Gokyo
Take an alternative route to the serene Gokyo valley with pristine glacial lakes.
The picturesque Gokyo valley lies towards the west of the famous Khumbu region of the Himalaya and is a part of Sagarmatha National Park. The serene valley boasts extensive pastures for yaks to graze during summer and the pristine turquoise lakes are simply breathtaking. Gokyo can be visited after trekking up to Everest Base Camp or by trekking directly to Gokyo. One can also charter a helicopter and fly there.
Gokyo valley consists of small villages nestled in the Himalaya where most of the houses are tea- houses catering to the trekkers with necessary services. Popular for its views, one of the eight-thousanders, Cho Oyu is seen towards the north from Gokyo along with the spectacular panoramic view of other eight- thousanders extending from Everest, Lhotse all the way to Makalu. There are many great views all around the valley, but one can venture up to the summit of Gokyo Ri situated at an altitude of 5,357 m to get an all-round spectacular view of the peaks and the pristine Gokyo lakes. The holy Gokyo lakes are of religious significance to the Hindus and Buddhists. These lakes also provide refuge to the migratory birds on their trans- Himalayan migration, twice annually. Apart from this, Gokyo is also renowned for being the world’s highest altitude ice skating range and a part of Ramsar sites.
