#gokyo lakes

By Feng Wei

There is a specific kind of blue that only exists at 5,000 meters—a turquoise so deep it feels like the earth is holding its breath.

I found it at Gokyo Lakes, where the world becomes a watercolor painting signed by silence.

While everyone else fights for elbow room on the Everest Base Camp trail, snapping the same photo a million people have already taken, there's this other world. A world where prayer flags whisper ancient mantras to the wind. Where the only sound is the crunch of your boots on frost and the distant call of a Himalayan griffon. Where smoke from juniper incense curls from stone teahouses like offerings to the sky.

This is the Nepal they don't show you on Instagram. The untouched valleys. The timeless monasteries clinging to cliffsides. The ethereal dawn light spilling gold across glaciers that have been sleeping since the earth was young.

I walked for seven days and saw maybe twenty other souls. Each sunrise felt like a secret the mountains were sharing just with me.

If you're tired of the tourist traps and looking for the actual soul of the Himalayas, I've mapped out the 6 most scenic (and quiet) routes for 2026 here:

6 Best Scenic Treks in Nepal 2026

The Gokyo Lakes Trek in Nepal's Khumbu region is a high-altitude adventure unlike any other. It leads you past turquoise glacial lakes, towering peaks, and unique Sherpa villages, offering an unforgettable experience for trekkers seeking a challenging and rewarding journey.

While this trek requires a good level of fitness due to the altitude, the well-maintained trails and the gradual ascent allow for proper acclimatization. The starting point is Lukla, a thrilling landing spot reachable by short airplane rides from Kathmandu.

The initial part of the trek follows the well-established path towards Everest Base Camp, passing through traditional Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar, a vibrant hub where you can stock up on supplies and immerse yourself in the local culture.

As you progress, the trail diverges from the main Everest Base Camp route and heads towards Gokyo Valley. The landscape transforms into a high-alpine paradise with dramatic scenery. The Dudh Koshi River snakes its way through the valley, flanked by towering peaks like Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu.

Reaching Gokyo Lakes, a cluster of serene glacial lakes at an altitude of around 5,000 meters, is a major highlight. The turquoise waters reflect the surrounding mountains, creating a picture-perfect scene. Spend time here to acclimatize to the high altitude, explore the surrounding moraine ridges for panoramic views, or simply relax and take in the tranquility.

One option is to hike up Gokyo Ri (5,360 meters), a challenging but rewarding climb that offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Everest region. Witness the majestic peaks bathed in golden sunlight as dawn breaks.

The return journey follows the same path, allowing you to revisit the stunning scenery from a different perspective. Some trekkers opt for a detour via Cho La Pass (5,420 meters), adding an extra day to the trek but providing a thrilling high-altitude experience with even more awe-inspiring views.