The Gokyo Ri Trek is undoubtedly one of Nepal's most beautiful treks. The Gokyo Lake, also known as the Thonak Lake, confirms the mythical status of the Gokyo Lakes as a heavenly paradise and the most pristine pastures of Khumbu. The Everest Gokyo Ri Peak stands at an impressive 5,483 meters above sea level, situated between the Everest base camp and Thame Valley. Located on the edge of the Everest region, the Gokyo Ri Ridge is bounded by the Renjo La and Cho La passes, as well as the 5,553-meter Ngozumpa Tse peak.
The Gokyo Ri Trek takes you to the highest point of the Gokyo trek during a moderate trekking adventure in the high Himalayas of the Everest region. Consequently, trekkers often choose this itinerary over the more crowded Everest trek to enjoy less congested trails. Whether you are an experienced traveler or a novice, this can frequently be an excellent choice.
The Everest Gokyo Ri Trek is an 11-day moderate trek that has also been referred to as the "Hidden Treasure" alternative to the Everest base camp trek. Although Gokyo Ri is located at an elevation of 5,483 meters, no climbing permits are required to ascend the Gokyo peak. Only two types of permits are needed: a Sagarmatha National Park permit and a Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipalities card. The Gokyo Lake Trek is truly one of the most remarkable treks in the Everest region.
We fly from Kathmandu to Phaplu, then embark on a roughly 7-hour trek to reach the village of Nunthala. Upon arriving, we will settle into a comfortable tea house for the night.
The trek to Puiya typically takes 6-7 hours of walking. Overnight accommodations are available at a tea house along the route.
The trek to Phakding takes approximately 7 hours of walking, with an overnight stay at a tea house. Phakding, located at an elevation of 2,640 meters, is a substantial settlement boasting around 50 lodges. Our trek entails a gentle climb along the mountainside, tracing the left bank of the Dudh Koshi river. Throughout the journey, we'll encounter several charming Sherpa villages, such as Ghat, as well as cozy guest houses, ultimately reaching our destination of Phakding.
After a hearty breakfast, you embark on a journey filled with scenic ups and downs to reach the bustling market town of Namche Bazaar. Along the way, you enter the renowned Sagarmatha National Park, crossing several suspension bridges spanning the Dudh Koshi River and strolling through lush rhododendron forests. As you approach Namche, a palpable sense of excitement fills the air, with numerous trekkers and climbing teams gathered, poised to set out on their respective adventures.
Today is a day to allow your body to adapt to the high altitude, which will only continue to increase. However, we recommend staying active, as that is the best way to acclimate. There are several walking routes around Namche Bazaar - you could visit the Everest View Hotel, which boasts some of the finest views of Mount Everest. In fact, some people even take helicopter rides to the hotel for breakfast, allowing them to enjoy the breathtaking vista. From the hotel, you can continue on to the village of Khumjung.
This area offers numerous points of interest. The Khunde Hospital, built in 1966 by Sir Edmund Hillary, is still funded by the Himalayan Trust today. Even older is the Khumjung School, also established by Sir Edmund Hillary, which has grown from two classrooms to over 350 students. Additionally, the centuries-old Khumjung Monastery, though reconstructed after the 2015 earthquake, remains a center of Sherpa culture and religion, rebuilt with the support of the entire community. You may even have the chance to see a Yeti scalp on display within the monastery.
After a day of exploration around Namche, be sure to stock up on any desired supplies from the abundant local shops before continuing on to the next stage of your trek.
Leaving the vibrant Namche, the path ahead becomes incredibly scenic as you hike up the Dudh Koshi valley, passing by captivating stupas and awe-inspiring views of Ama Dablam, Everest, Thamserku, and many more along the way. Descending into the tranquil pine and rhododendron forests, the trail splits. The route to the stunning Gokyo Lakes lies to the left. On the journey, we arrive at the charming Mong village – a small yet remarkably scenic settlement. Perched atop a ridge, the views from here extend all the way to Tengboche and beyond. Delight in the cascading waterfalls and the blooming rhododendrons on this trail, though you may not be as pleased with the stone stairs you'll encounter! Finally, we reach the quaint village of Dole, where we settle in for the night, absorbing the captivating surrounding vistas.
Today is the day you reach your ultimate destination, Gokyo Valley. As you ascend along the banks of the Dudh Koshi River, you'll pass by a few monasteries and chortens, with the stunning Khumbu Himalayas in view, before arriving at the first Gokyo Lake.
From there, you'll trek up the Ngozumpa Glacier moraines to the second and third lakes, the latter of which is hidden behind the historic Sherpa village of Gokyo. Before arriving at Gokyo Valley, you'll encounter several other notable landmarks, such as Long pongo, Dudh Pokhari, and Raboche Tscho. Your overnight stay will be in the Gokyo village.
Today, we'll acclimatize to the high altitude in Gokyo. If the weather is favorable, we'll hike towards Gokyo Ri. Once we reach the summit, we'll be able to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the serene Gokyo Lakes.
We'll also explore the Gokyo Lakes. We'll then climb near the top of the slope, where we'll be rewarded with stunning vistas of Mount Cho Oyu, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Gyachung Kang, and Makalu. After taking in these spectacular sights, we'll retrace our steps back to Gokyo, where we'll spend the night.
The hike to Phortse Thanga takes approximately 7 hours downhill, with an overnight stay at a tea house.
The trek to Manjo takes approximately 7 hours of walking, with overnight stays at tea houses along the way.
We retrace our steps along the well-known path from our ascent, making our way back to Lukla. This marks the final day of our unforgettable adventure. Upon arrival in Lukla, we check into a comfortable hotel near the airport, where you can unwind and recharge. Alternatively, you may choose to explore the charming shops in the area, where you'll find a variety of souvenirs to commemorate the memories of this remarkable trip.
A brief breakfast and a short flight transports us to the nation's capital. Your accommodations are ready, and you have a chance to discover parts of the city or pick up some souvenirs.
The Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri Trek present a remarkable series of high-altitude lakes, each adding a layer of natural wonder to the Himalayan adventure. The journey begins at Longpongo, the first lake at 4,700 meters, where trekkers are introduced to the serene beauty of these alpine sanctuaries. Taboche Tsho, at 4,790 meters, follows, offering mirrored reflections of the towering peaks that surround it.
The pinnacle of this experience is Dudh Pokhari, or Gokyo Lake, at 4,830 meters. Nestled amidst soaring giants like Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, and Everest, its tranquil waters create a captivating visual symphony of sky and mountains. Thonak Tsho, the fourth lake, reveals its panoramic splendor at 4,870 meters, providing an elevated viewpoint to appreciate the entire lake system.
For those seeking an extra layer of natural allure, the ascent to Ngozumpa Tsho, the fifth lake at 5,070 meters, offers turquoise elegance against a glacial backdrop. The Gokyo Lakes not only captivate with their visual splendor but also foster a deep connection to the raw beauty of the Everest region's unspoiled landscapes.
The Gokyo Lake with Gokyo Ri Trek is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, but it also offers a deeply immersive cultural experience. Nestled among the Himalayan peaks, the Gokyo region is not just a visual delight, but also a hub of Sherpa traditions and ways of life that add a unique depth to the trekking journey.
The villages, with their traditional stone houses adorned with prayer flags and mani walls, are a living testament to the Sherpa community's deep-rooted connection with their environment and spirituality. As trekkers explore these settlements, they often have the opportunity to witness daily rituals, interact with locals, and even participate in cultural ceremonies.
Visiting local monasteries is another highlight of the cultural immersion. These sacred places boast intricate architecture and serve as centers of religious practice and meditation. Observing monks engaged in their spiritual activities and perhaps even participating in a traditional puja ceremony provides a glimpse into the spiritual heart of the Sherpa culture.
While the Sherpas make up the majority of the population in the Khumbu region, trekkers may also encounter members of the Rai, Limbu, and Tamang ethnic groups, especially in lower-elevation areas and towns like Lukla and Namche Bazaar. These diverse communities contribute to the cultural richness of the area, further enriching the trekking experience through their unique customs and languages.
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(Note: Guides will carry medications and first aid kits, but it’s highly recommended that you bring your personal kit and medications.)
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Please note that any changes to the program, applicable government taxes, inflation, fuel costs, entrance fees, or guide charges may result in a revised quote.
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