Gokyo Lake – Dr. Ravi Shankar Gokyo is a series of high altitude lakes at around 4800 m in the Sagarmatha National Park in the Solukhumbu district of Nepal. Gokyo Ri, a rocky ridge near Gokyo is a spectacular Himalayan view point. Elevation: 4,750 meters Location: Sagarmatha National Park Best for Trekking: March, April, May, Oct, Nov, Dec Transportation: Car / Van / Plane Nearest airport: Lukla Trek Grade: Moderate to Strenuous Trek Highlights: Scenic mountain flight to Lukla; Sherpa home town; Gokyo Lakes; amazing view of Mt. Everest, Cho Oyu; Ngozumpa Glacier The high altitude Gokyo lakes lie in the Sagarmatha National Park in the Solukhumbu district of Eastern Nepal. Founded in 1976, the park was designated as UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. It encloses the upper drainage areas of the Dudh Koshi (milk river) and is surrounded by some of the highest mountains on earth. The first man to climb Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary had an important role in convincing the Nepalese government to establish the park and the New Zealand government to support the venture. The Gokyo valley lies to the west of the traditional trek to Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp (EBC). Gokyo lakes lie along the lateral moraine of the Ngozumpa glacier, Nepal’s longest. Most tourists reach the lakes trekking up from Lukla, during trekking season, the second busiest airport in Nepal.

A Healthy Trekking - Dr. Ravi Shankar Trekking for most individuals is the holiday of a lifetime. Most have a wonderful time and return fitter and healthier. In this article I will try and list out the various ailments which can afflict you while trekking and how to minimize their occurrence. Before I go on to specific conditions let me put things in perspective. I have been trekking in Nepal for about ten years and have been on 25 treks and till date have been ill only twice. The clean mountain air, the beautiful scenery and the fresh wholesome food have a beneficial effect on health. Leaving Kathmandu healthy Most trekking guides mention leaving the Kathmandu healthy as a major challenge for a trekker. Due to poor water quality, improper food handling and preparation methods, the chances of contracting a stomach ‘bug’ are high in Kathmandu. The dust and air pollution can worsen lung diseases. Eat only in recommended restaurants and drink only properly boiled water. Also pay attention to the cleaning of eating and drinking utensils. Avoid green salads and uncooked food to be on the safer side.