Overview
About Gokyo Lake Trek
Gokyo lake trek leads you right into Gokyo Valley, one of the highest settlements in Nepal. It is an adventurous journey through, pristine Khumbu region. The flora and fauna in the Sagarmatha National Park provide a memorable path to Gokyo Valley. The hike to Gokyo Ri (5340m), or Gokyo Peak, is the most exciting part of the trek, where you will enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan mountain, lake, and glacier sceneries. We can see a couple of the marvelous blue-green, glacier-fedGokyo Lakes, including Thonak Lake, the largest of the bunch.
Gokyo Lake Trek is an extraordinary hike on a rugged trail that allows you to explore unbelievable Everest alpine sceneries. Because the trek does not include a visit to Everest Base Camp, it is a little more peaceful. The Gokyo Lake Trek begins from Lukla, which is considered the gateway to Everest region trekking. The trail passes through Phakding, Namche Bazaar and continues to the Gokyo Valley and Gokyo Lakes. The emerald green lakes along the route to Ngozumpa Glacier are truly unique. Ngozumpa Glacier is the longest glacier in Nepal.
Throughout the trek, you will be able to see the Tibetan Buddhist lifestyle of the local people. Buddhist monasteries, Chhortens and Sherpa culture, and traditions are visible along the trek. The views when you arrive in Gokyo Valley show the massive snowy peaks of the Everest Region, including some of the world-renowned 8000-meter peaks. The hike up to the Gokyo Ri (5360m) offers an even more stunning panorama of the Everest Himalayan range and a breathtaking sunrise view. The picturesque view when you arrive at Gokyo Ri is one that will stick with you forever. Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the surrounding peaks can be seen. Finally, the trail descends all the way down to Lukla and we will fly back to Kathmandu.
Best Time for Gokyo Lake Trek
The best time for the Gokyo Lakes Trek is September-December and March-May. September marks the end of monsoon season, so all the mountains look beautiful with their colorful rare Himalayan flowers. The mixed view of colorful landscapes, white mountains and a bit of cloud looks great. October and November are perfect for trekking. Also, these months offer super clear skies. The Spring starts in March when beautiful flowers pop up along the trail. Also, bright red Rhododendrons bloom in March. We see lots of beautiful Rhododendron trees along the way to Namche and beyond. April and May are the best months for climbers because of the great weather and clear skies. The Gokyo Lakes Trek can be done any time throughout the year, but in the rainy season, you do run the risk of having flights to and from Lukla canceled.
Gokyo Lake Trek Difficulty
This trek is not a difficult one. This trek can be done by those who have regular walking skills. We don’t spend nights at a very high altitude, so average hiking experience will take you to the Gokyo Lakes. This trip is led by a guide who handles everything during the trek and will do anything to help you if you are struggling. Also, this trek can be done by people of all ages. However, very young kids are not recommended to be taken into the Himalayas. Kids aged 5 or 5+, as well as 80+-year-old people, have done this trek successfully. There are some uphill climbs on the trek, but our guide sets the pace very gently so you won't feel that you are climbing a hill.
Our well-trained guides will make your Gokyo Lakes Trek simple and easy. Day 6 is the most difficult day of the trek, as we’ll be climbing Gokyo Ri, but it’s well worth it! Waking up early in the morning and walking to 5320m is challenging, but once you reach the top and see the magnificent view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Amadablam, etc., you will forget all the difficulties you went through. The combined view of the crystal blue and the white Himalayas will take you heaven. Obviously walking uphill is not easy, but the slow pace and the views we see on the way make it a lot easier. While you enjoy the Himalayas, you forget all the aches, pains, and fatigue you might have!
What can we see on the Gokyo Lakes Trek?
There are countless scenic places on the Gokyo Lakes Trek. Among them, an unforgettable view of Mt. Everest takes the cake! Those pictures we see sometimes on Google wallpaper can be seen live! The breathtaking view of the top of the world includes Lhotse (4th highest mountain), Makalu (5th highest mountain), Amadablam, and many more Himalayan peaks from Gokyo RI - a major highlight of the Gokyo Lakes Trek. Lukla village and other small villages on the way to Namche are beautiful and add a lot of charm to the trek.
As we get to Namche Bazar, everyone is amazed to see such a big market at the lap of the Himalaya. The view from Everest Viewpoint is yet another memorable moment on this trek. The view of Amadablam, Mt. Everest and the whole Everest Valley look incredible. A little higher up, the morning view of Thamserku from Dole Village gives you energy and makes you excited to keep climbing. The landscape along the trail, along with the seasonal alpine flowers, will take away your fatigue. And finally, the eye-popping view of the three Lakes from Gokyo Ri is a must-see view for everyone on Earth. Words cannot describe the beauty of this view.
The little colorful Gokyo village looks so tiny from up above. You can also see Mount Cho Oyu, Ngozumpa Glacier, Mount Everest, and dozens of other staggering peaks. These legendary mountains combined with the turquoise Gokyo Lakes provides one of the absolute best views in the Everest region. Going to Gokyo Ri for sunrise and seeing the first golden-red light of the day adds another dimension of beauty to the experience. It looks awesome when the sun rays kiss on the top of Mt. Everest and other white mountains. If the sky is clear until the evening and you have time/energy, the sunset view is also recommended!
Lakes around the Gokyo Valley
Gokyo is the name of the biggest lake in Gokyo Valley. There is a total of 6 lakes here. On our 6th day of the trek, after walking about 3 hours from Machhermo village, we start to see the lakes. The first lake is not very big, but it looks beautiful with its dark blue water. The second Lake is about 300-meters further. This lake is bigger than the first lake and equal in beauty. After walking about 35 minutes from the 2nd lake, we see a huge bright blue-green lake with a white mountain shadowing from above.
This is Gokyo Lake, which looks beautiful with its dark blue water and shadow of Cho Oyu mountain. Next to the third lake lies Gokyo Village, where you stay for a couple of nights of amazing exploration. The other 3 lakes are not seen from Gokyo village, so over the next day and a half, we hike around to see them. Each one of the Gokyo Lakes is gorgeous and have their own character. The view of Mt. Everest from the 5th lake can’t be seen from other places! It is so beautiful. The lakes are impressive in and of themselves, but the mountain views add another layer of beauty.
Fitness Level for Gokyo Lakes Trek
The Gokyo Lakes Trek is adventurous, but not too strenuous. Those who have basic hiking experience can do this trek easily. It’s not a marathon and you don’t need to be an incredibly fit person for this trek. Also, no need to have any climbing or other technical experience. We do recommend you do some practice before this trip. About 3 weeks of training is enough for this trek. If there are any hills near your town, you can hike there up and down every day for about a couple. Going to the gym also builds your stamina. If both options are not available to you, you can practice walking and downstairs with a backpack. If you are planning to do this trip and are using prescription drugs, please talk to your doctor before you book this trip. Also, if you have any problem with your body, please follow your doctor's advice for this trek.
Why take the Gokyo Lakes Trek with Breeze Adventure?
This trek is one of the most fun trips in Nepal. The trail falls in the territory of Khumbu (Everest) National Park. The journey up to these incredible lakes deep within the Himalayas is not very difficult, especially if you go with an experienced company. Our team has combined over a decade of experience with organizing treks to the Everest region and more specifically Gokyo Lakes. Our guides have spent over twelve years in the mountains. Beyond that, most of our guides are Sherpas who were born in the Everest region, so their level of expertise is the best of the best. Also, their hearts are as fresh and tender as the snow of the Himalayas. They are always honest in their work. Even though they’ve spent their whole lives in the mountains, it never gets old for them.
With guides native to the area, you can gain a deeper understanding of the area and hear some exciting stories as well. The journey itself is one of the most fascinating trips in Nepal. The success of your trek, with a native guide, is an experience you will never forget. Our team will take care of you in every situation. We have several experienced and trained Sherpa guides in our company and they are all eager to show people their beautiful Everest region. Our guide uses every moment of your trek in the Gokyo Lakes to enrich your experience. We always work hard for our guest's successful trip to Gokyo Lakes.
