Gokyo Lakes

How do you reach Gokyo Lakes?

Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and trek for two days to Namche Bazaar. Above Namche, diverge north at Sanasa along the Dudh Koshi valley through Dole and Machhermo to reach the third lake at Gokyo.

Walking to Gokyo takes five to six days from Lukla, allowing gradual altitude acclimatization.

Hikers can also reach Gokyo from Everest Base Camp by crossing the high 5,368 m Cho La Pass.

The lakefront settlement of Gokyo sits right on the eastern shore of Dudh Pokhari (the third lake).

What are the six Gokyo lakes?

The Gokyo valley contains six designated glacial lakes designated as a Ramsar wetland site, fed by melting ice from the Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal's longest glacier.

The first lake is Longponga (4,710 m), followed by Taujung (4,740 m), and the main lake Dudh Pokhari (4,750 m) where the teahouses stand.

Further north sit Thonak Lake (4,870 m, the largest of the chain) and Ngozumpa Lake (4,990 m), directly beneath the sheer southwest wall of Cho Oyu (8,188 m).

The lakes are considered deeply sacred by both Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

What is the view from Gokyo Ri?

Gokyo Ri at 5,357 m is widely considered the finest panoramic mountain viewpoint in the Everest region, presenting an unobstructed vista of four 8,000 m giants in a single frame.

Looking eastward and northward, you clearly see Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

Directly below lies the massive debris-covered Ngozumpa Glacier and the glowing turquoise waters of the Gokyo lakes.

The climb from the lakes takes two to three hours and is best undertaken at sunrise.

Things to do in Gokyo Lakes

1. 01

   Sunrise ascent of Gokyo Ri (5,357 m)

   Climb the grassy zigzag trail to the prayer flag summit for morning panoramas across Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu.

2. 02

   Day hike to the fourth and fifth lakes

   Walk along the lateral moraine of Ngozumpa glacier to pristine Thonak and Ngozumpa lakes near the Cho Oyu base.

3. 03

   Scramble the Ngozumpa Glacier edge

   Observe dynamic glacial ice movement, meltwater sinkholes, and crumbling moraine cliffs on Nepal's longest glacier.

Nearby

• Namche Bazaar
• Khumjung Village
• Ama Dablam Base Camp

Frequently asked questions