers, followed by a final steep ascent of about two hours, the team is rewarded with the first sight of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge from where it takes an hour and a half hike to reach Namche Bazaar.

This acclimatization day is spent with a day’s hike to Thame or Khunde. If not, exploration of Namche Bazaar itself could be arranged where the travelers will have a chance to discover and learn about the Sherpa culture, biodiversity of the Everest region and variety of things related to the first Everest ascenders. Also, a few hours’ side trip to Khumjung Valley could be arranged.

The trek from Namche Bazaar begins after breakfast. The trek traces the gradual trail with few ups and down overlooking the fascinating Himalayan views and goes down up to Kayangjuma until it reaches Sansa, the major trail junction to Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp. Now the ascent commences through Mong-La Pass (3,975m) gradually descending to Dudh Koshi Khola (3,250m) until the walled fields of Phrase get nearer to sight.

The trail navigates through forests, waterfalls, and bridges up until Dole, a small place with few teahouses. From here, steady climb up through the scenic ridge above Dole and trail via Lhabarma takes the team through many summer settlements and the ancient hamlet of Luza (4,360m). Ascend from Luza traces the trail to Machhermo, the last settlement on the way up to Gokyo and also the place of first sighting of Yeti in 1974. The middle of the village serves as the conduit of a beautiful stream flowing down from Kyajo Ri and Phari Lapche mountains gradually draining into the Dudh Koshi.

The team hikes along a ridge Chorten through Pangka (4480m) to the terminal of Ngozamba Glacier towards Lake Longpongo on the bank of which is consigned the Lama footprints on a stone, passing through Taboche Tsho where by side of the third lake Gokyo Village is settled. A quick lunch and an amusing saunter along the third lake – Dudh Pokhari – could be arranged.

A trek to Gokyo Ri will be arranged on this day with the exciting prospect of visiting the other three mesmerizing lakes of the Gokyo Valley. Thonak Tsho and Ngozuma Tsho are the fourth and fifth lakes beyond which the base camp of Mt. Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang being in close proximity. The further exploration to the sixth lake shall depend upon the interest of the team and the availability of time.

The steep descent to Phortse Tenga passing through Mong –La, Sansa, and Kyangjuma, the trail reaches Namche Bazaar where the days of exhaustion is relieved with hot shower and rest in the comfortable lodge.

The steep downward trail is traced by wobbly legs tired from continuously battling the rocky terrain. The team follows the same trail as before. The team by now shall be warmed up and whatever sickness or sore throats they had been feeling shall pass by now. The final trek of the expedition ends after arriving at Lukla.

The flight back to Kathmandu arrives early giving the guest time for planning a short excursion in and around the city or spending the day taking respite in their comfortable hotel rooms. In the evening, the last supper of the expedition is hosted by Bharal Adventure to cherish the successful closing of the journey.

The journey of a lifetime along the Himalayas comes to an end on this day. The guests are accompanied to the airport by one of the representatives of Bharal Adventure approximately three hours before their scheduled flight takes off.