One of our favourite Himalayan adventures is now available as a special edition women-only departure. Following the same much-loved itinerary through the Everest region and the sacred lakes of Gokyo, this trek combines spectacular scenery, rich local culture and the rewards of a well-paced high-altitude adventure.

Led by Megan Davidson, this women-only group offers a supportive and memorable way to experience one of Nepal’s most remarkable trekking regions.

You will be accompanied by Megan Davidson, a Back Track trek leader since 2005. For over 20 years, Megan has led treks to Everest Base Camp, Gokyo lakes, the Kokoda Track, Mt Kilimanjaro and the Inca trail in Peru. She loves sharing the joy of hiking the world.
You’ll also be supported by an experienced team of local guides and porters. Our team is dedicated, hardworking and super friendly. They provide not only a safe trekking experience, but a fun-filled cultural interaction.

The Mt Everest region in Nepal is one of the world’s great trekking destinations, and the Gokyo Valley is one of its true highlights. With spectacular mountain views, sacred high-altitude lakes, rich Sherpa culture and some of the finest trekking terrain in the Himalaya, this journey offers an unforgettable experience from start to finish.

This itinerary allows the Gokyo Valley the time it deserves, with seven days to explore its rarely visited upper reaches. Along the way, you’ll enjoy repeated views of Mt Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and Makalu, trek beside the longest glacier in Nepal, visit five sacred lakes, climb to a 5,360m vantage point and cross a 5,417m pass into a remote valley.

A slow, safe and sensible rate of ascent is built into the trek, with short days early on to support gradual acclimatisation. You’ll stay in traditional Sherpa guesthouses renowned for their hospitality, and be accompanied by an experienced Australian trek leader plus a local crew of professional guides and porters.

Access your Trekking in Nepal: Clothing, Equipment & Luggage Guide here

Access your Trekking in Nepal: Predeparture Information Guide here

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, a Back Track representative will greet and transfer you to the International Guest House.

This morning, we will escort you on a private guided tour of the Hindu Pashupatinath Temple and the Buddhist Boudhanath Stupa for a fascinating glimpse of the rich religious traditions of the local inhabitants. In the early afternoon, Back Track will conduct a pre-trek briefing in our hotel. This evening, we invite you to join us for a welcome dinner. (B-D)

This morning, at a time to be advised, we will depart Kathmandu for the drive to Ramechhap. Accommodation will be a hotel close to the airport. (B-L)

Begin the trek with a spectacular mountain flight to Lukla (2860m). After landing, we’ll meet our crew and porters before setting off on the first of two easy, leisurely days on a wide, level trail along the Dudh Kosi Valley. Our lodge is in the large Sherpa village of Phakdingma. (B-L-D)

A half-day walk to assist in essential acclimatisation. We pass many porters, donkeys and yaks carrying local trade goods and expedition equipment. The pine and rhododendron forests that surround the trail provide cooling shade. After lunch, we do an acclimatisation walk from our lodge. (B-L-D)

We arrive at the iconic Namche Bazaar, the largest village in the Khumbu region, renowned for its vibrant markets and breathtaking views. Our lodge is conveniently located a short walk from the National Park Headquarters and the Mountaineers Museum. (B-L-D)

Today is dedicated to acclimatisation. Explore the area with several rewarding side treks, such as the popular visit to the Everest View Hotel at (3,880m) where panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse and other Himalayan Peaks await. (B-L-D)

Today’s trek is a gradual climb with a focus on acclimatisation. The morning offers stunning mountain views as we follow a level trail from Namche Bazaar, eventually ascending to our lunch spot at Mong La. From there, we descend to our lodge near the Dudh Kosi River. (B-L-D)

Another short day to assist in acclimatisation

The trail climbs through impressive rhododendron forests before reaching yak grazing pastures and the small settlement of Dole in time for lunch. In the afternoon there will be a short walk to assist acclimatisation. (B-L-D)

The trail proceeds up the Gokyo Valley with stunning scenery on both sides of the valley. Machhermo Village is reached late in the morning. In the afternoon there will be a short walk to assist acclimatisation. (B-L-D)

The valley widens as we approach the snout of the massive Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal. The trail levels out as we pass three lakes to reach our lodge on the shore of the third lake, called Dudh Pokhari. (B-L-D)

After an early breakfast, we trek north along the Ngozumpa Glacier, aiming to reach the fifth lake (4,975m). From here, you’ll enjoy exceptional views of Mount Everest and surrounding peaks. We’ll return to Gokyo by mid-afternoon after a packed lunch. (B-L-D)

We take an optional pre-breakfast trek up to Gokyo Ri (5360m), a small peak. The views from here rank with any that trekkers may encounter in Nepal. We get memorable views of four 8000m peaks – Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu plus the 3 sacred lakes to the south. We return to our lodge for lunch. The afternoon is free to relax. (B-L-D)

We start early for a challenging day. The trail climbs steeply past rock cairns, reaching Renjo La (5,360m) in about 3 hours. The views from the pass are stunning, including a majestic view of Mount Everest. We then descend to a lake and follow a wide trail down the Bhote Kosi Valley, passing yak grazing areas and small settlements before arriving at Marulung. (B-L-D)

Note: Crossing Renjo La will only be attempted if weather and trail conditions are ideal. There is an alternative trail available if necessary.

We continue descending the Bhote Kosi Valley, appreciating the warmer temperatures and increased oxygen after days spent above 4,000m. After a comfortable lunch in the picturesque village of Thame, we follow the trail through Sherpa villages, arriving in Namche by mid-afternoon. (B-L-D)

A spare day is always included in our Everest itineraries in case of delays. If the trek goes according to plan, we will take a rest day in Namche. If you have the energy, a side trek to the Sherpa Villages of Kunde and Khumjung is highly recommended. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the famous Kunde Hospital, built and funded by the Himalayan Trust, founded by Sir Edmund Hillary. In Namche itself there are numerous things to do - shopping, visiting the bakery for delicious cakes and pastries, visiting the Sherpa Museum and National Park HQ, or just relaxing. (B-L-D)

The trekking is easier and more relaxed as we enter the lower altitudes. From Namche, the trail descends rapidly to the floor of the Dudh Kosi Valley. Cross-swaying suspension bridges over the Dudh Kosi before reaching our lodge at Phakding. (B-L-D)

Our last trekking day and it’s quite easy. Follow a trail through villages and fields before a gradual climb to Lukla. In the evening there’s a special celebration dinner followed by a ceremony to farewell our Nepali trekking crew. (B-L-D)

Today we depart for a 35 minute helicopter transfer from Lukla to Kathmandu (time discussed prior day), the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B-L)

Day at lesiure in Kathmandu. Perhaps indulge in a post-trek massage, or enjoy the vibrant food scene Kathmandu has to offer. This evening, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner at a nearby restaurant. (B-D)

Our journey concludes today after breakfast at the hotel. You will be transferred to Kathmandu Airport for your onward flight. (B)