Highlight
- Remain awe-struck by the views of the mountains, hills, and whatever there is to observe.
- Cross the sounding rivers and green vegetation at notable times.
- Touch down the pristine and sapphire blue Gokyo Lakes.
- Spend a close time with the Sherpas of the region who have so much to show.
- Hike up to the significant point of the trek, Gokyo Ri(5,357m), and get lost in the view from there.
- Get to explore the Gokyo Region thoroughly.
- Spend a complete rest day in Namche Bazaar, a beautiful famous town in the region.
- Enter the Gokyo Valley via rural and traditional Sherpa settlements like Phorse, Machhermo.
- Trek through the less known and unfrequented trails of the Khumbu Region.
- Kick off the venture from Kathmandu by a scenic flight to Lukla.
All too often, people only see the Everest Region as the home of Everest Base Camp Trek. That is just not right! If you turn your sights a little away, there are several fantastic trekking destinations as well.
Gokyo-Ri & Gokyo Lake Trek, an adventure in the Everest Region. As it is pretty clear from the title, and you might also have guessed already, the trek is about the two beautiful happenings of the Everest Region: Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri.
Firstly, Gokyo Ri, a sublime mountain pass with an altitude of 5,357m, is a summit in the picturesque Gokyo Valley from where you can view four eight-thousanders: Mt Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Lhotse and numerous other peaks as well. Indeed, it is a majestic place for mountain lovers.
Likewise, there is something more in this trek that can unmistakably entice lake lovers. We mean the six pristine glacier lakes that come along during the tour, better known as Gokyo Lakes. The bluish-colored lakes have the power to awe-struck any visitors.
Nevertheless, Gokyo Ri and Gokyo Lakes Trekking are not only about the lakes and the past. An excellent alternative to Everest Base Camp Trek, this trek also bestows insight into Sherpa culture and lifestyle, views of striking landscapes and vast terrains of the Khumbu Region, and more. You can take this journey as a trek to the unseen and less frequented but breathtaking side of the Everest Region.
In total, it is a 14-day long itinerary that starts from Kathmandu and ends up in the same. But what happens in between is something you have never experienced and lived. Without a doubt, Gokyo Ri and Gokyo Lakes Trek are a whole lot of adventure.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu and Drive to your Hotel (1400m)
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Arrangement Day
Day 3: Fly to Lukla from Kathmandu Airport and Trek to Phakding (2651m- 4hours)
Day 4: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,430m- 6hours)
Day 5: Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar
Day 6: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Phortse (3810m- 6hours)
Day 7: Trek from Phorse to Machhermo (4470m- 6hours)
Day 8: Trek from Machharmo to Gokyo (4800m- 6hours)
Day 9: Explore Gokyo Valley, Climb Gokyo Ri, and Trek around the Gokyo Lakes (5357m- 6hours)
Day 10: Trek from Gokyo to Dole (4032m- 6hours)
Day 11: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3430m- 5hours)
Day 12: Trek to Lukla (2860m- 7hours)
Day 13: Morning flight back to Kathmandu (1400m- 45mins)
Day 14: Final departure from Tribhuvan International Airport
FAQ's
How Difficult is Gokyo Ri and Gokyo Lakes Trek ?
The trek is not one of the challenging treks, but it can be to some people who are not so good at trekking. You will be trekking for at least 4 to 7 hours daily. The trail will be steep, rugged, and tiring. Likewise, the maximum altitude of the trek is 5,357m (Gokyo Ri). You can guess it as a moderate trek. Those things can be challenges for those who have not prepared well for the trek and vice versa.
What is the best time for Gokyo Ri and Gokyo Lakes Trekking ?
The best time for doing the trek is Autumn(September to December) and Spring(March to May). The conditions in Nepal are perfect during these months for trekking.
I am not an experienced trekker; Can I be part of it ?
Yes, you can be part of it, but you need to go through a well-planned preparation for that. Indulging in hiking, swimming, and other cardio exercises regularly before the trek date(2 to 3 months) can make you fit for the trek. Otherwise, the difficulties of the trek will hit you right on the face during the tour.
​What sort of guides will I get ?
You will get a lead of highly experienced, humble, friendly, and licensed guides during the trek with us. There is no doubt about that.
​Where will I sleep at night ?
Your nights will be at the basic teahouses of the Khumbu Region during the trek. They will be double-sharing rooms with comfortable and clean bedsheets, pillows, and clothes.
​What kind of meals should I expect during the trek ?
You will get hygienic, energetic, and well-cooked meals three times a day. The food items available on the trek are the most common ones from Indian, Chinese, Local, and Western.
​Is Gokyo Ri and Gokyo Lakes Trek a better option than Everest Base Camp Trek ?
It is! This trek is the best option to avoid the busy trails of Everest Base Camp Trek. The trek is less dotted and more peaceful than the Everest Base Camp Trek. If you hate crowds, this is for you.
What are the odds of getting altitude sickness during the trek ?
If you do not follow health precautions and take mountain sickness lightly, you never know when. You have to be careful up in the higher areas and follow what your guide has to say. This way, you can lower the chances of sickness.
​How can I avoid mountain sickness ?
Drinking water regularly, walking slowly, not using alcoholic beverages, and utilizing acclimatization days can help you avoid it.