Khumbu Valley via Gokyo Lakes
Tour Details
The Khumbu valley via Gokyo Lakes trail offers a challenging, moderate to strenuous high altitude 17 day long trek through the world famous Sherpa country. Joining this trip, you explore the charming valleys and sacred peaks of Khumbu region, the mystic Buddhist culture and the serene monasteries and challenging hikes to high pass and holy lakes.
We fly to Lukla, the gateway to Everest region and start our hike through the scenic land of the legendary Sherpas in to the Sagarmatha National park. From Namche Bazaar, the trading capital and main town of the Khumbu region we head to the breathtaking Gokyo valley which is located adjacent of the Khumbu. We enter the land of the green high altitude lakes. From Gokyo Ri you have magnificent views of the highest peaks of the world, Cho Oyo (8 153 m), Gyachung Kang (7 922 m), Everest (8 848 m), Lhotse (8 501 m) and further way Makalu. After climbing Gokyo Ri and 5th Lake exploration we prepare to do Renjo La Pass and continue to Thame valley and return to Namche Bazaar & Lukla.
An impression from Sally O. on our Gokyo Lakes Tour:
“The Gokyo route fulfilled its promise in every way imaginable. Many visitors-including those who have also been to Everest base camp-call the 360-degree panorama at the summit of Gokyo Ri (Ri is the Tibetan for mountain) the finest mountain vista in Nepal. The view from peak is spectacular. There is the vast Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal. Beginning in ice and snow, it grinds down to an immense moraine of rubbly rocks, dotted with small pools-some as bright green as the lakes just below us, some still iced over and glassily reflecting the clear blue sky and long streaming clouded. Then of course, there’s Everest and the fluted ridge of the vast ice wall anchored at either end by the high peaks of Lhotse and Nuptse; the jutting spires of Makalu; and, showiest of all, the crenellated contours of Cho Oyo, the world’s ninth highest peak, as it dominates the landscape with its massive bright white, glacier-accented bulk.”
Short Itenary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
Day 03: Flight to Lukla & Trek Phakding (2 600 M)
Day 04: Trek Namche Bazaar (3 440 M)
Day 05: Rest Day
Day 06: Trek Khumjung village via Khunde Hospital (3 780 M)
Day 07: Trek Tengboche (3 860 M)
Day 08: Trek Phortse (3810 M) via Upper Pangboche (4000 M)
Day 09: Trek Trek to Dole village (4110 M)
Day 10: Trek to Macchermo (4,470 M) – acclimatization afternoon
Day 11: Trek to Gokyo Lake (4790 M) – Afternoon short walk to Ngozumba Glacier
Day 12: Gokyo Ri 5360 M – Just UP hard grind at altitude
Day 13: Fourth / fifth Lake exploration – View of Everest
Day 14: Lungden village 4368 M via Renjo La Pass 5 415 M
Day 15: Thame village and monastery + walk up to Monastery
Day 16: Trek to Namche Bazaar 3440 M via Thamo
Day 17: Trek to Lukla 2840 M
Day 18: Fly Back to Kathmandu and sights / shopping
Itinerary
Pick-up at Tribhuvan International Airport, meeting with your guide and transfer to the hotel. First impressions of Kathmandu (1 350 m) – walk to medieval Kathmandu Durbar Square and explore the beautiful complex of palaces, temples, shrines and courtyards built by the ancient Nepali kings between the 12th and 18th century. We bring you to our office and Thamel – the vibrant tourist area with hotels, restaurants, bakeries and outdoor shops. We get to know each other over a welcome dinner, check formalities and equipment and discuss your itinerary.
Today we discover the highlights of Katmandu and the valley. We adapt the program to your interests and desires and what you have seen before. Usually, we go to Pasupatinath on the bank of the Bagmati River, where the most important Hindu temples and burning ghats of Nepal are situated. In Bouddhanath we circumambulate together with Tibetan and Nepali Buddhist pilgrims the whitewashed stupa. Our sightseeing usually ends in Patan, the city of Beauty, an astonishing center of fine art and Buddhist and Hindu culture.
We drive to Tribhuvan Domestic Airport to connect our flight to Everest region. After breakfast in Lukla (2 850 m) we start trekking through beautiful settlements to join soon the main trail in Churi Kharka. We follow the east bank of the Dudh Koshi- the River of Milk- where you witness the typical Nepal terrace culture, slate roofed houses and views on Kusum Kangaru (5 579 m). We reach Phakding (2 640 m) after 3 – 4 h gentle walking.
Today we make a challenging hike to Namche Bazar (3 440 m), situated at 6-7 hours walking from Phakding. We climb up along the west bank of the Dudh Kosi to the tiny village of Toktok. We get our first glimpse of Thamserku peak (6 608 m) and reach Benkar (2 710 m). The cliffs above the village are decorated with huge paintings of Buddhist deities. We cross the colorful suspension bridge and enter the Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo (2 840 m). After Jorsale we follow the riverbank over gravel, climb through a pine forest and cross the Dudh Kosi by a big suspension bridge. Then we face a continuous zigzag ascent of 2 hours through dense pine forests. In the early evening we reach the vibrant center of Namche Bazar, one of the most attractive settlements of Solu-Khumbu district.
Rest day in Namche. Optional walk to the Sherwi Khangba Sherpa Culture Museum or day hike to Thame (3 800 m) or Thamo (3 440 m).
A 5 hours of climb leads steeply out of the valley through a rhododendron forest. The route passes through several kharkas (high altitude summer yak grazing primitive settlements) as well several more substantial settlements until reaching a lodge the few houses of Dole (4 110 m). The views of Khumbila and Tawachee (both 6 000 m peaks) are tremendous throughout the day.
Trek to Tengboche (3 860 m), 4-5 hour long hike from Khumjung. The first part of trail is a winding smooth path which offers fantastic views on Mount Everest (8 848 m), Thamserku (6 618 m), Ama Dablam (6 814 m). After the trail goes down to the riverbank and then we make a strenuous 2 hour ascend to Tengboche. We walk through rhododendron forests where musk deer and Himalayan ‘tahr’ or mountain goat live. At the rest place you can enjoy the views towards Kangtega mountain (6 783 m). Tengboche, is famed for the Buddhist Tengboche Monastery (where you can attend the daily puja), Cafe Tengboche and the view point.
Trek to Phortse (3810 m), 6-7 hours walking from Tengboche. We descend through conifer and rhododendron forest to the beautiful settlement Deeboche where you have a close view at Ama Dablam. We cross the suspension bridge and look over the surging white waters of Imja River. Soon after a snow white stupa with gorgeous all seeing eyes is mirroring the Ama Dablam, this is a marvelous place for a picture! Then the trail ascents gently to the village of upper Pangboche (3990 m), where we climb above the treeline & our hot lunch. After, the lunch we head to Photse, the trail passes numerous farmer pastures with big yak & mountain goats populations before we reach Phortse village.
After breakfast, we trek down to the Dudhkosri River to cross and catch the main trail of Gokyo Valley. We again check in where Nepali Army check post and walk through beautiful forest. We walk 4-5 hour long to reach our destination, the Dhole Village where we stay. Overnight at Dhole Resort.
From Dole the trail climbs along the side of the valley high above the river. The rhododendrons give way to scrub juniper. There are kharkas wherever there is a flat spot and hint of water. After crossing a sandy spur, our lodge is reached at the few houses of Maccherma (4 470 m). In the afternoon, we will have acclimatization walk for 2 hours. It’s amazingly beautiful area.
Beyond Maccherma the trail climbs a ridge for a great view of Cho Oyo. The valley widens as the trail descends to the Dudh Khosi River and climbs onto the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. After a steep switchbacked climb the first small Gokyo Lake is reached. A second larger lake is past and the trail becomes almost level as the large third Gokyo Lake (4 750 m) is reached with its several houses and lodges. This will be our highest lodge in the Gokyo region. And another option is an awesome hike up the Gokyo valley past two or three more glacial lakes towards Cho Oyu in the afternoon. Gokyo can be described as heaven with the lodges situated spectacular around the brilliant emerald green lake. We enjoy our afternoon admiring the beautiful surroundings around the lake & observe Nepal’s largest mountain glacier Ngozumpa. We sleep in Gokyo Resort which offers great views of Gokyo Lake!
Today you can make a spectacular 2, 5 long hike to Gokyo Ri, a 5 360 m high hill on the north side of the Dudh Pokhari. From the summit you have a 360 degree panaroma over Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse and Taboche and the Ngozumpa Glacier. Another option is an awesome hike up the Gokyo valley past two or three more glacial lakes towards Cho Oyu.
Today we will have soft walk on 5th Lake valley and take whole afternoon rest for long walk to Lungden via Renjo La Pass.
We start early heading for the upper trail west of Gokyo Lake towards Renjo La pass (5 415 m). After climbing a steep sandy ridge for about 3 hours we gain the top of the Renjo La where you have fabulous views on 7000 and 8000 m high peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Chalotse and Taboche. Continuing the pass the trail winds down a stone staircase and leads to the south bank of a small serene lake the Angladumba Tsho. After another 4 hours we reach Lungden (4 380 m), our camp for tonight.
We hike together with Tibetan yak caravan through medieval villages and seasonal settlements to Thame, a traditional village with slate-roofed Sherpa houses. In the afternoon you can climb to the gompa of Thame, one of the oldest in Khumbu, situated in the north of the village.
Back to the headquarters of Khumbu, the lively village Namche Bazaar. We return via the village of Thamo, the hometown of many famous Sherpa climbers. On the way, after crossing the Dud Khosi river, you enjoy close magnificent views of Kongde (6 806 m), Tartikha (6 186 m), Nupla (5 885 m).
We start this 6 hours during trek with a strenuous descent from Namche Bazaar to the Dud Kosi (hard work for the knees), after the path climbs up to Monjo and then runs easily to Benkar, Phakding and Lukla.
After breakfast we fly in about 40 minutes from Lukla to Kathmandu. Arrive at Tribhuvan Airport and transfer to hotel.
Transfer to Tribhuvan Airport. We hope you enjoyed your stay!
Trip Format
Nepal is not like home. It is exotic, it is wonderful but also very different. Great elevation changes, differences in customs and language, menu variations, lodge limitations, ant the many other mysteries and wonders of travel in Nepal are all conditions you must be physically and mentally prepared for. The itinerary may change. We may meet unknown hardships as well as unexpected pleasures. Come with an open mind and positive spirit.
The trek is non-technical and suitable for everyone in good shape who likes to hike over mountain trails and stay at rustic lodges. You should be in good physical shape for this trip and feel comfortable hiking 11 to 20 km a day on a trail while carrying a day pack of about 5 kilo. In general this is a moderate trek but with this several strenuous days at high altitude. While the trip has been designed to gradually acclimatize you to altitude, several lodges will be above 3 600 m and our highest lodge will be at 4 900 m. On some days altitude gains and losses of up to 1 800 m can be expected. At least 2 rest days are planned. Strengthen your knee muscles and prepare for several days of steep descents of anywhere up to 1 800 m.
A program of cardiovascular conditioning such as running, swimming, biking or aerobics is essential, but try to supplement your exercise with hiking on steep hills or running up and down steps. The more you can condition by closely simulating the activities of trekking, the better off you will be. While the trip is rated as moderate overall, several days will be strenuous, and good conditioning is essential to your enjoyment of the trek.
Remember that Nepal has the 2 926 km latitude so it will be warm at the lower elevations (short and T-shirt) while nights will be cool to depending on the elevation and season. For fall trips day trips will be between 20?C and 25?C at the lower elevations. In the higher elevations expect day temperatures to be 10 degrees cooler. Temperatures at night will be cool being mostly between 10? C and 15 ?C except at 4 790 m where temperatures at or below freezing are likely at night. The weather in fall is generally sunny, although an occasional storm could occur.
The pace will be unregimented. You are encouraged to walk by yourself or in small groups. Take time to visit local houses and temples, share a cup of tea or rakshi with our porters and the locals in the many chiyaa houses. Pursue interest in photography bird watching and botany and sample the culture of the area you are travelling in.
Personal gear will be carried by porters. Porters can carry two members’ duffel bags. Since their load is 25 kg, this means that your duffel cannot exceed twelve kilos. We stay in locally owned lodges and will receive an insight into family living. All the guest houses have toilets and cold showers. Some of the guesthouses have hot showers available and every lodge is equipped with solar power systems for lightning. The main common room has a heater, nice in the cold nights.
This is not a tour where everything can be planned in advance to run like clockwork. You probably won’t experience exactly what is written in the daily itinerary. Often adjustment must be made in the field. We want you to participate in the trip with the clear understanding that things can go wrong. Adventure travel does involve certain risks both emotional and physical. One has to be flexible when traveling in Nepal and have a cheerful attitude.
This Price Included:
In Kathmandu
- Two nights in Hotel Potala deluxe room (without breakfast)
- Welcome dinner at Nepali Chulo (Authentic Newari food and cultural dance party)
- All airport transfers.
In Everest
- Return ticket for Everest.
- Accommodation and 3 times meals every day during trek (daily we discuss a few items for meals and give the tour leader of your company the decision for the meal of the group = one meal per person, bar bill not included).
- During the meals we provide coffee and tea.
- Traveltimes Treks will provide water for purification after breakfast, lunch and dinner at the participants needs.
- Iodine is sold everywhere at cheap price in Thamel and Everest Region
- Assistance trekking guide, one porter for two members as well as their expenses including insurance.
- Entry fee for the Sagarmatha National Park, TIMS Card (Trekking Information Management System), domestic airport tax, all ground transportations and governmental taxes.
In case of delay of flights due to weather conditions
In case of delay because of weather conditions Traveltimes Treks is prepared to cover unusually for the members the costs for one night lodging in Lukla and one night in Hotel Potala. All further costs will be on personal charge of the travelers.
This price does not included:
- World Heritage entry fees in Kathmandu while sightseeing
- Personal expenses like laundry, Communication, Personal shopping
- Meals in Kathmandu except welcome dinner
- Tips for guides and porters or staffs
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance (required)
| Start date | End date | Price | Status | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 10, 2026 | November 26, 2026 |
$2695 P/P
|
guaranteed | Book Now |
Map
Amazing Gokyo Lakes and Renjo La Pass trek experience
We had the trip of a lifetime trekking in the mountains of Nepal. Ten of us from New Zealand arrived in Kathmandu to start our adventure with our guides Dawa and RD from Traveltimes Treks. Everything was well organised from our arrival, stay in Kathmandu, transportation, flights, food, drink and accommodation on our 16-day trek. Safety was paramount and Dawa and RD kept a check on all of us monitoring any signs of altitude sickness. No pressure was put on you to go faster than you were able, and you always felt safe and well looked after with one guide at the front and one at the back. With our great guides we got to enjoy the beauty and culture of Nepal and the people. Dawa is a man of great integrity, very knowledgeable and passionate, and we had complete trust in him. We arrived as strangers and left as friends. We would definitely recommend Dawa and RD from Traveltimes Treks
Lindsay and Sha… W
Palmerston North, New Zealand
January 26, 2023
Fantastic trustworthy company, hassle free. highly recommend traveltimes treks!
These guys are amazing. So easy and efficient to deal with and looked after us so well. (So patient as I plod along stopping for photo after photo) and they point out interesting bits and pieces too to add value. My hubby had used them in the past (3 passes/EBC)(group of 5) and they were so good we booked with them for a trek nov 2022 for gokyo lakes/renjo la circuit (customised the route to meet our requests too). Spoilt us and gave us individual attention (group of 10). So easy to organise with all transport, permits, checkpoints and accommodation arranged by traveltime treks. We just had to turn up at the kathmandu airport. We are booking them again in 2024 for a Nepal sampler trip, Annapurna/Chitwan/Rowaling valley combo. We just told Dawa what we wanted to see and he conjures up a itinerary for us to review. It can be unnerving booking a guide from the otherside of the world but you can trust these guys. Cant recommend them highly enough!
Diane T
Palmerston North, New Zealand
Oct 2022