Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Nepal Gokyo Lakes Trekking
Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu
30-minute private van transfer
Welcome to Nepal! You will be met on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu and transferred to your accommodation. The afternoon is yours to recharge or explore nearby sights. Gather with your fellow travelers and local guides in the evening to discuss your Gokyo Lakes trek. Then, sit down to a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant to celebrate the start of your adventure!
Accommodation: The Soaltee Kathmandu
(D)
Day 2 Wander Bhaktapur’s Medieval Lanes
2-3 hours walking tour
Today you will stretch your legs on a walking tour of enchanting Bhaktapur. The ancient city's Durbar Square is a UNESCO-listed collection of beautifully preserved palaces, timeless temples, and carved wooden windows that showcase the artistry of the Newar people. Though the city dates to the 12th century, it continues to pulse with life today—red brick streets wind through architectural masterpieces to bustling markets and artisan workshops. Towering above it all is the five-tiered Nyatapola Temple, one of the tallest and most striking temples in Nepal. After lunch, return to your accommodation. Your afternoon is free to relax, explore, or check out the spa. Dinner is on your own to explore restaurants in town or choose one of the options at the hotel.
Accommodation: The Soaltee Kathmandu
(B, L)
Day 3 Helicopter to Lukla & Trek to Phakding Village
50-minute helicopter flight
3.5-4 hours/5.5 miles hiking with 150' elevation gain and 820' elevation loss
Begin the day with a thrilling helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (9,380'), enjoying stunning aerial views of rolling hills, deep valleys, and Himalayan peaks. Then it's time to lace up your boots and trek into the Khumbu with the peak of Kongde Ri (20,299') towering above. Descend into rhododendron and pine forests and cross suspension bridges to views of sacred Khumbu Yul-Lha. Hike through Sherpa villages where you will discover mani stones, prayer wheels, and stupas before arriving at Phakding (8,563') this afternoon to enjoy river views and relax.
Accommodation: The Himalayan Phakding Lodge
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Trek through Sherpa Villages to Monjo
3.5 hours/4 miles hiking with 800' elevation gain minimal elevation loss
The Dudh Koshi ("Milk River") rushes through the Khumbu Valley in an opalescent surge fed by Himalayan glaciers. Flowing from the high slopes of Mount Everest, its icy, mineral-rich waters carve deep gorges and power past boulders beneath iconic swaying suspension bridges draped in prayer flags. Follow its course today, crossing back and forth over bridges and weaving in and out of forest as you pass the Sherpa villages that line its banks. Catch glimpses of Kusum Kanguru and Thamserku (both over 20,000') before arriving at Monjo (9,301').
Accommodation: Everest Summit Lodge—Monjo
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Enter Sagarmatha National Park & Trek to Namche Bazaar
4.5-5 hours/4.5 miles hiking with 1,985' elevation gain and 150' elevation loss
Walk to Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO-listed sanctuary encompassing the southern slopes of Mount Everest. Once permits are checked, continue into the Khumbu to again cross the fast-flowing Dudh Koshi and its confluence with the Bhote Koshi by suspension bridges. From here, the real climb begins on a series of switchbacks winding toward your first chance for an Everest view. Continue through pine and rhododendron forest to legendary Namche Bazaar. Visit the Sherpa Museum this afternoon to learn more about Sherpa culture and Everest's climbing history before settling in at your accommodations.
Accommodation: Hotel Namche
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Discover Namche Bazaar & Hike to Everest Views
4-5 hours/3.5miles hiking with 1,445' elevation gain and loss
Spend this acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar (11,290'), a historic trading hub that became the primary staging point for Everest expeditions after the first successful ascent in 1953. Start the day with a morning hike to Hotel Everest View—the world's highest hotel—for the best chance of dazzling views of Everest (29,032'), Lhotse (27,940'), and Ama Dablam (22,349') before sitting down to lunch amid these giants. Return to town with time to check out the lively intersection of Sherpa tradition and trekker adrenaline in the many shops and cafes, chatting with locals and other trekkers as you explore. Rest up for another big climb tomorrow.
Accommodation: Hotel Namche
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Take the Trail Less Traveled to Phortse Village
6-7 hours/7 miles hiking with 2,790' elevation gain and 1,345' elevation loss
Branching off from the Everest Base Camp buzz, climb steadily above the valley with views of Everest and distant Tengboche. Hike quiet trails past stupas and hamlets, emerging from birch forest to a dramatic panorama of the Gokyo Valley, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. Follow the ridgeline to Mong La (pass) (13,034') for a spectacular picnic before descending steeply through rhododendron and juniper, the peaks of Ama Dablam, Kangtega, and Thamserku rising ahead. As you near Phortse (12,598'), the landscape softens into terraced fields and stone houses perched high above the Dudh Koshi Valley. Spend the afternoon on your own, exploring the monastery, chortens, and mani walls, and experiencing Sherpa culture in this traditional village known for its mountaineers and only reachable on foot.
Accommodation: Phortse Guest House
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Reach Dole in the Heart of the Himalayas
4 hours/4 miles hiking with 2.067' elevation gain and 1,772' elevation loss
Drop into the Dudh Kosi Valley, descending through rhododendrons and fragrant pines to the valley floor. Cross the rushing river, then climb up the other side via switchbacks through woodlands that gradually reveal magnificent views of Cho Oyu (26,864'). Continuing into alpine yak meadows you might be lucky enough to spot a rare white-bellied musk deer in the wild. Arrive in the peaceful village of Dole (13,248'), with time for a short acclimatization hike with a panoramic vista before settling in for the evening.
Accommodation: Yeti Inn
(B, L, D)
Day 9 Hike to Machhermo Surrounded by Snowclad Peaks
4-5 hours/4.5 miles hiking with 1,870' elevation gain and 720' elevation loss
Leaving Dole in the morning, climb above the tree line into open alpine terrain, where the landscape widens and views stretch across the Khumbu. Traverse broad meadows and stands of smaller rhododendrons, passing seasonal herder settlements. The trail undulates, revealing ever-changing perspectives of the valley below and soaring peaks all around, including Cho Oyu. Pass yak pastures, stupas, and prayer flags as you approach Machhermo (14,665'), a remote village at the foot of massive Ngozumpa Glacier. A strategic acclimatization stop on the way to Everest, Machhermo is also famous for an encounter between a yak herder and the fabled yeti, reported in 1974.
Accommodation: Machhermo Lodge
(B, L, D)
Day 10 Explore the Spellbinding Gokyo Lakes
4-5 hours/4.3 miles hiking with 1,310' elevation gain and 230' elevation loss
Once again, you climb through jaw-dropping scenery with the Machhermo Valley disappearing below and the Himalayan giants all around you. The Dudh Kosi plunges down into valleys, under bridges, and along villages, a vital source of water in the Khumbu. Cross the river to its headwaters—the Gokyo Lakes. The terrain evens to a stark, high-altitude landscape of rock and glacial moraine, as you walk alongside the first lake's shimmering turquoise surface, then explore the second, and arrive at the magnificent Third Lake to find a sensational amphitheater of snow-covered peaks beyond the jewel-like water.
Accommodation: Gokyo Resort
(B, L, D)
Day 11 Summit Gokyo Ri for Epic Views of Everest, Cho Oyu & Lhotse
4 hours/2.5 miles hiking with 1,860' elevation gain and loss
Set out before dawn, crossing the glacial stream that feeds Gokyo Third Lake and carefully navigating rocky trails with headlamps. Begin to climb the mountain's stark peak on a series of switchbacks. Dawn breaks about halfway up to the summit, and golden light washes over the Himalaya as you continue to the top of Gokyo Ri (17,575'), where a breathtaking panorama of a towering white peaks—including Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu—rise above the shimmering Gokyo Lakes and Ngozumpa Glacier below. After absorbing this remarkable moment and snapping photos galore, descend back to your accommodation.
Accommodation: Gokyo Resort
(B, L, D)
Day 12 Helicopter to Kathmandu
60-minute helicopter flight
Take off from Gokyo on an exhilarating helicopter flight to Kathmandu via Lukla. Enjoy a panorama of snow-capped peaks, terraced hillsides, and remote mountain villages from above. The stark alpine terrain gradually transitions into green hills and terraced farmland as Kathmandu approaches, and your high-altitude Himalayan trek comes to a close. The afternoon is free to explore or relax—or take advantage of the spa—you've earned it! This day is intentionally flexible in case flights are delayed.
Accommodation: The Soaltee Kathmandu
(B)
Day 13 Explore a Hindu Temple & Buddhist Stupa in Kathmandu
Cultural touring
Discover Kathmandu's mix of Hinduism and Buddhism with visits to two UNESCO-listed sites. Begin at bustling Pashupatinath Temple, where sacred Hindu rituals unfold along the Bagmati River and saffron-robed sadhus (ascetics) meditate among the many surrounding smaller temples. Continue to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest in the world, encircled by prayer wheels and shrines. Stupas contain Buddhist relics and you can join pilgrims and devotees, walking clockwise around its base—a sign of devotion and respect. Lunch is on your own to explore Kathmandu's many excellent restaurants and perhaps do a little souvenir shopping. This evening, gather with your group and guides for a farewell dinner to celebrate your journey and share memories of your Himalayan adventure together.
Accommodation: The Soaltee Kathmandu
(B, D)
Day 14 Depart Kathmandu
30-minute private van transfer
Bid farewell to Nepal, carrying memories of high mountain passes, turquoise lakes, and Sherpa villages. You will be transferred to Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
(B)
