The Gokyo Ri Trek is a popular route that visits the Gokyo Lakes and hikes up to the Gokyo. It offers incomparable views of Mount Everest and several other peaks, including the Gokyo Valley at the top of the Gokyo.
Gokyo treks through beautiful landscapes, including glaciers, lakes, and high-altitude passes, by reaching the summit of Gokyo Ri. This peak offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Everest. This trekking route is the second most popular after Everest Base Camp Trek.
Gokyo Lakes Trek
Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo ri trek allows you to explore the pristine Gokyo Lakes, a series of six turquoise glacial lakes. The sight of these lakes against the backdrop of stunning mountains is breathtaking.
Gokyo Summit: Reaching the summit of Gokyo Ri (5,357m) is the climax of the trek. You can witness panoramic views of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Ngozumpa Glacier: As you approach Gokyo, you’ll cross the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal. This part of the trek provides a unique and thrilling experience.
Everest View: Although the trek does not take you to Everest Base Camp, you can still get excellent views of Mount Everest, especially from Gokyo Ri and along sections of the trail.
Sherpa Culture: The Gokyo trek offers a chance to experience Sherpa culture in the heart of the Himalayas. The Sherpas are renowned for their mountaineering skills and warm hospitality.
Flora and Fauna: You’ll traverse through Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site home to diverse flora and fauna, including the elusive snow leopard and Himalayan Thar.
Monasteries and Prayer Stones: Along the way, you’ll encounter beautiful Buddhist monasteries and intricately carved prayer stones, adding a spiritual dimension to the trek.
Each of these highlights contributes to the overall experience of the Gokyo trek, making it a treasured adventure for those who embark on it.
Gokyo RI Trek Route
Everest Gokyo lake trek beginning in the picturesque town of Lukla, follows the meandering Dudh Kosi River leading to the vibrant hub of Namche Bazaar – the region’s largest settlement. Lukla to Gokyo trek journey continues through the high-altitude payments of Dole and Machhermo before reaching the serene Gokyo village, which serves as the base for the triumphant ascent of Gokyo Ri.
Upon this trek’s completion, the return route to Lukla includes a worthwhile detour to the esteemed Tengboche Monastery, a celebrated Buddhist sanctuary of the region.
Classified as moderate to challenging, the Everest Gokyo Ri Trek involves daily hikes of 5-8 hours, climaxing at a daunting 5,360 meters at the Gokyo summit. Optimal times for this Gokyo trek are spring and fall, during which the weather is usually straight. Forward and views are unparalleled.
The Gokyo trek journey is physically demanding and involves high altitudes and potentially cold weather; trekkers are advised to be in excellent physical shape, have high-altitude experience, or, at the very least, be well prepared for the conditions they’ll encounter on this remarkable journey.
Gokyo RI Trek Difficulty
The Gokyo Lake trek difficulty or (gokyo ri trek difficulty} is considered moderately complex due to several factors. Although it doesn’t require technical climbing skills, the trek presents challenges such as long days of walking, often over steep, rocky, and occasionally icy terrain. High altitude is another significant factor affecting the trek’s difficulty. Gokyo Ri stands at an elevation of 5,357 meters (17,570 feet), and the risk of altitude sickness is real. Acclimatization days are crucial to help your body adjust to the thinning air. Having decent fitness to undertake the trek and enjoy its stunning views is also important.
How much does it cost to do the Gokyo Trek?
The cost of the Gokyo trek can differ significantly based on several factors, including the trek length, the trekking company, the level of service, and whether or not you hire a guide or porter. Gokyo trek costs between $1,000 and $2,500 on average for a guided trek that lasts approximately two weeks. This includes accommodations, meals, permits, guides, porter fees, and round-trip flights from Kathmandu to Lukla. It’s worth noting that additional expenses can arise for personal gear, travel insurance, tips for your guide and porters, and any unplanned costs, like extra nights in a lodge or unforeseen health issues. Always check with your trekking company for the most current rates and what’s included in your package.
Gokyo RI Trek Itinerary:
- Day 1: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and Trek from Lukla to Phakding
- Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
- Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar
- Day 4: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole
- Day 5: Trek from Dole to Machhermo
- Day 6: Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo
- Day 7: Early morning hike to Gokyo Ri, Spend the rest of the day exploring Gokyo Valley
- Day 8: Trek from Gokyo to Dole
- Day 9: Trek from Dole to Namche Bazaar
- Day 10: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
- Day 11: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
This sample Gokyo Lakes trek itinerary varies based on weather conditions, physical fitness, and experience. Always work with a reputable trekking company or guide to plan your Gokyo Trek itinerary.
Gokyo Ri Trek Map
What is the optimal time for trekking in Gokyo?
The pre-monsoon (spring: March-May) and post-monsoon (autumn: September-November) seasons are generally the most favorable times for trekking in the Everest region, including Gokyo Ri and Gokyo Trek. During these periods, the weather is mostly stable, the skies are clear, and the visibility of the breathtaking Himalayan panorama is at its finest.
Spring introduces warmer daytime temperatures, ranging from 10°C to 15°C, which offer comfortable trekking conditions. Additionally, the valleys burst into life, with rhododendrons and other Himalayan flora adding vibrant hues to the landscape. Clear mornings often provide spectacular mountain views, with the sun illuminating the snow-capped peaks.
Autumn brings slightly cooler temperatures, averaging between 10°C to 20°C during the day and dropping to around -10°C at night at higher elevations. This season is heralded for its crystal-clear skies and crisp mountain views.
The winter season (December-February), though offering a serene and less crowded trekking environment, can be challenging, with temperatures plunging well below freezing, especially at night.
Lastly, the summer (June-August) is the monsoon period with the potential for heavy rains, making trails slippery and views obscured by clouds. However, determined trekkers can still find this season rewarding with fewer crowds and lush, verdant landscapes.
Gokyo Lake Everest base camp trek
The Gokyo and Everest Base Camp trek is a popular trekking route in the Everest region of Nepal. It combines the beauty of Gokyo Valley and its stunning glacial lakes with the iconic Everest Base Camp trail. Gokyo trek takes you through charming Sherpa villages, suspension bridges, lush valleys, and rugged mountain landscapes. Highlights include the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, the breathtaking view from Gokyo Ri, the legendary Khumbu Icefall, and the opportunity to stand at the base of Mount Everest. This trek offers a unique and immersive experience, showcasing the best of the Everest region’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
Gokyo ri trek is a unique and rewarding trek that offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and an opportunity to experience the culture and traditions of the Sherpa people with an alternative trek with the Gokyo Lake Everest base camp trek.
Itinerary
After breakfast, we will be escorted to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport for an early
morning flight to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), a gateway destination from where our trek begins. After
an adventurous 40-minute flight above the breathtaking green and white mountains, we will
reach the Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla.
This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world, culminating in a dramatic landing on a
hillside surrounded by high mountain peaks. Upon arrival at Lukla, we meet our other crew
members, and after some packing and planning, we will start our trek through the prosperous
village of Lukla until we reach Phakding.
To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery if you want additional activities. Overnight at Phakding.
Upon breakfast, we will start a pleasant trek. The walk today will have a few short uphills and
downhill routes, with multiple crossings over the Dudh Koshi River and a magnificent view of
Mt. Thamserku (6,608m/21,675ft) when we reach Benkar village.
We will then cross more bridges before reaching the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park at
Monjo, where our trekking permits are checked to keep a record of trekkers. A descent and gradual walk will bring us to Jorsale, the last village before Namche Bazaar.
The walk is enjoyable as we pass along the river bed and reach the Hillary Suspension Bridge. As we climb up towards Namche Bazaar, we will be treated to a magnificent sight of Kwangde—peak, Kusum, Kangaru, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, and many other fabulous mountains. We will break at the Chautara to admire the view before finally reaching the colourful village of Namche Bazaar: the main gateway to the Khumbu region.
This is the first of the two days for “acclimatization.” Health experts recommend staying active and moving during the rest day so we can either spend the day taking a hike to Thame, visiting Khunde or relaxing and exploring Namche Bazaar itself.
Namche Bazaar is the main centre of the Everest (Khumbu) region. It has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, a bakery, and a colourful market each Friday evening and Saturday. Suppose we trek a few hundred vertical feet during the day. In that case, it will help us properly acclimatize, so our guides will take us to the Tourist Visitor Center near the headquarter of the Sagarmatha National Park, where we can observe an assortment of things threats to the first Everest ascenders and Sherpa culture, and learn about the various plant and animal life of the Everest region.
We can also take an enjoyable side trip up to Khumjung and climb to the famous airstrip at Syangboche. Above the airstrip is the Everest View Hotel, a deluxe hotel with great views of the highest mountains on Earth.
The snowy peaks of Kongde and Thamserku and the sacred mountain Khumbila hosts a well-known monastery surrounding the Khumjung valley. We will also pay a visit to ‘Hillary School’ located at the same site. After having lunch and spending time in Khumjung, we returned to Namche Bazaar.
After breakfast in Namche, we will start our trek, enjoying superb views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse,
Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and a close-up view of Thamserku. Our trek follows the gradual trail, with
a few ups and downs overlooking the magnificent view of the great Himalayas. We can spot pheasant, musk deer, and Himalayan Thar wildlife along the way.
The trail then gradually descends before climbing to Kayangjuma and eventually reaches Sansa – the major trail junction to Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp. We will then trek progressively up through the Mongla pass (3975 m), from where we can glimpse Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tawoche, and Mt. Khumbila. Sherpas regard Mt. Khumbila as the sacred mountain of the patron God of the Khumbu area.
Descending to Dudhkosi Khola (3250 m), we will cross a bridge and trek up through a rhododendron forest full of Musk and Himalayan wild deer. Finally, we’ll arrive at the walled fields of Phorse, just under the snow-dusted peaks of Tawoche and Cholaste. From here, a short trek leads to Phorse village.
We will return from the previous day’s trail up to Phorse. Upon crossing the Dudh Koshi River bridge, we will spot wildlife, including pheasants, mountain goats, and the elusive musk deer. Through forests and waterfalls, we reach Dole, a small place with a handful of teahouses.
Further on, we will climb steadily up through a scenic ridge above Dole as the trail climbs via Lhabarma. Offering good views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku, the course takes us through many summer settlements and the charming hamlet of Luza (4360 m). While ascending from Luza, we will reach the Dudh Koshi valley before walking along the hillside above the thundering Dudkoshi, passing through some small hamlets and sandy spurs until we reach Machhermo.
Machhermo is the last major settlement on the way up to Gokyo. The beautiful stream flowing down from the Kyajo Ri and Phari Lapche mountains runs through the middle of the village before draining into the Dudh Koshi. It is where the Khumbu people got their first sighting of a yeti in 1974. We will then visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital for an informative lecture regarding altitude sickness.
Today, we climbed through a ridge Chorten from where we can see fabulous views down the valley and of Mt. Kangtega, Thamserku, and the northern part of the Cho-Oyu (8153m). Beyond the ridge, the valley widens as the trail passes through Chorten and reaches Pangka(4480m).
We’ll descend to the river bank before climbing up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. It is a steep climb on the moraine, and upon crossing an iron bridge over a stream, the trail levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, Longpongo (4690m). At the sight of the second lake, Taboche Tsho, we will be mesmerized by the shimmering blue water sparkling in the sun.
A little ahead of the second lake, we reach the third lake, linked by a surging stream. Gokyo village stands by the third lake, and Cho-Oyu Mountain is a spectacular backdrop. After lunch, we explore the area around the third Lake, Dudh Pokhari, and spend the night in a house with comfortable bedrooms.
Today is an acclimatization day. If the weather is good, we will grasp the opportunity to climb. Gokyo Ri and enjoy the scene from the best viewpoint in the Everest Region. Or as we know, Gokyo is famous for its grand view and the six lakes it hosts, so we can also take this chance to observe the fourth (Thonak Tsho) and fifth Lake (Ngozuma Tsho).
The fourth Lake is about 3 km north of Gokyo, with high cliffs and peaks rising above it. The trail continues to the fifth Lake. If interested, we can climb up a hill on the edge of the Lakes to achieve astounding views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makulu – at ‘The Scoundrel’s Viewpoint.’ Beyond the fifth Lake is the Cho Oyu Base Camp.
The Northern part of the fifth Lake provides fabulous views of Cho-Oyu Base Camp and the biggest glacier in the world- the Ngazumpa glacier. Depending on the time and energy of the group, we also have the option to go to the sixth Lake before returning to Gokyo village.
The way back from Gokyo is an easy downhill walk along the Dudh Koshi River, which emerges
from the Ngozumpa Glacier. Passing by the second and then the first Gokyo Lakes, we come
to a small gushing stream over an iron bridge and the hamlet of Phangka ahead.
Cholatse and Taboche peaks rear up on the right of us as the trail descends below Phangka and across a level terrace on the slope leading us to climb a rib on the far side of the hill. Upon reaching the Chorten at the edge, we will see fantastic views of Thamserku, Cho Oyu, and Kangtega before slowly walking down to the sprawling village of Machhermo. Again, we reach Dole through the charming hamlet of Luza and Lhafarm.
The trail descends steeply downward, so we must stroll as we battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast-flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the trail becomes more level and natural.
Although travelling the same route, we will experience completely different views, including a mixture of open plains, rhododendron, and pine forests. We will walk through the Sherpa villages’ noticing the Buddhist culture of prayer stones and flags. On arrival in Lukla, we will recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks.
Following downhill through paved stone steps, passing Manjo and Pakhding village, you will come to Lukla. The long journey comes to the rest point with all the beautiful events as memory. It
it takes around 6 hours to reach Lukla.
The suspension bridge, Monastery, Chorten, rhododendron forest, mane, bank of Dudhkoshi, and the Himalayan screen turn off as you finish your trekking. Night stay on Lukla.
We will fly back to Kathmandu after a long mountain journey. The early morning flight drops us in Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, we have the rest of the day off to rest or explore. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening.
