Gokyo Lakes Trek

Gokyo Lakes trek or Gokyo Ri hiking is a relatively new trekking route that was opened as an alternative to the classical Everest region treks. This trek is for those who like to walk to Everest without the physical exertion of reaching all the way to the base camp or crossing any high passes.

Gokyo Lakes

The Gokyo valley is made up of six fresh bodies of water, located at an altitude of more than 4,700m to 5,000m. The pristine turquoise water of Gokyo lakes are the highest freshwater lake systems in the world and one of Nepal’s most memorable sights. The lakes are sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists alike, and also have been designated as wetlands of international importance.

Gokyo Ri (5357m)

Gokyo Peak, or known locally as Gokyo Ri is a 5,357 m (17,575 ft)-high peak in the Khumbu region located on the west side of the Ngozumpa glacier.

Embarking on this trekking offers you an exceptional chance to witness gigantic Himalayam ranges like Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, among others. And other remarkable views of Ama Dablam (6,856m) and Thamserku (6,608m) will have you spellbound.

Namche Bazaar – Gateway to Mount Everest

The first part of the trek, i.e to Namche Bazaar, follows the same path of the Everest Base Camp expedition. Namche Bazaar is a vibrant market that is the biggest Sherpa settlement in Nepal.

Here, you will be able to experience the heart of the trekking culture in Nepal. It is from Namche Bazaar that you branch off the main trail and make way to the quaint village of Phortse Tenga, Machhermo and Dole.

Machhermo

The Machhermo village is located at an altitude of 4,465m/ 14,645ft and is lies at the southside base of a steep hillside. This hillside shelters the village from harsh winds blowing from the north that this region is prone to. On the west side of Machhermo, you can witness a grand rocky amphitheater.

Gokyo Ri and Lakes

The route to the Gokyo lakes is a relatively less frequented route and so offers the travellers an unadulterated insight into the local village life.

On the eastern side of Gokyo Ri is Ngozumpa glacier that is probably the most noteworthy marks of the trek. This gigantic glacier is the longest icy glacier in Nepal. From Here, you get spectacular views of icy rivers, icy glacier debris, mountain peaks and the dazzling turquoise waters of the Gokyo Lakes.

On the southern tip of the Ngozumpa Glacier is an alternative trekking route that will lead you over Cho La pass where it meets with the main Everest Base Camp trail. Spending an extra day at Gokyo Ri gives you the time to pay a visit to the 5th and 6th lake is located in a high alpine bowl at the foot of Cho Oyu mountain.

Spending an extra day at Gokyo Ri gives you the time to pay a visit to the 5th and 6th lake is located in a high alpine bowl at the foot of Cho Oyu mountain.

The route itself ends at Gokyo Ri and travellers usually retrace their steps back to Namche Bazaar where travel stories are swapped over a hot cup of steaming Everest coffee. Each stop in this unspoiled Gokyo Lakes Trekking has its own charm and offers a unique experience to travellers that no other trekking offers.