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The Kathmandu valley is surrounded by four major peaks – Shivapuri (2,800 m/9,200 ft), Fulchowki (2,795 m/9,170 ft), Nagarjun (2,825 m/9,268 ft) and Chandragiri (2,551 m/8,369 ft). It is possible to day-hike to all these peaks and other minor ones too. These day hikes are perfect for those who do not wish to embark on multiple day trek and/or those who do not wish to sleep in local lodges. On a clear day, it is possible to get views of the Langtang, Ganesh and Manaslu ranges from the tops of these peaks. Below are descriptions of some of the hikes:
CHISAPANI hike (Shivapuri):
Start early and drive from your hotel to Sundarijal. The hike begins with a steep ascent for about 30-45 minutes on staircases to the Sundarijal water reserve. The uphill eases as we slowly hike past a Tamang village and then an army camp after which we enter the Shivapuri forest. Most of the trees at Shivapuri are pine, oak and rhododendron and this area is a bird lover’s paradise. After 3-4 hours of uphill hiking, we come to a small pass from where we descend for around 25 minutes to the village of Chisapani. After lunch at Chisapani, a 4 x 4 will drive you back to your hotel in Kathmandu.
NAGI GOMPA hike (Shivapuri):
Start early and drive from your hotel to Budanilkantha – north of Kathmandu city. Quick visit of Budanilkantha temple which is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple is dedicated to lord Vishnu who lays on a bed of serpents. Continue on your jeep past the temple to the entrance of the Shivapuri National Park. From the park, we begin our ascent to Nagi Gompa nunnery. The hike through the forest should take anywhere between 2-3 hours. At the gompa, visit the nunnery. You can continue further past the Nagi Gompa temple and you may opt to either take the 4 x 4 back from the nunnery or hike down to the entrance of the park.
JAMACHO hike (Nagarjun):
Start early and drive from your hotel to the entrance of the Nagarjun National park. This area is guarded by the army. It is a 4 hour hike to the top where there is a small temple.
Per person price (valid until December 31, 2020)
1 persons: US$150 per person
2 persons: US$105 per person
3 or more persons: US$90 per person
Payment policy:
Cancellation policy:
4 x 4 transportation to the hike start point and return, National park permit, English speaking guide and lunch.
Your international airfare, Nepal Visa, Meals not indicated in the itinerary, Tips and gratuities, Personal equipment (a suggested list will be mailed to you), Travel insurance (Required), Other expenses of a personal nature
Activity: Lodge Trek
Destination: Everest
Country: Nepal
The Gokyo Lakes trek is a great alternative for those who wish to avoid the popular (and busy) trail to Everest Base Camp. Moreover, the views of the mountains from Gokyo Ri (5,357m/17,575ft.) and Renjo La pass (5,465m /17,930ft) are better than those from Kalapathar. Everest, Cho-Oyu, Makalu, Pumori, Amadablam, Thamserku, Tarboche, Cholatse etc are some of the many majestic mountains that can be seen on this trek.
A little past Namche, the trail to Gokyo splits – the right trail goes towards Everest Base Camp. Thereon, head north following the Dudh Koshi river to its source near the Ngozumpa glacier. Finally, the Gokyo Lakes trek culminates at Gokyo on the banks of the third lake. Here, we will spend three nights exploring the area. Hike to either Gokyo Ri or Renjo La pass for views of the lakes and the mountains (see photo below). Thereafter, on the third day, hike to the 5th lakes for up-close views of Cho Oyu and other mountains.
sor. We had been presented with this award in 2024 too. Tripadvisor is a“Being only two people in the group was a massive advantage we had — it was easier to get helicopters with a smaller group, easier to change where we’d stay on a given day, easier to ask to push further when we felt good, etc. In fact, because of this flexibility, we beat many big groups to EBC, who took many hours longer than us because they had to wait for stragglers, and they ended up missing the views because the clouds had already come in. Basically this helped us get in/out of Lukla more easily, move faster, and adapt the schedule to the changing weather.”
Luke L., Chicago IL, USA
It is possible to combine trekking to the Gokyo Lake with the Everest Base Camp trek. Check out our 19-day Everest Base Camp Trek or the 15-day Everest Base Camp – fast paced trek. Also, if you have more time and wish to be more adventurous, check out the Ultimate Everest Trek. This involves crossing two passes: the Cho La pass (Everest Base Camp to Gokyo lake) and the Renjo La pass (from Gokyo lake to Thame). Furthermore, an even more physically challenging trek is the Everest Three Passes Trek. No climbing skills are required for these treks. We are also happy to customize any of these treks for you.
The Gokyo Lakes Trek is a lodge trek. This means you will sleep and eat meals in local lodges along the trail. The quality of the lodges on this trek are quite comparable to those on the Everest Base Camp Trek. And quite a few of them have en suite rooms with hot showers. Meals are also quite varied with many options including rice with veggies, noodles, local breads etc. Read our article about food options on Everest treks.
Like most treks in Nepal, the best seasons for the Gokyo Lakes Trek are Spring (March-May) and Autumn (October-November). Additionally, it is also possible to do this trek in Winter months of December, January and February if you do not intend to cross the passes. While it will obviously be very cold (up to -20 C/, -4 F), it will not be as crowded as in Spring and Autumn. Lodges on the route are open throughout the year.
The Gokyo Lakes trek is rated 4 on a rating scale from 1 (easy) to 5 (challenging). In other words, it is rated “strenuous”. The highest altitude reached is at Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters) and the highest overnight elevation is at Gokyo Lakes (4,750m/15,500 feet). Therefore the highest overnight elevation is much lower than Gorakshep (5,160m/17,100ft) on the Everest Base Camp Trek. Furthermore, average daily hiking times is 5 to 6 hours with one long day of around 7 hours on the day hike to the 5th lakes. Thus, it is important to prepare for any trek in Nepal. Read our advice on training for treks.
Activity: Lodge Trek
Destination: Everest
Country: Nepal
Fibers of Bhutan: Culture, Heritage and Art delves into the cultural and artistic heart of Bhutan. Traveling from west to east, you will see exquisitely built monasteries and shrines, hear the oral histories of the land and its inhabitants, and have intimate opportunities to meet the artisans and people who make Bhutan’s culture one of the most unique in the world.
In the western region of Paro, explore some of the holiest and historically significant temples and hike through breathtaking terrain. Northeast of Paro, in the capitol city of Thimphu, you will meet with a local textile designer and join her in an exclusive behind the scenes experience. You will also have time to engage in the capital’s gallery of traditional Bhutanese culture. Explore the Thimphu weekend market to shop for handicrafts and immerse with locals in their daily routines.
Continue east across Bhutan via Dochula Pass: drinking in views of the higher Himalayas. The serene views are continuous throughout the Phobjikha Valley. Your Bhutanese experience will be crowned by hiking to the legendary Taktshang Monastery, also called Tiger’s Nest, on a trail through pine trees adorned with Spanish moss and fluttering prayer flags.
Highlights:
All our Fibers of Bhutan tours are for a minimum of two participants for a date of your choosing. We do NOT nickel-and-dime on services – all inclusions and exclusions are clearly listed in cost details. Some companies will advertise trips for very low prices but they have a lot of exclusions that is usually not clear. Most of our trekkers are either repeat clients or referrals. We have been in business for over 30 years and we employ only the most professional and friendly staff.
We are also proud to give back to our community through 3 Summits For Nepal managed by Crystal Mountain Treks staff. Contact us to learn more…
