Location And Geography
One of the most impressive water bodies in the Khumbu region of Nepal, and situated not far from Everest, is the Gokyo Lake. All the lakes within Gokyo Valley lie in Nepal's eastern Solukhumbu district. Located in the Gokyo Valley amid big mountains and mesmerizing views, the lake attracts those who enjoy trekking and adventure for its breathtaking views.
Gokyo Lake and other Gokyo Lakes are found inside Sagarmatha National Park, which is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. Numerous plants and animals can live in this area’s rich and varied ecosystem. Because of its stunning views, including Gokyo Lake and the white mountains, many people visit this area all year round. The amazing glaciers, narrow valley, and stunning rocks all play a part in what makes Gokyo Lake stunningly appealing.
Formation and Hydrology: How is Gokyo Lake formed?
The way the Gokyo Lakes were created is truly interesting. Millions of years ago, glaciers covered every part of this area. Their bodies were big and tough, so they managed to dig through the soil and reach the valley through the mountain pass. With the temperature rise, portions of the glaciers began melting. Ngozumba Glacier is known as the largest glacier in Nepal. Once the ice melted, water flowed into the big holes to create the six lakes that we now see as the Gokyo Lakes.
The water that fills the lakes continues to come from melting glacier ice. During summer, with warmer weather, more ice melts and the lakes fill up. What sets these lakes apart is the amazingly blue color they feature. The blue-green color is caused by grinding up pieces of rock found in the glacier ice. The lakes have formed a group, just like a family. Water moves from the top lakes to the bottom ones. In the mountains, where it’s freezing cold, the lakes often turn to ice and stay that way for a large part of every winter.
How Many Lakes Make Up The Gokyo Lake System?
In the Himalayas of Nepal, the Gokyo Lake System is home to six lovely, blue lakes surrounded by high mountains that are found 4,700 meters or higher around Mount Everest.
Gokyo Cho (Main Gokyo Lake)
Gokyo Cho is located beautifully in the Himalayas, covering an area of 43 hectares at 4750 meters. It is also called Dudh Kunda or Milk Lake. Because of the bright sunrise, the blue water looks especially enchanting as the day goes by. In the morning, when the sun hits the lake, it looks bright blue but by sunset, it turns even deeper and mysterious. The lake is pretty deep, with a max depth of 43 meters! When coming to Gokyo Cho, one can observe the tiny village of Gokyo lying right on the eastern shore. Tea houses exist in the village in which weary hikers gather to relax and sip hot beverages, watching lakes change colors with clouds above. The lake gets its fresh and cold waters due to the melting of the Ngozumpa Glacier nearby.
Both Hindu and Buddhist people consider the lake very special and sacred. They believe that a snake god, Nag, inhabits the water, so it is called "Nag Pokhari" by some. During the special full moon called Janai Purnima, people brave enough to enter the icy waters to rid themselves of ill fortune and sins in the lake, otherwise known for the cold birthing of healing powers.
Thonak Cho (Largest Lake)
Thonak Cho is the biggest and deepest lake of the Gokyo lakes, covering 65 hectares and being as large as 91 football fields! The lake lies approximately 4,843 meters above sea level, slightly higher than Gokyo Cho’s height. A dropped stone in Thonak Cho would fall 62.4 m before reaching the lake at the bottom.
Most of the water for the Thonak Cho comes from the Ngozumpa Glacier which is the longest glacier in the Himalaya mountain range. When the sun warms the glacier ice, water begins to flow from the ice into the lake. The color of Thonak Cho keeps on changing depending on the weather and time of day. It might be deep blue in color sometimes, while turquoise green at other times, and gray or almost black during cloudy days.
Thonak Cho does not get as many visitors as Gokyo Cho. Hence, it remains quiet and peaceful. If you sit by the lake, all you might hear is the wind and possibly the sound of cracking ice from far away on the glacier. The lake is surrounded by rough slopes and plants that withstand the difficult surroundings. The Dudh Kosi river gets water from the lake and takes it down to several villages in the valleys below.
Gyaumpa Cho Lake (or Gyazumpa Lake)
Gyaumpa Cho is situated at an awe-inspiring elevation of 5,200 meters above sea level, higher than most of the other Gokyo lakes. To cover an entire surface area of 29 hectares in the middle of the Himalayas, the lake has an almost otherworldly blue-green and aqua shade that glows brilliantly under the sunlight. Being at such a height, Gyaumpa Cho stays rather chilly through all the seasons, with its sides sealing up into ice at times during the summertime.
The trek to approach this lake is far from simple. Hikers have to ascend steep trails and somehow manage to find their way through rocky patches, which is why Gyaumpa Cho sees fewer visitors than its lower counterparts. Those who have put in the effort to come here find themselves in a quiet almost unlikely place, enclosed on all sides by some of the tallest mountains on earth. On clear days, you can see awesome mountain peaks reflected in the still waters, creating perfect mirror images, almost like paintings.
Gyaumpa Cho might appear desolate at first glance, but it shelters a few rare creatures that can live in such a hostile environment. If your eyes are sharp enough, you may manage to spot some blue sheep grazing nearby on the slopes or watch a golden eagle soaring across the skies. Such lakes as Gyaumpa Cho pique the interest of scientists since high mountain lakes tell us essential things regarding climate change and glacier melting over time.
Tanjung Cho
Tanjung Cho spans an area of only 17 hectares, making it smaller than some of its neighbors, yet it possesses a breathtaking, remote setting. Along the edge of the fourth lake in the Gokyo system, Tanjung Cho sits with shoreline waters that are you have ever the cleanest water glinting under the sun's rays! On days with absolutely still weather, the lake surface develops its own giant mirror effect, throwing the mountains into a perfect reflection that photographs taken there often leave people puzzled about the orientation of the picture!
The trail to Tanjung Cho meanders through magnificent rock formations etched out by ancient glaciers. In the summertime, little patches of colorful wildflowers somehow manage to sprout up near the lake, creating splashes of purple, yellow, and blue against the gray rock face. These flowers are all the more special because they survive in a place where winter lasts most of the year and there is the barest excuse for soil.
Scientists believe Tanjung Cho is linked by underground channels to the other lakes. There is therefore, the water flowing beneath the rocky ground between the lakes like a hidden river system. The water in Tanjung Cho remains chilled all through the year, usually just a few degrees above freezing. These waters host some really tiny microscopic creatures, serving as a primary food source in a very simple food chain. Occasionally, birds come to the lake to drink and hunt for those tiny aquatic organisms, and the little ripples formed by them disrupt the otherwise mirror-still lake surface.
Ngozumpa Cho (Ngozumba Lake)
Ngozumpa Cho is placed beside one of the mightiest glaciers in this part of the world, hence the name. The lake is about 14 hectares in area and is about 4,800 meters in elevation. What is interesting about this lake is that at times, it does change in size! The quicker the glacier melts in the warm years, the bigger the lake grows; in colder years, it might even shrink a little.
The water of Ngozumpa Cho is often milky turquoise because it contains finely crushed particles of rock-glacial flour. These particles come from the mountains themselves, crushed into powder by the enormous weight of slowly moving ice. When sunlight hits the particles suspended in the water, an ethereal glow comes on that photographers adore capturing.
The edges of the waters of Ngozumpa Cho are punctuated by bits of ice that break off from the great glacier to join the icebergs called mini-icebergs until they melt away again. It is a wild and relatively unexplored territory. A sparse vegetation exists at very few places because of the adverse conditions of growth, yet the landscape holds its own special charm of ice, rock, and water. Hikers describe feeling very small next to the giant forces of nature working together to carve this place out of time over thousands of years.
Longpanga Cho
Longpanga Cho is one of only a few less well-known yet truly lovely Gokyo area lakes in Nepal. Gokyo Lake is found at the fourth spot in the series of Gokyo Lakes which are 4,950 meters above sea level. Known as the Second Lake, this lake has an area of only about 0.14 square kilometers which is smaller than the Third Lake (also known as Gokyo Lake).
The Longpanga Cho waters are a beautiful turquoise shade that keeps varying with the change in sunlight. At the center, the lake is about 49 feet deep, while near the shores, where you can spot some aquatic plants, it is quite shallow.
Only a few trekkers make it to this lake as it is about an hour's walk north of the main Gokyo village. So, it is pretty tranquil on its own! The trail alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier is known for its breathtaking mountain scenery.
The lake's glacial meltwater keeps it freezing cold and therefore hard to swim in. The lake freezes completely on the surface in winter. These nearby Sherpa locals consider this lake sacred, just like other Gokyo Lakes. Where do you find this alone, a beautiful place that can create an occasion in your favor to let you spot some birds or small animals close to the shore?
Gokyo Ri: The enchanting viewpoint (5,357 meters)
Next to Gokyo village is the enormous hill of Gokyo Ri at 5,357 meter. Climbing the hill is hard but very enjoyable. Your legs get exhausted, and it is hard to breathe because of the lack of air circulation up high in the mountains. Most start the ascent when the darkness is yet to be taken away by the sun, with flashes of their flashlights illuminating the path. It takes between two and three hours of zigzagging up and down the steep hill to reach the summit. Children, just imagine climbing stairs for three straight hours, and that is how tiring it is! But once you get to the top, you gaze upon such an awe-inspiring wonder that carries away all your weariness.
You can see four of the tallest mountains, including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu! The biggest lake, Gokyo Cho, looks like a giant sapphire gem from above. The lakes at Gokyo Ri sparkle blue and look so small from above, as if they’re banked in puddles across the land below. You can also observe the huge Ngozumba Glacier hanging like a frozen river on the other side of the valley. No surprise that many people shed tears of joy at seeing this view because of its breathtaking beauty! Some even say it is the most beautiful view in the entire world!
Route To Reach Gokyo Lake
Many fun adventures are available if you’re heading to Gokyo Lake in the Everest region. Every trail gives an opportunity to discover new places, enjoy nice scenery and gather unique memories. A few routes are short and clear, while others consist of well-known trails and appealing mountain passes. Here you can read about the different routes to Gokyo Lake, so that everyone understands how to get there and enjoys the journey.
The Classic Gokyo Lake Trek
Those wanting to experience the calmness of blue lakes and tall mountains should consider the Gokyo Lake Trek. You should be fit to do this hike, but you don’t have to be an extremely fit mountain climber. You will walk through forests and visit friendly villages in the Sherpa region such as Phakding and Namche Bazaar, after leaving Lukla. You relax at Namche before making your way to Dole and Machhermo, ending up at the beautiful Gokyo Valley with its wonderful lakes.
The highlight is arriving at the third lake, the real Gokyo Lake and seeing its very small village. After this, you can climb the hill of Gokyo Ri for sunrise over Mount Everest and observe the nearby tall mountains. Most days, you walk for around 5 to 6 hours and spend about 12 days hiking. As you hike, you will notice yaks, prayer flags and glaciers, while you follow the path alongside the milky-blue Dudh Koshi River into the mountains.
Everest Base Camp Trek Via Gokyo Lake
This trek ideally allows you to make the two into one huge trip- Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake. The trip, hence, starts with a flight to Lukla and continues on the famed Everest route via Phakding and Namche Bazaar. After leaving Namche, the trail shifts to Gokyo Valley and passes by several beautiful lakes while you have the opportunity to climb up Gokyo Ri. Instead of traveling back after Gokyo, you follow the regular Everest Base Camp route via Cho La pass. The route is famous for its heavy snow and ice, making it quite an exciting challenge.
Crossing the pass will take some time, as you get to see the famous Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest ice river in the Himalayas along the way. Right after the pass, you meet up with the original trail and continue to Gorak Shep and then to Everest Base Camp. You also get the chance to climb Kala Patthar to see the best sunrise over Mount Everest. Expect to hike for about 6-7 hours every day for up to 16 days which will let you discover two famous locations in the Everest region. One special feature of the route is that the scenery changes the whole way there. At first, you explore the beautiful blue Gokyo Lakes, afterward trek across glacial rocky terrain and finally arrive in the Khumbu region to see its Buddhist temples and delight in views of Everest.
Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek
Those who like peace and a solid adventure would like the Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek. When you hike, you cross the Renjo La mountain pass which is very high. Anyone who is familiar with hiking and wants to avoid crowded paths should come to this trail.
Renjo La Pass is most impressive because at the top, you get to enjoy two unique views at once! If you face east, you can admire the Gokyo Lakes; if you face west, you can witness the wonderful Bhote Koshi Valley leading the way to Tibet. Many hikers see this as the best view in all of the Everest region! You will need to fly to Lukla and continue to Namche Bazaar for the journey. Following the stay in Namche, you continue to Dole and Machhermo before reaching the beautiful Gokyo Lakes.
The best aspect of the trek is reaching Renjo La, because it allows stunning views of Everest and the other nearby mountains. After you pass over the pass, you descend to Thame and go back to Namche and Lukla. A typical trek on this route uses 12 to 14 days, walking 6-7 hours and a moderately difficult level. Unlike other routes, this one is not crowded. You can see peaceful lakes, mountains covered in snow and the special culture of the Sherpas. Photographers and those fond of seeing several kinds of landscapes will find this trek to the mountains very interesting.
Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek
Those keen on a true adventure and a challenge should consider the Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek. It can be quite difficult, mostly because you have to go over the demanding Cho La Pass. The journey starts when you take a flight to Lukla and move along the pathway to Namche Bazaar and onward to Gokyo Lakes. Once you have seen the lakes and climbed Gokyo Ri, you cross the Cho La Pass which is quite high and may be covered in snow. This section requires the most effort and is the most difficult day along the way. The hiking in this section will, indeed, be thrilling with glaciers on one side and rocky paths on the other. The pass will be an amazing platform to offer you fantastic views of some famous mountain peaks like Ama Dablam, Cholatse, and Lobuche.
Beyond the pass, Dzongla village is on the itinerary, after which the trail follows the old route towards Everest Base Camp, allowing you to also visit Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. The trek would take roughly 15 to 17 days, giving you 6 to 7 hours of walking each day. Because it takes you to Gokyo, across a high pass, and to EBC, this trek is famously said to be a fine mixture of light adventure along with serene mountain views.
Everest Three Passes Trek
Everest Three Pass Trek is the perfect and adventorous challenge for brave trekkers who love to explore everything. As the name implies, you must go over passes called Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La, all over 5000 meters high. Choosing your itinerary determines if you’ll go clockwise or anticlockwise. Because the hike is challenging, only people with experience hiking in the mountains should attempt it. You take a flight to Lukla and then go through Namche Bazaar. At first, you visit Gokyo Lakes and make your way across Renjo La Pass. Next, you have to cross Cho La Pass to get to Everest Base Camp.
After exploring base camp and climbing Kala Patthar, you go over Kongma La Pass which is the highest pass. This loop trail takes you on a rundown showcasing the Everest region in all its beauty. All the important areas around Mount Everest, such as the Gokyo Lakes, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar, are included! There are the best sights of Gokyo Lakes at Renjo La, an icy glacier at Cho La and Kongma La is both the highest and most tiring one. The trek lasts between 18 to 22 days and is hard, but it affords you all the stunning sights, lakes, and villages of the Everest region. This trek is distinguished by taking people to places that many normal tourists do not see. Enjoy the serene trails shared with your small group of trekkers only!
Scenic Helicopter One Day Tour
Helicopter tours are perfect for those who can’t spend weeks on a hiking adventure. You can reach the Gokyo Lakes by helicopter in only a day, instead of spending days on a walking trip. You will leave Kathmandu on the first flight of the morning which is when the weather is typically best. The ride on the helicopter is really thrilling! You will cross over green hills, small villages and deep valleys. The closer you are to the Everest region, the clearer it will become that the tall towers of snow-capped mountains are increasing all around you. You will be able to see many landmarks as the pilot talks about Ama Dablam (called the ‘Matterhorn of the Himalayas’), Lhotse, as well as Mount Everest.
Those with not much time or walking difficulty can join a helicopter trip to see Gokyo Lake. You see the Gokyo Lakes, glaciers and the Himalayas as you fly over them. When you arrive at Gokyo, the helicopter will land by the lovely turquoise lake and you can get out to take some photos. The amount of time you have after landing will be around 15-20 minutes (not overly long because of the high altitude). Certain tours make a stop at the Everest View Hotel to let you have breakfast and look at the mountains from above. Seeing the lake by helicopter is the best choice for anyone who prefers an easy adventure or is touring with their family. You pay more for a helicopter tour, but you get to see incredible sights in just one day. The tour lasts about 4-5 hours and ends with lunch in Kathmandu as you share your memories and photos of stunning mountains!
Cultural And Spiritual Significance
Gokyo Lakes are extremely important to both the Hindu and Buddhist communities in Nepal. Many believe these lakes are considered sacred because of a powerful Snake God known as Nag Devta. If you go in August on a night of the full moon, you will witness everyone dressed colorfully in celebration of the festival Janai Purnima. They submerge themselves in the cold water and pray for the gods to grant them prosperity.
Those who live in the mountains respect the lakes and guide their children to look after them carefully. The lakes are home to several small temples and monasteries where people offer prayers. Flags made of pretty pieces of fabric hang in red, white, blue, green and yellow between trees and dance in the wind, looking like dancing birds. They represent people’s hopes reaching for the heavens.
Ecological And Environmental Importance
It may surprise you to know that the Gokyo Lakes sit among the highest freshwater lakes globally. So much so, they are protected by important laws at an international level as a wetland area. Many countries from around the world have come together and agreed to care for these lakes. The lakes look like huge tubs, gathering water from melting glaciers and snow. What remains in the lakes isn’t everything; most of the water becomes the Dudh Kosi River which is needed by both people and animals. The importance of the area near the lakes is that it is very fragile and easy to disturb. So, whenever you go there, please take care not to drop rubbish or damage the area.
The pure and clean water in these lakes supports the growth of rare plants and animals. Several animals and plants in these regions are endangered, so they are rare. None of these things can be found elsewhere! When we preserve Gokyo Lakes, we help protect all the beautiful natural features of the Himalayas.
Flora And Fauna Around Gokyo Lakes
The weather is cold around the Gokyo Lakes, but the area is still filled with a wide range of plant and animal species! Tall pine trees, rhododendrons in brilliant colors and white-barked birch grow in the forests here. Bright birds live in the trees and can be heard chirping and singing all day. During spring and summer, the ground is full of bright colors. Small blue gentians, pretty pink primulas, and little purple rhododendrons are found everywhere. Green moss and grayish lichens are found on rocks, while soft grass blankets the ground just like a carpet. These plants provide food and shelter to various small creatures.
If you keep quiet and pay attention, you could spot some amazing animals. Some people who visit find a Himalayan tahr (a curly-horned wild goat) or an observant musk deer with tiny razor teeth! The unusual snow leopard also calls this place home, but it is challenging to spot since it hides so easily. Looking up, you can often find golden eagles flying or see the beautiful Himalayan monal birds displaying their rainbow feathers. Take a moment to notice what’s beneath your feet as butterflies, bees and similar bugs assist flowers in growing by carrying pollen across plants. All these creatures unite as if they were part of the same family to ensure Gokyo Lakes stay healthy and attractive.
Top 5 Attractions Around Gokyo Lakes
From all over, many people come to see the impressive Gokyo lakes and the areas nearby. We will now go over some of the most impressive features you can see when you travel to Gokyo Lakes!
Nzogumpa Glacier
Nzogumpa Glacier stands out as the largest glacier in all of Nepal. It is a vast frozen body of water that runs for 36 kilometers (22 miles) past the mountains. Your first view of it might make it appear like a big white and gray snake meandering through the valleys. While some parts of the glacier are bright white, others have been covered by rocks and dirt that dropped down from the surrounding mountains. As you stand just before the glacier, you may detect cracking and popping sounds as they come from the ice moving slowly. Each day, it moves a tiny bit, yet slowly its movements create the valley. A lot of people who visit the Nzogumpa Glacier say it makes them feel extremely small next to the powerful nature surrounding them. Small chunks of ice melt in the warm months, adding their water to the Gokyo Lakes.
Panorama from Gokyo Ri
From Gokyo RI, the view all around is breathtaking, as if you are gazing from the very top of the world. Just above the lake is the tall hill of Gokyo Ri which you can reach after a climb. You should plan for a 2-3 hour hike on a steep path to reach the top, as looking over the gorge is a wonderful reward. Spin around near the top and you can admire incredible mountains all around you. It is amazing to view all four of the world’s tallest mountains at once! During clearer days, the distinctive triangular shape of Mount Everest can be seen peeking over other nearby mountains. The Gokyo Lakes, located under you, seem like tiny droplets of turquoise paint dotted over the brown earth. Many individuals get up early to see the sun come up. When the sun appears, it quickly makes the snow of the mountains turn into golden and pink light which is amazing!
Gokyo Valley
Visiting Gokyo Valley is like living out the scene from a fairy tale. Six emerald-green lakes in this valley were created when glacier ice melted thousands of years ago. The largest lake, known as Gokyo Cho or the Third Lake, is the most beautiful because it calmly reflects the nearby mountains and looks like a mirror. If you go around the valley in summer, you will encounter grassy spots where yaks are grazing on plants and flowers. Approximately 4,700 meters above sea level is where you find the beautiful valley and its thin and crisp air. In Gokyo village, many small stone structures display colorful prayer flags near the coast of Gokyo Lake.
Those who live in this mountain region, the friendly Sherpas, look after trekkers by feeding them and allowing them to spend the night. While walking in the valley, you might observe some small birds and might catch a glimpse of tiny pikas traveling between rocks. Spring brings purple blossoms, summer is green, fall brings golden grass and winter brings white snow to the valley. Gokyo Valley is said to bring peacefulness and joy to those who walk through it, almost like they have reached a paradise.
3 Pinnacles
The Three Passes are great excitement for travelers, as they cross between different valleys high in the mountains! The western Renjo La Pass is 5,360 meters high and said to be the most beautiful. You climb the trail by zigzagging over rocks until you come to a space between two mountains. You’ll come across colorful prayer flags blowing in the breeze and a view that will take your breath away, with Gokyo Lakes below you on one side and the Bhote Koshi Valley on the other. At 5,420 meters, Cho La is the toughest to cross and is the central pass on the route. In some parts, ice and snow remain for the whole year.
There are times when you should use your hands to climb over enormous rocks and many people use sticky shoes called crampons on the ice. Kongma La Pass at 5,535 meters is the most strenuous and demanding of all the passes. The track covers ground with boulders and slopes that are very steep in places. At the end, hikers often place small stones on top of piles of stones known as cairns for luck. Getting through these three passes is very difficult, but once you succeed, you feel a great sense of pride! You need to work your lungs harder due to the lack of oxygen, though the beautiful sights keep your energy up.
Breathtaking Mountain views
The spectacular mountain views near the Gokyo Lakes will surely take your breath away! Imagine remaining still and viewing some of the highest mountains from one location! At Gokyo Ri, we can admire Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,485m) and Cho Oyu (8,201m) at the same time because they all seem to touch the horizon. Cho Oyu, the 6th highest mountain, with its ice cream scoop-shaped rounded summit, lies near Gokyo. And Gyachung Kang is one majestic mountain is ranked the 15th highest in the world, with an enormous pyramid-shaped summit.
During the morning, these mountains grow golden-orange, while at sunset they turn pink and purple on days without any clouds.
Best Accommodations from Standard to Luxury
Up in Gokyo Lakes, you will realize there aren’t many big hotels like you find in towns and cities. Instead, you’ll be comfortable in houses, especially found in the mountains. Most travelers choose to spend the night at tea houses or lodges. They consist mainly of stone and wood which makes them seem simple and warm. Twin beds and thick blankets are available in each room for those staying in the mountains.
Some guest houses offer private rooms and bathrooms, and some also provide hot showers and Wi-Fi. Although these facilities are cleaner, they manage to preserve the warm mountain atmosphere. Many people spend their meals in dining rooms lined with long tables. In some lodges, you can take a solar hot shower after a great hiking experience! However, as you reach greater heights in the mountains, the simpler things become. In some higher lodges, you might find yourself using shared bathrooms and the hot water might not always be available. The Gokyo Resort and Namaste Lodge are both well-known in Gokyo village. These lodges often have heaters and beautiful views, giving you a relaxing and special experience in the mountains.
Best time to visit Gokyo Lakes
Choosing the right time to explore Gokyo Lakes makes your trip more satisfying. Due to quick weather shifts in the mountains, your hiking experience can be extra pleasant at various times. Most people like to visit the Gokyo Lakes in the springtime, from March to May and in the autumn, from September to November.
Spring is enjoyable because the days begin to get warmer after winter. Days become longer and the start of snow melting can be seen. The most wonderful thing about spring is the blooming flowers. Lower hills are decorated with red, pink and white flowers from rhododendrons. It feels like you’re strolling through a massive garden! You may notice baby animals around, since several mountain animals are born in the springtime. During the day, the temperature in Gokyo Lake remains low at 0 to 8°C, so it is not very hot or humid. Autumn is the best season for doing a trek to Gokyo Lake. As soon as the rains finish during the monsoon, the sky is as clear as glass. Because of this, you get to see the most fantastic views of the mountains! Fresh air is flowing and the average temperature during the day will be about 8 to 12 degrees Celsius. Due to a lack of rain and snow, the trail becomes easy to navigate as well as safe. Many people from different countries come to Nepal in October for trekking.
You can expect very cold weather in the winter season from December to February and nights can drop to as low as -15 degrees Celsius. Sometimes, tea houses are closed and snow can leave the paths blocked. Winter can be challenging, so it is only advised for experienced mountain hikers. Nepal experiences heavy rains and monsoon weather from June to August. If it rains a lot, the paths get slippery and covered in mud. At low elevation, you are more likely to meet leeches and the clouds may block your view of the mountains, but the surroundings are stunningly green.
All in all, it is easiest to explore Gokyo Lakes during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and you can see clearly.
Tip: If you want to see the Janai Purnima festival at the lakes, plan your visit for August full moon! Just be prepared for some rain, as it's during monsoon season.
Safety And Environmental Concern
While visiting the Gokyo Lakes, safety and nature should always be your main concern. To keep them beautiful and safe, we all need to protect Gokyo Lakes. Lots of people come to the lakes every year which can negatively affect the environment through trash and pollution. If you aren’t careful in the mountains, it can be quite risky. Hike with someone knowledgeable about the area or guide you while hiking. The sky can look bright in one moment and covered with snow in the next, so take along warm things even if the weather seems nice.
The area around the glacier is dangerous since the ice can be slippery and broken parts are invisible. It is not safe to go on the ice unless a trained guide is at your side. Remember to drink a lot of water and take it easy during your hike, since feeling sick, headaches and nausea can be caused by altitude sickness.
Remember to take out whatever you brought in when you visit this beauty. You should pack out every scrap of waste, including apple cores and toilet paper. Leave the flowers and the rocks exactly where you find them. Try to use the restrooms at teahouses and if you can’t, avoid going anyplace near water sources. Since these lakes hold sacred meaning for the local Sherpa people, treat their culture with respect. If you pay close attention and take care of the area, you ensure kids can visit Gokyo Lakes for many years to come!
Top 10 Enchanting Moments to Explore while visiting Gokyo Lake
- Be amazed by the turquoise blue water, which sparkles in the sun and mirrors the tall mountains.
- Reach Gokyo Ri and enjoy the amazing sights of Mount Everest and other tall peaks that give you a feeling of being above all.
- See the yaks with their thick coats walking through the grasslands, bringing supplies and making amusing noises as they go by.
- Be mesmerized by the prayer flags flying in the wind, sending prayers to all the mountains in the area, as believed by the people.
- Look at the special stone-made houses in the village that insulate from the cool mountain winds with their thin windows and stacked walls.
- Enjoy the noises of the giant Ngozumpa Glacier as it goes gently down the valley like a river made of ice. Enjoy the fabulous night sky with stars as many as diamonds scattered against the mountains behind them.
- Spend time with Sherpa people who have been residing in the mountains for ages.
- Navigate the smaller Fourth and Fifth Lakes as they are seldom crowded and a good place for wildlife viewing and relaxing.
- Go to a teahouse for a cup of hot chocolate after hiking, relax together by the traditional stove and warm your hands and body.
Conclusion
Something is enchanting about the Gokyo Lakes that sets them apart from other places. The six attractive blue-green lakes are located at high elevations, along with snowy mountains and villages where people are friendly. From seeing Mount Everest from Gokyo Ri to watching yaks nearby and walking by Ngozumpa Glacier, there’s always something new every day. As the clouds move above, the color of the lakes shifts and the blankets of stars can only be seen far from anywhere else. The Sherpa communities around here encourage us to honor these holy waters and mountains. As guests, we should be careful not to damage or harm this beautiful place so it maintains its beauty for a long, long time.
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