Gokyo Ri lies in the lap of the majestic Mt. Everest. It is typically ten days long, starting and ending at Lukla. Gokyo Ri has recently started becoming popular among trekkers but still has a lot for you to explore. The main highlights of the trek are the oligotrophic Gokyo Ri lakes and the Gokyo Ri peak. Among all the Gokyo Ri lakes, the main six freshwater lakes are listed as the world’s highest freshwater lakes. Namely, Dudh Pokhari (Lake in Nepali) AKA Gokyo Cho, Thonak Cho (Lake), Gyazumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, Ngojumba Cho, and Phonak Cho.
However, in the Gokyo Ri trek, you will come across only three of them.
Some other highlights of the Gokyo Ri Trek
- Stunning views of the pearly white mountains like Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Kang, Mt. Everest, etc.
- Explore the wilderness of the Sagarmatha National Park
- Get to experience life at the highest village with human settlement at Gokyo village.
- Witness the awestruck beauty of the Ngozumpa Glacier.
- Opportunity to explore the colorful Sherpa culture and traditions.
How difficult is the Gokyo Ri Trek?
The Gokyo Ri trek is quite difficult. Likewise, the maximum altitude one needs to trek during the trek is 5357 m. Therefore, trekkers are prone to suffer from mountain sickness/ altitude sickness.
Moreover, Gokyo Ri’s trail is very slippery and has a strenuous ascent. So, someone with no previous trekking experience would be better off keeping their distance from it. However, if you want to give it a go anyway, then make sure to go on shorter hikes and treks. This helps your body prepare for the trek. Also, lets you what you’re capable of.
In conclusion, the Gokyo Ri trek is not beginner-friendly but is doable with physical training.
Gokyo Ri trek throughout the year
If you are wondering if you can opt for the Gokyo Ri Trek at any time of the year. Then, the answer is no. Unlike some low-altitude treks of Nepal, this trek can be fatally hazardous during some particular time of the year. Let us dive into the details, shall we?
Gokyo Ri trek during the Spring season
The Spring season in Nepal starts in March and ends in May. The beginning of March to early May is the most suitable time for the Gokyo Ri trek. The first reason is the stable weather. These moths, by far, have the longest days of the year. Plus, the temperature is neither too hot nor too cold. Plus, the trails are exceptionally beautiful, with blooming rhododendrons all around. There is very little probability of the weather turning against you out of the blue. So, just like any other trek in Nepal, spring is the safest and best time for the Gokyo Ri trek.
Gokyo Ri trek during the Summer season /Rainy season
The rainy season, or the summer season in Nepal, extends from June to August. Every part of the country experiences heavy and continuous rainfall during this time. And Gokyo Ri is no exception to it. Continuous rainfall obstructs the view, taking away the essence of trekking. Likewise, rain makes the already slippery Gokyo Ri’s trial even less stable.
Moreover, the weather in the summer season is very unpredictable. It changes in a blink of an eye. There is a high probability of trials being damaged and blocked due to floods and landslides. Also, the sun is scorching hot on the days it doesn’t rain. And walking under such heat is not an easy job. The increasing heat with altitude gain, as you go up, is not a very good combination for your well-being.
Therefore, it is better not to plan your Gokyo Ri trek during the rainy season. However, if you do end up doing it around this time, make sure to be extra cautious.
Gokyo Ri trek during the Monsoon season / Fall season
Just like spring, the Monsoon season is perfect for the Gokyo Ri trek. It is very safe as well as has stunning visuals. After continuous rainfall during the summer season, the temperature starts to decrease. It is just cool enough to be able to trek for long hours. Moreover, the weather conditions are very stable. The skies are blue, and no gloomy clouds block the scenic views.
Similarly, during the beginning of the Monsoon season, trees are greener, and flowers are more vibrant. Most of the day’s weather is predictable; hence, it is safer to trek. The average temperature around this time ranges from 15 degrees Celsius to 23 degrees Celsius.
The cherry on top is the opportunity to celebrate Nepal’s two biggest festivals: Dashain and Tihar. Around October and September, Nepal is decorated with love and warmth for festivities. So, trekking in Monsson gives trekkers a chance to indulge in this auspicious celebration.
Gokyo Ri trek during the Winter season
The winter season in the Himalayas is brutally cold, with temperatures getting severely low. Just like the rainy season, the weather is not stable and changes faster than you imagine. You may be caught in snow storms and avalanches. If you get caught in one of these natural hazards, there is no escaping without emergency evacuation. It is very risky and can cause serious injuries.
Similarly, the trails of Gokyo Ri are covered with snow, which makes navigating directions difficult. The piled-up snow also makes it hard to maintain your balance while trekking. Moreover, the Gokyo Lakes are most likely to be frozen. Hence, you won’t get to see them for their true glory. Therefore, we suggest you not trek Gokyo Ri during winter.
Final say: the best time for the Gokyo Ri trek is during the Spring season and Autumn season.
What are the Permits required for the Gokyo Ri trek?
As the Gokyo Ri trek takes you to Nepal’s Everest region, there are two mandatory trekking permits:
- The Sagarmatha National Park Permit
- The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit
- Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (only if you trek through Jiri route)
How much does the Sagarmatha National Park Permit cost?
The cost of the Sagarmatha National Park Permit depends on your home country. Foreigners, except SAARC nationalities, need to pay Nepali rupees 3000 per person. Citizens of SAARC countries are liable to pay 1500 Nepali rupees per person. Nepali citizens need to pay Nepali rupees 100 per person. Lastly, children under 10 years do not need to pay for Sagarmatha National Park Permit.
How much does the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit cost?
Foreigners must pay 2000 Nepali rupees per person for the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit. SAARC nationalities are charged 1500 Nepali rupees per person. Likewise, Nepali citizens need to pay 100 Nepali rupees per person. Lastly, just like the Sagarmatha National Park Permit, children younger than 10 are not liable for any payment.
How much does the Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit cost?
You need to get this permit only if you trek through the Jiri trail. If you directly fly to Lukla from Kathmandu you do not need to obtain this particular permit. The cost for the Gaursishankar Conservation Area Permit (GCAP) for foreigners is 3000 Nepali rupees. Similarly, the cost for SAARC countries is 1000 Nepali rupees. Lastly, this permit is also free for children under 10.
Note: you can not pay in foreign currency to obtain any of the Gokyo Ri permits. So, make sure you have Nepali currency before applying for them.
