Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass Trek : Find out What it is Like When You Trek Beyond Everest Base Camp
As experienced high-altitude trekking specialists, we know that while reaching the Everest Base Camp (EBC) or Kala Patthar is the goal for many, it is certainly not the final destination for discovering the heart of the Himalayas. For those seeking a deeper connection with the world’s highest mountains, there are spectacular, alternative routes waiting to be explored.
But that’s not always the final point to get rewarded with Himalayan views. You can break your limits and choose alternative treks such as Gokyo Valley or Cho La Pass trek, routes that go beyond the regular Everest Base Camp Trek. For those seeking an even more challenging Himalayan adventure, the Three Passes Trek, which includes Renjo La Pass, offers an extraordinary experience in the Khumbu region.
There’s actually an equally rewarding trekking route that will give you awe-inspiring scenery of not just Mount Everest but its cousin mountains as well, along with the magnificent views of different glacial lakes resting and glistening peacefully on the lap of the giant peaks.
Nestled in the heart of the high Himalayas is a famous source of river system called Gokyo Lakes. This site features a string of incredibly beautiful and somewhat surreal lakes set against the backdrop of immaculate ice-covered mountains.
Gokyo Valley trek is part of an extended EBC trek and commonly hiked by people who not only have more time to trek but who are also brave enough to take up extra challenges. However, if you wish to skip Everest Base Camp and go directly to Gokyo, we at Mosaic Adventures also arrange that Gokyo Lakes Trek for you. For those looking to experience the ultimate Himalayan adventure, the Everest Three Passes trek, which includes Cho La, Kongma La, and Renjo La passes, offers an unparalleled journey through the Khumbu region.
While Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes Trek via Cho La Pass trekking route has so many visual treats to offer to climbers, the trek can get more challenging that many adventure-seekers opt for this trek. In this journey, we add four more trekking days to our standard Everest Base Camp trek, passing through diverse landscapes and immersing ourselves in the rich Sherpa culture while witnessing unique traditions.
If you wish to take up more challenges and “walk in off-the-beaten-path”, we highly recommend you to take the Gokyo route or consider the high passes trekking options. Below are some of the things to learn about this trekking adventure.
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Is the Gokyo Lakes Trek Harder Than EBC?
The Gokyo Valley Trek is often considered more challenging than the standard EBC route due to the higher altitude gain and the optional crossing of high passes like Cho La. While the EBC trek focuses on a steady climb to the Base Camp, the Gokyo route requires navigating more varied terrain, particularly when including the ascent of Gokyo Ri (5,357m). This added complexity is what makes it a coveted pursuit for seasoned adventure-seekers looking to trek beyond EBC.
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We start our journey with a fairly easy trek. We begin through flat terrain and stone steps, passing through villages that showcase the vibrant Sherpa culture.
The trail becomes moderately challenging as we go up to Namche Bazaar where we need to acclimatize.
Then, it continues to Cho La and becomes more challenging as you approach Gokyo at an altitude of 5,357 m/17,570 ft. For those attempting the Three Passes Trek, including Renjo La Pass, the difficulty increases further, making it a true test of endurance in the Khumbu region.
This is a difficult trek featuring hilly inclines and uneven ridges, epitomizing the essence of high passes trekking in the Everest region.
2. For international hikers, the landscapes are like no other.
The visual rewards you receive from this high-altitude Himalayan adventure are truly unparalleled, featuring the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Khumbu Valley. And this is why taking this journey is one of the most coveted pursuits of international adventure-seekers and climbers. As we go up, expect postcard-like landscapes on your journey from Lukla to Everest Base Camp.
But there’s a bonus! While trekking, we get to hear live—birds chirping along the way, greetings of friendly Sherpas, or footsteps of yaks and hopeful climbers, all contributing to the authentic experience of Sherpa culture in the Khumbu region.
We trek through suspension bridges over rivers and get to see the beautiful rhododendron forests and the stunning Dudh Kosi River. Once we reach Namche Bazaar, we get our first sight of Mount Everest, along with the other mountains (Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Taboche Peak).
We journey through small communities and get surrounded by the sight of snow-capped mountains, farm lands and meadows. And as the trek becomes more challenging, especially for those attempting the Everest Three Passes route, the sight becomes even more beautiful to behold.
3. Gokyo Lakes
We sleep at Gokyo the night before we see the lakes so we will have a full day lake hopping the next day.
The very first Gokyo lake we’ll see is called Longponga. Fifteen minutes further into the trail is the second lake, TaujungTasho where brown-colored ducks are abundant. Located fifteen minutes further is the third Gokyo lake called Dudh Pokhari and a little bit further is the Gokyo settlement at 4970 meters.
From Gokyo valley, we take the trail heading north toward Cho Oyu and after a 45-minute ascent, we get to the fourth and the largest lake in this trail. In clear weather, you can see the reflection of the big Cho Oyu in the lake’s blue and glassy waters. Located at 5000 meters, the lake’s location is also a great Everest view point.
From there, the fifth lake is an hour and a half away to the left. A hundred meters ahead and we reach the final lake which is frozen most times of the year.
The lakes are more beautiful during the trek season (mid-September to November) when the monsoon rains have cleared the sky of dust and the views are often spectacular. Shimmering in the sunlight, the blue or aquamarine lakes reflect the surrounding mountains like a mirror. We will have an amazing experience hiking beside the lakes with the view of the summit of Gokyo Ri looking in a short distance.
4. Off-the-Beaten-Path
The Gokyo Lakes trek tends to be less crowded than the more popular Everest Base Camp trek. For those seeking an even more secluded experience, the Three Passes Trek, including Renjo La Pass, offers a true off-the-beaten-path adventure in the Khumbu region.
In this trek, we briefly follow this standard 12-day Everest Base Camp Trek route then branch towards a different direction passing Cho La Pass. So if you want to avoid communal buzz while trekking during the peak season, the Gokyo trek provides more serene moments than just trekking to EBC.
The Gokyo Lakes trek allows you to experience the standard EBC trek while also seeing the stunning Gokyo valley on your journey to the Everest. For the ultimate Himalayan adventure, consider the Everest Three Passes trek, which combines the best of high passes trekking with breathtaking views.
5. Trekking Season
The best season to take this trek is in autumn and spring. While you can still trek to Gokyo at any time of the year, remember that the sights, challenges, and number of crowd do vary per season.
The best time to trek to Gokyo is between mid-March to May and mid-September to November. During this period, the sky is usually clear, the views are spectacular and the weather is mild that makes the Everest Base Camp Trek in September and other trekking more enjoyable. In December to February, the views are the same but it can get very cold with snow, which makes the trek more challenging, especially for those attempting the high passes trekking routes.
Meanwhile, in between February and May, while the rhododendrons and other flowers are blooming in the valleys during this period, the mountains can be a bit hazy with dust in the air. The trails are however snow-free and it can get quite warm.
Mosaic Adventure offers treks during this period which is perfect for those who can’t stand the cold and those who want to see the more magnificent floral scenery while experiencing the rich Sherpa culture of the Khumbu region.
Ready to reach Gokyo lakes yourself and see its beauty? Or perhaps you’re prepared to take on the challenge of the Three Passes Trek, including the formidable Renjo La Pass?
Plan your Gokyo Lakes Trek with Mosaic Adventure! Travel with confidence, accompanied by our certified, well-trained, and experienced local Sherpa guides, who possess unparalleled knowledge of the Khumbu region and high-altitude safety protocols . Whether you choose the Gokyo Lakes Trek, the standard Everest Base Camp Trek, or the ultimate Everest Three Passes adventure, our team is dedicated to making your Himalayan dreams a safe and memorable reality.
Want more information? Send us your query, and our experts will get back to you within 24 hrs.
Madhav Prasad is a seasoned trekking and tourism expert with over two decades of experience in the field. Starting his career in 2001 as a porter, Madhav quickly advanced to the role of trekking guide, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in Nepal’s diverse trekking routes. In 2009, after eight years of dedication to the industry, he co-founded Mosaic Adventure, a leading trekking and tour company known for its commitment to safety, sustainability and personalized service.
Madhav has personally trekked to nearly every major trekking destination in Nepal, including Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, the Annapurna Circuit, Poon Hill, Jomsom Muktinath, the Indigenous Peoples Trail, Langtang Valley and Mardi Himal, among others. His experience extends beyond Nepal, as he has also successfully summited Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak.
In addition to his extensive trekking credentials, Madhav is well traveled globally, having explored countries such as Australia, the USA, the UK, France, Japan, China, and many others. His global exposure enhances his ability to understand and cater to the diverse needs of international trekkers.
Madhav is the primary point of contact for many clients at Mosaic Adventure, personally addressing inquiries and helping plan treks with a meticulous and personalized approach. His deep knowledge of Nepal’s trekking routes, combined with his global travel experience, ensures that every trek is well planned, safe and unforgettable.
