Gokyo Lakes trek via Everest Base Camp is one of the most popular treks in Everest region. It gives you the mixed experience of splendid mountain view and cultural attractions which are the lifetime achievement one can ever have. The typical Sherpa cultural villages of the region reflecting authentic Tibetan Buddhist flavour and ancient monastery are the cultural assets. The diverse flora and fauna protected in Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nepal are also worth observing. You can even experience the adventurous trekking of Cho La Pass that gives you an amazing view of the eight-thousanders of Nepal.
Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lake trek has a lot to offer to the trekkers who love strenuous trekking in the Nepalese Himalayas. You can have an aerial view of the glacial lakes, lush valleys, snow-clad peaks and numerous icefalls in this trip. During Namche Bazaar rest day, you can hike to Everest View Hotel which is just about 1.5 kilometers distant. One of the highest altitude hotels in the world, this hotel is a vantage point of the smiling snowcapped peaks of the Khumbu region. Likewise, Sherpa Museum aka Hillary Museum located nearby Namche Bazaar lets you know about the Sherpa culture and tradition. The Hall of Fame of this museum is the gallery protecting the antique pictures of the 1953 expedition made by Hillary and Tenzing.
Tengboche Monastery built in 1916 is a noble shrine reflecting Tibetan Buddhist culture connected with the Sherpa people in Nepal. This monastery is often regarded to have had close relation with Rongbuk Monastery of Tibet close to Everest North Base Camp. You can get the firsthand knowledge about the Tibetan Buddhist art and artifacts by visiting this antique monastery. If you happen to plan your Everest trekking between Mid-October to mid-December, you can also join the Mani Rimdu Festival. This is the greatest festival of the Khumbu region people who observe it to show the bond between nature and culture. The mask dance performed by the monks during the three-day celebration is really mesmerizing thing to watch in lifetime.
One of the popular stops during Everst Gokyo Lakes trek is Dingboche village, which is situated at the elevation of 4,410m. The trekkers to Everest Base Camp, Ama Dablam and Imja Tse (Island Peak) spend a couple of nights for acclimatization purpose. Especially for Island Peak Climbing and climbing Ama Dablam, the Sherpa mountaineers give trainings to the trekkers for peak climbing. The wall made of the different size and shape stones enclosing the village is another thing to amaze you here. You can find the trekking trail of this Sherpa village to be in the best condition and the people are very friendly and helpful.
Reaching the base camp of the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest is another highlight of this epic trek of Nepal. You can reach the highest possible point of Mt. Everest if not the summit that it is not less remarkable achievement! Witnessing the sunrise view of the Great Himalayas including the highest peak from Kala Patthar is the most fascinating side of this trek. Mt. Pumori keeps on grinning at you sitting behind the eight-thousanders, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Cho Oyu. You can take tens of photos by keeping the snowcapped peaks standing like the roof of the world for long-lasting memory.
Cho La Pass trekking from Dzongla is a different experience from doing this from the other side. Following this route, Cho La Pass Gokyo Lakes trek feels more adventurous that you may require crampons and hand lines. If you are doing this trek during winter season, the path may be sometimes obstructed due to heavy snowfall. From the top of the pass elevated at 5,420 meters, you can see the 360-degree panoramic view of the entire Everest region. The rewards of this strenuous trekking route make you forget the troubles you may have faced during the ascent. The best time for Everest Cho La Pass trek is spring and autumn for the clear vistas of the snowy peaks.
The group of six major glacial lakes and the Sherpa village are the invaluable assets of Gokyo Lakes Trek. Gokyo Peak climbing is a must-do activity once in lifetime that you can get during Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass trek. From the top of Gokyo Ri (5,357m), you can have the magnificent outlook of the Mountain Giants of the Everest region. Similarly, you can enjoy the stunning view of Mt. Makalu during this trek to Everest region. The local typical organic food items prepared by the Sherpa people and served in the best hospitality is also astounding! The view of the world’s largest glacier, the Khumbu Glacier and Ngozumpa Glacier also make your Himalayan journey more memorable.
FAQs:
1. Where are the Gokyo Lakes?
Gokyo Lakes are the group of 19 turquoise water-lakes located in the Gokyo Valley at the foot of Mt. Cho Oyu. Out of these glacial lakes, six are the major ones named as the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth. These are regarded as the holy shrines by the Hindus and Buddhists that they also visit for religious purpose. On Janai Purnima (Holy Thread Day) festival, the Hindu followers take a holy dip into the lakes. Around 7,000 international tourists visit the Gokyo Lakes every year to enjoy the mesmerizing view of Everest region.
2. Where is Cho La Pass?
Cho La Pass is located at the elevation of 5,420m in the world famous Everest region in the eastern Nepal. It is among the three high passes in which other two are Renjo La Pass (5,465m) and Kongma La Pass (5,535m). This high pass lies in the route to enter into Gokyo Lakes Valley which is famous for 19 glacial lakes having natural networking. Adding Cho La Pass in Gokyo Valley trek makes your trip to the Himalayas more challenging and thrilling.
3. Why should I do Cho La Pass trek after Everest Base Camp?
Of course, you can do Cho La Pass trek either way: before or after Everest Base Camp trek. Doing Cho La Pass trek after enjoying the magnificent view of Everest region from the base camp gives you a different experience. Most of the trekking packages are designed so as to cross this high Himalayan pass before going to EBC. However, we have designed this trekking package to give you an opportunity for more adventurous trekking in Nepal. Attempting to do this trek from Dzongla is more thrilling and challenging for the trekkers who love adventure activities.
4. Do I need to have previous trekking experience to do Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass trek?
Actually, it is not mandatory to have previous trekking experience with you to do Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass trek. However, it is always preferable as it is for your benefit that you complete the journey without any flaws. As crossing Cho La Pass (5,420m) may be quite challenging, you had better have climbing experience or training at the least. Doing Cho La Pass is more adventurous during winter season as the heavy snowfall may disturb the trekking. Therefore, We highly recommend you to get basic training regarding trekking and using crampons and hand lines so that you won’t have any problem at all.
5. Can I customize Everest Gokyo Lakes trek?
Of course, Orbit Alpine is always flexible for giving you the facility to customize Everest Gokyo Lakes trek or any other packages. There is always room for adding up or deducting in the itinerary of the trekking packages for your comfort. For this facility, you need to inform us about the circumstances for doing so. Finally, “Clients’ Satisfaction is Our Motto!”
6. What sorts of help can I get in case I fall sick or get injured during Cho La Pass Gokyo Lakes trek?
Firstly, there is no such chance for you falling sick or getting injured during Cho La Pass Gokyo Lakes trek. The trekking guide of Orbit Alpine is cautious enough about avoiding such hurdles during the trekking in high Himalayas. He gives you a lot of advice to follow in the course of hiking in the high altitude. In case you get altitude sickness, the guide will provide you the first aid services as he is well trained on this. If it is difficult, he will take himself or arrange someone to take you to lower elevation. If the injury is serious, the guide will coordinate with the agency that you will get quick evacuation for further treatment. For the purpose of quick rescue service, you need to give us your insurance details to manage the prompt reaction.
