Complete Guide to the Gokyo Ri Trek
8 May 2025 6 min to read
Gokyo Ri Trek is one of the ideal treks in the Everest region, offering unobstructed, clear mountain views. One of the popular treks takes you to the maximum elevation of 5,357 m. We present a complete guide to the Gokyo Ri Trek to simplify your planning and preparation. The beautiful Gokyo Valley with the Gokyo Lakes and its surroundings make this trek more mesmerizing. Reaching one of the highest elevation settlements in Gokyo village and interacting with friendly locals is an amazing experience. A hike to Gokyo Ri rewards you with the spectacular views of Lhotse, Gyachung Kang, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Everest, etc.
Why Choose the Gokyo Ri Trek?
Gokyo Valley: One of the highest settlements, Gokyo Valley, offers stunning, unobstructed, panoramic mountain views.
Gokyo Lakes: The mesmerizing oligotrophic 5 glacial lakes, among the highest freshwater lake systems in the Khumbu region.
Ngozumpa Glacier: Walk along the longest glacier in the Himalayas beneath the world’s sixth-highest, Cho Oyu.
Cultural Insights: The traditional Sherpa culture, lifestyle, and ancient monasteries offer profound cultural insights and connection.
Peaceful Experience: Fewer crowds, thus a peaceful trek experience, a better alternative to the iconic Everest Base Camp trek.
Gokyo Ri Hike: A rewarding hike at an elevation of 5,357 m offers spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, etc.
Also Read: 5 Short Everest Region Treks
Key Information at a Glance
Maximum Elevation: 5,357 m (Gokyo Ri)
Physical Grading: Moderate
Best Seasons: Spring (March-May) & Autumn (September-November)
Accommodation: Basic teahouses along the trail
Meals: Full board during the trek (healthy, hygienic meals)
Permits Required: Sagarmatha National Park, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
Trek Route:
Lukla – Phakding – Namche Bazaar – Dole – Machermo – Gokyo – Gokyo Ri – Dole – Namche Bazaar – Lukla
Day-to-Day Short Overview
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1400 m)
Arrive in Kathmandu, get welcomed by the representative, and transfer to the hotel.
Day 02: Trek preparation day
Documentation works (Issue of Permits, Paper works), (Optional: Sightseeing in UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu)
Day 03: Kathmandu – Lukla (flight) (2860 m) – Phakding (trek)
Scenic flight to Lukla, start trek to Phakding with guide and porters.
Day 04: Phakding (2610 m) – Namche Bazaar (3440 m)
Trek to the vibrant Sherpa capital, Namche Bazaar, which is the gateway to the Everest Base Camp.
Day 05: Acclimatization
Spend the first acclimatization day hiking to the Everest View Hotel or Khumjung Village (3,790 m).
Day 06: Namche Bazaar – Dole (4038 m)
Trek to Dole through a comfortable trail, enjoying beautiful surroundings.
Day 07: Dole – Machermo (4470 m)
Admiring the beautiful views of the Khumbu Glacier trek to Machermo.
Day 08: Machermo – Gokyo (4750 m)
Trek to Gokyo, admiring the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Day 09: Gokyo – Gokyo Ri (5357 m) – Gokyo return
Ascend Gokyo Ri and get rewarded with stunning views of Ngozumpa Glacier, snowy mountains such as Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, etc.
Day 10: Gokyo – Dole (4038 m)
Admiring the beautiful views, descend to Dole.
Day 11: Dole – Namche Bazaar (3440 m)
Trek to Namche through a comfortable trail, enjoying a view of Ama Dablam.
Day 12: Namche Bazaar – Lukla (2860 m)
Return to Lukla takes about 7-8 hours.
Day 13: Lukla – Kathmandu (flight)
Back to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. Farewell dinner in the evening.
Day 14: Departure
Transfer to the airport for your departure.
Suggested: Gokyo via Renjo Pass
Accommodation and Meals
Basic but comfortable teahouse accommodation offers healthy and hygienic meals. Meal options include local Nepali dishes, along with a few Indian and continental cuisines. The washrooms are mostly outside the teahouse, as the elevation increases. Boiled water or Mineral water bottles costing USD 1-2 are drinking options.
Preparation and Fitness
The maximum elevation gain is 5,357 m during the Gokyo Ri Trek. Thus, trekkers must have a good fitness level. Trekkers are required to walk on rough terrain daily for long hours at high altitudes. Hence, it demands both physical and mental fitness for trekkers. This trek is moderately difficult, and we suggest maintaining good health. Participate in exercises focusing on hiking and endurance. During the trek, we highly suggest following the trek guidelines and acclimatization schedules.
Gear and Packing List
Warm clothing: Insulating layers, down jackets, trekking pants, thermals
Trekking boots: Durable, waterproof boots
Sleeping bag: Suitable for temperatures as low as (-10°C)
Accessories: Sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, trekking poles, headlamps, and a water purification system
Permits and Fees
The Gokyo Ri trek requires three compulsory permits.
Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit
Foreigners- NPR 3000
SAARC- NPR 2000
Sagarmatha National Park (SNP)
Foreigners- NPR 3000
SAARC- NPR 1500
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
Foreigners- NPR 2000/person
SAARC- NPR 1000/person
Diplomats/Foreign Officials & their families- NPR 500/person
Best Seasons to Trek
Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May) are the bestseasons to trek for the Gokyo Ri trek. The autumn season offers favorable weather with stable temperatures. The spring season also offers favorable weather with stable temperatures. The trails are fully covered with blooming flowers, creating a magical trek experience.
The trails are slippery, and the weather is unpredictable, with mostly unclear views during Winter (December to February) and Monsoon (June to August) seasons. However, the treks are possible with proper planning and preparation.
Also Read: Best Easy and Moderate treks in Nepal
Conclusion
Gokyo Ri trek is undoubtedly the best alternative in the Everest region as the crowds are fewer, offering a peaceful trek experience. The freshwater Gokyo Lakes, with unobstructed clear views of spectacular mountains along the longest Ngozumpa glacier, are the prime highlights of this trek. The traditional Gokyo villages offer deep cultural insights through the local Sherpa culture and the ancient monasteries. We assure you that this guide will prove helpful for the right planning and preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Gokyo Ri Trek?
The Gokyo Ri trek takes around 11 to 13 days to complete.
Do I need a guide for the Gokyo Ri Trek?
A licensed guide is mandatory for the Gokyo Ri Trek.
Can I do the Gokyo Ri Trek independently?
Independent Gokyo Ri Trek is strictly prohibited.
Are there any age restrictions for the Gokyo Ri Trek?
There are no age restrictions, but we still recommend parental guidance for children below 16.
Are there any alternative routes or side trips on the Gokyo Ri Trek?
Some popular side trips on the Gokyo Ri Treks are Khumjung Village and Hotel Everest View.
Are there ATM facilities available along the Gokyo Ri Trek?
There are ATM facilities at Namche Bazaar on the Gokyo Ri Trek route. We highly suggest carrying enough cash (in Nepalese rupees) to cover your expenses throughout the trek.
Are there any communication facilities available during the Gokyo Ri Trek?
There are limited communication facilities, such as mobile network coverage and Wi-Fi, along the Gokyo Ri Trek.
Can I extend or customize the Gokyo Ri Trek?
Yes, the Gokyo Ri Trek can be extended or customized, and consult with a trekking agency for it.
