| Gokyo Lakes | |||||
| Location: | Solukhumbu District | ||||
| Coords: | 27.9803°N 86.6686°W | ||||
| Basin Countries: | Nepal | ||||
| Pushpin Map: | Nepal | ||||
| Pushpin Map Alt: | Location in Nepal | ||||
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Gokyo Lakes are oligotrophic lakes in Nepal's Sagarmatha National Park, located at an elevation of . They were named after Gokyo Ri peak. These lakes are the world's highest freshwater lake system comprising six main lakes, of which Thonak Lake is the largest.[1] In September 2007, Gokyo and its associated wetlands of have been designated a Ramsar site.[2]
Gokyo Lakes are located in the Khumjung Village Development Committee of Solukhumbu District in the Sagarmatha Zone in north-eastern Nepal. Gokyo Cho, also called Dudh Pokhari, is the main lake with an area of, and the village of Gokyo lies on its eastern shore. Thonak Cho is the largest lake with an area of . Gyazumpa Cho is in size, followed by Tanjung Cho with an area of, and Ngojumba Cho with an area of . As sources of permanent fresh water they have high hydrological value. They feed on waters from various sources, such as seepage from the Ngozumpa glacier, a stream coming from the Renjo La pass from the north-west and another stream originating from the Ngozumpa glacier in the east. These are glacier-fed freshwater wetlands and discharge water to the Dudh Kosi headway via Taujon Lake and Longabanga Lake. These lakes are deeper than previously assumed by the researchers. Fourth Lake (Thonak Cho) is the deepest lake (62.4 m) followed by Gokyo Lake which is 43 m.[3] A direct connection between the Gokyo Lake and the upper Thonak Cho and the Ngozumpa Cho has not been observed, but these lakes may be connected via underground seepage water. The Gokyo Lake system is naturally vulnerable, as it lies in an ecologically fragile and unstable zone. The outburst of the Ngozumpa glacier is always a threat to the existence of the lakes.[4]
The Gokyo lake system of 19 lakes is spread over an area of lying between . The wetland lies at the head of the Dudh Kosi, which descends from Cho Oyu.[5]
The Gokyo Lakes are considered sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists. About 500 Hindus take a holy bath in the lakes during the Janai Purnima festival, which usually occurs in the month of August. On an average 7,000 tourists annually visit the Gokyo Lakes.[4] The site is worshipped as the residing place of 'Nag Devata' (Snake God); a temple of the Hindu deities Vishnu and Shiva is situated at the western corner of the lake. The belief that birds and wildlife in the area should not be harmed has traditionally protected fauna.[1]