Encompassing both the legendary Everest views and the scenic tranquility offered by the distinctive mountain lake scenery, the Gokyo valley trek is truly the best of the region. This less conventional off the beaten path trek offers upclose views of Mount Everest, the ice fall off the largest glacier in Nepal and countless memorable views that offer the best of the Khumbu Region.
The View from Gokyo peak offers views of intimidating peaks such as Mt. Cho-Oyo (8153m), Mt. Everest (8848m), Mt. Lhotse (8501m), Makalu (8463m) in a breathtaking panorama. This trek combines highlights of the Everest trek including remote monastaries offering insight into local Tibetan and Nepalese cultures while you clear your head and soak in the natural peace of the Himalayas.The journey beings in Kathmandu, the heart of Nepalese culture and the countries’ largest and most interesting city. Here you will spend a day absorbing the bustling city streets taking in the environment where you pass by timeless shrines on one side of the road while a local peddles authentic handicrafts nearby. With a certain mystique, Kathmandu is a wonderful blend of Buddhist roots coupled with a strong Hindu influence that needs to be experienced to appreciate. You will see everything from the bustling backpacker hub of Thamel to the worlds ‘largest stupa to Hindu cremation sites and maybe spot a living Hindu Goddess in between. After a day exploring Kathmandu you will board your flight and begin the trek.The morning flight to lukla is a breathtaking experience as you are shuffled into a small plane seating at most 10 people. Make sure to stay awake to catch breathtaking views of the Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding mountain scenery. Upon arrival in Lukla the journey truly begins as you begin your trip. From here on you will spend your days hiking and getting accustomed to the hospitality and warmth offered by the indigenous people inhabiting the small mountain towns. Each stop has its own charmes ranging from the bustling Namche Bazar to the quiet tranquil villages where you feel like living in a tiny bubble surrounded by the beauty that is the Everest Region. Here you will have a chance to speak with shirpas whose families have guided the trails for generations and experience first hand their wisdom about one of the worlds most popular trekking destinations. Couple this with home cooked meals of Daal Bhat and other authentic Nepali cuisines to truly give you a taste of Nepal. The detailed itinerary is shown below and most days will offer a roughly 5 hours of trekking with breaks allotted for refreshing local tea, meals and regional insight from our helpful guides. The trek gradually builds up to the Gokyo peak at 5360 meters at which point you will begin your hard earned descent back down the mountain and work your way back to lukla for a flight to Kathmandu. The Gokyo lake trek truly highlights everything Khumbu and Everest have to offer and is an excellent trip for those seeking a wide range of views, nature and scenery during their voyage.
Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport (TIA), you will be greeted by a representative from the Good Karma Trekking team holding a sign with your name in the parking lot. After a brief introduction, you will be escorted to your hotel. After check in, and welcome drinks you will be free to explore around the backpacker haven of Thamel.
Today after breakfast we will start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu including Durbar Square, and Pashupati temple that are both Unesco World Heritage Sites. You will also visit the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambunath) and Buddhists shrine (Buddha Nath) that is one of the large Stupas in the world. Afterwards, you will meet with your trek leader for a briefing and a short question and answer section about your trip. You will also have time to shop for any additional trekking equipment with staff assistance if necessary.
After an early breakfast will fly to Lukla. After an exciting 40-minute flight above breathtaking green and white mountains, we will arrive at Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful flights in the world culminating with scenic and memorable landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains peaks. After arrival we will start our trek through Lukla before arriving in Phakding. As a precaution to promote proper climate acclimation, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities we can arrange a short side trip to a nearby monastery.
Day 4Phakding -Namche Bazaar [3,440 m/11,283 ft]: -5-6 hrs
Following breakfast we embark on a pleasant slightly uphill journey with multiple crossings over the Dudh Koshi River and magnificent views of Mt. Thamserku (6,608m/21,675ft) from the Benkar village. We will continue toward the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, where our trekking to register as official visitors to the region. Following a peaceful and serene descend and a gradual walk we will arrive in Lorsale. The enjoyable walk through the riverbed lead to the Hillary Suspension Bridge. As we continue our climb l towards Namche Bazzar, views of Kwangde Peak, its sister peaks, Kusum Kangaru, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, are available and we will take a break at Chautara here to admire the view. Finally, we reach the bustling village of Namche Bazzar, the main gateway of the Khumbu region.
This is first scheduled 'acclimatization' day for this trek. It is advisable to stay active and keep moving during the acclimation period to familiarize your lungs with the thing air. We either spend the day taking a day hike to Thame or visiting Khunde or carry out relaxed exploration of Namche Bazaar itself. Namche Bazzar is the main center of the Everest (Khumbu) region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colorful market each Friday Saturday evening. We will travel to the Tourist Visitor Center near Sagarmatha National to learn about the first climbers in Everest, Sherpa culture and the various plant and animal life of the Everest region. We also take an interesting side trip up to Khumjung to climb up to the famous airstrip at Syangboche offering timeless views of the highest mountains on Earth. The Khumjung valley is surrounded by the snowy peaks of Kongde and Thamserku and the sacred peak Khumbila which hosts a well-known monastery that houses a yeti scalp. We will stay overnight in Namche Bazaar.
After breakfast in Namche, we start our trek enjoying superb views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and close up view of Thamserku. We will travel along a trail with several ups and downs overlooking magnificent views of the Himalayas. This area is home to many animals including the pheasant, musk deer, and Himalayan Thar. The trail goes gradually down up to Kayangjuma. The path eventually reaches Sansa before heading to the Mongla pass (3975 m) offering glimpses of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tawoche and Mt. Khumbila. Sherpas regard Mt. Khumbila as sacred mountain of the patron god of the Khumbu region. Descending to Dudhkosi Khola (3250 m), we cross a bridge and again trek up through a serene rhododendron forest hosting Himalayan wild deer and musk deer. Finally, we arrive to the walled fields of Phorse. Phorse is just under the snow dusted peaks of Tawoche and Cholaste. From here it's a short trek to Phorse village where we will spend the night.
Day 7Phorse Village - Machhermo-[4,470 m/ 14,663 ft]: 5-6 hours
We return back the last days trail up to Phorse and after crossing the bridge on the Dudh Koshi River. Spotting wild lives like pheasants, mountain goats, and the elusive musk deer while on the way is not unusual. We will pass through forests, waterfalls and bridges until we reach Dole; a small place offering a few quaint teahouses. We climb steadily up through a scenic ridge above Dole and the trail climbs via Lhabarma while offering panoramic views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku. The trail takes us through many summer settlements and a charming hamlet of Luza (4360 m). While we ascend from Luza we will see the Dudh Koshi valley, which is a deep canyon with ridged sides. Walking along the path above Dudkoshi while passing through some small hamlets, we reach Machhermo. Machhermo is the last major settlement on the way up to Gokyo. The beautiful stream flowing down from the Kyajo Ri and Phari Lapche mountains runs through the middle of village before draining into the Dudh Koshi. The town is famous as the site where the Khumbu people spotted a Yeti in 1974. We will have the chance to visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital here for a lecture regarding the altitude sickness, its precautions, and primary treatment.
Day 8 Machharmo - Gokyo [4800 m/15,744 ft]: 5-6 hours
Today, we climb through the Chorten ride offering views both down the valley and of Mt. Kangtega, Thamserku, as well as northern part of Cho-Oyu (8153m). Beyond the ridge the valley widens as the trail passes through Chorten and reaches Pangka (4480 m) after a gentle walk. Phangka is the site of a famous avalanche that tragically killed 40 people in 1995. We will descend along the riverbank before beginning to climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozamba Glacier. After a steep climb along the moraine, we cross an iron bridge over an stream that leads to the first lake, known as Longpongo at 4690m, where we get chance to observe ancient the Lama footprints timelessly captured in stone. At the sight of the second lake, Taboche Tsho you become mesmerized by the shimmering turquoise blue sheet of water sparkling in the sun. We will arrive at the third lake following surging stream before arriving at Gokyo village next to Gokyo lake. Cho-Oyu Mountain serves as an excellent backdrop offering spectacular sights combining the lakes with untouched mountains. After lunch, we will explore around Dudh Pokhari Lake before returning to Gokyo for the night.
Day 9Gokyo Valley: Climb Gokyo Ri [5357 m/17,570 ft] and hike to fifth lakes: 5-6 hrs
Today is full day rest or an acclimatization. If the weather is good, we may take the opportunity to climb Gokyo Ri today instead of tomorrow to enjoy the scene from the best viewpoint of Everest Region. This view is a famous vantage point offering views of a series of six lakes in the region. The then trail continues along another lake before reaching Scoundrel’s Viewpoint that offers astounding views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makulu. We will continue until we reach Cho Oyu Base Camp and its breathtaking scenery surrounded by Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang. The Northern part of the lake provides fabulous views of Cho-Oyu Base Camp and bNgazumpa, the largest glacier in the world. We will then return back to Gokyo village for the night.
The trip back from Gokyo is an easy downhill walk along the Dudh Koshi River that emerges out of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Passing by the second and then the first Gokyo Lakes, we come to a small gushing stream over an iron bridge providing sights of the hamlet of Phangka ahead as the Cholatse and Taboche peaks rear up on the right of us. The trail descends below Phangka before crossing a level terrace on the slope to climb along the hillside. Upon reaching the edge of Chorten we see great views of Thamserku , Cho Oyu, and Kangtega . We continue slowly walking down past the village of Machhermo before reaching Dole.
After taking one last look at the Oyu range, we start our steep descent to Phortse Tenga. Today’s trip is mostly down hills but offers an abundance of plant and animal vegetation including wildflowers and Rhododendrons. We might spot animals such as the mountain goat, musk deer or pheasants. The hike also features many peaceful waterfalls before reaching MongLa, which offers altered views of Taboche, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kangtega, and a distant view of Tengboche. After a long walk, we reach an intersection and continue along the trail to Namche Prior to arrival, we will pass the Namche army camp hill offering one last look at Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche. After a short walk well will arrive back at Namche
The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk slowly and under control as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries the trail becomes more level and natural. Although we are travelling the same route down, you will see completely different views offering looks at a mixture of open plains, rhododendron and pine forests surrounded by snow covered peaks. We pass through the Sherpa villages' noticing impressive faith in Buddhism and culture of prayer stones and flags along the way. On arrival in Lukla, we will relax before culminating our trek on a happy note with a small overnight celebration featuring local song and dance in Lukla.
Flights to Kathmandu are usually scheduled for morning due to potential complications with afternoon wind patters. We fly back to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey where you can rest and relax throughout the day in your hotel or continue to familiarize yourself with Kathmandu. This is a great time to venture out in Thamel for typical Nepalese goods and souvenirs with staff assistance if desired. Take time to shop and explore before the celebration dinner in Kathmandu.
Depending on your flight time you may be able to see a few more attractions in Kathmandu before departing approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight time. You will be escorted to the airport with a representative from Good Karma trekking staff. After our farewells, you will have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in Nepal with Good Karma, as one time is never enough.
Includes
Airport pick up & Transfer to hotel
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on BB basis (Tourist Standard Hotel to Five Star deluxe Hotel in Kathmandu as you prefer)
Government license holder Trekking Guide.
Trekking porter /Sherpa who will carry your bag pack during the trekking.
Three time meal during the trekking Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bag, Good Karma Trekking duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)&( optionally if you have your own bags, down jackets and wants to use your own you are free to bring them)
Kathmandu valley sightseeing tour with private vehicle as mentioned in itinerary
Trekking guide and porters accommodation, fare, meal, equipments and salary & Insurance
All program as mentioned in itinerary.
Government Tax and office service charge.
Welcome Dinner
Airport drop
Excludes
Nepal Visa fee
International airfare to and from Kathmandu
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu
Lunch & Dinner during Kathmandu stay
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, Soft drinks such as cola, , shower & any Purely personal nature expenses etc)
From the moment we stepped outside Kathmandu airport we knew we were in good hands. Raj and his professional team had taken care of everything. Our trek to Everest Base Camp is one we will remember for a long time. From accomodation, to meals, guide and porters. Everything went smoothly. Even the tricky weather in Lukla didn't hold us up too much. The tour of Kathmandu was great and we especially enjoyed the opening dinner that Raj planned for us.
I highly recommend Good Karma Trekking.
We are planing to return to Nepal and trek the Annapurna Circuit. We will definitely book with Raj and Good Karma Trekking again.
Best travel agency, very helpful and friendly staff. They offer great possibilities for trekking, excursions, help take care of all permits. Great company, wonderful trip, friendship for life. I would recommend!
Booked my first trip to Nepal with Good Karma after some recommendations on Tripadvisor. From my first email I was impressed with the level of attention I received and how flexible they were (something I couldn't get with several other other companies I and contacted). Had a great trip including sightseeing in Kathmandu and trekking to Everest base camp, and everything went extremely smoothly (except for the weather). Just returned from my second trip there and already planning my third. Its an amazing country, and Raj and the Good Karma team made it a great experience. Happy to answer any questions people have.
Kind, attentive, honest, dedicated attention is awaiting on your travels with Good Karma. I went to the Everest Base Camp(14 days), Bhutan (4 days) and the Chitwan game preserve (3 days) with them and was very well treated at a great price.
I recommend them for travel in Nepal under reliable conditions.
I will be glad to answer any inquiries on their subject.
A perfect travel partner on the foothills of Hiamalayas. I can proudly recommend my near and dear to Good Karma. Thanks a lot Good karma for excellent services on our trek.
I have traveled in many countries, but my experience in Nepal was special, thanks to Raj and his team who organized the exceptional way to all desired goals in this expedition which I had in Nepal and Tibet this autumn. I hope with all my heart to revisit again because I really miss Nepal. I started learning Hindi language since a few days.
So, Raj, Biji, I feel like I will visit you again! There are a lot of places that I have not seen yet! GOOD KARMA TREKKING is the best Agency for me!
Raj was knowledgeable and more than accommodating during our travels. We used Good Karma Trekking to book a trek to Annapurna, do white water rafting, and visit the elephants. It was one of the best trips I've had in my life and I've been to over 50 countries now. I would strongly recommend them to anyone who is traveling to Nepal and seeking a professional and friendly travel agency
BOOKING WITH KARMA: I booked a one-person tour to the Annapurna Circuit during the off season in August. During my inquiries with various trekking companies, Raj from Good Karma replied promptly and was always making sure that my needs were met before, during and after the trek. He was very flexible with whatever mode of transportation I desired to use even if it was just a couple of days in advance (including a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu with two days notice) . THE TOUR: The tour itself was amazing. True, the Annapurna Circuit can be done with no guide. But Raj provide me with none other than a Sherpa guide would allowed for easy communication with locals and got the best rooms and meals in all the lodges. He also knew where the shortcuts are and made sure my safety was a priority (specially with altitude sickness). TRANSPORTATION : Always keep in mind that Nepal is not the most developed nation in terms of infrastructure and road systems. I highly recommend getting a private vehicle. The drivers that Raj provides are some of the best I've seen even though they drive like maniacs. I felt relatively safe compared to a tourist bus/local bus. These are worse and the safety standards are very low OVERALL: I highly recommend this tour company. Make sure you communicate with Raj constantly so he knows what your needs are.
Had an unforgettable experience trekking the Annapurna Circuit with Good Karma in 2012. Nabraj and his team are knowledgable, passionate and great hosts, and are genuine in providing the best experience possible. They went above and beyond to cater to our interests and provided outstanding hospitality. Nabraj has become a good friend since, we are regularly in touch and I look forward to joining Good Karma on a trek again soon!
I worked with Good Karma Trekking a few years ago when they organized a trip through Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan for me and a group of almost 30 people. They were the best choice for our trip. The hotels they booked, the accommodation, the vehicles used for our transportation were all top class. Raj and his team really know their country (and the neighboring countries) and are able to custom made programs that suit each and every individual on a group, no matter the size. We particularly enjoyed the trips around Kathmandu valley, up to Nagarkot, down in the jungle in Chitwan and resting at the foot of Anapurna in Pokhara. Raj even organized some trips that were not in the initial schedule and which were greatly appreciated - for instance the visit to Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu.
I was also on the group that took a tour of Tibet with Good Karma Trekking. Everything went smooth, from crossing the border into China to altering the program so we could stay at a lower altitude when some of our colleagues felt sick.
For all of us on that trip Raj also became a good friend and we kept in touch ever since.
Whenever I hear someone thinking of visiting Nepal I always recommend Good Karma Trekking. I am also sure that next time myself and any other member of the group would want to go to the Himalayan region Good Karma Trekking would be our first choice.
I went on a one month trip to Nepal with Good Karma Trekking, and I must say it was really amazing! Well worth the time and the cost of traveling there! Part of what made my experience so wonderful was the guide that I had. His name is Raj Ghimire, and he is the sole proprietor of GOOD KARMA TREKKING LTD. He is a truly honest guy, with a very kind heart, and I believe that he would give you the BEST Nepal experience, no matter where in the country you want to travel. When my friends and I were over there, he treated us like family (no, I'm not exaggerating), and I still stay in touch with him. His rates are GREAT too! And if you need porters, tea house reservations, or a personal driver to show you Kathmandu or Chitwan Park, he did ALL of these arrangements for us.
This was literally the best experience I've had with a travel company anywhere in the world. They are efficient, culturally smart and very friendly. They even went out of their way to help with issues that were not necessarily part of our contract. I will definitely trust them to organize any trip for me in the future.
Good Karma organized everything for my trip including city tours, travel, hotels and trekking. They were very professional and helpful creating a trip that included what i wanted to see and not just the standard itinerary. The owner Raj even helped bargain for lower prices on souvenirs and trekking equipment while i was in Kathmandu. He also showed me some of his favorite restaurants and some of the local specialties and offered me some wild honey from his home town. The trek went great and the guide was very knowledgeable about the trails and flora and fauna of the himalayas. I have done a trip with abovethehimalays before and the service and price of Good Karma was much better. I would suggest this company to anyone looking for an authentic experience.
We had a great experience with Good Karma Trekking in Kathmandu, Nepal. Raj, the owner of the company, was very helpful. He has an excellent knowledge about the Kathmandu area, and generally about Nepal. He is more than a usual travel agency, passionate about his work, and about promoting the Nepal sights. I am sure that we will use his services again when we return to Nepal, hopefully soon.
Your Good Karma always brings you upto Good Karma trekking. Leave everything on their hand and simply discover your Good Karma. They are perfect to plan your Nepal, Tibet, India and Bhutan program.
I met Raj in Kathmandu through a mutual friend and I've been amazed by his hospitality and generosity. They gave me all the informations I needed about the transportation, treks and more! Thank you for your kindness and your support and I really hope to meet you again! Cheers
Fantastic experience with Good Karma Trekking. Always keen to help and to make sure you are well taken care of in Nepal. Would not hesitate to recommend them to friends and family!
I was In Nepal last year and I really enjoyed the time. I must say that the service offered by Good Karma Trekking is excellent. I would recommend it to all, if you went to Nepal.
I used Good Karma Trekking for a first trip to Nepal in Nov 2011 and from the moment of contact the trip went very smoothly. I would highly recommend this company and would be happy to be contacted independently to provide a review.
En 2012 tuve el agrado de conocer a Nabraj Ghimire en Katmandú. Su ayuda en una país desconocido me sirvió de mucho. Es una persona honesta y desinteresada que realiza su trabajo con vocación.
