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10 D 11N
Specific Tour
12 people
English, Espanol, Francais, Hindi
A Peaceful Himalayan Adventure through Sherpa Heartlands, Alpine Lakes & Everest Views. Gokyo Ri Trek high-altitude Adventure to Turquoise Lakes, Glacial Gems, and Everest’s Quietest Lookouts
Concealed in a less crowded corner of the Khumbu lies one of the Himalayas’ best-kept secrets the Gokyo Valley. Over 10 breathtaking days, the Gokyo Ri Trek transports you to a world of sparkling glacial lakes, towering 8000-meter behemoths, and peaceful Sherpa villages away from the popular Everest Base Camp route.
This hike is not just a trek it’s a personal pilgrimage for those seeking solitude, unspoiled beauty, and panoramic Himalayan views that rival, and in many ways surpass, Kala Patthar and Base Camp views.
Why Gokyo Ri Trek excels
While the majority of trekkers head straight to Everest Base Camp, the Gokyo trail rewards those willing to break ranks. From the moment you tread the trail in Lukla, every day is a revelation: suspension bridges appearing to dance above glacier-fed streams, ridge tops with fluttering prayer flags, and valleys carrying the wind from Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
At its heart are the six sacred Gokyo Lakes, a UNESCO Ramsar wetland, surrounded by an ethereal alpine landscape. The third lake on which the picturesque Sherpa town of Gokyo lies will be your base for two nights’ relaxation, acclimatisation, and exploration. From here, you can either climb Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for a sunrise panorama of Everest and more, or proceed to the Fifth Lake, where the even more breathtaking, less-visited view of the Everest massif opens out over the glacier-carved landscape.
Highlights at a Glance
Perfect balance of challenge, cultural immersion, and high-altitude beauty
What You’ll Experience
From rhododendron and pine forests to the high-altitude desert of the upper Gokyo Valley, this trek offers an ever-changing canvas. After acclimatizing in Namche Bazaar a vibrant Sherpa trading town perched on a hillside you’ll break away from the standard EBC route. The trail to Gokyo follows a gentler rhythm: fewer crowds, deeper silences, and wide-open skies.
As you ascend, you’ll be traversing yak grazing grounds, waterfalls cascading down rocky slopes, and glacial moraines. The moment you catch sight of the first lake, your senses will tingle: the improbably blue water, the glittering whiteness of Cho Oyu in the distance, and the bracing alpine air will stay with you long after the trek is finished.
The walk up to Gokyo Ri is steep but brief-well worth every inch for the 360° mountain panorama that rewards you at the top. Alternatively, if you feel like trekking further afield, the trek to Fifth Lake is an isolated, fulfilling route that commands perhaps the best view of Everest you can access on foot.
Authentic Local Flavor
Sleeping overnight in traditional teahouses along the way, you’ll experience Sherpa hospitality personally homemade dal bhat, Tibetan bread, yak cheese, and stories shared over warm dining room stoves. Drinking tea at the edge of a glacial lake or socializing with villagers at Machhermo, human connections are as powerful as views.
Who Is This Trek For
This trek is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and solitude-seekers, as well as anyone who wants a less touristy, more introspective Himalayan experience. Moderate to challenging in difficulty, it’s best suited for seasoned trekkers who want a fulfilling path with time to absorb it all.
Want to Walk Into the Wild?
Let us take you to one of Nepal’s most beautiful, off-the-beaten-path experiences. The 10-day Gokyo Ri Trek is the perfect combination of nature’s beauty, cultural depth, and high-altitude adventure. We provide expert local guides, warm Sherpa hospitality, and a well-planned itinerary that respects both your will and your well-being.
When the mountains call this is the path that answers.
When is the Best Time to Trek Gokyo Ri?
For the bluest skies and smoothest trails, however, spring (March to May) and fall (October to November) are your best bets. Both seasons have the most consistent weather, so high-altitude trekking becomes effortless. Picture fresh mountain air, bluebird skies, and just that perfect balance of sun and cold. Winter trekking is an option but with icy paths and more exertion better left to experienced trekkers seeking the challenge.
Morning or Evening on Gokyo Ri?
Climbing Gokyo Ri in the early morning is like waking up in a Himalayan dream. You’ll catch that iconic panoramic view of Mount Everest, framed by Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and even Makalu in the distance. The Ngozumpa Glacier Nepal’s longest is also in full view, winding through the valley below.
But don’t take away the sunsets’ magic here either. As the sun goes down behind the summits, the entire range is bathed in gold and burned orange. Sublime, especially for photographers. Just don’t forget to pack a headlamp if you’re doing a sunset ascend the way back gets dark in a hurry!
Permits You’ll Need
Two permits are all that are needed for the Gokyo Ri trek no technical climbing permissions required:
If the call of alpine lakes and quiet mountain trails is growing louder, Gokyo Ri might just be your next great story.
| # | Discount group | From adult | To adult | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Group Discount | 4 | 8 | 10% |
The journey begins with a scenic 40-minute flight to Lukla — one of the world’s most thrilling airstrips. After meeting your guide and porters, you'll descend through pine forests and tiny hamlets along the Dudh Koshi River, passing carved mani stones, fluttering prayer flags, and your first suspension bridges. Your overnight stop is Phakding, a peaceful village nestled between hills. • Flight Time: 40 minutes • Trek Time: 3 hours • Meals: Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation: Teahouse in Phakding
Cross high bridges and trek through rhododendron and fir forests. After entering Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, the trail climbs steeply alongside the river toward the iconic Hillary Bridge. From here, it’s a heart-pumping final ascent to Namche Bazaar, the main trading hub of the Khumbu region. In Namche, colorful shops, bakeries, and Tibetan stalls welcome you — along with your first views of Everest, Lhotse, and Thamserku. • Trek Time: 6 hours • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation: Teahouse in Namche Bazaar
To help your body adjust to the altitude, spend a restful yet active day exploring. Optional hikes include: •A scenic climb to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m) for stunning panoramic views •Visiting the Sherpa Cultural Museum and Namche Monastery •Browsing the bustling local market or enjoying fresh apple pie at a mountain café. This day plays a crucial role in keeping you safe and strong for the days ahead. • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation: Teahouse in Namche Bazaar
Leave the EBC trail behind and head north into the less-traveled Gokyo Valley. The route winds past Mong La — a stupa-crowned ridge offering great views of Ama Dablam and Khumbila — and descends into Phortse Thenga, a riverside village. A final climb through mossy woods and wild rhododendron groves leads you to Dole, a peaceful highland pasture village often surrounded by grazing yaks. • Trek Time: 5 hours • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation: Teahouse in Dole
Today’s trail takes you through open alpine landscapes, with distant views of Cho Oyu and wild blue sheep occasionally spotted on rocky slopes. The path rises gradually through yak grazing areas, past small huts, and a few summer settlements like Luza. You’ll reach Machhermo, a tranquil village where locals love to share stories of the legendary Yeti encounter that happened here in 1974. • Trek Time: 5–6 hours • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation: Teahouse in Machhermo
Today is one of the most scenic days of the trek. The trail climbs gently to the edge of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal, and leads past a string of sacred lakes. After passing Longpongo and Taboche Tsho, you’ll reach the third and largest lake, Dudh Pokhari, beside which lies the serene stone village of Gokyo — your high-altitude home for the night. • Trek Time: 4 hours • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation: Lakeside teahouse in Gokyo
Wake up early for the iconic sunrise hike to Gokyo Ri. The steep but rewarding 1.5–2-hour climb offers you panoramic views of four 8000-meter giants: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, as well as the shimmering Gokyo lakes and glacier valley far below. After descending and breakfast, begin your journey down via a more secluded trail to Phortse — a traditional Sherpa village known for its strong mountaineering heritage and stunning cliffside views. • Hiking & Trekking Time: 7–8 hours total • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation: Teahouse in Phortse
Enjoy a quiet morning and tea with the locals before trekking back toward Namche via a trail rich in wildlife and traditional stone walls. Along the way, you’ll pass farm terraces and ridge-top monasteries with stunning backdrops of Ama Dablam. Once in Namche, treat yourself to a bakery stop, souvenir shopping, or a relaxing herbal tea in the sun. • Trek Time: 6 hours • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation: Teahouse in Namche Bazaar
It’s time to complete your circular route. Descend past Jorsalle, Monjo, and Phakding, crossing the same beautiful suspension bridges that welcomed you at the start. Once back in Lukla, celebrate your incredible journey with your guide and porters — perhaps over a warm meal and a glass of chang (local millet beer)! • Trek Time: 6–7 hours • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation: Teahouse in Lukla
Catch a morning mountain flight back to Kathmandu, ending your epic journey above the clouds. Enjoy one last aerial glimpse of the Himalayas before landing in the capital. • Flight Time: 40 minutes • Meals: Breakfast • Optional: Hotel in Kathmandu (add-on available)
The standard Gokyo Ri Trek typically takes 10 to 15 days, depending on the route and acclimatization days. A well-balanced itinerary includes rest days in Namche Bazaar and Gokyo village, with options to visit Gokyo Ri and the Fifth Lake.
Yes, Gokyo Ri is absolutely worth it. The summit offers one of the best panoramic views of Mount Everest, along with Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the vast Ngozumpa Glacier. It's a less crowded alternative to Kala Patthar and provides a more peaceful high-altitude experience.
The Gokyo Ri Trek is considered moderate to challenging. While there are no technical sections, trekkers reach elevations above 5,000 meters, which can be physically demanding. Good fitness and proper acclimatization are essential.
The Gokyo Valley Trek is less crowded and slightly less physically demanding than the Everest Base Camp trek, although both reach similar altitudes. The trail offers more gradual ascents, making it a great alternative for those seeking scenic beauty without the Base Camp crowds.
The best time for the Gokyo Lakes Trek is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is clear and stable, offering the best mountain views and trail conditions.
The standard Gokyo Ri trek typically takes 10 to 14 days, depending on your starting point, acclimatization days, and return route. Most itineraries include a scenic flight to Lukla, acclimatization in Namche Bazaar, and time to explore Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri before heading back.
Absolutely. Gokyo Ri offers one of the most stunning panoramic views in the Himalayas, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. It’s a quieter, more peaceful alternative to the Everest Base Camp trek, ideal for photographers, nature lovers, and trekkers seeking solitude.
Gokyo Ri is a challenging but non-technical climb. The final ascent is steep and requires good stamina, especially at high altitude (5,357m), but it’s doable with proper acclimatization. The view from the top makes the effort well worth it.
The Gokyo Valley trek is considered moderate to challenging. While it doesn’t require technical mountaineering skills, the high altitudes, long trekking days, and changing terrain demand good physical fitness and some prior trekking experience.
Yes, fit beginners can complete the Gokyo trek if they prepare well, allow time for acclimatization, and go with a reputable guide or trekking agency. Staying hydrated, walking at a steady pace, and listening to your body is key.
No — the Gokyo route is a less crowded alternative to the Everest Base Camp trail. You’ll still see fellow trekkers, but it’s far more peaceful, especially past Namche Bazaar.
While the trail is well-marked, hiring a local guide is highly recommended for safety, navigation, cultural insight, and support, especially if you're new to high-altitude trekking.
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