Get ready for a thrilling start! Your Gokyo Comfort Trek begins with an early morning flight to Lukla, nestled amidst the majestic peaks of the Himalayas.

Choose your adventure:

Direct Flight: Hop aboard a small Twin Otter aircraft and experience the breathtaking aerial views as you soar towards Lukla (2,800m) in just 20 minutes. (Add an image of a Twin Otter plane flying over the Himalayas)

Scenic Drive & Short Flight: Opt for a scenic 4-hour drive to Manthali, followed by a 15-minute flight to Lukla. This option allows you to enjoy the beauty of the Nepali countryside before taking to the skies. (Add an image of the Manthali Airport)

Why Manthali?

During peak season, Lukla Airport can experience heavy air traffic. To ensure smooth arrivals, many flights operate from Manthali's domestic airport, offering faster travel time and increased flight availability, even if Lukla's weather is unpredictable.

Lukla Landing and Breakfast

If your flight arrives early, savor a delicious breakfast in Lukla, soaking in the breathtaking mountain panorama. Fuel up for the day's adventure as you embark on the initial leg of your Gokyo Comfort Trek.

Downhill Trek to Phakding

From Lukla, your journey takes a picturesque downhill path towards Phakding (2,652m). This gentle descent offers stunning views of the Dudh Koshi River and surrounding villages, providing a perfect introduction to the beauty of the Himalayas. (Add an image of the Dudh Koshi River in Nepal)

Up, up, and onwards! We continue following the Dudh Koshi River, gently climbing towards Namche Bazaar, the lively heart of the Sherpa homeland. As you meander through bustling streets lined with colorful shops and cozy teahouses, soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Sherpa life. Take a peek inside the Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center and discover the amazing plants and animals that call these mountains home. Finally, settle in for the night in Namche Bazaar and let your body adjust to the thinner air before tomorrow's adventure.

This day is all about giving your body time to adjust to the higher altitude. Namche Bazaar is the perfect place to relax and recharge.

1. Wander the bustling streets: Browse colorful shops, sip delicious coffee at a cozy teahouse, and soak up the vibrant Sherpa culture.
2. Climb for breathtaking views: Take an optional hike up to the Everest viewpoint and be awestruck by the majestic panorama.
3. Discover the mountains' secrets: Visit a small museum and learn about the Himalayas' fascinating wildlife, mountaineering history, and rich Sherpa culture.

Morning Hike with a Panorama: Lace up your boots and hit the trail this morning for a hike to the legendary Everest View Hotel. Follow the path through Syangbuche Airport, a reminder of aviation history in the Himalayas. At 3,880 meters above sea level, the Everest View Hotel holds the title of the world's highest luxury hotel. Reward yourself with a steaming cup of tea and soak in the unparalleled panorama of Everest and the surrounding giants.

Afternoon in Khumjung Village: After soaking in the views, descend to the charming village of Khumjung. Savor a delicious lunch and then set off to explore the village's treasures. Step inside the ancient monastery, rumored to house a legendary yeti scalp. Immerse yourself in the vibrant Sherpa life, and visit the Hillary School, a testament to their enduring spirit. With each step, discover the magic of Khumjung and embrace the unique beauty of the Himalayas.

Get ready for a day of steady decent, with the first stretch taking you 600 meters to Phungi Thanga. From there, it's another 700 meters to ascend to Tengboche Monastery, your destination for the day. Expect a leisurely 4-5 hour journey through the stunning Himalayan landscape.

Tengboche Monastery: A Spiritual Sanctuary: Arriving at Tengboche is like stepping into another world. Immerse yourself in the quiet energy of this ancient monastery, one of the oldest in the Khumbu region. In the evening, witness the traditional puja ceremony, a mesmerizing display of chanting and prayer flags. Let the spiritual vibes wash over you and find peace amidst the majestic mountains. Don't miss the breathtaking sunset views from Tengboche, where Everest and Lhotse paint the sky in fiery hues.

Morning Stroll through Wilderness: Fuel up with breakfast and prepare for a gentle descent. Your first-hour winds through enchanting rhododendron and pine forests, a fragrant and colorful start to your day. After crossing a charming bridge, the path begins to climb towards the quaint village of Phortse. This relaxed, four-hour walk takes you through breathtaking scenery, reaching the village just around lunchtime.

Discovering Phortse: Once you arrive, settle into your cozy accommodation and savor a well-deserved lunch. With the afternoon stretching before you, Phortse beckons you to explore its hidden corners. Wander through the lively streets, soak in the vibrant Sherpa culture, and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife. Spotting a majestic mountain goat, a Himalayan monal, or even the elusive musk deer would be a true highlight of your day. As the sun sets, find a perfect spot to appreciate the stunning mountain panoramas and revel in the tranquility of this remote village.

Embrace the downhill: Today kicks off with a refreshing 40-minute walk down to the riverside. Cross a charming bridge and prepare to ascend towards Dole, your destination for the day. This less-than-4-hour journey promises breathtaking views as you navigate the transition from lush jungle to rugged mountain landscapes.

A Taste of the Tree Line: As you reach Dole, perched near the tree line, you'll be rewarded with panoramic vistas and a taste of the high-altitude world. Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of the Himalayas and soak up the invigorating mountain air.

Today's trek to Machhermo is a gentle walk uphill for about 4 hours. Say goodbye to the trees and hello to big open spaces with nothing but the blue sky above! You might miss the trees, but you'll love the fresh mountain air filled with the wild perfume of juniper and other mountain plants. And get ready to be amazed! Along the way, you'll catch your first glimpse of Mount Choyo, a giant mountain standing tall like a guard. Seeing it makes this walk extra special like every step takes you closer to something magical.

Get ready for a big day! Today's adventure leads you to Gokyo Lake, a breathtaking jewel nestled in the Himalayas. It's about a 4-hour walk, but you'll likely want to take even longer to soak in the beauty.

The Gokyo Valley holds five stunning lakes, each reflecting the snow-capped peaks like mirrors. Today, you'll pass the first and second lakes, building anticipation for the grand finale: Gokyo Lake itself. Trust me, this place is truly magical, one of the most beautiful spots on Earth!

You've reached Gokyo! Now, the question is: are you ready to conquer Gokyo Ri? It's a challenging 3-hour climb up, followed by a 2-hour descent, but the reward is mind-blowing. From the summit, the world unfolds like a breathtaking masterpiece. Turquoise lakes shimmer, snow-capped peaks pierce the sky, and the panorama is simply priceless.

Sunrise or sunset? Both are incredible, but I'm a sucker for sunsets. The mountains glow like molten gold, and the sky explodes in a kaleidoscope of colors. It's a sight that words can't describe.

Of course, climbing isn't for everyone. If you're not feeling up to it, there's another option: a relaxing hike near Renjola Pass. It's easier than Gokyo Ri, but the views are still stunning. You'll soak in the same magical landscape, just from a different angle.

So, what will you choose? Will you conquer the challenge and witness the magic from Gokyo Ri's peak? Or will you take a stroll and savor the beauty of a nearby spot? No matter your choice, Gokyo will leave you breathless and filled with wonder.

Goodbye, high altitude! Today's the day we descend back to Dole Village, but don't think of it as just going down. It's like a victory lap, a chance to celebrate all the incredible experiences we've packed into this adventure. As we walk, let's reminisce about the challenges we conquered, the beauty we witnessed, and the friendships we've made. It's a day to savor every step and every memory.

Today's journey brings us back to Namche Bazaar, but it's not just retracing our steps. First, we'll enjoy a gentle downhill walk for about 2 hours to Phrtse Thanga. Then, we'll tackle the climb to Mongla DADA (around 2 hours uphill), followed by a shorter ascent to Kyangjuma. With a bit of luck, we'll reach Kyangjuma in time for a delicious lunch. Finally, a peaceful 2-hour flat walk through stunning scenery takes us back to Namche Bazaar, where we can relax and reminisce about our adventures.

After soaking up the breathtaking views, it's time to dance your way back to Phakding! Cross the swaying suspension bridges, feeling the wind in your hair, and greet the friendly donkeys and yaks you meet along the way. Remember to offer the right of way to them and stick to the mountain's safe side – safety first is the motto for a happy trail! Enjoy the downhill stroll, knowing that completing this part of the journey safely makes the whole adventure a complete success.

Hooray! Today's your final walk after 13 amazing days on the trail! You might feel like a yak – strong and iron-willed – but even yaks need rest. So, celebrate your accomplishment with a steaming cup of Lukla's best coffee, savoring the sweet victory of reaching this point.

Tonight, the whole crew comes together for a traditional trek celebration. Trekkers, guides, and porters gather under the stars, sharing food, laughter, and maybe even a cold beer or two. It's a heartwarming evening to toast to the journey, the friendships forged, and the incredible experiences shared.

In the mountains, gratitude is a treasured tradition. Take this chance to thank your guide and porters for their vital role in your adventure. Their dedication and support helped make this journey special, and a heartfelt message or small token of appreciation will go a long way.

We fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to our hotel. During the spring and April - 10 May 2023 the return from Lukla, will fly back to Manthali on one of the first flights of the day (approximately 7-7:30 am) to allow for the 5-6 hour bus transfer back to Kathmandu arriving in the city for mid-late afternoon. 

Today marks your final day with Community Trek, and we hope your time in Nepal has been filled with incredible memories. After a delicious breakfast, you'll be free from our program to explore independently, pursue any remaining interests, or simply relax and reflect on your unforgettable journey.