Gokyo Lake Trek with RP Adventures takes you to the high-hidden valley of Gokyo. A picturesque country bounded by giant towering snow-dusted peaks with close views of the world’s 6th highest Mt. Cho-Oyu. The Gokyo area is famous for its stunning panorama of the world’s tallest mountain range. Including Nepal’s and Himalaya’s longest Ngozumpa glacier that feeds the Dudh Koshi River downstream. The highest point of the adventure is a climb on top of Gokyo-Ri, which offers a jaw-dropping panorama of the whole Khumbu Himal.
The grand views of the world’s highest peaks, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu, with Mt. Cho-Oyu. As well as the stunning Gokyo Valley with Ngozumpa glaciers that flow from the massif range of Mt. Cho-Oyu in a north direction. Gokyo Lake Trekking is an enjoyable and exciting adventure, starting with a walk from Lukla town and following a pleasant path through villages. Crossing bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, where walks lead high to its glacial source at Gokyo Valley.
The adventure continues to enter Sagarmatha National Park, enriched with exotic flora and fauna. The park is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites; the name Sagarmatha is a Nepali name for Mt. Everest. Also called Chomolungma by the Sherpa of Khumbu, it means a great Mother in both languages as well as in Tibetan.
After entering the national park, the trail leads to the Dudh Koshi River valley, covered in dense rhododendron and pine forest. Then follow the high, winding path to the famous Namche Bazaar, the major village and a town of great interest. At Namche we have an extra day for acclimatization and a short scenic hike, before heading towards our main destination, Gokyo Lake.
From Namche, the real adventure begins on leaving the main busy trail. Our route diverts with the climb towards Gokyo Valley. The walk leads into the river gorge past the Dole settlement, then reaches a wide open country, as the trail leads to Gokyo Lake. Stand amidst towering peaks that surround the beautiful Gokyo Lakes and the valley, then climb to the highest spot, Gokyo-Ri.
Enjoy the fabulous panorama of scenic surroundings with the world’s tallest peaks on top of Gokyo-Ri. After a great, enjoyable, and picturesque moment overlooking gorgeous scenery at Gokyo Lake, head downhill towards Namche Bazaar. The trek slowly comes to an end, reaching Lukla for the last overnight stop around Khumbu and Everest region. A scenic flight from Lukla brings you back to Kathmandu after a wonderful experience on Gokyo Lake Trekking.
The best time and right seasons for this adventure are spring and autumn. The spring season begins from March to May when most days are full of sunshine. Where wildflowers are in seasonal bloom like the rhododendron of various species and colors, makes the hills lively. Sometimes the afternoon can get overcast with few showers, and cold mornings and nights as altitudes wise.
The next best season is autumn/fall, which runs from September to November. During this time, most days are clear and crystal clear, offering excellent views and pleasant walks. However, mornings, late afternoons, and nights can be cold. Snowfall above 2,800 meters can occasionally occur.
Those interested can also enjoy this trek during the winter season, particularly around Christmas and New Year holidays. Days are generally clear for views and walks, but mornings, late afternoons, and nights are very cold. The days are shorter due to limited sunlight hours, but it’s an enjoyable time for those seeking quieter trails and breathtaking views.
Embark on an incredible journey to Gokyo Ri, standing tall at 5,364m. This trek isn’t just a hike; it’s a voyage through the heart of the Khumbu region, home to the towering Everest – the world’s highest peak at an astounding 8,848.48m. Mt. Everest, known as Sagarmatha in Nepal and Chomolungama in Tibet, lies along the Himalayan range, a majestic symbol of nature’s grandeur. It was first conquered by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on May 29, 1953, marking a landmark achievement in human endurance and adventure.
The Gokyo Ri Trek is a delightful alternative to the classic Everest Base Camp Trek, offering an equally thrilling experience with less foot traffic. It takes you through the serene Gokyo Valley, celebrated for its turquoise lakes, and the magnificent Gokyo Ri, renowned for its panoramic views of the Everest massif.
Experience the diverse landscapes, vibrant Sherpa culture, and majestic beauty of the Himalayas that make this trek an unforgettable adventure. Navigate through the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, teeming with rich flora and fauna and home to both wild and domesticated animals and various bird species.
Our journey takes us over the iconic Hillary Bridge, and into the heart of Sherpa country, where you will have the opportunity to visit a local Sherpa museum, providing you with an intimate look into their rich culture and history.
One of the highlights of the Gokyo Ri Trek is the comfortable tea house accommodations available throughout the journey. These tea houses provide warm meals, clean facilities, and an opportunity to interact with the friendly locals and fellow trekkers. You’ll be able to rest, rejuvenate and soak in the breathtaking vistas that surround you at the end of each day.
With the mighty Everest as your backdrop, pristine Gokyo Lakes by your side, and unparalleled mountain views from the top of Gokyo Ri, this trek is sure to ignite your adventurous spirit. Join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Himalayas and let the magic of the Gokyo Ri Trek captivate you. We at RP Adventures are committed to providing you with the best service and a truly unforgettable Himalayan experience.
Centrally located is the Gokyo Valley, renowned for its turquoise glacial lakes and the impressive bulk of Cho Oyu, the sixth-highest mountain in the world, standing at 8,210 meters. This valley is also the gateway to three high passes: Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La, each offering its own unique vista of the Himalayan range.
Venture into the Bhote Kosi Valley to visit Thame, the gateway to the Tashi Lapsa pass that leads to the Rolwaling Valley. You can also head north to the Nangpa La pass, a historical route used by Tibetan traders and refugees, adding cultural richness to your mountainous journey.
Join us at RP Adventures for an unforgettable journey to Everest Base Camp. Our team of experienced guides and Sherpas will ensure that you have a safe, enjoyable, and deeply enriching trekking experience. Let’s conquer the heights together and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel – 1,300m.
Day 02: Fly to Lukla 2, 846 m and trek to Phakding 2,645m – 04 hrs.
Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazaar, 3,440m / 11, 350 feet, – 06 hrs.
Day 04: At Namche for acclimatization and a short scenic hike – 3,450m.
Day 05: Trek to Dole 4,100m – 06 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Machhermo, 4,400m – 04 hrs
Day 07: Rest day in Machhermo 4400m 03 – 04 hrs hike to Machhermo Dada.
Day 08: Trek to Gokyo Lake, 4,800m – 04 hrs.
Day 09: At Gokyo climb of Gokyo-Ri 5,364, rest of the afternoon free at leisure 4,800m – 05 hrs.
Day 10: Trek to Dole, 4,000m – 06 hrs.
Day 11: Trek to Monjo 2,900 m via Namche Bazaar 3,450m – 06 hrs.
Day 12: Trek to Lukla, 2,810m, – 04 hrs.
Day 13: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu with afternoon free at leisure – 1,300m.
Day 14: International departure for homeward bound – 1,300m.
Upon arrival at Kathmandu, Nepal International Airport, please note the Nepal Standard Time, which is 5 hours and 45 minutes ahead of GMT. Outside the airport terminal, our staff from RP Adventures will greet you and transfer you to your hotel for a short drive. The hotel is located in the heart of Kathmandu. Upon arrival, check into your comfortable room.
Meet the other members of the trek for a briefing on the Gokyo Lake Trekking. After gathering all the necessary information and trek details, join us for a group welcome dinner at a nice, authentic Nepalese restaurant, where you will be introduced to Nepali foods and cultures.
From Phakding to famous Namche Bazaar, quite a long day walk of about 6 hours.The distance is not too far, but the rise altitude gain makes the walk and climb slow. The trail follows to cross a long bridge to Monjo village at Sagarmatha National Park entrance. After the park a slow and easy to cross another bridge to Jorsalle, the last settlement before Namche Bazaar. Stopping for lunch at Jorsalle,afternoon walk leads to a high bridge and then on undulating winding ups to Namche Bazaar for two overnights.
A perfect spot and height for acclimatization, enjoy the day taking short hike to the view-points. Where there is a nice museum to collect information of Khumbu Sherpa history and cultures. As well as of flora / fauna and mountaineering History. The high ridge offers grand views of Mt. Everest with adjoining famous Peaks. For energetic people they can hike to Everest View Hotel, a climb of few hour a great place for views of Everest enjoying cup of warm refreshment. Rest of the afternoon relax and explore Namche Bazaar main streets, lined with Shops, stores, restaurants, and bakeries with fancy hotels and lodge.
The adventure continues from Namche Bazaar heading higher trail, facing grand views of towering snow peaks. The walk leads on winding scenic path and then our route diverts from the main trail of Namche to Everest Base Camp.The climb leads up reaching on top Mong Hill facing glorious views of Everest, Ama Dablam and range of peaks. From the top ridge of Mong, a short downhill walk to Phortse Tenga for lunch stop. Located on Dudh Koshi River gorge amidst lovely cool forest of pines and rhododendron. Afternoon few hours walk uphill into a gorge and dense tree lines to reach Dole for overnight halt.
A short and easy walk to Machermo, except for the rise in altitude and steep climb above Dole. After a short uphill, rest of the walk on gradual path, an open country facing views of Mt. Cho-Oyu. The trail follows past Luza small settlement, then downhill to a stream covered in willow and poplars.The only tree species that survives on cold and high altitude, from the stream a short up to Machhermo for lunch and overnight halt. Enjoy the afternoon with leisure walks and marveling the views of close snow-capped peaks.
Morning after breakfast we hike small hill which is 400m back to hotel and rest day in machhermo, A short and easy walk to Machhermo, except for the rise in altitude and steep climb above Dole. After a short uphill, rest of the walk on gradual path, an open country facing views of Mt. Cho-Oyu. The trail follows past Luza small settlement, then downhill to a stream covered in willow and poplars. The only tree species that survives on cold and high altitude, from the stream a short up to Machhermo for lunch and overnight halt. Enjoy the afternoon with leisure walks and marveling the views of close snow-capped peaks.
Another short day to Gokyo Lake our main highlight destination.Morning from Machhermo a short steep climb and back on an exposed ridge top,and trek on gradual path. The trail leads far above Dudh Koshi River to reach a small, isolated Tea-House at Panga. After a short rest walk towards a rocky trail covered in few green vegetation and bushes. As climb leads on stone steps to reach the first and then second lakes and finally reaching at Gokyo. The place with main 3 rd lakes, where all nice lodges are located above the lake shore line.Enjoy the afternoon checking into a fine room, after lunch enjoy short hike around the lake. Marvel the grand views of Mt. Cho-Oyu with an array of peaks that surrounds the Gokyo valley and the lakes.
Rise early morning and start the hike across the lake with climb for few hours reaching on top Gokyo-Ri. Enjoy the stunning sunrise over chain of Himalayan peaks, includes views of 4 world’s highest peaks. Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Mt. Cho-Oyu with an array of peaks that surrounds the Gokyo Lake and the valley. Return back to the lodge at Gokyo for breakfast and lunch, afternoon at leisure to explore around scenic Gokyo valley.
Start the morning quite early for a long downhill to Dole, the walk follows back on the same scenic trail. Heading towards Machhermo for lunch, afternoon a short climb and then on gradual path past Luza to reach Dole. For last overnight around the hidden corners of Khumbu and Gokyo area.
Enjoying a pleasant overnight at Dole, and then start the morning heading downhill to Phortse Tenga. From here a short winding up to Mong, a small settlement with shops and Tea-Houses. Offers grand views of surrounding giant peaks, after a great views down to join the main trail to Namche Bazaar.At Namche for lunch, with refreshing rest and continue walk down to Dudh Koshi River Valley. After a good walk then ending day on reaching Monjo for overnight stop before Lukla.
Slowly the adventure comes to an end, enjoy the last day walks to Lukla following on a nice pleasant trail. Heading past Phakding and then with final climb to Lukla by lunch time as well as for last night dinner. After an exciting and marvelous adventure around the high Khumbu valley and Gokyo Lake.
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu with afternoon free at leisure.An early start to catch the flight back to Kathmandu, after breakfast a short walk to Lukla’s Tenzing & Hillary Airport. As the plane arrives from Kathmandu, and then board on a smaller aircraft for sweeping flight to Kathmandu.On reaching at Kathmandu Airport domestic terminal, and then transfer back toyour hotels, having a free afternoon for individual activities.
The last final day in Kathmandu and at Nepal, as time for your international flight time. Our RP Adventures guides and staff transfers you to the airport, and then bid farewell to the guide and staff. Then enter the airport terminal for homeward bound flight, after a memorable and exciting adventure on Gokyo Lake Trekking.
Before you start your journey to Gokyo Lake Trek, it's important to pack the right clothes and gear and learn about the trekking areas. Most trekking routes in Nepal start from warm areas and go up to colder ones, reaching high altitudes. To have a safe and comfy trek, make sure you have the gear to handle the cold weather. Check out our article on what to pack for the Gokyo Lake Trek for all the details you need.
The following basic checklist for trekking and hiking equipment should assist you in packing for our trips. Keep in mind the importance of minimizing the weight of your clothing and gear. Your packed trek bag should weigh less than 15 kilograms. Remember, this is merely a guideline and not everything listed is essential to bring.
Additional Equipment Checklist
Born in a small village of Nuwakot, began his career in the tourism industry as a porter which helped him to become a professional experienced guide and now operating RP Treks sincerely.