Everest Gokyo Ri Trek

Regardless of where you search, it will be stated that the Everest Base Camp trek is the most popular trek in Nepal, which is indeed accurate. However, what they do not address is that with popularity comes the crowd. In the peak season, the trail leading to the base camp is filled with people. So, what are the alternatives to the EBC trek, regardless of the season? It is the Everest Gokyo Ri Trek. Here is why you should opt for it:

Stunning Mountain Views from Gokyo Ri

Early in the morning, after spending a night at Gokyo Village, you will hike to the Gokyo Ri to witness the sunrise over the mountains and valleys. From the summit, you can witness four of the world’s highest mountains. Those mountains are: Everest (8,848 meters), Lhotse (8,516 meters), Makalu (8,485 meters), and Cho Oyu (8,188 meters). Besides, the view of the Gokyo Lakes from the Gokyo Ri is mesmerising to witness.

Sacred Gokyo Lakes

Gokyo Lakes are the oligotrophic Lakes situated above 4,700 meters. Among the Gokyo Lakes, Dudh Pokhari, also known as Gokyo Chö, is a sacred lake revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. Pilgrims from the neighbourhood visit this lake during the Janai Purnima. There are a total of 19 lakes in the Gokyo system. However, the six main lakes are as follows:

• Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari)
• Thonak Cho
• Gyazumpa Cho
• Tanjung Cho
• Ngojumba Cho
• Kyajumba.

Fewer Crowds than the Everest Base Camp Trail

If you have seen a video of the Everest Base Camp Trek, you must have noticed the large crowds taking the trail to reach the foot of Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain. With its popularity, the trail is most crowded during the peak season. However, such will not be the case with the trail leading to the Gokyo Lakes. You might initially encounter the crowd when you share the same trail. Still, after diverting towards Gokyo Lakes, the trail becomes more peaceful, with fewer trekkers, allowing for a more solitary journey in the Everest Region.

Crossing Renjo La Pass (5,360 m)

Our itinerary includes Renjo La Pass (5,360 meters) as a part of the Everest Gokyo Ri Trek. Renjo La Pass is one of the highest passes in the Everest Region and is part of a trio of passes, along with Kongma La Pass at 5,535 m and Cho La Pass at 5,420 m. While returning to Namche, you will return via the Renjo La Pass. From here, you can witness the panoramic view of the Everest Region, allowing you a wider view of the surrounding mountains.

Like any other Everest Region Trek, Everest Gokyo Ri Trek also starts after your scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. From Lukla, the trail heads towards the same trail that leads to the Everest Base Camp. However, upon reaching Sanasa, the trail diverges into two. You will need to take the left trail from here to reach Gokyo Village. The path ahead is Dole and Machhermo before reaching the Gokyo Lakes. You can expect the quiet trails with the changing landscape each passing day. Before you know it, you will enter the alpine meadows of the Everest Region. You will take the following path from Lukla to get to Gokyo Village:

Lukla → Phakding → Monjo → Jorsalle → Namche Bazaar → Sanasa → Dole → Lhabarma → Machhermo → Phanga → Gokyo Village

You will stay two nights at Gokyo Villages. On the first day, when you arrive at the villages, you will rest and explore the area. Only on the second day, you will head towards the Gokyo Ri and explore the lakes. The third morning, you will hit the trail to return to Lukla. Instead of following the same route you took to get to Gokyo, you will trek through the route of Renjo La Pass. Here is the trail that you will take; 

Gokyo Village → Renjo La Pass → Relama Tsho → Lumde → Marlung → Thame → Thamo → Namche Bazaar → Monjo → Phakding → Lukla

You will start your trek from Lukla, which is situated at an elevation of 2,860 meters, and head towards Phakding. On the first day, the elevation loss will be about 250 meters. However, on the second day, you will gain an elevation of 830 meters by reaching Namche. After Namche, there is no overall elevation loss (excluding the hikes of the acclimatization day). The highest elevation gain happens from Namche to Dole, which is about 670 meters. The overall elevation gain is 2,500 meters, from Lukla to Gokyo Ri. The highest elevation loss that occurs during the trek is 992 meters, which happens on the route from Gokyo Village to Lumde. Here is the table for elevation gain and loss:

The major risk associated with the Everest Gokyo Ri Trek is altitude sickness. Many trekkers have records of being unable to complete the trek and requiring evacuation via helicopter. Since you are going above an altitude of 3,500 meters, the oxygen level is thin, and you might find it hard to breathe while trekking, leading to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or even severe conditions such as high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE). The other risk includes accidents and injuries. Here is the procedure for emergency evacuation:

• Your guide will assess and stabilize the situation immediately. They will provide first aid to the injured person while ensuring the safety of the rest of the group. If your problem is recoverable by descending, you will be assisted to descend either by yourself or the porters will carry you. If the condition is severe, the guide will proceed with the evacuation process.
• The guide will establish communication with the trekking agency, in this case, Himalaya Guide Nepal, using satellite phones. One of you may have to trek to the nearest settlement for the phone call. The guide will provide the critical information, including location (with GPS coordinates) and the nature of the emergency.
• The guide will monitor your condition. They will keep you as comfortable and stable as possible and offer emotional support while you await rescue.
• The guide will cooperate fully with rescue personnel upon their arrival. They will provide detailed information and assist with the evacuation as directed.
• They will then review the group’s safety post-evacuation and decide whether to continue, descend, or terminate the trek based on the group’s condition and available resources.

Note: Emergency evacuation includes rescuing you by helicopter, which is an expensive option. We recommend that you obtain travel insurance before your trek begins. Your travel insurance must cover the high-altitude trek, evacuation, and your medication.

The weather in the Himalayan region, like Gokyo Lake, is unpredictable. Hence, if you are trekking in any Himalayan region in Nepal, you must understand the weather and temperature to determine the best time for the trek. For the Everest Goko Ri Trek, the best times to undertake it are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). That said, let us look at the different seasons for the weather:

Everest Gokyo Ri Trek in Spring (March to May)

• Temperature:
  • Day: 5°C to 15°C
  • Night: -5°C to -10°C

• Weather:
  • Generally clear skies and stable weather.
  • Rhododendrons bloom at lower altitudes.
  • Snow may still be present in early March.
  • Trails can be busy from April onwards.
• Visibility: Excellent – panoramic views of Everest, Cho Oyu, and Gokyo.

Everest Gokyo Ri Trek in Summer/Monsoon (June to August)

• Temperature:
  • Day: 8°C to 16°C
  • Night: 0°C to 5°C

• Weather:
  • Frequent rain below 3,500 m; occasional snowfall at higher elevations.
  • Cloud cover is common, reducing mountain views.
  • Trails can be slippery and prone to landslides.
  • Leeches may be present at lower altitudes.
• Visibility: Often poor due to fog and clouds.

Everest Gokyo Ri Trek in Autumn (September to November)

• Temperature:
  • Day: 5°C to 12°C
  • Night: -5°C to -15°C

• Weather:
  • Dry, clear, and stable – considered the best trekking season.
  • Fresh air and vibrant landscapes after the monsoon.
  • Early snow is possible in late November.
• Visibility: Exceptional – ideal for photography and high passes.

Everest Gokyo Ri Trek in Winter (December to February)

• Temperature:
  • Day: -5°C to 5°C
  • Night: -15°C to -25°C

• Weather:
  • Harsh cold and snow are common, especially at Gokyo and above.
  • Risk of snowfall blocking Cho La Pass and other high routes.
  • Fewer trekkers, so peaceful, but more challenging.
• Visibility: Crisp and clear skies, especially in December.

Season-wise Temperature Table for Everest Gokyo Ri Trek

Here is the table showcasing the approximate average maximum and minimum temperatures along the different stops at the Everest Gokyo Ri route:

The two permits you need to trek to Gokyo Lake in the Everest region are:

1. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: It is mandatory for all trekkers entering Sagarmatha National Park, which is home to Gokyo Lake. Children under 10 years don’t have to pay for this permit. For a Nepali Individual, the price is NPR 100.
2. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit: It was introduced by the local government to support development and infrastructure in the Khumbu region. So, it is the local permit.

You don’t need to obtain the TIMS card to trek in the Everest Region, as it has been replaced by the local permit. The price of the permits depends on your nationality. Here is the table with the prices along with where you can obtain them:

At Himalaya Guide Nepal, the Everest Gokyo Ri Trek package for a single person starts at USD 1,345 (see below for details on what is included and excluded in the package). Since trekking in a group is budget-friendly, we offer discounts for group trekkers. The more the group, the greater the discount. For example, if you are a group of ten people, the Everest Gokyo Ri Package comes at USD 970, saving you a total of USD 375. However, the price of the package is subject to your trekking style, itineraries, and personal preferences. That said, here is the table for the price of the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek for different groups of people:

Everest Gokyo Ri Trek Cost Breakdown

Here is the breakdown of the major expenses along the trail for the Everest Gokyo Ri Trek:

• Permits: Depending on your nationality and itinerary, the permits cost around USD 51 to USD 62. Himalaya Guide Nepal will acquire the permits on your behalf.
• Transportation: The package includes both-way domestic flights (Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu). The cost of the two-way flight will be between USD 350 and USD 400. It also includes the pickup and drop-off services.
• Food: The cost ranges from USD 5 to USD 10 per meal. The price of the meal increases as you ascend. Himalaya Guide Nepal will provide you with meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek. Therefore, the total expense for the meal will be approximately USD 200 to USD 250.
• Guide: The guide not only provides you with insight but also ensures your safety. So, an experienced guide will cost you around USD 25 to USD 35 per day.
• Accommodations: You will be staying at the teahouses most of the time. At a lower altitude, the cost is approximately USD 10 per night. However, the cost can range from USD 15 to USD 20 as you ascend. In total, you will need to spend approximately USD 120 to USD 180 on accommodation.

The packing list for the Everest Gokyo Ri Trek is similar to that for the Everest Base Camp Trek. However, the quantity depends on the season you are trekking in, as well as your personal preference. Here is the table for the brief list of gear and equipment for the Gokyo Lake Trek:

Throughout Nepal, there are multiple lakes, ranging from freshwater to oligotrophic. And, you can even trek to reach them. The two popular treks include the Lantang Gosaikunda Trek and the Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek. Both of these trek takes you to different parts of Nepal. With so many options available, why choose the Everest Gokyo Ri Trek? Here is a brief comparison between all three treks mentioned:

The Everest Gokyo Ri Trek is more expensive, but it is worth it. You get to see beautiful places like the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and the huge Ngozumpa Glacier. From Gokyo Ri, you can enjoy amazing views of four of the world’s highest mountains, including Mount Everest. This trek takes you through the famous Everest region but with fewer people, so it feels more peaceful and just as rewarding.