Gokyo Lake Trek

Detail About Gokyo Lake Trek

"Nestled among the towering peaks of the Everest region lies a hidden jewel known as Gokyo Lake. A trek to this breathtaking location is a journey through time and space, where every step takes you closer to the edge of the world. The shimmering waters of the lake reflect the glory of the surrounding mountains, while the crisp mountain air fills your lungs with a sense of adventure and wonder. So lace up your hiking boots and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime as you embark on the Gokyo Lake trek with us, Mountain Ram Adventures."

Embark on an adventure through the Gokyo Lake trek, an enticing alternative to the famous Everest Base Camp trek. This trek offers trekkers a plethora of stunning views of the mighty Everest and an opportunity to stay overnight in the iconic town of Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,290 ft), the gateway to the Khumbu Region.

The path to the Gokyo Lakes is less crowded but still presents a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the mountain people, rich flora and fauna of Sagarmatha National Park, impressive views of icy rivers, stony glacier debris, snow-capped peaks, and of course, the magnificent turquoise waters of Gokyo Lakes.

Gokyo Lakes, nestled at an altitude of 4,700 meters to 5,000 meters (15,400 ft to 16,400 ft) in the Gokyo Valley, consist of six mesmerizing lakes. This stunning water system is the world's highest freshwater lake and holds immense ecological and religious significance. Designated as a Ramsar site, Gokyo Lakes are also considered sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists.

A typical day during the Everest Gokyo Lake trek includes 5 to 6 hours of walking, with one of the highlights being a steep ascent to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m/17,575 ft) to behold the panoramic views of Mount Everest (8,849 m/29,032 ft), Cho Oyu (8,188 m/26,864 ft), Lhotse (8,516 m/27,940 ft), and Makalu (8,481 m/27,825 ft). Likewise, the Gokyo Lake trek route also offers an outstanding view of the largest glacier in Nepal, Ngozumpa, and its icy ridges.

The Gokyo Lake trekking follows remote villages, beautiful river valleys, verdant forests, and rugged mountain terrain. As you ascend higher, the views become more spectacular. The trek to Gokyo Lakes is not just about the destination- it's about the journey. The Gokyo Lake trek route takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes on the planet.

The trail is less busy than other treks in the Everest region, which means you can truly immerse yourself in the beauty of your surroundings and enjoy the tranquility of the mountains. The serene and sparkling emerald-colored lakes set amidst breathtaking mountains, glaciers, and snow-clad terrain offer an impressive view to anyone seeking natural splendor in the Gokyo Valley.

Thamserku (6,608 m/21,680 ft), Khumbila (5,761 m/18,901 ft), Chamlang (7,319 m/24,012 ft), Ama Dablam (6,812 m/22,349 ft), Island Peak (6,160 m/20,210 ft), Baruntse (7,162 m/23,497 ft), Choltase (6,440 m/21,128 ft), etc are some other mountains you can see during the Gokyo Lakes trek. The allure of the Gokyo Lake trek is undeniable and will stay with you for a lifetime.

Immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of the Everest region by extending your trek to Everest Base Camp

If you wish to spend more time in the Everest region and explore other landmarks, then you can extend the Gokyo Lake trek to the lap of the highest mountain in the world, the Everest base camp (5,364 m/17,598 ft). By doing so, you can also choose to cross the challenging Cho La pass (5,420 m/17,782 ft). For more information, you can check our Everest Cho La pass trek or talk to one of our travel consultants.

If trekking for 5-6 hours a day is not an option, consider taking a helicopter tour to witness the pristine beauty of Gokyo Lake

For those who crave adventure but prefer a less strenuous option, a helicopter tour to witness the pristine beauty of Gokyo Lake may be just the ticket. Marvel at the stunning views of the Himalayas from high above as you soar over towering peaks, glaciers, and emerald-green valleys.

You'll firsthand witness the majestic beauty of Gokyo Lake, with its crystal clear waters and breathtaking surroundings. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories of the Himalayas.

So if trekking for 5-6 hours a day is not an option, don't miss the chance to experience the incredible beauty of Gokyo Lake from above on a thrilling helicopter tour. Contact us any time to book a Gokyo Lake helicopter tour from Kathmandu. We have the best price range for helicopter tours in Nepal.

Is the Gokyo Lake trek worth doing?

Yes, the Gokyo Lake trek is definitely worth doing. It offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountains and the beautiful turquoise-blue Gokyo Lakes. The trek lets you see the unique Himalayan lifestyle and spend time with the local communities.

You will be traveling far away from the modern world while testing your boundaries and pushing your limits. Unwind and rejuvenate as the trek progresses. Whether it's about the views or challenging yourself to go out of the box, the Gokyo Lake trekking does justice to both.

Gokyo Lake location and its history

There are six stunning Gokyo Lakes situated in the Sagarmatha National Park of Nepal's Khumbu region, near the border with Tibet. The lakes are fed by the Ngozumpa Glacier, which is one of the largest glaciers in the Himalayas. The highest lake, Thonak Tsho, lies at an altitude of 4,940 meters (16,210 ft) and is also the largest of the six lakes.

The history of Gokyo Lake is intertwined with the history of the Himalayan region where it is located. The Gokyo Lakes are considered sacred by the Sherpa people and other mountain communities, who believe the lakes are the dwelling places of local deities. The Gokyo Lakes have been used for centuries by the Sherpas as a source of fresh water for drinking and irrigation.

Gokyo Lake trek distance & terrain

The Gokyo Lake trek takes you through the Sagarmatha National Park in Nepal's Khumbu region. The trek is approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) long and typically takes 12-14 days to complete, depending on your pace and itinerary.

The trek begins in the bustling town of Lukla, where you'll take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport, one of the world's most dangerous airports. From Lukla, you'll follow a winding trail through picturesque Sherpa villages, dense forests, and across fast-flowing rivers.

As you climb higher, the terrain becomes more rugged and challenging. From the dense magnolia and rhododendron forests, you will trek alongside rough hills and cross several thrilling suspension bridges. Navigate through the glacial moraine and landslide debris to reach these alpine lakes.

Gokyo Lake trek itinerary summary

Our Gokyo Lake trek itinerary includes two nights in Kathmandu before the trek begins, where you'll have the chance to explore the city's rich culture and architecture. You'll visit a historic pagoda temple, stroll through bustling markets, and witness the vibrant lifestyle of the city's residents.

On the third day, you'll take a morning flight to Lukla and begin the Gokyo Lake trek 15 days. The first few days of the Gokyo Lake trek in Nepal involve a descent to Phakding and a climb up to Namche Bazaar, passing through beautiful pine and rhododendron forests and the banks of the Dudh Koshi River.

Namche Bazaar is a bustling market town and the gateway to the Everest region. You'll spend a couple of nights in Namche, giving you time to explore the town and hike to Hotel Everest View. From Namche Bazaar, the trail continues, passing through the lovely Sherpa villages, Khumjung and Dole.

Along the way, you'll immerse yourself in the Himalayan lifestyle, interact with the local people, and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the region. As you climb higher, you'll notice a dramatic change in the landscape, with fewer trees and more rugged terrain.

The trek from Dole to Machhermo involves crossing the river and traveling steep, difficult trails. We have an acclimatization day in Machhermo village, and of course, you will hike to the very rarely visited vantage point Machhermo Ri.

Further crossing Phanga, the trek leads to an iron bridge that takes you to Longpongo Lake. From here, navigating through the Ngozumpa Glacier moraine, you will reach the beautiful Gokyo village, which is located at the shore of third Gokyo Lake, Dudh Pokhari.

Hike to Gokyo Ri and the fourth and fifth lakes during the acclimatization in the Gokyo village. After enjoying the beauty of Gokyo, the trek retraces its steps back to Namche Bazaar and Lukla, passing through the Sherpa villages of Phortse and Monjo along the way.

Gokyo Lake trek preparation

To prepare for Gokyo Lake trekking, you can do daily exercise and regular long walks with a backpack weighing 5 kg. As the trek demands 5 to 6 hours of trekking each day, you have to be fit enough to walk on rugged trails for this long. Therefore, build your strength, stamina, and endurance. You can go on day hikes if possible, or activities like swimming, cycling, and running will also help you improve your stamina and endurance.

With physical fitness, you also have to be mentally ready to embark on the Gokyo Lake trek. As it is a remote trek and follows a lesser-known trekking route in the Everest region with minimal tourist infrastructure, you have to adjust and be okay with limited facilities. From Namche Bazaar onwards, you will trek on a different route that does not have facilities like the EBC trail.

Gokyo Lake group & private trek

Join Mountain Ram Adventures for an unforgettable adventure to Gokyo Lake! We offer both group and private trek options tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

You can join one of our fixed departure groups to meet new people and make friends from around the world. Or trek privately with our expert guide and a porter to enjoy solitary time in the Himalayas. No matter which option you choose, Gokyo Lake with our team is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

We are taking bookings for Gokyo lake trek 2023/2024 departures. You can book the trek here.

Benefits of using Mountain Ram Adventures for Gokyo Lake trekking

Trekking with us gives you an expert solution to all your needs during your journey in Nepal. For more than 20 years, we have been organizing treks and tours in Nepal, which makes us one of the leading and reliable trekking companies in the country. We have the best Gokyo Lake trek package with comprehensive service at a genuine price.

Our guides are trained individuals with numerous years of experience leading groups and individual trekkers. They speak English and many other languages, which makes them very easy to trek with. Likewise, our office team ensures all the reservations and permits, so that you can have a hassle-free trek in Nepal.

Benefits with us are limitless, however below are some of the things that make Gokyo Lake trekking with us truly valuable:

1. Expert guide & friendly porters
2. Customized itineraries
3. Local knowledge
4. More than two decades of experience
5. 24/7 support
6. Full transparency in our policy and no hidden costs
7. Complimentary airport transfers (as per the itinerary)
8. Free duffel bag and down jacket to use during the trek (return at the end of the trek)

Alternative trekking packages

If you are fascinated by alpine lakes, then here are a few trekking packages that take you to beautiful high-altitude lakes in the Himalayas- Langtang Gosaikunda Lake trek, Annapurna circuit trek with Tilicho Lake, Shey-Phoksundo Lake trek, and Rara Lake trek.

Likewise, these trekking packages are perfect for first-time trekkers- Langtang Valley trek, Everest Panorama trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, Mardi Himal trek, and Annapurna Base Camp trek.

Whereas experienced trekkers can opt for the Manaslu Circuit trek, Upper Dolpo trek, Upper Mustang trek, Nar Phu Valley trek, or Kanchenjunga Circuit trek.

Let's be responsible for our waste- clean travel

We believe that every traveler has a responsibility to minimize their impact on the natural world and to leave the places they visit cleaner than they found them. As part of this commitment, we encourage all of our guests to practice "clean travel" during their Gokyo Lake trek with us.

This means being mindful of the waste you produce and taking steps to reduce it wherever possible. Here are a few ways you can help:

1. Bring a reusable water bottle
2. Say no to single-use plastics
3. Pack it in, pack it out: Whatever you bring with you on the trek, be sure to take it back out with you.
4. Use eco-friendly products
5. Support local businesses

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