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.
Highlights
- Aerial view of Everest region during scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
- About 500-year-old Pema Cheoling Monastery of Phakding
- Everest View Hotel and Sherpa Museum around Namche Bazaar
- Exploration of Tengboche Monastery, the largest monastery of the Khumbu region
- Lifetime journey to Everest Base Camp
- Kala Patthar for the sunrise view of the entire Everest region
- Adventurous trekking to Cho La Pass, one of the three high passes of Khumbu region
- Exploration of the natural network of the Gokyo Lakes, the glacial lakes
- Gokyo Peak Climbing for the stunning vistas of the four eight-thousanders
- Lush rhododendron and pine forests
- Flora and fauna of Sagarmatha National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Company of the friendly and cooperative Sherpa people