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Duration
14 Days
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Difficulty
Slightly-hard
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Max Elevation
5,357 m
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Group Size
1 to 10 Person Person
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Accommodation
Tea House/Lodge
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Start/End
Kathmandu Airport/ Kathmandu
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Destination
Everest Region
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Best Season
Mar - May and Sep - Nov
Gokyo Lakes Trek is one of the most beautiful trekking trails in the Everest region that follows the Dudh Koshi valley and then runs into the serene.
Gokyo valley where a chain of glacial lakes lies in the presence of enormous Himalayan peaks.
Compared to the regular Everest Base Camp trail, the trail traverses smaller Sherpa villages, alpine grazing fields, and glacier scenery, and finally arrives at the blue lakes of Gokyo and the summit viewpoint of Gokyo Ri.
The expedition usually starts with the flight from Kathmandu to Tenzing-Hillary Airport, the entrance to the Khumbu. The path descending out of Lukla to the Dudh Koshi river goes through hamlets such as Cheplung and Ghat, and finally to the small hamlet of Phakding.
This initial portion of the hike is along forested river valleys densely laden with pine, rhododendron, and magnolia. Suspension bridges span the river, and villagers at the upper part of the valley have their supplies being transported up and down the trail by yak caravans.
Days that follow are further within the Sagarmatha National Park, a reserved Himalayan terrain that is reputed with forests, wildlife, and extreme mountainous terrain. The trail ascends slowly up to the Sherpa trade center of Namche Bazaar, which is the biggest town in the area.
Namche is located in a natural amphitheatre at an altitude of approximately 3,440 meters and acts as the business and cultural centre of the Everest region. Trekking equipment and food stores, bakery, and even local markets are still active centers of trading between people who come both to Tibet and the neighboring valleys.
One day of acclimatisation is usually allowed to the trekkers, who then proceed further up the mountains.
Out of Namche the path goes off the usual route north-west to Gokyo valley, the rest of the Everest Base Camp. The trail ascends to tiny Sherpa towns, including Mong and Phortse Thenga.
It cuts through rhododendron bushes and open valleys, providing spectacular Bigger Snowy Mountain views of Himalayan peaks like Ama Dablam, Kangtega, and Thamserku.
Days spent walking at this level take the usual norm of five to seven hours and the altitude increase is rather slow, giving the trekkers time to acclimatize to the thin air.
On the other side of the valley is the little village of Dole. Dole is basically a group of mountain lodges and yak grazing lands where animals are taken by herders during the summer seasons.
The change of landscape starts here. The trees become extinct, and the land turns alpine and rocky.
The atmosphere is colder, and the landscapes are open to high mountains and glacial valleys. This village is the point of entry of the forest mid-hills into the high Himalayan setup.
The second significant point of interest is Machhermo, which is situated at an altitude of approximately 4,470 meters along the Dudh Koshi river valley.
The final permanent place before the Gokyo lakes is Machhermo, which is characterized by small lodges that accommodate trekking crews.
It is common with many trekkers since people can get acclimatised at the altitudes that are above four thousand meters. Medical posts are present here as part of the Himalayan Rescue Association, and they give information about high altitude sickness and the safety of trekkers.
Machhermo turns the landscape drama and a glacial. The path then steadily ascends over small seasonal villages like Pangka and Thanak.
It reaches up to the fringes of the very lengthy Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas. The terrain is dominated by moraine ridges and rocky paths.
The first of the well-known lakes in Gokyo is seen on the way. These glacial waters create an unbroken chain of six turquoise lakes fed with ice and snow melting in the neighboring panorama.
Gokyo has its main settlement next to the third lake, Dudh Pokhari, which is approximately 4,800 meters. There are works of small stone lodges along the lakeside and prayer flags cross the valleys above the water.
Gokyo is a simple and pleasant accommodation. The majority of lodges have twin rooms, common eating areas that have fire stoves made of wood or yak dung.
Basic foods include dal bhat and soups, noodles, potatoes, and tea. Nights at this altitude are chilly and silent, and the glacier and mountains that surround it establish a theatrical backdrop of the Alps.
The early morning summit to Gokyo Ri, a rocky mountain that extends above the village to an approximate height of 5,357 meters, is among the highlights of the trek. The ascending period of the mountain is often pre-sunrise and two-three hours long.
The best panorama in the Himalayas is seen there when one is on top of it. We can see the four highest mountains of the world such as Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Below the entire series of Gokyo lakes can be seen. Across the valley floor runs the gigantic stream of the Ngozumpa Glacier.
Wild animals are sometimes seen on the road, particularly in the lower woods and the alpine plateaus. On rocky areas, Himalayan thar, musk deer, and ghoral are occasionally found.
Birds like the Himalayan monal pheasants are found in the forest areas. The trek is dominated by yak caravans, which is a common aspect of everyday living in the high valleys.
The usual trekking days in the path are five to seven hours of walking in relation to the altitude and the terrain. The walk quite often includes about eighty to ninety kilometres over approximately ten walking days.
The rest days are usually planned in Namche Bazaar. Occasionally, rest days are also spent near Machhermo or Gokyo in order to adjust the trekkers to the altitude.
Even though the Gokyo Lakes Trek takes an average of thirteen days, most trekkers opt to spend more time on the trek. Crossing a high mountain pass, Cho La Pass is one of the most favorite extensions.
The trail then leads to the Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. This extra 2 to 3 days circuit typically transforms a trip into a bigger journey of the Everest region, comprising glaciers, high passes, and base camp vistas. If you want to extend your stay, we, at Nepal Royal Treks will guide you accordingly.
The trip back from Gokyo is usually the same direction through Machhermo, Dole, and Namche. The trail then descends down the Dudh Koshi valley to Lukla. The last day is also capped with a mountain flight back to Kathmandu.
The Gokyo route is unique because there is a combination of scenes and serenity. The valley of Gokyo is less crowded and less bustling compared to the crowded trail of the Everest Base Camp.
The way is a combination of Sherpa culture, alpine lakes, glacier scenery as well as the finest mountain scenery in the Himalayas. It is one of the most fulfilling treks in Nepal.
This is one of the reasons why trekkers who seek a scenic Everest region will go there. The trek also provides some flexibility to the traveller who wishes to have a longer journey to the Himalayas.
There is the option to cross on the high pass onwards to Everest Base Camp or enjoy other high passes organized by the local company like Nepal Royal Treks.
Trip Highlights
- Hike the line of sacred mountain lakes, with their clean blue water and decoration of prayer-flags. Pilgrims and travellers are lingering about, in a peaceful highland oasis in the middle of the Himalayas.
- Wake up early and go up Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) to have a panoramic sunrise view. The 360 Degree perspective covers Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu, which are above Ngozumpa Glacier. To a great number, this perspective is even more spectacular than the traditional Everest Base Camp perspective.
- Cross the lateral moraine of the longest glacier in Nepal, Ngozumpa Glacier. It is a very distinct glacial landscape in the Everest region looking down upon the river of ice rushing slowly down to lower valleys.
- Remain in old Sherpa settlements such as Namche Bazaar and Khumjung. The carved mani stones, colorful chortens and the hospitality of teahouse lodges are worth admiring. Monasteries and festivals here celebrate a mixture of the Tibetan Buddhism and mountain culture.
- There will be dozens of Himalayan giants on the clear days. Besides Everest (8,849 m) and the pyramid of the Mt. Ama Dablam, the wide bulk of Makalu and Cho Oyu stand out in the skyline.
- Start and finish your adventure with one of the most dramatic flights ever in the world. Lukla airport (2,840 m) is tiny, and in a location that is precariously placed on the ridge of a mountain which creates extreme views of the Khumbu peaks and valleys when landing and taking off.
- The path on the bottom leads through rhododendron and pine forests. Hiking in the spring entails the season of flowers. There is a possibility of seeing timid animals like musk deer, Himalayan tahr and birds like the pheasant and monal; the ecosystem is conserved by Sagarmatha National Park.
- The Gokyo trail is an extremely untravelled route compared to the traditional Everest Base Camp trail. This is more freedom, fewer teahouses and a sense of actual wildness.
- Other than the Gokyo Ri there are shorter high view points such as the Bangla near Namche or minor passes above Dole that offer new views of Everest and the nearby mountains.
- The increasingly rising camps make you feel as though you have made some progress every days you ascend higher and the air becomes more thin, with its ultimate concluding in the peaceful lake camp at Gokyo. Dal Bhat and Noodle Soups will keep you warm even at 4,700m.
Gokyo Lakes Trek — 14 Days ~ Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at Kathmandu Airport - Welcome to Nepal
- Altitude: 1,350m
- Drive Distance: 6 Km
- Drive time: 25 mins
- Accommodation: Three star standard hotel
Once you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal Royal Tourism will be there to greet you. After you complete your visa formalities and collect your baggage, you will be taken to your hotel located in Thamel. The drive will be a sneak peek into Nepal’s rich culture, bustling streets, and Himalayan lifestyle. After settling down in your room, you may either take a nap to recover from your international flight or visit the nearby areas such as Thamel which is a favorite spot of tourists and full of trekking gear shops, places to eat, and other cultural sites.
Later in the evening, your trekking guide will hold a briefing session where the entire Gokyo Valley Trek itinerary, safety guidelines, altitude acclimatization, and required trekking gear will be presented. This day is very important for rest, orientation, and planning for your upcoming adventure in the Everest region.
Day 2
Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and Trek to Phakding
- Altitude Lukla: 2,860 m
- Altitude Phakding: 2,610 m
- Drive Distance: 6 Km
- Drive time: 25 mins
- Flight time: 35 Mins
- Trek Distance: 8 Km
- Trek Duration: 4-5 Hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea House
On this day you fly to Lukla early in the morning, a very beautiful mountain flight. The Lukla airport is known to be one of the most dangerous airports in the world. During the flight, you will see a great spectacle of snow-covered peaks and vast valleys. After gathering your trekking group at the airport, you will head to the Everest region. You will descend slowly on a path flanked by Sherpa villages, prayer wheels, mani walls, and forests.
Your walk along the Dudh Koshi River will include crossing suspension bridges decked with prayer flags. In this walk, you will see quiet villages, farmland, and other natural landscapes that familiarize you with the Himalayas. Phakding is a nice small village on the river where you will spend the night in a teahouse. The roaring of the river and the mountains around it make it a great first night of trekking.
Day 3
Phakding to Namche Bazzar
- Altitude Namche: 3,440 m
- Trek Distance: 11 Km
- Trek Duration: 6-7 Hours
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea House
This trip will take you farther into the Everest region today as you make your way to Namche Bazaar, the major trading center of the Khumbu region. The path follows the Dudh Koshi River and winds through thick pine forests and crosses a number of suspension bridges, among which the famous Hillary Bridge is included. Once you have entered Sagarmatha National Park, the path will get steeper, providing you with the first significant challenge of the trek. While you huff and puff your way up, you may even see Mount Everest for the first time in the distance.
Slowly, Namche Bazaar will come into view, shaped like a horseshoe and consisting of buildings on the mountainside. This lively Sherpa town is a hub of bakeries, shops, cafes, monasteries, and trekking gear stores. Besides, it is the main acclimatization point of the trek, where trekkers rest and adjust to higher altitude.
Day 4
Acclimization in Namche Bazaar
- Max altitude: 3880m
- Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
- Trek Distance: 5-6 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Namche
This is a rest day so that your body can slowly adjust to the altitude. In the morning, you can take a stroll to around the Hotels, which is at 3,880m or visit the observation points that are nearby to capture mornings of Mt. Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. At your convenience, you can go to the Sherpa village of Khumjung (3,790 m) and the monastery of the village. Then go back to Namche and have lunch. Go to the market and in the museum in the afternoon. The high altitude area of Namche and the perspectives provide you with even more beautiful scenery making it one of the best high towns in Nepal.
Day 5
Trek to Dole from Namche
- Altitude Dole: 4,038 m
- Trek Distance: 12 Km
- Trek Duration: 6-7 Hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea House
The trail will lead you to areas of higher alpine terrain. Next, you will step aside from the main Everest Base Camp trail and find yourself on a less crowded and quieter trail leading to the Gokyo Valley. Gradually, the path ascends through rhododendron forests and along scenic ridges, presenting you with magnificent views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku throughout. You even get a chance to meet the local Sherpa people as you go through their villages like Kyangjuma and Mong La where there are viewpoints as well as places where you can rest during the trek.
The path goes down a bit before climbing once more through serene forests abundant in wildlife and birds. Your surroundings will gradually take a turn for the better, becoming more rugged and alpine, as you go high up. At the end of the day, you find yourself in Dole, which is a tiny village encompassed by the mountains and yak pastures. This remote settlement offers a quiet atmosphere and stunning natural beauty, making it an ideal location for resting and acclimatizing in the high Himalayas.
Day 6
Trek to Machhermo from Dole
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- Altitude Machhermo: 4,470 m
- Trek Distance: 5 Km
- Trek Duration: 3-4 Hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea House
Dole to Machhermo is a continuation through stunning alpine settings, wide-open valleys, and luxuriant yak pastures. As you make your way uphill, the foliage disappears and the scenery turns more impressive. You will cross paths with several mountain villages including Lhabarma and Luza where houses are made out of stones traditionally and are surrounded by the imposing mountain landscape. Trekkers relish the chance to spot Cho Oyu and the nearby peaks from vantage points along the route. In fact, Machhermo is a small Sherpa settlement that is most well-known for its mountain rescue post which is the chief place to look for information about altitude sickness and general safety in the area.
Besides, the region has a lore of yeti sightings, which add another layer to the cultural experience of the trek. When you arrive, feel free to chill out in a teahouse, savor hot meals, and get yourself ready for the next challenge of the higher altitude. The evening will offer a picture-perfect sunset view over the Himalayas.
Day 7
Trek to Gokyo from Machhermo
- Altitude Gokyo: 4,750 m
- Trek Distance: 5 Km
- Trek Duration: 3-4 Hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea House
A big day of trekking! The day that you will enter the stunning Gokyo Valley usually is very exciting for all the trekkers. The path to Gokyo climbs slowly at first while you can enjoy the rugged terrain and glacier-fed landscapes. Besides the amazing scenery, you will be seeing the moraine of the giant Ngozumpa Glacier, which is the longest glacier in Nepal and gives the environment a dramatic and stunning effect. The views of the scenery will get better and better until you see the snow-capped mountain peaks and the blue-green lakes that lie at the base of the mountains. The further you get to Gokyo, the more of the Gokyo Lakes system you will be able to see, including the third lake, beside which the village is situated, a very beautiful location and one of the best sights in the whole Everest region.
Once you reach here, take a rest and maybe walk around the Gokyo Lake area. As well as the beautiful and quiet setting that is perfect for a break, the amazing scenery makes Gokyo one of the top points of the whole trek.
Day 8
Trek to Gokyo - Ri and return back To Gokyo
- Altitude Gokyo- Ri : 5,357 m
- Trek Distance: 10 Km
- Trek Duration: 6-7 Hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea House
The day will start early, and then you will start the hike up Gokyo Ri, which is a tough but one of the best views of the Himalayas. It might be a difficult climb, but seeing Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu one after another will compensate. When the sun rises, the snow-covered peaks are lit up with the golden color of the sunrise, and the whole area looks breathtaking. After the break at the summit, descend carefully to Gokyo village. After that, you can just take a rest, or take some pictures and/or have a look at the glacial lakes. The calm woods and proximity to the mountains at Gokyo makes trekkers want to stay there for a long time. This is the best day since it is a combination of the excitement of face-to-face with the natural wonders, short-term exposure to the high altitude, and the beautiful Himalayas scenery.
Day 9
Rest in Gokyo
- Max altitude : 4000 m
- Trek Duration: 2-4 hours
- Trek Distance: Depends on Hike
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse
Take a leisurely day in the Gokyo Valley. You can rest at the village, or do a small hike to nearby high points. Many trekkers walk up to the 4th lake (Thonak Chö) for a close look, or hike to Renjo La ridge. This day helps recover from yesterday’s climb. You could also get a chance to see Wildlife like mountain goats or pheasants. Otherwise, enjoy views of Cho Oyu and the glacier from Gokyo village itself.
Day 10
Trek to Phortse Tenga from Gokyo Valley
- Altitude Phortse Tenga: 3,840 m
- Trek Distance: 16.5 Km
- Trek Duration: 6-7 Hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea House
Taking your separate ways from Gokyo, the path goes downhill through alpine landscape and glacial valleys again. The trail is accompanied by beautiful scenes of mountains, frozen rivers, and the vast expanse of the countryside. You will walk through yak farms as well as small villages on the way. The going down offers you a new Everest region experience as you will be changing from mountain vegetation to warmer surroundings. Phortse is a traditional Sherpa village with culture, farming lifestyle, and peaceful environment rarely visited by tourists. Here you find the atmosphere of a Sherpa village and the authentic Himalayan life. In the evening, you will have time to spend with the locals, go for a stroll around the village, and even have dinner while in a teahouse.
Day 11
Trek back to Monju from Phortse Tenga
- Altitude Namche: 2835 m
- Trek Distance: 16 Km
- Trek Duration: 6-7Hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea House
The path today still goes downhill through forests, rivers, and Sherpa settlements. You are partly retracing your previous path but from fresh angles and perspectives of the landscape. You will see prayer flags, mani walls, and suspension bridges along the way that will take you over the Dudh Koshi River. Once you get to Namche Bazaar and the Monju, things are lively again with many cafes, shops, and other fellow trekkers. Going back to Namche after a few days in remote alpine terrain is indeed a good feeling. You may want to recharge your batteries by having some bakery items or visiting some local attractions like the Sherpa Museum. Compared to the higher villages, the town offers modern comforts, so it becomes a perfect place for recovery and celebrating the feat of trekking.
Day 12
Trek from Monju to Lukla
- Altitude : 2,860m
- Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
- Trek Distance: 13 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Lukla
The last day of trekking is a return trip to Lukla. The path leads through familiar areas like forests, villages, and rivers. Although descending is a bit of a challenge, the route is packed with memories of your whole experience along the Gokyo Valley. You go by Phakding and a number of small communities before reaching Lukla.
Once you get there, you can kick back and toast your trekking completion together with your guide and porter team. Usually, this night features a farewell dinner where the support team is thanked for the great work. Lukla is well equipped with basic facilities, shops, and teahouses, so you can rest comfortably before your flight back to Kathmandu.
Day 13
Lukla to Kathmandu
- Altitude: 1350 m
- Flight time: 35 Mins
- Drive Distance: 6 Km
- Drive time: 25 mins
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Accommodation: Three-star standrd hotel
The scenic flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla will take place in the morning. Your flight will give you one last chance to see the Himalayan peaks from above. When you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, our team will bring you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your disposal for rest, buying souvenirs, spa treatments, or visiting the heritage sites of Kathmandu Valley. This is also a great moment to contemplate your trekking experiences and take pictures of Nepal for the last time.
Day 14
Final Departure
Depending on your flight schedule, you might have some leisure time to further explore Kathmandu after breakfast. One of our team members will then accompany you to the airport a few hours before your departure time, carrying with you unforgettable memories from your Gokyo Lakes trek. As your reliable travel partner, Nepal Royal Tourism Holiday (www.nepalroyaltreks.com), we’re thankful for the opportunity to have shared this extraordinary journey with you. Until we meet again, travel safely!
Gokyo Lakes Trek — 14 Days Fixed Departures Dates
Trip Cost Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- All domestic transportation, Kathmandu– Lukla –Kathmandu flights and airport transfers in Kathmandu.
- The accommodation will include two sharing a hotel room (with breakfast) in Kathmandu and plain rooms in teahouses during the trek. (Three star category)
- Each of the meals on the trek would include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and all of them would consist of plentiful Nepali and Western cuisine at the teahouses.
- The group will be led by an experienced, licensed guide that speaks English as well as have a ratio of one porter to every two trekkers.
- Sagarmatha National Park permit & TIMS card (trekking permit) for the Gokyo area.
- Trekking rental sleeping bag and duffel bag, which must be returned at the end of the trek.
- Trekking map and trekking itinerary booklet.
- Complimentary Nepal Royal Treks T-shirt and completion certificate.
- All Government taxes and service charges during the trek.
Cost Excludes
- Air ticket (international) Kathmandu to/from, visa charges (available on arrival).
- Travel/medical insurance (with the emergency helicopter evacuation highly advised).
- Additional services including, additional porters of the standard ratio, charge of hot shower, Wi-Fi.
- Guide, Service and Porter Tips.
- Any expenses incurred as a result of weather delay, change of itinerary due to safety or any other unexpected circumstances.
Trip Photo/Video Gallery
Route Map for Gokyo Lakes Trek — 14 Days
Frequently Asked Questions
Trails are not technical, but long days and higher camps above 4,000 m make it physically demanding. Pace slowly and take the acclimatisation days seriously.
Most do 10 to 13 days including the Lukla flights and a rest day at Namche. A 13 day plan gives breathing room for weather and easier acclimatisation.
The main high point is Gokyo Ri at about 5,357 m. The sunrise panorama from the ridge is to die for.
You need the Sagarmatha park permit and TIMS. The route sits inside Sagarmatha National Park; Nepal Royal Treks will arrange permits before you leave Kathmandu.
From the main viewpoint you can see pick out Mount Everest among the skyline along with Lhotse and Cho Oyu.
The stay is usually Teahouse style. Expect twin rooms, shared bathrooms, a wood or yak dung stove in the dining room, and simple hot meals like dal bhat and soups.
Yes. It is common to link over the Cho La Pass into the Everest Base Camp trail. That usually adds 2–3 days and more technical walking. We, Nepal Royal Treks will plan the extension safely.
If you are not used to travel or trek in higher altitude, it can be a concern. . Follow the itinerary, hydrate, eat, sleep, and tell your guide immediately if you have persistent headache, nausea or breathlessness
Flights to and from Tenzing-Hillary Airport are weather dependent and often scheduled early mornings. Delays or backups occur in poor weather, so sensible itineraries will include buffer days or flexible return plans.
Yes. Travel insurance that covers high altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation is strongly recommended.
Warm down jacket, layered clothing, waterproof shell, good boots, sleeping bag for subzero temps, tons of socks, trekking poles and sun protection. Make sure to Pack light but bring rain and cold protection.
The route passes through forests, glacier valleys and alpine terrain where trekkers sometimes see Himalayan thar, musk deer and high altitude bird species.
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Gokyo Lakes Trek — 14 Days
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Anna F
at 12:56 pm
Memorable and life-changing experience of Nepal and Nepali people.
Life changing experience. Amazing natures and views, majestic! Great interactions with local people, they’re just wonderful people. Greatest guide in the world is Mr. Lakpa Sherpa. Thank you Nepal Royal for all the hospitality and services.