Gokyo Lake Trek Highlights:
- Amazing landing at the short-inclined Lukla airstrip which is only 527 meters.
- Walk the historic trail through the traditional Sherpa settlements.
- Being at a UNESCO World Heritage site with rich biodiversity and unique beauty.
- Acclimatize at a unique horse-shoe-shaped Namche Bazaar, a vibrant Sherpa Capital.
- Excursion to Everest View Lodge for the first view of the world's highest peak and its neighboring mountain.
- Less crowded alternative to Everest Base Camp with absolute serenity.
- The beautiful transition from forested area to alpine as you walk to Machchermo and Gokyo.
- Listen to Machchermo's 'Yeti incident' story which is overwhelming.
- Overnight at picturesque Gokyo town with a breathtaking turquoise-blue glacial lake under the world's 6th highest mountain Cho-Oyu at the backdrop.
- Conquer Gokyo Ri for a spectacular sunrise and magical panoramic view.
- Get the unique West perspective of Mt. Everest.
Gokyo Lake Trek Overview
This 15-day Gokyo Lake Trek takes you to the most stunning sacred lakes within the Himalayan valley of Everest region. It is believed that, besides the first settlers, the Eric Shipton team from the 1951 British Expedition explored this region and was mesmerized by its beauty. They were indeed the first foreign mountaineers to visit this magical valley.
Gokyo Lake is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the Everest Trekking category. If you are looking for a trek that is not as busy and commercialized as Everest Base Camp then Gokyo Lake Trek will be an ideal choice.
This epic trek takes you to the most pristine valley offering you the most stunning views of the surrounding peak. From Namche, you will skip the traditional EBC trail and take a more serene and less crowded trail that will lead you to heaven like Gokyo.
In the course of time, the curiosity among mountaineers and trekkers led them to explore the lesser-known parts of the Everest region. This led to the discovery of different valleys attached to Gokyo like the Thame Valley via the stunning Renjo La Pass and the iconic Cho La Pass that connects the EBC area.
Over the years Gokyo Lake Trek drew attention and soon gained popularity as the most charming destination. The Gokyo Ri offers the most breathtaking Panoramic view of the world's highest peaks like Everest, Lhotse Makalu, Cho Oyu, and its neighboring mountains.
Gokyo Lake Trek is also a spiritual journey. Gokyo is sanctity for both Hindus and Buddhists as a residing place for Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Every year pilgrims from around the world visit the sacred lake of Gokyo.
Significance of Gokyo Lake (4,790 m/15,715 feet):
Situated in the serene Gokyo Valley, this high-altitude freshwater lake holds great religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Gokyo Lake is situated at an elevation of 4,790 meters. Its pristine turquoise waters mirror the surrounding towering snow-capped peaks creating an utter place of worship.
In Hinduism, the Gokyo region is considered very divine and sacred. It is believed that Gokyo is a place where Lord Shiva resides, the highest Hindu God. The lake and the surrounding mountains are said to be the diving realm of Lord Shiva.
This is the reason why every year thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit Gokyo Lake to seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
On the other hand, the Buddhists, especially the local Sherpas consider Gokyo as sacred and possessing divine qualities. To the locals, it is one of the holiest sites in the area. It is often visited by Buddhist monks, and pilgrims who engage in meditation and practice Tibetan Buddhism. This religious and spiritual significance of the Gokyo Valley adds to its fascination.
The magical natural beauty of the area gives anyone the presence of divine power. Gokyo Lake Trek now is a spiritual journey, a pilgrimage that attracts people seeking a deeper connection with nature.
Gokyo Lake Trek Trip Summary
This 15-day Gokyo Teahouse Trek starts with a city tour in Kathmandu. It delivers you the real adventure from the very first day when you fly to the most thrilling mountain airport of Lukla. Cruising through the celebrated trial of Everest we get to Phakding, our first overnight stay in Sherpa village.
Gradually we get to the dreamland of Namche Bazaar, the Capital and the administrative center of the Khumbu Valley. Eventually, we will skip the commercial Everest base camp trail and take the less-trodden dramatic valley of Gokyo Valley.
Walking in the less crowded valley of Gokyo is indeed very enchanting. Our stay at the small settlements of Dole and Machchermo will surely be very remarkable with all the great views and untold stories and myths about Yetis and legends.
Gradually gaining the altitude we advance further into the mystical valley that provides a breathtaking view. The mysticism of the Gokyo Valley will be very clear when you witness its Pristine beauty and tranquility.
The time you are in Machchermo, ‘Yeti Incident Place’, you will realize why the Gokyo Lake trek is so exceptional in comparison to other Everest destinations.
Ultimately, the trip takes you to the miraculous settlement of Gokyo. It is the town settled next to turquoise Gokyo Lake with the backdrop of Cho-Oyu, the 6th highest mountain in the world. Being there gives you the feeling of absolute peacefulness and contentment.
The highlights of this trip are the gorgeous turquoise lakes, the climb to Gokyo-Ri, and the stunning panoramic mountain views. Furthermore, it offers you a view of the world's highest peaks like Everest, Cho-Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu.
Ascend to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m / 17,575 feet):
Gokyo Ri, also known as Gokyo Peak, is a spectacular ridge situated next to Gokyo town. The height of Gokyo Ri is 5,357 meters / 17,575 feet and it is one of the highest points that trekkers can reach during Gokyo Lake Trek.
To summit Gokyo Ri we need to start early in the morning to catch the sunrise from the summit. Depending on the time of year you are trekking, your trek leader will set a wake-up call. The climb involves walking on rocky terrain and steep slopes. However, the climb takes about 3 hours to reach the summit but also depends on your pacing.
When you get to the summit or even halfway your effort will be rewarded with the most magical views. The view of Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in the Himalayas appears stunning from the Ri. The picturesque view of the series of first, second, and third lakes and the Gokyo Town is simply phenomenal.
The views from Gokyo Ri cannot be compared with anything else. It offers you the western face of Mt. Everest, a different perspective view which you don't get to see from Kala Patthar.
The view of the world's highest peaks includes the majestic Mount Everest (8,848 meters), Lhotse (8,516 meters), Makalu (8,481 meters), and Cho Oyu (8,201 meters).
Other prominent mountains you will witness are Nuptse, Gyachung Kang, Pumori, Lobuche Peaks, Cholastse, Tabuche, Thanserku, Kangtega, Ama Dablam, and many more.
Tips on Summitng Gokyo Ri:
Reaching the summit of Gokyo Ri is a challenging but achievable goal. Trekking in any part of the Everest region requires proper acclimatization. It is important to set your itinerary in such a way that there is enough ground for acclimatization in thin air.
AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness is a common ailment trekkers experience while trekking in the Everest area. To know altitude sickness and how to prevent it is crucial. For more details on prevention read - Prevention of Altitude Sickness in Nepal.
Trekking to Gokyo Ri is challenging and it demands a sound level of fitness. Before you sign up for this trek we highly recommend you do pre-physical training, especially cardio-related and core and leg muscle strengthening training.
Besides your fitness, gradual ascent is key to avoiding altitude sickness and that guarantees safe passage. To ensure a successful ascent of Gokyo Ri and an enjoyable trekking experience follow the above guidelines of acclimatization, training, and slow ascent.
Why Gokyo Lake Trek
Gokyo Ri is a perfect alternative to the popular Everest Base Camp trek. It is a great choice for travelers who want to escape the maddening crowd and want to look for a more serene Everest Trek. The trail is quieter with fewer trekkers allowing trekkers to enjoy the serenity of the region.
Gokyo Valley trail is also more pristine, giving adventurers a rewarding wilderness experience. Better than the commercial EBC trail, trekkers can have an Exceptional view of Everest and Cho Oyu mountains. Besides the view of the surrounding majestic peaks, this trek takes you to the gorgeous glacial lake which is heavenly. The feeling of being in Gokyo town is something away from the world and can't be compared.
Gokyo Lake Trek is an ideal trek for those looking to explore the beauty of the Everest region and experience genuine alpine trekking.
