Gokyo Lakes is a system of 19 high-altitude glacial lakes situated at an altitude of 4,700 meters to 5,000 meters. The largest and deepest lake, Lake Thonak, which is photographed the most, and is the unmistakable icon of the region. Gokyo Valley lies in Solukhumbu district. The whole valley is protected within Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A trek to Gokyo Valley is the perfect getaway when you feel like experiencing the beauty of mountains and mountain ecosystems.
The focal point of fascination of Gokyo Valley is Tengboche Monastery and four mountains exceeding more than 8,000 metres. Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Cho-Oyu and Mt. Makalu are seen from Gokyo Ri which is sufficient to entice the trekkers. Towards the western piece of Ngozumpa Glacier lies Gokyo Peak, the best viewpoint of the snowcapped peaks in the Everest region. Gokyo Ri it is the biggest ice sheet in the entire Himalayas and the major attraction of the Gokyo Valley.
It is a sort of complete trek from where you will get genuine picture of Nepal from mountain perspective. The other part of the trek is that you will inspire opportunity to witness delightful and quiet pockets of this region. You feel as though the lakes were sitting and waiting impatiently just for you since long time back. The dark blue lake will inundate in you for rest of your life as a lifelong reminiscent you would love to secure. Rough-cut stone houses of Gokyo villages and town are some of the highest elevation human settlement areas of the world.
Gokyo Valley trek is one of the most popular tourist destinations around Everest Base Camp and other areas of the Khumbu region. The major centre, Gokyo Village at the altitude of 4,790m and Gokyo Peak climbing are the major attractions of this trek. Gokyo Lakes are the sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists that they visit this region for religious purpose. Thousands of Hindu pilgrims flock to the lakes for taking holy bath at Janai Purnima festival which falls in August.
Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp trek gives you an incredible opporyunity of crossing one of the three high passes of Everest region. Climbing up Cho La Pass (5,420m) is th emost adventurous experience of the entire Gokyo Lakes Everest Base Camp trek. You may require crampons, to cross the pass but rewards you with the breathtaking view of the eight-thousanders and other peaks. The glimpses of the rare species of animals and birds protected in Sagarmatha National Park are also important assets of this trek.
This epic trek to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes starts from and ends at Lukla (Tenzing Hillary Airstrip). Lukla, situated at the elevation of 2,860m, is a small Sherpa village and also the gateway to Everest region trekking. You explore the main trade center of the Khumbu region, Namche Bazaar having all the modern facilities ot the trekkers. During acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar, you can visit the Sherpa Museum (also called Hillary Museum) and Everest View Hotel.
The Sherpa Museum informs you all about the expeditions to Mt. Everest and the invaluable photographs of Hillary and Tenzing. You can see the authentic Sherpa lifestyle, culture and tradition including the Sherpa art and artifacts in the museum. Everest View Hotel which is one of the highest altitude hotels in the world, gives you the picturesque view of Everest region. Just imagine having breakfast or lunch sitting in front of the highest peak of the world, Mount Everest!
Each perspective that you get from Gokyo Ri is precious that you find the worth of every last minute spent here. Gokyo Valley trek makes you realize the magnificence of common white dividers of Nepal-Tibet and adoration of its astounding beauty. For your fulfilment, Orbit Alpine allots best aides for Gokyo Valley Trek who have inside and out information of Gokyo zone. Additionally, the professional team of this agency is rich in local learning about the mountains and society of Sherpa.
FAQs:
1. How difficult is it to cross Cho La Pass?
You need to be a little cautious to cross Cho La Pass one of the challenging high passes of Everest region. As the route is to Cho La Pass is quite steep and slippery, the precaution should be taken during the ascent. Cho La Pass trek is strenuous during winter season as the route is covered with the thick layer of snow. Doing Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass trek in summer is a bit more challenging due to strong wind. We highly recommend you to bring some crampons to successfully do this trek.
2. Can I see Mt. Everest from Lukla?
No, you cannot completely see Mount Everest from Lukla, the gateway to Everest region trekking. However, you can see other named and unnamed peaks of the Everest region from here.
3. Can I see Mt. Everest from the base camp?
No, you can’t see Mt. Everest from the base camp as Mt. Lhotse, the fourth highest peak blocks it. But, on the way to and back from Everest Base Camp, you can see it.
4. Which is the best viewpoint of Mt. Everest?
Kala Patthar (5,550m) is the best viewpoint of Mt. Everest which looks just a few yards away from you. You can capture the photographs by keeping the mountain giants of the Everest region on the backdrop. Gokyo Ri is another best viewpoint that shows you the 360-degree panoramic view of Mt. Everest.
5. What is Gokyo Ri elevation?
Gokyo Ri elevation is 5,357 meters and it is the 78th highest peak in Nepal.
6. What can I see from Gokyo Ri?
Gokyo Ri (5,357m) is the best view point of Everest region. You can have the splendid view of the four eight-thousanders: Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu and Mt. Cho Oyu. Similarly, you can also have the astounding panorama of the Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Valley and the Ngozumpa Glacier.
7. Which Gokyo Lake offers the best view of the Everest region?
The fifth Gokyo Lake offers the best view of Yachung Kang, Nuptse and the four eight-thousanders of the Everest region including Mt. Makalu.
8. What are the Gokyo Lakes?
Gokyo Lakes are the group of 19 glacial lakes situated above 4,500m elevation in Solukhumbu district. The glacial lakes’ network made of snow deposit from Mt. Cho Oyu, covers the area of 485 acres. It is the origin point of the Dudh Koshi River that irrigates the fertile land of the eastern Nepal.
9. Which is the deepest and largest Gokyo Lake?
The fourth lake, Thonak Cho is the deepest and largest lake having 160.8 acres of area and 62.4 metres depth.
