Gokyo Ri is a steep climb of two to three hours to 5,357 m for a wide view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. The Fifth Lake walk is a longer, flatter day up the valley beside the Ngozumpa Glacier, to about 5,000 m, with a closer view of Everest and Cho Oyu. With two nights in Gokyo you can do both.
Gokyo Ri and Gokyo Fifth Lake at a glance
- Time. Gokyo Ri: 3 to 5 hours return. Gokyo Fifth Lake: 6 to 8 hours return.
- Height. Gokyo Ri: 5,357 m. Gokyo Fifth Lake: about 5,000 m.
- Effort. Gokyo Ri: short and steep. Gokyo Fifth Lake: long and gradual.
- Best light. Gokyo Ri: sunrise or late afternoon. Gokyo Fifth Lake: morning, before cloud builds.
- Main view. Gokyo Ri: four 8,000 m peaks and the lakes. Gokyo Fifth Lake: Everest's north side, Cho Oyu and the glacier.
- People. Gokyo Ri: most trekkers go. Gokyo Fifth Lake: few go beyond the fourth lake.
Gokyo Ri
The hill rises directly behind Gokyo village. The path zigzags up 550 m without a break, and at this altitude it is slow work. The reward is one of the great viewpoints of Nepal: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu, the whole Ngozumpa Glacier and the third lake far below. Most people go for sunrise, leaving in the dark. Late afternoon gives warmer light on Everest and fewer people, if the sky stays clear. See Gokyo Ri at sunrise or sunset.
The Fifth Lake
The valley walk continues north from Gokyo past the fourth lake, Thonak Tsho, to the fifth, Ngozumpa Tsho. The trail follows the moraine edge with the glacier on one side and brown hills on the other. A short climb above the fifth lake, to a spot often called Scoundrel's Viewpoint, gives a view of Everest that is closer than from Gokyo Ri, with Cho Oyu filling the head of the valley. There are no lodges and no water you can rely on, so carry food and drink.
How to decide
If you have only one day in Gokyo, climb Gokyo Ri. It is shorter and it is the classic. If you have two, climb Gokyo Ri in the afternoon you arrive or the next sunrise and walk to the Fifth Lake on the full day. The valley walk is also the better choice for anyone who finds steep climbs hard at altitude, since the gradient is gentle. See the Fifth Lake and Ngozumpa day walks.
Weather, timing and safety
Mornings are usually clear and cloud often rolls up the valley by early afternoon, so start both walks early. On Gokyo Ri the wind at the top can be bitter: take a down jacket, gloves and a hat even if the village is calm. On the Fifth Lake walk tell your lodge where you are going, stay on the trail along the moraine and turn round by midday. Neither route crosses the glacier itself.
The lakes themselves
The Gokyo lakes are a chain of glacial lakes held sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists, and a festival is held here at the August full moon. The first three lie beside the trail on the way up to Gokyo. The fourth and fifth are larger and wilder. From October the water is a deep turquoise; by mid-winter the lakes are frozen and white.
How fit do you need to be?
By the time you reach Gokyo you have already walked five or six days and gained more than 1,900 m from Lukla, so either outing is within reach if you feel well. Gokyo Ri is the harder on the lungs: expect to stop every few minutes. The Fifth Lake walk is the harder on the legs, simply because it is long. Anyone with a persistent headache, nausea or unusual tiredness should rest in the village instead.
Choose Gokyo Ri if
- You have one day.
- You want the famous panorama and the lakes from above.
- You are happy with a short, hard climb.
- You want to be back for a late breakfast.
Choose Gokyo Fifth Lake if
- You have a second day in Gokyo.
- You prefer a long, gentle walk to a steep one.
- You want solitude.
- You want the closest view of Everest on the Gokyo side.
Can you do both?
Yes, with two nights in Gokyo, and a third night makes it relaxed. An extra day here also helps acclimatisation before the Cho La or the Renjo La.
Plan it
See the Gokyo Ri trek guides and the Gokyo Lakes guides, or ask us for an itinerary with two nights in Gokyo.
Common questions
How long does it take to climb Gokyo Ri?
Two to three hours up and about an hour down for most trekkers.
How far is the Fifth Lake from Gokyo?
About 6 to 7 km each way, a return day of six to eight hours.
Which has the better view of Everest?
The Fifth Lake viewpoint is closer to Everest. Gokyo Ri shows more peaks at once.
Is there a sixth lake?
Yes, further up near the Cho Oyu base camp area. It makes a very long day and few people go.
Heights, days, fees and rules are approximate and can change, so confirm the current details with us before you book.
