Gokyo Valley is a place of breathtaking, almost surreal beauty. Many people think it is the most beautiful side trip in the Everest region. At the top of the valley, there is the Gokyo Ri viewpoint.
It looks out over a string of blue lakes and the Ngozumpa Glacier, which is the largest glacier in Nepal. The route to Gokyo is distinct from the straight, historic push to Everest Base Camp. It is a pilgrimage focusing on beautiful vistas, deep peace, and possibly the most complete view of the mountains in the Khumbu.
History and Importance: From Pasture to Viewpoint
For hundreds of years, the Sherpas from Machhermo and the lower valleys have used Gokyo (around 4,750–5,000 m) as a high summer grazing area (yersa). There were a few stone cottages for herders at the location. Its change is like Lobuche's, but there is one big difference: it was the landscape, not the summit goal, that spurred its growth. As trekkers in the 1970s and 1980s started to go off the main track, stories of its otherworldly lakes and breathtaking vistas from Gokyo Ri (5,357m) spread.
To meet this new need, lodges were erected, which led to the creation of the little village of Gokyo on the beaches of the third lake. Its history is limited, but its natural wonders make it a destination in its own right, not merely a stopover.
The Trekking Experience: A Musical Journey Through Ice and Water
The typical route goes up the Dudh Koshi valley and splits off to the west at Namche Bazaar or Sanasa, heading into Dole and Machhermo before entering the upper valley. The Gokyo Lakes, which are six in all, represent the valley's heart and soul. Their beautiful blue and green colors, which are full of minerals, change with the light and the seasons. They are fed by melting glaciers and are a Ramsar Wetland Site. The third lake, which lies near the settlement, gets the most visitors. The fourth and fifth lakes are farther away and need a half-day trek to get to.
Gokyo Ri
This is the famous peak. Many people think that the 360-degree view you get after a tough, 2–3 hour trek from the village is even better than Kala Patthar.From the top, you can see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu right in front of you.You can also see the Ngozumpa Glaciers snake across the valley, with turquoise lakes sparkling below.
The Ngozumpa Glacier and Scoundrel's Viewpoint: A climb across the lateral moraine of the huge, rubble-covered Ngozumpa Glacier takes you to "Scoundrel's Viewpoint" (or Gokyo Fifth Lake Viewpoint), where you can see Cho Oyu and the glacier's huge, messy area spectacularly. Compared to Gorak Shep, Gokyo feels more open, peaceful, and clean. The focus is on thinking and taking pictures of the landscape, with less strain than an adventure like the EBC trek.
Lodging in Gokyo Village
Lodges here are simpler, but they're more well-established than in Lungden. Their primary focus is on accommodating guests who stay multiple nights to familiarize themselves with the area and explore.
- Gokyo Resort Hotel
- Namaste Lodge
- Himalayan Lodge
- Cho Oyu View Lodge
- Sunrise Lodge
In short: The outsider Everest
The Gokyo Valley trek is the more beautiful option to the Everest Base Camp trek. It gives up the famous Base Camp itself for better views, more natural beauty, and a calmer path. It's a journey where you may see the mountains reflected in clear lakes, hear the roar of avalanches in the distance, and feel a sense of accomplishment—not from reaching a climber's base but from seeing the Himalayan landscape from a unique point of view. It shows that the most renowned road in the Khumbu doesn't necessarily lead to the most amazing things.
