Gokyo Lake Trek

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At a Glance
Duration12 Days
Trip GradeModerate
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude5,357m
StartsLukla
EndsLukla
Travel StyleHiking and Trekking
Best TimeMarch to May and September to November

Gokyo Ri Trek is a journey in Khumbu Region of Nepal that takes you up to the Gokyo summit via. Gokyo village. The Gokyo Lakes Trekking on the one hand, provides closed views of snow capped mountains like Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Pumori and Nuptse and on the other hand, takes you to the Gokyo Lakes in the Everest Region. Gokyo Lakes are the crystal clear blue colored fresh lakes with picture perfect views and offers the mesmerizing refreshness in your trekking.

12 days of Gokyo Lakes Trekking come with a great time and multiplies your curiosity and enthusiasm. Walking towards Gokyo Village in the Everest Region provides you dauntless endurances as your trekking goes on elevating day by day. The changes in the everyday landscapes, climatic conditions, cultural variety and the way of life of the himalayan Sherpa people will be the everyday experiences while trekking in the Gokyo Ri Village of Nepal.

The journey towards Gokyo Lakes begins from Kathmandu towards Lulka with a scenic flight of about 25 minutes. The flight, especially during the peak trekking seasons (Spring and Autumn Seasons) due to over traffic, might take off from the Manthali Airport, which is about 4-6 hours drive from Kathmandu. The hiking then begins from the Luka and takes you up to Phakding via an easier route. With every new step of your hike, you will gain new excitements and get to see beautiful trails, forests, and get to feel a clear air ameliorating your freshness. The next day, you will set a hike towards Namche Bazar. The freshness in air, clarity in views and refreshment in your mind and body will eventually increase in spite of the tiredness from your long day walk.

The third day is designed for acclimatization at Namche Bazar. You can wake up at your own time, roam around the Namche Bazar without rush and then you will hike up to Khumjung Village, located at an altitude of 3,790 meters. The Khumjung Villages is the largest Sherpa village in the Khumbu Region with unique landscape, beautiful Gumbas and Stupas and unique Sherpa culture. Khumjung is situated on a flat land on the ridge of the Namche Bazar. This hike will prepare you for the further hiking towards the upper region in the days to come during your 12 days trekking up to the Gokyo Ri.

Likewise, the next day, you will wake up early in the morning and hit the trail towards Phortse Thanga via comparatively rough and rugged terrain. As you hike upwards, the nature and structure of the landscape begin to change, the velocity of air begins to change and also you will feel the change in climate and temperature. You might catch symptoms of altitude sickness like headache, tendency to vomit and tiredness. However, drinking plenty of food, taking enough rest and walking at a slower pace can significantly reduce the stress of altitude sickness. Along the route in the Gokyo Ri Trek, you will find several tea houses, where you can break your journey for a while, take rest and drink tea if you like.

As the hiking goes on gaining the elevation, reaching Machhermo and Gokyo village will reward you with a unique experience of the flora and fauna, different culture and traditions, stunning views of postcard perfect landscapes. Also, you may encounter several yaks on the way or you might see them grazing alongside grasslands. The final destination point of the 12 days Gokyo Lakes Trek in the Everest Region is at Gokyo Ri, which is situated at an altitude of 5,357 meters from the sea level.

Gokyo Ri is a summit or a hilltop of the Gokyo Village which offers the views of several snow capped mountains in the Everest Region. You will see the world’s highest mountain Mount Everest along with other breathtaking Himalayas like Lhotse, Makalu. Cho Oyu, Pumori and Nuptse. As you hike down to Machhermo, you will get to see different freshwater lakes in the surrounding areas namely Gokyo Lakes, the combination of 6 clear and fresh water lakes.

The Gokyo Ri sunrise views and postcard worthy photography enabling environment is a lifetime memory and rewarding part of the 12 days trekking to the Gokyo Lakes.

Regal Nepal Treks and Travel has come up with the best package, itinerary and cost for 2024 to help trekkers to guide and assist to complete your Gokyo Ri Trekking within 12 days. With more than a decade of experience, our team stands out successfully in managing the trek as per your demand and need.

What is Gokyo Ri in Gokyo lake trek?

Gokyo Ri is a 5, 357 meter elevated summit or a tophill at Khumbu Region, which is the ultimate destination of the 12 Gokyo Ri Trek. It is typically a rugged landscape and more of a barren land that offers the jaw breaking views of alluring mountains like Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Pumori and Nuptse. The hiking of around 3 to 4 hours from Gokyo Village takes you up to this Gokyo Ri viewpoint. Upon reaching the Gokyo Ri, you will hike an altitude of around 2, 547 meters in your journey.

How is Gokyo Village in Khumbu ?

Gokyo Village is one of the highest settlements not only in the Everest Regions, but also in the world. This is a Sherpa village. People in Gokyo Village typically migrate towards Nanche Bazar and nearby places during the extreme cold seasons so as to ease their lifestyle. There are several hotels, lodges and tea houses in the area to serve its tourists. The houses in the Gokyo village are stone masonry houses with mud mortar and there are Gumbas and stupas as a part of the Buddhist culture and tradition of the Sherpa people living in this village.

Gokyo Lakes

Gokyo lakes comprises 6 fresh water lakes, fed with glaciers around the Khumbu Region. The Gokyo Lakes lie in the Sagarmatha National Park Zone that is situated at a range of 4,700 meter to 5,000 meter altitude. This range hosts several flora and fauna and fresh lakes, water and also glacier streams. These lakes have crystal clear water and appear to be clear blue.

The six major lakes of the Gokyo Lakes are Thonak Lake, Gokyo Cho, Gyazumpa Lake, Tanjung Cho, Ngojumba Lake and Gokyo Lake. The Thonak Lake is the largest one with area coverage of around 65.07 hectares. Whereas Gokyo Cho has an area of 42.9 ha, Gyazumpa Lake ranges in 26 ha of area. Similarly, Tanjung Cho remains within an area of 16.39 ha and the smallest Ngojumba Lake has an area of only 14.39 ha.

Gokyo Lakes Trek is also a serene trek. Interestingly, Hindus and Buddhist consider the Gokyo Lakes as a sacred lake and they visit here to take a holy bath especially during Janai Purnima that occurs during the month of August. These lakes are often considered as the place of Snake God.

What are the major highlights of a 12 day trek to Gokyo Ri and Gokyo Lakes ?

  • Trek to Gokyo Ri, that offers an alluring views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Pumori and Nuptse
  • Highest elevation of the trek at Gokyo Ri is 5,375 meters
  • Scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, this offers amazing aerial views of several snow capped mountains and beautiful landscapes of Nepal
  • Trekking in the highest settlements in the world at Gokyo Village
  • Trekking around the Everest Region of Nepal
  • Exciting hike through beautiful forests, rivers, suspension bridges, sometimes rugged and remote lands, steepy but alluring trails time and again
  • Encounter the picture perfect large groups of mules, donkeys and yaks carrying loads on their back up to the mountains
  • Waking up with a clean and clear view of mountains just outside the window of your hotel room in the himalayas
  • Opportunity to experience local cuisines of the Khumbu Region like dal bhat, momo and dhindo
  • Offers wide range of opportunity to witness and understand culture, tradition and lifestyle of the people living in the mountainous ranges of Nepal
  • Trek to the region of Gokyo Lakes, that comprises of 6 freshwater crystal clear lakes
  • Opportunity to see glaciers running down from the higher Everest Region
  • Unique landscapes, diversity in Flora and Fauna, culturally rich places
Itinerary
Outline Itinerary
Day 01
Flight to Lukla from Kathmandu
Day 02
Trek from Lukla to Phakding. Hike from 2,810 meters to 2,640 meters.
Day 03
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar. Hike from 2,640 meters to 3,440 meters.
Day 04
Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar and hike to Khumjung Village
Day 05
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Phortse Thanga. Hike from 3,440 meters to 3,680 meters.
Day 06
Trek from Phortse Thanga to Machhermo. Hike from 3,680 meters to 4,470 meters.
Day 07
Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo Village. Hike from 4,470 meters to 4,750 meters.
Day 08
Trek from Gokyo Village to Gokyo Ri and return back to Machhermo. Hike from 4,750 meters to 5,357 meters.
Day 09
Trek from Machhermo to Namche Bazaar
Day 10
Trekking to Lukla
Day 11
Flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla Airport
Day 12
Final departure
Tour Plan
Day 01

Scenic Flight from Kathmadu to Lukla / At peak seasons, flight may take off from Manthali Airport, which is around 6 hours bus drive from Kathmandu. Elevation of 2,810 meters. Lukla to Kathmandu flight is around 30 minutes. Scenic adventurous flight.

Day 02

This day starts our hiking, which takes about 2-3 hours.  Trekking route is comparatively easy. Passes through villages, forests and agricultural lands. Small tea houses are available at places on the trekking route.

Day 03

Trekking trail passes through forests and villages and today the trails are rocky and rugged as well. At places, it might go sharp ascend and descend and also narrower at few of the places. You will get mesmerizing views of mountains, agricultural lands, mules, donkeys and Sherpa people engaging on their domestic works.

Day 04

Rest day. Morning breakfast. You can roam around the market taking your time. This day is designed for the purpose of acclimatization, so as to make you used to the altitude that ranges above 3000 meters above the sea level.

It is recommended that you hike upto Khumnjung village today so that it would be the perfect acclimatization for you. Also, you can visit neary schools, villages, monasteries and there are several hotels, bakery shops, cafes and restaurants.

Day 05

Early morning hike begins from the Namche Bazaar heading towards Phortse Thanga. Trail goes through dense woods and several suspension bridges above Koshi river, beautiful villages and alluring natural scenic beauty. Phortse is a small village where you will spend your night. You will get local food and accommodation is normal with comfortable beds.

Day 06
Day 07
Day 08
Day 09

Early morning breakfast. Today you will walk along the elevated terrain at the Everest Region enjoying the mesmerizing views of nearby snow capped mountains. The trail passes through small villages and then reaches Dole. Upon reaching Dole, you will ascend significantly and the route enters through rhododendron and pine forests crossing several small beautiful rivers. You will then reach Mongla Pass and move forwards towards Phortse Tenga. The hike then ascends until reaching Namche Bazaar. Night stay at a hotel at Namche Bazaar.

Day 10

Early morning breakfast and retrace back to Lukla.

Day 11

Flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla Airport

Day 12

Trekking conclusion and return back to your own destination.

Additional Info

12 Days Gokyo Ri Trek Elevation Gain

The 12 Days Trek to Gokyo Ri begins from the Lukla Region that is situated at an altitude of 2,810 meters. The elevation is then continuously gained until reaching Gokyo Ri, which is at an elevation of 5,357 meters. In between, you will spend a night at Phakding Village which is situated at 2,640 meters. The route then ascends towards Namche Bazar which is at a height of 3,440 meters from the sea level. You will spend a day here in Namche for the purpose of acclimatization as the further hiking is leading you towards even higher spots.

Likewise, As you approach towards the destination, the elevation profile of the trails shows significant increment. Phortse Thanga and Machhermo are situated at an altitude of 3,680 meters and 4,750 meters respectively. The continuously increasing elevation in the 12 days of Gokyo Ri Trek in Nepal offers you with diversity in landscapes, vegetation and culture and lifestyle of the people.

Gokyo Ri Trek Weather and Climate

In every part of the Everest Region, the climate and weather pattern is similar. The Gokyo Ri weather is divided as per the prevailing 4 seasons of the Everest Region in Nepal.

Monsoon Season

This is the month of July, August, September.
The monsoon season remains warmer with an average temperature of about 17 degree celsius during daytime, which then significantly drops to 4 degree celsius at night time.

Spring Season

This is the months of April and May.
At Everest Region, daytime average temperature is about 15 degree celsius and night time mean temperature is almost below freezing during the months of April and May. Spring is the ideal season to expedite the 14 days Everest Base Camp Trek. This season comes up with clear skies and increased visibility that enables the views of mountains, landscapes and other natural treasurers.

Autumn Season

This is the months of October and November.
Daytime average temperature is about 17 degree celsius and night time mean temperature is around -5 degree celsius during the Autumn Season.

Winter Season

The winter season is in December, January, February and March.
This is the coldest time of the year with temperature below the freezing point even throughout the days. Average daytime temperature is -5 degree celsius and nighttime temperature is -15 degree celsius.

What is the best time for a Gokyo Ri Trek in Khumbu Region ?

The best timing for Gokyo Lakes Trek is described and suggested based on the prevailing climatic conditions of the regions. The best trekking season is the Spring Season and the Autumn Season. These two seasons have comparatively moderate climatic conditions, no rainfall and the skies are clear and visibility is good. The trails are neither muddy nor slippery. No need to worry about extreme climatic difficulties. The view of colorful forests and mountains are amazing during these seasons of the year.

Also, trekkers hike during the winter season. The weather is comparatively cold and you are suggested to choose clothes and other preparatory lists if you are planning to hike Gokyo Lakes during the winter season.

The trekking during the rainy season is considered not favorable because of the frequent rainfall that makes the trails slippery and the clouds over the skies stand as barriers to provide clearer views of the mountains and the forests.

Packing List and Preparation for Trek to Gokyo Lakes

Traveling in the Everest Region is not comparatively easy. It demands proper prior planning regarding the requirements of your personal belongings like clothes, gadgets, medications and other necessary day to day items. Regal Nepal Treks and Travel suggest the following packing list as a part of preparation for Trek to Gokyo Lakes.

Clothes

  • Sleeping bag that can withstand freezing temperature
  • Down Jacket
  • Sun Hat, Sun glasses and headlamps
  • Neck Gaiter or a scarf is compulsory
  • Flee Jacket
  • Set of long sleeve
  • Set of Technical fabric t-shirts
  • Technical fabric base layer pants / trousers
  • Waterproof hiking boots and socks
  • Hiking pants
  • Sweater
  • Casual shoe to wear and walk around hotel during free time
  • Set of warm woolen / fabric gloves

Bags

  • Bag with rain cover, which is around 40 liter capacity
  • Duffle bag of capacity 70 to 80 liter

Personal Items

  • Sunscreen, lip balms,
  • Towel
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Thermal bottle for hot water / tea
  • Personal documents like passports, permits
  • Few cash as ATM are not available at the trekking trails
  • Toilet paper
  • Face wipes
  • Power bank for backup

Medical Items

  • Ointment, cough syrup
  • Regular medicines, if you are taking any

12 days Gokyo Lakes Foods and Accommodations

12 days trekking in the Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri provides you an opportunity to taste the local cuisines of the Everest Region. Local foods like dal bhat, momo, noodle soup, and bread are basically available for lunch and dinner. Omelets, local breads, tea, coffee, noodle soup are available as breakfast. You will find several tea houses on the route that offer you these local foods and tea.

Most of the time, you might get vegetarian food because meat has to be taken from Lukla and they might not be fresh. However they are also available at many hotels.

As a part of Gokyo Lakes accommodation, there are lodges and hotels that provide sharing rooms and sharing toilets. They are not luxurious but are comfortable. You will be provided with hot water and as per the facility ranges of the hotels, internet and wifi are available but might be slower in speed. Some lodges will also provide separate rooms and toilets with extra charge. Also, the use of electricity for charging gadgets and wifi need separate additional charge.

You will get to drink tea and coffee at Gokyo Lake tea houses and huts available frequently along the trekking routes in the Everest Region.

What is the difficulty level of Gokyo Ri Hike ?

A difficult trek, Gokyo Ri Hike is known for its remote trails, rugged terrain, and steep ascents and descents. It can sometimes be challenging to deal with the weather, as it often changes. There is a possibility that hiking could cause altitude sickness, which is characterized by pain in the head, breathlessness, and difficulty walking due to the high altitude. Temperature can be challenging when it goes below the freezing point.

Before the trek begins, Regal Nepal Treks and Travel will hold a briefing and introduction session about the Gokyo Ri difficulty. We will share do’s and dont’s during the trek, about permits and permission, packing lists, safety precautions and other needy guidance as per the need of the trekkers.