Gokyo Lakes-Gokyo Ri Trek
Trip Overview
Trip at-a- Glance
- Country: Nepal
- Trip grade: Moderate
- Destination: Nepal
- Activities: Everest Trekking
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu and tea houses during the trek
- Meals: Breakfast in Kathmandu and 3 meals during the trek
- Maximum altitude: 5357m
- Group size: 1-12
- Best Season: March - May & Sept - Dec
“Step On Himalaya of Gokyo region with the amazing views of turquoise Gokyo lakes and then trek to Gokyo Ri for the lifetime adventurous experience.”
Gokyo lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek offers an astounding view of the mountains and lets you experience a combo of nature and adventure. It is supposed to be the alternative option to the classic treks in the Everest region. This Gokyo Lakes-Gokyo Ri Trek offers the less trodden walk-in Everest region with very less physical effort as there are no rocky and strenuous trails leading to Everest Base Camp or the High Passes. The trekking to Everest Base Camp is for 16 days package and that to the three High passes is for 20 days package. But in the Gokyo Lakes-Gokyo Ri Trek will be for 14 days and will offer the fascinating views of the Himalayas like Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, Mt.Cho-Oyu, etc. The surrounding of the Gokyo valley is pleasant and very relaxing. On the way to Gokyo lakes-Gokyo Ri trek, we will pass through the amazing jungles, mountainous valleys, the calm lakes, and glaciers.
Gokyo lakes are encircled by the snow-capped mountainous valleys. There are numerous glaciers but the longest glacier lies in this region – Ngozamba Glacier. This glacier is debris covered relatively the stagnant ice, boulders, rocks, silt, and sand. Much scientific research is done here believing this is the glacier could be the part of Moon. Like other glaciers, Ngozamba Glacier has also shrunk and there were dynamic changes in last century possibly due to the Global Warming. So, the scientists and the archeological researchers are doing their research and study on Ngozamba glacier and such other glaciers. The extraordinary panoramic views of this region of Gokyo Lakes-Gokyo Ri are heart-pounding. These six terrific alpine Gokyo Lakes are scenic. Following the trails of Dudh Koshi River, the Trekking to Gokyo Lakes-Gokyo Ri will pass through the amazing dense forests of Rhododendron and Birch and encounter with exotic wildlife.
This Gokyo Lakes-Gokyo Ri trekking also starts from the flight to Lukla passing via Namche Bazaar. The trekking is on the well-trodden path though there are rocky pathways and several ups and downs. The trail leading to Gokyo Ri is not so difficult but could be slippery underfoot sometimes. On the way, there are Chortens with the colorful prayer flags. The enchanting hamlets of Sherpa communities are simply awesome. The Sherpa people are very friendly. You can explore and experience the amazing lifestyle of the local people. The unique Tibetan culture of Sherpa people here since the ancient times has not changed. The modernization is far away from this Gokyo region. The best time to travel to Gokyo Lakes-Gokyo Ri is usually March to May and September to December as, during these months, the sky is clear offering the grandeur picturesque view of the Mt. Everest, Mt. Cho-Oyu and Mt. Makalu with other adjoining peaks. Step On Himalayas offers you the package at the reasonable price and with all the facilities inclusive.
Itinerary
Day 1: Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: Day 02 : Kathmandu Valley Tour with Preparation of trek
Day 3: Day 03 : Flight to Lukla and then trek to Phakding: 3 - 4 hours
Day 4: Day 04 : Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar: 5 - 6 hours
Day 5: Day 05 : Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
Day 6: Day 06 : Trek from Namche Bazaar to Phorse: 5 - 6 hours
Day 7: Day 07 : Trek from Phorse Village to Machhermo: 5 - 6 hours
Day 8: Day 08 : Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo: 5 - 6 hours
Day 9: Day 09 : Trek from Gokyo Valley then Short Climb to Gokyo Ri and hike to fifth lakes: 5 - 6 hours
Day 10: Day 10 : Trek from Gokyo to Dole: 3 - 4 hours
Day 11: Day 11 : Trek from Dole to Namche Bazaar: 4 - 5 hours
Day 12: Day 12 : Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla: 6 - 8 hours
Day 13: Day 13: Flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla airport
Day 14: Day 14: Final departure from Nepal
Detail Itinerary
Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu
Landing in Tribhuwan International Airport. Welcome by the representative of Step On Himalaya then followed by transfer to the designated hotel via a private vehicle. A welcome dinner from the Team of Step On Himalaya
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Dinner
Day 02 : Kathmandu Valley Tour with Preparation of trek
The first day of Trekking starts with the Kathmandu valley tour. An experienced, English speaking guide will accompany you for the sightseeing of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley which are mainly the Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple and Kathmandu Durbar Square. By evening, we will have brief discussions about the plans according to itinerary and remaining documentation. Overnight stay at Kathmandu with breakfast included.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Breakfast
Day 03 : Flight to Lukla and then trek to Phakding: 3 - 4 hours
An interesting but scary flight to Lukla of about 30 – 35 minutes from Kathmandu Domestic Airport and then we trek to Phakding for about 3 – 4 hours. Overnight stay at Phakding with 3 meals.
Accommodation: Tea house/Guest house
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 04 : Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar: 5 - 6 hours
On day 4, we walk from Phakding along the Dudh Koshi river and cross multiple suspension bridges. During a walk, we come across small beautiful villages, monasteries and attractive chortens with colorful prayer flags and manis. As we enter the Sagarmatha National Park, the trekking permits are checked at Monjo. Then we will head towards Jorsale and finally to Namche Bazaar. We can enjoy the majestic views of Kusum peak, Kangaru peak, Mt, Everest, Mt. Lhotse, etc. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar with 3 meals.
Accommodation: Tea house/Guest house
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 05 : Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar is the central hub of trading among the Tibetans. They sell the souvenir and other variety of things required for trekking. Acclimatization is very important to plan further programs. It also helps us to prevent the illness related to Mountains like Acute Mountain Sickness. For this, we climb to Khumjung valleys and visit the monastery there. We can also go to the airstrip above Syanboche valley and view the attractive views of Khumbila, Thamserku, Kongde, etc. The Tourist Visitor Center is also there where we can see articles related to the first climbers of Mount Everest and Ancient Sherpa Culture. Then we walk back to Namche Bazaar where overnight stay with 3 meals.
Accommodation: Tea house/Guest house
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 06 : Trek from Namche Bazaar to Phorse: 5 - 6 hours
Today’s destination is Phorse. We walk after early morning breakfast from Namche Bazaar along with several ups and downs. We will slowly walk down towards Kyanjuma and then after reaching Sansa, we will follow the Gokyo trails. After reaching Mong, we can get an amazing glimpse of Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Khumbila, Mt. Tawoche, etc. From there, we will further descend to Dudh Koshi river and then ascend to Phorse passing via Rhododendron forests. We still can see the amazing views of the snow-capped mountains. Overnight stay in Phorse with 3 meals.
Accommodation: Tea house/Guest house
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 07 : Trek from Phorse Village to Machhermo: 5 - 6 hours
After and early morning breakfast from Phorse, we will have to trek for about 5 -6 hours to reach Machhermo. We might get chance to encounter the local wildlife like Musk deer, mountain goats, pheasants, etc at the closest distance. Then we slowly climb up towards the Luza village, more above the Dudh Koshi river. Continuing the trail, we reach Machhermo passing through the jungles, beautiful waterfalls, and dainty villages. Overnight stay here with 3 meals.
Accommodation: Tea house/Guest house
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 08 : Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo: 5 - 6 hours
From Machhermo, we will ascend onto the hill enjoying the fascinating views of Dudh Koshi valley and other mountains like Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Kangtega, Mt. Cho-Oyu, etc. The trail will reach Phangga and then we will gradually descend to the river bank and then again ascend to reach the moraines of the Ngozamba Glacier. To reach Gokyo, we have to pass through Longpongo, Raboche Tsho, and Dudh Pokhari valley. We can roam around if you want. Overnight stay at Gokyo with 3 meals.
Accommodation: Tea house/Guest house
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 09 : Trek from Gokyo Valley then Short Climb to Gokyo Ri and hike to fifth lakes: 5 - 6 hours
Acclimatization day at Gokyo. If the weather is supportive, we can hike to the Gokyo Ri from where we can soothe our eyes with the Himalayan vista and the calm Gokyo lakes. Then we can hike up to the fourth and the fifth Gokyo lakes which is about 3 km north of Gokyo. A little climb up will offer the astonishing sight of Mt. Everest, Mr. Lhotse, Mt. Cho-Oyu, Mt. Nuptse, etc. This vintage point is popularly known as Scoundrel’s Viewpoint. We can view the Cho-Oyu base camp and Ngazumpa Glacier from the northern part of the Fifth Gokyo Lake. Ngazumpa Glacier is considered to be the biggest glacier in the world. Then we return to Gokyo to spend Overnight with 3 meals.
Accommodation: Tea house/Guest house
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10 : Trek from Gokyo to Dole: 3 - 4 hours
Today we will reach to Dole after walking for about 4 hours. We will walk along the Dudh Koshi river and pass by the first Gokyo lakes enjoying the amazing views of the Taboche and Cholatse snowy peaks. After walking for a short distance, we reach a Chorten from where we can see great views of Mt. Kangtega, Mt. Cho-Oyu, Mt. Thamserku, etc. We will pass by the beautiful hamlets of Machhermo, Luza, Lhafarma before arriving at Dole. Overnight stay with 3 meals.
Accommodation: Tea house/Guest house
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11 : Trek from Dole to Namche Bazaar: 4 - 5 hours
We will walk for about 5 hours from Dole back to Namche Bazaar passing through the Rhododendrons and wildflowers. We can encounter the local wildlife like Musk Deer, Pheasants, Mountain goats, etc. We can have beautiful views of Khumbila region from Mong. We will reach an intersection where we meet the trail to Sansa. Gradually, we walk and climb up to a timbered slope beyond Kyangjuma. We will then reach the Namche Army camp hill and after walking for about a kilometer, we will arrive at Namche Bazaar. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar with 3 meals.
Accommodation: Tea house/Guest house
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12 : Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla: 6 - 8 hours
We will walk till Lukla from Namche Bazaar. We will walk-ups and downs on a rocky path passing through the suspension bridges. We will then spend the remaining time wandering around or rest. Overnight stay in Lukla and being ready for tomorrow’s flight back to Kathmandu. 3 meals included.
Accommodation: Tea house/Guest house
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13: Flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla airport
A flight back to Kathmandu after having early morning breakfast. The rest of the day to spend at the hotel or roam around the local markets for shopping. A farewell dinner in the evening from the team of Step On Himalaya. Stay overnight at the Hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 14: Final departure from Nepal
After having an early morning breakfast, the representative of Step On Himalaya will assist you and then accompany you to reach the airport at least 3 hours prior to the scheduled time of the flight.
Accommodation: n/a
Meal: Breakfast
Cost Details
What is included?
- Transportation in a private vehicle (pick up and drop to Airport)
- Accommodation in Three-star hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included
- Accommodation in Teahouses and Guesthouses during the trek
- 3 meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) included during the trek
- Ground transportation according to the Itinerary
- Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu valley guided by an English speaking Tour Guide
- Domestic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and vice-versa
- All the permits, TIMS, entrance fees during the Sightseeing Tour
- Porter to carry luggage (1 porter: 2 trekkers)
- Insurance (travel and medical), Salary, Food, and Accommodation of the staff
- All the government and local taxes
What is not included?
- Personal expenses like bar bills, hot showers, beverages, internet use, etc.
- Visa Fee and Airport Taxes
- International Ticket Fare
- Travel and Medical Insurance
- Rescue charges in case of Emergency or any mishaps
