Gokyo Ri Trek

Overview Departures Itinerary Inclusion Exclusion Gallery

Introduction

The Everest Three High Passes Trek is one of the most challenging and rewarding trekking adventures in the Himalayas, combining Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, Kala Patthar, and the crossing of Cho La Pass in a single extraordinary journey.

Exploring the magnificent Himalayan wonders of Gokyo Lakes, Ngozumpa Glacier, and the rich Sherpa culture is a dream adventure for mountain lovers worldwide. This trek offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the breathtaking panorama of the roof of the world—Mount Everest (8,848m)—along with other Himalayan giants, while immersing yourself in the authentic traditions of the indigenous Sherpa community of Nepal's Khumbu region.

With Himalayan Karma Treks, you will experience a meticulously planned expedition that combines stunning mountain views, cultural immersion, and thrilling high-altitude trekking—all under the guidance of experienced, certified trekking professionals.

The journey begins with a scenic flight to Lukla, following the Dudh Koshi River valley towards Namche Bazaar and other main villages of Khumbu. From the trails of this famous trekking route, you can experience panoramic views of some of the world's highest mountains, including Mt. Cho-Oyu (8,201m), Mt. Everest (8,848m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516m), Mt. Makalu (8,463m), and many more, visible from Gokyo Ri (5,357m) above the stunning turquoise Gokyo Lakes.

The most remarkable features of this trek include the views of the tremendous ice ridge between Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang (7,922m), the dramatic glacial moraines, the crossing of Cho La Pass (5,367m), and the legendary Everest Base Camp. The Gokyo Valley, once a yak pasture, offers wild and pristine nature far from the crowds of the main Everest Base Camp trail.

Trekking in the Khumbu region is not just about sightseeing; it also offers the chance to interact with the Sherpa people—famous for their unique culture, mountaineering prowess, and warm hospitality. The teahouses along the entire route are comfortable and comparatively less crowded than the regular Everest Base Camp trekking route, offering a more peaceful and immersive experience.

Himalayan Karma Treks has left no stone unturned to explore this route and make you visit such a wonderland of Nepal, offering an unforgettable lifetime experience. We welcome you to join our scheduled Everest Three High Passes Trekking packages as per your timeframe and desire, or customized itineraries upon your request, round the year.

Whether you are an experienced trekker seeking a challenging adventure or a mountain lover desiring to witness the grandeur of the Himalayas, the Everest Three High Passes Trek is the ultimate journey that promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Best Seasons to Travel

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best seasons for the Everest Three High Passes Trek, offering stable weather, clear mountain views, and safer high-pass crossing conditions. Spring offers blooming rhododendron forests, while autumn provides crisp, clear views with excellent visibility.

Notes to Travelers

This trek is physically demanding and recommended for experienced trekkers with strong fitness levels and prior high-altitude trekking experience. The trek reaches altitudes over 5,500 meters and involves crossing high passes, glacier sections, and challenging terrain.

Accommodation throughout the trek is in teahouses and mountain lodges with basic but comfortable facilities. At higher altitudes like Gokyo, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep, facilities are more basic with limited amenities.

The trek involves steep ascents and descents, glacial moraine walking, and high-altitude conditions. Proper acclimatization is essential, and the itinerary includes acclimatization days to ensure safe altitude adjustment.

Transportation includes a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (or Manthali Airport during peak season) and a return flight. Flights to Lukla are weather-dependent and may occasionally experience delays. We recommend building flexibility into your travel schedule.

Permits required include the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and TIMS card. These are arranged by Himalayan Karma Treks.

Health considerations include altitude sickness prevention, proper acclimatization, and travel insurance covering emergency evacuation up to 5,600m. Consult your physician before embarking on this expedition.

Highlights

Cross the legendary Cho La Pass (5,367m) – one of the classic high passes of the Everest region
Explore Everest Base Camp (5,364m) – the ultimate goal of the trek
Visit Gokyo Lakes – one of the highest freshwater lake systems in the world
Hike to Kala Patthar (5,555m) – the best viewpoint of Mount Everest
Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) – spectacular sunrise views of Everest, Cho Oyu, and the Ngozumpa Glacier
Spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, and surrounding peaks
Experience authentic Sherpa culture and Buddhist monasteries in traditional villages
Trek through glaciers, alpine valleys, and remote Himalayan trails
Stay in vibrant Namche Bazaar – the gateway to the Everest region
Scenic mountain flights to and from Lukla with breathtaking Himalayan views
Sunrise views from Kala Patthar – the classic Everest viewpoint
One of Nepal's most adventurous and complete Everest trekking experiences

Fixed Departure Dates

Early booking recommended due to limited seats.

September 10, 2026

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December 31, 2026

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Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive in Kathmandu (1,350m) – Transfer to Hotel
- Highlights: Arrival in the capital city of Nepal, welcome by our representative, comfortable hotel accommodation, welcome dinner with cultural program
- Activity: Airport transfer, rest and recovery from your flight, welcome dinner, trip orientation
Day 2 : Rest, Last-Minute Shopping, Preparation and Briefing in Kathmandu
- Highlights: Trek preparation and orientation, permit processing, meeting your guide, last-minute gear shopping
- Activity: Rest day in Kathmandu, permit formalities (Sagarmatha National Park Permit, TIMS), trek briefing with your guide, gear check and preparation, visit Thamel for last-minute shopping
Day 3 : Fly to Lukla (2,800m) and Trek to Phakding (2,652m)
- Highlights: Scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu (or Manthali) to Lukla with breathtaking Himalayan views, landing at one of the world's most thrilling airports, first day of trekking along the Dudh Kosi River, crossing suspension bridges, views of Kusum Kanguru
- Activity: Early morning flight to Lukla, meet your trekking crew, trek from Lukla to Phakding (approximately 3 hours), pass through forests and villages, overnight at Phakding lodge
Day 4 : Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
- Highlights: Scenic trail along the Dudh Kosi River, crossing multiple suspension bridges, entering Sagarmatha National Park, first views of Everest and Lhotse, arrival at the vibrant gateway to the Everest region, bustling Sherpa town with cafes and gear shops
- Activity: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (approximately 5-6 hours), ascend through forests and villages, enjoy panoramic views, explore the town
Day 5 : Explore Namche Bazaar – Hike to Hotel Everest View for Everest Panorama
- Highlights: ACCLIMATIZATION DAY, hike to Hotel Everest View (3,880m) for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku, exploration of Namche Bazaar, visit the Sherpa Museum or National Park Visitor Center
- Activity: Acclimatization hike to Hotel Everest View (approximately 3-4 hours round trip), enjoy spectacular mountain views, explore Namche Bazaar, visit the weekly market, overnight at Namche Bazaar
Day 6 : Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole (4,110m) via Khumjung
- Highlights: Scenic trail through traditional Sherpa villages, Khumjung village with its famous monastery (housing a Yeti scalp), views of Ama Dablam and Everest, alpine landscapes, rhododendron forests
- Activity: Trek from Namche Bazaar via Khumjung and Mong La to Dole (approximately 6 hours), enjoy stunning mountain views, explore the villages
Day 7 : Trek from Dole to Machherma (4,470m)
- Highlights: Gradual ascent through alpine meadows, views of Cho Oyu and Tawache, yak pastures, rhododendron forests, remote valley landscapes
- Activity: Trek from Dole to Machherma (approximately 5 hours), enjoy panoramic mountain views, rest and acclimatization
Day 8 : Trek from Machherma to Gokyo Village (4,800m)
- Highlights: ARRIVAL AT GOKYO VILLAGE, stunning views of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang, crossing the Ngozumpa Glacier, first views of the Gokyo Lakes, beautiful turquoise lakes
- Activity: Trek from Machherma to Gokyo Village (approximately 6 hours), explore the village and lakes, visit the lake shores, overnight at Gokyo
Day 9 : Explore Gokyo Valley and Lakes – Acclimatization Day
- Highlights: ACCLIMATIZATION DAY, exploration of the Gokyo Valley and Lakes, stunning reflections of Cho Oyu in the turquoise lakes, views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu, optional hike to the 5th Lake (Ngozumpa Tsho)
- Activity: Rest and acclimatization day, hike to nearby viewpoints, explore the Gokyo Lakes (1st to 5th lakes), visit the lakeshore for photography and contemplation
Day 10 : Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) and Trek to Thaknak (4,750m)
- Highlights: GOKYO RI SUNRISE – spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, and the Ngozumpa Glacier, descent to Thaknak, preparation for Cho La Pass crossing
- Activity: Early morning hike to Gokyo Ri (approximately 2-3 hours), witness the sunrise from the summit, return to Gokyo, trek to Thaknak (approximately 3 hours), prepare for the pass crossing
Day 11 : Trek from Thaknak via Cho La Pass (5,367m) to Lobuche (4,940m)
- Highlights: CHO LA PASS CROSSING (5,367m) – one of the classic high passes of the Everest region, dramatic views of Cholatse, Ama Dablam, and the surrounding peaks, glacier sections, spiritual achievement
- Activity: Early morning start, ascend to Cho La Pass (approximately 3-4 hours), cross the glacier, descend to Lobuche (approximately 3-4 hours), total trekking time approximately 7-8 hours
Day 12 : Trek to Gorak Shep (5,170m) and Explore Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
- Highlights: EVEREST BASE CAMP (5,364m) – the ultimate goal of the trek, close-up views of the Khumbu Icefall, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Everest, sense of achievement and accomplishment
- Activity: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (approximately 3 hours), continue to Everest Base Camp (approximately 2-3 hours), explore the base camp, return to Gorak Shep for overnight
Day 13 : Hike to Kala Patthar (5,555m) for 360° Panoramas and Trek to Pheriche (4,280m)
- Highlights: KALA PATTAR SUNRISE (5,555m) – the best viewpoint of Mount Everest, 360-degree panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and the entire Khumbu Valley, breathtaking sunrise colors over the Himalayas
- Activity: Early morning hike to Kala Patthar (approximately 2-3 hours), witness the sunrise, descend to Gorak Shep, trek to Pheriche (approximately 6-7 hours)
Day 14 : Trek via Pangboche (4,050m) and Tengboche (3,800m) to Namche Bazaar
- Highlights: TENGBOCHE MONASTERY – one of the most famous Buddhist monasteries in the Khumbu region, views of Ama Dablam, lush forests, traditional villages, descent to Namche Bazaar
- Activity: Trek from Pheriche via Pangboche and Tengboche to Namche Bazaar (approximately 7 hours), visit the Tengboche Monastery, enjoy mountain views
Day 15 : Trek back from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,800m)
- Highlights: Final day of trekking, scenic trail along the Dudh Kosi River, crossing suspension bridges, farewell views of the Everest region, return to Lukla
- Activity: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (approximately 7-8 hours), celebration and rest, prepare for the return flight
Day 16 : Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
- Highlights: Scenic mountain flight back to Kathmandu, aerial views of the Himalayas, return to the capital, free time for shopping, farewell dinner celebration
- Activity: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu (approximately 15 minutes), hotel transfer, free time for shopping in Thamel, farewell dinner with Himalayan Karma Treks
Day 17 : Transfer to Airport for Final Departure
- Highlights: Farewell and departure, completion of the expedition
- Activity: Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey, farewell to Nepal, end of the program

Cost Inclusion

Airport - hotel - airport pickup and drop by private vehicle in Kathmandu
3 nights of hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on BB Plan
Meals on full board (Breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
Best available teahouse/lodge accommodations during the trek
An experienced Government license holder trekking guide
Trekking porter to carry your bags (max 20 KG baggage/porter) – 1 porter for every 2 trekkers
Wages, meals & accommodation, insurance, equipment and transportation for guide and porters
Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu domestic flights (or via Manthali during peak season)
All necessary paper works and Sagarmatha National Park entry fees
TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card
Group medical supplies (first aid kit will be available) if required
All government taxes and our service charges
Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu with the Himalayan Karma Treks
Complimentary duffel bag from Himalayan Karma Treks for storing and carrying your trekking gear
Service charges and government taxes

Cost Exclusion

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Your Travel insurance (covering trekking, and emergency helicopter evacuation up to 5,600m – mandatory)
Nepal entry visa fee (Visa issuance is easy at Airport)
Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is expected but not mandatory)
All kinds of drinks (hot, cold and alcoholic)
Personal shopping, laundry and Internet expenses, etc.
Personal trekking Equipment/Gears
Items and services not mentioned in the "Service Include" section
Any additional costs due to natural calamities, flight delays, political unrest, road blockages, or other unforeseen circumstances
Emergency evacuation and medical treatment costs
Extra porter services (if required beyond the standard 1:2 ratio)
Hot showers and Wi-Fi at tea houses
Battery charging fees at tea houses