Itinerary
- Day 1
Kathmandu
You'll land at Tribhuvan International Airport and clear immigration, where a representative meets you and takes you to your hotel in Kathmandu's main city area. After settling in from your flight, spend the rest of the day as you like, wandering around the city if you're up for it. If you need trekking gear, head to Thamel where you can rent or buy what you'll need for the trek ahead.
- Start point
- Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal (from your hotel where you stay, 05:00 - 10:00)
Included Activities
- Airport pick up and transfer to hotel
Optional Activities
- Explore Kathmandu city
- Rent or purchase trekking gear in Thamel
- Day 2
Kathmandu to Lukla to Phakding
Catch a short 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, taking in views of the Himalayas from above. Once you land, your trek begins right away toward Phakding. The hike takes about 3-4 hours covering roughly 9 kilometers down toward the Dudh Koshi River. You'll pass through small villages, forests, and suspension bridges as the trail descends. Take your time and soak in the scenery. Phakding sits at 2,652 meters and has good places to stay for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
- Trek from Lukla to Phakding
Landmarks Dudh Koshi River - Day 3
Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Start early with hot breakfast while looking out at the mountains around you. The trek to Namche Bazaar takes most of the day, roughly 5-6 hours covering 10-12 kilometers. You'll cross a suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, then the trail gradually climbs through forests within Sagarmatha National Park. On clear days you might spot Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and other peaks. Namche Bazaar sits at 3,440 meters and serves as an important hub and gateway to the Everest region.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Hot breakfast), Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Landmarks Sagarmatha National Park Mount Everest Lhotse 
- Day 4
Namche Bazaar
Today you stay in Namche Bazaar to help your body adjust to the altitude. You'll take a short hike up to Hotel Everest View, which takes about 3-4 hours round trip and is a classic acclimatization activity. The path climbs through rhododendron forests with views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other mountains all around. At 3,880 meters, the hotel itself is worth visiting for tea or coffee and those panoramic views. After hiking back down to Namche, check out the local shops, cafes, and markets for the afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Acclimatization hike to Hotel Everest View
Optional Activities
- Explore local shops, cafes, and markets in Namche Bazaar
Landmarks Hotel Everest View Ama Dablam - Day 5
Namche Bazaar to Dole
Your body's adjusted now, so it's time to climb higher. After a good breakfast with those Himalayan views, pack your bags and head out. The trek to Dole usually takes 6-7 hours and covers about 10-12 kilometers with gradual ups and downs through rhododendron and pine forests. You'll walk through small Sherpa villages that give you a real sense of local life here. Beautiful mountain views appear around you throughout the day. Dole sits at 4,200 meters in a quiet mountain setting where you'll rest for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Delicious breakfast with great Himalayan views), Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole
- Day 6
Dole to Machhermo
Today you head toward Machhermo on a trek lasting 5-6 hours, covering about 10-12 kilometers. The path gradually climbs through yak pastures and small settlements. As you gain height, you'll notice the landscape shifting with fewer trees and more alpine vegetation taking over. Mountain views, including Cho Oyu, stay with you as you walk. Machhermo sits at 4,470 meters in a calm valley. Take your time going uphill, drink water regularly, and watch yourself for any signs of altitude sickness.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Dole to Machhermo
Landmarks Cho Oyu - Day 7
Machhermo to Gokyo Valley
You're heading to Gokyo Valley, the trek's final destination. After walking an hour from Machhermo, you reach Phanga, a memorial site. Take breaks whenever you need them and take in the mountain views along the way. You'll cross an iron bridge that leads to Longpongo Lake at 4,690 meters, then continue across rough terrain over the Ngozumpa Glaciers. Gokyo Valley sits among high mountains, icy glaciers, and clear lakes. The area has six of the world's highest freshwater lakes, with the third lake being the most visited and impressive one in the Everest region.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo Valley
- Cross Longpongo Lake
- Trek across Ngozumpa Glaciers
Landmarks Gokyo Lakes Longpongo Lake Ngozumpa Glaciers 
- Day 8
Gokyo Valley to Gokyo Ri to Machhermo
This morning you hike to Gokyo Ri at 5,357 meters to catch the sunrise and one of the trek's best moments. The hike takes 3-4 hours depending on your fitness and the weather, so start early. From the top you'll see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu spread out before you. After enjoying the views and coming back down, grab a hot breakfast. Then you trek back toward Machhermo, which takes another 3-4 hours. Machhermo is a small village with basic tea houses and lodges where you can rest and recover.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Hot and delicious breakfast), Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike to Gokyo Ri
- Trek from Gokyo Valley to Machhermo
Optional Activities
- Side trips to Gokyo 4th and 5th lakes (requires adding extra day to itinerary)
Landmarks Gokyo Ri Makalu - Day 9
Machhermo to Namche Bazaar
You're heading back to Namche Bazaar now, getting close to finishing your trek. The walk goes through dense forests where musk deer and mountain goats live. The trail narrows and goes steeply downhill, so watch your footing and use trekking poles carefully. On the way down you'll catch more views of Mount Everest. Once you reach Namche Bazaar, the local cafes, restaurants, and bars are there if you want to spend your evening out.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Machhermo to Namche Bazaar
Optional Activities
- Visit local cafes, restaurants, or bars in Namche Bazaar
- Day 10
Namche Bazaar to Lukla
This is your last full day trekking on the Everest trail before flying out. The path is mostly downhill from Namche to Phakding, taking you past chortens, prayer flags, and mani walls. You'll walk through small villages, narrow forests, and cross suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. The route continues through Benkar and on to Phakding, then to a small settlement called Toktok. From there you keep moving toward Lukla, seeing spectacular views of the Everest region mountains the whole way.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Namche Bazaar to Phakding
- Trek from Phakding to Toktok
- Trek from Toktok to Lukla
Landmarks Benkar Toktok - Day 11
Lukla to Kathmandu
You'll have an early breakfast and then head to Lukla airport to catch your flight back to Kathmandu. Once you land, the rest of the day is yours to relax and recover from the trek. In the evening, get out and explore Kathmandu's main areas. Try Nepalese food with live music at one of the good restaurants in Thamel or Durbarmarg, or spend time shopping for souvenirs to take home.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Early morning breakfast), Lunch, Dinner (Farewell Dinner)
Included Activities
- Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
Optional Activities
- Explore main city area of Kathmandu
- Dine at fine restaurants in Thamel or Durbarmarg
- Souvenir shopping
Landmarks Thamel Durbarmarg - Day 12
Kathmandu Departure
Your Gokyo Lakes adventure comes to an end today. A representative will pick you up about three hours before your scheduled flight and take you to the airport. If you want to stay longer in Nepal, you can ask about arranging other activities or trekking options through Overland Trek Nepal.
- End point
- Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal (At your hotel where you going to stay, 06:00 - 13:00)
Included Activities
- Airport drop-off transfer
Optional Activities
- Extend vacation with other adventurous activities in Nepal
