Gokyo Ri Trek, Nepal - 12 Days

The Gokyo Lakes Trek is a good alternative to the Everest Base Camp Trek. It leads up the valley west of Everest to the village of Gokyo and to the five sacred lakes on the moraine next to the Ngozumpa glacier. This spectacular hike, which is almost as high as the Everest Base Camp, offers breathtaking views of Everest, but the trails are less crowded and quieter. You will pass traditional Sherpa villages where you will be served local food. The Gokyo Lakes are actually made up of six bodies of water, or lakes, located at an altitude of 4700 to 5000m in the Gokyo Valley. Gokyo Valley falls within the Sagarmatha National Park area. They are the world’s highest freshwater lake system and have been designated as a Ramsar site (wetlands of international importance) and sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. The trail follows the Dudhkoshi River to its source - a series of emerald green lakes. Gokyo is a Sherpa village located next to the largest of these lakes. From Gokyo, we ascend to Gokyo Ri (5360m) from where we have a magnificent view of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Makalu, Cholatse and Taboche. Day 1 - Arrive in Kathmandu, pre trip briefing and gear check. Day 2 - Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding 2,651m Day 3 - Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440m Day 4 - Acclimatisation Day, Namche Bazaar Day 5 - Trek to Phorste Thanga 3,680m Day 6 - Trek to Machhermo 4,150m Day 7 - Trek to Gokyo 4,790m Day 8 - Hike up Gokyo Ri 5,483m, back to Gokyo. Day 9 - Trek to Dole 4,200m Day 10 - Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,780m Day 11 - Trek to Lukla 2,886m Day 12 - Fly back to Kathmandu, fly home