Your Gokyo Valley adventure begins with a scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, one of the main gateways to the Everest region. After landing at Lukla, meet your trekking guide and support team, complete any final preparations, and begin walking toward Phakding. The trail initially passes through small Sherpa settlements, stone-paved paths, prayer flags, mani walls, and traditional mountain houses. You gradually descend toward the Dudh Koshi River and cross several small suspension bridges before reaching Phakding, a peaceful riverside village surrounded by green hills and mountain landscapes. Overnight at a local teahouse in Phakding.

Altitude: Lukla 2,860 m / Phakding 2,610 m
Walking Time: Approximately 3–4 hours
Distance: Approximately 7–8 km
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, continue trekking north along the Dudh Koshi River toward Namche Bazaar. The trail passes through pine, fir and rhododendron forests and several traditional Sherpa settlements. You will cross a number of suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge area, while gradually gaining altitude. After entering Sagarmatha National Park, the trail becomes steeper as you climb toward Namche. On a clear day, you may get your first distant views of Everest and other Himalayan peaks. After the final uphill section, arrive at Namche Bazaar, the largest settlement and important trading centre in the Everest region.

Altitude: 3,440 m
Walking Time: Approximately 5–6 hours
Distance: Approximately 10–11 km
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is an important acclimatization day before ascending to higher elevations. Instead of staying completely inactive, take a short hike around Namche and its surrounding viewpoints. You can explore the local market, Sherpa settlements, monasteries, museums, or hike toward the Everest View area depending on your fitness and weather conditions. The higher viewpoint offers impressive views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde and surrounding peaks on clear days. The main purpose of the day is to allow your body to adjust to the increasing altitude while keeping active.

Altitude: Namche Bazaar 3,440 m
Walking Time: Approximately 3–4 hours for optional acclimatization hike
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today, the trek continues from Namche Bazaar toward the beautiful Gokyo Valley. The trail climbs gradually above Namche and follows a scenic route toward Mong La, a small mountain pass at around 3,950 m with impressive views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kangtega and surrounding peaks. From Mong La, the trail descends through rhododendron and pine forests toward Phortse Tenga, following the Dudh Koshi Valley. The route then climbs gradually through the forest toward Dole, a small Sherpa settlement surrounded by dramatic Himalayan landscapes. After arriving in Dole, check into your teahouse and rest for the night, preparing for the higher-altitude trekking ahead.

Altitude: Dole – 4,090 m
Walking Time: Approximately 6–7 hours
Distance: Approximately 11–12 km
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today the trail continues deeper into the upper Dudh Koshi Valley. The landscape gradually changes as you gain altitude, with fewer trees and more open alpine terrain. Walk past waterfalls, yak pastures and small mountain settlements while enjoying views of the surrounding peaks. The trail climbs steadily but provides several opportunities to rest and enjoy the scenery. You will reach Machhermo, an important settlement and final major stop before Gokyo. The afternoon can be spent resting and preparing for the higher-altitude section ahead.

Altitude: Machhermo 4,410 m
Walking Time: Approximately 4–5 hours
Distance: Approximately 7–8 km
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is one of the most scenic days of the trek as you enter the heart of the Gokyo Valley. The trail follows the upper Dudh Koshi toward Pangkha and gradually enters a rugged high-altitude glacial landscape. You will walk alongside the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal. As you approach Gokyo, the turquoise waters of the glacial lakes gradually come into view. Continue along the lakeshore to Gokyo village, beautifully situated beside the Gokyo Lakes and surrounded by spectacular Himalayan peaks. Upon arrival, check into your teahouse, rest and acclimatize to the altitude. If weather and energy allow, enjoy a short walk around the lakeshore in the afternoon.

Altitude: Gokyo – 4,750 m
Walking Time: Approximately 4–5 hours
Distance: Approximately 9–10 km
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is the main highlight of the trek. Start early in the morning for the challenging ascent to Gokyo Ri. The trail climbs steadily above Gokyo and becomes increasingly demanding because of the altitude and thin air. From the summit of Gokyo Ri at 5,357 m, enjoy an exceptional panorama of the Everest region, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu, together with the surrounding glaciers, valleys and Gokyo Lakes.

After spending time at the viewpoint and taking photographs, descend carefully back to Gokyo for breakfast or a rest. Later, explore the Gokyo Lakes and surrounding valley at a relaxed pace. Depending on weather, trail conditions and available time, your guide may recommend exploring additional viewpoints around the valley rather than pushing for a longer high-altitude hike.

Altitude: Gokyo Ri 5,357 m / Gokyo 4,750 m
Walking Time: Approximately 4–6 hours including the Gokyo Ri hike and exploration
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge in Gokyo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, begin the descent from Gokyo. Retrace the trail along the Gokyo Valley and the Dudh Koshi, enjoying a different perspective of the surrounding mountains and glacial landscape. As you lose altitude, the air becomes warmer and vegetation gradually increases. Pass through the familiar mountain settlements and continue toward Dole. The descent is generally easier than the ascent, but the rocky trail still requires careful footing.

Altitude: Dole 4,090 m
Walking Time: Approximately 5–6 hours
Distance: Approximately 10–11 km
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Continue descending through the forested section of the Gokyo trail toward Namche Bazaar. The trail passes through rhododendron, pine and fir forests, with occasional open viewpoints over the Dudh Koshi Valley and surrounding mountains. Depending on the selected route and trail conditions, the journey may pass through Phortse Tenga and the Mong La area before reconnecting with the Namche trail. Continue toward Namche Bazaar and enjoy the more developed facilities of the Sherpa town after several days at higher altitude.

Altitude: Namche Bazaar 3,440 m
Walking Time: Approximately 6–7 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is the final full trekking day. Descend from Namche through the forested trail toward the Dudh Koshi River. Cross suspension bridges and pass through familiar villages including Phakding before continuing toward Lukla. The trail becomes easier as you lose altitude, although there are still several short uphill and downhill sections. Upon reaching Lukla, check into your lodge and celebrate the completion of your Gokyo Valley Trek with your guide and trekking team.

Altitude: Lukla 2,860 m
Walking Time: Approximately 6–7 hours
Distance: Approximately 15–18 km
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, prepare for your return flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. The flight is normally short and provides another opportunity to enjoy aerial views of the Himalayan landscape when weather conditions are clear. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel or onward destination. Your 11-day Gokyo Valley Trek officially concludes.

Altitude: Kathmandu approximately 1,350 m
Flight Time: Approximately 30–40 minutes, subject to flight and weather conditions
Meals: Breakfast