Gokyo Ri Trek is an off-the-beaten hiking trip in the Everest Mountain region. If you are planning a hiking trip but would like to avoid tourist traffic, then it is the best alternative trekking trail next to Everest Base Camp.
This amazing Gokyo Ri trekking trail splits from the main Everest Base Camp trekking route and goes through some of the hidden Sherpa villages along the bank of Dudh Koshi River leading to the Gokyo glacial lake system.
The Gokyo lakes are elevated from 4700m to 5000m range and are formed from the seepages from the nearby glaciers including the world’s longest Himalayan glacier Ngozumba.
Among these lakes, Dudh Kunda is the most popular as it carries a huge religious value among Hindus and Buddhists. Hundreds of Hindu Pilgrims take a cold bath at this lake during the Janai Purnima festival. Ice skating, figure skating, and Ice hockey were introduced in 2019 the lake is frozen during winter.
Apart from the lakes, Sagarmatha National Park is home to different flora and fauna including some endangered species like the Red Panda, Musk Deer, and Snow leopard. The majority of vegetation comprises Rhododendrons, Fir, Pines, Junipers, and alpine shrubs. Whereas Himalayan Thar, Jharal, Himalayan Pika, Impeyan Pheasant, Tibetan Snowcock, and other smaller species are common sightings.
The most famous settlement, Namche Bazaar is a market center and is an amalgamation of traditional and contemporary houses during Everest Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri Trek Even with the majority of the Sherpa community, people from other ethnic communities now reside and run businesses here. An acclimatization trip to Khumjung is a mandatory side hike where you can explore more about the Sherpa culture. Besides, Everest View Hotel is also a popular destination among travelers.
After reaching Gokyo, a small settlement on the bank of the Gokyo Lake is composed of teahouses and lodges that offer a beautiful view of the mountains reflecting on the Gokyo Lake. From here, a hike to Gokyo Ri offers a panoramic view of Mt. Everest, Makalu, Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other lesser mountain peaks. If the time and the situation are favorable then you might be able to visit the fifth and the sixth lakes.
Vertex Holiday organizes the Everest Gokyo Lake Gokyo Ri Trekking itinerary which is a cost-effective trekking package. If you are planning a once-in-a-lifetime vacation in the Himalayas, then this is one of the best hiking trips for you. For more information regarding maps, and equipment checklist about this wonderful holiday package, contact Vertex Holiday.
Everest Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri Trek - Route Map
Everest Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri Trek Itinerary
Namaste and welcome to Nepal. As you arrive Kathmandu, Vertex Holiday’s airport representative will receive you at the airport and assist you to the hotel.
After getting refreshed, a short briefing about Everest Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri Trek and orientation will be held by our trekking leaders. In the evening will be dinner program at a Nepalese restaurant with cultural music and dance . Overnight at the hotel.
Car 30m
Accommodation Hotel
Meals Dinner
Altitude 1300
Drive to the domestic airport Kathmandu or Ramechap for the flight to Lukla. During the flight the picturesque Himalayan range is visible. Landing at Lukla, you’ll meet the rest of the crew who will accompany us during the trekking.
Then the hike begins smoothly through the easy trail with the smell of the Yak dungs with the chirping of the birds. The trail goes through several small settlements and eventually crossing suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, we reach Phakding. Overnight at lodge.
Multiple Drive to airport, 30 or 4hrs flight then Walk for 3 hrs
Accommodation Lodge
Meals B/L/D
Altitude 2804m
After the delicious breakfast, we begin our Everest Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri Trek which is a bit tougher today.
Crossing bridges, we reach the entry gate of Sagarmatha National Park at Jorsalle. Then the route starts to get tougher as it ascends uphill. The prayers carved on the large stone walls are intriguing.
The charming view of Everest can be seen for the first time on the trek. We walk continually till we reach the horseshoe-shaped Namche Bazaar, which is one of the busiest settlements in the Everest region. Overnight at lodge/tea house.
Walking 5 - 6 hrs
Accommodation Lodge
Meals B/L/D
Altitude 3440 m
Our trek to Everest Base Camp continues climbing the stone steps of the town. Reaching the top, an incredible mountain view appears in front of our eyes.
The chances of seeing wild animals including Himalayan Thar, Musk deer and the national bird Danphe are high.
After some easy plain trail with a descent to Kyanjuma, we climb up steadily through the rhododendron forest and reach Phortse which lies under the shadow of Mt.Taboche. Overnight at lodge.
Walking 5 - 6 hrs
Accommodation Overnight at lodge.
Meals B/ L/D
Altitude 3810 m
After the Phortse village, the trail continues crossing the bridge over the Dudh Koshi River and continues walking through the forest region.
We will be witnessing the biodiversity of the region. The cascading waterfalls are one amazing experience of the day.
We’ll stop at Luza for a tea break then continue through the sandy trail to reach Machhermo village.
Nearby the village, the Himalayan Rescue Center lies, which is to treat people having altitude problems. Overnight at lodge.
Walking 5 - 6 hours
Accommodation Lodge
Meals B/ L/ D
Altitude 4,470 m
Enjoying the view of the Dudh Koshi valley, we begin to trek higher with a destination of Gokyo today. Mt.Thamserku peeps from the near horizon.
From Phanga, we trek down to the Riverside and climb again through the Ngozumba glacier to reach to the Gokyo or Dudh Pokhari .
Gokyo lake is situated at an altitude of 4800 meters with a small settlement beside the lake. You may find it tough to deal with the alpine altitude, but the following day it will become normal as we go over 5300 meters. Overnight at lodge.
Walking 5 - 6 hours
Accommodation Lodge
Meals B/ L/ D
Altitude 4800 m
It is an exploration day. Early in the morning , we hike to the Gokyo Ri in order to catch the glimpse of sunrise . The view of Everest, Cho-Oyu, Gyachung, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makulu and other smaller peaks can be seen from the Gokyo Ri .
Then we come down for lunch at the lodge. Then we can visit the fifth and the sixth lake. Exploring the natural wonders, we trek down to the Gokyo valley and rest. Overnight at lodge.
Walking 5 - 6 hours
Accommodation Lodge
Meals B/ L/ D
Altitude 5357 m
The wonderful sunrise view over the snowy peaks is stunning, but we have to leave after breakfast. Besides, the fabulous Mt.Taboche and Mt.Cholatse will shed their smile at you.
Even Mt.Thamserku and Mt.Cho Oyu can be seen as you reach the ridge. Then we descend gradually passing Machhermo and Luza village and finally reach to Dole. Overnight at lodge.
Walking 3 - 4 hours
Accommodation Lodge
Meals B/L/D
Altitude 4038m Dole
After breakfast, we begin to descend to Phortse Thanka through the astonishing rhododendron forest. We can see the cascading waterfalls and beautiful wildflowers from the trail.
Some of the wild animals are other attractions of the trekking. The spectacular Everest region peaks energize you to walk in this beautiful landscape.
After having lunch, we trek further to the Namche Bazaar and rest. Overnight at lodge.
Walking 4 - 5 hours
Accommodation Lodge
Meals B/L/D
Altitude 3440m Namche Bazaar
This is the last trekking day. We have breakfast and begin the excursion through the steep trail from Namche Bazaar.
Checking out from the national park counter, we reach to Monjo and head further crossing the suspension bridges.
Passing Phakding, the normal route begins. We gradually reach to our concluding point at Lukla. We celebrate our successful trek with all the team members. It is the last day of the trek for our crew. Overnight at lodge.
Walking 6-7 hrs
Accommodation Lodge
Meals B/L/D
Altitude 2804 m
It’s time to bid farewell to this Himalayan town and fly back to Kathmandu. The Himalayan peaks that became familiar to us can be explored for the last time if the weather is clear.
Landing in Kathmandu, you will be assisted to the hotel and take a rest. Overnight at the hotel.
Multiple 30 minutes fligh and drive to hotel
Accommodation 3 star Hotel
Meals Breakfast
Altitude 1300
Having a good memorable trekking experience with Vertex Holiday our representative will drop you at the airport for your final departure.
Car 30m
Meals Breakfast
Includes/Excludes
What's Included?
All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
2-night accommodation in Kathmandu(Twin sharing basis) Three-star hotel with a BB plan
Two-way airfare for Kathmandu or Ramechap-Lukla-Kathmandu(Ramechap)
Airport pick up and drop off for Lukla’s flight by private vehicle
Including all kinds of entry fees for a city tour
All meals during the trek time in the mountain (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Accommodation during the trek with Twin sharing basis
An experienced, English-speaking, knowledgeable, skillful, and helpful government license holder trekking guide and porter to carry your luggage(max:-25kg), including all kinds of costs i.e. Transportation, salary, insurance, equipment, meals, and accommodation
All kinds of the necessary paperwork for your trips (TIMS card and permit – please bring 3 PP size photos)
Comprehensive medical kit
Duffle bag for Trekking
Snack of seasonal fruit during the trek
Government taxes and office service charge
What's Excluded?
Nepalese visa fee
International airfare
Personal travel insurance
All kinds of drinks, snacks, and personal ordered food during trekking time
All kinds of personal expenses
Hot shower during the trekking if needed to pay
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Personal trekking equipment
Rescue charge (if needed)
Tips for trekking staff
Essential Information - Everest Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri Trek
Benefits of Booking Manaslu Trek with Vertex Holiday
Expert Guidance: Vertex Holiday’s experienced English-speaking local guides who are trained in first aid and altitude sickness management, ensuring safety and enriching the cultural experience.
Logistical Support: Vertex Holiday handle all necessary permits, internal flights, fod, accommodation bookings, and porter services, significantly reducing planning stress.
Acclimatization Planning: Vertex Holiday design itineraries with carefully planned ascent rates and built-in acclimatization days, maximizing the chances of a successful and safe trek.
24 Hours Company Assist: Vertex Holiday Team member will assist during the trip.
Airport pick up & Drop Service: Vertex Holiday will provide personal Airport drop and pick up any time.
Customize Trip Facility: During the trip some reason cannot get right place that time company and staff help you customize trip.
Nepali Sim Card: After arrival in Nepal , vertex Holiday provide per person 1 Ncell sim card with 20 GB Data for easy connection
Free luggage store at Vertex Holiday office Store in Thamel
Gokyo Ri Trek Challenges:
Even though most of the trekking trail is situated on higher altitudes of alpine territory, the trip is comparatively easier than expected. However, the challenge is enormous for anyone and counts on their physical fitness and medical history.
The density of oxygen in the air gets thinner with the gain of elevation; therefore, the breathing and speed of hiking ratio are to be maintained by walking slowly and steadily.
Once you start feeling shortness of breath, taking rest and drinking water while exploring the harsh environment is optimal.
Selection of food and beverages that you consume is also needed wisely; thus, try to keep as light as possible, including green vegetables and soups.
Travel Insurance for Gokyo Ri Trek:
Travel and medical insurance from your respective country with the coverage of Emergency rescue and evacuation is the best option for precaution. Unfortunate things can happen anywhere, like accidents, and sudden changes in weather, even during the best time of the year.
In high-altitude places, the probability of health complications, including Acute Mountain Sickness, cannot be discarded, where immediate medical attention might be required. At such times fast measures of transportation like Helicopter services are quite helpful but costly.
Therefore Vertex Holiday advises you to have proper Insurance covering your travel, hospitalization, or other extra costs.
Gokyo Ri Trek Weather and Best Season:
The ideal season for Gokyo Ri Trek is in the springtime (Mar-May) and autumntime (Sep-Nov). The days during these months are mostly sunny and clear, with traces of scattered clouds.
The temperature fluctuates from -15 degrees to 20 degrees centigrade depending on the time of the year and elevation. A cool breeze flows, assisting you in removing all the heat from the strenuous journey.
However, if you are a hardcore trekker and are seeking to hike on the trail with snow, then the months of December to February are the best option for you. The temperatures can reach -20 throughout the night and 10 degrees during the day. Although the skies are clear during the majority of the daytime with a chance of snowfall during the late afternoon.
The weather during the Gokyo Ri Trek is an unpredictable phenomenon in the Himalayas, as the chance of rainfall and snowfall is imminent in the Himalayas, thus causing roadblocks, landslides, or avalanches. During such times, evacuation with the help of a Helicopter may be required.
The mountain flight to Lukla from Kathmandu and vice versa can be delayed, postponed, or canceled due to extreme weather conditions. In such cases, trekking trips can be rerouted to other Himalayan destinations.
Fitness for Gokyo Ri trek:
Gokyo Ri trekking mandates trekkers to be psychologically as well as physically fit, as the harsh topography will pose a huge challenge to them.
Improving the endurance capacity of your body, including respiratory and circulatory functions, is important. Thus, Vertex Holiday recommends that you spend at least three weeks’ time in the gym. If not possible, jogging, aerobics, swimming, and cycling can be helpful.
Apart from all these, Yoga and meditation can be of great help as long as you practice them properly under the guidance of a proper instructor.
Vertex Holidays’ custom Everest Base Camp Trekking package itinerary includes all the major highlights of the Everest region. It is designed to serve the trekkers seeking for a once in a lifetime hiking trip in the mountains at an affordable cost.
Considering the risks of Acute Mountain Sickness, climate change, avalanches, or other extreme weather conditions, For we are dedicated to providing sustainable tourism services, we ensure you the quality and hygiene of our trip packages. If there are any queries, then feel free to reach us.
Porters and Guides:
Our guides have more than 5 to 10 years experience leading high-altitude hikes over the Annapurna, Everest and other Himalayan regions and hold government licenses. They have received training in emergency response, first aid, and altitude sickness awareness. The majority of our senior guides have been trekking for more than eight to ten years. In order to keep clients informed about weather and trail conditions and to maintain safety, they also carry satellite phones and other essential communication devices.
Porter welfare is very important to us. No more than 20 to 25 kg of total equipment for two hikers is carried by each porter, and we make sure that each porter has access to:
Proper attire and footwear for elevated elevations
Appropriate food and lodging
Medical and accident insurance
Equitable compensation in accordance with national norms
Enough working hours and frequent rest periods will help avoid weariness.
Instruction on basic first aid and safe carrying procedures
Vertex Holiday Safety Protocols During The Gokyo and Gokyo Ri Trek
At Vertex Holiday, your safety is our top concern. We take stringent precautions to guarantee a safe trekking experience, such as routine health examinations and continuous observation of altitude sickness signs while you are hiking. Our guides are prepared to offer emergency care if necessary and are equipped with complete first-aid supplies. In the event of an emergency, we arrange for quick helicopter evacuations; however, the customer or your personal insurance usually covers the evacuation expenses. Our Kathmandu office also offers round-the-clock assistance to help you during your trekking journey.
Acclimatization briefings and routine health examinations
First-aid-trained guides with complete medical kits
Coordination of emergency evacuation (helicopter if necessary)
24/7 assistance from the Vertex Holiday office in Kathmandu
Small group sizes and dependable communication devices
Food and accommodation during the Gokyo Ri Trek:
Throughout the Gokyo trek, foods are offered from a wide range of menus, with proper hygiene and health maintained. In most places, some lodge restaurants provide fresh bakeries with varieties of coffee and tea. Meals and snacks served in lodges are Normal continental, Indian, Chinese, and Nepalese meals, whereas Mexican, Italian, Japanese, and Korean food is also available.
Food products, including vegetables and animal products, are transported from the lower regions carried by porters, yak, mules, and Helicopters. Starting from Lukla onwards till Namche Bazaar, travelers can choose from simple budget, standard to luxury class lodges or teahouses for accommodation.
From Tengboche onwards, all room accommodation is the ordinary but spacious, comfy dining hall. During the high tourist season, single supplement rooms are hard to find, thus requiring advanced booking. Most rooms are non-attached; thus, sharing common toilets and bathrooms is mandatory.
You will stay in cozy teahouses with simple yet welcoming accommodations along the Everest Base Camp trekking trails. While certain sections may have common restrooms or toilets, the majority of lodges offer private twin-sharing rooms. To guarantee comfort during mealtimes, common dining spaces are heated. There are many local and international dishes to choose from, and meals are straightforward but filling. Although you are in charge of organizing your own meals, our staff can provide advice to make sure your nutritional requirements are satisfied while trekking.
Pre-trek briefings to prepare the mind and body 2. Assistance with paperwork and permits 3. Eco-friendly hiking methods 4. Assistance with medical or nutritional requirements (with notice) 5. Tailored schedules and post-trek support
Most Asked Questions by Travellers
It is an off-the-beaten-path journey in the Everest area, with breathtaking vistas of the Gokyo Lakes, Ngozumba Glacier, and magnificent views of the mountains from Gokyo Ri.
The trek lasts 12 days, including arrival and departure from Kathmandu.
This journey offers an off-the-beaten-path option to the Everest Base Camp hike, with breathtaking vistas of the Gokyo Lakes, Ngozumba Glacier, and panoramic views from Gokyo Ri. It also offers a calmer ambiance with less tourists.
The ideal times to see Everest Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri Trek are during the pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon seasons (September to November).
You should be in excellent physical condition, with great cardiovascular health, stamina, and the capacity to walk for many hours every day on different terrains.
Yes, the plan includes acclimatization days, particularly at Namche Bazaar and Gokyo, to help you adjust to the high altitude.
Sagarmatha National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the endangered Red Panda, Musk Deer, and Snow Leopard, as well as Himalayan Thar, Jharal, Impeyan Pheasant, and Tibetan Snowcock.
You will tour traditional Sherpa villages, learn about local culture, and discover Namche Bazaar’s bustling market as well as Sherpa culture in Khumjung.
Good hiking boots, high-altitude warm clothes, a sleeping bag, trekking poles, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit are all essential. Vertex Holiday will give a full gear checklist.
The hike is somewhat difficult, with some steep ascents and descents. Past trekking training is recommended, but not required.
To schedule the expedition, contact Vertex Holiday directly via their website or customer support. Early booking is encouraged, particularly during busy hiking seasons.
Reviews on Everest Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri Trek
5.0
Based on 1
Review
Ken Jiang Taiwan
A great Trekking Experience
I am glad that we chose this trek instead of just the Everest Base Camp trek. EBC was beautiful but adding Gokyo Lake to the itinerary was just wonderful. It felt like I could spend my entire remaining life in the valley. The experience of crossing the Cho La Pass was hard, but our guide Ankit and porter Sanjay made the trip much easier.
This trip is indeed much better than the EBC trek, one of the must-visit trekking trips in Nepal.
