Maximum Altitude: 2,610 m

Flight Duration: Approximately 30 minutes

Trek Distance: 8 km

Walking Duration: 3–4

Accommodation: Local Tea House/Lodge

Gokyo Valley Trek with Igloo Himalaya Treks kicks off with the thrilling and breathtaking flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. This short and exciting flight brings you to the very core of the Khumbu area and reaches the renowned Tenzing-Hillary Airport, which sits startlingly on the slope at an elevation of 2,860 meters.

The 30-minute plane ride treats trekkers to breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks capped with snow, hills covered with forests, and river valleys that set the stage for this trekking experience. Once you arrive at Lukla, you get your trekking team set up, and this marks your first trek on Everest trails.

The trail between Lukla and Phakding is quite mild, allowing trekkers to acclimatize to the rhythm of the Himalayas. The trail steadily descends through Sherpa villages, cultivated lands, and pine forests. You will trek along the Dudh Kosi riverbed, as you cross beautiful suspension bridges with hanging prayer flags.

As you proceed, you will come across villages like Chheplung and Ghat, where a short pause and a cup of tea are mere essentials. The sound of the river is constant until the serene town of Phakding is reached at a height of 2,610 meters.

Phakding has a laid-back environment with teahouses that exude warmth and welcoming lodges. Once you check in, you can stroll around the village. Then, you can walk to Rimijung Monastery, which is a peaceful meditation spot up in the hillside. Spending the night at a lower altitude than Lukla allows your body to start acclimatization.

The evenings pass by in a warm Himalayan dinner, like dal bhat, momos, and noodle soups, as you hang out in the company of other trekkers. And as you end the first rewarding day, you get to sleep.

Max Altitude: 3,440m

Trekking Time: Approximately 5-6 hours

Trek Distance: 10.4 kilometers

Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Accommodation: Local Tea House/Lodge

The present day's trekking takes you to Namche Bazaar, the living heart of the Khumbu region. The trekking distance that seems medium takes one through some very challenging points, such as the ascent to Namche. Each and every effort that you put here is rewarded by the beauty that surrounds you.

After breakfast, the trek starts along the side of the Dudh Kosi River and leads to the first suspension bridges, which are adorned with prayer flags. On the trek, one gets to see the Sherpa villages and the monasteries along with the mani walls, which have the prayer messages of the ancient Buddhist people carved on them. The warm smiles on the faces of the Sherpas as they welcome the trekkers to their tea houses and shops make the trek an enjoyable and wonderful experience.

The higher you go, the more scenic the land is, with evergreen pine forests and rushing rivers lying far below. There may be the first view of Mount Everest, appearing from a viewpoint on the trail, which is indeed a breathtaking experience. The last leg of your journey is a steady climb, though the hope of getting to Namche Bazaar is always in your mind.

An arrival at Namche Bazaar is almost surreal. Located in a natural amphitheater with a background of massive Himalayan ranges, Namche is a thriving village lined with bakeries, cafes, trekking gear shops, as well as teahouses. It acts as a major acclimatization point with a beautiful sight of Kongde Ri, Thamserku, and the surrounding snow-covered mountains.

After checking into the lodge, you can enjoy a well-deserved dinner and relax in the cool mountain climate. Tonight, you will be camping in the midst of the Himalayas, in preparation for the adventures to come.

Max Altitude: 3880m,

Accommodation: Local Tea House / Lodge

Time: Approx. 2–3 hours (short hikes)

Accommodation: Local Tea House/Lodge

Today is an important acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. This will enable our body to adapt to the rising altitudinal changes without compromising our mobility. Acclimatization plays a very significant role in avoiding Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and makes our entire trekking process smoother. We shall not spend the entire day resting. The first rule that guides trekkers at high altitudes is "climb high and sleep low."

After breakfast, we embark on an easier walk to the Everest View Hotel, which is definitely one of the greatest experiences in the Khumbu region. It is positioned at 3,880 meters and is globally recognized as the highest luxury hotel in the entire world. In the way to the Everest View Hotel, you get to enjoy the views of the surrounding rhododendron forests and get to see Syangboche Airport, commonly called the highest airport in the entire world.

When you arrive at Everest View Hotel, stunning panoramic views of some of the worlds most majestic mountains await you. You will have unlimited views of Mt. Everest (8,848.86m), Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and several other snowy giants right from the hotel balcony at Everest View Hotel. Many trekkers stop at Everest View Hotel to sit back and relax with a cup of warm fluid and take in the breathtaking view of the Himalayas.

After sufficient time at Everest View Hotel, our acclimatization hike takes us to the Khumjung Village, a picturesque Sherpa village set in a broad valley. The Khumjung Village is known for its stone houses, potato fields, and long-established Sherpa culture. The village provides a serene environment offering a glimpse into life in the mountains.

Among the primary attractions found in Khumjung is the Khumjung Monastery, which houses a mysterious relic that is said to contain the scalp of the Yeti. The monastery, as well as this relic, brings an air of mysticism to the village and is one of the main focuses of those visiting the region. Khumjung also boasts the Khumjung School, which has been sponsored by no less than Sir Edmund Hillary.

After the discovery of the village and the enjoyable meetings with the locals, we return to Namche Bazaar, where the rest of the day is to be spent at leisure, exploring the vibrant markets and bakeries, cafes, and climbing equipment shops of Namche, or just relaxing in your lodge.

This Acclimatization Day is a important part of preparing you physically as well as mentally for the high altitudes lying ahead, marking the beginning of a safe and sound trek experience for you with us at Igloo Himalaya Treks.

Altitude: 4,200m

Distance: 12 km

Duration: 5-6

Elevation Gain: 760

Accommodation: Local Tea House/Lodge

After a great breakfast in the bustling Sherpa market of Namche Bazaar, the trek follows a gentle route that moves you away from the bustling village into a less crowded environment in the Himalayas. The trek of the day allows you to enjoy the beautiful views of the Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other peaks as you ascend.

A steady climb follows to Kyangjuma (3,550m), a breathtaking viewpoint where the entire Mount Everest Himalayan Range is laid out before your very eyes. From the viewpoint, the trail offers slight undulations before reaching the junction, where the trail veers off the Everest Base Camp trek and leads you to the peaceful Gokyo Valley. A change in route means fewer people and a greater sense of remoteness.

Proceeding ahead, you find yourself at Mong La Pass (3,975m). It is amongst the most striking viewpoints along the trail. This spot on the top of the hill provides excellent views of the snow-covered peaks and valleys far down. A short tea-break here helps you relax and rejuvenate.

The trek continues to Phortse Tenga (3,680m), a serene river-side village flanked by thick pine and rhododendron forests. As we trek through this lush terrain, we may hear the sound of birdsong dripping from the trees and, if we are fortunate, glimpse the sight of Himalayan tahr or musk deer.

Leaving Phortse Tenga, the trek becomes steeper as the path leads to Dole (4,200m) via a rhododendron and juniper forest. The walk is relatively gentle, and your guide will make sure that the trekking speed allows for the best acclimatization to the altitude.

As soon as you arrive, the teahouse welcomes you to rest and relax. After taking a rejuvenating dinner, the quiet night of the mountains beckons sleep, which is a must because of the high altitude. Night is filled with freshness because of the cool atmosphere and the peaceful setting of Doles.

Elevation: 4,470m

Distance: 7 km

Altitude Gain: 270

Accommodation: Local Tea House/Lodge

The day starts with the revigorating atmosphere of Dole, as the first rays of the sun illuminate the surrounding high peaks, making it a magical Himalayan sight. After breakfast, the trek leads to a gentle climb along a ridge with spectacular views of Cho Oyu (8,188m), the sixth highest mountain in the world.

The vegetation pattern will vary as you ascend in altitude. The dense forests transition to sparse shrubs and alpine plants that grow on the rock faces. The route passes through Lhabarma Village (4,330m), where you can stop for a moment to enjoy the peaceful mountain environment, before reaching Luza (4,360m) to stop for a break. At this point, the atmospheric pressure will reduce the ease of breathing, and thus it will require a slow pace to avoid altitude sickness.

Moving on up, the hike opens up to a broad valley, where the glacial-fed Dudh Koshi river becomes visible below. The surroundings in the Machhermo region are full of local lore, such as reported yeti sightings from 1974 to the present. Once reaching the 4,470m point at Machhermo, the trekker can retire to the teahouse to relax or visit the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) office to gain insight into acclimatization.

Eating dinner in the presence of such magnificent sights all around, you prepare for the second phase of your journey towards the alluring Gokyo Lakes. With the advent of night, you sleep peacefully in the presence of the majestic peaks of the Himalayas, experiencing the serenity and majesty of this pure mountain environment.

Maximum Height: 4,750m

Duration: Around 4 hours

Distance: 6 kilometers

Accommodation: Local Tea House/Lodge

Today is probably the most thrilling day of your journey on the Gokyo Valley Trek – from Machhermo to the magical village of Gokyo. We begin our day with a delicious meal, refreshed and prepared for a moderate yet breathtaking hike. While you move through the mountain range, the ambiance changes – you experience a cooler climate, clearer blue skies, with stunning mountain vistas around you.

The trekking path that exists presently offers a peaceful alpine landscape featuring prayer flags, chortens, and occasional yak herders grouped together peacefully for grazing. Teahouse trekking routes provide their trekkers with the most breathtaking views of the Gokyo Lake system, which is a wonder not only of nature but also reserved with equal significance by the Sherpa people due to its strong cultural associations.

There are five major lakes at the Gokyo region, and today, you will get to see at least three of the biggest and most significant lakes. The first one that comes your way will be the Longpoga Lake, which is quite small but makes for an excellent resting site with crystal-clear waters and the towering mountains behind. Moving ahead, the next one will be the Taujung Lake, which will be slightly larger and ideal for some awesome photo sessions. And then, finally, there will be the magnificent Gokyo Lake, which will be the largest among the rest and will also be referred to as Dudh Pokhari.

Although the thought of visiting each of the lakes could be enticing, the trek to each of the lakes might be challenging depending on the weather and the level of fitness of the person undertaking the trek. This will be determined by your guide as they ensure that you enjoy the experience.

Once you arrive at the village of Gokyo, you will be greeted by a beautiful village located between mountains and lakes. The village contains houses made of stones, a variety of tea houses, and a magnificent view of the highest mountains in the world, including the 6th highest peak called Cho Oyu. Once you finish checking into the lodge, you will be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful environment created by the experience of the day.

In Gokyo, the nights are peaceful, and clear skies show a stellar Himalayan sky full of twinkling stars. Tonight, while you are sleeping, you will feel a feeling of accomplishment, having hiked through some of the most breathtaking environments that Nepal offers.

Maximum Altitude: 5,357m

Distance: 13 km – 8 miles

Altitude Gain: 567m

Altitude Loss: 550m

Accommodation: Local Tea House/Lodge

Your day begins early in the pre-dawn darkness with a tough ascent to Gokyo Ri. Reaching an altitude of 5,357 meters, it is one of the most spectacular spots in the Everest region. While not a long ascent, it is quite daunting because of the altitude and thin atmosphere, and it takes about two hours.

As you reach the summit, you're treated to spectacular 360° views of some of the most famous summits in the Himalayas, such as Everest, Lhotse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Directly below you lie the ever-green Gokyo Lakes, with the Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal’s longest glacier, majestically extending into the distance.

After taking in the breathtaking sights, you carefully trek back to the village of Gokyo to have your well-deserved breakfast. After that, the trek takes a downward path to the village of Dole (4,200m). Your trek leads you through Machhermo and Luza, providing the last sights of the valley of Gokyo.

The way down is less taxing compared to the ascend, though one needs to walk at a disciplined pace to acclimatize to the differences in height. Upon reaching Dole, you retire into the teahouse and enjoy supper before retiring. The higher concentration of oxygen at this point will aid in the reduction of the fatigue brought about by the events of the previous day. You will sit around the evening fire, swapping notes with other adventurers as you revel in the thrilling experience of reaching the peak of Gokyo Ri.

Distance: 12 km

Depending on the level of the

Altitude Change: Descend 760

Accommodation: Local Tea House/Lodge

After a hearty breakfast, your journey begins as you make your way from Dole to Namche Bazaar. You shall travel some routes which you had walked earlier when ascending, with some routes passing through rhododendron and juniper forests, where you may catch glimpses of Himalayan wildlife such as musk deer, pheasants, and the elusive Himalayan Tahr. The climate begins to get warmer with the sceneries becoming vibrant.

Your route takes you through Phortse Tenga, a beautiful spot on which to rest and absorb your surroundings before a short trek up to Mong La (3,975m). Thus, you get breathtaking views of peaks that include Everest, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. Then, your route takes you softly downward to Kyangjuma, at which stage you will join the highly touted Everest Base Camp Trek. Be prepared to meet other trekkers along this route, which will, of course, enhance your adventure.

Arrival in Namche Bazaar (3,440m) is always a treat in itself. Unwind at your teahouse and relax and make the most of the free time during the afternoon. You can explore the area’s attractions like the Sherpa Culture Museum, try some baked goods at bakeries, or try to decipher the offerings at the market stalls, which light up the village. In the evening, the village is aglow with festivities, where the trekkers mark the end of the trek, and Namche Bazaar is the perfect place to end the day with your final dinner and prepare to move ahead.

Highest Elevation | 2,800

Trek Distance: 20 km

Trek Time: Approximately 6-7

Accommodation: Local Tea House/Lodge

The term accommodation refers to a facility that satisfies

With the unforgettable experience of the Himalayas drawing to a close, the final trek of the day takes you from the colorful village of Namche Bazaar to the village of Lukla. A hearty breakfast later, the trek involves following the same trails back down to Lukla, taking in the sights once more. This might even be the last opportunity to click some photos of the beautiful vistas around you.

The drop has a different viewpoint of the mountains and valleys that you’ve already trekked through. After the estimated 6 to 7 hours of trekking, you will then finally arrive at Lukla, which will signal the end of your trek. Enjoy your successful conquest and reminisce those moments spent in the heart of the Himalayas.

Flight time: 35 minutes

Maximum Altitude: 4,600 feet / 1,400

3 Star category Hotel

Meals: Breakfast (included)

Today is the end of your unforgettable trek. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Lukla Airport to fly to Kathmandu. Depending on the peak season, flights between Lukla and Kathmandu (via Manthali, Ramechhap) are often operated, however, flights get sometimes delayed because of the weather and the number of passengers to be carried between the destinations mentioned above.

Once you arrive in the beautiful city of Kathmandu, and then taken to your hotel in the Thamel. It is the ideal spot where you can unwind after your exciting journey through the Himalayan ranges by taking a refreshing bath or even taking a walk around the streets of the city of Kathmandu.