Leave Gokyo at about 4:30 to 5 am with a headlamp. The trail crosses the inflow stream at the north end of Dudh Pokhari on stepping stones, then climbs steeply and steadily up the eastern face of Gokyo Ri in tight zigzags. There is no technical difficulty, but the gradient barely eases for two hours or more, and the air is thin. Most trekkers take 2 to 3 hours to reach the summit, decorated with prayer flags and a few cairns.
The view is the reward. To the north, Cho Oyu (8,188 m) rises above the head of the Ngozumpa Glacier. To the east, beyond the glacier, Everest's summit pyramid stands clear above Nuptse and Lhotse, with Makalu further right on the horizon. Cholatse, Taboche and Kangtega fill the south-east, and below you the third lake and Gokyo's lodges look tiny against the vast grey glacier. On the clearest days you see the second and fourth lakes too.
Stay 20–40 minutes and take photographs, then descend in about an hour for breakfast. It is very cold on top before the sun arrives, often −15 °C with wind, so wear your down jacket, hat and mitts. If you have time, do the climb a second morning or in the late afternoon, when the light on Everest and Cho Oyu comes from the west. With two nights in Gokyo, a cloudy first morning is not a disaster.
Good for
- Photographers
- First-timers
- Solo
- Groups
Questions travellers ask
Is Gokyo Ri better than Kala Patthar?
Many trekkers think so. Gokyo Ri shows four 8,000 m peaks, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu, plus the turquoise lakes and the Ngozumpa Glacier. Kala Patthar is closer to Everest and shows more of its face. Both are superb; the Three Passes trek includes both.
How long does it take to climb Gokyo Ri?
Most trekkers take 2–3 hours to climb about 570 m from Gokyo village to the summit at 5,357 m, and about 1 hour to descend. Fit, well-acclimatised walkers may do it in 1.5–2 hours.
Can I climb Gokyo Ri in the afternoon?
Yes. Afternoon light falls on the faces of Everest and Cho Oyu, but cloud often builds after midday in the trekking seasons. Sunrise is more reliable. With two nights in Gokyo, you can try both.
