Gokyo Ri Trek – 15 Days
Fifteen days to the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and the summit of Gokyo Ri (5,357m) — four 8,000m peaks in one view — returning over the Renjo La Pass.
Trip Facts
| Duration | 15 days (12 trekking days) |
|---|---|
| Max altitude | 5,360m — Renjo La Pass (Gokyo Ri 5,357m) |
| Difficulty | Strenuous |
| Trek start / end | Lukla |
| Best season | Mar–May, Sep–Nov |
| Accommodation | Teahouse + 3 nights hotel |
| Group size | 2–12 |
| Permits | Sagarmatha National Park + Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality |
| Daily walking | 5–7 hours |
Overview
Many experienced Khumbu trekkers will tell you Gokyo Ri offers a better view than Kala Patthar. From the summit at 5,357m you look across the Ngozumpa glacier — the longest glacier in the Himalaya — at Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu: four of the world's six highest mountains in a single panorama, with the Gokyo lakes lying turquoise in the valley beneath you. The Gokyo valley is quieter than the Base Camp trail. It branches west at Namche and follows the Dudh Koshi up through Dole and Machhermo to a chain of six glacial lakes, held sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists, sitting at over 4,700m against the moraine wall of the Ngozumpa. The colour of the water — an opaque, mineral turquoise — is unlike anything else in the Khumbu. Our fifteen-day itinerary does not simply go up and come back the same way. After Gokyo Ri, we cross the Renjo La Pass at 5,360m into the Bhote Koshi valley and descend through Marulung and Thame — the oldest Sherpa settlement in the Khumbu and the home village of Tenzing Norgay and Apa Sherpa. The view from the top of Renjo La back across Gokyo to Everest is, for many trekkers, the single best moment of the trek. This is a strong choice for anyone who wants Everest-region scenery without the crowds on the Base Camp trail, or who has already been to EBC and wants a different Khumbu. It also serves as ideal preparation for the Three Passes Trek.
Highlights
- Gokyo Ri summit (5,357m) — Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu in one view
- The six Gokyo lakes, the highest freshwater lake system in the world
- Ngozumpa glacier, the longest in the Himalaya
- Cross Renjo La Pass (5,360m) on the return, avoiding an out-and-back route
- Thame village and monastery — the oldest Sherpa settlement in the Khumbu
- Substantially quieter than the Everest Base Camp trail
- Optional extension to the fourth and fifth lakes and Scoundrel's Viewpoint
Itinerary
Arrive Kathmandu; briefing and permits
Fly Kathmandu/Ramechhap to Lukla; trek to Phakding
Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Namche acclimatisation — Everest View Hotel / Khumjung
Namche to Dole
Dole to Machhermo
Machhermo to Gokyo (second and third lakes)
Gokyo acclimatisation — fourth and fifth lakes / Scoundrel's Viewpoint
Gokyo Ri sunrise (5,357m); return to Gokyo
Gokyo to Renjo La Pass (5,360m) to Lumde / Marulung
Marulung to Thame
Thame to Namche Bazaar
Namche to Lukla
Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
Final departure
What the Price Includes
Cost Includes
- Airport pick-up and drop-off (private vehicle)
- All ground transport per itinerary
- Teahouse/lodge accommodation throughout the trek (twin share)
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu/Pokhara per itinerary (3-star, B&B)
- Three meals a day on trek — breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Tea/coffee with meals on trek
- Government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers, max 25kg)
- All staff wages, insurance, equipment, food and lodging
- All required trekking permits and entry fees
- TIMS card
- Seasonal fresh fruit after dinner
- First aid kit and pulse oximeter carried by guide
- Duffel bag, trekking map and company T-shirt
- All government taxes and service charges
Cost Excludes
- International airfare and Nepal visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory — must cover helicopter evacuation to 6,000m)
- Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except where stated)
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging and bottled drinks on trek
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal expenses — laundry, phone, souvenirs
- Emergency evacuation costs (recoverable from your insurer)
- Tips for guide and porters
- Anything not listed under "Cost Includes"
Best Time to Trek
The most reliable season. Clear skies, stable weather, firm trails and the sharpest mountain views of the year. Book early; this is peak season on every route.
The second-best window and the finest season for scenery below 4,000m, when rhododendron forests are in full bloom. Warmer nights and longer days, with some afternoon haze building through May.
Clear, quiet and cold. Excellent for lower routes such as Poon Hill, Mardi Himal and Kathmandu Valley. High passes may close under snow.
Wet and leech-prone on most routes, but this is the right season for the rain-shadow trails: Upper Mustang, Nar Phu and Upper Dolpo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Different rather than better, but many trekkers prefer it. Gokyo Ri gives you four 8,000m peaks plus the lakes and glacier in one frame; Kala Patthar gives you a closer, more dominant Everest. Gokyo Ri is also far less crowded at sunrise.
Yes — via the Cho La Pass (5,420m), typically an 18–19 day itinerary. This is one of our most popular custom routes. Ask us for the Gokyo–Cho La–EBC itinerary.
It is a serious high pass: a 600m ascent from Gokyo on rough ground, then a steep, sometimes icy descent on the western side. Not technical, but exposed and cold, and it should not be crossed in poor weather. Microspikes are recommended outside peak season.
It is the natural second Khumbu trek. Different valley, different views, fewer people, and it gives you the Renjo La — a proper pass crossing rather than an out-and-back.
Ready to Book This Trek?
Departures run year-round on your dates — private groups, couples and solo trekkers all welcome. Tell us your dates and we will send a full quote within 24 hours.
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