One of the most spectacular treks in the Everest region is the Gokyo Ri Trek. Gokyo Ri (5483) is an excellent substitute for the Everest Base Camp Trek. It has a spectacular view of the Gokyo lakes. There are many other mountains visible from Gokyo Ri on a clear day, including Lhotse (8501 m), Cho Oyu (8153 m), Everest (8850 m), and Makalu (8475 m). The views of Gokyo Ri, its treks, and its lakes are the things that make this trekking camp unique. The Gokyo Ri Trek is better than Everest Base Camp because the views from the Gokyo Ri trail are much better than the views from the Everest Base Camp. Another reason is that the Gokyo Ri Trek is less crowded than the Everest Base Camp.
Gokyo Ri Trek: Major Attractions:
A breathtaking trip to Tenzing Hillary Airport, one of the world’s most daring airports, is available. The largest glacier on the Gokyo Ri, as well as Namche Bazar, may be seen. A person can visit the Gokyo Lakes, which are freshwater lakes with water flowing from numerous glaciers and streams at the highest elevations of 4700-5000m. Many peaks above 8000 meters are visible from Gokyo Ri, as well as on the route to Gokyo Ri. Makalu (8485 m), Mount Everest (8848 m), Lhotse (8516 m), and Cho Oyu (8201 m) are only a few of them.
Gokyo Ri Trek: Best Time to Visit:
Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) are the finest seasons for Gokyo Ri Trekking. Because the sky is clear during these months, the vistas are spectacular. It is necessary to ensure that it is not raining in the trekking area. The fun of trekking is disrupted by rain, and even the safety of the trek is jeopardized. During the spring season, one may appreciate the beautiful foliage of Gokyo Ri, particularly in the lower altitude trail regions.
Gokyo Ri Trek Route Map:
Gokyo Ri Trek: Difficulty:
By Himalayan standards, the Gokyo Ri trek is considered a moderately demanding trek. Having said that, you will still be walking at a high altitude and will require sufficient acclimatization. Technical expertise or equipment are not required for climbing to the summit of Gokyo Ri. The track is not particularly steep, but it does have a constant gradient throughout, so overall fitness is essential. Even so, if you’ve already hiked all the way to Gokyo, you should have no trouble reaching the summit of Gokyo Ri if you’ve followed correct acclimatization procedures.
Gokyo Ri Trek Itinerary:
- Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 02: Fly to Lukla – Altitude: 2840/ 9372 ft. | Trek to Phakding – Altitude: 2610 m/8613 ft. | Flight: 30 minutes | Trek: 3/4 hrs.
- Day 03: Namche – Altitude; 3440 m/11352 ft. | Trek: 5/6 hrs.
- Day 04: Khumjung – Altitude: 3,790 m | Acclimatization day | Trek: 1/1.5 hrs.
- Day 05: Thame – Altitude: 3800 m/12540 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs.
- Day 06: Lumde – Altitude: 4380 m/14455 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs.
- Day 07: Gokyo – Altitude: 4790 m/15805 ft. via Renjo-la Pass – Altitude: 5360 m/17685 ft. | Trek: 6/7 hrs.
- Day 08: Gokyo Valley: Acclimatization Day – Optional Hike to Gokyo Ri: 6-7 hours – Altitude: 5,357 m. | Trek: 5/6 hrs.
- Day 09: Trek to Machhermo – Altitude: 4470 m | Trek: 5/6 hrs.
- Day 10: Trek to Phortse Thanga – Altitude: 3680 m | Trek: 4/5 hrs.
- Day 11: Trek to Monjo – Altitude: 2835m | Trek: 4/5 hrs.
- Day 12: Trek to Lukla – Altitude: 2840/ 9372 ft. | Trek: 4/5 hrs.
- Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu – Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. | Flight: 30 minutes
- Day 14: UNESCO Cultural Heritage sightseeing in Kathmandu
- Day 15: Departure Transfer
Gokyo Ri Trek: What to Pack:
- Passport with validity of at least six months
- Two passport size photos
- Insurance proof
- Airline tickets
- Nepalese Visa
- Headscarf
- Sunglasses
- Long and half sleeves T-shirts
- Waterproof jacket
- Thermal wear
- Clothes comfortable for trekking
- Trekking shoes
- Sleeping bag
- Travel Bag
- Handbag for trekking
- Mini folding knife for safety purposes
- Guidebooks
- Power bank
- Torch
- Band-aids
- Common medicines for issues like a headache, stomachache and cough, and cold
Gokyo Ri Trek: Permits:
A permit from the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality is required. This permit is not available in Kathmandu; it can only be obtained in either Lukla or Monjo. Per person, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit costs around USD$18. To visit the Sagarmatha National Park, you must also have a national park permit. This permit can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or from Monjo directly. Per person, the Sagarmatha National Park Permit costs US$27. You’ll also need a Gaurishankar Conservation Area Project Permit(GCAP) if you want to start the Gokyo Ri Trek from the conventional Jiri route. The permit costs US$ 27 per person and can be obtained through the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu.
Gokyo Ri Trek: Cost:
The trek costs between US$ 1,380 to 1,900 per person on average. Keep in mind that the cost of the trek will vary depending on a variety of criteria such as mode of transportation, route, and length of stay.
Gokyo Ri Trek: Things to Remember:
- Carry enough cash for the trek because there are no ATMs after Namche Bazaar.
- Make sure you have a sleeping bag with you.
- Because the charging connections in the teahouses may not match your charger, bring a universal travel adaptor.
- It’s also a good idea to bring a portable charger with you on the trip.
- Engage in cardio-related exercises to be physically fit before travelling to the Himalayas.
- Bring a nice camera with you so you can record the breathtaking vistas of the mountains.
- Bring a thick down jacket to keep you warm at night and a rainproof hard-shell jacket to keep you dry.
Gokyo Ri Trek: FAQ’s
The trek around Gokyo Ri is moderately challenging. This journey will require you to be in good physical condition and stamina, since it will take you to walk for around 5 to 6 hours, omitting the acclimation days. Rugged paths, steep terrains, and high passes make the journey more demanding.
The Gokyo Lakes trek is a 15-day trip (16 if you include the return flight from Nepal), with 13 days of trekking. There is a short flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, but you can also hike in from a lower altitude if you like.
Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,485m) and Cho Oyu (8,188m) are some of the highest peaks that can be seen from the Gokyo Ri Trek.
The route begins in Lukla (2828 m) and continues via the Dudh Koshi valley, which must be climbed all the way to Namche, the Sherpa capital. After that, the trip continues to Tengboche Monastery (3867 m), which is surrounded by forest.
The depth of the Gokyo Lake is 43 M and is the 2nd deepest lake after Fourth Lake (Thonak Cho).