Hey! Ho!
Let’s Go-Kyo!
The spectacular glacial lakes shimmering in turquoise hue while being guarded by the Himalayan behemoths under an azure sky with partially drifting clouds is a sight that will bewitch your eyes and stay in your heart for your lifetime. That is Gokyo for you!
A lot of people follow the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, the trailblazers who summitted the tallest mountain in the world towards Everest Base Camp, popularly called EBC trek. EBC trek and ABC trek have been the most popular trekking routes and rightfully so but Gokyo trek will be another unforgettable experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list. If you want to add more spice to your experience, have freedom to add few more days to EBC trek and are willing to venture out towards the Gokyo Ri, you will be rewarded with even better views of the tallest mountains in the world from that vantage point.
Gokyo lakes are the world’s highest freshwater lake system with one of the clearest waters in whole world. It is comprised of six major lakes, of which Thonak lake is the largest. Apart from their hydrological value and apart from the important fact that these lakes are listed under Ramsar convention by UNESCO in 2007, the clear turquoise waters on backdrop of solemn mountains offer other-worldly scenic views, that is any trekker’s paradise.
As most of the EBC region trekking, the journey starts from Kathmandu and ends there. We fly out to Lukla Airport, one of the most popular/notorious (Depending upon how much of a thrill-seeker you are) airport in the Everest region. You will be enchanted by panoramic views that garland the sky during the flight to Lukla, where you will be greeted by the Sherpas. This trek is a unique amalgamation of wonderful vistas, magnificent views, cultural richness and age-old traditions and way of life.
Add to the fact that, this route is relatively less traveled compared to EBC trek and thus, less traffic will be an extra reward. Plus, the overall serenity and ambience of the scenery not being compromised. The hike is a bit more strenuous because of its unique topography and as such your fitness level will definitely be tested. As you march on, the trail that we embark on will be highlighted by majestic views of colossal mountains of Himalayas, valleys that rest between them and freshwater streams that sinuously go about their ways. Also, the views of glaciers of various sizes will grace you throughout. This trek also gives you an option of climbing Gokyo Ri, which is at the same height of Everest Base Camp and offers a magnificent view of many mountains that are above 8000m (Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Everest). Also, one can view Ngozumpa glacier (the largest glacier in the Himalayas).
Contrasting the two equally magnificent trekking routes, the advantages of venturing out towards Gokyo lakes are in multitude. First and foremost, you will be seeing less people and be traveling on a path less traveled that goes through an entirely new valley that you would have missed otherwise. Those beautiful tranquil lakes reside at the lap of this valley with majestic mountains standing tall on the background. Secondly, Gokyo Ri, being the second tallest vantage point will give you another perspective at the Himalayan behemoths, Mt. Everest and Cho-Oyu . The view after climb is quite spectacular and a lot of folks who have been to Kalapatthar and Gokyo Ri have actually preferred the view from Gokyo Ri. Gokyo Ri overlooks a small village of Gokyo, nested gently in the lap of valley surrounded by the mighty mountains. As you pass the Chola Pass located between two villages, you will encounter an extra-ordinary landscape of snow-capped peaks like: Thamserku, Kangtega, Cho-Oyu, Pumori, Lhotse, Nuptse and Mt. Everest.
Trek Venture Nepal will be arranging trekking towards Gokyo Lakes on the spring of 2019 as well as during the autumn of same year. Interested parties are advised to inquire us for further details.
