Mesmerizing Gokyo lakes trekking

• Sushant Lama

Gokyo lake trekking is another exciting trekking experience in Nepal. About 19 lakes around Gokyo valley situated at an altitude of 4,700-5,000m are collectively called Gokyo lakes and fall under the world’s highest freshwater lake system.

It offers a spectacular chance to witness the sparkling blue and green water of Gokyo lakes. One can enjoy awe-inspiring views of gigantic Himalayas over 8,000m like Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, Mt. Everest while trekking and the remarkable sights of Khumbu mountains like Ama Dablam and Thamserku will certainly capture you in its beauty.  Trekkers can also walk on the risky moraines of the Ngozumpa Glacier-the largest glacier in Nepal.

Gokyo lakes trekking is perfect for people who want more variety of views while trekking in the Everest region. Beautiful views of a series of Gokyo lakes, stoned house, and meadows of Gokyo village set by the third lake offers immense pleasure to the trekkers.

Not only filled with natural beauties, but Gokyo lakes trekking is also rich in cultural beauties too. You can take a closer look at a various Buddhist monastery, know about Sherpa Buddhism, and get information about lifestyles of local Sherpas. Due to its location in Sagarmatha National park, trekkers can view various protected floras and faunas too.

Religious importance

The Gokyo Lakes are sacred for both Hindus and Buddhists. On the auspicious occasion of Janai Purnima festival, lots of Hindu devotees from all over the country come here to take a holy bath. It is also worshipped as the residing place of Snake God (Nag Devata) and a temple of the Hindu deities Lords Shiva and Vishnu are located at the western corner of the lake.

Best Season for trekking

The best time to trek Gokyo Lakes is in spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) as during this time weather is clear and days are comparatively warmer.

Food and Stay

There are lots of well-developed and comfortable Teahouses on the Gokyo Lakes trek. Foods are generally rice and curry, Tibetan-style bread, noodles, soup, etc which are of good quality.

How to get there?

Taking Kathmandu to Lukla flight and trekking via Namche, Dole, Machhermo to Gokyo Lakes.

Cost

Gokyo Lake trek costs around US 1200$.

Itinerary

Day

1: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and  Trek to Phakding

2: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar

3: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole

4: Trek from Dole to Machhermo

5: Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo

6: Acclimatization in Gokyo

7: Gokyo village hike

8: Trek from Gokyo to Phanga

9: Trek to Khumjung

10: Trek from Khumjung to Namche Bazaar

11: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Phakding

12: Trek from Phakding to Lukla

13: Fly back to Kathmandu