Gokyo Lakes (4700 m – 5000 m)

Overview

Gokyo Lakes lies in the Everest region where trekkers come to witness the serenity of this jewel in the region. Nature loving visitors make their way to Gokyo Lakes, also the spirituality practitioners come here with great dedication and awaken their inner illumination.

The lakes ranging from an altitude of 4700 meters to 5000 meters, the walk to Gokyo Ri reaches a maximum height of 5,357 meters above the sea level. There are six major lakes in the region, those are situated as highest freshwater lakes in the world.

Gokyo Lakes trek is one of the less crowed place that serves the blend of natural sublimity, challenging trails and majestic views of snowcapped highest mountain Mt. Everest (8,848 meters), Mt. Cho Oyu (8,188 meters). Gokyo Lake has many reasons to consider it an essence. We will discuss about it in this blog on the undermentioned headings.

Essence of the Gokyo Lakes

Six lakes: The sacred sisters

Here we name the six major lakes, the sacred sisters, as they are considered holy with some cultural importance as well. Among the sacred six, Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari) is the biggest one, and very popular in comparison. There is a strong religious belief among the followers of Hinduism and Buddhism that these lakes are home to God of serpents. (Naag Devata).

Lakes	Features
Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari)	The main of the major lakes around the Gokyo village.
Taujung Cho	It is the second major and the next largest lake.
Gyazumpa Cho	A small lake, but challenging and remote.
Thonak Cho	It is the lake at taller attitude.
Ngozumpa Cho	It is the lake near the Ngozumpa glacier.
Longponga Cho	The lake at the highest altitude.

The scene of the lake changes with the change in weather conditions and the color of the sky.

 

Views of Gokyo Ri and Ngozumpa Glacier

• Gokyo Ri (5,357m)

Gokyo Ri is a peak located at an altitude of 5,357 meters. It is the famous viewpoint for the sunrise glimpse which paints the golden view panorama of highest mountains Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu and other mountains.

• Ngozumpa Glacier

Ngozumpa glacier, stretching more than 36 km is a great glimpse to catch. The slow moving ice river is the origin to many melt streams too. The icy terrain flowing downhill serves a great view.

Cultural Significance in connection to Spirituality

Blend of Buddhism and Sherpa culture

Sherpa traditions, norms and their cultural values have influenced the Gokyo surrounding. Various traditional villages like Gokyo itself, Khumjung and Namche village have adopted blissful culture blessed by Stupas, Gompas, Buddhists prayer flags, and mantra carved stone walls.

There is a belief that the sacred lakes are endured and protected by Gods and local deities. Any harm would cause to some insignificance.

Home to Nagas

Gokyo lakes are considered as the home to Nagas, the serpent deities. Locals believe that degrading the lake by bathing, swimming, fishing and polluting the lake will result in unpredicted circumstances like natural disasters.

The Yeti Story

There is a valley near Gokyo, it is called Machhermo valley. This incident of the valley is very popular. In 1974 A.D., a Sherpa lady was ostensibly attacked by Yeti, an authentic Himalayan animal. Since then the incident is called “1974 Yeti attack incident”. There is Yeti memorial place too, trekkers make a visit to it as well.

Guru Rinpoche and his visit stories

Stories flourish around the Gokyo lakes, Buddhist and Sherpa locality mentioning Guru Rinpoche meditated around the basins of Gokyo Lakes while he travelled towards Tibet. He practiced his regular awakening of spirituality and left traces of legends like teachings that was destined to be discovered by future enlightenment achievers.

Buddhist Kora Pilgrimage

There is a great peak at an altitude of 5,357 meters from where we can view the lakes excellently, the peak is famously called ‘Gokyo Ri’. Buddhist devotees and other devotees too trek the whole trail clockwise direction as a kind of meditative circumambulation.

Lakes as Portals of Sambhala

Sambhala was mythically believed to be a historic Himalayan kingdom that had peace sworn in every soil. People believe the Gokyo lakes are portals to it.

Dakini’s Lake

Tanjung Cho is a very sacred lake, as it is believed to be linked with some sorts of spirits (Dakinis) who are celestial way finders and architects of awakening.

Gokyo Lakes, a Meditation arena

Gokyo Lakes and surrounding sacred lakes are much energized with spirituality. Trekkers and spiritual practitioners specially meditate around the Lake basins for spiritual awakening and inner illumination.

Ecological Significance of Gokyo Lakes

Declared a Ramsar Site

Gokyo Lakess were recognized as a Ramsar Wetland Site emphasizing their significance on Himalayan ecosystem. This recognition was given in 2007. Endangered faunas like snow leopards, himalayn thars, and rare species of migratory birds are conserved.

Impact on global warming

Ngozumpa Glacier is melting quickly, increasing the chances of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods. The slow moving ice river is the origin to many melt streams too. Sustainable techniques in tourism should be essentially practiced.

Seasons of Gokyo Lakes

Spring season (March to May)

It is considered as the best season because of the blooming Rhododendron phenomena. The weather is pretty clear. Trails are gritty and comparatively crowded. Busy hotels and shortage of services might come in play.

Autumn season (September to November)

It is also considered as another best season because of the best view possible among all year. The weather is pretty stable, less cloudy. Trails are gritty and it’s a peak season crowd. Busy hotels, higher costs and shortage of services without pre-booking.

Winter season (December to February)

It is considered as an ‘okay’ season but less recommended one because of the risky passes and snow everywhere. The weather is snowy and extreme cold at the higher altitude. Trails are slippery due to snow and comparatively very less crowd.

Monsoon season (June to August)

It is considered as comparatively bad season and very less recommended one because of the risky passes and landslide in prone areas. The weather is rainy, cloudy most of the times and scenery is worst due to poor visibility. Trails are slippery due to rain, mud and comparatively much less crowd.

Required Permits

• Sagarmatha National Park Permit
• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

In a nutshell, if you wish to look for an amazing place to rejoice natural sublimity, eye pleasing serenity and inner illuminating spiritual awakening, Gokyo Lakes are forever the dream destinations. The complete package of factors summing up nature, culture and spirituality altogether is surely named in God’s book as The Gokyo Lakes.