Description
The Gokyo Ri and Gokyo Lakes Trek is one of the most spectacular treks in the Everest region and best for the trekkers who want to explore Everest without much of the mental and physical stress. From the Sherpa homeland to the Gokyo valley, this trek follows the Dudh Koshi and Khumbu valleys, providing breathtaking views of four 8,000m peaks: Everest(8848m.), Cho Oyu(8156m.), Lhotse(8501m.)and Makalu(8470m.) and Ama Dablam (6848m.) with others is seen exceptionally beautiful from Gokyo than that from Kalapathar though the distance is greater.We’ll also have the chance to climb Gokyo Ri, a mountain that overlooks the tiny Gokyo village, and Nepal’s largest glacier, the Ngozumpa glacier.
Gokyo Trek starts from Kathmandu on a scenic flight to Lukla, the world’s scariest airport. The trail passes through well-known Sherpa villages such as Phakding, Namche, and Dole on its way to Gokyo Valley. We explore the turquoise Gokyo lakes before ascending to the high-route pass of Cho La (5330m) which connects Khumbu valley and Mount Everest Base camp. If we have a few extra days, we may also encompass both in a single excursion.
The trek follows a well-trodden route the entire way, although it can be rugged in places. It is not precipitous and so no climbing or mountaineering experience required. A complete trip is a walk, but some hills can be steep and seemingly endless!
The Gokyo Ri Trek is the best alternative trail to the Everest Base Camp Trek, provides breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks, lakes, and glaciers.
Quick facts
Location: Everest Region
Best time: Oct- Dec, March – May
Trek Duration: 11 Days
Max. Elevation: 5357m.
Difficulty: Moderate
Average walking: 5-6 hours
Mode of Trek: Tea House/ Lodge
Trek start/ End: KTM / KTM
Group size: 2-10 people
Attractions:
- Explore the Everest region’s less-traveled, off-the-beaten-path trails.
- Spectacular view of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu and Ama Dablam with others
- Experience the pristine ambiance of the turquoise Gokyo Lakes.
- Tengboche Monastery spiritual center for Sherpa
- The largest Ngozumpa Glacier in the Nepal’s Himalaya
- Buddhist prayer stone with mantra written
- Dramatic mountain scenery
- Different landscape
- Cultural experience
- Lodge-based accommodation and tasty food
- Flight to Lukla, an Adventure
Trek itinerary
Day 01. Drive from Kathmandu (1,350 m) to Ramechhap. Flight to Lukla (2,800) and Trek to Phakding (2,651 m): (5 Hrs.)
We will take an early morning drive at 2 am to Ramechhap for 4 hours by Tourist Bus or by Jeep then fly to Lukla (20 minutes) from where the Everest Trek begins. In Lukla will meet our porter and start the trek. We gradually descend to Cheplung village from where we get a glimpse of Mt Khumbila, a sacred mountain which has never been. We walk on a trail that gradually descends to Cheplung village from where we get a glimpse of Mt. Khumbila, a sacred mountain which has never been climbed. The trail again gradually descend until Phakding. Overnight in Phakding.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 02. Trek from Phakding to Namche (3,438 m): (5-6 Hrs.)
The trail passes through pine forest and continue on the trail that goes north up the Benkar Valley. Then we cross Dudh Koshi River and pass Chumoa and Monjo village before reaching the entrance of Everest National Park. After crossing a suspension bridge, we pass Jorsale village and walk alongside of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. We ascend on a steep trail and reach Namche Bazaar which is probably the biggest town in the Everest region. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 03. Acclimatization Day
Acclimatization is important to adjust to the gradual change in environment. It helps us to prevent from being Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Today we hike to Khumjung villages, enjoy the Himalayan vista from Syangboche or tour the quaint streets of Namche Bazaar. We can also visit the Tourist Visitor Center where we can see a variety of things related to the first Everest ascenders and Sherpa culture. This visit will also get us acquainted with various plant and animal life of the Everest region. In Khumjung we can even visit a monastery that houses a yeti scalp! We also climb up to the airstrip above Syangboche and enjoy incredible views of Kongde, Thamserku and Khumbila mountains. We walk back to Namche Bazaar to spend the night.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 04. Trek from Namche to Tengboche (3,870 m): (5-6 Hrs.)
After the breakfast with the majestic sunrise view over the snow-capped Himalayas, we will walk from Namche to the village of Kyanjuma as the first section of the trek. This part of the trail is plain and is a good warm-up for the day. From here descend to Phunki tea and ascending to the village of Tengboche. After reaching Tengboche, we will visit the Tengboche Monastery – one of the most prominent monasteries of Khumbu region. The Tengboche monastery is the best place to understand the Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery opens at 3:00 pm to pray. Overnight at a hotel in Tengboche.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 05. Trek from Tengboche to Dole (4,200 m): (5-6 Hrs.)
We will start the day with an emerging warm up walk around Tengboche with scenic mountains surrounding us. Trek down to the river from Tengboche and hike up till we reach Phortse. After crossing a bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, we are likely to come face to face with local wildlife like pheasants, mountain goats, and musk deer. Our trail passes through forests, waterfalls and bridges. We can take a brief stop here and continue our walk to Dole. We will have a short steep section of a climb as we reach near to the Dole village.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 06. Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4,470 m): (4-5 Hrs.)
We climb on a steady trail through a scenic ridge with views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku mountains. We ascend from Luza village and walk above the Dudh Koshi River. We continue walking through small villages and sandy trails before reaching Machhermo. We can visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital for a lecture regarding altitude sickness, its precaution, and primary treatment. Overnight in Machhermo.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 07. Trek from Machharmo to Gokyo (4,800 m): (5-6 Hrs.)
We ascend on a hill and enjoy views of the Dudh Koshi valley and Kangtega, Thamserku and Cho-Oyu mountains. Beyond the ridge the valley widens as the trail passes through a Chorten and reaches Phangga. We descend to the river bank before climbing up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozamba Glacier on a steep trail. We pass through Longpongo, Raboche Tsho and Dudh Pokhari before reaching Gokyo. On the trail next to the first lake, we see what is believed to be the footprints of a Lama (Buddhist priest). We explore Dudh Pokhari before calling it a night. Overnight in Gokyo.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 08. Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) and Explore the 5th Lake: (5-6 Hrs.)
We spend another day in Gokyo to acclimatize to the high altitude. If the weather is good, we climb Gokyo Ri today. From the top of Gokyo Ri we admire the Himalayan vista and the tranquil Gokyo lakes. We also hike to the fourth and the fifth Gokyo lakes. The 4th lake is only about 3km north of Gokyo. It is marked by high cliffs and Himalayan peaks rising above it. We continue to walking a little further and reach the 5th lake. A climb up a nearby hill will guarantee us remarkable views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makulu. We can see a lot more from here – the spot is called Scoundrel’s Viewpoint. From the northern part of the 5th lake we see the Cho Oyu base camp and Ngazumpa Glacier which is the biggest glacier the world. We walk back to Gokyo to spend the night.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 09. Trek from Gokyo to Dole (4,200 m): (4-5 Hrs.)
We descend on a trail along the Dudh Koshi River and pass the first Gokyo lakes. On the way we also enjoy views of the Cholatse and Taboche peaks. Our trail descends before climbing a hill. After reaching the Chorten at the edge, we see great views of Thamserku, Cho Oyu, and Kangtega mountains. We walk past Machhermo, Luza and Lhafarma villages before reaching Dole. Overnight in Dole.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 10. Trek from Dole to Namche (3,438 m): (5-6 Hrs.)
We descend on a steep trail to Phortse Thanga admiring rhododendrons, wildflowers and waterfalls. We also come across mountain goats, musk deer, pheasants, etc. From Mong, we can admire a good view of Khumbila peak. On our way to Namche the view of Taboche, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kangtega mountains are ours to admire. After walking for a while, we reach an intersection where the trail from Sanasa meets our trail. We walk on a trail that clings to a forested slope beyond Kyangjuma, winding through several bends. After reaching Namche army camp hill, we look back to see Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche for one last time. About a kilometer from here is Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 11. Trek from Namche to Lukla (2,800 m): (7-8 Hrs.)
We descend on a rocky trail and cross several suspension bridges before walking on a leveled trail. The air is warmer as we walk on the same trail to reach Lukla. Our trek in the mountain ends after we reach Lukla. We spend our time reminiscing about our time spent in the mountain. Overnight in Lukla.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 12. Fly to Kathmandu (1,350 m)
We catch an early morning flight to Ramechhap then drive to Kathmandu after a long mountain journey. In Kathmandu , we can take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. If we want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, we may do that today. Our guides can help you with both souvenirs shopping or sightseeing. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate the successful completion of our journey. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Meals included: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have farewell dinner and share the experiences about our trek.
Cost Includes:
- Airport pickup and drop in a private vehicle
- 1 night accommodation in Kathmandu in a tourist standard hotel with breakfast
- Lodge accommodation during the trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
- Flights tickets : ( Kathmandu – Lukla-Kathmandu)
- Transport : Kathmandu – Ramechhap – kathmandu by Jeep / Bus
- An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trekking guide
- Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
- Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation
- Sleeping bag /duffle bags
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (ECAP, TIMS)
- Medical kit (carried by your trekking guide)
- All government and local taxes
- Farewell dinner
Cost Excludes:
- Nepalese visa fee
- Excess baggage charge(s)
- Other any transportation except included in the section
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
- International flights
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
- Local taxes\monument entry fee etc
- Tips for guide(s), porters) and driver(s)
Important note
- The itinerary mentioned is a standard guideline. It can be fully customized according to the client’s needs, requirements, and availability.
- The cost of the trip can changed according to the group size, needs, and time boundary.
- The addition or removal of activities will increase or decrease the cost of the trip respectively. This will be done through mutual understanding between the agency and the client(s).
We can customize this trip as per your schedule, budget and preferences. If you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for it please contact us.
