Gokyo Lakes Trek

by magicalsummits on Apr 30th, 2023 11:27 AM

The Gokyo Lakes Trek is a popular trekking route in the Everest region of Nepal that attracts thousands of adventure seekers and nature lovers every year. The trek is renowned for its stunning landscapes, turquoise-colored high-altitude lakes, glaciers, and panoramic mountain views.

The journey starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, one of the most challenging and thrilling airports in the world, situated at an altitude of 2,860 meters. From Lukla, trekkers head towards the Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar, which is considered the gateway to the Gokyo Valley. The trail passes through dense forests, suspension bridges, and traditional Sherpa villages, offering a glimpse into the unique culture and lifestyle of the locals.

Namche Bazaar is a vibrant market town and the commercial hub of the Everest region, situated at an altitude of 3,440 meters. It is an ideal place to rest, acclimatize, and explore the surroundings. Trekkers can hike to the Everest View Hotel, which offers a panoramic view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. They can also visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the Sherpa people.

From Namche, the trail leads to the village of Dole, passing through pine and rhododendron forests and yak pastures. Dole is a small settlement with a few lodges and teahouses, located at an altitude of 4,040 meters. Trekkers can acclimatize and take a rest day to explore the nearby hills and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains.

The next stop on the trek is the village of Machhermo, located at an altitude of 4,470 meters. Machhermo is a small settlement that is famous for its history of the Yeti, a legendary creature that is said to roam the Himalayas. Trekkers can visit the Machhermo Glacier and learn about the stories and myths associated with the Yeti.

The highlight of the trek is reaching the Gokyo Lakes, a series of six glacial lakes located at an altitude of 4,700 meters. The lakes are known for their stunning turquoise color and the incredible views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu. Trekkers can hike to Gokyo Ri, a peak that is located at an altitude of 5,357 meters, to get a panoramic view of the lakes and the mountains.

From Gokyo, the trek continues towards the Everest Base Camp trail, passing through the high-altitude trail over the Cho La Pass (5,420 meters), which is a challenging but rewarding experience. The pass is located between Gokyo and the Everest Base Camp trail and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Trekkers need to be physically fit and well-acclimatized to cross the pass.

After crossing the Cho La Pass, the trail descends to the village of Thangna, which is situated at an altitude of 4,700 meters. Thangna is a small settlement with a few lodges and teahouses and is an ideal place to rest and acclimatize before continuing the trek. From Thangna, the trail leads to the Everest Base Camp trail, where trekkers can visit the iconic base camp and hike to the top of Kala Patthar for breathtaking views of Mt. Everest.