Everest region is one of the famous trekking destination for tourist its works like a magnet collecting every trekkers from the world. Trekkers are highly influenced by Everest Base Camp. Though Everest region is very much crowded there is a quitter and more serene jewel Gokyo valley which will tuck you away because of its classic trails, glacier lakes, and panoramic views of four different kinds of peaks also counted as one of the world’s highest peak. Gokyo valley is very far away from the crowds offering you the experience equal to or more than traditional, Everest Base camp.
In this blog we will discuss abut Gokyo valley and dive into its features that makes this valley a hidden gem of Nepal. Who this trek is for, what should people expect from this trek and why this trek is the perfect Himalayan experience these are all the elements we are going to elaborate in this blog.
Overview of Gokyo valley
Gokyo lakes trek with valley is one of the quiet trekking destination in the Everest region. The major highlights of this trekking routes are Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo RI viewpoint, and the stunning Gokyo Valley itself. This valley is located at the high altitude in the Everest region of Nepal nestled with in Sagarmatha National Park. The valley is renowned for its green and blue Gokyo lakes with one of the Nepal’s largest glacier Ngozumpa Glacier and the best panoramic views of Himalaya giants like Everest at 8848 meter, Lhotse at the height of 8516 meters, Makalu at the height of 8485 meters and at last Cho Oyu at the height of 8118 meters.
Despite all these breathtaking views Gokyo valley remains with fewer trekkers than Everest Base Camp making it ideal treks for the nature lovers who are seeking solitude.
Why is Gokyo valley a Hidden Gem
Gokyo valley is home to six amazing glacial fed lakes that connects with Gokyo valley from altitude of 4700 meters to 5000 meters, also known as one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world like Longponga Lake is situated at the height of 4650 meters a small and the combination of blue and green color water a peaceful spot this is the first lake you will encounter during your trek. Taboche Tsho which is slightly larger and deeper situated at the height of 4710 meters, this lake is blue but more vibrant, and the water reflects the nearby peaks like Taboche and Cholaste.
Dudh Pokhari the largest and the most important lake situated at the height of 4790 meters and translated as Milk Lake as the water in this lake has milky blue appearance. Thonak Tsho Lake situated at the height of 4807 meters in the main trekking area having the largest surface area. Ngozumpa Tsho located near Ngozumpa Glacier at the height of 4980 meters and one of the largest glacier in Nepal. Gyazumpa Tsho located in Gokyo Valley at the altitude of 5000 meters.
View point from Gokyo Ri
Gokyo Ri offers you the best view of Mount Everest. Gokyo Ri situated at the height of 5357 meters above Gokyo valley, a physically challenging trek which doesn’t need standard training. Though the trek is challenging the reward it gives you after is unmatched. The reward includes the stunning 360 degree views of mountains like Everest at 8848 meters, Lhotse at 8156 meters, and Makalu at 8485 meters and Cho Oyu at 8188 meters as well as the longest glacier in Himalayas Ngozumpa glacier.
Less crowd
If you are seeking for peaceful journey then Gokyo Valley is the best destination for you as the population of the trekkers is comparatively less than some popular treks in Everest region. With fewer trekkers you will get a chance to interact with local more closely. If you ever get stuck in the crowd of Everest Base Camp trek or any other treks then you are always welcomed in Gokyo where everything feels like sanctuary.
Gokyo valley trek routes
To complete your whole trek you will need at least 12 to 14 days your journey starts from taking flight Kathmandu to Lukla and trekking to Phakding, Namche Bazzar taking a rest day at Namche and again from trekking to Dole, Machhermo, and Gokyo to climbing to Gokyo Ri exploring the lakes. You can also trek to or cross Renjo La Pass at 5630 meters but this is optional. After your trek is over you will return back to Lukla via Dole and Namche and at the last day you will fly back to Kathmandu with tons and tons of memories.
Highlights along the trails
Namche Bazzar is the busy city of Khumbu region, it is the central hub to trekkers because they can acclimatize, stuck up gears and enjoy fresh bakeries with stunning mountain views. Dole and Machhermo are the small villages that offers you quite stays surrounded by beautiful scenery. Machhermo has an old legend of yeti sighting, also a common spot for altitude related health checks.
Gokyo village is the major highlight of the whole trek standing at the height of 4790 meters with cozy and comfortable tree houses and unmatched views right from your tree house’s window. Gokyo Ri submit is physically demanding trek yet spiritually uplifting with the sunrise behind the Everest painting the golden hues on the surface of Himalayas carrying unforgettable moment.
Gokyo vs. Everest Base camp: why choose Gokyo
Gokyo Trek is easier for trekkers with moderate fitness levels. The duration of this trekking is shorter and gradual ascents make it accessible for beginners or those with limited trekking experience. Everest Base Camp Trek is comparatively harder than Gokyo trek as it requires better fitness due to longer duration and more demanding altitude.
You need to have more preparation for physical endurance and mental resilience. As the trekking destination is very challenging. Gokyo offers you hundred percent better views than Everest base camp. From the top notch glaciers to stunning views of mountain including Mount Everest itself. Gokyo is more affordable with fewer crowd while Everest Base camp is expensive with high populated trials.
This is why you should choose Gokyo over Everest Base Camp.
Cultural Community
Gokyo region is rich in Sherpa culture. This trek is quite so you will get to interact with Sherpa people more efficiently and learn more about their culture and traditions. This trek is filled with beautiful adorned monasteries, prayer flags and landscapes filled with love. You can stay in family run teahouses.
Gokyo trek have similar cultural values and same religion which will help you to have great cultural experience. Gokyo Trek route passes through traditional Sherpa villages but you will get fewer interactions with the local communities. Gokyo valley have rich cultural diversity so your experiences will be more board with more opportunities to visit monasteries and interact with Sherpa culture.
Experience in Renjo La Pass
Crossing Renjo La Pass from Gokyo to Thame is rewarding as well as challenging this pass is situated at the height of 5360 meters offers you one of the best Himalayan vistas in all Nepal. You will descend into one of the remote valley in Gokyo region that is Bhote Koahi Valley where you will acknowledge beaten tracks and insight into traditional Sherpa lifestyle.
Experience to Ngozumpa Glacier
Ngozumpa Tsho is located near Ngozumpa Glacier at the height of 4980 meters and one of the largest glacier in Nepal .You will get to see the longest glacier in Himalayas Ngozumpa glacier. Watching the longest glacier from your bare eyes is truly a great experience. Imagine you walking through the routes of Gokyo and you see the stunning view of Himalayas along with the reflecting Ngozumpa glacier.
Visitors and trekkers will be rewarded with beautiful views of some of the world’s highest peak including Mount Everest. This lake is also one of the popular spot for the trekkers who are attempting to climb Gokyo Ri and other valleys in Gokyo region. One of the most heartwarming part of this lake is that this lake is surrounded by glacial waste adding rugged beauty to the scenario.
Flora and Fauna
Sagarmatha National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site lies near Gokyo valley during this trek you will see some rare and common animals like Himalayan tahr, Musk deer, snow leopard, pheasants and Himalayan monal. Rhododendrons blooms in spring season making the hillside full of vibrant pink and red colors adding an extra layer of beauty in Gokyo trials.
Best time to trek
Spring March to May, Autumn September to November and winter December to February are the ideal season to visit Gokyo valley, spring gives you an exposure to warm days, forest filled with rhododendron and clear skies. Autumn brings best weather and excellent visibility. Winter is clear but cold the trekkers are few in numbers so it will be a great adventure to you. Monsoon season June to August is not recommended due to rain fall and landslides.
Permits
You need to have two permits to trek in Gokyo one is Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit these permit can easily be taken in Kathmandu and Lukla.
Conclusion
If you are dreaming to visit Gokyo valley then this is the perfect timing for you to make a move. Enjoying the mountain views, glacier and culture is a dream to any travelers. So lace up your shoes to trek on Gokyo valley.
