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Gokyo-Kongde Lake

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Trip Overview

Level 12/20 12 days of trekking with regular stages of 4 to 6 hours, except for the day crossing the Renjo La pass (7 to 8 hours).

For all mountain lovers, the dream of seeing Everest, the roof of the world, and its giant satellite peaks that populate the Khumbu region of the legendary Sherpas is always in the back of our minds. However, the harsh climate and lack of comfort have deterred many. Those days are over, as Sherpa entrepreneurs have built a chain of hotels at very high altitudes with every possible comfort. This trek is not entirely comfortable, and for four stages you will have to make do with standard lodges. However, you will visit the turquoise waters of Gokyo Lakes, and the ascent of Gokyo Ri offers a superb panoramic view of several 8,000-meter peaks: Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu. The return journey takes you over the Renjo Pass before descending to Thame via the valley leading to the Nangpa La, the legendary pass between Tibet and Nepal. The highlight is the visit to Kongde, a veritable eagle’s nest at the foot of the mountain range of the same name, overlooking the entire region. The descent to Lukla involves a 1600m drop to Phakding and then follows the Milk River.

Highlights

  • 8 nights in luxurious YMH lodges
  • A loop tour through the Gokyo Valley and its turquoise lakes, returning to Thame
  • Stunning panoramic views from the summits of Gokyo Ri and Renjo La

Itinerary

1 Arrival in Kathmandu.
After your visa and customs formalities, baggage claim and you will be met at the airport exit by a representative from the agency. Transfer to the hotel.
2 Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2850m).
A 40-minute flight in a Twin Otter from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway to the Khumbu region. We meet our local staff at the airport exit, and after a brief introduction and the distribution of loads among the porters, the trek begins. Trek to Phakding (2600m). 3 hours. The trail crosses Lukla along the main street lined with lodges and shops, and at the edge of the village, begins a steep descent towards a river with Kusum Kanguru (6367m) as a backdrop. The path then climbs slightly, skirting a ridge to reach Ghat on the banks of the Dudh Kosi River, the "milk river" due to its whitish color. The trail then follows a series of typical Nepalese ascents and descents before finally arriving in Phakding.
3 Trek Phakding – Namche Bazar (3440m). 6am
The trail continues north up the Dudh Kosi valley, climbing through cultivated fields to Benkar with its enormous carved boulder in the middle of the path. The trail then continues its ascent through a wooded area of ​​rhododendrons, magnolias, and fir trees. Soon, Mount Thamserku comes into view, and we enter Sagarmatha National Park at Jorsale. Crossing a suspension bridge high above the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and Bhote Kosi rivers, the trail continues a long and steep climb to a ridge offering views of the Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse peaks. The trail continues its ascent through the forest to Namche, a protected settlement nestled in a natural amphitheater.
4. Acclimatization around Namche Bazaar (3440m). 4 hours
Given the significant altitude gain and the fact that the following days will take us even higher, this day is dedicated to acclimatization. Optional activities include either rest and strolling through the bazaar with its shops reminiscent of Thamel, or a hike in the hills to visit the villages of Shyangboche and its small airstrip, as well as the Kunde hospital.
5 Trek Namche Bazar – Thengboche (3860m). 5am
We set off on a wide path that leads us to the edge of Namche. At the top of the climb, the peaks unfold one after another: Thamserku, Kangtaiga, Ama Dablam, Lhotse Shar, Tawoche… The path continues to ascend, passing stones engraved with mantras at Sanasa, a small hamlet inhabited by Tibetans. The trail descends steadily to Teshinga, then more steeply to Phunki Thangkha at 3250m, a small hamlet with numerous prayer wheels powered by the waters of the Dudh Kosi. After a picnic lunch, the path resumes its steep climb, then becomes more gradual as it winds through the forest along the hillside to a plateau at the summit where the Thengboche monastery stands, nestled in a clearing surrounded by rhododendrons and dwarf firs. From this point the view is fantastic: Kwangde (6187m), Tawoche (6542m), Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7855m), Lhotse (8616m), Ama Dablam (6856m), Kangtega (6779m) and Thamserku (6608m).
6 Trek Thengboche – Dole (4100m). 5am
We descend into a dense, wild forest to reach the Imja Khola River, which we cross to ascend to Phortse, off the beaten track. After a picnic lunch in the village, we cross the Dudh Kosi River to emerge at Phortse Thangkha and rejoin the main trail of the Gokyo Valley. From this village, the path climbs steeply out of the valley, winding through forests of rhododendrons, then junipers and conifers as the altitude increases. This section of the trek is particularly beautiful during the spring bloom. Passing through the villages of Tongba and Gyele, we arrive in Dole.
7 Trek Dole – Machermo (4410m). 3h30
The trail continues its slow ascent, always on the right bank of the Dudh Kosi, passing Lhabarma at 4220m and Luza at 4360m, amidst juniper trees and pastures. The path continues to climb along the valley, high above the river, crossing sandy spurs before arriving at Machermo.
8 Trek Machermo – Gokyo Lakes (4750m). 5am
Leaving Machermo, the trail climbs a ridge offering a superb view of the valley below and Cho Oyu (8153m). The valley then widens at Pangka at 4390m and descends to the riverbank before ascending the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. The climb up the moraine is steep alongside the stream to the first lake at 4650m. A gentle uphill slope then follows the valley to a second lake at 4690m, and finally across a rocky outcrop before arriving at Gokyo: pastures enclosed by stone walls on the shores of a large lake, a place reminiscent of an abandoned summer resort.
9 Ascent of Gokyo Ri (5280m) – Gokyo Lakes (4750m). 4/5h
To enjoy the superb panorama, we undertake the 2-hour climb up this slope, and at the summit, the reward awaits: Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, and Tawoche. We then descend to the lake and stroll around Gokyo.
10 Gokyo Lakes Trek – Renjo La (5340m) – Lengden (4380m). 6/8h
The trail skirts the lake completely, climbing steadily up grassy slopes at first. The incline then becomes steeper, and the terrain changes to rocky slopes or scree before the Renjo Pass. Just before the summit, the path becomes more challenging and requires careful attention. Your efforts are rewarded with a superb view from the pass, encompassing, from west to east: Tengi Ragi Tau, Rolwaling Himal, Lake Rermo, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and the Gokyo Lakes! A large stone staircase descends to the alpine meadows and Lake Rermo. The beginning of the descent, in difficult weather conditions, requires extra care for the porters. Overnight stay in Lengden, the first village in the valley.
11 Trek Lengden – Thame (3800m)4h
The trail continues its descent along the left bank of the Bhote Kosi River through alpine meadows and passes through the village of Marulung at 4210m. We cross to the other side via a bridge as the descent continues, and we must cross a tributary before reaching Taranga. A kilometer further on, we cross another stream and, still on the right bank, arrive at Thame. This route is used by Sherpas who trade with Tibet via the Nangpa La pass, and it is not uncommon to encounter yak caravans. Thame is the village where some of the great Sherpas who climbed Everest, such as Ang Rita and Appa, were born.
12 Trek Thame – Kongde (4250m)7h
Today's stage is the longest and also the most physically demanding. There are no places to eat along the way, so we'll carry a picnic. The path descends gently along the right bank of the Bhote Kosi River, passing the small power station before reaching Pare, winding through forests of pine, rhododendron, and bamboo. The trail is wild and climbs high above the valley, offering superb views of Namche Bazaar. For our picnic break, we find a very pleasant spot with three round stones serving as tables and a beautiful viewpoint. After the break, the trail climbs steeply for an hour before emerging at the Yeti Mountain Home in Kongde, a hotel built right at the foot of the east face of the enormous Kongde Mountain Icefall. This establishment is certainly one of the best at this altitude, offering a superb panorama.
13 Around Kongde.
We're going to spend the day at this extraordinary site, marveling at these fantastic panoramas. This little eagle's nest
14 Trek Kongde – Phakding (2600m) 3h
Today we're getting up early to enjoy one last breathtaking sunrise over the surrounding mountains, and since the descent is short, we won't leave until after lunch. The trail is all downhill, with a loss of 1600 meters in elevation. The path is narrow and rocky, and we'll soon find ourselves back at the comfortable accommodation we used on the way up.
15 Trek Phakding – Lukla (2850m) 3h
We take the same path we used on the way up, descending along the Dudh Kosi to Ghat, where we cross the river with the Kusum Kanguru in front of us. The final stretch is uphill to the hotel in Lukla.
Flight 16 Lukla – Kathmandu
Early in the morning, we head to the airport for a 40-minute return flight on a Twin Otter to the capital. Planes come and go, bringing in new trekkers, supplying hotels, and taking trekkers back down. Back to the hustle and bustle of the capital, we transfer to the hotel for a nice hot shower.
17 Kathmandu Valley
Today we set off to explore the Kathmandu Valley, starting with the charming city of Bhaktapur, "the city of devotees," the jewel of the valley with its countless temples and scenes of rural life. After lunch, we return to Kathmandu, visiting the Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, where all Hindus are cremated. Then we continue to the enormous Buddhist stupa of Bodhnath, where Tibetan pilgrims tirelessly circle the stupa, spinning prayer wheels and reciting their rosaries. What an atmosphere!
18 Departure from Kathmandu
Depending on flight times, it will be possible to do some last-minute shopping before heading to the airport for the return flight.

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