The Gokyo Ri Trek is a dazzling adventure into a lesser populated area of the Everest region – Gokyo Valley. For many people, the Everest Base Camp Trek is too commercialized and overcrowded with trekkers. If you share this idea, the alternative of hiking to Gokyo Ri is a perfect choice. Most trekkers who take the Gokyo Ri Trek say that they feel a closer bond to the natural landscape than on the typical Everest Base Camp Trek.
Lying on the moraine next to the Ngozumpa Glacier are five sacred lakes. We guarantee that you will not see anything like the Gokyo Lakes throughout your lifetime. These turquoise-colored natural wonders will make your jaw drop in awe. Not to mention, the lakes are enveloped by a ring of jagged snow-covered mountains.
The trail follows the Everest Base Camp path up until Namche Bazaar. First, take a wild flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. It is wild in the sense that the mountain views are tremendous, and you might feel slightly uneasy during the journey. Then, the trail follows to Namche Bazaar. Namche is certainly worth visiting during any Khumbu region trek. Though it thrives on tourism, you must experience the legendary place.
Above Namche, the trail becomes sparsely populated by tourists. A couple of days pass, as we stay in Sherpa villages, and we soon arrive at Gokyo village – the highlight of our journey. Either that evening or the next morning (or both), we head to Gokyo Ri (5,360 meters).
Some of the most iconic images of the Everest region are shot from the peak of Gokyo Ri. Most make the climb for the sunrise, though if you are gung ho about it, the glowing sunset is just as breathtaking. The contrast of purples and oranges to the emerald green waters is a striking sight to behold. From the top of Gokyo Ri, see four of the 10 tallest peaks in the world: Mount Everest (8,848m), Cho Oyu (8,201m), Lhotse (8,516m), and Makalu (8,481m).
From here, we begin our descent back to Lukla. The trail is just as glorious going down as it was going up. With a grin on your face, take in the scenery with a new perspective.
The Gokyo Lakes are considered sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists. Hundreds of Hindus bathe in the lakes during Janai Purnima, a festival that occurs each year in the month of August. If you would like to witness this festival, we can arrange for that! Also, our Gokyo Ri Trek can be combined with other Everest region treks. Ask us for more information.
You can take the Gokyo Ri Trek all throughout the year. The best times to make the trip, though, are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These seasons provide the best weather and clearest skies, not to mention that during the springtime, rhododendron and other alpine flowers are in bloom. Third Eye Adventure Pvt. Ltd. handles the trek with complete management. If you have any questions about the trek, do ask!