How difficult is the Gokyo Ri & Gokyo Lakes Trek?

The trek is considered moderate to strenuous due to the high altitude and long trekking days. No technical climbing experience is required.

What is the highest point of the trek?

The highest point is Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters / 17,575 feet), offering one of the best panoramic views in the Everest region.

What is the best time to do the Gokyo Ri Trek?

The best seasons are Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November), when the weather is stable and mountain views are at their best.

How Does Gokyo Ri Compare to EBC, Island Peak & Mera Peak?

Better Everest Views: Many seasoned trekkers agree that the summit view from Gokyo Ri is superior to Kala Patthar/EBC because you see Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu side-by-side across the Ngozumpa Glacier (Nepal's largest glacier). Quieter Trails: Avoids the main EBC highway crowds after splitting off at Sanasa/Kyangjuma. Trek-Only Route: Like EBC, no climbing permits, ice axes, or crampons are needed. You stay in comfortable tea houses every night.

Gokyo Ri & Gokyo Lakes Trek

Best season
Spring (March–May) & Autumn (September–November)
Max Altitude
5,357 meters / 17,575 feet (Gokyo Ri Summit)
Tour type
Trekking

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

The Gokyo Ri & Gokyo Lakes Trek is a spectacular 12-day Himalayan adventure that takes you to the breathtaking Gokyo Ri Summit (5,357 m / 17,575 ft) and the pristine turquoise Gokyo Lakes, the world’s highest freshwater lake system. Located in Nepal’s Everest region, this trek offers a quieter alternative to the Everest Base Camp route while showcasing stunning views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Following scenic trails through Sherpa villages, lush forests, and the magnificent Ngozumpa Glacier, the journey combines natural beauty, rich culture, and unforgettable mountain landscapes. Suitable for trekkers with good physical fitness, the Gokyo Ri Trek is a non-technical adventure that provides one of the finest panoramic viewpoints in the Himalayas without requiring any climbing experience.

Highlights

Trek to the spectacular Gokyo Ri Summit (5,357 m / 17,575 ft), one of the best viewpoints in the Everest region.
Explore the stunning Gokyo Lakes, the world's highest freshwater lake system.
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Walk alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal.
Trek through the UNESCO-listed Sagarmatha National Park, home to diverse flora and wildlife.
Witness unforgettable sunrise and sunset views over the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.

Day 01 :

Kathmandu/Ramechhap → Lukla (2,860 m) → Phakding (2,610 m)

Max Altitude: 2,860 m / 9,383 ft
Trek Duration: 3 – 4 hours

Overview: Early morning flight to Lukla. Meet your trekking team and begin a pleasant walk along the Dudh Koshi River to Phakding

Day 02 :

Phakding → Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

Max Altitude: 3,440 m / 11,286 ft
Trek Duration: 5 – 6 hours
Overview: Cross high suspension bridges and climb through pine forests to reach the vibrant Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar.

Day 03 :

Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

Max Altitude: 3,880 m / 12,729 ft (Hotel Everest View)
Overview: Hike up to Hotel Everest View for acclimatization and panoramic mountain vistas before returning to explore Namche.

Day 04 :

Namche Bazaar → Dole (4,200 m)

Max Altitude: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
Trek Duration: 5 – 6 hours
Overview: Leave the main EBC route and climb up into the tranquil Gokyo Valley, passing through Mong La and descending slightly to Phortse Tenga before ascending through birch and rhododendron forests to Dole.

Day 05 :

Dole → Machhermo (4,470 m)

Max Altitude: 4,470 m / 14,665 ft
Trek Duration: 4 – 5 hours
Overview: A scenic ridge walk offering views of Cho Oyu (8,188m) and Kantega. Arrive at Machhermo, home to the local high-altitude medical rescue post.

Day 06 :

Machhermo → Gokyo Village (4,790 m)

Max Altitude: 4,790 m / 15,715 ft
Trek Duration: 4 – 5 hours
Overview: Climb alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier lateral moraine. Pass the First Lake (Longponga) and Second Lake (Taboche Tsho) before reaching the shores of the spectacular turquoise Third Lake (Dudhkunda/Gokyo Lake) and Gokyo village.

Day 07 :

Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) & Explore 4th/5th Lakes

Max Altitude: 5,357 m / 17,575 ft (Gokyo Ri Summit)
Trek Duration: 6 – 7 hours
Overview: Early morning steep hike to the top of Gokyo Ri for an unmatched sunrise view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. In the afternoon, rest or hike further up the valley to the 4th (Thonak Tsho) and 5th (Scoundrel's Viewpoint) lakes.

Day 08 :

Gokyo Village → Phortse (3,810 m)

Trek Duration: 6 hours
Overview: Begin your descent back down the valley via an alternative high route through Phortse village, offering distinct cultural insights and wildlife sightings (Himalayan Tahr, Musk Deer).

Day 09 :

Phortse → Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

Trek Duration: 5 – 6 hours
Overview: Contour around the valley wall passing Kyangjuma back into Namche Bazaar for a celebratory meal and hot shower.

Day 10 :

Namche Bazaar → Lukla (2,860 m)

Trek Duration: 6 – 7 hours
Overview: Final day on the trail, descending alongside the Dudh Koshi River back to Lukla.

Day 11 :

Lukla → Kathmandu/Ramechhap Flight

Overview: Fly back to Kathmandu or Ramechhap early in the morning and transfer to your hotel.

Day 12 :

Kathmandu Leisure / Final Departure

Overview: Buffer day for flight delays or souvenir shopping in Thamel before heading home.

Gokyo Ri & Gokyo Lakes Trek

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

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Cost Includes

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Frequently Asked Questions

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Overview

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Includes/Excludes

Cost Includes

Cost Excludes

Frequently Asked Questions

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

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