Gokyo Ri Trek
TREK DIFFICULTY
Moderate - Difficult
TREK DURATION
13 Days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
5,483 meters (17,575 - 17,989 feet)
GROUP SIZE
12
TREK DISTANCE
82 - 100 Km
BASECAMP
Nepal
BEST TIME
September - November and March-April
PICKUP POINT
Kathmandu | Nepal
Gokyo Ri: A Walk Through Glaciers, Lakes & Legends
The Gokyo Ri Trek, situated in the Everest (Khumbu) region of Nepal, offers trekkers a blend of stunning Himalayan scenery, beautiful glacial landscapes, peaceful alpine lakes, and a significant Sherpa cultural experience. As well as being a less crowded and more scenic alternative to the Everest Base Camp trek, this route will take trekkers into the heart of the Gokyo Valley, where they will find the Gokyo Lakes, a collection of sacred vibrant lakes situated at high altitudes.
Trekkers finish the trek on top of Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) with unparalleled 360-degree views of four peaks over 8,000 meters high – Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu – as well as a view of the very large Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas.
The trek begins with a stunning flight to Lukla, after which we will follow the Dudh Koshi River through the classic Khumbu region. Highlights of the trek include crossing suspension bridges, walking through lush pine forests, lush rhododendron forests, and visiting famous Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar, Dole, and Machhermo.
In addition to the incredible scenery, the trek also provides a rich cultural experience by allowing trekkers to see numerous ancient monasteries, mani walls, prayer flags, etc., and how these artefacts reflect the deep-rooted spiritual beliefs and the resilient way of life of the Sherpa community.
The Gokyo Ri Trek is best done in the spring or autumn when the weather is most stable, and the view of the mountains is more prominent.
Safety, acclimatization, and responsible trekking practices are the foundation of the Gokyo Ri Trek with Himalaya Shelter, along with an emphasis on trained and experienced high-altitude trek leaders and adherence to Leave No Trace principles.
For trekkers who want to experience world-class views of the Himalaya without having to deal with waves of people, the Gokyo Ri Trek is one of the most enjoyable and soul-stirring trekking trips available in the Greater Himalayan Region.
Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860 m) and trek to Phakding (2,610 m)
A scenic flight takes place from Kathmandu to Lukla, then an easy hike along the Dudh Koshi River.
Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Experience crossing over suspension bridges and gradually climb to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa Capital.
Day 3: Namche Bazaar Acclimatization Day
On this acclimatization day, enjoy a short hike to help you adjust to your new elevation.
Day 4: Namche Bazaar to Dole (4,200 m)
Instead of following the primary Everest Trail, turn off into the quieter Gokyo valley.
Day 5: Dole to Machhermo (4,470 m)
Enjoy a continual ascent with changing alpine scenery and breathtaking mountainous views.
Day 6: Machhermo to Gokyo (4,790 m)
Arrive at the stunning Gokyo Valley and the holy Gokyo Lakes.
Day 7: Gokyo Ri Summit (5,357 m) and return to Gokyo
Hike up to Gokyo Ri at dawn for the panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu.
Day 8: Gokyo to Dole
Return to Dole by descending through Gokyo Valley, retracing your trek.
Day 9: Dole to Namche Bazaar
Climb back to Namche by following the primary Everest Trail.
Day 10: Namche Bazaar to Phakding
Descend leisurely while enjoying your last views of the Khumbu.
Day 11: Phakding to Lukla
Hiking this final day allows for preparations for the return flight.
Day 12: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
This day serves as a buffer for possible weather and/or flight delays.
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