Gokyo Ri Trek 11 Days - Gokyo Lakes Trek - Himalayan Exploration Travel

10 days

Duration

Moderate

Trip Level

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 affords 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 and even 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 dazzling Gokyo Lakes, the massive Ngozumpa Glacier (the largest glacier in the Himalayas), and views through to Everest as well as 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 is free from physical stress when they reach Everest base camp or cross high passes in the vicinity.

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

Highlights Of Gokyo Ri Trek

Embark your trip with a beautiful flight to Lukla airport.

You are wandering into the less crowded and off-the-beaten trails of the Everest region.

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 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
Trek Difficulty	Demanding
Accommodation	Lodges/Tea-houses

Everest Gokyo Ri Trek Map

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.	Trek to Dole	4200	6h00
5.	Trek to Machhermo	4470	5h30
6.	Trek to Gokyo Lakes	4790	5h00
7.	Acclimatization day! Explore Gokyo Ri
8.	Trek to Dole	4200	6h00
9.	Trek 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 to be 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 extreme airports on the planet. It takes between 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.

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.

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 trek guide and other team members. They will brief you about the team formation, equipment, and nature of peak climbing and other necessary information

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 Central and Eastern Himalayas and as well as beautiful landscape and hills. Lukla is a gateway to the Everest Region.

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, peaceful forests, and crossing over several bridges along the trail. Finally, you will get Namche.

Day 5: Acclimatize day!

This is an exploration day in Namche. Hike till Syangboche, a small airport in the region and consider as 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.

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

As usual as 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 others peaks. Then the trail leads uphill to Mang-La pass and descends to the river then the trail gradually ascends to Dole.

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 with panoramic views of the mountain to get Machherma for the night.

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

As usual as 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.

Day 9: Acclimatize day!

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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).

Am I going to be sick on my trek at altitude?

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.

How can I conquer the altitude sickness?

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).

What happens if an emergency evacuation is required while I am trekking?

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.

What about simple medication during the trek?

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.

Gokyo Ri Trek

Highlights Of Gokyo Ri Trek

11 Days Gokyo Lakes Trek Outline itinerary

Best Season to visit