Gokyo ri trek

As soon as you arrive in Kathmandu, our team welcomes you at the airport with a warm greeting. During the drive to your hotel, you start noticing the mix of culture, old temples, colorful streets, and the lively energy of the city. After you check in and rest, we meet in the evening to discuss your Gokyo Ri trek plan, answer any questions, and make sure you feel prepared for the days ahead.

Today you explore Kathmandu’s famous cultural sites that show Nepal’s history and traditions. You might visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines, or the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath. Meanwhile, your guide checks your trekking equipment and helps you get any missing items like gloves, trekking poles, or jackets. This day helps you relax before your adventure and makes sure everything is ready for a safe trek.

Your day starts early with a scenic flight to Lukla, a short but unforgettable journey between rolling hills and snow-capped mountains. After landing in Lukla, you begin your walk through small Sherpa villages filled with prayer flags and mani stones. The trail gently descends for a few hours until you reach Phakding, a riverside village surrounded by pine forests. It’s a calm place where you can feel the fresh Himalayan air for the first time.

The walk today takes you through green forests and along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges. One of the highlights is the Hillary Bridge, hanging high above the river and decorated with colorful prayer flags. After crossing the bridge, the trail becomes steep as you climb toward Namche Bazaar. When you arrive, you’ll see a lively town built like an amphitheater on the hillside, filled with shops, bakeries, and amazing mountain views.

To help your body adjust to the altitude, you spend an extra day in Namche. Instead of resting the whole day, you take a short hike to the Everest View Hotel, where you get your first majestic view of Everest and other peaks. You may also visit Khumjung village or the Sherpa museum to learn about local traditions. This day is important so you can walk safely at higher altitudes later.

Leaving Namche, the trail gently climbs to a ridge where you get beautiful views of Ama Dablam and the Everest region. Soon, you leave the main Everest Base Camp route and head toward the quieter Gokyo Valley. As you walk through forests of rhododendron and juniper, you might see yaks grazing. Dole is a small settlement sitting high above the valley, and the peaceful atmosphere helps you relax after a long day.

The path to Machhermo crosses open hillsides with wide views of the valley below. You can see Cho Oyu, one of the world’s highest mountains, appearing in the distance. Because you are now walking above the tree line, the landscape looks more alpine and raw. Machhermo has a rescue post where trekkers can learn about altitude safety, which is helpful since you will soon reach even higher ground.

Today’s journey brings you into one of the most unique landscapes in the Everest region. You walk through rocky terrain before reaching the first and second Gokyo Lakes, both shining deep blue in the sunlight. When you reach Gokyo Village near the third lake, you feel surrounded by mountains on all sides. The Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas, lies nearby like a huge frozen river. Gokyo Village is small but cozy, offering unforgettable views right from your room’s window.

You wake up early while the stars are still bright to climb Gokyo Ri. The climb is steep but steady, and with each step, the valley opens wider. When you reach the top, you see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu—four giants of the world—standing together. Many trekkers say the sunrise from Gokyo Ri is one of the best sights in the Himalayas. After returning to Gokyo Village for breakfast, you explore more of the lakes or walk along the edge of the glacier.

This is your extra day to enjoy the Gokyo Valley. If you choose to hike, you follow the trail toward the Fifth Lake, a place with fewer visitors but incredible views of the mountains and glacier. Some trekkers call this place “Scoundrel’s Viewpoint” because it gives one of the clearest views of Everest. If you prefer to rest, you can stay in Gokyo Village, enjoy tea, take photos, and absorb the peaceful atmosphere.

You walk back along the same trail, leaving the magical lakes behind and descending into the lower valley. Because you are going downhill, walking feels easier, and you can take time to enjoy the scenery you might have missed earlier. Dole welcomes you once again with its quiet, natural beauty.

You continue your descent through forests and small villages, passing streams and waterfalls. As you arrive in Namche Bazaar, the warm, lively feel of the town makes you appreciate its comfort even more after the cool, high-altitude days. This is a great place to enjoy a bakery treat or shop for souvenirs.

Your final trekking day takes you past familiar villages and across the suspension bridges that once felt exciting and new. The trail gradually descends, and you walk at a relaxed pace toward Lukla. In Lukla, you enjoy your last night in the mountains, sharing stories with your guide and porters.

You take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu, enjoying one last view of the mountains from the plane. The busy streets of the city feel different after spending many days in quiet valleys and peaceful landscapes. You return to your hotel for a comfortable rest.

This day gives you time to rest or explore Kathmandu as you like. You can visit Thamel for shopping, try local Nepali dishes, or visit temples you might have missed earlier. It’s also a good opportunity to relax before flying home.

Your Gokyo Ri trek officially ends today. We drop you at the airport and wish you a safe journey home, carrying memories of turquoise lakes, mighty mountains, and peaceful Sherpa villages.