Gokyo Lakes Trek Nepal offers is so sturdy that it attracts travellers around the world like a flower entices a bee.
A picturesque Gokyo village to the north bank of Gokyo Lake, the unspoiled Sherpa lifestyle, and inspiring cultures make the 12 days Gokyo Lakes trek a wholesome trip.
The most crowded, visually appealing, thrilling, and adventurous Everest Base Camp trek is everyone's dream. There's no denying that this trek is the best on the earth. But, there's another gem hidden in Khumbu that separates its way from Sansa en route to Tengboche. Yes, the left trail from Sansa takes you to Gem of Khumbu, Gokyo Valley.
Trekkers may argue that the Everest trek and Gokyo Lakes trek Nepal give similar experience. But, for genuine high-altitude trekkers, the serenity and peaceful trek to Gokyo and the wholesome Everest experience it injects is a top. Let's explore some points that contribute to making Gokyo Lakes trek the best alternative to classic Everest Base Camp Trekking.
Gokyo Lakes Trek Nepal - A trip to heaven of world’s highest freshwater system
At 4,700 to 5,000 metres in Sagarmatha National Park, there lies 19 freshwater lakes, a family of Gokyo Lakes. The name of Gokyo Valley and Gokyo Lakes were an homage to Gokyo Ri, a prominent viewpoint at 5,484 metres. Hence, making these lakes the highest freshwater lake system in the world.
Thonak Lake, over 160 acres of area, is the largest lake in the Gokyo Lakes system. But, what trekkers usually call Gokyo Lake on the Gokyo lakes trek Nepal is Dudh Pokhari, also called Gokyo Cho. It's the second-largest member lake in the system, with an area of 106 acres. The largest and longest glacier, Ngozumpa Glacier, stretching to a mighty 32 km, is the prominent water feeder for these lakes. The stream of melted snow from Ngozumpa from the east and one from Renjo La pass, from the northwest, reaches Gokyo.
The melting of glaciers due to global warming possesses a vital threat to the existence of Gokyo lakes. However, nothing will occur rapidly. The serene Gokyo Lakes awaits you.
Unmatched Sightseeing from Gokyo Ri
The staggering 7,000 trekkers opt for Gokyo Trek every year. If you take this number and the elegance of Gokyo, this number is nowhere near as it should be. But, there's a positive side to this. Genuine trekkers who love peaceful trekking in the world's mountain heaven find Gokyo Valley Trek best.
Let's talk about mountains first. From Gokyo Ri, a viewpoint in Gokyo offers the complete glimpses of all four 8,000 metres peaks of the Everest region. Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Ama Dablam are all visible from Gokyo Ri. Further, Gokyo Ri offers unobstructed glimpses of countless trekkers' mountains, glaciers, and glacial lakes.
Second, the Everest Three High Passes. Most trekkers to Gokyo Lake trek often find a thrill in crossing Cho La pass. But, many trekkers climb Renjo La, Cho La, stay at Gokyo valley, hike to Kongma La and descend to Namche. Even Everest Circuit Trekkers prefer staying at Gokyo Valley, hiking to Gokyo Ri, and cherishing the heavenly glimpses of the landscape.
Gokyo Lakes Trek in Nepal- A religious escapade
Yearly, more than 500 pilgrims set out for the Gokyo Lakes trek in Nepal to revere freshwater and snake deities Shiva and Vishnu. Gokyo being in Khumbu, where everyone practices Buddhism, is a holy shrine for Buddhists. Also, for Hindu pilgrims, Gokyo lake has significant religious beliefs. Supposed to be the home for Snake God,
Naga, the 19 different freshwater lakes in Gokyo valley are the home of Shiva and Vishnu. Lord Shiva and his conspicuous figure of Naga rolled on his neck, and Vishnu, the God of Water, is worshipped at Gokyo. The western shore of Gokyo Lakes is where the stone monuments of these gods reside.
Since Buddhism preaches Cause No Harm to Anyone, it has been a boon for flora and fauna. This pious mantra prohibits people from causing any harm to wild animals, flowers, and any monuments.
Nepal Gokyo Lakes trek difficulty
There are three routes for the Nepal Gokyo Lakes trek. Two of them combine Renjo La pass and Cho La pass crossings, and these two itineraries are challenging. The third one does not combine any pass and is considered moderate. Our 12 days Gokyo Lakes trekking is moderate and can be done by beginner trekkers if they are fit.
There are no technical sections on the Nepal Gokyo Lakes trek, however the terrain is comparatively more rocky and steeper than the main EBC trail. Once you trek beyond Namche Bazaar, you will follow a less crowded, rugged route to Gokyo Valley. On the way, trek via landslide/avalanche debris and glacier moraines.
You will trek around 75 kilometers on the Gokyo Lakes trek 12 days. Every day involves 9 to 11 kilometers of walking. So, participants must be able to walk 5 to 6 hours a day at least. The long hours of walking put a lot of mental pressure on you, especially if you do not have a habit. Make sure you are physically and mentally ready for the trek before joining it.
Overall, the Gokyo Lakes trek difficulty is considered moderate/tough. The route's steep segments and high altitude demand more physical exertion, but it's not extremely challenging. All ages of trekkers can do the Gokyo Lakes trekking if they are well prepared and supported.
What is the best time to do the Gokyo Lakes trek in Nepal?
For the best trekking experience in the Himalayan range, the weather has to be stable and climate moderate. Out of all the seasons, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) have the most favorable weather conditions for trekking. So, these months are peak time for trekking in Gokyo Nepal.
You may still come across unfavorable or unpredictable changes in weather in spring and autumn, but it will not affect your journey immensely. Once you are above Namche Bazaar and Dole villages, the climate remains cold even during the hottest time of the year. So, you have to carry a sleeping bag.
Nights and mornings are mostly colder than the daytime. Some trekkers also do the Gokyo Lake trek in the winter season when the lakes are completely frozen and open for ice skating. The trails remain peaceful and less crowded in winter as it is an off-season for trekking in the Khumbu region.
