Gokyo Lakes | Solukhumbu

The Gokyo Lakes are a series of six oligotrophic lakes located in the Gokyo Valley within Nepal's Sagarmatha National Park. Situated at elevations between $4,700\text{m}$ and $5,000\text{m}$, they comprise the world's highest freshwater lake system and are designated as a Ramsar site (internationally important wetland).

Visual Characteristics

The lakes are famous for their vibrant turquoise and emerald colors, caused by glacial rock flour (silt) suspended in the water. They are bordered by the jagged lateral moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier on one side and steep alpine ridges on the other. In winter, the lakes freeze completely, transforming into solid sheets of white ice.

Location & Access Logistics

The lakes are situated in the Solukhumbu District, approximately 30 km west of Mount Everest.

Primary Access: Requires a flight to Lukla ($2,860\text{m}$), followed by a trek through Namche Bazaar ($3,440\text{m}$). From Namche, the trail splits from the main Everest Base Camp route, heading north through Dole and Machhermo.

Permits: A Sagarmatha National Park permit ($3,000\text{ NPR}$) and a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu local entry permit ($2,000\text{ NPR}$) are mandatory.

Difficulty: Graded as "Moderate to Strenuous" due to high altitude and the technicality of the Ngozumpa Glacier crossing.

The Six Lakes

Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari): $4,750\text{m}$. The main lake, situated directly next to Gokyo Village.

Thonak Cho: $4,834\text{m}$. The largest and deepest ($62.4\text{m}$) lake in the system.

Gyazumpa Cho: $4,820\text{m}$. Noted for its mirror-like reflections.

Tanjung Cho: $4,810\text{m}$. Closely linked to local spiritual beliefs (Dakini spirits).

Ngozumpa Cho: $4,790\text{m}$. The lake closest to the glacier.

Longpongo Tsho: $4,690\text{m}$. Usually the first lake encountered when ascending the valley.

Key Highlights & Activities

Gokyo Ri ($5,357\text{m}$): A peak directly above the village offering a "360-degree" view of four 8,000m peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Many argue the Everest view here is superior to that of Kala Patthar.

Ngozumpa Glacier: The longest glacier in the Himalayas ($36\text{ km}$), which trekkers must cross to reach the Cho La Pass.

"Scoundrel’s Viewpoint": A ridge near the fifth lake that provides a dramatic top-down look at the entire glacier and the base of Cho Oyu.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Gokyo Village: One of the highest settlements in the world, consisting entirely of stone-built tea houses and lodges.

Connectivity: Everest Link Wi-Fi is available, though cellular signals (Ncell/NTC) can be weak or non-existent depending on the exact lodge location.

Sustainability: As a Ramsar site, there are strict "no-harm" traditional laws; bathing or swimming in the lakes is culturally and legally prohibited.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March–May): Blooms of rhododendrons in the lower valleys and clear mornings.

Autumn (October–November): Post-monsoon clarity provides the best visibility for the big peaks.

Janai Purnima (August): Hundreds of Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims visit to take a holy dip in the sacred waters of Gokyo Cho.

Nearby Landmarks

Cho Oyu ($8,188\text{m}$) – Dominates the northern head of the valley.

Cho La Pass ($5,420\text{m}$) – The high-altitude link to the Everest Base Camp trail.

Renjo La Pass ($5,360\text{m}$) – An alternative exit route leading toward Thame.

Machhermo Village – The final major stop before entering the lake basin.