Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri Trekking

10+

Age

Nepal

Country

All Seasons

Dates

12 Days

Duration

Trekking

Activities

Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri trekking begins at the mountain airstrip in Lukla, a one hour flight from Kathmandu. It is said to be one of the most spectacular landings of the world, so your trip already starts with a memorable experience! Our destination is the high altitude lake of Gokyo, situated at over 4200m in the Khumbu region. Less frequently visited than the E.B.C. route, the trek provides some tremendous high altitude trekking and a visit to the second largest glacier in the World. From the top of Gokyo Ri you’ll be rewarded with spectacular mountain views including mighty Mt. Everest.

Gokyo Lake trekking is one of the best alternatives for trekking in the Khumbu region. The highlight of this trek are undoubtedly the stunning views on the highest Mountain in the world, as well as Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8481m) and Cho Oyu (8153m) and many more beautifully snow capped mountains. Ngozumpa – Nepal’s largest glacier and beautiful turquoise Gokyo Lake will be other memorable impressions in Sagarmatha National Park. The beautiful Gokyo valley is residence to the Sherpa families and you will be able to experience the typical Sherpa lifestyle and their culture.

Outline Itinerary:

01 Flight to Lukla, trek to Phakding

02 Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3446m)

03 Acclimatization day in Namche Bazar

04 Namche Bazaar to Phortse Thanga (3680m)

05 Phortse Thanga to Dole (4110m)

06 Dole to Machhermo (4470m)

07 Machhermo to Gokyo (4750m)

08 Excursion to Gokyo Ri (4357m)

09 Gokyo to Dole (4110m)

10 Dole to Namche (3450m)

11 Namche to Lukla (2840m)

12 Flight back to Kathmandu

Flight to Lukla, Trek to Phakding (2610m)

Early morning after breakfast from the hotel, we take an around 30 minutes flight to Lukla. On the way, we will be blessed to see the stunning view of Himalayas. Walking along the Dudh Koshi river with few ascents and descents we arrive in Phakding after 4-5 hours. Overnight in the teahouse lodge.

Walking time: 5 hours

Trek Phakding to Namche Bazar (3450m)

After breakfast, we start our trek towards Namche Bazaar crossing suspension bridge and on the way, we will enter the Everest conservation area where our permits are registered at monjo village. You will be walking through the alpine forest to arrive at Namche from where you will see the first sight of Mt. Everest. Overnight in the tea house lodge.

Walking time: 5 hours

Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar

This day is specially for acclimatization to the altitude. Rest and after breakfast, walk around the Namche Bazaar. You can find banks, internet, bakery and small shopping places. If you are interested, there is the option to hike around the Khumjung village: It is a steep walk for 2 hours. Arriving at the Khumjung village gives you the chance to visit the Monastery and enjoy the local livelihood.

Namche Bazaar to Phortse Thanga (3680m)

Today while walking the trail on Dudh Koshi valley, we would get the chance to view the Range of snow capped Mountains. Enjoy the significant view of Dudh Koshi valley and Tengboche Monastery before arriving the Phortse Thanga village. Overnight in Lodge.

Walking time: 4-5 hours

Phortse Thanga village to Dole(4410m)

After breakfast, we start our trek and still walking on the Dudh Kosi valley and before arriving in Dole we will be walking up and down in alpine rhododendron forest. Grazing yak and their ringing bell on the neck welcome you on the way with the mesmerizing sound. The crystal-clear waterfall from the rock has another great impression before arriving in Dole. Overnight in the teahouse Lodge.

Walking time: 3-4 hours

Dole to Machhermo (4470m)

Today is a short trekking day, only a few hours ascend and descends through the thorny bushes brings us up to Luza from where we can view the range of snow capped mountain. After Luza the route ascends again crossing the prayer flags at some point again descend up to the machhermo concludes our walk. From Machhermo we must be very careful regarding AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).

Walking time: 2-3 hours

Mochhermo to Gokyo (4750m)

We start our walking through Machhermo to Gokyo lake from the valley ridge, we we will be crossing few small lakes while descending along the rivers created from Ngozumpa Glacier the route is bit narrow before arriving at Ngozumpa, we arrive at Gokyo lake followed by Gokyo village.

Walking time: 5 hours

Climb Gokyo Ri (4357m) and return to Gokyo

After breakfast, we start climbing up towards the Gokyo Ri, trail is very narrow and difficult until we arrive the Gokyo Ri it’s around two and half hour walk. You will be rewarded with the world four tallest mountain Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Makalu Tabuche, along with the other mountains. After spending some time, we walk down to the Gokyo lake. After lunch, it is an option to can hike around the Gokyo Lake. Overnight in Gokyo.

Walking time: 5 hours

Gokyo to Dole (4110m)

After all the impressions of Gokyo Ri, we enjoy the small river stream besides the walking trail today, while we hike down to Dole. Overnight in Dole.

Walking time: 5-6 hours

Dole to Namche(3450m)

Today also we will be walking through the same trail enjoying the beautiful views of Mountain range that we have walked while we were ascending. Overnight in the Lodges.

Walking time: 5-6 hours

Namche to Lukla

This will be the last day of our trekking so enjoy the walking to the fullest! We pass by beautiful the rivers and some more mountain views. Overnight at the lodge.

Walking time: 6-7 hours

Flight back to Kathmandu

Early morning walk to the Lukla airport for our flight to Kathmandu. Pick up from the domestic airport and drop at your hotel.

Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri trekking:
Gokyo lake trekking is a great option for those who have trekked to Everest Base Camp before or don’t want to reach such a high altitude. However, this route still provides you with astonishing views on the Khumbu region and its high-rising mountains. You can enjoy the fourth tallest mountain range from Gokyo after a few ascends and descends on the bank of the Dudh Koshi river, that take us to Phakding. While arriving in Phakding, we will cross the suspension bridge and Permit Check Point of Sagarmatha National Park which offers us the first sight of Mt Everest. Enjoying the view of Dudh Koshi valley, Monasteries and snow capped mountains, rhododendron forests and waterfalls, we will already be arriving in Dole. Some days we will walk rather short distances in order to acclimatize with the altitude, but depending on your fitness level and requirement we can can be faster or also arrange a day of rest. On top of Gokyo Ri you will enjoy the mesmerizing view of Mt. Everest (8848m), Lhotse(8501m), Cho Oyu(8153m), Makalu(8463m), Tabuchi, along with the Longest Glacier: Ngozumpa Glacier. Of course, the prayer flag are always the part of the mountains in Nepal. After this rewarding day we will descend back to Gokyo, Dole, Namche and Lukla respectively.