The Gokyo Lake Trek is a mesmerizing adventure that takes you to the spectacular Everest region in Nepal. The mystical shimmering lakes, placed against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks are one of the most beautiful wonders of the region that offers a surreal and awe-inspiring sight to the visitors.
Situated in the Sagarmatha National Park, Gokyo Lake is one of the best alternatives to the classic Everest Base Camp Trek. Like every other trek of the Everest region, the Gokyo Lakes trek also begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, followed by a trek through scenic Sherpa villages and lush rhododendron forests along the way.
Usually taking around 12 to 6 days to complete, one of the main highlights of the Gokyo Lake Trek is the ascent to Gokyo Ri. Gokyo Ri is a vantage point that offers dramatic views of several mountains, including Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,481m), and Cho Oyu (8,201m), etc. The sunrise view from Gokyo Ri is especially exquisite that will make your entire journey unforgettable.
Overall, the Gokyo Lake Trek is a demanding yet rewarding journey that integrates natural beauty, cultural experiences, and exceptional mountain views along with the mystical lakes all in one trip. This is the best trek, if you want to experience a off-beaten trail in the Everest region. It is a must-do trek for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers.
When to trek Gokyo Lake: Best time
While trekking in the Himalayas, you need to pay special attention to the time as it plays a major role in determining the kind of weather you will have to face. If you are confused about when to embark on the journey to the Gokyo lakes then, here we have covered all the necessary information on the best time to complete the trek along with the pros and cons of every season.
The best time to trek the Gokyo Lake is during the pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn) seasons, which are from March to May and September to November in Nepal.
Spring Season (March to May):
Spring is a popular time for every trek in Nepal as it is one of the peak trekking seasons. For Gokyo Lake, spring is a perfect time due to the good weather conditions and clear scenery. The temperatures during this season start to rise, and the days become longer, making it easier for you to complete the trek.
Moreover, you will be able to enjoy the trail full of rhododendron forests painting the landscape with vibrant colors if you trek in spring. Another advantage of trekking to Gokyo Lakes in spring is that you will get to witness the clear skies offering excellent views of the snow-capped peaks, including Mount Everest.
However, it is important to mention that the spring season can be quite crowded, especially in April causing the hotels and lodges to be fully booked. Therefore, you should book and plan your trip in advance for the spring season.
Autumn Season (September to November):
Autumn is another time of the year that is considered the best time to trek Gokyo Lake due to the stable weather conditions. The monsoon rain will have stopped during this time and the temperatures are moderate, with clear skies. The visibility is outstanding in autumn as well offering you panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Additionally, the autumn season offers a more tranquil trekking experience compared to the other seasons as there are fewer crowds on the trails. If you want to avoid the cold temperature during the trek then it is suggested to begin the journey in early autumn.
Monsoon Season (June to August)
Monsoon season is not the best time to complete the Gokyo Lake trek. During the monsoon season, Nepal experiences heavy rainfall, especially in the Everest region. The trails become slippery, muddy, and likely to landslides, making the overall trek challenging and risky.
Also, the monsoon clouds block most of the mountain views during the trek. The trails can be dangerous and less enjoyable filled with leeches in the monsoon season. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid trekking in the Gokyo Lake during the monsoon season.
However, if you want to take the risk, then with the proper preparation, completing the trek is possible. Some of the perks of trekking in monsoon can be the empty path and the trail filled with greenery all around.
Winter Season (December to February)
Winter is another time of the year not considered ideal for the Gokyo Lakes trek. The winter season brings excessively cold temperatures at higher altitudes. The entire Everest region experiences heavy snowfall during this time. The trails are usually covered in snow, making them inaccessible and hard to navigate. Because of the heavy snowfall, the risk of avalanches also increases.
During the winter season, the tea houses and lodges along the trekking trail can be closed as the owners usually get down to lower altitudes because of extreme cold. If you still choose to trek in winter, then make sure to have technical equipment, experience in winter mountaineering, and detailed planning. One advantage of trekking in this season is that the scenery along the trail is breathtaking and you are likely to have the entire trail to yourself. The gokyo lake trek in winter however is not recommended for novice trekkers or those unpracticed to extreme cold weather.
Eventually, the choice between these seasons depends on your personal preferences, time availability, and your trekking level. As every season has its unique feature, make sure to enjoy every part of the journey.
Major highlights of the trek
- Get breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
- Trekk through traditional Sherpa villages and experience the local culture.
- Explore the sacred Gokyo Lakes, including Gokyo Ri.
- Walk through rhododendron forests and discover a variety of flora and fauna.
- Experience the warm hospitality of the local Sherpa people and enjoy their delicious cuisine.
Reference: https://abovethehimalaya.com/gokyo-lake-trek.html
