Namche Bazaar to Gokyo Trek
“Trekking in the Everest region is a dream and a blessing”. If you are a passionate trekker, you will definitely agree with what I just said. Almost all of the trekking trails in Everest goes through Namche Bazaar. How can they not? After all, Namche is the soul of Khumbu.
Well, Namche Bazaar to Gokyo trek and exploring the majestic Gokyo lakes is truly an incredible experience. Trekking through the quiet, peaceful, and scenic trails to reach the green pastures and small settlements. Wow! How lovely will it be like.
Moreover, you can explore the socio-cultural lifestyles of the Sherpas on Everest. Namche, being the major trading hub in Khumbu is a perfect place to meet and interact with the Sherpas. Likewise, the small and beautiful villages in Everest are also incredible. There, you can see the people living and loving their authentic lifestyles, traditions, and culture.
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Kathmandu to Namche: the most feasible ways to reach there
If you are thinking of Namche Bazaar to Gokyo trek or Namche to Gokyo lake and Everest Base Camp trek, you must have thought of plans on how to reach Namche. If you have not, there’s no need to worry. I will be giving you different options to reach Namche Bazaar.
To those who are wandering “How do I get to Namche?”, here are some ways to. Have a look,
Namche by Helicopter
There is an airport in Namche called Syangboche airport. Even though this airport is not authorized for commercial operations, there are helicopters that fly from Namche to Kathmandu and vice versa. You can book a helicopter and can fly to Namche and begin trekking from there.
The Kathmandu to Namche Helicopter is an expensive option. So, if you have time, you can go to Namche via alternate ways.
Namche by Flight Cum Trek
If you have done research about Everest trekking, you must have heard of the Lukla flight. This is the most popular option among the trekkers and travellers who go to Everest. Kathmandu to Lukla flight is less expensive than the helicopter flights.
After landing in Lukla, you can trek to Namche in two days. On the first day: Lukla to Phakding; the trek is easy. The second day is a longer one. But it is enjoyable.
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Can I Trek from Namche Bazaar to Gokyo Lake?
Once you decide to, you can. However, there are a lot of things that you should keep in mind before you choose to go to higher altitudes. If you have some previous experience at high altitudes, you might know what sorts of preparation this trek demands.
Now, for the beginners, you should study about altitude sickness, its causes, precautions, and preventive remedies against it. This is necessary because since you are going at high altitudes for the first time, you must make yourself aware of altitude sickness. You cannot afford to take the risk and go blindfolded.
The next thing that you should know is trekking in the Everest region means trekking in a remote area. So, you cannot expect the services and facilities to be advanced. You should adjust with whatever you get. Trust me, that’s the best that you can get in such a remote place.
Your trek should be organized. You want to go? Fine! But prepare the best before you go. You must go loaded with appropriate and adequate trekking gears. Pack your backpack with what is necessary.
Also, you can practice doing some aerobic and cardio-vascular exercise and training. You can also practice hiking in the places near your home and city. Doing this will help you know your level of physical endurance. Also, it will be a warm-up for the trek. If you’ve already bought your hiking boots, practice hiking with your new boots at least two to three times before you go on the trek.
Trek Routes: Namche Bazaar to Gokyo
Namche Bazaar to Dole
Namche Altitude: 3445 meters
Dole Altitude: 4040 meters
Time Taken: 7 hours
Namche Bazaar to Dole is a beautiful trail. From Namche, the wide and scenic beautiful trail continues to Kyanjuma village. The trail is perched on a rocky mountain high above the gorge of Dudh Kosi. The incredible views of Thamserku, Kongde, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Mt. Everest from the trail goes along with you as you walk to Kyanjuma.
From there, the trail divides into two wings: one to Everest Base Camp and the other to Gokyo lakes. The trail ascends towards Mong La pass. Crossing the Mong La pass, 3972 meters, the trail descends into Khumbila.
From there, the trail descends to Dudh Kosi river and continues to Phortse Thenga. Ahead of Phortse, the trail goes out of the valley. The trail passes under the shades of Rhododendron, Juniper, and coniferous trees.
Green pastures along the trail are the grazelands of Yaks. Finally, the trail meets Dole, 4040 meters. Wait for sunset in Dole. The views of Khumbila and Tawoche peak from Dole looks incredible.
Dole to Machhermo
Dole Altitude: 4040 meters
Machhermo Altitude: 4410 meters
Time Taken: 4 hours
From Dole, the trail takes a steep climb through Lhabarma and Luza. the trail is highly scenic and peaceful. Smell the fragrance of Scrub Junipers as you walk through the amazing trails. Look deep down and you’ll see Dudh Kosi.
The trail continues to Macchermo. From a ridge above Machhermo, one can see an enthralling view of Mt. Thamserku.
Machhermo to Gokyo
Machhermo Altitude: 4410 meters
Gokyo Altitude: 47 50 meters
Time Taken: 4 to 5 hours
From Macchermo, the trail takes an ascent to a scenic ridge. The ridge displays a majestic view of Kangtega. The traverses through the narrow valley towards the widening valley. The trail meets Pangkha and then goes down to the riverbank of Dudh Kosi.
From there, the trail becomes steeper while you climb to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Along the trail, there is the first Gokyo lake. Ahead, there are amazing pastoral landscapes with some small summer houses of the shepherds.
And, there is Gokyo! A beautiful small village situated on the shore of the beautiful Gokyo third lake, Dudh Pokhari. From the hill close to Gokyo village, Ngozumpa glacier is visible. The hill is the most beautiful viewpoint of Ngozumpa glacier.
Namche to Gokyo (one-way) is completed. Now, what’s next? Where do you want to go from Gokyo? Well, there are many choices. But for you, you have two most convenient options:
Gokyo to Namche (Direct)
If you want to return back to Namche after exploring the amazing Gokyo valley, you can retrace back the previous trekking trail. Retracing the trails, you will reach Namche directly.
But before you return, you must spend an extra day in Gokyo and explore the entire Gokyo valley. You should hike to Gokyo Ri and rejoice the golden moment when the sun rises. From there, you will also see the astonishing views of the five Gokyo lakes and the Ngozumpa glacier.
I don’t know how wise will it be to say this, but you cannot return from Gokyo unless you explore it all.
Gokyo to Everest Base Camp to Namche
There are lots of trekkers who want to do Gokyo valley and Everest Base Camp trek. Here is the trek route from Gokyo Valley to Everest Base Camp:
Gokyo to Thangnak
Gokyo Altitude: 4750 meters
Thangnak Altitude: 4700 meters
Time Taken: 4 hours
The trail from Gokyo village now elongates towards Thangnak. The trail is short in distance. The views of Mt. Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu look closer and fantastic from the rugged trails. When you look down, you see an incredible view of the Ngozumpa glacier. Thangna is the eastern part of Gokyo and is a beautiful place.
Thangnak to Dzongla
Thangnak Altitude: 4700 meters
Dzongla Altitude: 4830 meters
Time Taken: 5 hours
Thangnak to Dzongla is a tough one. In fact, it is the toughest! On the way between Thangnak and Dzongla, there lies Cho La pass, 5420 meters. The trail is filled with boulders and then followed by a steep climb to Cho La pass.
The rocks are icy and slippery. At the top of Cho La, colorful prayer flags flutter in the rhythm of the wind. As the trail passes down, amazing views of Ama Dablam is visible. The trail descends down to meet Dzongla.
Dzongla is a beautiful place with incredible views of Mt. Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Lobuche, and Pheriche, a beautiful village in Khumbu.
Dzongla to Lobuche
Dzongla Altitude: 4830 meters
Lobuche Altitude: 4910 meters
Time Taken: 3 hours
The trail from Dzongla to Lobuche is an easy one. From Dzongla, the trail ascends slightly to the footsteps of peak Awi. From there, the short descent through beautiful vistas of Mt. Cholatse and Tawache goes ahead towards Lobuche. Lobuche peak appears more clear and beautiful. The splendid trail finally reaches Lobuche.
Lobuche to Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp
Lobuche Altitude: 4910 meters
Gorak Shep: 5180 meters
Time Taken: 4 to 5 hours
From Lobuche, the trail passes through amazing landscapes. Along the trail, the views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lingtren, Khumbutse and Pumori becomes more prominent. From Lobuche, the trail heads toward Gorak Shep.
From Gorak Shep, the trail steadily passes ahead to the base camp. The base camp is a dream destination of enthusiastic trekkers from around the world. From the base camp, Mt. Everest, the highest peak in the world rises.
Gorak Shep to Kalapathar to Dingboche
Gorak Shep Altitude: 5180 meters
Kalapathar Altitude: 5555 meters
Dingboche Altitude: 4410 meters
Time Taken: 4 to 5 hours
From Gorakshep, the trail climbs up to Kalapathar. Kalapathar is the best viewpoint of Everest. Those trekkers who trek to Everest base camp hike to Kalapathar to see the majestic view of the sun rising over the incredible Himalayan range including Everest.
From Gorakshep, the trail descends to Dingboche. Dingboche is a small and beautiful Sherpa settlement in Khumbu. The trail is scenic. One can live some of the greatest moments in life while trekking in the Everest Base Camp trekking trail.
Dingboche to Tengboche to Namche
Dingboche Altitude: 4410 meters
Tengboche Altitude: 3810 meters
Namche Altitude: 3445 meters
Time Taken: 7 to 8 hours
The last arch of Namche Bazaar to Everest Gokyo lake trek is Dingboche to Tengboche to Namche. The trekking trail is amazing. Trekking in an entirely new trail is a blessing. The trail from Dingboche passes through some beautiful villages like Solmari and Pangboche.
At Tengboche, there is a monastery. In fact, Tengboche monastery is the biggest monastery in Khumbu. Tengboche is also famous for the 360-degree panorama of Himalayas visible from there. From backyard of the monastery, the trekking trail to Gokyo is visible.
Now, the final part: Tengboche to Namche Bazaar. From Tengboche, the trail sharply descends to Pungi Thenga. From there, it’s a steep climb over rugged trail to meet the trail arching to Gokyo and Namche.
From there. The trail is flat and easy. Finally, the trek concludes at Namche.
At Last,
Namche is the major trading hub in Khumbu. Trekking from Namche to Gokyo lake is an incredible journey. From Gokyo, one can also do the Gokyo Renjo La pass trek and Gokyo Cho La pass trek. The choice is yours. You can go on any of the treks. You don’t have to worry, all the treks take you to the heart of Khumbu. You will make wonderful journeys that are highly rewarding and equally amazing.
If you want to go on any trekking destinations in Nepal, contact us. Exciting Nepal is a popular trekking agency in Nepal that has been organizing trekking, touring, and other recreational activity trips in different parts of Nepal.