The Gokyo Valley Trek takes you through one of the most beautiful valleys in Nepal, nestled in the foothills of the world's highest mountains. This mystical valley is located west of the well-known Khumbu region. Gokyo valley trek is also known for its one-of-a-kind paths, diversified nature and cultures, picturesque valleys and hills, and so on. In this Gokyo lake trek, the vast meadows for yaks to graze during the summer and the vivid blue lakes are truly breathtaking. Trekking to Gokyo valley entails discovering a hidden jewel of the Himalayas as well as acclimating to the Everest region's natural splendors. By adding four or five days to the itinerary, Gokyo Valley can be explored after or before the classic trekking trail at Everest Base Camp.
The trek to Gokyo Valley begins with a 30-minute dramatic and spectacular flight from Kathmandu/Manthali to Lukla Airport, the world's most severe airport. Following that, you'll enter Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you'll find peace and wilderness. Then you'll arrive in Namche, the Khumbu region's most popular tourist and economic center, also known as the Sherpa capital. The traditional Tibetan market, Sherpa cultural museum, Everest View Point, and the cuisines at modern hotels and restaurants would make you thrilled at Namche Bazar. The route only goes as far as the tea houses at Kenjoma because Gokyo valley is our primary target.
From here, the trail ascends to the Mongla pass before descending steeply to the Imja River's bank in a typical Everest base camp trail. The path leads to the lovely villages of Dole and Machhermo through rhododendron, oak, and pine forest, as well as breathtaking waterfalls. The last ascent to Gokyo passes through a few teahouses and along the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa glacier, Nepal's largest glacier. Finally, you'll reach the top of the moraine, where you'll be able to see the crystal-clear blue freshwater lakes. This trek is also an excellent opportunity to learn about Himalayan cultures and traditions. You reach the Himalayan settlements, interact with the people and acknowledge the lifestyle of the Mountain people. You are mesmerized when you are treated very well by those kind people.
Major Highlights of Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek
Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri
Gokyo valley, in comparison to other valleys in the Khumbu region, offers significantly more on this three-high-pass trek. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and contains lakes, a viewpoint, and glaciers. This blue lake is the Himalayas' hidden beauty, as well as the region's charm and heart. Gokyo Valley features six separate lakes (ranging in height from 4,700m to 5,000m) that are among the highest-elevation freshwater lakes. Gokyo Ri is the world's most famous and well-known viewpoint, as well as the kingdom of trekking. This vantage point provides 360-degree views of massive snow-capped mountains, lakes, glaciers, and the magnificent Himalayan range.You can experience the breathtaking view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Pumori, and many neighboring mountains. Experiencing sunset and sunrise over those mountains from the top of these two viewpoints are the most precious moments for a travel enthusiast.
Sherpa Culture & Tibetan Buddhism
Trekkers will get a fascinating insight into unique sherpa traditions, cultures, and lifestyles. Everest region is the home of the Sherpa people and their practices, tradition, and uniqueness are simply the best things to explore on this trip. Prayers flags, stone walls, monasteries, chortens, mani walls, and small stupas are the correspondence of living Tibetan Buddhism. You will encounter the oldest and most popular Buddhist monastery in Tengboche and getting a blessing from the Lama Rinpoche adds more spiritual energy to your trip.
Exploration of UNESCO Site, Sagarmatha National Park
Everest Region is the home of numerous exotic flora and fauna. Colorful flowers, pine trees, grassland, and forest with colorful rhododendron flowers are the most glamorous part of the Everest region. Besides this, mountain goats, musk deer, snow leopards, red panda, and colorful Danphe (national bird) glorify this trip. Protection of Sherpa culture, Himalayan correspondence, and tradition of this region are the extraordinary things of Sagarmatha national park.
More Highlights of Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek
- UNESCO World Heritage Site Excursions in Kathmandu such as Pashupatinath Temple, Sywambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square.
- Thrilling and scenic flight to Lukla, one of the most extreme airports in the world.
- Experience Sherpa culture and learn more about Tibetan Buddhism and its practices.
- Acclimatization in Namche and explore the fanciest and classy sherpa and in Nepal.
- Encounter Yaks, Donkeys, Dzhos, and horses while hiking.
- Walking on the longest glacier - Ngozumpa glacier in the Himalayas.
- Witnessing sunset and sunrise from the famous viewpoint - Gokyo Ri
- Exploration of the world’s highest freshwater lake system- Gokyo lakes.
- Hike to the world’s highest-star hotel, Everest View Hotel, and witness the panoramic views of the highest mountains.
Best time for Gokyo Lakes Trek
The best timeframe for Everest is the time between April and June. During this timeframe, the weather conditions are more clear and more apparent, and the biodiversity of the Everest district becomes animated, it's when nature shines up. The thick timberland around the locale is vivid, waking down those trails during such a timeframe is a snapshot of the experience. The Spring and Autumn are extensively hotter than winter and the greater part of the journeying is probably going to happen during this timeframe.
Along the journey, you will relish the wonderful trek, support the local economy, explore your hidden strengths, and make both friends and memories that will last a lifetime.
You will use normal teahouse accommodation during the trekking days in the mountain. During peak season (Autumn- Sep-Nov) and (Spring- March-May) the teahouses and the trail are crowded. Since Autumn and Spring is the best season or best time of the year to trek to the Everest Region. However, Luxury Holidays Nepal's experienced and professional team is always there to ensure your safety and services all around the year. We offer a farewell cultural dinner at the end of the trip. If you want some other options in Everest Region, you can also go with this package for the Everest Experience as a Short EBC trek by helicopter, Everest Base Camp Trek, Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp Trek, and a Luxury EBC trek.
For the Complete Guide to Gokyo lakes and Everest Base Camp Trek, please click here.
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