Gokyo Lake

Gokyo Lake is a beautiful lake situated at the altitude of 4,700 meters to 5,000 meters and is one of the world’s highest lake systems comprising of six main lakes and located in Sagarmatha National Park in Solukhumbu district of eastern Nepal. Gokyo and associated lakes have been designated as a Ramsar site in 2007 in the area of 7,770 ha. Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari) is the main lake and the village of Gokyo lies on its eastern shore. Thonak Cho (largest lake), Gyazumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, and Ngojumba Cho are the associated lakes. The Gokyo lake system consisting of 19 lakes is spread over an area of 196.2 ha and situated at the altitude ranging from 4,600 meters to 5,100 meters.

Gokyo lakes are considered as the sacred lake by both Hindu and Buddhist people. This site receives many devotees for taking holy bath in the lake during Janai Purnima festival (Hindu’s festival). There are temples of Hindu gods, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, at the western corner of the lake and the site is also worshipped as the place of Snake God (Nag Devata). Gokyo village (which is two days uphill walk from Namche Bazaar) is a major center in this area which is situated at the altitude of 4,790 meters from the sea level. There is also a chance of climbing Gokyo Ri when you are in this area.

However, this holy lake, Gokyo Lake, is also a part of the extended trek of Everest Base Camp which is the circular route allowing trekkers to return along the same trail, which is considered to be the most befitted route by trekkers. Moreover, the belief that birds and wildlife should not be harmed in the area has traditionally helped to protect the faunas.