Gokyo: The highest freshwater lake in Nepal

Gokyo, the glacier lakes at an altitude of 4700 – 5000 m in Khumbu pasang Lhamu rural Municipality. The Gokyo lakes are the attraction center for nature lovers and researchers. There are six lakes in Gokyo series that is locates in different altitude on Gokyo wetland. Trekkers can explore three Gokyo lakes i.e. Gokyo 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Each of these lakes are glacier lake and oligotrophic that supports life for plants and animals. Kobresia fissiglumis, Kobresia gandakiensis, Pedicularis poluninii, Nepicrorhiza scrophularifolia are some floras recorded in Gokyo cathchment. Similarly, Brahminy ducks, Eurasian Wigeon, Northern Pintail are some faunas found in Gokyo. 

Where is Gokyo lake located?

Gokyo lake is in southern slope of Mount Everest at 27.975404° N and 86.674671° E. It lies on the base of Mount Cho Oyu. The Ngozumpa glaciers, mount Cho Oyu and snow fall are the source of water on Gokyo lakes. 

How to reach Gokyo lake Nepal? 

We can reach Gokyo lake through the most popular routes to Gokyo lake:

•  Everest Gokyo Lake trek : The 11-day trek from Lukla to Gokyo through Namche, Dole, and Machherma offers a less crowded route.
•  Gokyo Cho La pass trek : The best trekking in Everest region to explore Himalayas, lakes and high passes.

The trekking begins from Lukla. Going through the Sherpa villages: Phakding, Namche, Dole and Macherma. We can reach Gokyo lake Nepal. It takes six days to reach Gokyo village along with the acclimatization in Namche. 

Brief itinerary to reach Gokyo lake Nepal

Day 1: Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding

Day 2: Trek to Namche

Day 3: Trek to Khumjung and acclimatize in Namche

Day 4: Trek to Dole village

Day 5: Trek to Macherma

Day 6: Trek to Gokyo village

Day 7: Hike to Gokyo Ri and trek to Phortse

Day 8: Trek to Monjo

Day 9: Trek to Lukla

What makes Gokyo lake popular?

• Gokyo Ri
• Hiking around Gokyo lake
• Ngozumpa glacier
• Mountain view 
• Site trips: Cho La pass and Renjo La pass

Gokyo Ri

Gokyo Ri is the peak at an altitude of 5357m. It is one of the attractions of Gokyo for early morning hike and sunrise view. We can have panoramic views of mountains from Gokyo Ri. Exploring four 8000m peak i.e. Mount Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Lhotse from the Gokyo Ri is amazing. The peak of Gokyo Ri is the great viewpoint of mountains in Everest region. 

Hiking around Gokyo lake

We can enjoy the great walk around the Gokyo lake. The aquatic flora and fauna at such a high altitude are amazing to explore. It takes an hour to walk around Gokyo lake. There are three Gokyo lakes that we can go through easily from Gokyo village. 

Ngozumpa glacier

We can view the Ngozumpa glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalaya. It flows from Mount Cho Oyu. The distance from Gokyo lake and Ngozumpa is 2.5 km. It takes around an hour to reach Ngozumpa glacier from Gokyo.

Mountain view 

Gokyo lake and Gokyo Ri offers amazing mountain view. We can see all the major mountains from Gokyo Ri. Most of the trekkers climb Gokyo Ri for great view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, Makalu and Cho Oyu.

Can we stay in Gokyo lake?

Yes, we can stay on Gokyo lake. The tea houses on the bank of Gokyo lake provide accommodation and food for trekkers. There are both luxury and normal accommodation where we can spend overnight in a warm boundary. 

Temperature in Gokyo Lake

The temperature in Gokyo Lake varies from -5 ℃ to – 10 ℃ . Days remain warmer whereas nights remains freezing.

Conclusion

Gokyo is the highest freshwater lake that supports life to plants and animals. It is one of the best place to trek in Everest region. Explore lake, mountains and make a life tie memory with Gokyo lake Nepal in Khumbu region, Everest.