Gokyo, the glacier lakes at an altitude of 4700 – 5000 m in Khumbu pasang Lhamu Gaupalika. 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?
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 and 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 Everest Gokyo Lake trek or Gokyo Cho La pass trek. 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
Attractions of Gokyo lake
- 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 hiking and sunrise views. 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
Lake Gokyo 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 great view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, Makalu and Cho Oyu.
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.
