may 28 - Phortse to Dole - This is the best place to stop, but if we are up to it we could continue after lunch.
May 29th - Dole (13,800 ft) to Machhermo (14, 700 ft) After breakfast we will continue up the valley as it gradually climbs upward toward the Ngozumpa Glacier. There are quite a few peaks that feed this glacier, but the highest is Cho Oyu (26, 500 ft) This 8000m peak is known as "The Turquoise Goddess" and is the easiest of the 8000m peaks to climb. Usually climbed from the Tibetan side, but there still might be expeditions heading off to try climbing the more challenging Nepali route. As we walk along we will be looking acroos the valley at the many glaciers and peaks. The trail on this section is usually quite, sunny and warm with direct sunlight most of the day. Our goal for the day is the village of Machhermo that sits at the entrance to a beautifule valley that ends in a waterfall of great height.
May 30th - Machhermo (14,700 ft) to Gokyo Village (15,715 ft) 4 hours
Getting an early start, we hike further up the valley, high above the glacial moraine crossing a river and then onto the Gokuo valley. Once on the valley floor, will see a string of crystal blue and emeral green lakes. During the late spring, high mountain flowers will be in bloom and ducks will have returned to the lakes for the summer. We continue until we reach Gokyo village.
May 31st - Gokyo Valley, (15,714 ft) Today is summit day and we should get up at 5:30 am. We can eat and then get an early start for the 2 hour hike up and 1.5 hour hike down. Gokyo Ri (18,300 ft) to witness the sun rising over Mount Everest and most of Nepal's Himalayan Mountain Range. After lunch, we can take a couple of short hikes. One will take us the edge of the glaciaer moraine to have a look at the Ngozumpa Glacier, the other will be a hike to explore the shoreline of the 3rd lake, closest to the village. If we are motivated we could hike up to the top of Gokyo Ri for a sunset photo.
June 1st - Gokyo Valley to Machhermo 2 hours. After breakfast will we depart from Gokyo back down the valley. We will be acclimatized and the walk will seem very easy. The trail will fly as the air gets more oxygentated with every step to a lower altitude. We will stop in Machhermo again for the night sot that we can take a much needed bath.
June 2nd - Machhermo to Khumjung- 6 hours. Today the trail starts to get steeper as we head to the Sherpa village of Khumjung. This village hasn't exploded into a tourist trap. The Sherpa people of this village are very traditional and like it that way. The women do the bulk of the work, planting potato crops and small gardens in their yards growing leafy greens to supplement their diet.
