Gokyo-Lake

Gokyo Lakes Trek: A Panorama Alternative

  • Trek
  • Jul,13,2022
  • Naveen Poudyal
  • 0

 

Gokyo Lake is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world and is considered to have a panoramic texture. It is situated within the Mount Everest circuit in the districts of Solukhumbu and Khumjung. Gokyo Lake (Dudh Pokhari) is surrounded by other lakes that are between 4700 and 5000 meters above sea level. Some significant lakes include Thonak Cho, Ngojumba Cho, and Gyazumpa Cho. Six further lakes have been identified thus far, and the majority of them receive fresh water from the stream that flows from Renjo La Pass and the 36 km-long Ngozumpa Glacier, which is thought to be the longest-flowing glacier in the Himalayas. Sagarmatha National Park pays attention to various mountains, flora and animals, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls while also being one of many other UNESCO world heritage sites.

 

Gokyo Lake

Gokyo has recently risen to the top of the list of tourist destinations. Regarding Sagarmatha National Park, Everest Base Camp, and Gokyo lake trek, people have a variety of options on the Everest Circuit Trek. Gokyo lake has just been included in the Everest Base Camp journey, which is a nearly two-day hike from Namche Bazaar to an elevation of 4790 meters. Tilicho Lake, the highest glacial lake in the world and part of the Annapurna circuit, shares the distinction with Mount Everest at a slightly higher elevation (4919 m). You may enjoy the beautiful views of mountains, glaciers, and landscapes from Gokyo.

Additionally, the Himalayan flora and animals will keep you occupied with your cameras and dialogues. Your hike could last 10 to 14 days, depending on the weather in the Everest region. After your flight to Lukla airport from Kathmandu, you will hike up to Phakding, from Phakding to Namche Bazar, From Namche Bazar to Dole, and from Dole to Machhermo, and finally from Machhermo to Gokyo.

You may spend the same amount of time returning from Gokyo as you did hiking there, which takes approximately seven days. Small mountain settlements and the surrounding areas are quite vibrant. If you live in a city, you can learn more about mountain life, the Sherpa people and villages, their way of life, culture, and costumes by getting closer to them and by having a personal experience.

 

Weather and Accommodation

Nearly the entire year, the Everest region has chilly temperatures. It is best to begin your hike in the spring or fall. The Mount Everest base camp, Namche Bazaar, and Lukla are busy with tourists and visitors throughout these months. Seeing the stream of tourists and climbers along the trail will fill your soul with joy and vitality, and you'll also feel less alone. As you begin your ascent up the path, you will reach many settlements, Teahouses are mountain lodges that serve meals and lodging along various trekking routes in Nepal. You often get individual rooms and a large range of food at teahouses. where you may get breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as drinks to ward off a cold. While drinking coffee or tea at Phakding, Dole, you can cast your gaze upwards toward the world's highest peak. Since there are fewer travelers on the roads to Gokyo, finding lodging won't be a major problem. Your morning vistas of snow-covered mountains and freezing rivers, as well as your overnight stay with the locals, will keep your eyes occupied.

 

Sherpas and the mountains

Gokyo Lake is the best option for you because it is a part of the Everest region. The Gokyo Lakes Trek is a substitute for the Sagarmatha National Park's biggest mountains. The most notable mountains for you to observe are Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, Mount Makalu, Mount Cho Oyu, and Mount Nuptse. Mountains and Sherpa people have a connection. Mountain climbing is not possible without Sherpas. They respect nature and adhere to their predecessors' teachings. If you need their assistance, they can support you and even give you information on the routes.

Both Hindus and Buddhists place great significance on Gokyo Lake (Dudh Pokhari). Gokyo Lakes not only offers panoramic beauty but also cultural beauty. This glacial lake's water is quite chilly. On the other hand, Hindus take a holy bath at the festival of Janai Purnima, when they wrap the sacred thread around their bodies and wrists. Buddhists hold that in order to minimize risk and bad luck and to get blessings from local deities, gods, and goddesses, we must live in harmony with nature.

If you see a Himalayan Monal (Danfe), Nepal's pride and the national bird, you are lucky. If you see rhododendron (laliguras), the national flower of Nepal, if you hike up to Gokyo Lake and see all the tallest mountains in the world, if you see the pristine Gokyo Lakes at the highest altitude, and if you see the spectacular sunrise views from the elevated height of 4700m–5000m, then you will be lucky.

 

Altitude sickness 

 Warm clothing and necessary medications should be packed in your trekking bags for your own security. Your journey will be more enjoyable than you anticipated if you have hiking skills and mountain experience. However, if you are a novice and have little to no mountaineering experience, you may develop altitude sickness. The best course of action in this scenario is to heed the advice of your trekking guide, who will assist you in recovering from your illness, or of local Sherpa residents.

Travelers on this route frequently get acute mountain sickness. Dehydration, Low Pressure, Rapid Ascent, and Low Oxygen Concentrations are the main contributors to altitude sickness. On high-altitude climbs, always pay attention to your body and avoid taking AMS light. If you have discomfort, consider the signs and respond accordingly. It is advised to hydrate well, consume nutritious foods, refrain from junk food and alcohol, get enough rest while trekking, and spend a few days acclimatizing at the sites along the route specified.

 

Conclusion

One of the best hikes in Nepal, in our opinion, is the trip to the Gokyo Lakes. The scenic alternative to the Everest Base Camp trip is the Gokyo Lakes trek. It is both affordable and enjoyable. You may take in the Himalayas' enduring splendor (snowcapped, sunrise and sunset, flora and fauna, lakes, glaciers, landscapes, freshwater springs, and others). After your walk, you will undoubtedly exclaim, "The Himalayas, once is not enough."

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