10 days
Duration
Moderate
Trip Level
1
Group Size
5360 m
Max-altitude

The Gokyo Ri or Gokyo Lakes Trek is a less frequent trekking route in the Everest region, which is considered an alternative to the classic Everest Base Camp Trek. Instead, Gokyo Ri Trek takes us through the Namche Bazaar but still offers an insight into the local villages, rugged trails, and impressive snow-capped mountains. The Gokyo Lakes Trek is one of the best treks in Nepal that will blow your mind for trekkers who want to try something different in the Everest region.

Trekking this route, of course, offers a lot of diversities. You also get to wonder at dazzling Gokyo Lakes, the massive Ngozumpa Glacier (the largest glacier in the Himalayas), views through to Everest, and other 8,000 meters plus mountains from the top of Gokyo Ri (Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu). Many trekkers claim that the view from Gokyo Ri is far better than the iconic Kala Patthar. For those who’d like to walk in the Everest region, the Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri Trek are free from physical stress when they reach Everest base camp or cross high passes.

Gokyo Ri Trek begins with a scenic trip from Kathmandu to Lukla, one of the world’s scariest airports. Then, the route goes into the Gokyo Valley to famous local villages such as Phakding, Namche, and Dole. You can also expand Gokyo Lakes Trek via Everest Base Camp if you have a few days.

Highlights Of Gokyo Ri Trek

Embark your trip with a beautiful flight to Lukla airport.
You are wandering into the Everest region’s less crowded and off-the-beaten trails.

Climb the vantage point of Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters) for the spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu.
Stand on the shore of Gokyo Lakes and admire the beautiful scenery.

Return via Renjo – La Pass (5340 meters), one of the most beautiful passes, instead of returning to the same trail.
Possible extension of the trip towards Renjo – La and Everest Base camp via Cho – La pass

Gokyo Ri Trek at Glance
Min. Duration 11 days
Max. Altitude 5357 meters
Trek Starts/Ends Lukla/Lukla
Accommodation Lodges/Tea-houses
Trek Difficulty Moderate

11 Days Gokyo Lakes Trek Outline itinerary

Note: Extra days require if the journey expands to trekking to Everest Base Camp or Renjo – La Pass).

Days  Itinerary  Altitude in Meters  Walking Duration
1. Kathmandu to Luka, then trek to Phakding 2650 3h00
2. Trek to Namche Bazaar 3440 6h00
3. Acclimatization day!
4. Namche Bazaar to Dole 4200 6h00
5. Trek to Machhermo 4470 5h30
6. Machermo to Gokyo Lakes 4790 5h00
7. Acclimatization day! Explore Gokyo Ri
8. Trek to Dole 4200 6h00
9. Dole to Namche Bazaar 3440 6h00
10. Trek to Lukla 2800 7h00
11. Fly back to Kathmandu

Best Season to visit

The best seasons to visit in Nepal are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). The weather in these months is usually bright, and the temperatures are warm throughout the day. However, Khumbu is considered unusually cold and dry, and due to the dry dust, many hikers suffer from ‘Mountain cough.’

Trekking in the summer/monsoon and winter seasons is typically possible, but further preparation for harsh conditions is necessary, and you may not get perfect views.

Getting there & away

The most popular way to start Gokyo Ri’s adventure is by flying to Lukla, a tiny town. Lukla Airport is one of the most extreme airports on the planet. It takes 35-40 minutes to make this thrilling flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The airport is often closed with unfavorable weather, so it is wise to prepare for delays if flying to Lukla and keep one or two days as a buffer day. Another way to escape from Lukla is to get from Kathmandu to Jiri and then on foot to Lukla or Phakding. It takes about eight hours to get to Salleri and another three days to get to Lukla.

1

Day 1: Arrival day (1,300 m)

Upon arrival at Kathmandu, you will greet and welcome by our agency’s representative in front of the Arrival gate with a Display board of Himalayan Exploration Treks then transfer to your Hotel.
2

Day 2: Free day and trek preparation.

During the free day in Kathmandu, you may have a chance to visit the heritage site of Kathmandu valley, followed by a pre-trip departure meeting regarding upcoming trekking peak climbing where you meet the trek guide and other team members. They will brief you about the team formation, equipment, and nature of peak climbing and other necessary information
3

Day 3: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2652 m) 3h00 walk.

You will be transferred to the airport in the early morning as per the flight schedule. 40-minute thrilling flights to the airstrip at Lukla by plane offer a marvelous view of the Central and Eastern Himalayas as well as beautiful landscapes and hills. Lukla is a gateway to the Everest Region.
4

Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar. (3440 m) 6h00 walk.

This is the second day of the journey. You will head to Namche after breakfast. The trail leads you to the northern valley of the Dudh Koshi River valley passing by several beautiful villages with their vibrant culture, and peaceful forests, and crossing over several bridges along the trail. Finally, you will get Namche.
5

Day 5: Acclimatize day!

This is an exploration day in Namche. Hike till Syangboche, a small regional airport is considered the world’s highest one. Then hike up to 3800 m to see Mt. Everest and other popular peaks. You will have proper acclimatization. In the afternoon, you may explore the village which is more equipped with modern amenities such as internet, phone, massage, and more.
6

Day 6: Trek to Dole. (4,200 m) 6h00 walk.

As usual as on other days, after breakfast, the trail brings you to the ridge of Namche then an easy walk to Sanasa with spectacular views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and other peaks. Then the trail leads uphill to Mang-La pass and descends to the river then the trail gradually ascends to Dole.
7

Day 7: Trek to Machherma. (4,470 m) 5h00 walk.

A short climb from Dole, regularly up towards Machherma passing by tea shops, beautiful landscape but not much greenery having panoramic views of the mountain to get Machherma for the night.
8

Day 8: Trek to Gokyo (4,790 m) 5h00 walk.

As usual, on other days, your journey begins after a short climb and easy walk to the underneath of a rocky hill and continues to climb up passing by a few lakes along the trail. Finally, we reach Gokyo Lake.
9

Day 9: Acclimatize day!

This is a rest day for the exploration of Gokyo valley. Hike up to Gokyo Ri in the early morning, offering rewarding mountain scenery and providing us with another proper acclimatization. Then; descend down and explore the lake
10

Day 10: Trek to Dole (4,200 m) 6h00 walk.

The day starts to retrace the same path from the lakes and across the moraines of the Ngozumba glaciers. You will find some chortens of stone along the way. From Gokyo valley, the magnificent views of Thamserku and Kangtega will accompany you down the way. You can hit Dole in around 6 to 7 hours of walking time.
11

Day 11: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440 m) 6h00 walk.

The day starts with a steep descent toward Phortse Tenga. It takes about ONE and a half hours from Dole to reach Phortse Tenga. The path then steeply ascends from Phortse Tenga to Mongla village. The trail also descends towards Kyangjuma before arriving at Namche Bazaar’s Sherpa Capital. A gentle walk from Dole to Namche Bazaar takes about 5 to 6 hours.
12

Day 12: Trek to Lukla (2800 m) 7h00 walk.

You retrace the path back from Namche Bazaar to Lukla on this day. The trail snakes down across the colors of pine trees. You can enter Phakding by walking across the Dudh Koshi River and passing the suspension bridges multiple times across the water. The walk is gentle and pleasant after Phakding village before you reach Lukla.
17

Day 17: Fly to Kathmandu (1,300 m)

Early morning, 40-minute thrilling flights to the airstrip at Lukla by plane offer a marvelous view of Central Himalayas and as well as beautiful landscape and hills.
18

Day 18: Free day at Kathmandu.

This is considered a security day in case of flight interruption due to weather. Otherwise, you may have a chance to explore the ancient city of Kathmandu.
19

Day 19: Final departure.

Today is the last day in Nepal and with us. You will transfer to the airport three hours before your scheduled flight.
DEPARTURE/RETURN  Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu
DEPARTURE TIME Please enter at least 3 hours before the flight.
INCLUDED
Hotel and Airport transfer
Accommodations in Kathmandu with breakfast
All accommodations and all meals during the treks
All necessary documentation and permits
All ground transportation (as per mention in itinerary)
Professional guide and porters
A First Aid Kits
Applicable Government Taxes
NOT INCLUDED
International Airfare
Nepal Visa fee (advice to take accurate amount)
Meals in Kathmandu (except breakfast)
Personal Expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills & extra porters
Travel Insurance
Tips for Guide and Porter

Rates quoted in (US$ dollars) and payable in any currency. All prices published on our websites are set as low as possible. The prices may vary at any time subject to government actions, currency fluctuation,  fuel prices, and unforeseen circumstances. However, we guarantee our prices which have already signed up for your tour. Please consult us for a customized quote.

Is the water at Gokyo Lakes Trek safe to drink?

No, you are not allowed to drink water from the direct tap or streams on the Gokyo Lakes. But you can also use a purifier or SteriPen. It is expensive to buy water (maybe ten times the cost of purchasing water in Kathmandu).

Be conscious. This trek will be over 3500 m in elevation. The possibilities of having an altitude illness usually begin at this altitude. But to prevent this, we have planned the itinerary to give you time to acclimatize as much as possible.

There’s nobody who’s going to suffer from altitude sickness. The younger and fitter people do not experience high altitude illnesses when they feel older and less fit. It’s not related to fitness or age. Speak to your private practitioner. Prescription medicines are available to help avoid the symptoms of altitude sickness. But go gently and listen to the body and be mindful of any changes and listen to your guide if he thinks that you have symptoms (which might not be apparent).

We will be able to collect your travel insurance policies and details before your trip. In case of emergency, we will be able to coordinate with your insurance company and helicopters company for emergency evacuation.

There is no doubt only be a First aid. We take a first-aid kit on every trip. We always advise you to make your own. Here’s a checklist of items you can bring, recommended. Vaccinations are not compulsory in Nepal; however, we suggest that you keep this checklist if necessary.

Yes, we only provide insurance to our staff. We recommend that you purchase insurance in your home country. Note: Insurance should cover medical and emergency evacuation.

No. The trails are well-known. You will not need crampons if you are not traveling in the mid-winter. Instead of the crampons, bring non-technical, lightweight spikes, are less costly and suit any shoe size.

No, we do not need tents or mattresses. There are tea houses along the trek.

When you forget something, it may be complicated to find something here. Check here for a detailed packing list for (general) trekking in Nepal. If you’re not a regular hiker, you can rent most of Nepal’s trekking equipment upon your arrival.

Anything you do not want for the trip can leave at our office or your hotel. We recommend that you make sure your bag is lockable.

Generally, we use local guides. Our guides have been numerous times on each trek to the relevant areas. All are qualified, competent, versatile, and certified licensed guides with the Government of Nepal.

If you use a porter, there are two advantages:
1. You can enjoy your trek entirely without carrying a heavy backpack.
2. Another is to increase the local communities’ income.

A porter can carry an average of 20 kg with his or her bag so that they can carry up to 16 kg of your equipment and gears. But we provide a backpack for them.

Yes, of course. We ensure that our staff is well insured.
Gokyo Ri Trek
Gokyo lake Everest Base Camp (EBC TREK)
Cholatse from Gokyo Lake
Everest Base Camp Trek guide

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