E v e r e s t G o k y o R i T r e k
Breathtaking views, Gokyo Lakes, challenging trek, Everest panorama, Sherpa culture, stunning landscapes, high altitude.
Region
everest
Duration
15 Days
Walk
6 - 7 Hrs
Elevation
5357m
Best Season
Spring/Autumn
Accommodation
Hotel + Lodge + Tent
Price
$1,695 USD
Trip Overview
The trek to Gokyo Ri provides an exceptional alternative to the traditional Everest Base Camp trek, offering equally breathtaking views and a unique experience. From Gokyo Ri, trekkers can enjoy expansive vistas of Everest and its neighboring peaks, comparable to those seen from Kala Patthar above Gorak Shep. The Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in the Nepal Himalayas, dominates the landscape, creating a striking backdrop for the journey. The ridge above Gokyo showcases a rare opportunity to witness four of the world’s 8000-meter peaks — Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu — in a single panorama.
What sets this trek apart is its quieter trails and the dramatic ice ridge between Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang (7922m), which offers one of the most stunning views in the Khumbu region. With fewer crowds compared to the Everest Base Camp trek, it provides a more serene and intimate connection with the majestic Himalayan landscape. This makes the Gokyo Ri trek an ideal choice for adventurers seeking tranquility alongside awe-inspiring natural beauty.
Itinerary
- Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu: Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu or Bhaktapur. A short briefing will follow concerning the necessary formalities and your trekking itinerary. Depending on your arrival time, you may spend free time visiting nearby sanctuaries or resting.
- Day 2Sightseeing and cultural exploration in Kathmandu Valley: Half-day sightseeing around UNESCO Bhaktapur or Kathmandu with a guided tour of Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines that reflect ancient traditions. Free time to explore the city or rest while trekking permits are finalized. Enjoy a traditional Nepali dinner in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.
- Day 3Kathmandu to Phakding: Early morning flight to Lukla (30 minutes). Meet porters and begin trekking north from Lukla airstrip to Chablung. Cross the Tharo Koshi river via suspension bridge and trek past villages like Ghat before reaching Phakding for an overnight stay.
- Day 4Phakding to Namche Bazaar: Follow the valley of the Dudh Koshi river through forests and villages. Enter Sagarmatha National Park and cross the river on suspension bridges. Trek uphill to Namche Bazaar, the main trading center of the region, for an overnight stay.
- Day 5Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar: Trek to Thami village and return, passing settlements like Phurte, Thamo, and Somde. Enjoy views of Teng Kangpoche and Kwangde peaks. Spend the night in Namche Bazaar.
- Day 6Namche Bazaar to Phortse Thanga: Climb to Khumjung and descend to the Dudh Koshi valley. Follow the trail toward the north, crossing a suspension bridge before arriving at Phortse Thanga.
- Day 7Phortse Thanga to Dole: Short trek through rhododendron and juniper forests, passing by Tongba and climbing gently to Dole. Enjoy tremendous views of Khumbila and Tawachee peaks.
- Day 8Dole to Machhermo: Climb steeply through juniper scrub, passing settlements like Lhabarma and Luza. Reach Machhermo, known for a reported yeti sighting.
- Day 9Machhermo to Gokyo: Climb a ridge for views of Kantega and Cho Oyu. Pass small lakes and trek along a boulder-strewn path to reach Gokyo village on the shores of Dudh Pokhari.
- Day 10Explore Gokyo: Climb Gokyo Ri for panoramic views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, and Tawachee. Return to Gokyo village for the night.
- Day 11Gokyo to Phortse: Take a different route down the eastern side of the Dudh Koshi valley, passing Na village and descending to Phortse.
- Day 12Phortse to Namche Bazaar: Descend to a bridge at Phortse Tange and rejoin the route from Khumjung. Continue to Namche Bazaar for an overnight stay.
- Day 13Namche Bazaar to Lukla: Trek down to the Dudh Koshi river, pass the national park checkpoint at Monjo, and return to Lukla. Reconfirm flight tickets and spend the night.
- Day 14Lukla to Kathmandu: Take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu. Spend the night at a hotel.
- Day 15Departure from Kathmandu: Depart as per the itinerary or adjust plans if unforeseen circumstances require changes.
Cost Includes
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Four nights hotel accommodations with breakfast in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur
- Licensed and trained trekking guides
- Porters for carrying goods and supplies
- All accommodation during the trek
- All meals and hot beverages whilst trekking
- Transportation to and from the trailhead
- All necessary documents and permits for trekking (where applicable)
- National Park/Conservation Area entry permit
- Equipment such as sleeping bags, tents, and mattresses
- Cooking equipment (if required)
- Camp-site charges (if required)
- Insurance, medication, and equipment for staff
- Coordination of Quick Rescue service (costs covered by your insurance plan)
Cost Excludes
- International airfares
- Travel and trekking insurance
- Excess baggage charges for luggage over 16kg and hand baggage over 5kg on domestic flights
- Visa fees
- Airport departure tax
- Rescue charges
- Drinks (cold and alcoholic)
- Personal expenses
- Permit and liaison officer fees (if applicable)
- Lunches and dinners while not trekking