Gokyo Ri Trek 12D
Overview
Experience the captivating 12-day Gokyo Ri trek, traversing pristine landscapes, turquoise lakes, and towering peaks in the heart of the Everest region.
Included/Excluded
- Accommodations
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner,
- Transportation
- An experienced English-speaking and government-licensed trekking guide
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS)
- Pickup
- Any other transportation except included in the section
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
Tour Plan
Day 01. Drive from Kathmandu (1,350 m) to Ramechhap. Flight to Lukla (2,800) and Trek to Phakding (2,651 m): (5 Hrs.)
We will take an early morning drive at 2 am to Ramechhap for 4 hours by Tourist Bus or by Jeep then fly to Lukla (20 minutes) from where the Everest Trek begins. In Lukla will meet our porter and start the trek. We gradually descend to Cheplung village from where we get a glimpse of Mt Khumbila, a sacred mountain which has never been. We walk on a trail that gradually descends to Cheplung village from where we get a glimpse of Mt. Khumbila, a sacred mountain which has never been climbed. The trail again gradually descend until Phakding. Overnight in Phakding.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 02. Trek from Phakding to Namche (3,438 m): (5-6 Hrs.)
The trail passes through pine forest and continue on the trail that goes north up the Benkar Valley. Then we cross Dudh Koshi River and pass Chumoa and Monjo village before reaching the entrance of Everest National Park. After crossing a suspension bridge, we pass Jorsale village and walk alongside of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. We ascend on a steep trail and reach Namche Bazaar which is probably the biggest town in the Everest region. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 03. Acclimatization Day
Acclimatization is important to adjust to the gradual change in environment. It helps us to prevent from being Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Today we hike to Khumjung villages, enjoy the Himalayan vista from Syangboche or tour the quaint streets of Namche Bazaar. We can also visit the Tourist Visitor Center where we can see a variety of things related to the first Everest ascenders and Sherpa culture. This visit will also get us acquainted with various plant and animal life of the Everest region. In Khumjung we can even visit a monastery that houses a yeti scalp! We also climb up to the airstrip above Syangboche and enjoy incredible views of Kongde, Thamserku and Khumbila mountains. We walk back to Namche Bazaar to spend the night.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 04. Trek from Namche to Tengboche (3,870 m): (5-6 Hrs.)
After the breakfast with the majestic sunrise view over the snow-capped Himalayas, we will walk from Namche to the village of Kyanjuma as the first section of the trek. This part of the trail is plain and is a good warm-up for the day. From here descend to Phunki tea and ascending to the village of Tengboche. After reaching Tengboche, we will visit the Tengboche Monastery – one of the most prominent monasteries of Khumbu region. The Tengboche monastery is the best place to understand the Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery opens at 3:00 pm to pray. Overnight at a hotel in Tengboche.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 05. Trek from Tengboche to Dole (4,200 m): (5-6 Hrs.)
We will start the day with an emerging warm up walk around Tengboche with scenic mountains surrounding us. Trek down to the river from Tengboche and hike up till we reach Phortse. After crossing a bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, we are likely to come face to face with local wildlife like pheasants, mountain goats, and musk deer. Our trail passes through forests, waterfalls and bridges. We can take a brief stop here and continue our walk to Dole. We will have a short steep section of a climb as we reach near to the Dole village.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 06. Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4,470 m): (4-5 Hrs.)
We climb on a steady trail through a scenic ridge with views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku mountains. We ascend from Luza village and walk above the Dudh Koshi River. We continue walking through small villages and sandy trails before reaching Machhermo. We can visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital for a lecture regarding altitude sickness, its precaution, and primary treatment. Overnight in Machhermo.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 07. Trek from Machharmo to Gokyo (4,800 m): (5-6 Hrs.)
We ascend on a hill and enjoy views of the Dudh Koshi valley and Kangtega, Thamserku and Cho-Oyu mountains. Beyond the ridge the valley widens as the trail passes through a Chorten and reaches Phangga. We descend to the river bank before climbing up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozamba Glacier on a steep trail. We pass through Longpongo, Raboche Tsho and Dudh Pokhari before reaching Gokyo. On the trail next to the first lake, we see what is believed to be the footprints of a Lama (Buddhist priest). We explore Dudh Pokhari before calling it a night. Overnight in Gokyo.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 08. Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) and Explore the 5th Lake: (5-6 Hrs.)
We spend another day in Gokyo to acclimatize to the high altitude. If the weather is good, we climb Gokyo Ri today. From the top of Gokyo Ri we admire the Himalayan vista and the tranquil Gokyo lakes. We also hike to the fourth and the fifth Gokyo lakes. The 4th lake is only about 3km north of Gokyo. It is marked by high cliffs and Himalayan peaks rising above it. We continue to walking a little further and reach the 5th lake. A climb up a nearby hill will guarantee us remarkable views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makulu. We can see a lot more from here – the spot is called Scoundrel’s Viewpoint. From the northern part of the 5th lake we see the Cho Oyu base camp and Ngazumpa Glacier which is the biggest glacier the world. We walk back to Gokyo to spend the night.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 09. Trek from Gokyo to Dole (4,200 m): (4-5 Hrs.)
We descend on a trail along the Dudh Koshi River and pass the first Gokyo lakes. On the way we also enjoy views of the Cholatse and Taboche peaks. Our trail descends before climbing a hill. After reaching the Chorten at the edge, we see great views of Thamserku, Cho Oyu, and Kangtega mountains. We walk past Machhermo, Luza and Lhafarma villages before reaching Dole. Overnight in Dole.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 10. Trek from Dole to Namche (3,438 m): (5-6 Hrs.)
We descend on a steep trail to Phortse Thanga admiring rhododendrons, wildflowers and waterfalls. We also come across mountain goats, musk deer, pheasants, etc. From Mong, we can admire a good view of Khumbila peak. On our way to Namche the view of Taboche, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kangtega mountains are ours to admire. After walking for a while, we reach an intersection where the trail from Sanasa meets our trail. We walk on a trail that clings to a forested slope beyond Kyangjuma, winding through several bends. After reaching Namche army camp hill, we look back to see Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche for one last time. About a kilometer from here is Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 11. Trek from Namche to Lukla (2,800 m): (7-8 Hrs.)
We descend on a rocky trail and cross several suspension bridges before walking on a leveled trail. The air is warmer as we walk on the same trail to reach Lukla. Our trek in the mountain ends after we reach Lukla. We spend our time reminiscing about our time spent in the mountain. Overnight in Lukla.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 12. Fly to Kathmandu (1,350 m)
We catch an early morning flight to Ramechhap then drive to Kathmandu after a long mountain journey. In Kathmandu , we can take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. If we want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, we may do that today. Our guides can help you with both souvenirs shopping or sightseeing. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate the successful completion of our journey. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Meals included: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have farewell dinner and share the experiences about our trek.