GOKYO RI TREK 8 DAYS
GOKYO RI TREK 8 DAYS
The Gokyo Ri Trek 8 Days (Gokyo Lake Trek) is an exhilarating and challenging adventure designed for those seeking to experience the best of the Everest region in a short timeframe. This trek, organized by Sherpa Expedition, takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Khumbu region, culminating in a summit at Gokyo Ri (5,483m), one of the highest and most rewarding viewpoints in the world. Unlike other treks, this package does not include rest days, making it a physically demanding journey for experienced trekkers.
Starting from Lukla, the trek ascends through the Dudh Koshi valley, passing through vibrant Sherpa villages, alpine forests, and suspension bridges. You will trek towards Namche Bazaar, a bustling town, before continuing to Dole, Machhermo, and finally reaching Gokyo. Along the way, the stunning views of peaks like Cho Oyu, Everest, and Lhotse are always in sight. The highlight of the trek is the ascent to Gokyo Ri, where you'll witness panoramic views of the world's highest peaks, including Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Lhotse.
The trek is strenuous due to the continuous ascent, and no acclimatization days are included, so trekkers must be prepared for the altitude. The lack of rest days adds an extra layer of challenge, making it ideal for experienced adventurers who are up for a tough, no-frills trek. As you make your way back to Lukla, you’ll retrace your steps, taking in the beauty of the Khumbu Himal and reflecting on the intense experience.
Highlights
- 🏞️ Gokyo Ri Summit: Stunning panoramic views of Everest, Cho Oyu, and Makalu.
- 🌄 Everest View: Experience breathtaking vistas of the world’s highest peaks.
- 🏕️ Challenging Trek: Designed for fit and experienced trekkers seeking a challenge.
- 🏞️ Khumbu Valley: Trek through lush forests, suspension bridges, and Sherpa villages.
- 🌟 Sherpa Culture: Immersive experience in the unique culture of the Sherpa people.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Fly to Lukla (2,804 m) and Trek to Phakding (2,610 m) Duration: 4-5 hours.
Your adventure begins with an early flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Upon arrival, you'll begin your trek, descending through the village of Lukla and heading towards Phakding, a small village along the Dudh Koshi River. The trek today is relatively easy and allows you to adjust to the mountain atmosphere.
Day 2 : Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,441 m) Duration: 7-8 hours.
Today is a longer and more challenging day as you ascend to Namche Bazaar, the bustling capital of the Khumbu region. The trail climbs steeply through rhododendron forests, crossing several suspension bridges. Upon reaching Namche, enjoy panoramic views of peaks like Thamserku and Kantega. Namche Bazaar will be your base for acclimatization and offers many facilities.
Day 3 : Trek to Dole (4,200 m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
The path today takes you through a steep ascent from Namche. You will trek through dense forests and cross small villages along the way, arriving at Dole. This village offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and is an ideal spot to rest for the night before heading higher.
Day 4 : Trek to Gokyo (4,790 m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today, you trek towards Gokyo, crossing a series of glacial lakes as you approach the village. The trek involves steady climbing with stunning views of Mount Everest, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Upon reaching Gokyo, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking scenery and the opportunity to rest and acclimatize.
Day 5 : Trek to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) and On to Machhermo (4,470 m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Early in the morning, you'll hike to Gokyo Ri, which offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. After descending from the summit, you’ll continue your trek down to Machhermo, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 6 : Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today, you'll trek back to Namche Bazaar. The descent through valleys and forests is easier than the previous days. Along the way, you'll have more opportunities to enjoy the landscapes and reflect on the amazing views you've experienced over the last few days.
Day 7 : Trek to Lukla (2,860 m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
The final leg of the trek takes you back to Lukla. The descent is gradual, and you'll retrace your steps through the Dudh Koshi River valley, passing by villages and familiar landmarks. After arriving in Lukla, enjoy a well-earned rest before your flight back to Kathmandu the following day.
Day 8 : Fly back to Kathmandu (Duration: 30 minutes flight)
After a fulfilling trekking journey, take a morning flight back to Kathmandu. The scenic flight offers one last opportunity to admire the Himalayas before returning to the bustling city. Once in Kathmandu, you can relax and reflect on your memorable adventure in the Everest region.
SERVICES
What's Included in Your Trekking Package:
- Airport Transfers: Domestic airport pick-up and drop-off by private car/jeep.
- Meals: Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the trek.
- Fresh Fruit: Fresh fruit provided every evening after dinner.
- Accommodation: Stay in trekking lodges (Tea Houses) during the trek.
- Permits: All necessary paperwork including Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fees.
- Flights: Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu (Ramechhap-Lukla-Ramechhap) flights with private airport transfer and domestic airport taxes.
- Guides and Staff:
- A highly experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed guide, covering their salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport, and insurance.
- Strong, helpful Sherpa porters (one porter per two trekkers), with their salary, food, accommodation, and insurance, along with proper safety and walking equipment.
- Assistant guide for groups of 8 or more.
- Medical Support: Comprehensive medical supplies (first aid kit) and arrangements for emergency helicopter services (paid by your travel insurance).
- Equipment: Use of a sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, and walking poles (to be returned at the end of the trek).
- T-Shirt: A Sherpa Expedition and Trekking T-shirt.
- Government Taxes & Official Fees: All applicable government taxes and official expenses.
- Trip Achievement Certificate: Certificate awarded upon successful completion of the trek.
- Health Monitoring: Oxygen meter to monitor your pulse, oxygen saturation, and heart rate twice daily, ensuring your health and well-being during the trek.
What's Not Included in Your Trekking Package:
- Meals in Kathmandu: Lunch and dinner while you are in Kathmandu.
- Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu: Costs for hotel stay in Kathmandu before and after the trek.
- Nepal Entry Visa: The visa fee for Nepal, which is easy to obtain on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu:
- $30 USD for a 15-day visa
- $50 USD for a 30-day visa
- $125 USD for a 90-day visa
- Personal Travel and Medical Insurance: Travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip (highly recommended for coverage).
- International Airfare: Your international flights to and from Nepal.
- Personal Expenses: Any personal purchases such as souvenirs, snacks, or items not specified in the package.
- Beverages: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, mineral water, and any extra food or drinks you choose to purchase along the trek and in the tea houses.
- Desserts and Sweets: Items like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding, and other sweet treats.
- Hot Showers and Battery Charging: Charges for hot showers and battery charging at the tea houses along the trek.
- Tips: Tipping for the guide, porter, and driver (tipping is expected in Nepal).
- Excess Baggage: Any baggage weight exceeding the 10 kg limit for the Lukla flight.
Note: If you return early from the trek due to sickness or other issues, the fees for flights, hotels, mountain rooms, food, etc., are nonrefundable. You will need to bear any additional expenses for hotel stays, food, etc., in Kathmandu on your own.
EQUIPMENTS
The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.
General
- All season sleeping bag and down Jacket (we can provide if you need it, but has to be returned after the trek)
- Duffle bag ( Sherpa Expedition & Trekking provide duffle bag during the trek but has to be returned after the trek)
- A wind and waterproof thin layered jacket (a must-have for morning and evenings above 3,000m)
- Daypack
Upper Body- Head / Ears / Eyewear
- A pair of half gloves
- A warmer hat that covers the ears
- Sunglasses
- Neckwarmer
- Sunscreen (35 to 60 SPF)
- Headlamp and an extra set of batteries
Hands
- A pair of half gloves for walking poles(if you prefer)
- Warmer shell gloves and liner
Upper Body
- long sleeve t-shirts
- Thermal tops
- wool jacket or pullover
- Sports bras for women and girls
- Water and windproof shell jacket
Lower Body
- Thermal underwear (especially trousers)
- windproof and waterproof trousers
- warmer trousers
- Comfortable trekking pants
- Extra casual sport pants
Footwear
- A pair of good waterproof trekking boots
- Pair of sandals
- 4-5 pairs of woolen socks
- Sock liners
- Light shoes and sneakers
- First Aid Kits and Medicines
- Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
- Blister treatment cream or similar
- Insect / anti-itch ointment
- Ibuprofen or other pain-relief medication
- Diamox (125mg to 250mg tablets for altitude sickness)
- Warps, splints, and wound coverings butterfly bandage
- Water purifying pills
(Note our company guide will carry the medicines and first aid kits during the trek. However, we recommend you bring your personal first-aid kit as well)
Miscellaneous - but must useful on the trek
- 4 passport size photos with original passport
- Water bottle & filter
- Flight details (please make a copy and leave one pic at our office in KTM because in case you want to change your flight date)
- Bathroom kit (conform, should be included toilet paper, plastic bags, hand wipes, towel, and soap, etc.)
Extra things
- Comfortable trekking poles
- Quality energy dry foods (up to you)
- Power bank and music players
- Camera (memory card, chargers, and extra batteries)
GOOD TO KNOW
🏔️ Good to Know: Gokyo Ri Trek 8 Days
Before embarking on the Gokyo Ri Trek 8 Days, there are several important details to consider. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your adventure:
🛫 Flight to Lukla
Your trek starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The flight is scenic but can be challenging due to Lukla's short runway and unpredictable weather conditions. Always be prepared for possible delays.
🏞️ Trekking Route and Terrain
The trek follows a steep and challenging route that leads through the Khumbu Valley, passing through Sherpa villages, forests, and rivers. The terrain is a mix of rocky paths, alpine meadows, and challenging ascents, culminating in the summit of Gokyo Ri at 5,483m.
🏥 Altitude and Acclimatization
Altitude sickness is a concern due to the high elevation of the trek. Although this route doesn’t include acclimatization days, it's essential to ascend slowly, stay hydrated, and be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness (headaches, dizziness, nausea). Consider taking necessary precautions such as acetazolamide and avoid overexerting yourself.
🏠 Accommodation
Accommodation during the trek is in teahouses or lodges, which offer basic amenities. Expect simple rooms with shared bathrooms, and meals such as dal bhat, noodles, and rice. The facilities may vary in quality based on the altitude.
🌡️ Weather and Temperature
Weather conditions can vary, but the temperatures generally remain cold, especially at higher altitudes. During the day, temperatures can range from 5°C to 15°C at lower elevations, but drop to -10°C to -15°C at night in higher areas like Gokyo. Always pack warm layers and be prepared for potential snow.
🧳 Packing Essentials
Bring the essentials, including warm clothing, a sleeping bag, trekking boots, and a water bottle. Consider items like sunscreen, gloves, a hat, and trekking poles. Don't forget a first aid kit and personal medications.
🧑🤝🧑 Trekking Team and Guide
A guide is essential for safety, especially since there are no rest days in this trek. You’ll be trekking through remote areas, so a porter can also be hired to carry your gear. Sherpa Expedition ensures professional and experienced staff for your safety.
💸 Cost of the Trek
The cost of the Gokyo Ri Trek typically ranges from $1,200 to $2,500 USD, depending on the services included, such as accommodation, meals, permits, and guides. Be prepared to cover additional costs like tips and extra meals.
📅 Best Time to Trek
The best seasons to do the Gokyo Ri Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer clear skies, moderate temperatures, and the best trekking conditions.
💪 Physical Fitness
This trek is physically demanding, so being in good shape is crucial. The trek involves long daily hours of walking and climbing at high altitudes, so training for endurance and stamina beforehand is highly recommended.
🥾 Safety and Emergency
Trekking at high altitudes can pose risks. Always be prepared for the unexpected by carrying a satellite phone for emergencies. Emergency evacuation may be needed in case of severe altitude sickness or injury. Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation coverage is highly recommended.
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FAQS
What is the Gokyo Ri Trek?
The Gokyo Ri Trek is a challenging trek in the Everest region that takes you to Gokyo Ri (5,483m), a summit offering panoramic views of some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Is the Gokyo Ri Trek difficult?
Yes, this trek is considered challenging due to the long trekking days and high-altitude ascents without acclimatization days. It is suitable for experienced trekkers who are physically fit.
How long is the Gokyo Ri Trek?
The trek lasts 8 days, with continuous trekking from Lukla to Gokyo and back without rest days, making it a physically demanding adventure.
Do I need any previous trekking experience for the Gokyo Ri Trek?
Yes, this trek requires prior trekking experience and a good level of physical fitness to handle the challenging ascents and the high altitudes.
What is the highest point of the Gokyo Ri Trek?
The highest point is Gokyo Ri (5,483m), offering stunning panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the surrounding peaks.
What kind of accommodation is available during the trek?
Accommodation is typically in teahouses or lodges along the route, offering basic amenities like a bed, meals, and a warm environment.
What should I pack for the Gokyo Ri Trek?
Essential gear includes warm clothing, a sleeping bag, a rain jacket, trekking boots, trekking poles, and a daypack. It’s also important to bring sunscreen, a water bottle, and headlamp.
Is altitude sickness a concern on the Gokyo Ri Trek?
Yes, since you will be trekking at high altitudes, altitude sickness can be a risk. It is essential to stay hydrated, walk at a steady pace, and be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness.
How much should I budget for the Gokyo Ri Trek?
The cost can vary, but you can expect to spend between $1,200 to $2,500 USD, including permits, accommodation, meals, and the services of a guide and porter.
When is the best time to do the Gokyo Ri Trek?
The best times are during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is stable, and the skies are clear, offering the best views of the mountains.
Latest Traveller’s Reviews
Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.
100%
Based On 5402 Reviews
Poornapragnya P R
India
December 29, 2024
Outstanding experience!
This trek is probably the best starting point for people planning to trek the peaks in the Everest Region. The trek difficulty is moderate for an absolutely unprepared person, and easy for experienced hikers. The trek is filled with stunning beauty of the very diverse Himalayan terrain. It was a fine experience with dense forests, plain mountains and rocky regions. The trek to the summit was exceptional, and I witnessed the sunrise of a lifetime at the summit, along with a great panoramic view of Mt. Everest and the Greater Himalayan Range. Climatic conditions were good, except for very strong wind on the way to the summit from base camp. I profusely thank Mr. Lhakpa Sona, the Sherpa who was with me throughout the trek, making accommodation and food arrangements during the trek, and for guiding me at each step as it was my first Himalayan trek. I also thank Mr. Ang Giljin the porter, who carried my personal effects and luggage and was incredibly supportive. Finally, I thank Mr. Ram Barakoti for organizing this trek for me. I'm already making plans for my next trek to Gokyo valley and Mt. Gokyo Ri summit with Lhakpa, as the next step towards my dream of summiting Mt. Everest. Thank you Sherpa Expedition and Trekking Pvt. Ltd. ! Let's meet again soon.
Victoria Rowland
Australia
October 23, 2024
A Journey Beyond Expectations
I embarked on the Annapurna Circuit trek with Sherpa Expedition & Trekking, and it exceeded all my expectations. The professionalism of the staff was evident from the start. Our guide was not only skilled but also friendly, making the trek enjoyable and educational. The landscapes were jaw-dropping, with diverse terrain and charming villages. Every day brought new wonders, and the support from the Sherpa team made all the difference. I can’t wait to return for another adventure!
Urszula Morańda
United Kingdom
October 23, 2024
Professionalism at Its Best
Sherpa Expedition & Trekking demonstrated professionalism at every stage of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. From the pre-trek briefing to the final goodbye, the team's organization was impressive. Our guides were skilled and experienced, ensuring our safety while encouraging us to embrace the adventure. The trek was well-structured, with plenty of opportunities to appreciate the stunning landscapes and local culture. I felt well taken care of and was able to focus on enjoying the journey. This trek has sparked a passion for trekking, and I’m eager to plan my next adventure.
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