The Gokyo Ri Trek  is a breathtaking journey to a serene cluster of turquoise lakes in the Gokyo Valley, set against the backdrop of towering Himalayan peaks. This 14-day trek offers a less-crowded alternative to the traditional Everest Base Camp trek, with equally stunning views of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, and other majestic peaks. The trail takes you through lush forests, quaint Sherpa villages, and glacial moraines, culminating in a climb to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) for a panoramic view of the Everest region. It’s a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural exploration.

• Visit the pristine turquoise Gokyo Lakes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Hike up to Gokyo Ri for stunning panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
• Experience Sherpa culture in charming villages like Namche Bazaar and Dole.
• Cross the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal.
• Explore the less-crowded Gokyo Valley, offering tranquility and incredible scenery.
• Optional trek to the 5th Gokyo Lake for an extended adventure.

Duration: 14 Days

Summary: The trek begins with an adventurous flight to Lukla and follows the Dudh Koshi River to Namche Bazaar. From there, the trail ascends gradually to the Gokyo Valley, passing through forests, waterfalls, and traditional Sherpa villages. After reaching the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, you’ll climb Gokyo Ri for breathtaking views of the Everest region. The trek concludes with a return journey to Lukla and a flight back to Kathmandu.

Day 1: Flight from Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,593ft) to Lukla (2,850m / 9,350ft), Trek to Phakding (2,650m / 8,562ft)
Flight Duration: 40 minutes
Trek Distance: 6.2 km / 3.8 miles
Trek Duration: 3 hrs
We begin with a scenic mountain flight to Lukla, one of the world’s most thrilling airstrips. After landing, we begin our trek by descending through Chaurikharka and the village of Dudh Koshi Ghat. The trail winds through a lush valley and crosses several suspension bridges before arriving at the riverside village of Phakding. This short and easy trek helps with acclimatization. In the evening, explore the village and nearby Rimishung Monastery.

Day 2: Trek from Phakding (2,650m / 8,562ft) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,285ft)
Trek Distance: 7.4 km / 4.6 miles
Trek Duration: 6 hrs
We follow the Dudh Koshi River upstream, crossing several suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags. The trail passes Monjo before entering Sagarmatha National Park. After registering permits, we climb through pine forests and eventually reach Namche Bazaar — the bustling hub of the Khumbu region. Weather permitting, you may catch your first view of Mount Everest along the way.

Day 3: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
Today we rest to help our bodies adjust to the increasing altitude. However, we stay active by hiking to Khumjung village, where you can visit Hillary’s School and a monastery believed to house a yeti scalp. For a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks, including Everest, you can hike up to the Everest View Hotel or visit Syangboche Airport. The rest of the day can be spent exploring Namche’s lively markets and bakeries.

Day 4: Trek from Namche (3,440m / 11,285ft) to Dole (4,200m / 13,270ft)
Trek Duration: 5 hrs
The trail leads uphill and down through Mong La Pass (3,957m) before reaching Phortse Thenga. We continue through dense forests rich in wildlife and flora, gaining altitude as views of Ama Dablam and Khumbila open up. The climb ends at Dole, a tranquil village set against a dramatic mountain backdrop.

Day 5: Trek from Dole (4,200m / 13,270ft) to Machhermo (4,470m / 14,450ft)
Trek Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles
Trek Duration: 5–6 hrs
The trail climbs steadily through alpine terrain, passing shrines, fluttering prayer flags, and yak pastures. At Lapahrma, the views open to reveal Cho Oyu, the world’s sixth-highest peak. As we cross Luja Valley and rolling meadows, we arrive in the peaceful settlement of Machhermo by afternoon.

Day 6: Trek from Machhermo (4,470m / 14,450ft) to Gokyo (4,790m / 15,584ft)
Trek Distance: 5.7 km / 3.5 miles
Trek Duration: 4 hrs
The journey to Gokyo begins with a gentle climb to Phanga, a memorial site for landslide victims. We cross a metal bridge and reach Longpongo Lake (4,690m), the first of several sacred lakes along the Ngozumpa Glacier. As we trek further, the pristine beauty of the turquoise Gokyo Lakes unfolds, framed by towering Himalayan giants. Gokyo Village is nestled on the edge of the third lake.

Day 7: Rest Day at Gokyo, Morning Ascent of Gokyo Ri (5,400m / 17,814ft)
Trek Distance: 1.5 km / 0.9 miles
Trek Duration: 1.5 hrs
Before dawn, we begin our steep climb to Gokyo Ri, the highlight of the trek. From the summit, we are rewarded with a panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the dazzling Gokyo Lakes far below. After descending, the rest of the day is free to relax by the lake or explore the glacier's edge near the village.

Day 8: Trek from Gokyo (4,790m / 15,584ft) to Phortse (3,950m / 12,959ft)
Trek Distance: 15.5 km / 9.6 miles
Trek Duration: 6 hrs
Leaving Gokyo, we retrace our steps and descend past glacier moraines, lakes, and forests. The long but easier descent takes us through yak pastures and rhododendron groves until we reach the traditional village of Phortse, known for its cultural richness and off-the-beaten-path setting.

Day 9: Trek from Phortse (3,950m / 12,959ft) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,285ft)
Trek Distance: 9.1 km / 5.6 miles
Trek Duration: 6 hrs
Our route continues through dense forests alive with wildlife such as musk deer. We lose altitude quickly as we follow a steep descent toward Namche. This is your final chance to enjoy views of Everest and the surrounding peaks. Arriving back at Namche, you can unwind with a hot shower and bakery treats.

Day 10: Trek from Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,285ft) to Lukla (2,850m / 9,350ft)
Trek Distance: 13.5 km / 8.3 miles
Trek Duration: 6–7 hrs
We retrace our steps down through the Dudh Koshi Valley, passing the villages of Monjo, Phakding, and Toktok. The trail, though long, is mostly downhill and offers plenty of photo opportunities. Upon reaching Lukla, we celebrate the completion of our trek and prepare for the flight back.

Day 11: Flight from Lukla (2,850m / 9,350ft) to Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,593ft)
Flight Duration: 40 minutes
We catch a morning flight back to Kathmandu, where your trek concludes. You have the remainder of the day to explore the city, relax, or consider a guided tour to experience the cultural highlights of the capital.