Introduction
Trekking in Nepal is on every adventurer’s bucket list, and for good reason. The country is filled with trails leading to magnificent views. One of the most popular destinations is the Everest Base Camp Trek in the Khumbu region. However, due to social media and its popularity, the trail has become overcrowded, turning the experience into a chaotic one. But, surprisingly, a short diversion from the standard Everest Base Camp route leads to one of the most serene and untouched parts of the Khumbu Valley – the Gokyo Lakes Trek.
Overview of Gokyo Lakes
The Gokyo Lakes Trek offers a breathtaking alternative to the classic Everest Base Camp route. This hidden gem turns a standard mountain journey into an extraordinary expedition. It challenges your limits and rewards you with unparalleled experiences.
Beyond the well-trodden paths, the Gokyo Lakes circuit reveals pristine landscapes, authentic Sherpa culture, and awe-inspiring mountain vistas that few trekkers witness. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time trekker who enjoys trekking in Nepal, this route offers more than just a walk through the mountains.
Why You Need to Add Gokyo Lake to Your Everest Base Camp Adventure?
Explore the Stunning Landscapes
The Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lakes in Nepal takes you through diverse landscapes, offering a unique trekking experience.
Starting in Kathmandu, the trek ascends to Lukla, and then Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the high Himalayas. From Namche, the trail diverts from the traditional Everest Base Camp route and heads west up the Dudh Kosi Valley towards Gokyo Lakes. The landscapes here are more verdant and varied compared to the classic trek.
The Gokyo Lakes are the highest freshwater lake system in the world. The turquoise glacial lakes contrast with the snow-covered landscapes around them. From Gokyo, you ascend Gokyo Ri, where stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu await. One of the best parts about this trail is that you can do the Gokyo Lakes trek either with Everest Base Camp or as a standalone journey.
If you combine Gokyo Lakes with Everest Base Camp, you cross the beautiful and challenging Chola Pass. After finishing your Everest Base Camp trek, you walk from Gorakshep to Dzongla, Thangnag, and Chola Pass. After crossing, you descend back to Namche Bazaar and Lukla. The landscapes here blend tranquil forests, glacial moraines, and high mountain passes. This route offers a more peaceful and off-the-beaten-path experience compared to the classic Everest Base Camp trek.
Overcome Extreme Trekking Challenges
The Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes is more challenging than the standard route. Both routes share difficulties like high altitude, unpredictable weather, and rugged terrain. However, the Gokyo route adds more challenges.
One major challenge is the higher elevation. The Gokyo trek reaches 5,357m at Gokyo Ri, which adds to the 5,545m at Kala Patthar on the standard route. This extra altitude increases the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and requires proper acclimatization.
The Gokyo route also involves crossing the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest in the Himalayas. Trekkers must navigate rocky, icy terrain that can be slippery and unstable. This may require crampons or microspikes.
However, the Gokyo route has several advantages. It’s less crowded, offering a more peaceful trekking experience. The scenery is more varied, with the stunning Gokyo Lakes contrasting with the snow-capped peaks.
Additionally, the Gokyo route offers the chance to summit Gokyo Ri, where you can see four 8,000m peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Many believe the views from Gokyo Ri are even more spectacular than from Kala Patthar.
Witness the Rich Wildlife of the High Himalayas
The Everest Base Camp trek combined with Gokyo Lakes offers a unique chance to see the rich biodiversity of the Khumbu region. This route passes through diverse ecosystems, from lush forests to high-altitude alpine zones, with opportunities to encounter fascinating flora and fauna.
One of the highlights is spotting the elusive Red Panda in the lower elevations. Its rust-colored fur and distinctive markings are a sight to behold.
The route also offers the chance to see rare species like the Snow Leopard, known as the “Ghost of the Mountains,” and the Himalayan Black Bear, with its glossy black fur and V-shaped chest markings.
As you gain elevation, the vegetation changes. The rhododendron forests in spring give way to hardy alpine shrubs and grasses.
The Gokyo Lakes are a haven for birdlife, including the colorful Danphe (Himalayan Monal), Nepal’s national bird. Keep an eye out for the majestic Golden Eagle and the Tibetan Snowcock.
Opportunity to explore the untouched valleys
The Gokyo Lakes trek, when combined with the standard Everest Base Camp Trek, offers trekkers a chance to explore the untouched valleys of the Khumbu region. The trail remains relatively unknown, keeping it secluded from the crowds at Base Camp.
Gokyo provides an opportunity to experience the Himalayas in their purest and most awe-inspiring form. Picture yourself alone, surrounded by vast, breathtaking landscapes that stretch endlessly before you. This journey allows you to fully embrace the serenity of nature, with the only sound being the soothing rush of the wind.”
Capture Breathtaking Mountain and Lake Views at Gokyo Ri
The Gokyo Lakes Trek offers stunning views not seen on the classic Everest route. Trekkers are treated to vistas of turquoise glacial lakes, the Ngozumpa Glacier, and breathtaking mountain panoramas from the summit of Gokyo Ri (5,357m/17,575ft), including Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu.
This route lets trekkers experience the world’s highest freshwater lake system while reaching Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.
The landscape here is more varied and verdant compared to the standard route. Crossing the challenging Cho La Pass (5,420m/17,782ft) provides stunning views of peaks like Cholatse and Taboche before rejoining the main Everest trail.
The Gokyo Ri Trek eliminates backtracking, as the circuit returns to Lukla via a different path after visiting Base Camp. While a few days longer and more strenuous, the jaw-dropping scenery of shimmering lakes and magnificent mountains makes the Gokyo Lakes variation an unforgettable way to experience the Everest region.
Challenge yourself on the Chola Pass
If you are looking to add on a challenging bit to your adventure, the Chola Pass on the Gokyo Lakes trek will do that for you. Trekkers cross the Chola Pass while they are on a journey to Gokyo lakes from Everest Base Camp. The Chola Pass takes you at an altitude of 5420 M, that is roughly 18,000 feet, making it a challenging feat.
The Chola Pass is a long meandering trail that takes you through thick forests as well as steep ridges that will test your endurance. Its a physically demanding pass that require you to walk through steep patches, glacial moraines and rocky edges. Though crossing the pass doesn’t require any technical skills, you may need gaiters and micro-spikes (chain crampons) to navigate through the snow and ice depending on the season of your climb.
Crossing the Chola Pass not only adds to the difficulty of your adventure but also rewards you with stunning views from the top of the pass. the top of the pass opens up to the vastness of the valleys, blessing your sight with some of the most stunning mountain views in the World.
Views from the Pass –
You will be able to witness some of the biggest giants in the World from the top of the pass.
Mount Everest (8848 M)
Mount Amadablam (6812 M)
Mount Cho Oyu (8201 M)
Mount Lhotse (8516 M)
Mount Makalu (8485 M)
Mount Gyachung (7952 M)
Marvel at the Magical Gokyo Lakes
The Gokyo Lakes are one of the standout highlights of the Everest Base Camp trek via the Gokyo Valley route. These six pristine turquoise glacial lakes lie at an altitude of 4,700-5,000 meters, surrounded by the Himalayas, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
The star attraction is the Gokyo Ri viewpoint at 5,357 meters. It’s reached via a challenging hike up the lateral moraine of Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas. From the summit, trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Gokyo Lakes, Everest, and the Khumbu region.
The ethereal beauty of the Gokyo Lakes, set against dramatic mountain scenery, makes this a must-visit highlight for Everest Base Camp trekkers. The sight of the sun rising over the tallest peaks, reflected in the lakes, is an unforgettable experience that shows the raw majesty of the Nepalese Himalayas.
Find Comfort in the Remote Mountain Wilderness
The Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes offers a range of accommodations along its route, from basic teahouses to cozy lodges. In Phakding, trekkers can find dormitory-style rooms and private rooms with attached bathrooms. Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital, caters to all budgets with teahouses, guesthouses, mid-range hotels, and luxury lodges.
Tengboche has simpler accommodations, but still offers warm hospitality with stunning views of Ama Dablam. Dingboche and Lobuche provide teahouses and lodges with basic amenities like hot showers and hearty meals. Gorakshep, the final stop before Everest Base Camp, has rustic teahouses with simple rooms and communal dining areas.
Compared to the standard Everest Base Camp trek, the Gokyo Lakes route is less crowded, offering a more peaceful trekking experience. The accommodations at Gokyo Lakes are surprisingly premium, with comfortable stays, clean surroundings, and attached bathrooms. The warm hospitality makes for a wonderful experience.
Final Thoughts
The Gokyo Lakes Trek is a transformative journey through the heart of the Himalayas. More than just another trek in Nepal, this extraordinary route offers adventurers an unparalleled experience of the Everest Base Camp region. Whether you’re drawn to the Gokyo Ri viewpoint or the challenge of high-altitude trekking, this Nepalese adventure promises memories that will last a lifetime, testing your limits and showcasing the raw beauty of mountain landscapes.
