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
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.
Day 1: Arrival day (1,300 m)
Day 2: Free day and trek preparation.
Day 3: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2652 m) 3h00 walk.
Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar. (3440 m) 6h00 walk.
Day 5: Acclimatize day!
Day 6: Trek to Dole. (4,200 m) 6h00 walk.
Day 7: Trek to Machherma. (4,470 m) 5h00 walk.
Day 8: Trek to Gokyo (4,790 m) 5h00 walk.
Day 9: Acclimatize day!
Day 10: Trek to Dole (4,200 m) 6h00 walk.
Day 11: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440 m) 6h00 walk.
Day 12: Trek to Lukla (2800 m) 7h00 walk.
Day 17: Fly to Kathmandu (1,300 m)
Day 18: Free day at Kathmandu.
Day 19: Final departure.
DEPARTURE/RETURN | Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu | ||||||||
DEPARTURE TIME | Please enter at least 3 hours before the flight. | ||||||||
INCLUDED |
| ||||||||
NOT INCLUDED |
|
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.
1. You can enjoy your trek entirely without carrying a heavy backpack.
2. Another is to increase the local communities’ income.
Tour Reviews
There are no reviews yet.
Leave a Review