Gokyo Lake Trek Overview
The Gokyo Lake Trek presents an alternative to the traditional Everest Base Camp route, offering trekkers stunning views of Everest and overnight stays in the iconic town of Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the Khumbu Region.
This less-traveled path to Gokyo Lakes provides a quieter but equally rewarding journey, granting trekkers a glimpse into local village life, impressive vistas of icy rivers, rocky glacier debris, snow-capped mountains, and, of course, the enchanting turquoise waters of Gokyo Lakes. Comprising six bodies of water, these lakes are situated at an altitude of 4700 to 5000m in the Gokyo Valley, falling within the Sagarmatha National Park area.
Recognized as the world’s highest freshwater lake system, the Gokyo Lakes are designated as a Ramsar site, holding international wetlands importance and carrying sacred significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. Lonely Planet emphasizes the spectacular beauty of the Gokyo Valley, dubbing it the most stunning in the Khumbu.
Extending your stay in the Gokyo Valley allows you to explore the 5th and 6th lakes in a high alpine bowl at the base of Cho Oyu, the world’s 6th highest mountain. Anticipate walking approximately 5 hours a day, including a challenging ascent to Gokyo Ri (5,357m), offering panoramic views of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu. The largest glacier in Nepal, Ngozumpa, and its ice ridges are also on display. For those who prefer a less strenuous option, consider a helicopter tour to witness the pristine beauty of Gokyo Lake.
To acclimatize before tackling Gokyo Ri and Gokyo Valley, spending time in Namche Bazaar provides the opportunity to trek to the nearby Khumjung Village, home to the school established by Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to successfully summit Mount Everest alongside Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. Over the years, Namche Bazaar has transformed into a vibrant market town, bustling with climbers and trekkers sharing tales of their adventures.
Here are some of the other popular trekking trails in the Everest region:
Everest View Trek: This trek offers stunning views of Mount Everest without having to go all the way to Base Camp.
3 High Passes Trek: This challenging trek passes through three high passes, including the Kongma La Pass, which is over 5,500 meters high.
Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake Trek: This trek combines the Everest Base Camp Trek with a visit to the beautiful Gokyo Lakes.
Tyangboche Trek: This trek takes you to the Tengboche Monastery, one of the most important monasteries in the Khumbu region.
Everest Base Camp Trek: This is the classic Everest Base Camp Trek, following the same route that has been used by trekkers for decades.
Namche Bazaar Trek: This trek takes you to the Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar, which is the gateway to the Everest region.
Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek: This trek is a longer and more challenging alternative to the standard Everest Base Camp Trek. It starts in the town of Jiri and follows a less-traveled route to Base Camp.