Gokyo Lakes of Everest Region
In addition to lofty peaks like Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu, the Everest Region is also home to stunningly beautiful high altitude lakes. The serene calmness of these turquoise lakes contrasts beautifully with the lofty ambition of high mountains. When we go to the Everest Region, one of our favorite pastimes is seeing how the beautiful Gokyo Lakes changes colors throughout the day.
Here we present Gokyo and four other lakes of the Everest Region.
Gokyo Lakes
Gokyo Lakes is a freshwater lake system situated in the Gokyo valley, consisting mainly of six lakes: Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari), Thonak Cho, Gyazumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, Ngojumba Cho, and Kyajumba Cho. Thonak Cho is the largest lake out of them. However, if you go further up the valley, there are at least 20 other high-altitude lakes. Because of their significance, Gokyo and associated wetlands of 7,700 ha (30.0 sq. mi.) were designated a Ramsar site in September 2007.
The best thing about these lakes is that there are hotels right next to the most famous of the lakes, Gokyo Cho. Indeed Gokyo village is very charming because of the soaring sound of freshwater, reflections of crystal mountains, and the ever-changing lakes. And if it is winter, you also get to walk or skate on the lake.If you are looking to explore all the lakes, set aside a day. If you start from Gokyo village, it will take you three hours to complete a round trip to Thonak Cho (fourth lake) and six hours for a round trip to Ngozumpa Cho (fifth lake). It is entirely worth the time as you will be rewarded with beautiful views of Cho You, Gyachung Kang, Ngozumpa Glacier, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Makalu.
It is also worth noting that a rookie mistake while planning a trek to Gokyo is planning to stay only a single day. A lot of people just immediately realize their mistake when they get here. You need at least two nights to fully appreciate the beauty of this lake system.
Altitude : 4,700 m- 5,000 m
Latitude : 27° 58′ 49″ N
Longitude : 86° 40′ 7″ E
How to go there?
You can either plan a 12 day trek to Gokyo Lakes or do a 15 days trek that passes through both Everest Base Camp and Gokyo. Alternately, it is also possible to take a helicopter to this stunningly beautiful lake.
