Gokyo Peak is in the Khumbu region of the Nepal Himalayas. It is located on the west side of the Ngozumpa glacier, which is the largest in Nepal and reputed to be the largest in the whole Himalayas. At the base of Gokyo Ri, is a small hamlet of a few stone houses and one of the highest settlements in the world. From Gokyo Ri, it is possible to see four 8,000-metre peaks: Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. The Gokyo Lakes are in the area. Trekking to the Everest base camp is the main reason for you to go to Nepal. But frankly, it is better to keep your sight on the lesser-visited Gokyo Ri part of the trail. It is a Fairly popular trekking route, this Gokyo Ri Trek and the Gokyo lakes are for those people who are interested in walking in the region of Everest without thinking about reaching towards the base camp of Everest. The people who are interested in going for trekking in the world’s most extensive mountain range which is Everest should opt for Everest Base Camp Trek which is a trek of 16 days. For the people who want to climb the high mountain passes in Everest have one more option which is Everest High Passes Trek which is a trek of 20 days.
The Gokyo Ri Everest Base Camp Trek is better than Everest Base Camp because the views from Gokyo Ri trail are much better than the views from the path of Everest Base Camp. And another reason is that it is less crowded in Gokyo Ri Trek than the Everest Base Camp.
Short Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and check into your Guest House.
Day 02: Pick up from the hostel and transfer to airport for a schedule flight to Lukla (2840m).
Day 03: Phakding to Namche (3440m) – 5-6 hours
Day 04: Namche to Khumjung (3780m) – 1 ½ hours
Day 05: Khumjung to Dole (4200m) – 5 hours
Day 06: Dole to Dingboche (4470m) – 3 hours
Day 07: Machherma to Gokyo (4790m) - 5 hours
Day 08: Day hike to 5th Lake
Day 09: Hike up Gokyo Ri (5360m) and trek to Dragnag (4700m) – 6-7 hours
Day 10: Dragnag – Chola Pass (5330m) – Dzonglha (4830m). 7-8 hours
Day 11: Dzonglha – Lobuche (4910m) - 3-4 hours
Day 12: Trek to Gorak Shep (5140m) – 5 hours
Day 13: Gorak Shep – Everest Base Camp (5364m) and back to Lobuche -– 8 hours
Day 14: Lobuche to Pangboche (3930m) – 5-6 hours
Day 15: Pangboche to Namche – 5-6 hours
Day 16: Namche to Lukla – 7 hours
Day 17: Schedule flight: Lukla to Kathmandu. Transfer to hostel in Kathmandu
Day 18: Departure Day
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and check into your Guest House.
Your local guide will meet you this evening for a Trek briefing.
Day 02: Pick up from the hostel and transfer to airport for a schedule flight to Lukla (2840m).
A spectacular 35 to 40 minute flight. Upon arrival trek to Phakding (3 hours)
Day 03: Phakding to Namche (3440m) – 5-6 hours
Trek to Namche (3440m): From Phakding, cross and re-cross the river on high suspension bridges. Jorsele is the
entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and preserve this fragile mountain
environment and TIMS (Trekking Information Management System). Ascend steeply to Namche and along the way, if the weather is clear, catch a first glimpse of Mt. Everest in the distance. Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu and has a busy market - a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed Nangpa La.This day’s trek will be a gradual ascent, spanning 5-6 hours. Along the way you will have the opportunity to visit Buddhist Monasteries.
Day 04: Namche to Khumjung (3780m) – 1 ½ hours
Trek to Khumjung (3780m) also known as the green valley. One of the most interesting hikes is the climb up the hill
north of town to the Shyangboche airstrip area and Khumjung. You will enjoy the fantastic view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse,
Kantenga, Thamserku and Ama Dablam. Rest today or take light day hikes around this area.
Day 05: Khumjung to Dole (4200m) – 5 hours
To climb Mon La before reaching Phortse Tenga. Also, you will pass the rhododendron and birch forest decked out with
hanging lichens and mosses. Moving further on from Phortse Tenga, You will ascend to get to Dole.
Day 06: Dole to Dingboche (4470m) – 3 hours
This is a hike in a stunning valley where the rhododendron woods give way to beautiful views. Significantly, the
wonderful scene of Cho Oyu, Kantega and Thamserku will mesmerize you.
Day 07: Machherma to Gokyo (4790m) - 5 hours
You start our trekking from steady climb through Buddhists Chortern. You will then reach the first Lake of Gokyo valley
named Longpongo. After another walk you will reach the second Lake of Gokyo named Taboche Tsho than continue
trekking to reach the third Lake. The color of the Gokyo Lake (4790m) is blue turquoise. It circles, some lodges and it
looks as if the painter has made a wonderful creation there.
Day 08: Day hike to 5th Lake:
Today you will take a day hike to the 5th Lake at Goyko Ri. You will need to carry a packed lunch as this day hike is
approximately a 7-8 hour hike including a lunch break. During the fifth lake trek you can explore the hidden natural and cultural beauty of the Everest Region. Hike to 5th Lake via Gokyo Valley provides fantastic views of well-known 7,000m to 8850m peaks. You have the superb classic objectives of ascending the summits of Fifth Lake ridge for unrivaled Panorama views of Mount Everest, Cho Oyo, Makalu, Lhotse and many more Himalayan giants.
Day 09: Hike up Gokyo Ri (5360m) and trek to Dragnag (4700m) – 6-7 hours
Gokyo Ri is the ascent of this magnificent hill and you can see some of the most spectacular mountains with the best
being obtained after a short climb above the lake. You follow the valley & eastern side to Dragnag (4700m) offering more spectacular views.
Day 10: Dragnag – Chola Pass (5330m) – Dzonglha (4830m). 7-8 hours
Cho La Pass (5330m) is more demanding than previous days on the trek and walking over the pass on the snow, takes
you into the heart of the mountains and the culture of the Everest region to the foot of the great peak itself. We start
the trek early to avoid the harsh weather. It is a steep climb up through the tough rocky trail. Cho La Pass at 5300m is
another good viewpoint of Mt. Everest and other high Himalayas. If there is heavy snow, we may have to use the ropes
and climbing equipment. There will be a steep descent trail during this hike which will demand that all trekkers take
their time and remember the safety rules. After crossing the pass the trail winds gently down until you reach the
campsite at Dzonglha.
Day 11: Dzonglha – Lobuche (4910m) - 3-4 hours
You have an easy day trek to Lobuche. After crossing a technical high pass the day before, today you walk further and
more easily while observing the glacial panoramas. Again the views of Thamserku, Kangtega, Tawoche energize us to
proceed ahead. Steadily, you reach to Lobuche Village.
Day 12: Trek to Gorak Shep (5140m) – 5 hours
Afternoon hike up to Kala Pattar (5550m) and back to Gorak Shep - 5 hours.
Up the valley from Lobuche along a level path with Khumbu Glacier you will hike to Gorak Shep. During this hike you will pass Gorak Shep and ascend to Kala Patter which is very popular with trekkers in the region of Mount Everest since it provides the most accessible close-up view of Everest. After your ascent you come back down to camp at Gorak Shep.
Day 13: Gorak Shep – Everest Base Camp (5364m) and back to Lobuche -– 8 hours
The Everest Base Camp trek is still an adventure of the highest through some of the world’s most spectacular mountain
scenery. Stay in villages set against soaring, jagged pinnacles; get to know the unique culture of the Sherpas; and walk
trails lined with mani stones, engraved with Tibetan Buddhist prayers. Discover remote mountain monasteries and learn
about the Sherpas’ spiritual perspective on the mountains. Once you have taken in the view at base camp, you will hike
back down to Gorak Shep for a short rest and then proceed to your lodge at Lobuche.
Day 14: Lobuche to Pangboche (3930m) – 5-6 hours
This is not a difficult day. It takes about a half hour to reach the flats of Parrish Valley. From there it will take an hour to
reach Pheriche and have a lunch in Pheriche. After lunch, a small ascent to the pass. Crossing the small pass, you will
reach Shomare after a long slowly descending pasture. From Shomare it takes an hour to reach your lodge at Pangboche
Day 15: Pangboche to Namche – 5-6 hours
Beautiful walk through Rhododendron, Birch, Willows and cross the Dudh Koshi river and uphill to Mong La (4020m).
This is a good view point. Then walk along side to Sanasa and Melingo. From there a large trail brings you to Namche
Bazar.
Day 16: Namche to Lukla – 7 hours
You steadily hike down through the forest towards the uphill of Dudh Koshi valley. We cross several suspension bridge
and Sherpa settlements. Gradually moving ahead to Monjo – Phakding/Lukla to spend the night.
Day 17: Schedule flight: Lukla to Kathmandu. Transfer to hostel in Kathmandu
Day 18: Departure Day
What is included in the tour
- Accommodation in Kathmandu for 2 nights in Hostel on multiple sharing basis (Mixed)
- Accommodation during Trek for 15 nights in Teahouses/ Lodges on twin sharing basis (Mixed)
- Domestic flights- Kathmandu- Lukla-Kathmandu. Airport transfer for Domestic flights (Lukla Flights)
- 1 English Speaking Trekking Guide. 1 Assistant Guide for group size above 6 pax.
- Porters to carry 10kg maximum per person on the trek (Porter: Trekker = 1:3)
- All permits, applicable local taxes required for itinerary and as per Nepali regulations at the time of the trek
- Wages, Accommodation, Food, Insurance of trekking guides and porters
- Necessary porter clothing for high passes (shoes, socks, gloves, sunglass)
- Adventure Travel Insurance with emergency Medical helicopter assistance and evacuation
- Small oxygen cylinder and mask for emergency.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Personal expenses of any nature, personal tips to guide & porter, alcoholic beverages, cold drinks and mineral water/boiled water and hot shower during the trek.
- Meals in Kathmandu and on the Trek *Meal upgrades available on all packages
- International Airfare & Tourist visa for Nepal. Pick up & drop for International Arrival & Camp; Departure
- Any transportation needs outside of the itinerary inclusions.
- Any sightseeing outside of the itinerary inclusions
- Any kind of Personal trekking gear, Clothing and Equipment
- Any Unforeseen Expenses arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, road
- conditions, International or domestic flight delays/cancellations, political disturbance, natural disaster, deviation
- in programs and any other circumstances beyond our control
- Any extra night costs for rooms in case of domestic flight delays in both Lukla and Kathmandu
What to bring along as Participants
Woollen Thermals or inners, Cotton Shirts, Slacks, Cotton Pants, Woollen sweaters or Jackets, Gloves, Sun Cap, Shoes, Socks, Enamelled or Steel Mug / tumbler, Plate, Spoon, Water purifying tablets, Pen knife, Needle, Thread, Spare buttons, Goggles, Cold Cream / Vaseline, Soap, Toilet Paper, Towel, medicines which you normally use at home, Camera and Sunscreen SPF 40 or above as recommended by your doctor.
Medical Tips:
• Carry regular medicines for headaches, travel sickness, vomiting, stomach upset, etc.
• Please ensure that you carry specific medication that you are currently consuming (if any).
• Consult your physician for general tips on high altitude travel.
• Consumption of water should be minimum 3 to 3.5 litres per day.
Cancellation Policy:
In case you are unable to join this trip, you will get 50% of the program fees as a refund, provided your request is received directly at least 30 days in advance from the date of your joining.
Any unforeseen event/strike or natural calamity will not be considered as a cause of cancellation.
In case the event is not conducted due to unforeseen event/strike or natural calamity then Treks and Trails will try to refund your payments after minimum cancellation charges (varies).
Important Note:
Registrations are done only on phone calls and will be confirmed only after the receipt of full program fees.
Registrations will be on a first-come-first-served basis.
Treks and Trails reserves all the right to change/deviate/cancel the plans without prior notice.
Food & Water supplies: Simple and nutritious meals will be provided.
What to bring along as Participants
Woollen Thermals or inners, Cotton Shirts, Slacks, Cotton Pants, Woollen sweaters or Jackets, Gloves, Sun Cap, Trekking Shoes, Socks, Enamelled or Steel Mug / tumbler, Plate, Spoon, Water purifying tablets, Penknife, Needle, Thread, Spare buttons, Goggles, Cold Cream / Vaseline, Soap, Toilet Paper, Towel, medicines which you normally use at home, Camera and Sunscreen SPF 40 or above as recommended by your doctor.
Medical Tips:
• Carry regular medicines for headaches, travel sickness, vomiting, stomach upset, etc.
• Please ensure that you carry specific medication that you are currently consuming (if any).
• Consult your physician for general tips on high altitude travel.
• Consumption of water should be a minimum of 3 to 3.5 liters per day.
SAFETY & SECURITY
Extensive and pain taking preparations have gone into planning the route for your safety. Our field staff and experienced guides have been visiting the area to check all details. While every care has been taken to ensure your safety Treks and Trails, India cannot be held responsible for any accident, illness and such other unforeseen eventualities.
