Gokyo-Ri via Gokyo Lakes

​Guided by expert local guides, you'll explore high-altitude landscapes while enjoying a well-paced itinerary with plenty of time for acclimatisation. This trek ensures a rewarding experience, balancing adventure with safety, and offers a rare glimpse into the heart of Sherpa communities.

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And that’s not all! Your adventure begins and ends in Kathmandu, where you’ll explore the city's World Heritage Sites, blending cultural discovery with the stunning beauty of the Himalayas. A perfect mix of excitement, exploration, and cultural immersion awaits.

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Itinerary for 2025

• Friday 17 Oct:

Fly to Kathmandu​

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• Saturday 18 Oct: Arrival and transfer to hotel (20mins approx)

Meet and greet at the airport. Our Guide will be waiting for us inside the airport arrival hall.

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Private transfer through the maze of Kathmandu to our hotel, the Kathmandu Guest House. Centrally located in the eclectic and cosmopolitan tourist hub of Thamel. After settling in, our Trek Guide will hold a pre-trek briefing. Afterwards,  we'll  be taken on a short orientation walk around the area. 

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Included

Accommodation: Kathmandu Guest House (3*) – deluxe room twin share

Meals: Welcome dinner

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• Sunday 19 Oct: Guided tour in Kathmandu in the morning. Drive to a hotel near Ramechhap Airport (Manthali) in the afternoon

After breakfast we will have a locally guided visit to a couple of the World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu:

Swoyambhunath – a.k.a. ‘Monkey temple’.  Perched on a pedestal high on the hilltop, it is acclaimed as the oldest stupa in the world and is influenced by both the Nepalese and Tibetan forms of Buddhism, which attracts a constant stream of pilgrims from all around Nepal.

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Kathmandu Durbar Square – the oldest and the most authentic part of Kathmandu with centuries old temples, old Royal palace, residence of ‘Living Goddess’ and vibrant bazaar. Walk back to the colourful tourist hub of Thamel through the bustling vegetable and spice markets of Asan – the oldest market square of Kathmandu. The labyrinth of backstreets and alleys leading from one bazaar or chowk to another seems nothing less than pure theatre!

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After lunch, we drive south-west out of Kathmandu towards Sun Koshi river valley for a night in Manthali near to Ramechhap airport. 

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Driving duration: 5hrs approx

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Included

Accommodation: Freedom Resort (simple hotel with en suite facility; the best available in the region. Twin rooms)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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• Monday 20 Oct: Early morning flight to Lukla (20-25mins approx). Trek to Phakding (2610m)

Early morning flight to Lukla (2820m), the gateway to the region of the legendary Sherpas. We re-group in a nearby teahouse in Lukla where we meet with the rest of our crew (assistant guides & porters).

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Begin our trek northward towards Phakding, following winding paths bordered by stone walls. Enjoy lunch along the way in the scenic village of Thado-Koshi, perched above the river that shares its name, with the majestic Kusum-Kangarru peaks forming a stunning backdrop.

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Trek duration: 2.5hrs approx.

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Included

Accommodation: Basic Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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• Tuesday 21 Oct: Trek to Namchhe (3440m)

Follow the rushing Dudh Koshi River as the trail ascends northward, winding through forests of rhododendron, magnolia, and towering firs, leading up to Namche Bazaar. Known as the ‘Sherpa Capital’ of Khumbu, this is the largest village in the Everest region. In the late afternoon, take some time to explore the vibrant village of Namche.

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Trek duration: 6hrs approx

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Included

Accommodation: Basic Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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• Wednesday 22 Oct: Acclimatisation day in Namchhe

Trek to the Everest viewpoint and enjoy a circular acclimatisation walk through the nearby villages.

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Hike duration: 3-4hrs approx

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Included

Accommodation: Basic Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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• Thursday 23 Oct: Trek to Phortse Tenga (3680m)

From Namche, the day begins with an ascent to the Syangboche airstrip, followed by a journey to Khumjung for lunch. The path then winds around the sacred slopes of Khumbila peak, traversing through dense birch forests and ascending grassy, treeless slopes to a Stupa situated at the top of a rocky ridge (3992m), offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The trail then levels off as it heads towards the Gokyo Valley, separating from the busier Everest Base Camp trail. It continues with a steep climb up a rock staircase tucked into a narrow cleft within a large boulder, leading to a prominent Chorten at the top of the ridge in Mong La. From here, the trail steeply descends via switchbacks down a sandy slope to the Dudh Koshi river, finally reaching the quaint village of Phortse Tenga.

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Trek duration: 5hrs approx

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Included

Accommodation: Basic Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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• Friday 24 Oct: Trek to Dole (4100m)

To ensure proper acclimatisation, we allocate three days to reach Gokyo, with two of those days being relatively short.

Departing from Phortse Tenga, the trail initially climbs steeply, then levels off to contour high above the valley, offering exceptional views of the Kantega, Thamserku, and Ama Dablam peaks. Walk for about an hour after Phortse Bridge, and we will catch your first glimpse of the towering Cho-Oyo (8153m) at the valley’s end. The trek now moves beyond the treeline and passes several impressive waterfalls on the way to the yak herding communities of Tongba (4015m) and Gyele (4050m). A short hike from there leads us to Dole, where you’ll spend the night.

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Trek duration: 3hrs approx

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Included

Accommodation: Basic Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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• Saturday 25 Oct: Trek to Machhermo (4410m)

The short day starts with a steep ascent, followed by a climb along the valley side, high above the river. Traverse sandy spurs as you make your way to Machhermo.

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Trek duration: 3.5hrs approx

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Included

Accommodation: Basic Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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• Sunday 26 Oct: Trek to Gokyo (4750m)

As we ascend a ridge, the valley opens up before we reach Pangka and then dips briefly before climbing up to a large cave known as Nilibuk. Our path then continues to rise steeply, following a narrowly crafted staircase trail up to the first of Gokyo’s five stunning lakes. Gokyo itself is the highlight of your trip, with its heavenly array of five pristine turquoise lakes and the towering snow-capped mountains that loom majestically above them.

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Trek duration: 5hrs approx.

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Included

Accommodation: Basic Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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• Monday 27 Oct: Hike to Gokyo-Ri (5357m). Trek to Nha La (4400m)

The day starts with a pre-dawn hike to Gokyo-Ri for a panoramic view of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest. It will take approximately 1.5-2 hours to reach the summit and about 1-1.5 hours to descend the same route. After some rest and lunch, we will backtrack past the second lake to follow the alternative trail to Nha La, which will take around 4 hours. Nha La, is off the mainstream trekking paths, offers more basic facilities and lodges compared to what you’ve experienced so far.

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Trek duration: 7- 8hrs approx

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Included

Accommodation: Basic Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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• Tuesday 28 Oct: Trek to Phortse Gaon (3800m)

Follow the less-travelled, higher route to the secluded Sherpa village of Phortse Gaon. Nestled on a terrace, this expansive village is not only home to numerous renowned mountain climbers but also provides a deep insight into authentic Sherpa life and culture.

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Trek duration: 5hrs approx

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Included

Accommodation: Basic Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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• Wednesday 29 Oct: Trek to Namchhe (3440m)

Descending from Phortse Gaon, we will join the familiar trail that leads down to the trail fork at Kenjoma, where we will take the mainstream Everest Base Camp trail.

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Trek duration: 5.5hrs approx

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Included

Accommodation: Basic Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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• Thursday 30 Oct: Trek to Lukla (2800m)

Follow the same path we took at the beginning of your trek, descending along the dusty track to the banks of the Dudh Kosi. After crossing a few bridges, we will reach Monjo after about 2.5 hours. Continue retracing your earlier steps back to Lukla, where ample time awaits to relax in the Sherpa atmosphere. We will enjoy an ‘end of the trek’ celebratory dinner with your crew to bid them farewell.

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Trek duration: 7.5hrs approx

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Included

Accommodation: Basic Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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• Friday 31 Oct: Early morning flight back to Ramechhap (Manthali). Drive back to Kathmandu

We travel back to Kathmandu retracting our tracks.  Once there, we will gather one last time for a final night’s dinner and prepare for our flights back home.

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Driving duration: 5hrs approx

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Included

Accommodation: Kathmandu Guest House (3*) – deluxe twin room

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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• Saturday 1 Nov: Depart Kathmandu

Flights back home, filled with an immense sense of pride and memories to last a lifetime.

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Included

Transfer: From the Hotel to Kathmandu Airport at designated time.
Meals: Breakfast only

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Cost*: (Excluding return flights to Kathmandu) 

Deposit on booking - £300.00

1 March 2025 - £500.00

1 June 2025 - £500.00

1 September 2025 - £865.00

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Total cost - £2,165.00

* All costs are non refundable

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Trip Grading:

This is a non-technical but challenging trek, with long days and steep ascents and descents. You will be crossing high passes and trekking at altitudes over 5,300m, so your legs will get a solid workout. Trekking poles are highly recommended, especially on the steeper sections, such as the ascent to Gokyo Ri. A good training plan prior to your departure will help you prepare for the demands of the trail, ensuring you can enjoy the experience.

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If you’re comfortable walking for 7-8 hours a day with ascents of up to 1,000m over consecutive days, you’ll be well-prepared for this trek. Success requires a solid fitness base, but equally important are determination, resilience, and a positive attitude to embrace the adventure and challenges along the way.

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Kit list:

Download the recommend kit list here

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Weather:

Daytime temperatures in Kathmandu will usually exceed 20°C (68°F). On the trek, the weather is generally mild, with clear skies and stunning mountain views. However, at higher altitudes, the days can become cold and windy, and temperatures at night can drop as low as -10°C (14°F) or lower, particularly in late November.

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As you progress on the Gokyo Ri via Gokyo Lakes Trek, expect a wide range of weather conditions—from mild, sunny days at lower altitudes to cold, brisk winds and freezing temperatures at higher elevations. Proper layering and preparation for varying weather are key to ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable trekking experience.

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Group size:

Minimum group size = 8

Maximum group size = 10​​​​​

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What's included:

Pre-trip:

• Personalised trip support in the lead up to your trek.

• Trek training guide

• Public liability insurance

• Financial Protection for your booking

• Monthly payment plan available

• Risk assessment and emergency management planning

• Free Water-to-Go Bottle

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During our trip:

• Local English speaking guide throughout the trip, Assistant Guide/s (2 Assistant Guides for 8-10 pax), 1 porter for every 2 trekkers

• Accommodation: 2 nights in Kathmandu Guest House, 1 night simple local hotel in Ramechhap (near to airport) and 11 nights in basic teahouses/lodges on the trek

• Meals: Breakfast x 14, Lunch x 13, Dinner x 14

• Transport: Arrival & Departure airport transfers at one nominated time. Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu. Kathmandu – Ramechhap Airport – Kathmandu

• Internal flights: Ramechhap – Lukla – Ramechhap

• Activities/tours: Guided tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath, 11 day trek

• Applicable entry fees/permits: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath, Everest National Park fee, Everest region local development fee

• Safety/ Emergency equipment: 1 x Gamow bag, 1 x Oxygen cylinder, 1 x Oximeter, Satellite phone

• All trip management before, during and post trek.

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What's not included:

• International flights and airport transfers in Nepal

• Travel insurance (mandatory) that covers high altitude trekking and helicopter evacuations

• Any activities/ tours/ visits not mentioned in the itinerary and in the above inclusion list

• Visa – please refer to:  https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/nepal 

• Vaccination/s. Please refer to: https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/asia-east/nepal

• Personal spending money and drinks

• Meals not listed in your itinerary

• Beverages, drinking water

• Snacks, electrolytes, water purification tablets

• Charges levied by teahouses for hot shower, battery charging, etc

• Kit and equipment as listed on your kit list

• Any personal medication

• Tips/ gratuities if considered earned for guide, assistant guide, climbing guide, porters, expedition crew, drivers & hotel staff

• Single room supplement where available

• Any associated costs if leaving the trek early.

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Accommodation (Teahouses):

The teahouses are basic but adequate; please be realistic about what to expect in the mountains. Typically mattresses are provided in the huts and there is a basic dining room and basic toilets. 

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The hub of the teahouse is the dining room, usually decorated with colourful traditional rugs, sometimes with a stove or heater (some lodges charge a fee to put the heater on). Some tea houses above 3000m may not be heated due to local environmental restrictions. Occasionally kerosene burners can be used to heat common areas if requested. We recommend against using these due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, and your leader will not offer this to you.

 

Most teahouses sell snacks and other essentials such as tissues, soap and toilet paper. Almost all lodges have electricity, but it is not wholly reliable, and lighting may not be bright enough to read by – a torch is essential. Electrical charging facilities are generally available only in the dining room (charged at approx. Rs150-350 per hour per device). Many of the lodges use solar power so sometimes there is not enough electricity for charging. A few of the lodges on this trek have Wi-Fi these days – in some areas it works well but in others it is slow and temperamental.

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The bedrooms are now almost all twin-share (although very occasionally during peak seasons you may be asked to share with three to a room for the odd night). Beds with foam mattresses, bedsheets and a pillow are provided. Bedrooms are unheated and can get cold at night, so you will need to bring or hire a sleeping bag.

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Most lodges have only one or two basic toilets and sometimes these are located outside the main lodge building. Toilets are usually Asian ’squat’ style; although some lodges have now installed ‘western style’ seated ones. Toilet paper is not provided so you should bring your own or buy it locally (please dispose of it in the bin provided – do not put it in the bowl). If there is not a flush handle, there should be a container of water to pour down – if it is empty (or frozen) please either refill it or ask the lodge to.

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Some lodges now have hot ‘showers’ (charged at approx. Rs250-500 per shower). Sometimes a hot shower is simply a bucket of hot water and not a shower head.

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Standards of cleanliness vary, especially in the peak trekking season and in winter when the water freezes at night. Please report any problems to your leader or the lodge and be vigilant in your personal hygiene regime – use soap or hand sanitiser before and after toilet breaks, snacks, meal times and after handling money. As a rule, the higher altitude you go to, the more basic the lodges and the more expensive food and services become.

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Food & Drink:

FOOD: Breakfast x 14, Lunch x 13, Dinner x 14

In the teahouses breakfast will comprise of a choice of bread (a slice of toast, chapatti or Tibetan bread), a choice of egg (boiled, fried or omelette), and a choice between either muesli or porridge each day. Hot tea/coffee will also be served. On specific days, there will not be a choice for breakfast and either a trekkers breakfast (egg, hash brown, baked beans and toast) or a pancake with jam/honey will be served – these options are not available in all teahouses and so we have only included them in locations where they can be guaranteed. You may also be able to supplement your included breakfast with additional items on the teahouse menu should you wish, additional items that are not included in the set menu should be ordered and paid for separately.

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Please note, some more remote teahouses/lodges are unable to provide an extensive menu due to irregular delivery schedules and during periods of bad weather or a high volume of trekkers, there may be a more limited menu choice.

Lunch will be taken at a teahouse en route – sometimes one of your guides will go ahead with the group’s order to make it more expedient. Dinner will be in the same teahouse that you sleep at (this is custom in Nepal as teahouses base their room rate on it).

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Although most lodges have almost identical menus, they are reasonably extensive and offer a varied selection, ranging from traditional Nepalese dhal bhat to pizza and apple pie. Dhal bhat is the staple diet in Nepal and comes in many different forms but generally comprises some curried lentil dhal and meat or vegetables, some rice, and a pickle/chutney. Another popular snack is momos; a type of Nepalese dumpling, fried or steamed, filled with meat or vegetables.

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Although meat is available in the teahouses, we advise against eating it on trek. The meat has often been carried in the heat from lower altitudes for several days before reaching the lodges and can cause stomach upsets or illness. Germs can also be spread by handling dirty money – we recommend using hand sanitiser, always.

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If you have a gluten free diet, then we strongly recommend you bring some extra food and snacks with you to supplement the food on trek as there will be little variety available for you, particularly for breakfast. Even many of the soups are powdered and contain gluten. Gluten free breakfast options will be limited to vegetable fried rice and a choice of egg, and on specific days only, a trekkers breakfast (without the toast / with an extra egg) will be served. Breakfast options for vegans will be limited to a choice of muesli/porridge with water each day, and on specific days only, a trekkers breakfast (without the egg), or vegetable fried rice will be served. If you are lactose intolerant as opposed to vegan then the same will apply although you will also have a choice of egg each day.

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If you buy imported food and drink whilst on trek you will spend more than the suggested amount.

We recommend bringing your own snacks or you can support local communities by buying snacks in Nepal. If you bring any snacks from home, we recommend removing as much packaging as possible and minimise any potential rubbish you bring with you in to Nepal.

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Water

Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 3-4 litres per person per day. We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on the trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Nepal.

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The teahouses sell boiled water for approx. Rs150-300 per litre (the price increases the higher you trek) which should not require treating. This is also perfect for a bedtime refill as it can double up as a hot water bottle. It is not recommended to drink untreated water from the taps or streams en-route.

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We have partnered with Water-to-Go, a filtration system that eliminates over 99.99% of all microbiological contaminants from any non-salt water source. All trekkers will receive a free Water-to-Go bottle on departure. Please note that if the water freezes it will clog up the filter – in this happens, defrost before use by sitting the filter in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes. Please help us reduce the volume of single use plastic in this pristine environment.

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Altitude:

When trekking above 2,500 meters, your body must adjust to the lower levels of oxygen. To help with acclimatisation, we have structured the Gokyo Ri via Gokyo Lakes Trek with gradual ascents and dedicated acclimatisation days, such as in Namche Bazaar, allowing your body time to adapt. However, even with careful planning, some trekkers may experience symptoms of altitude sickness, which can include headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, disturbed sleep, nausea, and loss of appetite.

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Everyone acclimatises at different rates, and while most of the team may experience mild discomfort, such as headaches, some may require extra care. Our experienced leaders and crew are trained to monitor and assist anyone experiencing more severe symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). During your pre-trek briefing, altitude sickness will be discussed in more detail, and you’ll be advised on how to manage it effectively. The key is to respect the altitude, know the signs of AMS, and communicate any symptoms to your leader promptly.

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To minimise the risk of AMS, follow these essential guidelines: drink 3-5 litres of water daily, avoid alcohol and limit caffeine, walk slowly, stay warm, and eat well, even when your appetite is low. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or take medications that might affect your ability to acclimatise, it’s important to consult your doctor before booking. While our team will do everything possible to help you achieve your goals, your safety is our top priority, and your local leader may decide to delay or halt your ascent if necessary for your well-being. Please respect their decisions, as they are made with your health and safety in mind.

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Visa:

You must have a visa to visit Nepal.

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You can apply online for a visa on arrival up to 15 days in advance of your arrival. Using your submission receipt, you then collect and pay for your visa at the airport.

 

You can also apply using the forms or terminals available at the airport, then queue up to get the visa. You can pay by card, but you should have cash as a back-up, with US dollars being the preferred currency.

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Alternatively you can apply for a tourist visa in advance and collect it from the Nepal Embassy in the UK or in another country. Applying in advance can reduce the time it takes to pass through immigration.

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Overstaying your visa in Nepal is a serious crime and can lead to significant fines or imprisonment.

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Vaccinations:

There are no vaccinations required for Nepal. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, cholera, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

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Some travellers may also need proof of a polio vaccination. For the most up to date info on vaccinations, please consult with your GP or travel healthcare practitioner 8 weeks in advance of travel or check the NHS government website ‘Fit for Travel’.

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There is little to no risk of malaria in Nepal; therefore, antimalarial tablets are not usually advised although may be considered for certain high-risk groups. You may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.

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Additionally, dengue fever, a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, is a known risk in Nepal with an outbreak in September 2022. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis, so take extra precautions (such as wearing full-length trousers, long sleeves and applying insect repellent during the day, dawn and dusk) to prevent being bitten.

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Severe Allergies

If you have a severe allergy please inform us at the time of booking. We will do all we can to help, but unfortunately we are unable to guarantee an allergy free environment on this trip. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as ‘adrenaline auto-injectors’ are not carried as standard. Whilst your leader is aware of our trekkers medical history, please also inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

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Emergencies:

Our Leaders and crew will have a satellite phone, mobile phones and radios communications in case of emergencies. The team are trained to deal with these situations. Please ensure you listen to your Leader during these times and refrain from putting any posts on social media.

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Should you find yourself unable to continue with the trek, your Leader and crew will make the necessary arrangements. Depending on the situation, you will be met by the support vehicle (depending on access) and you will be transferred back to suitable accommodation or nearby medical facility as required.

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