The Gokyo trek is a fairly popular trekking route. The route itself ends at Gokyo Ri, and trekkers typically turn around at this point and retrace their steps back to the trailhead. There is an alternative mountaineering route that begins near the southern tip of Ngozumpa Glacier and is just south of Taujun Lake. This alternative route leads east over the Cho La, a pass at 5420m (17 782ft), where it meets with the main Everest Base Camp trek.
Gokyo Ri, Gokyo Peak (5357m, 17 575ft above sea level) is a peak in the Khumbu region of the Nepal Himalayas. It is located on the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier, which is the largest glacier in Nepal and is reputed to be the largest in the whole Himalayas. Gokyo (4750m, 15 583ft above sea level), at the base of Gokyo Ri, is a small hamlet of a few stone houses. From Gokyo Ri, it is possible to see five 8,000-meter peaks - Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Kangchenjunga, and Cho Oyu.
Short Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek
Duration: 15 DaysOverview
- Duration 15 Days
- Difficulty Level Strenuous
- Max. Altitude 5555m | 18225ft
- Trip Start and End Kathmandu-Lukla
- Trip Area Khumbu
- Best Season February - May | September- December
Highlights
- People & Cultures
- Religions & Lifestyle of more Ethnic groups
- Fantastic Mountain views above 6000 - 8848m peaks including the world's Highest peak - Mount Everest
- Famous Climbing to Gokyo Ri Peak ( 5360m)
- Adventures & scenic walk though Sherpa Villages
Itinerary
As per your flight plan, we will be at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu to stretch out a warm welcome to you in our wonderful nation for the lovely outing. As you fly towards the International Terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport on a clear sunny day, you can see the breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain peaks spread in distance. Once you land, a representative from Himalayan Scenery Treks & Expedition will escort you to your hotel. The day is complete leisure. You can either choose rest at your hotel room and remove jet lag or take a short walk around in the ancient valley of Kathmandu.
The beginning of this strenuous trek to the less traveled Gokyo region is with the scenic flight to the beautiful town of Lukla. After you arrive at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) and complete the formality in customs, our representative shall greet you and transfer to the hotel of your stay. The flight of around 45 minutes takes us above the lush hills and greenery and through the vicinity of the Himalayas that seems marvelous, majestic and glamorous. After the enthralling and sort of adventurous flight to the Tenzing-Hillary Airport, we meet the other members of the trekking group of ours and begin our hike up to the Phakding on the same day.
This marks the beginning of our trekking in this region. We shall have a gradual descent to the Cheplung village at the beginning of this section of the trail. This village offers the view of the beautiful Khumbila Mountain, a mountain considered sacred and that gives the name to the entire region. Further along the trail, we shall gradually descend to another settlement of Phakding. We shall traverse along a trail with pine and rhododendron forest, accompanied by the torrential Dudh Koshi River, through the settlements of Benkar valley and Chhamuwa to reach Monjo, before which we cross a couple of suspension bridges. After Monjo, the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, we cross the suspension bridge to pass through the village of Jorsale that further leads to Larja Dobhan, the confluence of Dudh Koshi River and Imja River. We walk along the steep trail up towards the Sherpa hub of Namche Bazaar. The first view of Everest can be seen from Larja Dobhan and the view of Everest and Lhotse can be viewed before reaching Namche. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Today is a free day for adaptation. A culturally rich city, Namche Bazaar is popular with trekkers and mountaineers and is used as a stopover to adapt to the highlands the day after trekking.
This bustling city has government offices, bars, cafes, restaurants, shops, and colorful markets. Trekkers can explore the city's Sherpa Cultural Museum, which provides information on various aspects of Sherpa culture and the Everest Summit.
Trekkers can also opt for a day trek to Khumjung (famous for its ancient monasteries, Hillary schools, and hospitals), Kunde, and Everest View Hotel 3880m | 12729ft (panoramic views of other mountains such as Everest and Ama Dablam). Others) will decide.
Not only exploring flora and fauna at various altitudes during the hike. Overnight at Namche Bazaar.
We start the trek for the day with the climb to the Khumjung hill after some trekking further ahead of Namche Bazaar and have a view of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Kang Taiga, and Lhotse.
We descend to the east of the village that leads us to Dudh Koshi River and turns north towards the destination for today. We reach the village of Kyangjuma and through the rhododendron forest, further into the conifer and juniper trees as we move higher up the elevation.
We traverse past Mong la which gives the view of the confluence of Dudh Koshi and Imja River below the trail, and the birthplace of Lama Sange Dorje before we reach the destination of Phortse Thanga. Overnight in Phortse Thanga.
Trails follow steep paths from the valley through juniper bushes and conifers, in contrast to the low-altitude juniper forests.
You will also navigate a small permanent settlement of nature (used to graze yaks in the summer) and pass through the villages of Tomba and Jiere upon arriving at Dole. Behind this settlement is the beautiful village of Khumbila Peak and Mt. Taboche.
Beyond the trail, there is a flat section that steeply climbs the height of the trail as it passes through the village of Lavalma, the end of Luza, and the end of Macherma. The raging Dudh Kosi River and the white mountains are our constant companions during the trail.
Overnight in Macherma.
We begin our trek with the view of Kangtaiga peak and also the Cho Oyu in the distance. Walking through the wider trail and avalanche we descend to the river bank and climb up the debris formed by the majestic Ngozumba Glacier.
Along the trail that moves parallel to the glacier, we come across the Gokyo lakes one by one. Crossing the iron bridge, we have a leveled trail that leads us to the first of the Gokyo lakes known as Longpongo.
Further, ahead we have Taboche Tsho, the second lake with green-blue water that is connected to the third lake, further ahead of the trail, by a small stream. We reach the village of Gokyo situated at the edge of the third lake with the Cho Oyu mountain far behind.
Overnight in Gokyo.
On this day we start early in the morning to ascend the Gokyo Ri that lies north of the Gokyo village. Requiring around 2-3 hours of ascent, we, however, shall have a gradual climb to avoid AMS.
We have a steep climb up to the top of the summit where a couple of false peaks are also encountered on the route to the top of the Gokyo Ri.
Besides the collection of Tibetan prayer flags on the summit, the most remarkable is the panoramic view of the Himalayas, glaciers, and the striking Gokyo village.
Dream mountain view of four 8000m peaks including Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kusum Kangaru, Cholatse, and others is visible in a scene vast and wide, besides the view of rubble-covered Ngozumpa Glacier on the foreground below the summit.
After having the picturesque and breathtaking scenery, we gradually descend to the Gokyo village for rest.
Overnight in Gokyo.
After early morning breakfast, we begin our trek following the northern trail of Gokyo valley. About three kilometers of uphill hike reaches the fourth Gokyo Lake (Thonak Tsho). Situated at the elevation of 4843 meters from sea level, this lake gives you a great view of high cliffs and peaks rising just above it.
Walking further away from the fourth lake, our trail continues to the fifth lake of Gokyo Valley. Climbing up to the fifth lake we will be blessed with the magnificent views of Cho-Oyu, yachting Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu.
Depending upon the time and interest we can even go higher up to the sixth Gokyo Lake. After relaxing and enjoying the views for a few minutes, we make our way back to the Gokyo for an overnight stay.
Today, we will retrace our trail to Dole. Commencing our trek after breakfast, we slowly descend on our trail along the Dudh Koshi river.
After some time of the downhill walk, we come across the first Gokyo lake. On the way to the Dole, you will be accompanied by the amazing views of the Cholatse and Tobache peaks.
Arriving at the chorten, our trail ascends uphill and passes through Machhermo, Luza, and Lhafarma villages before reaching Dole.
We start today’s trek with the march on the flat trail, probably after a long time in this trek and further along the trek descend to the settlement of Samde and Thamte past a couple of bridges along the route.
We move past several small chortens, prayer flags and prayer wheels and through the settlements of Mende, Phurte, and Gongla before we reach Namche Bazaar.
We proceed in a rather leisurely fashion to the bustling Namche Bazaar as the destination of today’s section of the trek. We navigate through the forests, scenic and lush landscape, and views of the mountains in the far distance.
Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
The last section of the trail with the physical trek, today we shall traverse along the Dudh Koshi River.
We move past the headquarter of Sagarmatha National Park and view Mount Everest and the confluence of Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi River near Larja Dobhan before we reach the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo.
Through several lively Sherpa villages, the company of Dudh Koshi River, dense and colorful forests, a caravan of yaks, porters, trekkers, and locals, prayer wheels, prayer flags, and several suspension bridges, we arrive at the beautiful hill town of Lukla, the beginning point for most of the trekking expedition to this region.
This is the official end to the strenuous yet beautiful and memorable trek in the Everest region. Enjoy the view of the high peaks one last time.
Fill yourself with fodder and then get on the plane from the Tenzing Hilary Airport to have views of the snow-capped peaks one last time.
Upon our arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in the medieval city of Kathmandu, we will drive you to your hotel. We also do some souvenir shopping for friends and relatives back in your native place.
On the last day of our trip, representative of Himalayan Scenery Treks and Expedition will drive you to the airport according to your flight schedule back to home or onward destination.
Meeting you has been such a wonderful experience, and we do hope our relationship will keep going long.
We hope that you enjoyed the Gokyo Ri and Gokyo Lake Trek and hope to see you for other adventure soon.
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Cost Details
Included
- Airport pick up and drop off by private vehicle
- Three-night accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
- Three Meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
- Best available twin sharing lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek
- Kathmandu city tours, tour guide, and private transportation
- All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
- Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Lukla -Kathmandu)
- One highly experienced, helpful and friendly guide.
- Porters (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary, and equipment.
- Accident insurance for all staff
- Trekking map/ Trekking T-Shirt, and trip achievement certificate
- First aid medical kit, Oximeter to check pulse, heart rate, and oxygen saturation at higher altitude.
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit & TIMS Card Fee- Trekkers' Information Management System (Please bring 2 passport size photos for permit)
- Worst case, help with all rescue and evacuation arrangements.
- Government taxes & office service charge
Excluded
- Personal Travel insurance
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa
- Snacks /Drinks and other personal expenses
- Hot showers during the trek
- Personal trekking equipment
- WiFi internet and phone call unless it’s free.
- Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and drivers
Note: Supplement charge: $200 for single travelers.
Useful Info
Join us on this 15 days trek to this excellent and abundant place which is beyond imagination. The best season for the Gokyo Ri trek is March to May and September to December. The fitness level required for trekking in this region is decent with an average of 5-6 hours of walk per day. Contact us in case of any professional expertise and a tailored trip.
NOTE:It is recommended that you should arrive in Kathmandu a day earlier before you start your trek (if you do not have a day tour of Kathmandu scheduled). And If you have scheduled a Kathmandu day tour you should arrive two days prior to the actual day of trekking.
If you are able to arrive a day earlier, it will be best for you as you will get some time to rest, know about the trekking you are doing, get info about the trekking routes, and get time to buy trekking equipment if necessary. Similarly, if you can manage a day or two after trekking. In case of any flight delay from Lukla to Kathmandu due to different circumstances, you will have a lower chance of missing your international flights. Adding some extra days besides actual trekking days will help you enjoy your trip to Nepal to the fullest without having to worry about any preparations, any flight delays, and missing international flights
- Nepal Visa Information
- Trekking Permit and Entrance Fee
- Embassies and Consulates
- About Nepal
- Bank Transfer Detail
- Travel Insurance
In Himalayan Scenery Treks and Expedition, your safety precedes every other thing. As this adventure entrails traveling in the remote mountainous region, we are always at mercy of nature. During the trip, the factors such as weather, natural disaster or a multitude of other factors which are beyond our control can subsequently bring the changes in the itinerary. Although all the itinerary we provide to you is guided and standard; please note that your team leader has the authority to alter or even drop the planned itinerary of any part if it is necessary due to safety concern. All the alternations or changes of the standard itinerary are made by the leader by taking into consideration the best interest of the whole group. We give our best effort to stick with the above-mentioned itinerary; however, in case of any unpredicted event which is beyond our control, you need to be flexible and take after the guideline as instructed by your leader.
Note that the company won’t be responsible for any result of alterations on itineraries or any delays due to unforeseen circumstances.
Flight Delay in Kathmandu and Lukla:
Tenzing Hillary Airport also known as Lukla Airport, is the small but busiest airport situated on a wonderful valley fenced by high mountains. This airport has been carved into a mountain ridge and sites by a perilous three-kilometers drop. Because of the high location, the weather around here erratic and is likely to be changed in every few hours resulting in flight delays and cancellation.
Twin Otter and Dornier planes are the only the modes of transportation to and from Lukla Airstrip. However, because of the unpredictable weather of the high mountain reason, there is always the risk of flight cancellation or delays. In some cases, the flights are delayed or canceled for 2 or more days. Due to the long delays in the flight schedule, it may hinder your trip. However, we Himalayan Scenery Treks and Expedition, help you to Charter helicopter to or from the Lukla Airstrip, in case of flight cancellation or delays due to harsh and unpredictable mountain weather condition. We will provide you with the best service to make sure that you are on schedule for your trip and international flight connection.
To charter a helicopter to or from the Lukla Airstrip, you will be charged approximately 2500 USD to 3,000 USD per Helicopter. The helicopter conveys 4 to 5 passengers at a time, so the aggregate chartered fee can be shared amongst the passengers (USD 500 to USD 3000 is applicable per person). The cost of this service is payable directly to our office, and later this can be submitted to the travel insurance company for reimbursement. Our company will provide you with all the required documentation for the claim.
Hotel and Accommodation:
Trek to the Himalayas is one of the favorite destinations for travel enthusiast and adventure seekers all around the globe. Although the Himalayan region of Nepal is the most popular trekking destination in the world; there are a lot of things people don’t have a clue. While trekking to the high mountain region, you will not find the hotels and accommodation as you see in the city areas. The hotels and accommodation around the high Himalayan have fewer services and facilities. The hot shower may turn out to be simply a bucket of lukewarm water and the toilet may be a latrine behind the hotel. The private room can be a wooden cell with no furniture except a bed, mattress, and curtain in place of the door. So, while trekking to the mountainous region of Nepal, you need to be ready to stay in the less fancy and minimum facilitated hotels.
We provide you with the 2 to 3-star standard hotel while you are at Kathmandu (i.e. for 3 Nights). During your Gokyo Lake Trekking, we provide you with the basic lodges and tea houses for your accommodation. The room of these lodges and tea houses are less fancier with just a bed, a pillow and a blanket. The lodges on the trail are always crowded and in some cases, you may have to share a room with other trekkers or may have to sleep in the dining room. We put our every effort to make your trek as cozy as possible. However, you need to stay flexible in some cases. We will accommodate the groups in local lodge available each day. We send the porters ahead of us to pre-book the room for the next day (rooms cannot be pre-booked on all places).
In Kathmandu beside the 2 / 3 stars hotel, some 4 / 5 - star luxury accommodation is also available. If you want to change the accommodation plan for the luxury, please do let us know so that we can arrange and book the hotel for you for your Kathmandu stay.
Food and Beverages:
All the food and Beverages included on the package of Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri Trek are provided by the company itself. The foods are provided in the tea houses or lodges on the trail. We will have breakfast and dinner at the lodge where we stay overnight. On the everyday trek, our guide will decide the available place and stop for lunch. We highly recommend you bring the water purification pills, to cleanse the water and drink during the trek. During the trek, there are options for buying the bottled water and boiled water as well.
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu after the successful trekking journey, we will provide farewell dinner consisting of authentic Nepalese cuisines.
Transportation:
We at Himalayan Scenery Treks and Expedition provide all the necessary transportation facilities for your trip. We provide private vehicles for airport pick up and sightseeing tour around Kathmandu. We likewise provide the flight to and from Lukla Airstrip for the Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri Trekking.
Luggage and Backpack:
The main luggage of your will be carried by your porters during the trek. For your personal things, we highly recommend you, to carry a small handbag containing water bottles, cameras, sunscreen and other things which you require daily during the trip. Making the backpack small and lighter will unquestionably assist you to enjoy the trip to its fullest. You should simply convey the thing which is basic for your outing and the rest of the garments and different things can be left in the locker room/safe store of hotels. The hotels provide the locker room / safe deposit for free. So, don’t hesitate to leave things which are redundant. While making the backpack or luggage for your trip to ensure that the luggage doesn’t exceed more than 15 Kg. Weight allowance at Nepal’s domestic airlines is 15 Kg including your handbag. Excess weight is chargeable of USD 1.5 or more which will be the additional cost of our trip.
Guide and Porters on Trek:
We provide you with the well trained and experienced guide and porter for your trek. Our guide will assist you in every possible way to make your trips remarkable and memorable. Talking about the porter, we provide one porter for 2 trekkers each. The porters carry 20 Kg of total luggage (10 Kg form each trekker). We provide the one guide for the smaller groups and if the group size surpasses 10 individuals; we will provide the additional guide for your trip.
Personnel Expenses:
Personnel Expenses largely influenced upon your habit of expenditure. We provide you with all the necessary food and accommodation facilities inside the cost of your Gokyo Lake Trek. So, you only need money to pay for your drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages) and snacks while strolling on the trail. You will get a significant number of smaller shops on the trail to buy drinks and snacks. Likewise, you can also use the money to buy you souvenirs of the trip, entrance tickets, hot showers, tips and many more. Note that, tips and gratuities are not mandatory, but it is fine if you wish to. If you feel like the service provide to you is excellent, then you can tip directly to staffs. Of course, there is no obligation to tip if you are disappointed with the service you receive. As a suggestion, we advise you to allocate an amount of 5 - 10%of the total package price for tips. The amount you give depends on your budget and appreciation of their work.
Rescue and Evacuation:
Nepal is the country full of heart-warming natural beauty and a magnificent travel destination for the thrill and adventure seeker all around the globe. In spite of the fact that Nepal is an adventure paradise for the nature lover, thrill seeker. But in some cases, the thrilling experience comes up with a serious hazard. The most exciting, and the joyful trip may backfire on us and we may have to be the victim of nature. Not only that while trekking in the high altitude rough terrains may also occur afflictions like a sprained ankle or even broken leg, appendix ruptures, hypothermia, skin infection and respiratory infection. If any of this misfortune happens to you, then it should be treated on time. If left untreated then you may even lose your life. If any of the above-mentioned affliction happens during your trip, we at Himalayan scenery treks and expedition will do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital ASAP. All the expenses made to rescue and evacuate you, are entirely liable to us. So, before departing off to your trip, make sure that your travel insurance company has the policy to cover up all the expenses in case of any misfortune arises during the trip so that you can enjoy the trip to the utmost. If not, be ready to pay on your own once you arrive at the Kathmandu. To learn more about the Travel Insurance for the Trip in Nepal, please do visit Travel Insurance page in Nepal Travel Guide.
Join a fixed date group trek or private departure:
The Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri Trekking is available on both fixed departure and private basis, If you are looking for a group to join then please check our fixed departures dates and ask for availability or if you would like to travel independently, or with your friends, families & colleagues then you are invited to choose any date at your convenient timeframe for any number of people.
Booking Requirements
Please provide us your full credentials or a copy of your passport. Give your weight so that preplan your group’s trips for proper weight distribution. You may deposit 20 to 30 percent advance of the total package amount while booking. You may pay rest of the amount before the trip. You can also pay us by card, bank transfer or online. Please visit here for payment details.
Cancellation Policy
If you are unable to make your trip, let us know in advance. We will refund you as per our booking terms and conditions and available time frame. At times, there might be delays or cancellation of flights due to weather and unforeseeable reasons. In such cases, we will make our best effort to adjust your bookings and rearranging the schedule.
Still Need Help!
Please feel free to contact us. We will get back to you with 1-2 business days. Or just call us now
Cell:+977 9851083619
Email:info@himalayanst.com
Client Reviews
![TripAdvisor]()
Incredible Experience
Last January, I had a wonderful trekking experience in Nepal which became possible only via Himalayan Scenery Treks and Expedition. Everyone from this company is really helpful and friendly. In fact, what they care is just the comfortability and amusement of their tourists. They provide all the necessary stuff that a Trekker or a visitor would seek in order to make his/her vacation hilarious. I really enjoyed the service they provide. On top of that, they provide info and every minor details about the place that I traveled. In short, my tour went really memorable last New Year. I would recommend all the travelers to consult with this company if they are planning to visit Nepal and spend vacation there. Lastly, Nepal is really a beautiful country with mountains, lake forests and parks. I think everyone should make it a travel destination and learn about the diversity of this country.
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sujitaFrom: United States,March 20, 2019![TripAdvisor]()
Trip of a lifetime!
Just returned home from Nepal and still on a high from the absolutely awesome time we had. Once again, as with our first trip 3 years ago, Ramkrishna and Santos of Himalayan Scenery Treks & Expeditions went out of their way to ensure that our Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp trek over 4 weeks in Nepal was the most amazing, unforgettable trip of a lifetime. We also counted our blessings in being able to get our guide Narayan Thapa again from our previous Everest Base Camp trip, knowing that his depth of knowledge, experience, understanding and care for us would be exemplary, and we weren’t disappointed. Narayan leads by example, and truly cares for his clients, as well as ensuring the whole team including Sherpas is working well. I can only believe he must be the best guide in all of Nepal. Thank you all for making our dream trip happen. Nepal, and it’s people has a special place in our hearts.
![Mary S]()
Mary SFrom: New Zealand,November 02, 2018
