Gokyo Ri
Trek

Nepal

ABOUT Gokyo Ri Trek

Altitude - 5,483m (17,988ft)

Grading Level - T3 (click HERE to find out more about our grading)

Best months to go: February - May, September - December

The Gokyo Lakes are oligotrophic lakes in the Nepalese Sagarmatha National Park, located at an altitude of 4,700-5,000 m above sea level. These lakes are part of the highest freshwater lake system in the world and comprise six main lakes, of which Lake Thonak is the largest. The Gokyo Lakes are considered sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists. About 500 Hindus take a sacred bath in the lakes during the Janai Purnima Festival, which is usually held in August.

An average of 7,000 tourists visit Gokyo Lakes annually, which is worshipped as the home of the snake god Nag Devata; on the western shore of the lake is a temple of the Hindu deities Vishnu and Shiva. The belief that birds and wildlife in this area should not be harmed has traditionally protected the fauna. The village of Gokyo at 4,790 meters above sea level is an important center in the region.

The Gokyo Lakes Trek is a good alternative to the Everest Base Camp Trek.

It leads up the valley west of Everest to the village of Gokyo and to the five sacred lakes on the moraine next to the Ngozumpa glacier. This spectacular hike, which is almost as high as the Everest Base Camp, offers breathtaking views of Everest, but the trails are less crowded and quieter. You will pass traditional Sherpa villages where you will be served local food.

The Gokyo Lakes are actually made up of six bodies of water, or lakes, located at an altitude of 4700 to 5000m in the Gokyo Valley. Gokyo Valley falls within the Sagarmatha National Park area. They are the world’s highest freshwater lake system and have been designated as a Ramsar site (wetlands of international importance) and sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.

The trail follows the Dudhkoshi River to its source - a series of emerald green lakes. Gokyo is a Sherpa village located next to the largest of these lakes. From Gokyo, we ascend to Gokyo Ri (5360m) from where we have a magnificent view of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Makalu, Cholatse and Taboche.

This jewel of a trek will take you to the Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Valley, away from the crowds on their way to Everest Base Camp, in Sagarmatha National Park.

The Gokyo Ri Trek is considered the best place to take a look at the high Himalayan mountain ranges, with the soaring views of the most popular mountains in Nepal, at an altitude of 8000m such as Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu

Everest Gokyo Ri Trek is a moderate hiking grade. Although the trek does not require any technical climbing, you will be hiking long days. You will need to walk on a daily basis for at least 5 hours excluding the days of acclimatization. So the trip is challenging for beginner hikers in particular.

Flying to into the Himalaya Region

Flying from Kathmandu to the Himalayas is not always an easy thing to do. Dangers with bad weather are common, therefore we recommend clients familiarise themselves with the general aviation procedures followed in the region.

Please follow the link below to read more about airline and helicopters in the Everest & Annapurna Regions and how we deal with the challenges of flights affected by bad weather conditions.