Transfer to the international airport for onward travel.
Take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu, then transfer to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure for shopping, spa treatments, or optional sightseeing.
Final trekking day, celebrating the successful journey with your team. Lukla has a lively atmosphere and is a traditional meeting point for climbers and trekkers returning from expeditions. Evening free to relax and reflect on the Himalayan experience.
Walk back through pine forests and along river valleys, passing Namche Bazaar before continuing to Monjo. The trail is lively with colorful prayer wheels, carved mani walls, and bright Buddhist chortens. Enjoy your final views of the high peaks before descending to lower altitude.
Descend along quiet trails seldom used by most Everest trekkers. Thame is the birthplace of several famous Sherpa climbers including Tenzing Norgay and Apa Sherpa, who climbed Everest 21 times. Visit the historic 400-year-old Thame Monastery perched on a ridge above the village.
A challenging and rewarding ascent to Renjo La, one of the most scenic view points in the region. From the top, see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the Gokyo Lakes spread out like jewels. Ancient trade routes once connected this pass to Tibet, and remnants of old trade pathways remain visible.
Morning free for optional hikes around the lake or exploring the glacier valley. In the afternoon, trek across the terrain to the remote settlement of Na, inhabited mostly during summer months for yak herding. Return to Gokyo to rest and enjoy the peaceful mountain environment.
Walk through rugged glacier-carved landscapes and past the series of Gokyo Lakes, which are considered sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. The turquoise waters reflect surrounding peaks including Cho Oyu, the sixth-highest mountain in the world. Gokyo village sits just below the massive Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas.
Spend the day resting or take short hikes above the valley to improve acclimatization. The Machermo Rescue Post, established in partnership with Himalayan Rescue Association, offers daily altitude briefings. Clear skies here reveal an incredible star-filled night sky due to minimal light pollution.
A short but beautiful trek through yak pasturelands and traditional stone-walled settlements. The Machermo region is known for a local legend about sightings of the Himalayan Yeti in 1974, and villagers still tell variations of the tale. The open valley provides dramatic sunsets and quiet high-altitude beauty.
Climb gently out of Namche to Mong La, believed to be the birthplace of Lama Sanga Dorje, a revered spiritual figure in the Khumbu. The path offers sweeping views of Ama Dablam and the sacred Khumbila peak, which no one has ever summited out of respect. Descend to Phortse Tenga and climb again through rhododendron forests towards Dole.
A rest day to help your body adapt to altitude. Optional hike to Everest View Hotel for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. Explore the Sherpa Museum to learn about early Everest expeditions and mountaineering history. Namche also hosts the region’s Saturday market, active since the 1960.
Today’s trail passes villages like Monjo and Jorsalle before the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge and the steep climb into Namche. Namche Bazaar is the cultural and trading hub of the Khumbu, once a key stop for Tibetan salt caravans crossing the Nangpa La Pass. If weather allows, your first view of Everest appears just before entering the town.
Take a stunning 30-minute mountain flight to Lukla, considered one of the world’s most thrilling airstrips due to its dramatic mountain landing. Begin trekking through pine forests alongside the Dudh Kosi river, crossing traditional prayer-flag bridges. Phakding is a small Sherpa settlement known for its monasteries and carved mani stones that line the trail.
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport where our representative will receive you and escort you to the hotel. Kathmandu, historically known as the City of Temples, sits in a valley surrounded by the Himalayan foothills and has over 1,000 heritage monuments. Evening free to relax or explore Thamel’s vibrant alleyways filled with prayer flags, local cafés and mountain gear.
Gokyo Lakes is a stunning high-altitude trek to a sacred chain of turquoise glacial lakes in Nepal’s Everest region. Offering dramatic views of Everest, Cho Oyu, and surrounding peaks from Gokyo Ri, it combines pristine landscapes, quiet trails, and one of the most scenic Himalayan experiences.
The Gokyo Lakes trek is ideal for fit beginners with prior multi-day trekking experience as well as seasoned trekkers looking for a quieter alternative to Everest Base Camp. It is especially rewarding for those who appreciate dramatic landscapes, high-altitude lakes, and panoramic summit viewpoints without the extreme technical difficulty of mountaineering.
Trekkers should be prepared for sustained walking over multiple days at high altitude, where thinner air can make ascents more demanding. The climb to Gokyo Ri is steep and physically challenging, and weather conditions can change quickly, bringing cold temperatures and strong winds. Proper acclimatisation is essential to safely enjoy the experience.
A good level of cardiovascular fitness and stamina is important, as you will be walking 5–7 hours daily on mountain trails with gradual altitude gain. Preparing with regular hiking, stair climbing, and endurance training will make the trek far more enjoyable. Mental readiness and steady pacing are key to successfully reaching the high viewpoints and fully experiencing this spectacular Himalayan journey.
Yes - we offer a curated selection of beginner-friendly and family-oriented trips that prioritize comfort, safety, and immersive learning. These trips typically involve shorter walking days, lower altitudes, and culturally rich experiences that engage both adults and younger travelers. We’ve guided families with kids as young as 7 and first-time trekkers in their 60s. Each trip page will indicate whether it’s suited for beginners or families. Our team provides age-appropriate gear checklists, acclimatization guidance, and pacing that suits the slowest walker. Activities like village walks, nature spotting, campsite games, or storytelling sessions around the fire make the experience more than just a trek — it becomes a memory for life. If you’re unsure which trip is best, reach out, and we’ll tailor a recommendation. Whether it’s your first step into the mountains or a way to introduce your kids to nature, we’ll make sure it’s magical.
Once you’ve secured your place with a deposit, the real excitement begins! You’ll receive a Pre-Departure Kit via WhatApp with essential trip details: itinerary, gear checklist, fitness guide, weather info, and travel recommendations.Depending on the trip, we’ll also schedule a group orientation call or a one-on-one with our trip leader to walk you through expectations and address questions. For high-altitude or remote treks, we may ask for a basic fitness or medical declaration closer to departure. About two weeks before your trip, you’ll get a final checklist, contact sheet, and emergency protocols. If flights or permits are required, we’ll guide you on how and when to secure them. Our team stays connected with you throughout, ensuring you feel informed and supported. Whether it’s your first trek or your tenth, our goal is to make the lead-up smooth, fun, and empowering.
Life happens — and we aim to be as fair and transparent as possible. If you need to cancel your trip, we request written notice as early as possible. Our standard policy:
Refunds are processed to your original payment method, minus any non-recoverable costs like permits or third-party bookings. In case of trip cancellation due to weather, political unrest, or unforeseen force majeure events, we typically reschedule or offer full credit for future travel. We highly recommend travel insurance that covers cancellation due to illness, emergencies, or flightdisruption. Please check individual trip pages, as custom trips or international expeditions may have slightly different policies. Our priority is to find a solution that works for both of us. If you have any additional questions, feel free to connect on our WhatsApp number shared in the contact section.
Our trip cost includes nearly everything you’ll need for a seamless experience.Typically, this covers all accommodations (lodges, campsites, or guesthouses),meals during the expedition, support staff (guides, cooks, porters), permits, transport during the trip (like internal drives or local transfers), and group equipment such as tents, sleeping bags, and technical gear. Each trip page has a detailed “What’s Included” section, and we encourage you to review it carefully. What’s not included are your travel expenses like flight tickets to and from the trip start point (unless stated), personal trekking gear(clothing, hiking boots, backpacks), insurance, and incidental personal expenses like snacks or souvenirs. For some international trips or expeditions, flights, visa fees, and extra nights before/after the trip may be additional.Transparency is key at Juniper, so we’re always happy to walk you through the cost breakdown or advise on gear rentals or purchases if needed.
Safety is non-negotiable at Juniper Outdoor. Every trip is led by a certified wilderness first responder (WFR) or trained mountain guide, equipped to handle altitude sickness, minor injuries, and emergencies. We carry comprehensive first aid kits, pulse oximeters, and oxygen cylinders on all high-altitude expeditions. Our campsites are chosen for safe terrain and proximity to evacuation routes when needed. For more remote trips, we have satellite communication devices and access to rescue services. We limit group sizes to ensure individual attention and regularly conduct risk assessments during the journey. Additionally, we brief all participants on mountain hygiene, hydration, and acclimatization best practices. Your pre-departure pack will also include a checklist of safety essentials you should carry personally. Our ethos is simple: the mountain will always be there — we don’t take unnecessary risks. Your health and well-being come before any summit.
We provide a detailed packing list tailored to each region, season, and difficulty. Generally, you’ll need sturdy trekking shoes, a daypack, weatherproof outerwear (like a rain jacket or down jacket), layered clothing for cold and warm conditions, a headlamp, refillable water bottles, sun protection, and personal toiletries. For multi-day treks, we recommend moisture-wicking base layers, gloves, a warm hat, and trekking poles. Juniper provides all group camping gear — tents, sleeping bags, mats, and technical equipment (ice axes, crampons, if needed). We also help connect you with rental services if you’re missing something, especially for big-ticket items like jackets or sleeping bags. Packing light but smart is key. We’ll send you a downloadable checklist in your pre-departure kit, and our team is happy to review your packing plan with you before you arrive. Good gear means more comfort, confidence, and joy on the trail.
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