Gokyo Ri is a rocky hill of about 5,350 m above the village of Gokyo, in the Everest region. It is a trekking viewpoint, not a technical peak. The climb takes two to three hours from Gokyo and rewards you with views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and the Ngozumpa Glacier.
Where it is
Gokyo Ri rises directly above Gokyo village, at about 4,790 m, beside the third of the Gokyo lakes. The village is reached by a side valley from Namche Bazaar, on a quieter route than the main Everest Base Camp trail.
What you see
From the top the view takes in Everest, Lhotse and Makalu to the east, Cho Oyu to the north, and the Ngozumpa Glacier below, which is the longest glacier in Nepal. The Gokyo lakes lie in a line under the hill, and on a clear morning their colour is a deep turquoise.
Why people choose it
Many trekkers say the Gokyo Ri view of Everest is wider and more complete than the one from Kala Patthar. The route is also quieter, and the lakes make for a more varied walk.
Height and effort
The summit is about 5,350 m, with a climb of roughly 550 to 600 m from the village. The path is steep and rocky but not technical. The altitude is the challenge, so most itineraries keep a night or two in Gokyo before the climb.
Who it suits
Fit trekkers who like quiet trails and big views, and who are willing to take acclimatisation seriously. It is a good second Everest-region trek if you have already done Everest Base Camp.
Combine it with other routes
Gokyo Ri is part of the Gokyo Lakes trek and can be linked to Everest Base Camp over the Cho La pass, or to the Three Passes route. See the Gokyo and Three Passes hubs for those combinations.
What to pack
Bring a warm down jacket, windproof shell, hat, gloves, sunglasses with good side protection and sun cream. Add a head torch for the pre-dawn climb, and trekking poles for the loose path. Water bottles should be insulated, because they can freeze at the top.
Questions people ask first
Do I need a guide? A guide is strongly advised for safety and for the side valley. Can I go solo? Possible, but acclimatisation and weather make it risky. Is the lake route open all year? Winter is hard, and snow can block the trail.
Plan it
See the itinerary, how hard it is and Gokyo Ri versus Kala Patthar.
