Gokyo Lakes Trek – 12 Days

Meals: Welcome dinner or meals as specified in the confirmed package Kathmandu – approximately 1,400 m / 4,593 ft | Transfer: approximately 30–60 minutes Meet the Barunche Treks & Expeditions representative at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Later, attend a trek briefing and equipment check covering flights, permits, weather, the route and altitude safety. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. What to expect: Today establishes the practical foundation for the journey. After arrival formalities and transfer, the team confirms permits, emergency contacts, luggage limits, equipment and the next departure time. Use the remainder of the day to recover from travel, hydrate and discuss health or dietary concerns with the guide. The pre-trek briefing also explains how weather, transport and individual acclimatization may affect later stages.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Lukla – 2,860 m / 9,383 ft; Phakding – 2,610 m / 8,563 ft | Flight: approximately 30–40 minutes; trek: 3–4 hours Fly to Lukla, subject to weather and airport operations, then meet the trekking crew. Descend through Chaurikharka and walk beside the Dudh Koshi through small settlements to Phakding. This moderate first day helps begin the transition to mountain walking. Overnight in Phakding.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Namche Bazaar – 3,440 m / 11,286 ft | Trek: approximately 6–7 hours Follow the Dudh Koshi, cross a series of suspension bridges and pass Monjo before entering Sagarmatha National Park. Beyond Jorsalle, cross the high bridge and make the sustained climb to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar. What to expect: The stage from Phakding to Namche Bazaar reveals gradual changes in landscape and settlement, making the journey more than a simple transfer between overnight stops. Within the Khumbu’s Sherpa settlements, Buddhist landscape and high mountain environment, trail surfaces, bridge conditions and seasonal water levels can alter the pace. Keep rain protection, sun protection and drinking water accessible. The guide will manage breaks and may modify the stopping point if weather or trail conditions, accommodation availability, or a participant’s health make the published schedule impractical.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Namche Bazaar – 3,440 m / 11,286 ft | Hike: approximately 3–5 hours Take a guided acclimatization hike toward the Everest View Hotel, Khumjung or another suitable viewpoint selected for the group and conditions. Return to Namche to rest, hydrate and explore the market town. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Dole – approximately 4,040 m / 13,255 ft | Trek: approximately 5–6 hours Climb above Namche and follow the trail toward Kyangjuma and Mong La, with wide views across the Khumbu. Descend through forest to Phortse Thenga, then climb beside waterfalls and rhododendron woodland to the small settlement of Dole. Overnight in Dole. What to expect: As the route follows Namche Bazaar to Dole, the walk combines steady progress with the cultural and environmental character of the Khumbu’s Sherpa settlements, Buddhist landscape and high mountain environment. Conditions can range from forest shade or cultivated paths to open, wind-exposed slopes depending on the section. The stated trekking time excludes extended stops for meals, photography and rest. Respect lodge resources, minimize waste and keep noise low around homes, monasteries and grazing areas. The guide has final authority over arrival times and safety decisions.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Machhermo – approximately 4,470 m / 14,665 ft | Trek: approximately 4–5 hours Ascend steadily through Luza and open yak-grazing country as the valley widens and vegetation becomes sparse. The shorter walking day supports acclimatization before reaching the higher Gokyo Valley. Overnight in Machhermo. What to expect: Today’s route—Dole to Machhermo—continues through the Khumbu’s Sherpa settlements, Buddhist landscape and high mountain environment. The trail may combine gradual sections with steeper climbs, descents or uneven surfaces, so the guide sets a sustainable pace and selects rest stops according to the weather, trail conditions and the group’s wellbeing. Walk attentively through settlements and agricultural areas, ask before photographing people, and allow local residents and pack animals priority. Arrival time remains approximate and use the afternoon to eat, hydrate and recover.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Gokyo – approximately 4,790 m / 15,715 ft | Trek: approximately 4–5 hours Climb toward the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier and enter the Gokyo Valley. Pass the first and second lakes before reaching Gokyo village beside the third lake, Dudh Pokhari. Move slowly and rest on arrival at this high altitude. Overnight in Gokyo. What to expect: The stage from Machhermo to Gokyo reveals gradual changes in landscape and settlement, making the journey more than a simple transfer between overnight stops. Within the Khumbu’s Sherpa settlements, Buddhist landscape and high mountain environment, trail surfaces, bridge conditions and seasonal water levels can alter the pace. Keep rain protection, sun protection and drinking water accessible. The guide will manage breaks and may modify the stopping point if weather or trail conditions, accommodation availability, or a participant’s health make the published schedule impractical.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Gokyo Ri – approximately 5,357 m / 17,575 ft; Gokyo – 4,790 m / 15,715 ft | Hike: approximately 4–6 hours Begin early for the steep ascent of Gokyo Ri if weather, trail conditions and health are suitable. From the summit, enjoy a vast Himalayan panorama that can include Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. Descend to Gokyo and spend the remaining time resting or walking near the lakes with your guide. Overnight in Gokyo.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Dole – approximately 4,040 m / 13,255 ft | Trek: approximately 5–6 hours Leave the lakes and descend through the upper valley, retracing the route past Machhermo, Luza and alpine grazing areas. The lower elevation generally makes breathing easier, although the trail remains uneven. Overnight in Dole. What to expect: As the route follows Gokyo to Dole, the walk combines steady progress with the cultural and environmental character of the Khumbu’s Sherpa settlements, Buddhist landscape and high mountain environment. Conditions can range from forest shade or cultivated paths to open, wind-exposed slopes depending on the section. The stated trekking time excludes extended stops for meals, photography and rest. Respect lodge resources, minimize waste and keep noise low around homes, monasteries and grazing areas. The guide has final authority over arrival times and safety decisions.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Namche Bazaar – 3,440 m / 11,286 ft | Trek: approximately 5–6 hours Descend through forest to Phortse Thenga, climb back to Mong La and follow the contouring trail through Kyangjuma to Namche Bazaar. Enjoy a more comfortable evening at the Khumbu’s main trading centre. Overnight in Namche Bazaar. What to expect: Today’s route—Dole to Namche Bazaar—continues through the Khumbu’s Sherpa settlements, Buddhist landscape and high mountain environment. The trail may combine gradual sections with steeper climbs, descents or uneven surfaces, so the guide sets a sustainable pace and selects rest stops according to the weather, trail conditions and the group’s wellbeing. Walk attentively through settlements and agricultural areas, ask before photographing people, and allow local residents and pack animals priority. Arrival time remains approximate and use the afternoon to eat, hydrate and recover.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Lukla – 2,860 m / 9,383 ft | Trek: approximately 6–7 hours Descend steeply from Namche, cross the Dudh Koshi bridges and continue through Jorsalle, Monjo and Phakding. Several short climbs lead to Lukla, where the trekking portion concludes. Overnight in Lukla.

Accommodation & Food: Hotel in Kathmandu Meals: Breakfast; other meals as specified in the confirmed package Kathmandu – approximately 1,400 m / 4,593 ft | Flight: approximately 30–40 minutes plus transfers Fly to Kathmandu or to Ramechhap with an onward road transfer, depending on seasonal operations. Mountain flights remain subject to weather, visibility and operational conditions. Transfer to your Kathmandu hotel or connect with your onward arrangements. The 12-day package ends after the scheduled transfer.