How much does it Cost for Trek to Gokyo Ri?
The cost of the trek to Gokyo Ri depends on various factors, such as the duration of the trek, customization of the trip, any additional services, and preferred level of luxury. Likewise, the size of the group greatly determines the cost of the trek, as many trekking companies, including ours, offer a wide range of group discounts. In general, the trek to Gokyo Ri costs USD 1,199.
The trip cost includes most of the necessary services, from trekking permits and guide and porter fees to accommodation, meals, transportation, and some miscellaneous expenses. However, the cost doesn’t cover travel insurance, gear and equipment, showers, water, snacks, and souvenirs.
What to Expect In Gokyo RI Trek?
Journey to Gokyo Ri is all about the awe in every turn, with diverse landscapes, high-altitude views, and varied opportunities. Here is what you can expect in the Gokyo Ri trek:
Scenic Panoramic views
Everest Gokyo Ri is an astonishing destination in the Himalayas that offers scenic panoramic views of the mountains. The journey takes you to the iconic viewpoint, Gokyo Ri, which offers a 360-degree view of mountain peaks, including the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. Likewise, views of Mount Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu are eye-catching. Moreover, one can appeal to their eyes during sunrise and sunset.
Glacial Lakes
One of the prominent highlights of the Gokyo Ri trek is a chance to witness the glacial Gokyo Lakes. The lakes are sacred to local communities and are one of the highest freshwater lakes, consisting of six pristine glacial lakes. The Ngozumpa Glacier surrounds the lake, creating an astonishing environment,
Alternative Route to EBC
The Gokyo Ri trek is an incredible alternative to the Everest Base Camp route, providing a unique journey through stunning lakes, dazzling mountain vistas, and a less crowded and nature-focused trail. For those wanting to combine the Gokyo Ri route with EBC, the trek offers an option to cross Cho la Pass (5,420m) and join the trail to Everest Base Camp. The trek to Gokyo Ri with EBC takes 17-19 days.
Tea houses Around the Trek
Tea houses are lodges or hotels that offer accommodation and meals at the trekking destination. On your journey to the Gokyo Ri trek, you’ll stay at a tea house along the way. The local Sherpa runs the tea house, offering an authentic way of life. The warm hospitality, with a pretty smile on the owner and worker’s faces, is something that you’ll never forget during your journey.
However, the tea houses provide basic facilities due to the area’s remote location. They are generally built of wood and stone and have a kitchen, dining hall, bedrooms, and bathroom. At the lower elevations, including Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar, there are numerous tea houses, but as you ascend, the facilities become minimal. Moreover, hot showers, electricity, and WIFI are also available at the tea houses, but at an extra cost.
Accommodation
Tea houses are a common accommodation point for resting after longer walking days. At the lower elevations, including Namche, Lukla, and Phakding, the facilities range from basic to luxury. However, due to their remote location and the lack of transportation accessibility, you’ll get basic facilities at the higher elevations. Generally, the tea houses offer twin-sharing simple beds with minimal amenities.
Meals Around the Trek
You’ll find meals in the same tea houses where you’ll stay. The meals are a mix of Nepalese and international cuisine, from comforting soups to noodles and authentic Dal Bhat. The meals are not just food but also a way to experience Nepalese cuisine. Although you’ll get international dishes on the way, we suggest you have Nepalese dishes as they are healthier and energetic and provide a real taste of Nepal. Oatmeal, bread, chapatti, omelets, and potatoes are some options for breakfast. Dal Bhat, Noodles, Momo, Pasta and Macaroni, Spaghetti, and Sandwiches are options for lunch and dinner.
Gokyo Lake Trek Difficulty
As you have to spend much time above 4000m altitude while trekking, We say it’s moderately complex. However, Gokyo Valley trekking doesn’t need any technical skills to climb. It involves 5-7 hrs of daily walking and crossing Rocky terrain at high altitude areas, thus increasing Gokyo Trek’s difficulty. Gokyo Ri summit, Cho La Pass, Everest Base Camp, and the Kala Patthar are areas above 17000 ft, and you have to trek at this altitude.
Weather is another determining factor in the Everest Gokyo Trek difficulty. The weather during the winter season becomes harder for regular trekkers. Cold wind with snowfall causes problems during the trek. You have to wait for the regular season for your trek, which is around autumn and spring.
Goky Trek Altitude
Altitude sickness is another probable cause that limits your Gokyo Lakes Trek. At higher altitudes, oxygen composition in atmospheric air becomes thinner, which can cause altitude sickness to trekkers. Before trekking this Gokyo Nepal, you must consider these difficulties and challenges. Walking a couple of hours during preparatory phage daily and physical training is crucial for you.
Some people begin to feel sick around 3000m. Symptoms may be dizziness, nausea, and headache. Drinking plenty of water and tea can improve your ability to face altitude sickness. You can also go down to a lower altitude and wait overnight. Before trekking, you can consult your doctor and do physical exercise daily.
Everest Goky Trek Distance
Everest Gokyo trek distance is about 100 km. As it has a longer trekking route, you must walk around 5-7 hr daily. Among 13 days of the total Gokyo Ri trek, the trekking days are about 8kms. This means you will be walking 12 to 15 km each day, and even for a very experienced trekker, getting to Gokyo and back demands about ten days of walking.
Best Time for Gokyo Trek
Choosing the best time for the Gokyo trek prevents you from dealing with unfavorable weather. Trekking during autumn and spring, i.e., around October and April, is the best time for the Gokyo village trek. During this season, you can explore clear mountain views with stable weather. But in the winter, you must face cold weather with frequent snowfall. Read the full article for the best season for trekking in Nepal.
Lukla to Gokyo Trek Cost
The cost of the Gokyo Ri trek depends upon things such as mode of transportation, accommodation, guide and Porter, food, permit cost, etc. An average of around 1100-1800$ per person is required. MyEverestTrek Gokyo Trek’s price is only $999, including food, transportation, guide, porter, and permit costs. It’s cheaper than the classic Everest Base Camp Trek.
The cost of Lukla to Gokyo Ri for Independent trekkers can be divided into the following Categories.
Transportation cost: A flight from Kathmandu to Lukla costs around 180$ per person one way. If you have plenty of time, taking a bus to Jiri from Kathmandu is another option that charges around 15-20$. Helicopters to Gokyo charge you more as compared to local buses or jeeps.
Cost of food and drinks: In Kathmandu, it costs less than in Gokyo Valley. You have many options to choose from, and it costs around 5-10$.
But at a higher altitude, you have to pay higher for the food as lower options. A single meal costs around 6-7$ up to Namche, and as you go higher, the meal cost becomes more expensive. A single water bottle can cost around 2-3$.
Cost of accommodation:
Around 5-7 $ per bed per night
Cost of guide and porter: A trip without a guide and porter saves around 20-25$ per day. But hiring a guide and porter is crucial for you, as they help you navigate and identify mountains, peaks, and monasteries you pass through. You can have the option to hire a porter-guide, one who does work as a guide, and a porter.
Everest Gokyo Trek Permit
First and foremost, you need your visa to Nepal (except for Indians). You can get a one-month Nepal Travel Visa at TIA for $40 (Free for SAARC counties and Chinese). To go to the Gokyo Ri trek, you must receive two trek Permits to Everest: the regional government and the national parks issue.
Local area permit
Earlier, the Nepal government issued TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) cards for trekkers in Kathmandu. However, after 2018, the permit has to be replaced by a local area permit that can be issued in Lukla. After landing at Lukla airport, the officers ask for your visa and photo to give you the paper immediately. The Gokyo Trek permit costs $20, and you need to carry it throughout the journey. This Gokyo Lakes trek permit for the local area goes for the promotion of tourism on Everest.
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
At the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, you must issue another permit for the Gokyo trek. This National Park is home to the Gokyo Lakes and Mount Sagarmatha, along with much unique flora/ fauna. The 30 USD + government tax you pay goes for nature conservation. It’s money well spent.
Our agency arranges all the permits while you enjoy the entire journey.These are:
- A local area permit costs around 2000 Rs per person.
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit, which costs about 30 $ including VAT.
Why choose 11 Days Gokyo Trek with us?
Choosing My Everest Trip for Gokyo Trek is a journey of a lifetime. Joining us for your adventure means discovering the magic of the Himalayas smoothly and safely. We consider ourselves a perfect partner for this adventure because of our expertly designed itinerary, personalized attention, experienced team, competitive pricing, and focus on your comfort and safety.
My Everest Trip has thoughtfully created the 11-day itinerary for the Gokyo Trek to maximize the trekker’s experience. We have an experienced team, from guides to porters, who ensure your enjoyable journey. Whether traveling solo or with friends, you’ll get the care and attention you deserve. At My Everest Trip, we prioritize comfort and safety to ensure a worry-free trek. Moreover, we offer high-quality service at a competitive price, ensuring the value of your every penny.
What peaks can you see from Gokyo RI?
Gokyo Ri, at 5,357 m, 17,575 ft, is one of the well-known, finest viewpoints in the Everest region. The viewpoint offers panoramic views of some of the world’s highest peaks. The turquoise Gokyo lakes, the longest glacier in the Himalayas, and the Ngozumpa Glacier enhance the view of the mountain from the viewpoint.
The top of the Gokyo Ri viewpoint is famous for offering a sight of peaks above 8000m, including Mount Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,485m), and Cho Oyu (8,188m). The viewpoint also offers a panorama of Mt. Nuptse (7,861m), Pumori (7,161m), Ama Dablam (6,812m), and 81 distinct peaks.
The ideal time to Summit Gokyo RI Peak
Located at an elevation of 2,357m/ 17,575ft above sea level, the summit of Gokyo Ri Peal is ideal during Spring/pre-monsoon and Autumn/post-monsoon. Pre-monsoon from March to May and post-monsoon from September to November have clear skies, stable weather, and mild temperatures. The summit to Gokyo Ri takes 4-5km from Gokyo village, and choosing an ideal time ensures a successful expedition.
Trekkers who get to Gokyo Village must summit the Gokyo Ri due to the summit’s amazing opportunities. The 360-degree view of iconic Himalayan peaks rewards the trekkers from the summit of Gokyo Ri. Likewise, one can witness a unique perspective of Gokyo lakes, with their turquoise color and shimmering in the sunlight against a backdrop of snowy peaks. Moreover, it is a vintage point for nature enthusiasts looking for breathtaking landscapes.
Why March to May is the best time for Gokyo Ri Trek
March to May is a Spring season and one of the finest times for Gokyo Ri Trek. It comes after a harsh Winter with pleasant weather and temperatures. The weather during that time is stable, with mild temperatures and fewer chances of unpredictable conditions. In March, the temperature of Gokyo Valley ranges from -7°C to 7°C, from -5°C to 10°C in April, and from 0°C to 15°C in May.
One of the specialties of trekking in Gokyo from March to May is witnessing the blossoming of different-colored rhododendrons all over the trail. The lakes appear stunning with turquoise water during this time. Likewise, the stable weather during that time increases the success rate of the trek. This time offers a chance to spot Himalayan wildlife, including Himalayan tahr and other bird species.
Offseason Trek
Monsoon and Winter are two off-seasons for trekking in Nepal’s Himalayas, including the Gokyo Ri trek. Monsoon starts in early June and ends in late July, and Winter begins in December and ends in February. Heavy rainfall occurs during the monsoon, making the trail slippery and leeches all over it. Likewise, Winter has extremely cold temperatures with heavy rainfall, blocking trails with snow. Thus, the times are also known as the off-season.
However, during the off-season, the trail is less crowded, allowing trekkers to enjoy a more peaceful experience. Due to the reduced demands, the cost of the flight, accommodation, and other expenses is often cheaper. Yet, trekking during the off-season is not recommended due to the high challenges. Thus, consider trekking Gokyo Ri during a favorable time for a successful trek with fewer challenges.
Elevation level and Total Distance
The total distance of Gokyo Ri depends on the specific route taken. Yet, starting from Lukla and ending at Gokyo Ri, it takes 40 to 45 km/ 25–28 miles on a round-trip. Throughout the duration, trekkers pass through different elevations of prominent locations, which are as follows:
| S.N |
Location |
Elevation |
| 1 |
Lukla |
2,800 m/9,184 ft |
| 2 |
Phakding |
2,652 m/8,700 ft |
| 3 |
Namche Bazaar |
3,440 m/11,283 ft |
| 4 |
Dhole |
4,110 m/ 13,480 ft |
| 5 |
Machhermo |
4,470 m/ 14,663 ft |
| 6 |
Gokyo Valley |
4,800 m/15,744 ft |
| 7 |
Gokyo Ri |
5,357 m/17,570 ft |
How to get ready for Gokyo Ri Trek?
Preparation for the Gokyo Ri trek is crucial for a smooth and successful trek. It involves obtaining the necessary permits, physical and mental preparation, packing essential gear and equipment, and getting used to high altitude.
Physical Fitness
The Gokyo Lake trek is one of the most challenging treks in the Everest region, demanding good physical fitness. Focusing on building strength, endurance, and flexibility is crucial to preparing you physically. Likewise, involved in cardio exercises to improve stamina, and strength training to handle steep ascents and descents. Moreover, do yoga or stretching to reduce the risk of injuries.
Mental Preparation
Being mentally prepared is one of the essential aspects of the Gokyo Ri trek, as it helps to handle challenges that occur during the expedition. Prepare yourself mentally for altitude-related challenges, long trekking days, and unpredictable weather conditions. Practice meditation to manage stress and stay calm, as the trek requires patience and adaptability. Moreover, have a positive mindset and remember that every step takes you closer to the amazing beauty of Everest.
Packing Essentials
Remember, packing wisely is essential for the Gokyo trek. The weather in the area changes drastically, so packing gear that suits each temperature helps a lot. Pack moisture-wicking base and mid-layers, waterproof and windproof jackets, gloves, trekking boots, necessary documents, and other personal accessories.
Acclimatization Plan
As the trek comes with altitude-related challenges, proper planning for acclimatization is mandatory to prevent altitude sickness. The problem is seen as you get above 2,500m, and the trek gets above 5,000m, making the AMS thing a concern. Spending 1-2 days at a higher elevation, listening to your body, and staying hydrated can help reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Similarly, if you face the problem, take a rest and don’t continue; if the condition worsens, descending below is the only solution, and have medicine like Acetazolamide (Diamox).
Booking Guide With us
Booking the Gokyo Ri trek with us is straightforward as we aim to ensure a seamless and enjoyable booking process. Booking with us means creating an unforgettable experience, whether you are an experienced or first-time trekker. Here is a simple guide to help you book the trip with us:
- Select your preferred destination.
- If you have any queries regarding the trip, contact us via email or WhatsApp.
- If you are okay with the plan, click the Book Now option on the right-hand side.
- If you don’t want to book by yourself, we are ready to secure your place.
- To confirm your booking, we require a 50% deposit on the total cost of the trek. You can pay the remaining amount after landing in Nepal.
- Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll get an email, then prepare for the trek accordingly.
Local Guide & Porters
One of the unique aspects of My Everest Trip is that we provide our clients with a local guide and porter for their trip. We mostly provide local Sherpa guides for expeditions in the Himalayas, who are not only experienced professionals but also known for their bravery. They are familiar with the region’s trails, landscape, and culture. Most of our guides are born and raised in the areas where the trek takes place. They provide complete knowledge of the area’s history, diverse ecosystem, and culture.
Furthermore, our porters come from the area where trekkers should pass through, which can be exhausting, especially in the rugged terrain. They are friendly and hardworking and carry all your bag packs to provide you with ease and focus on the trek. As our porters are local, we aim to support the local economy by hiring them.
