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View all Kathmandu toursGokyo Valley: 10-Day Lakes Trek With Gokyo Ri Sunrise in Kathmandu
10-day trip from Kathmandu visiting Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding, Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar and Acclimatisation hike to Everest View Hotel. Operated by The Everest Holiday Private Limited.
Highlights
- Sunrise from Gokyo Ri (5,357m) with views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu
Gokyo Valley: 10-Day Lakes Trek With Gokyo Ri Sunrise: Key Facts
| Price | From $2599 per person |
|---|---|
| Duration | 10 days |
| Languages | English |
| Tour type | Guided Tour |
| Booking | Direct with the local operator — no OTA markup |
Choose from 1 available option
Gokyo Valley: 10-Day Lakes Trek With Gokyo Ri Sunrise
Full description
A 10-day trip out of Kathmandu taking in Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding, Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, Acclimatisation hike to Everest View Hotel and Trek to Dole via Phortse Tenga. There are 10 stops in all.
The running order is Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding, then Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, then Acclimatisation hike to Everest View Hotel, then Trek to Dole via Phortse Tenga, then Trek to Machhermo along the valley, and on from there.
The price covers experienced English-speaking trekking guide, All ground transportation (Kathmandu to Lukla and return), Domestic flight to Lukla (the price may rise according to the government rules) and Sagarmatha National Park entry permit. It does not cover international flights to and from Kathmandu, Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (arranged separately during briefing) and Travel insurance (mandatory, must cover high-altitude trekking), so budget for those separately.
Tour Itinerary
The schedule below is a suggested plan and can be adjusted to suit your preferences.
Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding
Board an early morning flight from Kathmandu or Manthali to Lukla (2,860m), one of the most dramatic mountain airstrips in the world. After landing, meet your trekking team and begin the walk along the Dudh Koshi River valley. The trail descends gently through pine forests and small Sherpa settlements before reaching Phakding (2,610m), where you stay overnight in a teahouse. Walking time is around 3 hours.
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Follow the Dudh Koshi River upstream, crossing suspension bridges draped in prayer flags. The trail climbs steadily through rhododendron and pine forest, passing the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park where your permit is checked. The final steep ascent brings you to Namche Bazaar (3,440m), the vibrant Sherpa capital with bakeries, markets, and mountain views. Walking time is around 5 to 6 hours.
Acclimatisation hike to Everest View Hotel
A rest day in Namche Bazaar to help your body adjust to the altitude. In the morning, hike uphill to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m) for your first clear panorama of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Return to Namche to explore the local market, visit the Sherpa museum, or relax at a bakery. Your guide monitors oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter. This day is essential for safe acclimatisation before climbing higher.
Trek to Dole via Phortse Tenga
Leave the main Everest Base Camp trail and branch northwest toward the Gokyo Valley. The path climbs through rhododendron forest and open hillside with views of Ama Dablam and Thamserku. Pass through Phortse Tenga before ascending to Dole (4,200m), a small Sherpa settlement on an open ridge. The crowds thin noticeably on this quieter route. Walking time is around 5 to 6 hours.
Trek to Machhermo along the valley
Continue northward through the narrowing valley with views of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang appearing ahead. The trail passes yak pastures and small stone shelters used by herders in summer. Arrive at Machhermo (4,470m), a quiet settlement known for its teahouses and as the site of the Himalayan Rescue Association aid post. Walking time is around 4 to 5 hours. The landscape is increasingly alpine and open.
Machhermo to Gokyo via Ngozumpa Glacier
Today's 5.7 km trek follows the trail alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest in the Himalayas. The path rises beside the milky Dudh Koshi River through dramatic glacial terrain. You'll pass two turquoise Gokyo Lakes before a final climb to Gokyo village (4,790m) on the shores of Dudh Pokhari, with Gokyo Ri towering ahead. Overnight at a local teahouse. Walking time: approx. 4 hours.
Gokyo Ri Sunrise and Descent to Machhermo
A pre-dawn climb up the steep trail to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) rewards you with a stunning 360-degree panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, with the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and Ngozumpa Glacier spread below. After descending to Gokyo for a late breakfast, the 11 km trek continues back down the valley to Machhermo along the lateral moraine. Overnight at a local teahouse. Walking time: 6-7 hours.
Descent through Gokyo Valley to Namche Bazaar
A long 9.6 km descent of nearly 1,000m takes you from Machhermo back to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar. The trail passes through the villages of Dole and Luza, with views of Thamserku and Kangtega. As you descend, the landscape shifts from high-altitude moors to lush rhododendron forests and the air grows thicker and richer. Arriving in Namche feels celebratory after days in the quiet Gokyo Valley. Overnight at a local teahouse. Walking time: approx. 6 hours.
Final Trek Day: Namche Bazaar to Lukla
The final day on the trail covers 13.5 km from Namche Bazaar to Lukla. After one last vista from the Namche cliffside, you descend steep switchbacks to the Dudh Koshi River and cross suspension bridges draped in prayer flags. The trail winds through pine forests and settlements like Phakding and Ghat, with the air growing warmer and oxygen-rich. Arriving at Lukla marks the end of an epic Himalayan journey. Celebrate with fellow trekkers before tomorrow's flight. Walking time: 7-8 hours.
Flight from Lukla and Farewell Dinner
A scenic 20-40 minute flight takes you from Lukla back to Kathmandu (or Manthali, depending on the season, with a 4-6 hour drive to Kathmandu included). Your flight destination depends on the time of year. The day ends with a farewell dinner where you can reflect on the incredible 10-day journey through the Gokyo Valley with your guide and team.
Includes
- Experienced English-speaking trekking guide
- All ground transportation (Kathmandu to Lukla and return)
- Domestic flight to Lukla (the price may rise according to the government rules)
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
- TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card
- Teahouse accommodation throughout the trek
- Meals on the trail in Full Board Base
- Online pre-trek briefing with your guide
- Acclimatisation day at Namche Bazaar
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- All government taxes and service charges
Excludes
- International flights to and from Kathmandu
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (arranged separately during briefing)
- Travel insurance (mandatory, must cover high-altitude trekking)
- Nepal tourist visa
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Meals in Kathmandu
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips and gratuities for guide and porter
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, hot showers on trail)
Important information
Meeting point
The operator confirms the exact meeting point and time once your booking is confirmed, and you will have it well before the day. If you would rather know before you book, message us on WhatsApp and we will ask them for you.
Weather
This runs outdoors, so the operator can call it off for rain, wind or sea conditions, and that decision is usually made on the day. If they cancel, you choose: another date, or your money back in full. We do not keep a booking fee on a tour that did not run.
Know before you go
- Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the activity starts