Gokyo to Machhermo

Starting Elevation: 4790m/15583ft(Gokyo)

Ending Elevation: 4450m/14,436ft (Machhermo)

Highest Altitude: 5,357m/17575ft(Gokyo Ri)

Trek Duration: 5-6hrs

A beautiful day will be waiting for you as you open your eyes in Gokyo. You’ll take a cup of tea to the shore of Gokyo Lake to enjoy an early morning view of the Gokyo region. Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, and even Everest are visible from the site.

After the scenic view, you’ll eat breakfast to do the major thing of the trek. It is time to hike down Gokyo Ri, the best viewpoint of the Gokyo Valley. The mountain atop, with an elevation of 5,357m/17575ft, lies west of Ngozumba Glacier. It is a popular spot for trekkers in the Gokyo Valley.

You’ll leave Gokyo Village for now by joining an uphill section. The walk will go just by Taujan Lake, one of the Gokyo lakes. The hike to Gokyo Ri from Gokyo village is not too long. But it is challenging due to the rough & steep trail. You’ll have a gradual climb through the rocky uphill.

And the moment you reach the top of Gokyo Ri, you’ll have impressive displays of the entire Everest Region. The Gokyo village, Gokyo lakes, and various towering alpines will keep you amazed. Four of the eight-thousanders are visible from Gokyo Ri.

After the fabulous panoramic view, you’ll drop down to the base of Ngozumpa Glacier. You’ll find the narrow side of the glacier and water flowing along the trail.  While you descend further, you’ll come across the rough hills of the Valley. You’ll also find some Juniper bushes at the altitude of 4,500m.

The downhill path continues. As you leave the Gokyo valley, the first of the five Gokyo Lakes will bid a farewell to you. You’ll cross three of the Gokyo Lakes while descending to Machhermo. The lakes may be wholly or partly frozen. But the lakes are beautiful, no matter frozen or melted.

After crossing all the lakes, you’ll see Machhermo arriving. The stone walls of the village and several colorful hamlets make the village scenic. And in the backdrop, you’ll find snow-melting high mountain ridges as well. A picturesque view of the village will greet you with a warm welcome.

You will have walked 8km by the time you reach Machhermo. The hamlet lies right in the Dudh Koshi Valley, right below the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. You will settle in the teahouse for the night at the end of the day.

Trekking route of this trek: Gokyo Lake Trekking, Everest Gokyo Lake with Renjo La Pass Trek, EBC – Cho La Pass – Gokyo Trek