Rivers and lakes · Gokyo
Walk to the fourth and fifth Gokyo lakes
On your rest day, follow the edge of the Ngozumpa glacier north from Gokyo past the fourth lake, Thonak Tsho, to the fifth lake and the viewpoint above it, where Everest's north-west face and Cho Oyu face you across the ice. Long, high but nearly flat.
Few Gokyo visitors go beyond the village lake, which is a pity. A clear trail runs north along the grassy ablation valley between the glacier's moraine and the mountainside, with yak pastures and the occasional herder's hut. In about 1.5–2 hours you reach the fourth lake, Thonak Tsho, often said to be the largest of the chain, its water a deep green-blue under the cliffs.
Another hour or so brings the fifth lake, Ngozumpa Tsho. Climb the moraine ridge beyond it to a viewpoint often called Scoundrel's Viewpoint, where the Ngozumpa glacier spreads below and Everest's north-west face rises beyond, with Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang to the north. It feels genuinely remote: you may see no one else.
The walk stays around 4,800–5,000 m, so it serves as a high acclimatisation day. Take a packed lunch, plenty of water and layers, as there are no lodges. Strong walkers can continue towards the sixth lake below Cho Oyu, but most turn back after the viewpoint. Return the same way to Gokyo in the afternoon.
Good for
Questions
How many Gokyo lakes are there?
There are six main lakes in the Gokyo chain, plus many smaller ponds. Gokyo village sits by the third, Gokyo Tsho or Dudh Pokhari. The fourth, Thonak Tsho, and fifth, Ngozumpa Tsho, lie to the north and are reached on a day walk. The sixth lies further still, below Cho Oyu.
How long is the walk to the fifth Gokyo lake?
About 3–3.5 hours each way at a relaxed pace, 6–7 hours return including time at the viewpoint. The trail is mostly gentle along the ablation valley beside the glacier, staying around 4,800–5,000 m. Carry lunch and water, as there are no lodges beyond Gokyo.
Can I swim in the Gokyo lakes?
No. The lakes are very cold, often frozen at the edges, and are sacred to both Sherpa Buddhists and Hindus. They are also a protected Ramsar wetland. Swimming, washing or polluting the water is inappropriate. Enjoy them from the shore and take all rubbish back with you.
Also in Gokyo
More ways to spend the day
TrekkingGokyo Ri for four 8,000 m peaks
Cross the lake outlet before dawn and climb Gokyo Ri, about 5,357 m, for the sun rising behind Everest and …
NatureLook down on the Ngozumpa glacier
Climb the moraine ridge just east of Gokyo village and look down onto the Ngozumpa glacier, about 36 km long, …
AdventureCross the Renjo La from Gokyo to Thame
Climb west from Gokyo over the Renjo La, about 5,360 m, for a view back over the Gokyo lake and …