13-Day Everest Gokyo and Culture Trip

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You'll be picked up this morning by your local tour leader and head to the airport for your first scenic flight, from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,827 metres). The flight itself is exciting as you fly parallel to the Himalayan giants bordering Nepal and Tibetan side of China. The trek starts with a descent towards the Dudh Kosi River, passing through the many lucky prayers stones and prayer flags where you join the main trail to Namche Bazaar the next day.

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This morning, you'll cross the Dudh Kosi River and have great views of the snow-capped peaks of Kusum Kanguru (6369 metres) and Thamserku (6623 metres). From here, it is only a short walk to Monjo (2835 metres), where you'll arrive in time for lunch. Then, the walking gets a little tougher and includes a steep ascent to Namche Bazaar where you'll stay the night.

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Today, you'll stay in Namche for a second night to allow you to properly acclimatise to the high altitude and to fully explore the town and its surrounds. Namche is a prosperous village, situated in a large, protected hollow. You have the option to climb up to Everest View Hotel for, as you would expect, great views of Everest, Amadablam, Lhotse, Tawoche, Peak 38, and Thamserku.

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Today, the trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole at 4,090 metres via Khumjung takes about seven hours. From Namche, the route heads up all the way to Khumjung, a picturesque village which also has its own gompa at the top end of the town. In the afternoon, you'll arrive in Dole where you'll stay the night.

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The trail starts today by climbing steeply through scrub junipers to a single lodge at Lhabarma (4330 metres). You'll pass the small settlement of Luza (4340 metres) and continue to climb along the side of the valley, high above the river to Machhermo. It was here that a yeti supposedly killed three yaks and attacked a Sherpa woman. This is the most credible yeti incident ever reported, so be watchful as you visit this region.

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Today, beyond Machhermo, the trail climbs a ridge for an excellent view both down the valley to Kantega and upwards to Cho Oyu. Beyond the ridge, the valley widens as the trail reaches the small village of Pangka (4390 metres). After passing Pangka, the trail drops briefly then climbs to a large cave as you climb to the first small lake, Longponga, at 4650 metres. Finally, you'll go up a boulder-strewn path to Gokyo.

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To return to Phortse, you'll use a different route. With your guide, you'll follow the eastern side of the valley to see different views of Khumbila. Climbing across the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier, you'll reach the village of Na (4400 metres). The descent from Na along the eastern side of the Dudh Kosi valley is straightforward and you'll eventually arrive in Phortse after seven hours.

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Today, you'll head towards the east of the Phortse village continuing on the rough trail of the ridges to view the fantastic sceneries of Amadablam, Tyangboche Monastery and get to the Pangboche Monastery. You'll enjoy your lunch at Tyangboche before you descend down and cross a suspension bridge and walking uphills to Kynagjuma.

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Today, it is a downhill walk from Kyangjuma to Monjo via Namche. From Namche, you'll descend steeply back to the Dudh Kosi River and continue your way past the national park checkpoint at Monjo. Tonight, you'll stay in a teahouse which is near the checkpoint. You'll enjoy traditional meals as you stay with locals in the teahouse.

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Today is the last day of your trek. The last day's trekking will take about three hours as you walk to Lukla. You'll walk along the River Dudh Koshi again and take a final uphill walk from Chheplung to Lukla. You'll start your last day walking along the river following the bridges of Monjo. You'll spend the last night of your trek in the town of Lukla.

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Today, you'll take an early morning flight to Kathmandu and check in to Dwarika's Hotel, close to the airport. In the afternoon, you'll leave for the last adventure in an ancient city Bhaktapur. With a local culture expert, you'll discover thrilling secret exits of the city that lead to open heritage squares. Bhaktapur is well known for its primitive influence in the lifestyle, gorgeous ancient palace and Hindu temples. Later in the day, a yoga session can be arranged for you.