Gokyo Lake to Cho Oyu Base Camp Trek including 5th Lake

Trip Overview

Cho Oyu Base Camp is an awe-inspiring and ruggedly beautiful location nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, at the foot of the world’s sixth-highest peak, Cho Oyu. This base camp, situated at an elevation of approximately 5,700 meters (18,700 feet) is a bustling hub of adventure and endurance, where the air is thin and the vistas are vast. It’s a place where the grandeur of the mountains meets the unyielding spirit of climbers from around the globe, all gathered with the shared dream of conquering the mighty Cho Oyu.

The trek from Gokyo Lake to Cho Oyu Base Camp typically takes around 6-8 hours one way, depending on the pace of the trekker, weather conditions, and trail conditions. The route will generally take you along the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal, and through remote and less-traveled paths. The distance from Gokyo Lake to Cho Oyu Base Camp is approximately 12-15 kilometers. The terrain can be challenging, involving rocky paths, moraines, and potentially snow-covered sections depending on the time of year.

Is the 5th Gokyo Lake and Cho Oyu base camp in the same place?
No, the 5th Gokyo Lake, locally called Ngozumpa Tsho, and Cho Oyu Base Camp are not the same place, but they are relatively close to each other. Here’s a detailed explanation:

5th Gokyo Lake (Ngozumpa Tsho)
The 5th Gokyo Lake is part of a series of six glacial lakes located in the Gokyo Valley. It is situated to the north of the main Gokyo Village and the main Gokyo Lake which is also called 3d Gokyo Lake and also named Dudh Pokhari by locals. It lies at an altitude of approximately 5,000 meters (16,404 feet). The 5th lake offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu, and it is a popular destination for trekkers seeking more solitude and panoramic views.

Cho Oyu Base Camp
The Cho Oyu Base Camp, the foothill of the sixth-highest mountain in the world at 8,188 meters (26,864 feet) is located further north from the 5th Gokyo Lake. The base camp is primarily used by climbers preparing to ascend Cho Oyu. The Cho Oyu base camp is situated at around 5,700 meters (18,700 feet). It serves as the starting point for climbers attempting to summit Cho Oyu.

How far is Cho Oyu Base Camp from the 5th Lake?
The trek from the 5th Gokyo Lake to Cho Oyu Base Camp is not very long but involves traversing rocky paths, moraines, and potentially snow-covered areas, which can make the trek more challenging and time-consuming than the distance alone would suggest. The distance from the 5th Gokyo Lake (Ngozumpa Tsho) to Cho Oyu Base Camp is approximately 5-6 kilometers (3-4 miles) but can take several hours (3-4 hours) due to the challenging conditions and high altitude.

While both the 5th Gokyo Lake and Cho Oyu Base Camp are in the same general region and can be visited on the same trek, they are distinct locations with different purposes and altitudes. The 5th Gokyo Lake is a scenic spot for trekkers, while Cho Oyu Base Camp is a staging area for mountaineers preparing to climb Cho Oyu.

How Long is it from Gokyo Lake to 5th Lake?
The distance from the main Gokyo Lake (also known as the 3rd Gokyo Lake or Dudh Pokhari) to the 5th Gokyo Lake (Ngozumpa Tsho) is approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles). It typically takes around 3 hours to trek from Gokyo Lake to the 5th Gokyo Lake one way, depending on your pace, weather conditions, and acclimatization status. The altitude of the 5th Gokyo Lake (Ngozumpa Tsho) is approximately 5,000 meters (16,404 feet) above sea level. The route from the main Gokyo Lake to the 5th Gokyo Lake involves a moderate ascent with some rocky and uneven paths. The trail is relatively straightforward but can be physically demanding due to the altitude.

The trek from Gokyo Lake to 5th Lake offers spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Cho Oyu and the Ngozumpa Glacier. The 5th Gokyo Lake itself is a serene and beautiful spot with fewer trekkers, offering a sense of tranquility.

On the way to the 5th Gokyo Lake, you can also visit the 4th Gokyo Lake (Thonak Tsho), which is slightly off the main trail but adds to the scenic experience.

The trek from Gokyo Lake to the 5th Gokyo Lake is a rewarding experience, offering stunning landscapes and a relatively peaceful trail compared to more crowded routes in the Everest region.

Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition is the leading operator of Everest Treks (EBC, Gokyo Lake, Three Passes Trek, etc) managed by Local Tourism Experts and Sherpas of Nepal. Please contact us by email at [email protected] or WhatsApp/ Viber at +977 9851203181 for any further information about Everest treks, or if any questions. Once we receive your message, we get back to you within 24 hours.

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