Everest Gokyo Lake Trek

There are 6 Gokyo lakes in the Gokyo valley, located between 4,700 and 5,000 meters above sea level. These lakes are also part of the world’s highest freshwater lake system. They are famous for their turquoise-colored water. These six Gokyo Lakes are as follows:

• Longponga Tsho

The first lake you will encounter during the Gokyo Lakes is Longponga. It sits at an altitude of 4,710 meters above sea level. Although smaller than other lakes in the Gokyo system, it has the iconic mesmerizing turquoise-colored water. You can see sacred stones around the lake, which locals believe were left by Lamas. During winter, it often freezes, enhancing its serene and icy allure.

• Taujung Tsho

The second lake you will come across is the Taujung Tsho. It is located near Longponga Tsho and sits at an elevation of 4,728 meters above sea level. The lake has deep blue water that creates a grand scenery. It covers a surface of 41.9 meters or 16.95 hectares. This lake offers a stunning view for travelers as they head deeper into the valley. It opens up a wider and more scenic look at the Gokyo region.

• Gokyo Tsho

The third lake you will see during the Gokyo Lake trek is the Gokyo Tsho. It is also famously known as Dudh Pokhari, meaning “Milk Lake.” The lake sits at an altitude of 4,734 meters and covers a surface area of 106 acres or 42.9 ha. Gokyo Tsho is the most popular of the six lakes and is located near the Gokyo Valley. The lake holds deep spiritual significance for both Hindus and Buddhists, who consider its waters to be sacred. Pilgrims gather here during religious festivals.

• Thonak Cho

The fourth lake in the Gokyo Lake System is Thonak Cho. It is the largest lake in the system, covering a surface area of 160.8 acres or 65.07 ha. Similarly, Thonak Cho is also the deepest lake, with a depth of 62.4 meters. This beautiful turquoise lake sits at an elevation of 4,834 meters. This lake is a little away from the main trekking trail, so it feels quieter and less crowded than the first three lakes. Its peaceful setting makes it feel more natural and untouched.

• Ngozumpa Cho 

Ngozumpa Cho is the fifth and smallest lake in the Gokyo system. It is located 4,950 meters above sea level and has a surface area of 35.6 acres or 14.39 ha. Ngozumpa Cho is also an excellent viewpoint and offers spectacular views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Nuptse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Baruntse. The lake receives its water from the Ngozumpa Glacier, which is close to the Gokyo Valley.

• Gyazumba Cho

The sixth and final lake in the Gokyo Lake system is the Gyazumba Cho. It is at an altitude above 5000 meters and is closely associated with the Ngozumpa Glacier. Gyazumba Cho Lake covers an area of 72 acres or 19 ha. Very few people visit this lake because it’s far and hard to reach. But those who do are rewarded with a quiet, untouched place surrounded by snow and ice.

The Everest Base Camp Trek via the Gokyo Lake route allows you to experience the best of the Khumbu region. You will journey through the classic main section to Mount Everest’s base camp and walk into the quiet trails to Gokyo Valley. EBC Trek offers a stunning and close view of Everest and other surrounding vistas. It traverses the peaceful trekking pathways to the enchanting Gokyo Lakes.

The journey begins with an exciting flight to Tenzing Hillary Airport, Lukla. During the trek, you will hike through Sherpa villages like the Namche Bazaar, Dole, Machhermo, Tengboche, Dingboche, Gorak Shep, and more. First, you will take a remote section to the Gokyo Lakes region. You will hike to Gokyo Lakes and the Gokyo Village. Likewise, you will climb Gokyo Ri for magnificent views of the mountains and the lakes.

Then, you will follow in the footsteps of numerous Everest expedition teams, including Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. Along the way, you will cross suspension bridges, valleys, rivers, the Khumbu Glacier, and Khumbu Icefall to reach Everest Base Camp. The Everest route takes you to Kala Patthar (5,644m), the highest point on the journey. You will witness an amazing sunrise view with towering mountains, including Mt.Everest, in the background from Kala Patthar.

The trek to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake is a challenging journey. However, it will satisfy any adventurer. The journey connects you with raw nature and its awe-inspiring beauty. The view of the snow-capped mountain will leave you speechless. Meanwhile, the peaceful lakes will leave a mark on your memory and spirit.

Himalayan 360 is a Nepal-based adventure company with 10 years of experience in the field. We are government-registered under the Nepal Tourism Board. But that is not the only reason you should choose us. Here are some benefits of choosing our services:

• We offer a range of tours, treks, peak climbing expeditions, and other outdoor activities in Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet.
• You can create a personalized itinerary with the help of our expert travel consultant.
• We prioritize providing a safe, enjoyable, and hassle-free traveling experience.
• Our team members consist of professional and expert staff and guides. All our guides have proper licenses and medical backgrounds.
• You can book multiple packages, including trekking, sightseeing tours, jungle safaris, rafting, excursions, and other extended tours.
• Himalayan 360 organizes fully responsible treks, tours, and activities. We follow responsible tourism practices to minimize the negative impact on the environment and avoid disrupting the locals’ lives.
• You won’t have to worry about hidden charges when booking with us. We have clear trip policies and costs for hassle-free booking. Leave everything to us and just focus on enjoying your dream trip.

Your typical day during the Gokyo Lake Trek begins early. You will have breakfast and leave the accommodation between 7 and 8 a.m., depending on your destination for the day. The average trekking hours per day are around 6 hours. Our guide and porter will accompany you throughout the journey.

You will take a lunch break around midday. You will rest for an hour before continuing the journey. En route, you will have numerous opportunities to take photos, enjoy the scenery, and savor local cuisine. Usually, the afternoon treks are shorter than the morning ones. So, you will arrive at your destination before it gets dark. The dinner will be served around 6 or 7 p.m. You can refresh yourself, rest, or wander around in your remaining time until dinner.

After dinner, the guide will provide a brief overview of the next day’s journey. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask your guide. Then, you can chat, watch movies, or play cards or games. You can also learn the Nepali language and greetings with the help of your guide. Yet, we suggest you sleep in early, as you will need to wake up early. A good sleep helps to recharge your energy.

The Gokyo Valley Trek is a challenging journey that requires a reasonable level of health and fitness. There are no technical sections, but you must travel through the remote and off-beat paths. Similarly, numerous steep uphill and downhill climbing sections are on narrow sections. Likewise, you will trek on loose, rocky, rugged, and diverse terrains, adding to the trek’s difficulty. The average trekking hours per day are 6 hours. Therefore, trekkers must have reasonable physical and mental fitness to overcome these challenging routes.

Moreover, the high altitude also makes the trek physically demanding. You will ascend from the lower region to the trans-Himalayan region. It can get physically exhausting as you climb up and down steep and rough terrains. The highest point of the Gokyo Valley Trek is 5,375 meters (17,575 feet). Trekkers may experience symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath, which can quickly become serious without proper precautions. Likewise, the walkway also becomes more demanding in higher areas due to the rough terrain and thin oxygen levels in the atmosphere.

Besides this, due to the remote and rural location, the routes of the Gokyo Lake Treks are less visited and lack proper infrastructure. In higher regions, internet or phone signals may be limited. The accommodations are also basic, with beds, blankets, and pillows. So, there is a chance that trekkers will feel cut off from the rest of the world. While some trekkers may find the isolation peaceful, some may feel stressed and segregated. Moreover, sometimes unforeseen activities may occur, which can further mentally challenge trekkers.

To conclude, the Gokyo Lake Trek is a strenuous journey that will test your physical and mental limitations. Adequate preparation and the right trekking gear are necessary for the journey.

The Everest Gokyo Lake Trek is a stunning adventure that is suitable for both first-time and experienced trekkers. However, whether the trek is right for you depends on factors like health, fitness, preference, and budget. It is ideal for those who want to escape the busy life and enjoy the raw nature.

Gokyo -Lake Trek offers an opportunity to traverse the lesser-known and quiet route of the Everest region. You will trek through diverse landscapes, including rivers, waterfalls, glaciers, and moraines. As the trekking paths lie within the Sagarmatha National Park, you get to observe diverse plants, trees, vegetation, and animals. You may also see rare wildlife species. Similarly, the stunning view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu is visible throughout the journey. The views are even more grand from the viewpoint of Gokyo Ri.

If you love challenges and are seeking a thrilling adventure, the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek is the ideal choice. Similarly, the trek is great for naturalists, cultural explorers, photographers, and peace seekers. However, the trek is not an easy walk in the park. It is a 13-day journey. You must trek steep uphill and downhill trails for 6 hours a day. Likewise, you must overcome the demanding sections and high altitudes for a rewarding experience.

Sadly, No. You cannot trek to Everest Gokyo Lake without permits. You need two mandatory permits called the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit and the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. There are several checkposts along the trekking route where you must show them. Trekking without a permit will result in a heavy penalty.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit

First, you must obtain a local permit, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit. The trek is in the Everest or Khumbu region, and the routes access the Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality. All treks in the Khumbu region require a local permit. The local government introduced this new permit on October 1, 2018, replacing the TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) Card. 

The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit costs NPR 2000 per person for the first four weeks. After four weeks, the cost increases to NPR 2500 per person. The permit cost is the same for both SAARC and non-SAARC residents. Trekkers can obtain the permit in Kathmandu or at Lukla.

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

Another mandatory trekking permit for the Gokyo Lake Trek is the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. The pathways pass through the Sagarmatha National Park, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to hundreds of unique flora and fauna and features a rare ecosystem; overtourism can have a negative impact on it. The entry permit helps to regulate tourism in the area and preserve it.

The permit price is different for SAARC and non-SAARC residents. It costs NPR 1500 per person for SAARC residents and NPR 3000 per person for non-SAARC residents. Children under the age of ten will get free entry. Trekkers can obtain this national park entry permit in Kathmandu or at the Sagarmatha National Park entrance gate in Monjo.