Gokyo Ri Trek - A Quick Guide for First-time Trekkers

1. Gokyo Ri Trek - A Quick Guide for First-time Trekkers The Gokyo Ri Trek, situated in Nepalese territory, is a prime destination for the trekking and adventure lovers. It is a worthy substitute for the Everest Base Camp Trek. You can enjoy the spectacular view of the Gokyo lakes. From Gokyo Ri, you can view gorgeous mountains like Makalu, Cho Oyu, Everest, and Lhotse. Of course, the Gokyo Ri summit is the highlight of this trek. The trek starts at Lukla, and then follows the well known Everest Base Camp route until Namche Bazaar. Then it deviates to the northwest through Dole and Machhermo and ends at the pretty Gokyo Lakes. How much you need to spend on the trek? On an average, you need to spend between USD 1200 to 1800 per head for the Gokyo Ri trek. This includes factors like guides, porter, transportation, accommodation, permits, etc. However, it will vary based on what activities you want to do and the timing of the trek. Usually, the cost goes down when the trekking group has a lot of people. Why opt for this trek? The main reason for opting for Gokyo Lake Trek is the beauty of the lakes and unspoiled natural wonder of the route. The panoramic views of the mountain peaks around the turquoise lakes leave people mesmerized. You can hike to the Gokyo Ri Mountain, overlooking the Gokyo village. The side trip to pretty Gokyo Lakes is quiet and you get a break from the crowd. It is a welcome departure from the EBC Trek route. It will take 2 weeks to complete this trek. There are 6 lakes in total and one nice thing about the region is that even at high altitudes there is plenty of oxygen in the air. When to go for this trek? The ideal time for this trek is between the months, March to May. You may also go between the months of September to November. In monsoon months, this route becomes tedious to deal with. Things and additional attractions to cover Apart from the trekking thrill, there are numerous other attractions in the route that can be covered. The sightseeing of Nepal that is covered by trek route includes places, like Boudhanath stupa, Swayambhunath stupa, the historic Kathmandu Darbar square, and the famous Pashupatinath Temple. Shopping loving trekkers can explore the famous Namche Bazaar. You can also purchase trekking items at this place at a low cost. The Dudh Koshi River is a must-visit as it is a confluence of 7 mountain rivers. Kayaking in the choppy waters is another attraction for the trekkers.

2. Those fond of wildlife should explore the Sagarmatha National Park. Spread over 1,148 sq kms area it is home to almost 118 bird species. There are a number of endangered and rare animal species too. You can see species like snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, and others. What to pack? Passport and for foreigners, Visa Insurance proof Sunglasses Trekking shoes, gloves Thermal wear Sleeping bag Mini folding knife Power bank Common medicines Thermal wear Things you have to remember The Gokyo Ri trek is not very taxing as such. However, you need to have a good fitness level to complete the trek without hassles. You have to trek at least 5-6 hours per day on the trek. You may practice running and exercising two months ahead of the trek. You will spend time in high altitude zones in this trek. To cope with altitude sickness, hydrating the body and having good food is required. The locals advise drinking garlic soup. You may also carry suitable medications if you think you can be susceptible to it.