Our Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Ri Trekcombines the classic Khumbu region adventure with an equally magnificent trip to Gokyo village. You have probably heard all about the Everest Base Camp Trek (still ranked among the world’s best trails), but few have heard about GokyoRi or Gokyo Lakes, lying just kilometers away from Everest Base Camp.
The glimmering emerald waters of Gokyo Lakes will take your breath away. It is often overlooked when trekkers visit the Everest region. Before even reaching there, though, there is a magnificent journey to be had.
The trail begins with a thrill ride from Kathmandu to Lukla via airplane. Start moving up, past lush forests of rhododendron, pine, and other trees. Take in the lovely fresh air, which quicky gets thinner as we climb up. The landscape gets increasingly more desolate and unearthly as we climb higher. Take a stop at Tengboche Monastery and receive blessings for good luck on the rest of the trip.
Several more days of ascending takes us to the famous Everest Base Camp (5380 meters). Take some photographs here and soak in the enriching moment. It’s a special moment, but the views over the next few days keep getting better. The following day, we arrive to Kala Patthar (5545 meters). Here, you stand face to face with Mount Everest at its very best viewpoint. Be stunned at the sheer size of it. These two days of visiting Everest Base Camp and then the close-up views at Kala Patthar will be cherished for the rest of your life!
Still, more beauty lies ahead at the majestic Gokyo Lakes, which are sacred to locals. You might believe so too once you lay your eyes on them. Either that night or the following morning (or both!), make your way up to GokyoRi (5357 meters), which rivals Kala Patthar as one of the best Everest region views. Watch the sunset and/or sunrise on several of the highest peaks known to man. Mount Everest (8848 meters), Lhotse (8516 meters), Cho Oyu (8201 meters), and Makalu (8481 meters) are all visible from the lookout point. Seeing the glow of the sun lighting up these mountains is mind-blowing.
From Gokyo Ri, we start our descent. The scenery is just as stunning on the way back, and you will catch the views you missed the first time. Descend all the way back to Lukla for another thrilling flight back to Kathmandu. Prepare for the lovely dinner in the eveningto celebrate the adventure of a lifetime!
Highlights
- Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters) for a surreal perspective of Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu – four of the highest mountains in the world.
- Walk along the shore of the turquoise waters of Gokyo Lakes.
- Hike along the Ngozumpa Glacier – the longest glacier in Nepal.
- Stand at the world-famous Everest Base Camp (5380 meters).
- Ascend Kala Patthar (5,545 meters) with the best view of Mt. Everest.
