Jiri – Gokyo Valley Trek

Kathmandu arrival (1300m)

Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel; here you will be formally introduced to your Guide and the activities to be enjoyed over the next few days. We will also ask for your passport photographs and any other details required for your trek permits, at this stage.

Kathmandu sightseeing.

After breakfast, you start an interesting tour around Kathmandu. We will arrange a guide of your chosen language to give you a tour and introduction to our rich culture amongst our ancient and fascinating history and religion. In our sightseeing tour you go to Monkey temple Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath and Kathmandu Durbar square. Durbar Square: -This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. There is an intriguing 17th century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. The Durbar square, protected as an UNESCO world Heritage site, is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. There are also museums inside the palace building. There is an entrance fee of Rs.250 for foreign visitors. Your ticket to the Square entitles you to visit all the museums. Swayambhunath, situated on a hillock 6.5 kilometres west of Kathmandu, this 2000 years old Stupa is the world’s most glorious Buddhist shrine and is surrounded by several small pagodas. The main temple is capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt and is painted on the four sides with all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. Pashupatinath, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the holiest and most famous Nepalese temple. Situated 5 kilometres northeast of Kathmandu on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, it is an impressive pagoda style structure with gilt roof and richly carved silver doors. It has bathing and cremation ghats, which are of absorbing interest to the tourist, particularly in the mornings and on festival days.

Drive from Kathmandu (1350m.)to Jiri

Drive from Kathmandu (1350m.) to Jiri (1905) about 188 km which takes about nine hours. The first part of your journey drives eastwards from Kathmandu through passing Bhaktapur, Banepa, Dhulikhel, Dolalghat, Lamasanghu, a part of the Araniko Highway and turn to right from Lamasangu for the Jiri road passing through Green Hills scenery as well as snow capped mountains. The road is quite narrow but it is smooth. Jiri is a town named after Jirel, the majority people inhabited in and around the town.

Jiri (1905m.) to Deurali (2705m.)

Trek from Jiri (1905m.) to Deurali (2705m.) which takes about five and half hours. The beginning of your trek is gently ascent for the first two hours to Mali Danda (2440m.) and then it follows gently descent path to Shivalaya (1800m.) where you could take lunch and hang around. After your lunch, the trail steeply goes up for two hours and rest of the day is gently up to the Deurali. You could enjoy the green scenery as well as some of the snow capped mountains at a far distance.

Deurali (2705m.) to Sete (2400m.)

Trek from Deurali (2705m.) to Sete (2400m.) and it takes about six hours. The starting of your trek is steeply descent for early an hour to Bhandar (2250m.) and then gently descent to Kenja (1600m.) where you could enjoy your lunch. After your lunch, your trek is steeply up to destination. En route, you could enjoy with agricultural farm scenery where locals work hard. In addition to this, you could pass through Sherpa villages with beautiful mountain views.

Sete (2400m.) to Junbesi (2675m.)

Trek from Sete (2400m.) to Junbesi (2675m.) and it takes about six hours. To begin your trek, you should climb steeply for an early two hours passing through Dagchu, Goyem, a small Sherpa settlements. Then your trek starts gently up to the Lamjura Pass (3500m.) through rhododendron forest. After the pass, rest of the trek is gently and steeply descent to the destination. In this route, you could enjoy some of the snow capped mountains such as the "Goa of the Solu". Besides this, you could see some wildlife such as monkey and many species of birds.

Rest day at Junbesi

Rest day at Junbesi and hang around or visit Thubten Chholing Monastery known as Nunnery Monastery on two hours side trip after 3 days harassing working.

Junbesi (2675m.) to Nunthala (2200m.)

Trek from Junbesi (2675m.) to Nunthala (2200m.) which takes approximately six hours. The beginning of your trek is gently ascent for early one and half hours to Phurtung (2900m.). From this place, you could see first view of Mount Everest including Thamserku (6623m.), Kantega (6780m.), Kusum Kangaru (6370m.) and Mera Peak (6650m.) Your trek is flat and gently descent to Ringmo Khola (2500m.). Immediately, your trail is steeply up for one and half hours to the Takshindo La Pass (3100m.). From this point, you could see excellent mountain views. At the end of your trek is steeply descent to the town Nunthala (2200m.) through small Sherpa settlement and forest.

Nunthala (2200m.) to Bupsa (2350m.)

Trek from Nunthala (2200m.) to Bupsa (2350m.) and it takes about six hours. The beginning of your trek is gently descent to the Dudh Koshi river (Milk River) for an early two hours passing through agricultural farming land and small Sherpa and Rai settlements. From Dudh Koshi river, your trail is gently ascent all the way to Kharikhola (2050m.) passing through Juving (1680m.) a pretty big Rai village and farming lands. From Kharikhola your trail follows flat path for 45 minutes and then steeply up to the camp (Bupasa) where you could visit Buddhist Monastery in ruined state.

Bupsa (2350m.) to Surkey (2400m.)

Trek from Bupsa (2350m.) to Surkey (2400m.) which takes about six and half hours. At the beginning of the day, you should ascend steeply for the early two hours to Khari La Pass (2880m.) passing through rhododendron and oak forest including a small Sherpa settlements and teashops. From this point, you could see excellent view of different mountains such as Numbu (6960m.), Cho-oyu (8201m.), Gyangchung Kang (7922m.) and Thamserku (6629m.). Now, your trail is gently descent and flat to Chaubar (2730m.) passing through Bamboo forest and Puiyan (2770m.) with view of Khumbu Valley as well as beautiful mountains. At the end of the day, your trail steeply descends up to the destination. Surkey is a small Sherpa village at the bottom of the Lukla.

Surkey (2400m.) to Phakding (2652m.)

Trek from Surkey (2400m.) to Phakding (2652m.) which takes about four hours. The first part of the trek is gently ascent for early 2 hours to Chhiplung (2700m.), a junction road to Jiri and Lukla passing through Mushe (2650m.). From this place, the road is quite broad and busy. Now, your trail is almost flat and gently descent and ascent to Phakding. This is a short trek after 3 long days trek. You could hang in and around Phakding village.

Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m)

Today begins on level ground, relative to the environment in which you are! You will cross the river on a high suspension bridge and begin to climb up to Monjo (2800m) and on to the gateway to the Sagamartha National Park Entrance in place to protect and preserve this beautiful environment. There is a good rest stop on the way up where you will see people gathered, admiring the first real chance to see Everest in the distance. On the way up today you will be rewarded with views of Kusum Kangaru, Thamserku, Konde-Ri and Tawache Peak before eventually arriving at Namche after about 5 hours.

Rest day in and around Namche Bazaar

The main aim today is to allow your body to acclimatise, it is important to drink lots of water and take some gentle exercise. Namche is a growing town tucked into a neat little valley, there is lots going on in the centre with market days on Friday and Saturday. There are some interesting museums and shops. There is also internet and a sauna! You could venture further afield, take a visit to Khumjung where the Hillary school sits and Khunde nearby, on the way back to Namche you could visit the Shyangboche airstrip, (3790m) the highest in the world nearby is the Everest View Hotel for stunning views.

Namche Bazaar to Thame [3739m]

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Thame [3739m] and it takes about four hours. From Namche the route turns west and the trail is almost level as you head up the Bhote Koshi Valley, once a popular trading route into Tibet. Along the way you pass many prayer flags, mani walls and carved stones, all indicative of the Tibetan Buddhist culture of this area. After descending to the Bhote Koshi the trail climbs steeply to Thame. From here there are good views of the peaks of Teng Kangpoche and Kwangde and to the north is the Nangpa La, the pass leading to Tibet. Thame Gompa is situated above the village overlooking the valley and is the site for the spring celebrations of the Mani Rimdu festival.

Thame to Khumjung [3790m]

Trek from Thame to Khumjung [3790m] and it takes about five hours. You retrace your route down the Bhote Koshi Valley towards Namche and branch off to follow a quiet trail to Khumjung. It is a picturesque village which also has its own Gompa at the top end of town. Here you can have excellent views of Thamserku, Kantega and Ama Dablam.

Khumjung to Dole [4040m]

Trek from Khumjung to Dole [4040m] which takes about five hours. Soon after leaving Khumjung the trail climbs to a large chorten on top of a ridge. This ridge descends from Khumbila, a 5734m peak, said to be the abode of the patron God of the Khumbu region. The trail descends slightly towards the Sanasa and then trail ascends up to Mongla(4000m.). From here, you can see panoramic views of various mountains. You trek steeply descend passing through Phortse Tenga and from there, the trail climbs steeply to Dole, through rhododendron and birch forest festooned with hanging mosses and lichens. You can enjoy delicious meal at Phortse Tenga (3650m.).

Dole to Machhermo [4410m]

Trek from Dole to Machhermo [4410m] and it takes about three hours. From Dole you climb steadily along the side of the valley, where the small and thorny bushes give way to scrub juniper as the altitude increases. The trail passes many summer settlements, which are used when yaks are taken to these pastures to graze in the summer months. Ahead of you are excellent views of Cho Oyu, while back down the valley are the peaks of Kantega and Thamserku. This is a short day and you will arrive at Machhermo in time for lunch.

Machhermo to Gokyo [4750m]

Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo [4750m] which takes about four hours. Today you head for the lakes at Gokyo. You follow a very scenic path to Pangka and then descend slightly, following one of the melt-water Rivers which flow down the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. You climb a steep rocky path inclined into the valley by the side of the glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes. You soon arrive at the second of the lakes, crossing the path which heads across the glacier to Cho La (5420m.) - your route to Lobuche and Everest, later in the trek. The third lake is known as Dudh Pokhari and on its eastern shore is the settlement of Gokyo. Walking by the side of the lake, the scenery is magnificent with the summits of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang reflected in its emerald green waters.

Rest day at Gokyo and excursion

Rest day at Gokyo and excursion in and around Gokyo valley. Gokyo is a trade centre where the Sherpa people run lodges to provide the best services to the trekkers. Gokyo is situated by the side of Ngozumpa glacier, the biggest glacier of Nepal. This day you can make a side trip to Fifth Lake via Forth Lake.

Gokyo to Gokyo Ri [5340m] & Trek back to Machhermo (4410m.)

Trek/climb from Gokyo to Gokyo Ri [5340m] & Trek back to Machhermo (4410m.) via Gokyo village and it takes about four and half hours. Gokyo Ri looms above the village on the northern edge of the lake and you leave camp just after first light, following a steep path up the hillside. As you climb, the summits of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu slowly come into sight and the view from the summit of Gokyo Ri itself, is one of the finest to be had in the Everest region - some say it is even better than that from Kala Patthar. After lunch it is a short walk to the village of Machermo following Dudh Koshi stream. There are yak pastures and few human settlements. From here you can have an excellent view of Tawoche.

Machhermo to Namche Bazaar (3430 m.)

Trek from Machhermo to Namche Bazaar (3430 m.) which takes about six hours. The walk from Machhermo is mostly downhill to Phortsetenga following the forest covered with rhododendron, pine and local incense. After that the trails climb steeply until you reach Monglo, a place with tea shops. The path now descends gently upto Khumjung. To reach Namche you follow flat and then down way to Namche. It grants you panoramic view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. There are also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town.

Namche Bazaar to Surkey (2400m.)

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Surkey (2400m.) and it takes about six hours. The trails descend gently for some distance. En route you pass few villages, terraces and mountain views. From Chhuplung the trails again move down until Surkey via Chaurikharka, a relatively big village mainly inhabited by Sherpa. Moreover, you find mani walls, chorten, monastery and significant Sherpa culture. To describe Surkey, it is apt to mention that it lies at the bottom of hill. It is surrounded by forests covered with pine and oaks

Surkey to Bupsa (2350m) via Phuiyan

Trek from Surkey to Bupsa (2350m) via Phuiyan which takes about five and half hours. To reach Phuiyan La you follow ascend path passing through few trees. The trails now stretch at flat level until you reach Phuiyan. There are human settlements of Rai and Sherpa people. It is surrounded by forests. Leaving this village, you move gently ascend crossing a small stream to reach Kharte Danda. En route, you pass through bamboo and oak forests. Then your journey starts descending until you reach Bupsa. On the way, you find some tea houses and feel exhilarated at the sight of natural vegetation.

Bupsa to Nunthala (2200m.)

Trek from Bupsa to Nunthala (2200m.) and it takes about five and half hours. The early part of your trek upto Kharikhola is steeply descent. Kharikhola is a big village mainly inhabited by Rai, Sherpa and people of other castes. You find terraces, schools and way to Mera Peak used by climbers. The trails now go downwards to Jubing and cross Dudh Koshi over the suspension bridge. Now you begin to follow ascending path passing through forests covered with rhododendron, oaks, pine and other natural vegetation. As you cross forests you see the fields where villagers cultivate wheat, millet, oat, maize, soyabeans and vegetables. These areas are mostly inhabited by Rai. To reach Nunthala, you follow the same ascent path. It is a village occupied by Sherpa, Rai and other castes. There is a handicraft factory where the trekkers can visit.

Nunthala to Junbesi (2675m.)

Trek from Nunthala to Junbesi (2675m.) and it takes about seven hours. This day you begin your trek following steeply ascent path till Trogsindho through forests. There is an old beautiful monastery here. You can enjoy mountain views of Thamserku (6623m.), Kantega (6780m.), Kusum Kangaru (6370m.) and Mera Peak (6650m.). While ascending you cross Trogsindho La. Here you see chorten, mani walls and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. You can enjoy at few tea shops available here. The green scenario compels you to fall in love with nature. Leaving this place, you descend to Ringmu where there is an apple orchard and terraces. Passing through this village, you reach Sallung Danda. Here is situated a cheese factory and you can enjoy views of Everest, Thamserku, Mera Peak, Makalu, Kusum Kantega and local villages at some distance. To reach Junbesi, you have to go down way through bare hill and pine forests before you cross a small stream. Junbesi is a big village which is rich in Sherpa culture. Having monastery, school, hydro power project, communication facilities and fruits and vegetable garden, it has become the remarkable resident area.

Junbesi to Sete (2400m.)

Trek from Junbesi to Sete (2400m.) which takes about six hours. The early part of the trails goes upward and then stretches at flat level till Tractor. You enter a village here with monastery, chorten and terraces. To reach Lamjura pass you follow steeply ascent path crossing forests covered with rhododendron, pine and oak trees. There are few tea shops in and around this area. Now you descend all the way to Sete through rhododendron and oak forests. En route you cross scattered villages. Sete is to be described as small village with chorten, prayer flags and terraces.

Sete to Deurali (2705m.)

Trek from Sete to Deurali (2705m.) and it takes almost six hours. You walk downwards all the way to Kenja (1600m.) passing through villages, terraces and green hills. The Solukhumbu district ends at Kenja and Ramechhap district starts from here. The inhabitants belong to different community. The trails now turn upwards till you reach Bhandar, a beautiful big village with good sceneries, monastery, tea garden, terraces, weekly market and communication facilities. To reach Deurali, you ascend all the way passing through forests covered with oak and other natural vegetation. From here, you enjoy the spectacular view of Gaurishankar. Deurali, a Sherpa village is surrounded by forests. There are chortens, mani walls and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze.

Deurali to Jiri (1905m.)

Trek from Deurali to Jiri (1905m.) which takes approximately six hours. The beginning part of your trek is steeply descent upto Shivalaya through forests, villages and terraces. There has reached motorway upto Shivalaya but there occurs some disruption during monsoon season. This village is densely populated by mixed community. As you cross a stream over a suspension bridge you head upwards for Mali Gaon (Mali village). From here you see green hills and fields where people grow wheat, millet, maize and green vegetables. To reach Mali Danda you walk uphill through forests. From here you can see few mountains at a far distance. Leaving Mali Danda you begin your trek to Jiri following ups and down way. Jiri is a town named after Jirel, the majority people inhabited in and around the town.

Drive from Jiri to Kathmandu

Drive from Jiri to Kathmandu which takes about nine hours.

Day free in Kathmandu

Enjoy a day exploring some of the quieter streets of Kathmandu, stocking up on souvenirs and presents for those back home. This evening you have a farewell dinner, you will be picked up in good time.

Flight Home

You will be met at your hotel and taken to the airport in good time to meet your flight home