Gokyo Lake(s), Nepal

Taking a relatively short but massively worthwhile detour from the popular Everest Base Camp trek will land you in the midst of three of the most eye-poppingly gorgeous alpine lakes this side of paradise.

Just below Gokyo village, the arriving hiker is greeted with the shocking awe-inspiring turquoise lake and beautiful snow-clad landscape. During a two-three-hour hike, you will have the opportunity to take in a number of other magnificent alpine lakes and views of the mighty Cho Oyu, the world’s sixth highest mountain. At 17,575 feet, looking down at the views of the alpine lakes at sunset and/or sunrise are nothing short of amazing. Not to mention, the views out to Everest, Ama, Dablam, Pumori, Nuptse aren’t too shabby either!