Gokyo Lakes Trek

Essential Information

Best Time for Gokyo Lakes Trek

The weather is the most crucial factor. For your incredible once-in-a-lifetime trekking adventure, pick the ideal month! Spring, Summer, Monsoon, Autumn, and Winter are the five seasons that Nepal experiences, just like many other nations.

Like other Everest treks in Nepal, it's best done in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Let's look at the best times to travel and consider the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Spring (March to May):

Before the monsoon, the milder months of March, April, and May arrive. Trekking in the Gokyo region is possible at this time of year, offering fantastic views of the surrounding scenery and mountains. Daytime temperatures of 15 to 20 degrees Celsius can be reached, while nightly lows of 8 to 12 degrees Celsius are possible.

The trip is especially remarkable at this season because of the rhododendron woodland's romantic fragrance, the mountain region at its best, and the stunning landscape along the path. In the highlands, a variety of wildflower species can be seen blooming in March and April.

In particular, the Rhododendron Forest transforms into breathtaking forest scenes during this time of year. Melting ice accelerates the flow of cascading rivers, waterfalls, and springs as the winter sceneries gradually disappear.

Summer/Monsoon (June to August):

In Nepal, the monsoon season is characterised by landslides, slick and muddy routes, intense downpours, and problems with leeches at lower altitudes. Thus, the months of June through August are thought to be difficult for trekking.

This RAINY SEASON also brings with it tremendous heat and humidity outside. Thus, the flora and plants also become more vibrant throughout this season. This rainy season presents a number of difficulties and hurdles due to its constant overflow, which may detract from the entire experience.

The ongoing rainfall also increases the likelihood of landslides and floods. Owing to the unfavourable weather, the trek's route must be adjusted. 16°C to 22°C is the typical daytime temperature range, with -15°C during the overnight hours and early mornings.

A distinct aspect of the Himalayan region is revealed by the crispness of the air, refreshing winds, and verdant landscapes that are nurtured by rainfall. This month is great if you want peaceful walking paths because fewer people come during this time of year.

You may still explore the Gokyo Lakes and take in the amazing Himalayan vistas with the appropriate planning and gear.

Winter (December to February):

In the Gokyo area, the wind begins to get cold and freezing, and then there are light snowfalls. It gets the coldest, namely in early January and early February. The region has unusually low temperatures, with the paths completely covered in snow, especially in December and January, when winter travel is at its height.

Fog will usually obscure your view of the snow-capped mountains during this season. You will need to bring plenty of clothing and other warm-weather gear to survive the Himalayan winters.

In the region's harshest season, daytime temperatures range from -17 to 20 degrees Celsius, while overnight and early in the mornings are freezing, with occasional dips to -1 or even -0 degrees Celsius.

But even though it's too cold to walk in the winter, you may still explore Gokyo Lakes. To go on the snow-covered trails and to cope with the temperatures below zero degrees Celsius, you'll need the appropriate gear. In this season, you can see fewer crowded path and intriguing cultural events such as Losar, Saraswati Puja, Maghe Sankranti, and Maha Shivaratri.

Fall / Autumn (September to November):

Trekking on Gokyo Lakes is also fantastic in the autumn, spanning September, October, November, and December. For trekkers who like to take part in the largest celebrations in this historically and culturally rich nation, this is usually the ideal time of year to hike the Gokyo Lakes.

Weather-wise, this season is rather consistent with few weather-related disruptions that could interfere with your travel plans. Trekkers can enjoy broad vistas of the snow-capped mountains against a dazzling blue sky because the skies are often clear.

With the leaves changing in shades of green, grey, yellow, crimson, and brown, the fall season offers a distinct view of nature's epic cycle, in contrast to the spring's lush vegetation and breathtaking spectacle.

Autumn brings pleasant daytime temperatures of 14–20 degrees Celsius and cool evenings of -5–10 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal time of year for trekking. Autumn in Nepal is a joyous time of year because of the celebrations of Dashain and Tihar. Tengboche is the site of the Mani Rimdu festival every October.

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Drinking Water on Gokyo Lakes Trek

Since it's the greatest way to prevent severe alpine sickness, water is vital for trekking in high altitudes. In addition to being a unique experience, trekking in the Gokyo Lakes poses a unique set of challenges, particularly with regard to staying hydrated.

The Gokyo Lake Trek offers limited possibilities for accessing potable drinking water. Though there are many natural water sources scattered across the area, which is renowned for its untainted and untamed beauty, it is important to know how to use them safely if you want to go trekking.

There are two options for drinking water on the trek: bottled water and natural spring water. Another prevalent source of water in the upper elevations of the climb is glacial meltwater. Even if it comes from glaciers, it can still get contaminated, especially when it moves across land.

To stop waterborne illnesses, you are advised to take filters or tablets that purify water. Boiling water is available at most tea houses and lodges along the Gokyo Lakes Trek for a small fee. Boiling rids the water of bacteria and other diseases.

Giardiasis, diarrhoea, and other gastrointestinal ailments can result from drinking untreated water from the sources, which might negatively affect one's hiking experience. All kinds of infections can be effectively combated by handheld UV purifiers. They can be less dependable in extremely cold or murky water, although they operate swiftly and require batteries.

Locals emphasize the significance of drinking plenty of water throughout this walk and request that visitors abide by the environmental laws put in place to save the area's ecology. You can contribute to keeping the area beautiful for future generations by carrying your own reusable water bottle and disposing of any rubbish correctly.

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Electricity on Gokyo Lakes Trek

A well-known and well-liked journey around the globe is the Everest Region journey. Therefore, compared to other trekking regions in Nepal, the internet and electricity facilities are fairly decent. Depending on the exact places you reach and the lodgings you select, access to electricity throughout the Gokyo Lakes trip may differ.

The local power grid, solar panels, or small hydropower systems provide electricity to many of these accommodations. The teahouses and lodges in the Gokyo region typically get their electricity from solar power. Hydroelectric power facilities are more common in areas with lower elevations. Trekkers frequently use sunlight as a solar charger in remote locations because it's a convenient way to refuel batteries.

Nonetheless, there could occasionally be power shortages in certain village areas during hikes. There can be extra fees for using electricity even in tea houses or lodges where you decide to stay.

There are situations where power is limited to specific times of the day, usually in the nights after hikers get back from their excursions. Powering up during your hiking expedition can be ensured by packing backup power sources and engaging in energy conservation. Remember to pack solar chargers or portable power banks.

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Gokyo Lakes Trek Difficulty

Travel fans seeking excitement are encouraged to try this journey, which offers breathtaking vistas of Makalu, Lhotse, and Everest. The Gokyo Lake walk is a somewhat difficult walk despite its high altitude. Walking is challenging if you are not an experienced hiker because the first and last few days are long and have ups and downs in the lower zone.

Since the walking time to Gokyo Lake (in the Everest region) is entirely dependent on the amount of altitude gained each day, there is never a set walking hour. If you're not used to it, walking for five or six hours is undoubtedly a difficult endeavour.

For novices, it is advised to walk for extended periods of time. Trekking on rural trails provides an element of adventure, but it also makes the trek much harder. The altitude issue poses a serious challenge to the Gokyo Valley trek. Gokyo, at 4750 meters elevation, is the highest peak.

Once you are above 3000 meters, experts suggest not to climb more than 300–400 meters per day. Though both the Everest and Gokyo Lakes treks are arduous due to altitude, the altitude becomes less daunting if you acclimatize appropriately.

The steepness of the Gokyo Lakes hike is one of the key indicators of difficulty because a steep climb requires more physical effort than a smooth ascent. It's mildly pleasant at comparatively lower altitudes, like Lukla and Namche, but the winds get chilly and frozen as you go higher.

Your trek to the Gokyo Lakes in the Everest Himalayas is made uncomfortable by the chilly weather in the morning and evening. An additional difficulty on this Gokyo Lake walk is carrying a hefty backpack. The load has to be carried, and then you have to ascend the steep hill. To assist you with these weights, porters are available for hire on various paths.

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Required Equipment List

An enjoyable mountain trip depends on having warm, high-quality trekking gear. As a result, in order to trek to Gokyo Lakes, you must carefully carry your hiking equipment. You will encounter a variety of weather patterns on your trip throughout the day. Days are warmer than mornings and evenings.

Remember that trekking equipment can be rented or bought in Kathmandu for a very reasonable price.

Footgear

• Hiking boots

• Woollen or synthetic socks

• Slippers (for tea houses)

Clothing

• Shorts for hiking

• Cap or sun hat

• Windproof and waterproof shell

• Scarf, Neck Gaiter, or Buff (strongly advised)

• A base layer of technical fabric

• fleece pullover or jacket

• Pants for hiking (2)

• Windproof and waterproof shell

• Liner gloves are made of wool or technological fabric.

Others

• Sunscream

• First aid supplies

• Lip balm

• personal prescription drugs (if any)

• Toiletries

• Repellant for insects

• Walking sticks

• A power bank

• A purse

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Food During Gokyo Lakes Trek

Food is important on trekking trips for a number of reasons. Ascending to such heights on this excursion will require you to pack extra nutrition, mainly in the form of carbohydrates and proteins. To be healthy and energized, you definitely need to eat a well-balanced diet rich in sanitary foods.

One advantage of tea house treks in Nepal is that, despite the simplicity of the lodges, the food is usually excellent if you stick to Nepali fare. Tibetan, Italian, Indian, and continental cuisine are available in addition to traditional Nepalese cuisine. An ordinary tea house menu can be found in most places.

Breakfasts:

Breakfast is, without question, the most important item for every hiker. You'll discover that breakfast usually occurs between 7-8 am on a tea house excursion. The breakfast alternatives that are typically provided are:

• Items made from bread: These can be anything from traditional Tibetan bread to more well-known pancakes or rolls.

• A substantial source of energy, porridge is a warm and soothing grain-based staple.

• Either fried, scrambled, or in an omelette, eggs are a high-protein option.

• Your daily fix of caffeine or the comforting taste of tea, is offered in a range of varieties from milk tea to black tea.

• Peanut butter, jam, and honey on French toast with cornflakes and hash browns.

Interestingly, the glucose content of many of these products is higher. It's critical to keep your blood glucose levels up when going on hikes.

Lunch and dinner:

A trekker's diet is greatly influenced by lunch, which provides much-needed energy for the day's activities. Lunch is typically served between 12 and 1 pm, depending on the pace of the trek and the availability of rest areas. The menu features both familiar and traditional dishes that are designed to satisfy the needs of both the body and the soul of a trekker.

• The Dal Bhat Set is the main dish on the lunch menu in this region. Rice with lentils is a national cuisine, and there are many different ways to make it. Rice, vegetables, pickles, lentil soup (dal), and occasionally meat (typically chicken or buffalo) are eaten with this traditional Nepali cuisine.

• You may serve noodles in a broth or stir-fried; they're quick and simple.

• There's also the popular Momo dumplings, which are stuffed with buffalo, chicken, or veggie.

• Most teahouse sandwiches are loaded with vegetables, but there are other possibilities as well.

• A variety of dishes including pizza, burgers, spring rolls, steaks, soups, potatoes, and desserts.

Traditional Himalayan dish sherpa stew. It tastes like a milder version of a vegetable stew in some spots and a spicy veggie curry elsewhere. Intensely nourishing, the stew is loaded with fresh ingredients, including greens, carrots, green beans, onions, and garlic.

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Permits Required for Gokyo Lakes Trek

There are a few important things you should think about before you book your trip and prepare your bags. Getting the required permits for the trek is one of them. The stunning environment in this area draws hundreds of hikers, naturalists, and adventurers each year.

To safeguard your safety and security as well as to help conservation and development activities, Nepal has stringent restrictions regarding trekking in its protected regions. The TIMS Permit, the Sagarmatha National Park Permit, and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit are the three permits required for the Gokyo Lake Trek.

Sagarmatha National Park Permit

The majority of the Everest Region is contained under Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the most amazing and varied flora and animals in the world can be found there. Everybody visiting the Everest region, including the Gokyo Valley, needs this permit.

You can access and explore this wonderful conservation area with a Sagarmatha National Park Permit. Not only is the Gokyo Lake Trek eligible for the Sagarmatha National Park Permit, but several other treks in Nepal as well. It can be used on any hiking path that goes through or close to the park's limits.

The Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or the Sagarmatha National Park entrance gate in Monjo are the places where you can get an entry permit for the park. The following is the cost of the permit:

Foreign visitors must pay NPR 3,000 (VAT included) per person.

• NPR 100 for each individual and Nepalese entry.

• The entrance price for SAARC nationalities is NPR 1,500 per person, which includes 13% VAT.
• Kids under ten go in free of charge.

TIMS Permit

It is necessary to arrange for your trekking permits and TIMS card in Nepal before starting a trekking journey. All this really serves to let the authorities know when and where you are going in the mountains.

The Nepal Tourism Board and Permit Nepal Trust both provide TIMS cards. The main tourist office in Kathmandu, located on Pradarshani Marg, is where you can obtain a TIMS card. The Thamel tourist area is around twenty minutes walk away.

The Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) Lakeside office in Santi Patan, Pokhara, is also where you may get the permit for all of these activities. The application fee for the TIMS card is NPR 2,000 for applicants from other nations, and NPR 1,000 for trekkers from SAARC nations.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit

An entry permit to the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality is the third kind of permit required for the Gokyo Lake Trek. In the Khumbu region, where the Gokyo Lake Trek is located, this permit is granted by the local government. The cost for this third permit is as follows:

• For a single entry, foreign nationals must pay $30 (VAT included) per person.

• A single admission (VAT included) costs Rs.100 for Nepalis.

• SAARC nationals pay Rs.1500 (VAT included) for a single entry.

• It is free for those under ten.

The following paperwork is needed for trekking permits:

• A copy of your passport

• A copy of a valid Visa good for enough days to go trekking

• Trekking Programme Schedule

• Consent with the Agency

• Records pertaining to the hikers' insurance

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Communication on Gokyo Lakes Trek

Starting a walk in the Gokyo region offers amazing views of the surrounding terrain. Critical components include knowing which mobile networks are available, using satellite phones, getting internet and Wi-Fi access, buying and using local SIM cards, knowing how to communicate in an emergency, controlling how electronic devices are charged, and following best practices when in remote areas.

There are variations in mobile network coverage in this region, mostly based on location and altitude. Network coverage is often greater in lower places than in higher altitudes, such as Lukla and Namche Bazaar. The two biggest mobile network providers in Nepal are Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC). Voice calls, SMS, and data are among their services.

Mobile connectivity can be extremely spotty or nonexistent at some of the highest locations. Call clarity and internet speed are two aspects of network quality that tend to deteriorate with elevation. Though internet connectivity can be spotty and inconsistent, voice conversations may still be feasible in many places.

While Wi-Fi is sometimes available at the tea house, it is frequently slow, erratic, and costs extra. When on the Gokyo Lake Trek, it's advisable to minimize your reliance on internet connectivity.

The quality and speed of connections may decline as you ascend, although they may be comparatively fast and steady in lower regions. There are often slower and less dependable connections in high-altitude places, particularly around Gokyo Lakes.

A number of lodges and expedition teams use satellite internet in the most isolated and high-altitude places. Although connectivity is guaranteed, Wi-Fi offered through local networks is typically faster and less expensive.

In order to trek safely in the Gokyo region, emergency communication methods are essential. One of the most dependable ways to communicate in an emergency is via satellite phone. High-altitude communication equipment such as VHF (Very High Frequency) or HF (High Frequency) radios are carried on some trips in addition to satellite phones.

In general, even though communication on the Gokyo Lakes Trek can be scarce, you can make sure you stay in touch when necessary by being ready with the appropriate gear and expectations

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Fauna Seen During Gokyo Lake Trek

The area is abundant with wildlife, and hikers may come across a range of locally exclusive animal species. Bird experts will be thrilled to see the possibility of seeing Himalayan Monals, Blood Pheasants, and other hawk and eagle species throughout the walk.

This area is home to the majority of rare and endangered species, including snow leopards, musk deer, and Himalayan thars. Additionally, inhabitants in this area rear animals for commercial use, including yaks, buffalos, goats, pigs, and so forth.

• Red Pandas:

Found only in Nepal, primarily in the lower Himalayan portion of the nation, red pandas are the most amazing and fascinating endangered species.

• Snow leopard

Because of their elusive nature in the Himalayas, natural hiding, and tendency to stay hidden from human sight, they are also known as the Ghost of the Mountains. These big cats are extremely rare and endangered; there are only 6,000 of them living in the wild.

• Himalayan Thar

It is also generally known as the "mountain goat," and it is the most common animal encountered on trekking routes. The Himalayan thar is a large, goat-like animal with a dark brown coat, black facial features, and a distinctive white beard.

• Himalayan Monal

This vibrant bird, also known as the "Danphe," commonly known as our nation's national bird, is found in the region.

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Acute Mountain Sickness

Because of the higher altitude, the body does not have enough oxygen to maintain regular breathing and body functioning, which results in Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Altitude sickness can strike at any elevation above sea level, roughly 3,000 meters (9,840 feet). This is caused by the fact that when you ascend higher in height, the air gets thinner and contains less oxygen.

The most common type of altitude sickness is called acute mountain sickness (AMS), which develops as a fever, coughing, shortness of breath, nausea, headache, fatigue, and difficulties sleeping. Usually in the evening, the symptoms develop worse.

Crucial Safety Measures and Quick Steps:

For these symptoms, the precautions to take are:

• Drink sufficient water: Try to stay hydrated for your body. Increasing water consumption reduces the symptoms.

• Reduced pace: As you walk, keep your pace constant and modest.

• Lowering: Reduce your altitude till the symptoms go away.

• Consume the recommended drugs, such as Diamox or Paracetamol.

• Best trekking gear and accessories.

• Eat foods that are high in carbohydrates.

Altitude Sickness to whom?

Anybody can have altitude sickness. Although its effects are less likely to affect you the longer you spend at higher altitudes, anyone might still be affected. Altitude sickness during trekking remains unclear to science, as no clear markers have yet been found to indicate who will or won't experience it.

Altitude sickness can affect everyone, even athletes and those in outstanding physical shape. Trip leaders, in fact, frequently show greater compassion for these people.

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Accommodation on Gokyo Lakes Trek

Accommodations are another essential part of the trip. Over the wonderful hiking adventure, you will have the option to stay in the local communities. Throughout the journey, tea houses serve as a variety of lodging options.

You can get the bare minimum of food and lodging at these homes. Since the Everest region is a popular trekking destination, the lodging options are significantly better than in other regions of the nation.

The majority of the residents in Dole, Machhermo, and Gokyo Lakes have made modifications to their homes to make them pleasant for visitors. During busy seasons like spring and autumn, when there aren't as many lodges in some communities, you could have to share a room with a stranger who is also a trekker.

You can find reasonably priced lodging up to Namche Bazaar, including rooms with plugs inside and an attached bathroom. Beyond that, the Gokyo Lake hike on Everest provides simple lodging.

Like the room, the bathroom has a shared configuration and is furnished with all the necessities, including blankets, pillows, and mattresses. However, female travellers travelling alone will receive a single private room during the trek at no additional cost.

The lower region's teahouses are furnished with contemporary bathrooms, so it's easy to take hot showers there. But as you get farther up, you'll need to get a hot water bucket for taking baths because of how isolated it is.

The cost of lodging is extremely low, and occasionally even free. That being said, they do anticipate having you order breakfast and dinner from their eating establishment.

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Flora Seen During Gokyo Lake Trek

The walk becomes especially spectacular as it passes through Sagarmatha National Park, a place with a wide variety of vegetation and fauna. It is ranked among the world's most important conservation zones. From grass, herbs, and bushes to massive trees, it is comprised of everything.

You may see alpine meadows filled with herbs and flowers as you steadily rise in altitude. Subtropical forests with oak, pine, juniper, and rhododendron trees, on the other hand, cover the whole area at lower elevations.

Among the many common plant species are:

• Juniper

• Himalayan birch

• Edelweiss

• Rhododendron.

This plant, which is also our country's national flower, is undoubtedly something you will encounter on your journey. Grown in alpine meadows, the little flowering plant known as Edelweiss is famous for its fluffy white petals.

In the woodlands at moderate elevations throughout the Himalayan region, evergreen trees, or juniper, are common. High-altitude trees with white bark that peels off in thin strips are known as Himalayan birch.

The flora, however, is restricted to mosses and lichens as the climate turns exceedingly frigid, causing plants to cease growing above 5750 meters.

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Toilet Facilities on Gokyo LakeTrek

Showers and toilets are essential wherever travellers intend to go. Since excellent amenities are essential for a comfortable stay during the Gokyo Lake climb, most hikers start by inspecting the showers and toilets. The rooms in luxury lodges and tea houses at lower altitudes have hot showers and adjoining bathrooms.

You might have to share the washroom with other travellers and the facilities might be a little poor at higher altitudes. Western-style and squat toilets are the two varieties. The sitting bathrooms get ice since it's too cold and smells terrible because the upper area typically freezes.

Keep in mind that the majority of teahouses and lodging establishments do not supply tissue or toilet paper. Make sure you have enough hand sanitizers and tissues in your bag. Soap is another thing that's usually absent from the facilities. To stay germ- and microorganism-free in dusty areas, a little bottle of hand sanitizer will come in helpful.

Wet wipes are a better solution if soap and water are unavailable at a higher altitude where the commodity in question is typically lacking. It is particularly challenging for visitors from other countries or those who have never visited rural areas to use squat toilets. Be advised that in the winter, the frozen surfaces of the restrooms might make them slippery

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Some Aspects of Safety and Health to Consider

When going on treks, safety comes first. There is a risk of altitude sickness because this walk takes you over 5,000 meters. It is crucial that you recognise the warning signs and that you seek assistance or notify your guide if you come across any.

When trekking the difficult trails, hikers should keep a steady pace, rise gradually, and receive enough sleep. You can avoid infections and illnesses like diarrhoea by practising good hygiene. Eating only properly prepared food and drinking only boiling or bottled water are advised.

A local guide can be hired to assist you with navigation. Also, the local porters will assist you with carrying your backpacks while lowering your chance of getting hurt. Your guides are equipped with the skills necessary to support you in an emergency and carry out a successful evacuation.

Such high elevations might not be covered by standard travel insurance. Therefore, it's imperative to confirm that your insurance policy explicitly covers this. When handling medical emergencies, it will be helpful. Skilled guides closely monitor your health during the trek. They monitor for tiredness, altitude sickness, and other health issues on a regular basis.

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Visa Information

With the exception of Indian citizens, all foreign nationals visiting Nepal must have a valid visa. On-arrival visas are available at international airports and border crossings. A visa for 15, 30, or 90 days can be obtained by tourists.

To get a visitor's visa necessities are:

• A passport that is still good for six months or more.

• The visa fee needs to be paid in cash.

• It is necessary to fill out the application form for visas acquired at airports or immigration entrance points.

• Two passport-sized photos.

Fee for Tourists to Enter Nepal:

• 15 Days After Arrival: $30 USD

• $50 USD for 30 days

• 125 USD for 90 days

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