Gokyo valley is one of the most beautiful region lies on the Everest region famous for lakes with the mix of blue and green colors and also panoramic mountain views. Choosing a right time to trek will let you explore Gokyo more broadly as you can acknowledge clear blue skies and great visibility of mountains. In this blog we will discuss about the seasons that are best to trek Gokyo Valley.
Source: https://hillsherpatrekking.com/trip/gokyo-lake-trek/
Spring March to May: Beginning of Rhododendron blooming and clear skies
Spring is considered as one of the popular season to trek Gokyo Valley. Weather is very stable during spring with mild temperatures and clear skies. This season brings beginning of Rhododendron blooms especially in the lower elevation coloring the trials strong sunlight lets glaciers to shine like diamonds and making it a dream destination for photographers during this Season.
Summer June to August: Season of lush landscapes and frequent monsoon rain
Summer in Gokyo valley is the blend between monsoon rain and sun most of the time rains are frequent and skies are cloudy this season brings less crowd and valleys filled with vibrant green color and wildflowers. However views of the mountains mare often covered by thick clouds chances of landslides are high expect slippery trials which are very dangerous. This season suits those trekkers who are willing to take challenges and wanting an adventure like feeling.
Autumn September to November: ideal season for crystal clear view with perfect condition
Autumn season is also a popular season to trek among trekkers as they will get offered with crystal clear views of mountains with a comfortable temperature. Visibility is clean and clear making this season ideal for photographers and nature admirer. However this season brings more crowds and bookings a lodge or teahouse is very hard as this season is peak season for a reason.
Winter December to February: Snow covered Serenity and Extreme Cold
Gokyo valley lies in the region where snow affects the most known as a kingdom to high Himalayas. During this season Gokyo wonderland becomes calm and peaceful views became more dramatic especially with crisps skies frosted peaks and frosted flakes reflecting the peaks. However in this season Gokyo faces extreme cold during nights temperature can fall up to -20 degree Celsius due to extreme cold trials are nearly empty making it ideal for those trekkers who are seeking peace.
Best Time for Photography: Autumn and Spring Shine Brightest
If you prioritize photography you should choose autumn and spring season aim for October and April these months will offer you clear skies, great visibility, and the contrast of light that reflects the white peaks and the clear blue glaciers. Mornings are crisps and golden where sunrise hugs whole region snows are still visible in the leaks and still one of the coldest season making you discomfort. You will capture some good pictures that are unmatched.
Best Time for Fewer Crowds: Try Early Spring or Late Autumn
If you enjoy peace and want to explore Gokyo valley without any distraction then early spring and late autumn is best option for you this season offers you a great advantage as you can book your favorite teahouses in affordable cost. Even the temperature is cold the view you will get offered remains excellent and the atmosphere is more tranquil. Guides and Porters are also easy to find at competitive rates. It’s a great experience opportunity for someone who values peace.
Seasonal Festivals in Gokyo Region
Trekking during festival season adds value to your trekking as you will get in depth cultural knowledge. In spring you will get to catch Holi and Nepali New Year in the lower region during autumn you will get to celebrate Mani Rimdu a major festival of Sherpa community especially those who lives in Tengboche. Festival allows you to go get near local culture, traditional, people and spiritual energy. Cultural immersion is way more than just a scenic and nature experience.
Wild Life and Nature through the Seasons
Different seasons have their own significance activity of wildlife’s flora and fauna relies according to the seasons along the Gokyo routes. During spring and summer wildflowers blooms and birds returns to its natural habitat giving this route new life. Autumn offers you with fewer animals but there is a high probability of you spotting musk deer or Himalayan thar. During winter you will most probably see snow leopard especially in the lower elevation eve though sights are rare. Each seasons have its Views are unique way to represent Gokyo valley.
Gokyo Ri: When the Best
Climbing to Gokyo Ri is the major highlight of this trek in should not miss out offering a 360 degrees views of stunning mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Clearest view of the mountain as well as the clear skies is followed by autumn season, blue skies and blue lakes are followed by spring seasons and dazzling views and crisps skies is followed by winter season. Summer ascend mostly offers you fogged environment where the peaks looks like they are hiding behind the thick skies each time have its own priority.
Lake Conditions and Colors by seasons
Gokyo Lake is not just a lake but it’s an artist dream and for those who values nature. the Mixed colors of lakes seems like the mix of vibrant blue and green reflecting the skies and snowy peaks during summer rains the lakes overflows into the trials and murky, during winter the lakes are mostly frozen water layer transforms into ice layering water into iced sheets. Lakes have its own significance importance and its own beauty during the season, tones of lakes changes according to seasons.
Fitness and by Seasons Acclimatization
Acclimatization is a crucial tool that is beyond season while ascending up to 5357 meters in Gokyo Ri acclimatization is much more needed. In spring and autumn seasons the weather is steady with pretty predictable hiking condition. Winter demands more stamina as you have to battle with the cold summer is draining compared to other season you have to face humidity which is draining. Remember to do slower ascend, hydrate yourself properly and prepare a fixed schedule of rest days. Your fitness level should match the physical demand according to the season you demand.
Trekking Conditions are Crowds
Spring and autumn season offers you an excellence trekking conditions as the trials are dry, temperature is mild and teahouse are open most of the time but this season also brings heavy loads of crowd especially around Gokyo Ri. Winter seasons offers you challenging and icy trials but the population of trekkers are very few offering you with a peaceful experience. Monsoon brings you most unpredictable routes filled with leeches especially at the lower forested areas and the views of the mountains are unclear because the views are covered by layers of clouds. You should choose the seasons according to the level of your preference.
Packing by Seasons: What to Bring When
If you are travelling in summer and autumn season you should pack layered clothing that can handle warmer days and colder nights. If you are planning your trek in winter season duty down gares, waterproof boots, and insulated gloves. If you are travelling on monsoon season you should focus on packing waterproof covers, quick dry clothes and insect repellent don’t forget to pack sic protection. UV ray glasses in all seasons as UV rays are very strong no matter which season you are preferring. UV rays are mostly active at high altitude even in cloudy weather. A seasonal gear checklist will come to handy for your comfort and safety.
Availability of Tea Houses and Amenities
Spring and autumn season offers you guaranteed opened tea houses with full menu and well stocked supplies. During winter you will see closures in teahouses and check availability in advance and advance booking is a priority. During monsoon lodges and teahouses still operates but the lodges are not filled with trekkers enough and services are limited or basic. Food availability, warmth and internet connection varies according to the seasons. You should always ask local operators and guides about the seasonal logistics to avoid uncertainty or surprise.
Conclusion: Matching Your Dream Trek to the Right Seasons
If you trek during Autumn September to November you will get to enjoy crystal clear views and perfect conditions of trials. If you trek during spring March to May you will get to enjoy the rhododendron blooming and clear skies. If you plan your trek during summer June to August you will get to acknowledge lush landscapes and monsoon rains. If you trek during winter December to February you will get to see snow covered serenity and experience extreme cold. Autumn and spring are one of the peak season aim for October and April these months will offer you clear skies, great visibility, and the reflection of mountains on the glaciers. These two seasons are ideal for trekkers. What do you think of each season and if you ever consider visiting Gokyo which season will you prefer?
