Gokyo Valley Trek

Trekking time: 3 to 4 hours. We drive to the airport early in the morning for our flight to Lukla. The 35-minute flight provides views of panoramic peaks. After the flight we walk through Sherpa villages, green vegetation and high cultivation. A few hours through scattered villages and yak herders' camps leads us to Phakding. Overnight at Phakding.

Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours. We cross suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River around five times, with views of mountains such as Mt Thamserku. We then climb to Namche Bazaar through pine forest and alpine flowers. After the first view of Everest from Top Danda, we trek uphill for the next ninety minutes through pine forest to Namche Bazaar. Overnight stay at Namche.

A rest day during a trek means hiking to a higher elevation and coming back down for proper acclimatisation. Explore Khumjung, Thamo or Khunde village above Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar itself is a tourist shopping hub with all the required trekking and mountaineering clothing and equipment. Overnight stay at Namche.

Trekking time: 6 hours. We follow a gradual trail with a few short ups and downs, overlooking magnificent views of the great snow peaks. After Sanasa we climb to Mong La (4,010 m) and then go down to Phortse Tenga. The day involves a long, tiring uphill trek through forests of pine, oak and rhododendron all the way to Dole. Overnight stay at Dole.

Trekking time: 4 to 5 hours. After breakfast we climb for thirty minutes on an open hill to the scenic ridge above Dole. We walk along alpine meadows with yaks, highland birds and flowers, with Mt Cho Oyu (8,153 m) in view. After a short break at Luza, we continue climbing along the side of the valley high above the river to Machhermo. Overnight at Machhermo.

Trekking time: 3 to 4 hours. One hour on the trail through elevated grazing lands takes us to Phanga, where we see the memorials of people who lost their lives in landslides in the region. After passing waterfalls, the water from the Gokyo lakes meets us at the first lake, then the second lake, then the third lake – Gokyo Lake itself – surrounded by mountains. We settle in at Gokyo.

Trekking time: 4 to 5 hours. The views around Gokyo are truly beautiful. After 45 minutes' walk we rest, and another hour and forty-five minutes brings us to the Fifth Lake of Gokyo, with a spectacular view of Mt Everest. The Fifth Lake is also popular for views of the north and south slopes of Everest. We trek back along the same trail to the third lake for the overnight stay.

Trekking time: 2 to 3 hours. We ascend to Gokyo Ri, about 2 to 3 hours' walk. From there you have a panorama of four 8,000 m peaks of the Himalayas: Mt Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Makalu. We retrace our way back to Gokyo for the overnight stay.

Trekking time: 4 to 5 hours. After breakfast we walk downhill along the Dudh Koshi River, passing the second and first lakes of Gokyo. The trail descends to Phanga and then to the village of Machhermo, with magnificent Himalayan peaks such as Mt Thamserku, Mt Cho Oyu and Kangtega on the way. Another hour's walk takes us to Dole, where we stay the night.

Trekking time: 4 to 5 hours. Today's trek goes through forests of pine, oak and rhododendron all the way to Namche. On the way you may spot mountain goat, musk deer, pheasant and more. We look back to see Lhotse, Tengboche and Everest one last time before reaching Namche for the overnight stay.

Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours. After breakfast we walk to Phakding through Sherpa villages, green vegetation and high cultivation, past scattered villages and yak herders' camps. Overnight at Phakding.

Trekking time: 3 to 4 hours. The last day of our trek. Following the trail downhill and uphill through Sherpa villages, we finally reach Lukla. Overnight stay at Lukla.

The flight back to Kathmandu leaves before 10:00 am, although it can change according to weather conditions. In Kathmandu you can reflect on your experience, put your feet up and relax.