The Gokyo Ri trek, the best alternative hike to the Everest Base Camp (EBC trek), offering spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks along with lakes and glaciers. The highlights of this Gokyo Ri trek is Gokyo Ri summit. The views from the summit are simply amazing, standing at over 5000 meters. You can see the summits of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu!
The view is often seen as one of Nepal’s finest and it’s simple to see why. It is also a lovely time to hike Gokyo Ri in the afternoon, as you will see the sunset over the lovely Gokyo Lakes. And like any other treks in Nepal, the Gokyo Ri Trek cost depends on various factors.
The Gokyo Ri trek itself is much quieter than the EBC trek as there are far fewer trekkers on the route. After your flight from Kathmandu, the trek begins at Lukla.
The trail follows the traditional Everest Base Camp trekking route for the first three days to Namche Bazaar for the first three days. Just after Namche, the trail heads northwest through the towns of Dole and Machhermo, and then to the beautiful Goyko Lakes.
How Much Does the Gokyo Ri Trek Cost?
The Gokyo Ri trek cost ranges from USD 1200 to USD 1800 per person. It covers your flight cost, permit, transportation, accommodation, guide, porter, etc.
The cost depends, however, on the season you are traveling in and the activities you want to do during your trek.
Gokyo Ri Trek features the remote Gokyo Valley’s incredible scenery. It is a glacial turquoise valley. It offers amazing mountain views including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Mount Makalu, etc.
As with the cost of any other trek in Nepal, the Gokyo Ri trek cost depends on different factors such as:
- Trekking length
- Trekking season
- Number of people in a group
- Transportation and accommodation types you choose
- Food and drink type you get
- Extra services you get
Why You Should Consider Gokyo Ri Trek?
For beginners, the spectacularly beautiful Gokyo Lakes. A pretty unforgettable experience is the panoramic views over the turquoise lakes with 8,000m-plus peaks in the background.
You will also have the chance to hike Gokyo Ri, the mountain that overlooks the small village of Gokyo. This climb offers some of the most amazing views of Mt. Everest and Cho Oyu.
Perhaps the views are even better than Kalapathar, which is the most popular point of view along the traditional EBC trekking route.
The side trip to Gokyo Lakes is still a relatively quiet route, meaning you can walk a few hours without seeing other people. The traditional EBC trekking route is quite crowded, sometimes taking away from the atmosphere.
Also, a rewarding extra challenge is the side trip of Gokyo Lakes, climbing Gokyo Ri and crossing the Cho-La Pass or Renjo La Pass are the challenging things in this region.
How Difficult is the Gokyo Ri Trek?
The trek to Gokyo Ri is a moderately difficult trek. While the trek does not require any technical climbing, the difficulty of the Gokyo Ri trek is due to the long-day trek.
While no prior trekking experience is needed, the trek involves 5-7 hours of trekking per day on hilly/rocky terrain at high altitude. Most of the trek is spent above 4,000m and altitudes of over 5,500m are reached when crossing passes and trekking peaks.
We recommend training a couple of weeks to months in advance to make you comfortable walking similar distances on the trek.
Tips for Altitude Sickness During Gokyo Ri Trek
During the Gokyo Ri trek, there is nothing dangerous, no exposed terrain. The only thing that could cause you trouble is altitude sickness;
It’s a very individual thing. Some people have no problems at all, others already in 3000m begin to feel “sick.” The best advice I can give is to walk slowly, very slowly above 4000m. Drink plenty of tea and water, have a good meal. (Locals think garlic soup is good to prevent sickness from altitude).
If you start experiencing some symptoms of altitude sickness (which can be very different for everyone), such as dizziness, feeling like having a cold, headache, nausea, you can go down to a lower altitude and wait overnight. You can carry on if it gets better. This is another reason you’re supposed to have enough additional days.
A medicine called Diamox is also available to prevent and reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness. We advise patience and slow pace during the trek.
Detailed Itinerary of Gokyo Ri Trek
Day 1, Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Upon arrival at the airport in Kathmandu after your Visa custom formalities etc. Pick up your luggage and look for our representative from Himalaya Discovery Airport to show your name on the board at the gate of your arrival. Our representative welcomes you and then transferred you to the hotel by private tourist vehicle. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 2, Fly to Lukla (2,800m) and trek to Phakding (2,652m), 3-4 hrs walk
Take a short flight to the tiny airstrip at Lukla. Have time to walk around while the guide will sort and divide the load baggage to be carried by porters. Enjoy lunch before starting the easy walk to the village of Phakding. Overnight at Phakding.
Day 3, Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,445m), 5-6 hrs walk
We will continue up the banks of the Dudh Kosi after breakfast, crossing it twice through small suspension bridges before reaching the village of Monjo, the Sagarmatha National Park entrance gate. Descend for a bit and then a gradual walk takes us to Jorsalle village, the last village before Namche Bazaar, to the suspension bridge over the Bhote-Koshi river. Namche is the Khumbu Region’s capital. Overnight at Namche.
Day 4, Acclimatize day.
We’re going to spend an acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar. For a wonderful panoramic view or a stroll around the market, you have a full day of leisure to visit the Everest View Point hotel. There’s also a Sherpa museum, a great place to learn about Sherpa culture and mountaineering history. Overnight at Namche
Day 5, Trek to Dole (4200m), 5-6 hrs walk
We’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view of the great giant snow peaks at Shanasa after a gradual trail with a few short ups and downs. Climb to the hill of Mongla and go down to Phortse Thanga. A few more hours of climbing will take us to Dole after lunch. Overnight at Dole.
Day 6, Trek to Machhermo (4470m), 4-5 hrs walk
Today we climb to the scenic ridge above Dole. The trail continues to climb along the valley side, high above the river, where we arrive at Machhermo. Late in the afternoon, we visit the Himalayan Rescue Association. Overnight at Machhermo.
Day 7, Trek to Gokyo (4790m), 3-4 hrs walk
Trekking up a ridge provides excellent views down the valley to Khangtega and north to Cho-Oyu (8153m/26741 ft). Our route descends to the bank of the river before starting the climb to the Ngazumpa glacier’s terminal moraine. The trail then rises as it follows the valley past a second lake, 4690m/15383 ft known as Longponga. Another hour’s walk will take us to the third lake edge of Gokyo village. Overnight at Gokyo.
Day 8, Discover Gokyo
We trek up to Gokyo Ri early in the morning for a breathtaking view of a mountain sunrise including Mt. Everest. You’ll have unforgettable memories of many of the famous Himalayan mountains and glaciers. Overnight at Gokyo.
Day 9, Trek to Phorse Village/ Phorste Thanga (3680m), 5 to 6 hrs walk.
We will start our walk back through the same valley after breakfast. We cross a valley and go uphill for overnight to the village of Phorse. Phorse Village is interesting as it lies in the center of the mountains above the valley of the river with the surroundings of the pine and Rhododendron forest. You can also see the pheasant of the Himalayas and some other Himalayan livestock. Overnight at Phorse.
Day 10, Trek to Tengboche (3,867m), 5-6 hrs walk
We’re mostly heading down this morning, following a narrow trail to reach the valley of the river. Then, through the forested hills of pine and rhododendron, a gradually steep walk up hills reach Tengboche, situated on top of the hill.
You have a great view of Mt. Ama Dablam from Tengboche, as well as of Thamserku, the top of Mt. Everest and Nuptse. Tengboche has the largest Buddhist monastery in Tengboche, where you can witness the evening prayer ceremony of the monks. Overnight at Tengboche.
Day 11, Trek to Namche Bazaar via Khumjung (3,790m), 5 hrs walk
Today’s trail leads down to the wooded hills called Phungithanka, crossing the Dudh Koshi River with local suspension bridge, and then a long walk uphill to the junction of Kyanjuma. Another gradual walk of 30-40mins takes you to the Khumjung Valley.
We will spend some time here visiting the Khunde Hospital, founded by Sir Edmund Hillary, The Hillary School, and the legendary Yeti scalps of the old monastery. Enjoy the panorama of the mountains, then continue on to Syangboche airstrip, which is the highest airport in the world at 3700 m. We’ll continue overnight down to Namche Bazaar.
Day 12, Lukla (2,800m), 4-5 hrs walk
Continue downhill to Lukla, an easy trek, even though there are small hills up and down. The path goes back to the same one we walked on our first day. It will take about four to five hours to get to Lukla. The guide will re-confirm the flights to Kathmandu for the next day while you freshen up with a warm shower. Celebrate your trek success in the bars, restaurants and pubs of Lukla. Overnight at Lukla.
Day 13, Fly back to Kathmandu (1,400m)
After an early morning flight to Kathmandu our guide transfers you to your hotel. You may have time to relax after long journey and take back your breath and rest at your hotel with ending your Himalayan trip with us.
In the evening we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances.
Day 14, Free Day / Fly to home.
Enjoy your final moments in Kathmandu. Our staff will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the airport for your return flight to home.
Gokyo Ri Trek Alternative Routes
You can extend the Gokyo Ri trek and continue through the Chola Pass (5420 m) to the Everest Base Camp (5360 m) including the Kala Patthar hike (5550m).
In that case, you’re going to do two wonderful treks at the same time and you’re not going to have to go back the same way. You will need about 16 days for this variation, including the flight to/from Kathmandu.
Gokyo Ri Trek Map
Final Say
It is the greatest relief to have a good budget for your trek. The detailed information of Gokyo Ri Trek cost, this allows you to fully enjoy yourself and make the most of the journey.
While you work so hard, investing your time in something you like to do is equally important. And it is nothing less than traveling and exploring new places.
The trek through the Gokyo Ri is an affordable trek. It allows you to immerse yourself in the mountains’ beauty and adventure.
This trek will take you through the world’s highest passes including the Cho-La Pass and Gokyo Ri. Moreover, you’ll be spellbound by the beauty of cobalt blue lakes.
Please feel free to contact us for further questions and inquiries.
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