• Hiking
• Walking

Gokyo Trek – Treks Around Everest

Main Attractions:

• The opportunity to view the main 6 lakes in the Gokyo region, which offer mesmerizing reflected views of the surrounding mountains.
• Serene landscapes with many beyuls (sacred hidden valleys) that are home to a wide variety of wildlife including yaks.
• One of the best views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu peaks. All of these mountains surpass 8000 meters and make great viewing as they extend above the snow line, tree line, and clouds.
• Fascinating people, cultural and natural heritage.

Difficulty level: Medium to Hard. Max. altitude: Gokyo Ri (5360 meters.)

Ascending to Gokyo Ri in the Khumbu region allows trekkers to travel through some of Nepal’s most beautiful scenery. There are a series of nineteen lakes in Gokyo region which are the world’s highest freshwater lake system. The largest is popularly known as Gokyo lake. These lakes lie on the western lateral moraine of Ngozumpa glacier. Gokyo is a sacred lake for both Hindus and Buddhists alike who visit the lake every year during the month of June and July.

The emerald green lakes fed by the slow melting glaciers are famous among trekkers who want to see Everest from distance and prefer a less crowded trail. The trail follows the Everest Base Camp route as far as Sanasa, east of Namche Bazar and then branches off the main valley to follow the Dudh Koshi river valley until Ngozumpa glacier which is its source. Gokyo valley is the summer pasture for yaks from Khumjung and Namche.

Gokyo village at the foot of Gokyo Ri is one of the highest settlements in the world. As the trail became more popular, the temporary shelters for Yak herders and people living in the region were converted into tea houses, hotels, and lodges. Gokyo offers a range of accommodation with the usual wonderful Nepalese hospitality, food and great company.

The almost two-week trek to the Gokyo region takes you to elevations as high as Everest Base Camp (EBC). You can also combine this trek with the Everest Base Camp trek after crossing Ngozumpa glacier and Cho La pass (5420 meters) to reach Lobuche. This trail is not only less crowded and quieter but also offers a spectacular and jaw-dropping scenery, hidden valleys (known as beyuls), wildlife and incredible views of some of the highest mountains in the world. A morning hike to Gokyo Ri peak (at 5360 meters) will introduce you to Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makulu and several other smaller peaks. One can also follow the valley to the north for the mesmerizing close-up view of Cho Oyu and its reflection in the fourth and fifth Gokyo lakes”.