Gokyo Lake Trek

Named after the serene glacial lake valley, Gokyo Lake Trek is a variant of Everest region trekking. Although it can be connect with Everest Base Camp trek, Nepal Trekking Routes has designed it differently.

You get to see the aerial view of the snow capped mountains from Manaslu (8,163 m) region to Solukhumbu region. The Sherpa culture and tradition including ancient monasteries, chortens and mane walls are seen during this trek.

The diverse flora and fauna of Sagarmatha National Park add to the charm of Nepal trekking. It is one of the highest placed conservation areas in the world. The UNESCO World Heritage List has enlisted this site under natural site.

You can see the Himalayan animals like musk deer, red panda, etc. while walking along the rugged trails. The pine, oak and rhododendron forests of this region are the assets to promote the Nepalese tourism.

The wonderful biodiversity is always calling the national and international tourists all times of the year. If you make Gokyo Lake trek in spring, the entire national park is embellished by colorful rhododendron flowers.

Namche Bazaar acclimatization day is quite important moment in the trekkers’ life. You get to hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880 m), the world’s highest placed hotel. Likewise, the Sherpa Museum is another beauty of this rest day.

Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) is the best vantage point of the entire Everest region trekking. From the top of the peak, you can have the breathtaking vistas of the snowy peaks including the Great Himalayas trails.

Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Makalu (8,481 m) and Mt. Cho Oyu (8,188 m) are seen from the top of Gokyo Ri. Other prominent peaks like Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Nuptse, etc. also come into your sight.

Gokyo Ri Trek Route

This trek traverses along three valleys of the world’s highest peak region. They are the Dudh Koshi River Valley, Chhukung Valley and Gokyo Lakes Valley. Gokyo valley is the prime location of this trekking in Nepal.

Trekking to Gokyo Lake trek is begun from Lukla, Tenzing Hillary Airport. It is also call the gateway to Everest Base Camp trek. All the variants of Everest region trekking starts right from this Himalayan Sherpa town.

Moving along the Dudh Koshi Valley, you reach Phakding and Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is call the Sherpa Capital as it is the main trading center of Khumbu region. You spend a spare day over here to adjust with the high altitude.

You follow the trail of Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass trek right from Mong La Pass (3,610 m). Going past Dole and Machhermo villages of Gokyo Valley, you enter into Gokyo Valley. Although some sections of the trail are challenging, the scenery you see keeps on pushing you further.

Exploring the group of six glacial lakes called Gokyo Lakes and climbing Gokyo Ri, you begin the retreat journey. As it takes shorter to cover the downhill trail, you arrive at Lukla. Finally, you fly back to Kathmandu enjoying the astounding view of the Himalayas, green forests and lush valleys.

We also organize Gokyo Lake trek 10 days’ itinerary as well. You can do this trek within 10 days as well. But, the difficulty level rises a little as you have to walk a few hours more every day.

Trek to Gokyo Ri Difficulty

There are a few factors responsible for determining difficulty of trekking in Nepal. The altitude you gain, the trails, trekking duration and acclimatization days are some of them. Talking about Gokyo Lake Trek difficulty, it is a moderately challenging trek.

As soon as you reach the place above 2,500 m, there is a possibility of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). The trails and stops of Gokyo Lake Trek are all above 2,500 m. Therefore, you must be careful to avoid such health challenges.

Drinking enough water, having hygienic food items and walking slowly are the top measures to minimize the risk of AMS. In addition to these, you should take enough rest while walking in the higher altitude.

Keeping first aid kit box which plays an important role to keep your mental strength high up. And as soon as, you feel uneasy, you need to tell it to the team leader. The common symptoms of AMS are shortness of breath, exhaustion or dehydration.

Next factor responsible for Gokyo Lake Trek difficulty is trekking duration. You have to walk at least 5 hours along the rugged trails. Whether you climb up or down through the steep rocky trails, it is always challenging.

However, as there are two days separate for acclimatization, the challenge can be minimize. You have a rest day at Namche Bazaar, which helps you get adjuste in the climate of more than 3,000 m.

Finally, you have Gokyo Valley acclimatization day as the second chance. This rest day enables you to cope with the altitude above 4,000 m. Therefore, next day you can do Gokyo Ri climbing for the lifelong memory of the breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas.

Gokyo Ri Trek Permits

Gokyo Lake trek is the most scenic trekking package of Everest region trek. As there is not any restricte area, Free Individual Trekking (FIT) is allow here. Even solo trekking to Gokyo Lake is possible.

But we highly recommend you to hire a professional guide and porter for this trek. Although the guide cost is a little higher, you won’t have to worry about anything. In case of AMS or missing of the right trekking trails, they can help you.

You can make Gokyo ri Trek by carrying the specified permits issued by the respective authorities. You need only two trekking permits for this amazing trekking package. TIMS Card and Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit are require for this.

If you book an organized trek to Gokyo ri, you have to pay only USD 10 for the TIMS Card. It is manag by the local tour operator you book the package with. And for a solo trekker to Gokyo Lake, they have to pay USD 20 per person.

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit cost is USD 30 per person. This permit can be obtained from Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. Or, you can also get it from Monjo nearby Namche Bazaar as well.