What Gokyo Ri is
Gokyo Ri is a hill of grass, rock and prayer flags on the north side of the third Gokyo lake. It is not a mountain climb. It is a steep walk on a clear path. From the top you can see four of the world’s 8,000 m peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. Below you are the turquoise lake, the small village of Gokyo, and the grey rubble of the Ngozumpa Glacier, one of the longest glaciers in Nepal.
For many people this is the best view of Everest in the whole Khumbu. It is quieter than the view from Kala Patthar, and you see more of the mountain.
The way up
You start from Gokyo village, at about 4,790 m. Cross the stream at the end of the lake on the stepping stones, then the path climbs in zigzags straight up the hill. There is no flat part. Most people take two to three hours to the top and about an hour or a little more to come down.
Many walkers go up in the dark to see the sunrise. Others go in the afternoon, when the light on Everest is softer. Both are good. Read more about sunrise viewpoints in Nepal.
Honest notes
- The height gain is over 500 m in a short distance. Walk slowly and breathe. Going slowly is not a weakness here.
- If you have a bad headache, feel sick, or feel very tired before you start, do not go up. Rest in Gokyo, or go down to Machhermo. Learn the signs of altitude sickness before your trek.
- The top is very cold and windy before the sun reaches it. Bring a down jacket, gloves, a hat and a warm drink.
- Clouds often come up the valley before midday. A clear morning is the safest bet for the view.
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