Gokyo: The highest freshwater lake in Nepal
Gokyo, the glacier lakes at an altitude of 4700–5000 m in Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, Sagarmatha National Park, Koshi province, Nepal. The Gokyo Lakes are the attraction center for nature lovers and researchers. There are six lakes in the Gokyo series that are located at different altitudes on the Gokyo wetland. Trekkers can explore three Gokyo lakes, i.e., Gokyo 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Each of these lakes is a glacier lake and oligotrophic that supports life for plants and animals. Kobresia fissiglumis, Kobresia gandakiensis, Pedicularis poluninii, and Nepicrorhiza scrophularifolia are some floras recorded in the Gokyo cathchment. Similarly, Brahminy ducks, Eurasian wigeon, and northern pintail are some faunas found in Gokyo.
Where is Gokyo Lake located?
Gokyo Lake is on the 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 snowfall 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.
- Everest Cho La pass trek: The best trekking in the Everest region to explore the Himalayas, lakes, and high passes.
- Everest Three Passes Trek: One of the most popular, challenging, and longest treks in the Everest region.
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 5357 m. It is one of the attractions of Gokyo for early morning hikes and sunrise views. We can have panoramic views of mountains from Gokyo Ri. Exploring four 8000 m peaks, 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 the 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 offer amazing mountain views. We can see all the major mountains from Gokyo Ri. Most of the trekkers climb Gokyo Ri for a 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 accommodations where we can spend the night in a warm boundary.
Temperature in Gokyo Lake
The temperature in Gokyo Lake varies from -5℃ to -10℃. Days remain warmer, whereas nights remain freezing.
Conclusion
Gokyo is the highest freshwater lake that supports life for plants and animals. It is one of the best places to trek in the Everest region. Explore the lake and mountains and make a life-tie memory with Gokyo Lake, Nepal, in Khumbu region, Everest.