Gokyo Lakes Trek: Exploring Turquoise Gems amidst the Everest Peaks
Nepal is known for its majestic mountains. However, there are many other aspects of Nepal, though famous, that are still not explored as much as they ought to be. One such natural jewel in the country is the Gokyo Lakes. The turquoise color of the lakes shines bright against the deep blue sky and icy glacial walls. This lake has both a religious significance and an aesthetic attractive factor that attracts many tourists there.
Trekkers and travelers should be aware of the fact that when they go to visit the Gokyo Lakes, they are not only going to be exploring the beautiful lakes but also trekking to the destination in their Gokyo Lakes trek. The trek is going to take you through the most beautiful trail including natural flora, fauna, and inhabited villages which will give you the essence of rural living in a rural yet exquisite region in Nepal.
Gokyo Lake Trek is going to be one of the most memorable treks you’re going to take in your lifetime. Make sure to read till the end of this article to learn about exploring the turquoise gems amidst the Everest peaks!
What are the highlights of the Gokyo Lakes trek?
There are many highlights of the Gokyo Lakes trek that are going to engage you throughout the trek like:
- Discovery of turquoise conserved lakes amidst the tallest and major mountains in Nepal.
- Short treks that are not challenging yet will give you an overview of the most beautiful locations in Nepal.
- Relaxing spots for rest and food throughout the trails besides just the lake.
- Serene view of the mountains and lakes that can be enjoyed while sitting on the shore.
- Encounter the Sherpa culture and traditions through interaction with the locals and visit to the teahouses and the rural villages on the trail of the Gokyo lakes.
- Visit monasteries and Gompas that showcase the beauty of Buddhism and hold the utmost importance religiously.
- Come through beautiful rhododendron forests with trees beneath which trekkers can rest and have the moment of a lifetime.
- Best locations throughout the trek for photography and travel journaling.
- Discovery of a lifestyle that is far from the popular and modern urban lifestyle.
- Suitable for all age groups.
How many lakes will you discover in the Gokyo Lakes trek?
You will be exploring more than a single lake during your Gokyo Lakes trek. If you don’t already know, Gokyo lakes do not only signify a single lake but different lakes combined from different locations amidst the most popular peaks in Nepal. The lakes that you are going to come through during your Gokyo lakes trek are:
First Gokyo Lake: Longpanga Tsho
During your Gokyo Lakes trek, the first Gokyo lake you are going to discover is the Longpanga Tsho. This lake is located at an altitude of 4,668 m above sea level. You will finally feel the beauty of the Gokyo Lakes water system adventure when you arrive at this altitude. Moreover, the stones in Longpang Tsho hold a religious significance among the locals and even the visitors. It is said that the stones were left by the greatest of monks in the past. This religious belief is one of the main reasons why people have considered this lake as religious as they consider it alluring. Longpanga Tsho is truly a gift of nature in Buddhism and for the eyes of nature-loving trekkers.
Second Gokyo Lake: Taujung Tsho
Taujung Tsho is the second lake of the Gokyo lakes water system situated at an altitude of 4,728 m above sea level. If you are an active trekker, you will find that the trails to this lake are very basic and easily crossable without many challenges on the way. Since it is located at a rather higher altitude than the first lake, there is a big likelihood for you to see the lake frozen in months aside from summer. The icy and blue water mirrors the sky and mountains around it as it is crystal clear and as dazzling as can be throughout the year. Taujung Tsho is going to attract tourists in a way not thought of before as it is extremely beautiful and makes for a refreshing and unique trek.
Third Gokyo Lake: Gokyo Tsho
The third Gokyo lake or Gokyo Tsho is also referred to as the heart of the Gokyo Lake system. This lake is located at an altitude of 4, 734 m above sea level. You can look at the beautiful view of the mountain-surrounded lake from atop during your Gokyo Lakes trek. The trails are going to be rugged and dry.
This does not mean that you are not going to find inhabitants around. Gokyo Tsho also is quite chilly and icy and it moves in sync with the wind of the surroundings. Overall, the view is almost unrealistic and extremely breathtaking. The daytime is possibly the best time to trek to this lake, as the view is all the more aesthetic when the lake shines amidst the clear blue sky. The emerald lake also has a shore where trekkers tend to rest and enjoy the view between their treks.
Fourth Gokyo Lake: Thonak Tsho
The fourth Gokyo lake that you will come across during your Gokyo Lakes trek is Thonak Tsho. It is situated at an altitude of 4,834 m above sea level. This lake is not visited as often as the other lakes on this list. However, this does not, in any way, diminish the beauty of the natural features of the lake as it is also one of the unrealistically amazing gems of the Gokyo water system. With much awareness about the long forbidden trail, visitors have started going to Thonak Tsho along with the other lakes during their Gokyo lakes trek.
Fifth Gokyo Lake: Ngozumpa Tsho
Ngozumpa Tsho is located at an altitude of 4,950 m above sea level. It is the fifth and the smallest lake among the Gokyo lakes. It, whatsoever, offers a solid view of not just the lake itself but also some of the major peaks in Nepal like Mt. Everest, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Mount Baruntse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Pumori, and Lhotse Shar. The water in the lake comes from the Ngozumpa glacier. For many visitors, the North Face of Mount Everest has been a standing point during their trek to Ngozumpa Tsho. Additionally, while trekking to other lakes might not be as long, your trek to Ngozumpa Tsho might take you a whole day for exploration and completion due to the unique features of the trek.
Sixth Gokyo Lake: Gyazumpa Tsho
The most underrated and least discovered lake after the fifth Gokyo Lake is the sixth Gokyo Lake, Gyazumpa Tsho. The lake is as beautiful as can be and has all the similar features as do the other lakes in the Gokyo water system. But, due to the rural features and a tougher trail to reach the destination, Gyazumpa Tsho is visited at the most minimal rate. Just like other forbidden lakes, this lake is also being discovered and visited more often with the growth of knowledge of the trails and the popularity of high-altitude treks in Nepal. The trek to this lake, overall, will give you the sight of a lifetime and will help you enjoy your time to the fullest possible extent.
What is the best time to go on the Gokyo Lakes trek?
The best seasons to go to the Gokyo Lakes trek would be spring and fall. Since the trek location is high altitude and has a great chance of getting either too hot or too cold, it is always wise for the trekkers to avoid summer, monsoon, and winter. On the other hand, the weather is moderate during both spring and fall. The air is usually fresh and clean throughout the spring and fall months, and you won’t have to go through much difficulty during the trek either. Choosing the right pair of clothes and shoes is not a challenge either. Trekkers can be successful in completing their treks to all six lakes when they are comfortable and the seasons favor them. Therefore, they must choose only the best times of the year to go on this trek.
Conclusion
Gokyo Lake Trek is one of the most popular treks that you can go to when you’re in Nepal. One of the best aspects of this trek is that you will be able to visit some of the most forbidden destinations in Nepal without having to do much work. Also, you will get to experience the beauty of Sherpa culture, religion, and traditions from very close when you’re here. The smiles of the friendly locals reflect the smiles of nature during your trek. The Gokyo lakes are all extremely beautiful, turquoise, and true marvels of Nepal. Furthermore, trekkers don’t even have to go through the difficult treks as they do in other mountaineering expeditions to discover the beauty of famous peaks in Nepal. Nature shines its best in the Gokyo lake area and you will be able to explore it only when you go there.
