The beautiful Gokyo Lakes Trek is also one of the most preferred trekking destinations in Nepal. Also known as an alternative to the Everest Base Camp trek. This trek treats you with the majestic view of Mount Everest. The Gokyo Lakes, composed of six bodies of water, or lakes, is located at an altitude of 4,700 to 5,000m in the Gokyo Valley. Gokyo Valley falls within the Sagarmatha National Park area. If you love to face challenges that come with high altitudes, then Everest Gokyo lakes trek will be an ideal option for you.
Just like most of the treks in Nepal, the Everest Gokyo Lakes trek also starts from Lukla. The trekkers will need to stop at Namche Bazar for a day or two for acclimatization. From Namche Bazar, the trek will move towards Ngozumpa Glacier. Again after walking for two days, the trekkers will have to stop at the Machhermo village. Then finally, the trek will head towards the Gokyo Valley.
The route to the Gokyo Nepal Lakes is less crowded as compared to other trekking routes. Though the Gokyo Lakes trek is not so popular, it still provides the trekkers with an insight into local village life, impressive views of icy rivers and stony, glacier debris, snow-capped mountains, and of course the dazzling turquoise waters of Gokyo Lakes themselves. Also, the major attractions of the Gokyo Lakes Trek are the majestic views of the mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu. The largest glacier of Nepal, the Ngozumpa glacier, also lies in the Gokyo Lake region.
The Gokyo Valley welcomes you with beautiful cobalt blue lakes that continues for 3 hours on your hike to the Gokyo Village. The Gokyo Nepal Village sits at the foot of Gokyo Ri (18,300 ft), a huge black mound of rock and dirt. From here, you can get a 360 degree of the Himalayas. The Everest Gokyo Lakes trek also provides you an insight into the culture and lifestyle of the Sherpa people. The major inhabitants of this region who are famous for mountaineering in the world. Also, you pass through the lush forest of rhododendron and pine, Dudh Koshi valley, Sagarmatha National Park, high passes, waterfalls, beautiful Sherpa villages like Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, etc. Hiking along the trail, you also come across many the old Buddhist monasteries and museums, traditional Sherpa culture and their kind hospitality.
Everest Gokyo Lake Trek
The Everest Gokyo Lake Trek is beautiful and moderate in the high Himalayas of the Everest region. So the Everest Gokyo Lakes Trek is suitable for both experienced trekkers as well as new travelers as it is a moderate trek in terms of difficulty.
The Everest Gokyo Lake Trekking, also an alternative to the Everest Base Camp Trek, allows the trekkers to reach the Gokyo Ri summit without climbing gears and peak permits. This is why this trek is also calls as Trekking Peak. In the Gokyo region, there are a total of 19 lakes and all of them are formed with a freshwater system, collectively known as Gokyo Lakes. The trek starts from Lukla and heads towards Phagding, Namche Bazaar. Likewise, Dole, Machhermo, and Gokyo Lake, which follow naturally stone step trail the same trails as used by locals Sherpa and “Yak” caravan supply the stuff to Machhermo and Gokyo.
The Everest Gokyo lakes trek also leads through the Gokyo Lake, Gokyo Ro, and Machermo Base Camp. This trek route also provides the opportunity for memorable observation of landscapes through the Khumbu region, Gokyo valley, and Dudh Koshi River. Everest Gokyo Lake Trekking leads to the biggest glacier in the Himalayas. Where several glacial lakes formed by the melting of the glacier are found. These glaciers are filled with crystal clear water. On your trek, you can also pay a visit to Sherpa Museum where you can experience Sherpa culture and tradition.
Also, during the Everest Gokyo Lakes Trek, you get to enjoy the diversified flora and fauna along with colorful Rhododendron and Bamboo forests, amazing landscapes and warm hospitality of the local Sherpas with their culture and traditions.
You might also like to check out:
Gokyo Lake Trek Map
For Gokyo Lake Trek map on Google, please visit: Gokyo Map
6 Lakes of Gokyo
The 6 lakes of Gokyo are the world’s highest fresh water lake system. Also have been designated as a Ramsar site (wetlands of international importance). These lakes are sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. The Gokyo Lake system comprises of numerous lakes, of which, the most prominent 6 lakes of Gokyo are: Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari), Thonak Cho (the largest), Gyazumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, Ngozumpa Cho, and Longbanga Cho. The main lake of the system is Gokyo Cho, also known as the Dudh Pokhari (Milk Lake).
Gokyo Lakes Trek Difficulty
The Gokyo lakes Trek is considered to be moderately difficult. As most of the trek itineraries include 5 to 6 hours of a daily walk, one needs to be in good shape and stamina for this trek. The rugged trails, steep terrains, and high passes make this trek more challenging.
Also, since this is a high altitude trek, you’ll be trekking to a height of around 5000m and more during the trek. Since the air is quite thin at these altitudes, altitude sickness affects many individuals.
The weather and temperature also determine the Gokyo Lake Trek difficulty. The weather in the mountainous regions changes frequently without any warning. Thus, frequent change in the climatic condition can make your trek more difficult.
Similarly, rain and snowfall can also add to your Gokyo Lake Trek difficulty. Sometimes the snow-covered trails can cause navigating issues, especially if you are traveling without a guide. Also, temperatures tend to fall rapidly in high elevated areas, and if you happen to travel, especially in winter, the weather becomes freezing.
The best season for Everest Gokyo Lakes trek is considers to be during autumn and spring. June, July and August are also recommending for a visit to this region but the trail remains slippery and muddy due to the monsoon. When you get in the region very fresh Enviroment, green valley and less tourist and quite.
Everest High Pass Trek
This Everest side trek is named as the Everest High Pass Trek as the trek will take you across three high altitude passes i.e. Renjo La Pass (5,465m), Cho La Pass (5,420m) and Khongma La Pass (5,535m). The Everest Three High Pass trek also covers well-known trails that include EBC, the towering Kalapathar and the tranquil Gokyo valley with its emerald lakes. Just like many other treks, the Everest Three High Pass Trek also starts from Namche Bazar. The trail to the Everest High Pass Trek will also allow you to witness the world’s eighth highest peaks- Makalu (8,463m), Lhotse (8,516) Cho Oyu (8,201m), and Everest (8,848m) and many other mountains.
The Renjo-La Pass Trekking takes you to the remote but naturally rich areas of the Khumbu region. The region also provides an amazing view of the mountains and the highest freshwater lake system called Gokyo Lakes. Renjo-La Pass Trek also includes a hike up the highest-altitude hotel in Nepal i.e. Hotel Everest View. Renjo-La Pass Trek starts from Lukla featuring the mighty Himalayas. The trek leads you through rocky trails along with lush Himalayan forests of juniper, rhododendron, fir, and pine. Renjo-La Pass Trek highlights the Sherpa villages of Namche, Thame, and Gokyo as it reaches the high pass of Renjo-La. Which hosts an amazing view of the mountains, and the highest freshwater lake system called Gokyo Lakes.
Likewise, the trekkers will get to relish the alluring panorama of Everest (8848m), Cho Oyu (8201m), Lhotse (8516m), Ama Dablam, Makalu (8481m). And many other snow-capped mountains of Khumbu region throughout the trek. Renjo-La Pass Trek also includes a hike up to the hotel operating at the highest altitude, Hotel Everest View. The trekkers will also get to learn about the Buddhist traditions from the Sherpa villages en route. The trek route comparatively has fewer crowds. Hence, it is the perfect trek for travelers who love to spend their time in solitary places.
Autumn and spring are considered to be the best seasons for trekking in the Everest 3 high passes region. June, July, and August are not recommendable as the trail remains slippery and muddy due to the monsoon.
The Cho La Pass trek is an ideal option for trekkers looking out for challenging trek. The most challenging part of the trek is to cross the Cho La Pass border itself at (5,420m). This 18 to 21 days trip goes through both the Gokyo Lake area and the Everest Base Camp. The Chola Pass trekking has some brief and interesting “climbs” of Gokyo Ri, Chukkung Ri and Kalapathar.
During the trek, you pass through several villages & tranquil monasteries along with stunning waterfalls and lovely landscapes with the view of mountains that thrill your emotions. Hiking by the delightful Dudh Koshi River, into the capital of the Khumbu – Namche Bazzar. On our way up to Gokyo valley, viewing the grand Ngozumpa glacier- the biggest glacier in Nepal. As we make a beeline for Cho La pass and the majestic scenery from Gokyo Ri and Kalapathar, makes our journey a blockbuster of an outing to remember for years.
Generally, the autumn and spring are the perfect and high trekking season for the Cho La Pass Trek. June, July and August are the low months to visit the Everest region as the trail remains slippery and muddy due to the monsoon. Also due to the flights, it is hard to reach. But once you get in valley it’s Amaging with beautiful flowers and splendid views of the mountains
Similarly, the Kongma La Pass Trekking is yet another offbeat and challenging trekking trail in the Everest region. This is why trekking in this region requires previous experience of trekking or crossing high pass. When you will cross above 3500m high there will little bit risk of high altitude sickness. This pass is situated just above the Dingboche and southwest of Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world. Kongma La pass trek offers a fantastic view of the Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and many more.
The journey to Kongma La pass begins with the scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Kongma La pass trekking trail is an adventurous trail that requires previous experience of trekking or crossing high pass. Among the three high passes of the Everest region, Kongma LA pass is one of the most picturesque spectacular areas. From Lukla, you follow the classic Everest trekking trail crossing famous places Namche bazaar-the the gateway of Everest region, Tengboche, Dingboche to Kongma La pass.
These are some of the details regarding the Gokyo Lakes Trek. You won’t be disappointed with the trekking experience no matter how difficult the trek proves to be. But, keep in mind that, you need to be physically fit and prepare yourself for this trek in advance. For example, you can start jogging or walking a month before starting your trek. Also, to make your trek easier, make you have all the trekking equipment/gears, etc., in your Gokyo Lakes Trek packing list.
If you are interested in the Gokyo Nepal Lakes Trek, please free to contact the Himalayan Trails Trekking. Himalayan Trails Trekking is a travel and trekking agency in Kathmandu, Nepal. Which you plan, design and enjoys the travel experience you have been dreaming of. Whether you are into high adventure and physical challenges or prefer to take your time to explore subtle elements of landscape and culture, this region is a treasure trove! We can take you trekking, mountain biking, on a cycle tour, touring on a classic motorbike, paragliding, rafting, canoeing. Similarly, on a wildlife safari and bird watching, learning about art, religion, food, and culture. Whatever your style and preferred pace, it’s all here to design your combination of experiences!
We have a team of experienced and professional travel junkies. We love to travel and this is our favorite part of the planet! As travelers ourselves we understand how important it is to have a professional and experienced operator who delivers the travel experience you want. We have designed and operated tours here for many years already. And continue to do so because we find it tremendously rewarding to share our passion for the Himalayas!
