Gokyo Ri Trek

Weather and Best Season

Weather varies greatly along the Gokyo Ri route as altitude and season change. The trekking conditions are normally stable from March to May; the temperatures are moderate and the mountain visibility is good. September to November is another good time of year, as the skies are clearer and the trails aren’t as muddy.

In winter, it can become really cold around Gokyo and Gokyo Ri with temperatures often dropping below freezing point. Monsoon may cause clouds and rain and flight delays. Be sure to monitor the current weather conditions before leaving.

Difficulty and Altitude Sickness

The Gokyo Ri Trek is moderately challenging and a high-altitude trek. The biggest challenge is the long walking hours, the steep inclines, the rocky path and the decreasing amount of oxygen at higher altitudes. The ascent to Gokyo Ri is 5357 m/17575 ft, which makes it very important to acclimatize.

Common challenges include:

• Steep uphill sections
• Long walking days
• A rough and bumpy surface
• Cold conditions at higher elevations
• Loss of interest in food and fatigue
• Possible symptoms of altitude sickness

A slow pace combined with frequent water intake and acclimatization will minimize the risk. These are symptoms that should never be ignored: headache, dizziness, nausea, unusual weakness, or difficulty breathing. When symptoms worsen, it’s best to get down to a lower level.

Insurance, Visa and Permit

Travel insurance is highly recommended for the Gokyo Ri Trek. In addition to the above, a policy needs to include high altitude trekking and emergency evacuation (including helicopter evacuation if medically required). Before buying a policy, verify the maximum height attained by the policy.

The minimum requirement for entry into Nepal is a valid passport and a proper Nepal tourist visa unless the person is eligible for visa free entry in Nepal. Please note that visa requirements may differ depending on the nationality of the traveller; please refer to the current visa requirements before travelling.

The hike also requires the appropriate local and national park permits. In order to visit the Everest region, a permit to enter Sagarmatha National Park is needed. An entry permit of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality is also needed. Nomad Adventure Treks can help arrange the necessary trekking permits and arrangements.

Health and Safety

With proper preparation, the Gokyo Ri Trek can be a safer and more comfortable experience. It is expected to walk for several hours on back-to-back days and to manage normal up hills. Walking, stair climbing and moderate cardiovascular activity training prior to the journey can be helpful.

Important safety points:

• Walk slowly, especially above 3,000 m / 9,843 ft.
• Drink water regularly.
• Don’t drink alcohol during acclimatization.
• If you are feeling unwell, inform your guide.
• If symptoms of altitude sickness get worse, don’t keep going.
• Keep warm during mornings and nights.
• Bring simple personal medication and first aid kit.
• Take your guide’s advice during hard times!

Mountain conditions can rapidly change, so always have the right clothing and equipment on hand.

Transportation

Kathmandu is the typical base from which to begin the Gokyo Ri trek. Trekkers usually fly a short distance from Kathmandu to the base of Lukla, the primary point of access to the Everest region. Typically, it takes approximately 35 minutes to fly in normal conditions.

Weather and air traffic may impact flight operations. If there is a high demand for the flights, they can be operated from Ramechhap Airport instead of Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. If this is the case, an extra road transfer is necessary from Kathmandu to Ramechhap.

After reaching Lukla, the rest of the trek is done on foot. Luggage and route management can be done with the assistance of the local porters and guides. Nomad Adventure Treks can organize the required transport and trekking equipment.

Your Extra Expenses

Normally this includes the primary trekking services but you should bring a bit of extra cash for your own needs. The cost may be different based on your choice and further use of services on the trail.

Typical personal expenses:

• Drinking water in bottles or filtered water.
• Teas, coffee and soft drinks.
• Snacks and chocolate
• Hot showers
• Wi Fi services
• Charging electronic devices
• Personal medicines
• There are a few tips for guides and porters:
• Additional lodging and/or transport due to delay(s)
• Personal shopping, souvenirs

A cash facility is valuable as many rural regions lack facilities for using cards. Before going towards the higher parts of the route it is better to bring sufficient Nepalese rupees from Kathmandu.

Language and Communication

Nepali is widely used in the Everest region and Sherpa is widely spoken by the local communities. Many guides, lodge staff and those involved in tourism understand English as well.

On the Gokyo Ri Trek, it is easier to communicate with short and clear sentences. Your guide will be able to assist in talking to the teahouse staff and making arrangements for services throughout the journey.

You might also want to learn some key words for Nepali to aid in the flow of everyday communication. Simple words like “Namaste” for greetings, “Dhanyabad” for thank you and “Pani” for water are helpful.

Other local languages and dialects might also be heard in villages. Along the main trekking route, the communication is generally easy, as tourism has been an important part of the economy for many years.

Mobile Network, Internet and Charging Facilities

Mobile reception works in parts of the Everest region but is not reliable all the time during the Gokyo Ri Trek. In remote areas, coverage is weaker and in some areas, coverage is absent.

Larger villages usually have teahouses with Wi-Fi. The internet may be slow, especially if there are a lot of trekkers on the same network. Connectivity can also be impacted by weather and local conditions.

Many teahouses provide electricity and it can cost more to charge in higher areas. Always have a portable battery or a power bank to keep your phone, camera and other devices charged. It’s also a good idea to have a universal travel adapter.

Avoid using mobile internet as a main navigation tool or for emergency calls. Have essential information stored outside of the internet.

Don’ts on this Trip

Respecting the local communities and responsible trekking is significant for the whole Gokyo Ri trek. The route traverses villages, monasteries, protected areas and environmentally sensitive mountain habitats.

The following are things to avoid:

• Please do not litter on the trail.
• Avoid harming plants or property.
• Do not enter the monasteries without permission!
• Avoid taking photos of individuals without their consent.
• Don’t ignore the symptoms of altitude sickness.
• Avoid speeding on steep slopes.
• Avoid water wastage in villages far from town.
• Never leave batteries or other waste.
• Do not disturb wildlife.
• Avoid straying from the trail unless accompanied by another person.

These are simple steps to take which will help to preserve the route and display respect for the communities that reside along it.

Cultural Festivals on the Trail

Sherpa Buddhist culture prevails in the Everest region and the festivals here offer an insight into the culture of the communities along the trekking route. The festival dates are based on the lunar calendar of Tibet and vary from one year to the next.

Mani Rimdu is of special significance in the Khumbu region. This is celebrated in the monastery of Tengboche where, together with Buddhist prayers and rituals, masked dances and community gatherings are also performed. The festival is typically held between October and November, according to the lunar calendar.

There are other Buddhist festivals and local festivals in the villages of the broader Everest region. Your guide will be able to advise you on the correct way to behave if your Gokyo Ri Trek falls during a festival and if it is appropriate to attend ceremonies.

Respect religious activities and abide by local rules at monasteries.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

With a bit of preparation, the Gokyo Ri Trek can be very easy for novice trekkers. There are a number of long walking days on the route, so it is helpful to get comfortable with walking before you head to Nepal. Trekking shoes that are comfortable should be broken in before the trip.

Helpful tips include:

• Practice frequently before coming.
• Pack layers, not one big jacket.
• Bring a water bottle that you can refill.
• Have sunscreen, sunglasses & lip balm available.
• Take a power bank for off-the-grid locations.
• Have some Nepalese currency on hand.
• Follow a gradual walking pace.
• Provide sufficient acclimatisation time.
• Pay attention to your guide’s instructions.
• Pack essential medicines in the daypack.

The Gokyo Ri Trek is a route that has a lot of elevation gain, so it will be more helpful to take it slow rather than speed it up. With good preparation, sensible pacing and paying attention to how you feel you’ll enjoy the route safely.

What Makes Gokyo Ri Different from Everest Base Camp?

The Gokyo Ri Trek is also in the Khumbu area but differs from the Everest Base Camp Trek in terms of the route taken and the experience offered. Gokyo is located around the Gokyo Lakes, the Gokyo Ri and the Ngozumpa Glacier and the Everest Base Camp trek heads towards the base camp and Kala Patthar.

Gokyo can be a viable option if one is looking for trekking alternatives that includes lakes, glaciers and a high mountain pass.

A Day in Gokyo Village

Gokyo Village is located next to the Gokyo Lakes at approximately 4750m / 15584ft. Once in the village, most hikers take the time to acclimatize to the elevation and not start another challenge.

One afternoon might be spent strolling around a local lake, shooting photos or sitting in the teahouse. The area surrounding the village is very different from the forested areas lower in the valley and the rocky slopes and surrounding glaciers and high peaks can be seen.

It is typically a subdued night. Trekkers usually pack their bags and their clothes for an early morning ascent of Gokyo Ri after dinner. It is important to get sufficient rest on the night before the hike, as the hike the next day starts early and is a steep one.

The village also gives you a chance to taste the life of a remote Himalayan village before heading up to the high mountain trails.

Optional Fifth Lake Hike: Is It Worth Adding?

A long walking day and fifth lake is an option for well acclimatized/hikers comfortable with a long day. From Gokzhi follows the path northwards along the Ngozumpa Glacier to the more remote area of the upper valley.

The journey takes about 6 to 8 hours, depending on path conditions, rest stops and walking speed and is about 16 km in one direction. The ground is rocky and open, so the hike is more challenging than a quick exploration around Gokyo Village.

The views towards Cho Oyu and other peaks of the Himalayas are towards Fifth Lake or Ngozumba Tsho. If you have the energy and desire to travel further into the upper Gokyo Valley it’s a worthy consideration.

Does not need to be completed on the main trek. If you feel tired or are experiencing altitude-related symptoms, please don’t take the extension; merely rest and acclimatize.