Gokyo Ri Trek

Landing at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will warmly welcome you and assist with your seamless transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, we will help organize your trekking gear and address any final questions to ensure you are fully prepared for your adventure.

During the high season, Lukla flights are arranged via Manthali Airport in Ramechhap. To reduce air traffic congestion at Kathmandu airport, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has redirected all Lukla flights to Manthali. Flying from Manthali to Lukla is safer and more reliable, and will take only 20 minutes.

At 1:00 AM, trekking guide will meet you in the hotel lobby and accompany you on a shout five minutes walk to the Bus station in Thamel. We provide a comfortable van transfer to Manthali Airport in Ramechhap district on a sharing basis. This arrangement guarantees a timely arrival, allowing you to catch your early morning flight without any complications.

Drive to Manthali airport takes around 4 hours roughly in a night time traffic. Upon reaching Manthali Airport, your guide will handle the necessary arrangements for your early flight to Lukla Airport. As you fly in the morning, the flight typically provides a breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayan landscape including the valley.

Upon arriving at the Lukla lodge, enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Take some time to acclimatize to the altitude, allowing your body to adjust before beginning the journey. While the trekking team organizes your luggage, you can explore the vibrant Lukla marketplace before setting off.

A few miles later, you will join the main classical trail connecting Salleri to the Everest foothills. It has a gradual ascent and descent along the Dudh Koshi River valley, passing through Sherpa villages. Eventually, you will reach Phakding, a vibrant settlement at 2,640 meters, home to approximately 50 lodges.

With countless ascents and descents, we navigate across a stream and pass through the curious Monjo village. Our path leads us to the Sagarmatha National Park office, where our guide arranges the necessary park entrance fee. Following a brief stroll along the valley’s riverbed, we encounter the convergence of major rivers in this area.

Cross the Hillary bridge and proceed to undertake a steep ascent toward Top Danda or Tenzing Norgay Stupa, situated below Namche Bazaar. At Top Danda allows a stunning glimpse of Everest (8,848m), along with other peaks like Lhotse (8,516m) and Ama Dablam, as you ascend towards Namche. It’s a popular place for trekkers to pause and take in the breathtaking scenery. In addition, Namche Bazaar at 3,440 meters stands as a bustling central business hub for commodities and gears.

Today is an acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar, a vibrant hub in the Everest region filled with energy and breathtaking scenery. You can explore its lively market, interact with locals, or simply relax on a terrace, soaking in panoramic views of the stunning landscape and traditional mountain lodges. If your visit falls on a Saturday, don’t miss the special weekly market, where traders from nearby villages gather to sell an unique goods. This bustling market is a must see attraction, offering a glimpse into the rich culture and daily life of the Sherpa people.

Alternatively, the day begins with a refreshing three hours excursion to the Syangboche Airstrip, Syangboche Hilltop, and Everest View Hotel (EVH). This premier vantage point provides an impressive 360 degree views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Kongde, and other majestic Himalayan peaks.

As the trail ascends, it winds past ancient chortens, sacred Buddhist monuments, and scenic hill stations. Each stop reveals a breathtaking panorama of Khumjung Village, snowy mountains, and the lush green valleys below. On the descent, a visit to the Sagarmatha National Park Museum provides fascinating insights into the history of Everest expeditions, diverse wildlife, vibrant birdlife, and rich Sherpa culture. This experience makes for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Everest region.

Your footsteps today to Mong La is a scenic ascent through rhododendron forests and traditional Sherpa villages, providing breathtaking views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. It begins with a gradual climb to Kyangjuma, where trekkers can enjoy panoramic vistas before continuing uphill along a well defined path.

As the altitude increases, the landscape transitions into alpine terrain, with occasional sightings of Himalayan wildlife such as musk deer and pheasants. Perched at 3,973 meters, Mong La is a tranquil ridge top settlement providing a breathtaking mountain views and a serene atmosphere. This picturesque stop serves as an ideal resting point before continuing the trek through the rugged Himalayan terrain.

Our journey from Mong La to Dole begins with a descent through pine and rhododendron forests, followed by a steady climb along the Dudh Koshi River. As the trail ascends, the vegetation transitions into alpine terrain, revealing breathtaking vista of snowy horizons including the Cho Oyu.

After reaching Dole, a small yet charming settlement, the path continues uphill through yak pastures and barren landscapes, reflecting the region’s high altitude environment. Travelers final stretch to Machermo lodge is both tough and rewarding, with sweeping vistas of deep valleys and towering Himalayan giants. Upon arrival at Machermo (4,470m), trekkers can rest at cozy lodges, acclimatize, and enjoy the tranquil beauty of this remote mountain setting.

Our initial stretch of the Gokyo trek unfolds along a picturesque trail leading to Pangka, where a gentle descent sets the stage for the journey ahead. From there, the path meanders alongside a meltwater river originating from the western flank of the Ngozumpa Glacier moraine, offering a glimpse into the glacial forces shaping the landscape. Soon after, terrain shifts dramatically as the trail ascends a steep, rocky slope, gradually unveiling the breathtaking expanse of the Gokyo Glacier and the first of the revered sacred lakes.

As the journey progresses, a well trodden crossing leads you toward the second glacial lake, a significant waypoint on the route to Cho La. Before long, the shimmering waters of the third lake, Dudh Pokhari, emerge on the horizon, with the charming settlement of Gokyo resorts resting serenely along its eastern shore, providing trekkers a well earned respite amid the grandeur of the Himalayas.

Walk along the shores of the glacial Gokyo lakes, you’ll arrive at your final stop: the Gokyo lodges, where you’ll spend the night. This entire Gokyo Valley trek captures the essence of trekking in the Everest region. Gokyo itself is a small settlement catering to trekkers, though it typically shuts down in winter due to harsh cold, ice, and heavy snowfall.

Although, there are plenty of opportunities for exploration at you stay in the Gokyo Lodges. A short stroll to a higher viewpoint offers a chance to soak in even more breathtaking scenery, while those seeking a greater challenge may consider a trek to the Fifth Lake. It’s a challenging yet highly rewarding trek is ideal for those in peak physical condition, requiring a traverse across the expansive Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal’s largest.

Our journey culminates in a breathtaking panorama, where the glacial landscape unfolds in a spectacle reminiscent of a pristine iceberg glacier. For adventurers eager to experience the glacier up close, a guided hike to Fifth Lake has an unforgettable journey to a secluded vantage point, where the raw beauty of the Himalayas leaves a lasting impression.

Gokyo Ri elevation 5,357 meters above the sea level is our primary target point therefore trek to Gokyo Ri begins just after first light. Trekkers need with an ascending a steep trail from the northern edge of the Gokyo lake. Towering above the village, this vantage point rewards trekkers with breathtaking panoramas. Nearly 90% of hikers aim to reach the summit, eager to witness the first rays of sunlight illuminating the mystical glacier lakes. At sunrise, sightseers are treated to an almost dreamlike view from the Gokyo Hilltop.

Beyond its magical sunrise, the Gokyo Ri summit unveils an dramatic lineup of the Himalayas. Towering peaks like Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu dominate the horizon. Additionally, it has a rare, uninterrupted view of several of the world’s highest summits in a single breathtaking sweep.

Likewise, tourist can see the Everest from Gokyo peak, at the gokyo viewpoint. The panoramic vista of Mount Everest from Gokyo Ri outshines even the prominent Kala Patthar viewpoint. It provides a dramatic setting for capturing unforgettable photographs. After soaking in the scenery, we descend to the Gokyo guesthouse for a well earned, hot breakfast.

By midday, we stop for lunch at Machermo before continuing toward Dole Lodge for an overnight stay. Your descend especially from Machermo to Dole section is an easy walk along a gentle, grassy trail. It meanders through the high altitude landscape, a peaceful and scenic conclusion to an extraordinary day.

The Gokyo Valley trail gently descends to Phortse Tenga (11,975 feet), winding through lush rhododendron forests. From there, the path immediately ascends to Mong La Hill, a hidden Shangri La providing a breathtaking outlook of the towering Himalayas, including Mount Everest and Cho Oyu.

A short stop for tea/coffee at Mong La Hill Station is a trekker’s delight. This scenic viewpoint presents a spectacular contrast of Everest and its neighboring peaks on the right, with the serene Gokyo Valley on the left.

After soaking in the views, continue to descends to Kyanjoma at 3,500m before merging with the classic Everest route. This final stretch features rolling terrain with small ascents and descents leading to Namche Bazaar, the ultimate backpacker’s paradise.

As the journey nears its end, take a final moment to admire the stunning mountain panorama before descending toward the legendary Hillary Bridge, which spans the rushing Dudh Koshi River. Continues with another crossing over an iron bridge, leading to Jorsale. Here, trekkers can unwind in cozy lodges, eat a delicious local meals, and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the surrounding forests.

20 to 30 minutes trek further to Monjo village we checkout our Gokyo trekking permits. Monjo is a tiny village stands at an altitude of 2,835 meters has nice terraces and is a good place to view the entire valley and a forests.

Our way back to Lukla following the familiar trail that we took on our ascent. It’s a final day of our unforgettable journey. Therefore, upon reaching Lukla, we book a comfortable lodge near the airport, where you can rest.

As your unforgettable trek to Gokyo Valley concludes, it’s a great time to show appreciation to your guide and porter for their dedicated support. Because Tipping is a culture in Nepalese hospitality and tourism industry so your guide porters expect it highly. As an alternative, trekkers can explore nearby shops presenting a variety of souvenirs to remember this remarkable trip.

We begin with an early flight from Lukla to Manthali Airport in Ramechhap, which will take approximately 20 minutes. Upon arrival, guide will assist in arranging a transfer to the hotel via a sharing tourist van. From Manthali airport to Kathmandu journey will takes about 4 to 5 hours via a shorter Bardibas highway route. This marks the conclusion of your trip.

After refreshments, spend your time exploring Thamel’s vibrant streets, where you can shop for unique souvenirs, handcrafted goods, and authentic Nepali spices. Then, unwind at a cozy rooftop café, savoring a cup of Himalayan organic coffee or a refreshing local brew before heading home.