From Kathmandu, you enjoy an exciting flight to Lukla (2860m, 9384ft). Trek  to Phakding. (2622m, 8603ft). Take some time to visit the monastery located in the rocks above Chheplung. Cross over the Dudh Kosi River to the west bank to reach the lodge.

Trek to Namche Bazar (3340m, 10959ft).  Sagarmatha National Park has its new entrance here and you will have to show your permit. The path then climbs above the valley floor to one of the highest suspension bridges in Nepal. From there the trail continues climbing steeply through the forest. Namche Bazar is the largest village and the administrative center of the Khumbu region. Situated in a horseshoe-shaped valley high above the Bhote Kosi and surrounded by steep hills, it faces the impressive north face of Mt. Kwangde peak (6187m).

Trek to Khumjung (3790m, 12435ft),  called the green valley. One of the most interesting hikes is the climb up the hill north of town to the Shyangboche airstrip area and Khumjung. You will enjoy the fantastic view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Kangtega, Thamserku and Ama Dablam. Visit the local Khumjung Gompa, the school, hike to Kunde and visit the hospital and the Gompa.

Trek to Dole (4040m, 13255ft). Leaving Khumjung you have a choice of two trails up to Mong La. The left one goes trough the rocks, steep up. The right one is used as yak trail. Both trails join just before Mong La. After steep down to Phortse Tanga. From Phortse Tanga on the trail to Dole is a gradual ascent up the valley passing through patches of birch and rhododendron forest where the elusive musk deer can sometimes be seen.

Trek to Machermo (4410m, 14469ft). Walking along the alpine meadow with yaks and alpine high land birds and flowers, with view of Cho Oyu (8153m, 26750ft) in the North. This is short walk but altitude wise it is necessary stop at Machharmo.

Trek to Gokyo Lakes (4750m, 15585ft). Climb up the moraine on the far side of the village and then walk gently downhill to the village of Phanga. The path enters a very steep region where the path is cut into a cliff. Arrive at the foot of a rock staircase and begin the slow climb upwards. After another 15 minutes the path emerges at a wooden bridge over the Dudh Kosi, now only a clear stream and marks the first of the Gokyo Lakes, populated with its amazing high altitude ducks. The second Gokyo Lake is a lot larger. Continue to walk along the well defined path. Just before Gokyo, there is a chautara covered with prayer flags. From here you can see Gokyo village.

Trek to Lukla. Down hill through the pine forest leaving behind Everest and cross the several bridge on the Dudkosi river. Enjoy the greener vegetation and cultivation along the Sherpa villages. Have lunch in Phakding. There is no rush to reach Lukla today. On arrival stay at a hotel near the airstrip. The airstrip itself is an interesting place. Without actually seeing it happen, you might not believe a nineteen-passenger plane could fly in and out of here.

Grading

This trek to Gokyo Lake and Tengboche Monastery is a mix of moderate and strenuous walks, some 6 to 8 hours a day. In order to enjoy this trek you need to be in good physical condition and exercise regularly.

If you want us to arrange your accommodation in Kathmandu before or after the trek, let us know your preference of hotel so that we can arrange your booking accordingly.