Less crowded trek trail in Everest - an ideal hub for Gokyo Lake, which is believed to be the home of Snake God, Naga and the best hiking route for magificent views.
The appealing Himalayan beauty Gokyo Lake Trek offers is so sturdy that it attracts travellers around the world like a flower entices a bee. A picturesque Gokyo village to the north bank of Gokyo Lake, the unspoiled Sherpa lifestyle, and inspiring cultures make the 12 days Gokyo Lake trek a wholesome trip.
The most crowded, visually appealing, thrilling, and adventurous Everest Base Camp trek is everyone's dream. There's no denying that this trek is the best on the earth. But, there's another gem hidden in Khumbu that separates its way from Sansa en route to Tengboche. Yes, the left trail from Sansa takes you to Gem of Khumbu, Gokyo Valley.
Trekkers may argue that the Everest trek and Gokyo Lakes trek give similar experience. But, for genuine high-altitude trekkers, the serenity and peaceful trek to Gokyo lake and the wholesome Everest experience it injects is a top.
Let's explore some points that contribute to making Gokyo Lake trek the best alternative to classic Everest Base Camp Trek.
Gokyo Lake - A Trek to The Highest Lake in Everest
At 4,700 to 5,000 metres in Sagarmatha National Park, there lies 19 freshwater lakes, a family of Gokyo Lakes. The name of Gokyo Valley and Gokyo Lakes were an homage to Gokyo Ri, a prominent viewpoint at 5,484 metres. Hence, making these lakes the highest freshwater lake system in the world.
Thonak Lake, over 160 acres of area, is the largest lake in the Gokyo Lakes system. But, what trekkers usually call Gokyo Lake on the Gokyo Valley trek is Dudh Pokhari, also called Gokyo Cho. It's the second-largest member lake in the system, with an area of 106 acres.
The largest and longest glacier, Ngozumpa Glacier, stretching to a mighty 32 km, is the prominent water feeder for these lakes. The stream of melted snow from Ngozumpa from the east and one from Renjo La pass, from the northwest, reaches Gokyo.
The melting of glaciers due to global warming possesses a vital threat to the existence of Gokyo lake. However, nothing will occur rapidly. The serene Gokyo Lakes awaits you.
Explore the Lakes from Gokyo Ri
The staggering 7,000 trekkers opt for Gokyo Trek every year. If you take this number and the elegance of Gokyo, this number is nowhere near as it should be. But, there's a positive side to this. Genuine trekkers who love peaceful trekking in the world's mountain heaven find Gokyo Valley Trek best.
From Gokyo Ri, a viewpoint in Gokyo offers the complete glimpses of all four 8,000 metres peaks of the Everest region. Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Ama Dablam are all visible from Gokyo Ri. Further, Gokyo Ri offers unobstructed glimpses of countless trekkers' mountains, glaciers, and glacial lakes.
Second, the Everest Three High Passes. Most trekkers to Gokyo Lake trek often find a thrill in crossing Cho La pass. But, many trekkers climb Renjo La, Cho La, stay at Gokyo valley, hike to Kongma La and descend to Namche. Even Everest Circuit Trekkers prefer staying at Gokyo Valley, hiking to Gokyo Ri, and cherishing the heavenly glimpses of the landscape.
Gokyo Lake - A Religious Escapade
Yearly, more than 500 pilgrims set out for the Gokyo Lake trek to revere freshwater and snake deities Shiva and Vishnu. Gokyo being in Khumbu, where everyone practices Buddhism, is a holy shrine for Buddhists. Also, for Hindu pilgrims, Gokyo lake has significant religious beliefs.
Supposed to be the home for Snake God, Naga, the 19 different freshwater lake in Gokyo valley are the home of Shiva and Vishnu. Lord Shiva and his conspicuous figure of Naga rolled on his neck, and Vishnu, the God of Water, is worshipped at Gokyo. The western shore of Gokyo Lakes is where the stone monuments of these gods reside.
Since Buddhism preaches Cause No Harm to Anyone, it has been a boon for flora and fauna. This pious mantra prohibits people from causing any harm to wild animals, flowers, and any monuments.
