Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, travelers are warmly welcomed by their guide and driver. After clearing immigration and collecting luggage, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the city, where you can rest, refresh, and recover from your international flight. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, the main tourist hub, or enjoy a traditional Nepali meal at a local restaurant.

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a fascinating city that blends ancient culture with modern life. You’ll notice the bustling markets, colorful temples, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and historic architecture as you walk through its streets. This day is primarily for adjusting to the city’s rhythm, resting, and preparing for your upcoming trekking adventure or sightseeing tour. Your guide will also provide a briefing on the trek ahead, including tips on packing, acclimatization, and local customs. Overnight stay is at a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu, offering a convenient base to begin your Nepal journey.

After breakfast at your hotel, the day is dedicated to preparing for your upcoming trek and optional Kathmandu sightseeing. Your guide will assist you with checking trekking gear, reviewing your itinerary, discussing acclimatization tips, and answering any last-minute questions to ensure you’re fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

For sightseeing, Kathmandu offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions, including Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and the vibrant streets of Thamel. These visits provide a glimpse into Nepal’s rich heritage, spirituality, and local life, allowing travelers to connect with the country before setting off on the trek.

Note: You can choose to enjoy Kathmandu sightseeing either before your trek or after it concludes. Please note that only one day of sightseeing is included in your package. If you wish to explore the city on both days, additional costs may apply. This allows you to experience the highlights while keeping your trek schedule comfortable and focused.

Overnight stay is at a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu, giving you a chance to rest, enjoy city views, and finalize preparations for the adventure ahead.

After an early morning scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, you land at Tenzing-Hillary Airport, one of the most thrilling and picturesque airstrips in the world. From here, the trek begins with a gentle descent along the Dudh Koshi River, a fast-flowing glacier-fed river with crystal-clear waters and cascading rapids. The path passes through small Sherpa settlements, with stone houses and prayer flags adding to the cultural charm of the region.

Along the way, trekkers cross wooden suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi, providing stunning views of the river valley and the surrounding hills. The trail winds through forests of pine and rhododendron, with occasional mani walls and chortens marking sacred sites. Midway, stop at a tea house in a small village for refreshments or lunch, enjoying the serene environment and mountain vistas. By early afternoon, you arrive at Phakding (2,610m), where you’ll check into a lodge, enjoy a hot meal, and rest while soaking in the first views of evergreen forests and the towering peaks of the Khumbu region.

Distance: ~8 km / 5 miles
Duration: 3–4 hours

After breakfast at Phakding, the trail begins with a gentle climb along the Dudh Koshi River, surrounded by lush pine and rhododendron forests. The path is dotted with small Sherpa settlements, and you’ll notice stone walls, mani walls, and fluttering prayer flags reflecting the region’s Buddhist heritage. The trek features several wooden suspension bridges, including the iconic first suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi, offering breathtaking views of the river rushing below and the surrounding cliffs.

Midway, trekkers often stop at a tea house in Monjo or Jorsale for refreshments, taking in the views of snow-capped peaks like Thamserku and Kongde Ri. The trail then begins a steeper climb toward Namche Bazaar, with multiple switchbacks leading through forests and small villages. Upon arrival at Namche Bazaar (3,440m), the bustling Sherpa trading hub, check into a lodge, enjoy a hot meal, and explore the vibrant streets, local shops, and stunning views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam in the distance.

Distance: ~10 km / 6.2 miles
Duration: 5–6 hours

After arriving in Namche Bazaar the previous day, today is dedicated to acclimatization and exploring the region. Begin with a short morning walk to the Everest View Hotel, located slightly above the town. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam, providing excellent photography opportunities. The walk passes through manis, prayer flags, and small Sherpa settlements, giving a closer glimpse of local life.

In the afternoon, you may hike further to the Sherpa Culture Museum or the Namche Monastery, learning about the history, traditions, and Buddhism of the Khumbu region. The trail winds through forested ridges and small terraces, crossing wooden footbridges over seasonal streams, while offering distant views of the Dudh Koshi River valley and surrounding peaks. These short hikes allow your body to adapt to higher altitudes, reducing the risk of altitude sickness, while also providing incredible Himalayan vistas. Return to your lodge in Namche Bazaar in the late afternoon for a warm meal and rest, preparing for the next day’s climb toward Tengboche.

Distance (Optional Walks): 6–8 km / 3.7–5 miles
Duration: 3–5 hours for acclimatization walks

After breakfast at Namche Bazaar, the trail begins with a gradual ascent through pine and rhododendron forests, winding along ridges that overlook the Dudh Koshi River valley. The morning path passes through small Sherpa villages like Mong La, where you can observe locals tending to yak pastures and terraced fields. Several wooden suspension bridges span glacial streams, offering dramatic views of rushing water below and distant peaks above.

Midway, take a break at a tea house in Phurte or Mong La, enjoying hot tea and light snacks while soaking in the views of Thamserku and Kangtega peaks. The trail then climbs steadily through rocky ridges and alpine meadows, with prayer flags and mani walls marking sacred spots. By early afternoon, you reach Dole (4,030m), a small settlement featuring cozy lodges and panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan ridges, including Cho La, Thamserku, and Amadablam peaks. Here, you’ll rest, have a warm meal, and prepare for the next day’s climb toward Machhermo.

Distance: ~10 km / 6.2 miles
Duration: 5–6 hours

After breakfast at Dole, the trail begins with a steady ascent through high-altitude alpine terrain, leaving the dense forests behind and entering the barren moraine and rocky ridges of the upper Khumbu region. The landscape is dotted with small stone huts and prayer flags, and the air is crisp with the scent of snow and rock. Along the way, trekkers are treated to incredible views of Cho Oyu, Taboche, and Thamserku, with the glacial valleys stretching below.

You’ll cross small streams and rocky footpaths, occasionally stepping over wooden planks on narrow sections of moraine. Midway, there’s a chance to pause at a tea house for hot tea and snacks, while marveling at the glacier-fed lakes and ice-capped peaks shimmering in the sunlight. The final stretch climbs gently into Machhermo (4,470m), a small settlement nestled in a high valley, offering panoramic views of Ngozumpa Glacier and surrounding Himalayan peaks. Here, you’ll check into a lodge, enjoy a hearty meal, and rest, preparing for the challenging trek toward Gokyo the next day.

Distance: ~8 km / 5 miles
Duration: 4–5 hours

After breakfast at Machhermo, the trail climbs gradually through alpine meadows and rocky moraine paths, with views of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal. The landscape is barren yet spectacular, with scattered stone shelters, mani walls, and prayer flags adding cultural charm to the high-altitude scenery. Along the way, you may cross small streams flowing from glacial melt, and the trail offers panoramic views of Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, and Taboche peaks.

Upon reaching Gokyo village (4,790m), check into a lodge and have a short rest. After lunch, embark on an excursion to the Fifth Lake (Dudh Pokhari, 4,980m), which lies beyond the village. The hike to the lake is moderately steep, passing through rocky ridges and glacial moraine, with breathtaking views of Gokyo Lakes, icy peaks, and the surrounding Khumbu range. The turquoise waters of the lake reflect the snowy summits, making it one of the most photogenic spots in Nepal. Return to Gokyo village in the late afternoon, relax at your lodge, and enjoy a warm meal with views of the glacial valley below and Himalayan peaks above.

Distance: ~12 km / 7.5 miles
Duration: 6–7 hours

After breakfast at your lodge in Gokyo, today is dedicated to acclimatization and exploration of the region, starting with the hike to Gokyo Ri, the iconic viewpoint overlooking the Khumbu region. The trail climbs steadily through rocky ridges and moraine paths, with scattered prayer flags and mani walls along the way. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the Gokyo Lakes, Ngozumpa Glacier, and surrounding peaks like Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Everest, especially magical during sunrise when the peaks glow golden.

After enjoying the panoramic vistas from Gokyo Ri, return to the village via the same trail. In the afternoon, explore the series of Gokyo Lakes, taking time to appreciate their turquoise waters reflecting snow-capped mountains. Along the way, pass stone huts, yak pastures, and glacial streams, immersing yourself in the high-altitude alpine environment. Return to your lodge in Gokyo for the evening, enjoy a warm meal, and rest, knowing that today’s exploration also helps your body acclimatize for the challenging high passes ahead.

Distance: ~8 km / 5 miles (round trip)
Duration: 4–5 hours

After breakfast at your lodge in Gokyo, the trek begins with a gradual descent along rocky moraine paths, leaving the high-altitude village and trekking past Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal. The trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, including Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, and Taboche, and passes scattered stone shelters and prayer flags, adding spiritual charm to the journey.

Midway, the trail continues through sparse alpine meadows and moraine ridges, crossing small glacial streams and rocky paths, with occasional yak pastures along the route. Lunch can be enjoyed at a tea house or resting point with views of the descending valley, giving trekkers a chance to soak in the vast Himalayan panorama. The final stretch descends steadily into Dole (4,030m), where you’ll check into a lodge, enjoy a warm meal, and rest, reflecting on the stunning high-altitude landscapes and glacier views you witnessed today.

Distance: ~12 km / 7.5 miles
Duration: 5–6 hours

After breakfast at Dole, the trail begins with a gradual descent through high-altitude alpine meadows, passing yak pastures, prayer flags, and scattered stone huts. The morning path offers spectacular views of Thamserku, Kangtega, and Ama Dablam, while the Ngozumpa Glacier can be glimpsed in the distance. Several wooden suspension bridges and smaller plank crossings over glacial streams break up the trek, giving trekkers a chance to pause and enjoy the sound of rushing water.

Midway, stop at a tea house in Mong La or Phurte for lunch, enjoying hot tea and local snacks while taking in the valley vistas and distant peaks. The trail then winds down through forested ridges and terraced slopes, gradually approaching the bustling Sherpa trading hub of Namche Bazaar (3,440m). Check into a lodge, relax, and explore the vibrant streets, shops, and local cafes, soaking in panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse before a warm meal and rest.

Distance: ~12 km / 7.5 miles
Duration: 5–6 hours

After an early breakfast at Lukla, the trek begins with a gentle descent along the Dudh Koshi River, retracing the scenic path you first took on your arrival. The trail passes through small Sherpa villages and pine/rhododendron forests, with stone walls, mani walls, and prayer flags adding a cultural touch. Several wooden suspension bridges cross the glacial streams, offering beautiful views of the river rushing below and surrounding cliffs.

Along the way, trekkers can stop at tea houses or small lodges for refreshments or lunch while enjoying the views of Thamserku and Kongde Ri peaks in the distance. The trail continues gently until reaching Phakding (2,610m), where you’ll check into a lodge, enjoy a warm meal, and rest after the trek, reflecting on the amazing mountains, villages, and rivers you passed during the return journey.

Distance: ~8 km / 5 miles
Duration: 3–4 hours

After breakfast at Phakding, the trek begins with a gentle uphill walk along the Dudh Koshi River, retracing the trail from your arrival day. The path passes through small Sherpa villages, pine and rhododendron forests, and offers views of Thamserku and Kongde Ri peaks in the distance. Along the way, trekkers cross several wooden suspension bridges over the glacial streams, enjoying the sound of rushing water and the surrounding valley scenery.

Stop at a tea house or small lodge for refreshments if desired, soaking in the tranquil Himalayan atmosphere before continuing the final stretch to Lukla (2,860m). Upon arrival, check into a lodge, enjoy a hot meal, and rest, reflecting on the breathtaking mountains, rivers, and Sherpa villages you passed during both the onward and return journeys of the trek.

Distance: ~8 km / 5 miles
Duration: 3–4 hours

After your final breakfast at the lodge in Lukla, it’s time to bid farewell to the Khumbu region. The day starts with the scenic flight to Kathmandu, one of the most memorable parts of the trek. From the air, enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam, as well as the sprawling valleys, forests, and river systems of the Khumbu region. The flight offers incredible photo opportunities and a chance to reflect on the entire trekking journey.

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a private transfer takes you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Spend the rest of the day relaxing, shopping, or strolling through the city streets, enjoying your first taste of Kathmandu after high-altitude trekking. Dinner at the hotel provides a final opportunity to reconnect with fellow trekkers, share memories, and celebrate the successful completion of the Gokyo Valley Trek.

Distance: ~120 km / 75 miles (air)
Duration: ~35 minutes

After breakfast at your hotel in Kathmandu, your trek concludes with a private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. Today is all about saying goodbye to Nepal, taking with you the unforgettable memories of the Gokyo Valley, high Himalayan trails, Sherpa villages, glaciers, and turquoise lakes you experienced over the past two weeks.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time for last-minute shopping, photography, or a quick stroll in Thamel, soaking in the bustling energy of Kathmandu before your departure. Airport formalities follow, and you board your flight home, reflecting on the adventure, stunning mountain vistas, and cultural encounters that made this trek a once-in-a-lifetime journey.