Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri Trek

The creation and magic of nature are really something. Among many, the beauty of  Gokyo Lake, located high in the Himalayas, is something one should experience. Surrounded by the rings of snow-capped mountains and shimmering like jewels, it can be one of the popular wedding destinations in the world. The Gokyo Valley trek map to reach there, situated still in one of the remote corners of Nepal’s Everest region, gives travelers the best thrilling adventure.

At an altitude of 4,700m/15,400ft of Gokyo Lakes are known for being one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. Its distinct turquoise waters coming from those centuries-old glaciers of the Himalayas are jaw-dropping. These lakes’ beauty is otherworldly beauty. Untouched by the pollution and urbanity, Gokyo is a paradise that shows you the grandeur of nature in its purest form. Passing through alpine meadows, rolling hills, rocky mountains, and Tibetan villages,  the expedition takes you to this heavenly place.

The adventure to Gokyo Lake is famous among trekkers and nature lovers. The shifting scenery is the best part of this expedition. The Gokyo trail takes the traveller through the rhododendron forests, which will be in full bloom in the spring, making the path bright and colourful. Passing those remote Sherpa villages and the route decorated with Buddhists prayer flags fluttering in the wind gives a sense of peace and freedom.

The adventure to Gokyo Lake takes you to cross the high suspension bridges hanging over the Dudh Koshi river. Climbing the steep rocky ridges and terrain, trekkers will arrive at Gokyo village, situated at the edge of the largest lake in the system. From this beautiful Sherpa village, you will be offered a stunning close-up view of Cho Oyu (8,188m/26,864 ft), the sixth highest mountain in the world.

The main highlight of this trek is the 360-degree panoramic view of lakes and mountains from the top of Gokyo Ri (5,357m/17,575 ft). As the dawn comes, the sky changes into the shade of pink and gold. Below, you will see the lakes shimmering in the morning light, adding to the beauty. The view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu all standing together is a treat for the eyes.

Most of all, Gokyo Lakes are considered sacred among the Hindus and Buddhists followers. The adventure of Gokyo is a trip full of nature, culture, and the Himalayas. If you are planning for this peaceful adventure, then this blog is the perfect introduction.

Gokyo Lake Trek Overview:

If you want an adventure that includes nature, peace, and culture, the Gokyo Lakes Trek is highly recommended. This trip takes you to one of the beautiful places in Nepal’s Everest region. The Gokyo Lakes and the summit to Gokyo Ri are the major attractions. If you want to trek a little bit differently than the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek but with some touch of it, the Gokyo Lake Trek is a good alternative.

The trek to Gokyo starts with the thrilling flight to Lukla (2,860m). From this small village, the trail leads you through suspension bridges and beautiful landscapes as you walk along the Dudh Koshi River. It takes you to Phakding (2,610m) and finally Namche Bazaar (3,440m). It’s a popular Sherpa town where most of the trekkers stop for acclimatization. The rest stop is crucial when you are trekking in an altitude region.

Moving forward, the trek leads you to Dole (4,200m). From here on, the surrounding landscapes change gradually from green forests to rocky landscapes. As the journey continues, you will reach Machhermo (4,470m). It is a small settlement where you will stay for the night. The distant towering ginats now get real closer and offers a breathtaking views of the mountains.

Now, trekkers will finally reach Gokyo (4,750m), a remote village beside the largest of the six Gokyo Lakes. Surrounded by the glaciers and mountains, the tourquise coloured glacial lakes are the main highlight of this trek. Wait! There is more to come as this trek takes you to the morning hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for jaw-dropping sunrise views. From the summit, trekkers will be rewarded with panoramic views of Mount Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,481m), and Cho Oyu (8,188m).

However, if the adventure and thrill are not enough, you have the option to extend the trek. From here, you can continue the adventure by crossing the famous high pass, Cho La Pass (5,420m), leading to the Everest Base Camp (5,364m) route. The Gokyo trek brings you closest to nature and is the best adventure to go on to break your monotonous urban life.

Where is Gokyo Lake Located?

Gokyo Lake is located in the Solukhumbu district of Nepal. It is conserved by the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And for the question: What is the elevation of Gokyo Lakes, Nepal? It lies at an altitude of 4,700 to 5,000 meters (15,400 to 16,400 feet).

Gokyo Lake is part of the Solukhumbu district of northeastern Nepal and is one of the major tourist attractions. These six lakes are inside the Gokyo Valley, which is at the west of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal.  

The Gokyo Lakes are a freshwater system of six glacial lakes. Among them, Dudh Pokhari (Gokyo Cho) is the most popular and largest. It is also known for being holy among Hindu and Buddhist followers. The best part of visiting this place is the mountain views from there. The traveler can get a close-up view of some of the top 5 highest peaks in the world: Mount Everest (8,848m), Cho Oyu (8,188m), Lhotse (8,516m), and Makalu (8,481m).

Trekkers heading for Everest Base Camp, Gokyo village, is one of the key stops for acclimatization. Being the highest settlement in the region besides Gorakshep, the village is every penny of yours. This place brings you closest to nature, people, and culture. Being able to learn about the rural life of Himalayas people, it’s worth visiting. 

Religious Importance of Gokyo Lakes:

Nepal is a place where religion, culture, nature, and Himalayas shine as the armour. The people here belives and are garetful to the nature. They worship every piece of nature according to their religion and traditions. Among many natural wonders, the Gokyo Lakes trek is a must-see destination not only for trekkers and nature lovers but also for Hindu and Buddhist followers.

All the Gokyo Lakes are considered holy and sacred. Each of the lakes has its own religious importance and significance. The followers of Hinduism and Buddhism go to pay respects and perform rituals.

It is believed that the Gokyo Lakes is the home to “Nag Devta” (Snake God). Similarly, at the eastern side of the lake, there is the temple of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The devotees mostly visit here at the time of Janai Purnima festival. During that festival, pilgrims from all over Nepal visit, perform the ritual, and take a holy bath on those lakes.

Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes:

Do you love challenges and adventurous trekking but at a moderate level? If yes, then the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo lakes trek is the perfect option. It is one of the most challenging but rewarding trekking routes in the Everest Region. The Everest Gokyo Lake trek route takes you through most of the major landmarks of the Khumbu region.

The Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes takes you through the Cho La Pass (5,420m), one of the major high passes of the region. Along with the grandeur of nature, this trek offers a quiet and peaceful experience. Passing those majestic tourqoise Gokyo Lakes and thrilling Cho La Pass, the trek is one of a kind.

The major highlights of this trek are walking through the Sagarmatha National Park, beautiful Sherpa villages like Namche, Gokyo Valley, and the monasteries. Wait! How can we forget the companions throughout the trek: towering mountains. Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuotse, Pumori, and Ama Dablam will walk along with you.

The Access Nepal’s Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes is an 18-day adventure. It is an all-inclusive package that takes you on this beautiful expedition. It starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860 m). From Lukla, the adventure starts as you head toward Phakding (2,610 m), a small Sherpa village. Here, you will stay for the night.

The next trip takes you to another major destination, Namche Bazaar. This town is the major tourism hub and a key stop among the trekkers before climbing to a high altitude. You will stay for another night as a part of an acclimatization process to adopt your body to the high altitude and prevent altitude sickness.

Passing the villages like Phortse (3,800m) and Machhermo (4,470), you will finally reach one of our major destinations: Gokyo Valley. You will stay for two nights, exploring the lakes. You will go for a hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357). FYI: Can you see Everest from Gokyo Lakes? Yes, you can see Mount Everest from Gokyo Lakes.

From the summit, as the sun rises behind those Himalayas giants, golden rays showing all over it truly jaw dropping. The sight of the 360-degree panoramic view from above and below the Gokyo lakes shimmering can become one of the best-ever experiences of your life.

Leaving behind these majestic places, the journey will take you to the Cho La Pass and then to the Everest Base Camp. One of the best parts of the Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes is crossing this thrilling glacier. Passing the villages like Dragnag (4,750m), Lobuche (4,910m), and Gorakshep (5,140m), you will finally reach Everest Base Camp (5,365m).

Enjoying the moments at the Base Camp of the highest peak in the world, the trek will move forward to the iconic landmark of the Everest region, Kalapatthar (5,644m). This place offers the best close-up view of Everest, even challenging the view from the Everest Base Camp. From here, the fretracing journey starts marking the end of the trek.

How Difficult is the Gokyo Lakes Trek?

The difficulty level of the Gokyo Lakes Trek is challenging. However, this trek is suitable for beginners or everyone. This adventure doesn’t demand technical climbing skills, and you don’t have to be experienced trekkers. That doesn’t mean it will be easy, like walking into the park. The various factors make the journey difficult. Therefore, it is highly recommended to prepare yourself before the trek.

The highest point of the Gokyo Lake trek is Gokyo Ri at 5,357m. The steep climbing and altitude make the walking difficult. But the well-established trails make the journey walkable and don’t bring risk. Anybody can trek to Gokyo, you don’t have to be an expert or mountaineer to book this trip. The only thing you need is a little bit of preparation and basic fitness. After polishing the preparation with your burning passion,  you are good to go.

The Gokyo Valley Trek takes 15 days to complete. Another factor that makes this trek strainous is that you have to walk 5 to 7 hours daily. Walking on steep cliffs, rocky terrain, and lots of ascent and descent will require lots of energy. But you should not worry; they are not dangerous or technical.

The greatest obstacle is the high altitude. Trekking at high elevation causes altitude sickness. You can defeat this hurdle with proper acclimatization and walking at pace. In the end, the only thing you need to know is you can go to Gokyo Lakes trek. No special skills or equipment are needed, just prepare your body 1 or 2 months prior. You can do some exercise like cardio, hiking, swimming, cycling, or leg workouts.

How to Prepare for the Gokyo Lake Trek?

If you are going for a trek at high elevation places like Gokyo valley, Gokyo Lakes, and Gokyo Ri, it is very important to prepare yourself accordingly. Though the Gokyo Lake trek might not be dangerous, you must know that prevention is better than cure. Therefore, there are several things you should do as a part of preparation.

The two key parts you should enhance as a part of preparation for the Gokyo Lake trek are physical fitness and mental preparation.

• Physical Fitness: Before the departure date of the Gokyo Lakes trek, start doing high-intensity exercises 1 or 2 months ahead. You can do exercises like cardio, cycling, hiking, swimming, running, etc. Make your body physically fit and healthy. Eating proper, nutritious food is also recommended. Most of all, if you have any health issues, consult with your doctor before reserving your seat. If you have issues related to lungs and heart, this trek is not recommended.
• Mental Preparation: The trek requires lots of strength, climbing on difficult trails, and continuous walking for several hours. You have to be mentally prepared for this type of challenge. It’s important to stay motivated. You can do yoga or meditation for well mindness.

Best Time to Visit Gokyo Lakes

The best time to visit Gokyo Lakes is spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). The summer and Autumn seasons are the peak trekking seasons in Nepal. Trekking during this time of the year is highly recommended because of clear views and stable weather conditions.

Spring (March to May):

Starting from March to May, trekking to Gokyo Valley and Gokyo Lakes is a very popular time. The weather will be at its best, and the temperatures will be mild and pleasant. At lower altitudes during the day, the temperature will range between 10°C and to 15°C. Similarly, at high altitudes (mostly near the Gokyo), it will get around -5°C to 5°C. Since it will be the spring season, the trails will be filled with colourful rhododendrons and wildflower blooms. The best part is that it offers great visibility. Surrounded by the rings of jaw-dropping mountains like Everest, Lobuche, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and other peaks, it will be the best experience.

Autumn (September to November):

The peak season for trekking to Gokyo Lakes is in Autumn. Nothing can rival the mountain views and the mesmerizing crystal clear skies during this time. The walking will also be so much fun and relaxing as the monsoon rain washes away the dust and pollution. Each breath of fresh and crisp mountain air relaxes the body and mind. Furthermore, the temperatures will also be warm and comfortable, perfect for trekking. Most of all, it is also around the time of major Nepali festivals, Dashain and Tihar.

The villages and hills will be dotted with pretty marigolds and globe amaranth flowers. The festive atmosphere makes it a great chance to learn about Nepalese culture. However, prepare for the crowd since it’s a peak season for trekking.

Summer (June to August):

Trekking in the summer season is also possible but not recommended. In Nepal, summer brings rainfall, affecting visibility and causing cloudy weather. In Nepal, the monsoon coincides with summer, resulting in rainfall. If you trek during this time of season, you might encounter leeches and muddy and slippery trails. It will also cause the delay of Lukla flights due to the stable weather. Instead of Gokyo Lakes, you can trek to Manang and Mustang because it won’t have rainfall. But the trails, valleys, and meadows will be thriving with greens. It also invites less crowd prefct for those who are looking for a solitude.

Winter (December to February):

Winter changes the high-altitude place into a snow wonderland. The snow-covered landscapes might be good for sight, but the cold weather and snowfall make the trek difficult. At Gokyo, temperatures will drop to -15°C or lower. During the wintertime, most of the teahouse will also be closed. However, if you are an experienced trekker, handle cold, and come from colder places, you can go trekking in winter too.

Packing List for Gokyo Lakes Trek:

After booking the Gokyo Lakes trek, one of the most essential parts trekkers should consider is packing lists and equipment. Many people overstress themselves when it comes to packing for the trek or just a simple trip.

You should repeat this mantra: Pack smart, not heavy. Pack lightly and only important things because you going for a trek to the Himalayas, not on a winter vacation. You will be walking for several hours continuously. So trust us, as you climb those cliffs and hills, or at the end of the trek, you will be thanking us.

Bring only the basic essentials for comfort and convenience with a touch of style (but don’t bring your entire closet). The most essential packing lists and equipment you will need are:

Head Gear

• Woolen or Fleece Beanie Cap
• Neck Gaiter or Scarf
• Wide-Brimmed Sun Hat
• UV-Protective Sunglasses

Upper Body:

• Thermal or Fleece Base Layer
• Long Sleeve Shirt/T-shirt
• Short-sleeved shirt/T-shirt
• Fleece or Soft Shell Jacket
• Down Jacket
• Waterproof and Windproof Outer Jacket
• Quick-Dry Gloves
• Insulated Gloves

Lower Body:

• Thermal or Fleece Base Layer
• Trekking Pants
• Waterproof Pants
• Leg Gaiters
• Casual Trousers

Footwear:

• High-Quality Trekking Boots
• Training Shoes or Sandals
• Wool and Liner Socks
• Crampons or Micro-Spikes
• Water Bottle or Hydration Bag (1.5 to 2ltr)

Equipment/Gear:

• Rucksack
• Duffel Bag
• Sleeping Bag

Note: Access Nepal Tours and Trekking provides a duffel bag free of charge. A Down Jacket and Sleeping Bag are available upon request without extra cost.

How Many Days Does it Take to Trek to Gokyo Lake?

To complete the Gokyo Lake trek it takes 15 days to complete. The typical itinerary starts from Kathmandu and ends in Kathmandu. The reach Gokyo Lake there are various route like Everest Base Camp to Gokyo Lake via Cho La Pass and Gokyo Valley Trek.

When it comes to the total time needed to complete the Gokyo Lakes trek, it depends on the itinerary, travel agency, package, walking pace, acclimatization days, and fitness level. The standard adventure of Gokyo Lakes is typically around 12 to 14 days.

If you are interested in knowing more about the Gokyo Valley trek, you can find all the details here. All the packages of Access Nepal Tours and Trekking are designed by the expert with great care to give you the safety and epic adventure. We offer an all-inclusive package so you can enjoy the adventure hassle-free. We will take care of everything: guides, porters, accommodation, transportation, meals, permits, and all government charges. You can just relax and simply focus on those breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the region. If you want an unforgettable trek to Gokyo Lakes without compromising on safety and comfort, Access Nepal is the way to go!