Everest Base Camp to Gokyo Ri - And The Journey Continues

After conquering Everest Base Camp, my explorer's heart was still hungry for more. I decided to embark on a new odyssey – The next adventure on my radar? Gokyo Ri. 

My body was waving the white flag. And I could practically hear my body pleading for a break. But the excitement inside me was pushing me more harder. The call of Gokyo Ri was too enticing to ignore. The thought crept in - who knows when I'll be back here again? This was my chance to embrace the unknown, to stand on that incredible peak, and to soak in a whole new world of beauty. So, with a mixture of exhaustion and excitement, I decided to seize the moment. Gokyo Ri, here I come!

 

 Sitting in Awe, Finding Peace Beside Gokyo's Crystal Lake

An Epic Himalayan Traverse: From Gorak Shep to Dzongla

As I stood amidst the rugged landscapes of Gorak Shep, a sense of anticipation and excitement filled the air. Each step I took felt like leaving a familiar story behind and venturing into a new chapter. Opting for the Dzongla route from Gorak Shep was a choice I'd made purposefully, driven by an itch to uncover a fresh angle of the Himalayas and to witness the matchless charm held by Gokyo Ri.  Dzongla served as a kind of sanctuary for trekkers amidst the towering peaks and valleys. Heading westward towards Ama Dablam, you're treated to spectacular views that are truly awe-inspiring. The village, perched at an elevation of approximately 4,830 meters (15,846 feet), exudes an aura of tranquility that provides a stark contrast to the challenges of the trail. Here, trekkers can rest, rejuvenate, and soak in the majestic surroundings before embarking on the next leg of their journey that is Chola Pass.

 

Conquering the Chola Pass: A Test of Tenacity

As I rested in the lodge during the afternoon, the sun beamed down brightly. But in a matter of minutes, the sky underwent a swift transformation. Snowflakes began to fall gently from above, creating a serene white cover over everything around. 

Snowfall as seen through the lodge window

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our worries were real, but nature is unpredictable; that's just the way it is. Concerns arose about the next day trek to the Chola Pass route. Heavy snowfall had the potential to delay our journey by a day.

A morning of stillness and after the snowflakes rest

The next morning, as we stepped outside, a pleasant surprise awaited – the snowfall had ceased. With a sense of urgency, we made the decision to set out as early as possible. The reason was simple: if the sun's rays touched the ground, the snow would start to melt. This could pose problems, as the melting snow would make the path slippery and risky. Our race against time was fueled by the knowledge that the window of optimal conditions was limited.

Ascending with Caution, Descending with Grace: Chola Pass's Slippery Test

We kicked off our trek at around 5 am, eager to make the most of the day. Our journey commenced with a spirited pace as we embarked on the trail leading us to the Chola Pass. In a matter of hours, the sun made its appearance, casting its warm glow on the surroundings. However, the interplay of snowfall and bright sunlight posed a new challenge. The once-firm path had transformed, becoming a tricky terrain to navigate. This picturesque scene had an unforeseen twist in store for us. What was once solid ground had turned into an icy, slippery surface. Every step now felt like a test of balance on a polished surface, where even the tiniest movement demanded careful attention. Climbing up required extra caution, and going down felt like controlled sliding. It was as if nature itself had created an obstacle course for me to navigate. But despite the challenge, a feeling of satisfaction filled me. The rugged terrain tested my every step, the altitude adding an extra layer of difficulty to the already demanding path. The trek quickly transformed into a seemingly never-ending odyssey of endurance. It was like solving a puzzle with every move, and it brought a sense of satisfaction that was hard to describe.

Moments of Refuge

At times, I found myself pausing to catch my breath, gazing up at the towering peaks that surrounded me. The air was thin, and every inhale felt like a battle against nature itself. My weary body yearned for a moment of rest, I Collapsing onto the ground, I let exhaustion wash over me, feeling the cool earth beneath my tired body. The ground became my refuge, a sanctuary where I could momentarily escape the relentless march of the trek.

Falling to the ground, I surrendered to exhaustion

As I walked, the Ngozumpa Glacier came into sight. To reach Gokyo Ri, we needed to cross this glacier. Crossing it was no simple feat, it posed a significant risk. Now, let's delve into the details of the Ngozumpa Glacier. It's incredible to think that this glacier stands as one of the largest and longest in the entire Himalayan range, stretching across a staggering 36 kilometers (22 miles). Descending from the lofty slopes of Cho Oyu, the sixth highest mountain globally, this glacier holds its ground in the heart of the Gokyo Valley, surrounded by majestic peaks and landscapes that steal the breath away.

Now, let me take you through what happened when I faced the challenge of crossing the Ngozumpa Glacier to reach Gokyo Ri. 

This wasn't a straightforward stroll – it involved navigating through icy crevasses, tricky rocky stretches, and terrain that seemed almost hostile. You see, the glacier is never still; it's constantly in motion, forming cracks and crevices that shift as it slowly moves down the slope. This dynamic setting turned the crossing into a real test, demanding careful steps and a deep understanding of how glaciers behave.

 

Navigating the Frozen Passages of the Ngozumpa Glacier

 

View of the Ngozumpa Glacier fom Gokyo Ri

But oh, the reward! As I made my way across the glacier, a world of beauty unfolded before my eyes. The towering mountains, glacial lakes with their mesmerizing turquoise hue, and the untouched splendor of the region captured my senses. It's a journey that humbles you, urging you to respect the environment and the natural forces that shape it. And in return, it gifts you with vistas that engrave themselves in your memory, a reminder of the unrivaled charm the Himalayas hold.

 

Gokyo Ri: The Ultimate Triumph

Beyond the Ngozumpa Glacier lies Gokyo Ri,  As I ascend higher, the air grows thinner, and each step moves with caution. When I reached Gokyo Ri, a wave of emotions washed over me. It's this stunning peak elevated to an awe-inspiring height, of 5,357 meters (17,575 feet), situated right above the charming Gokyo village.  As i sit there i was treated to the most breathtaking view of not just one, but two serene lakes. And these are not just any lakes – they are part of a series of six remarkable high-altitude lakes that add to the magic of the place.

 

What mountains you can see from Gokyo Ri?

Gokyo Ri offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama that stretches to the very limits of the imagination. While standing on top i can see the towering peaks of Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu standing proudly, almost as if they're competing for  attention. And the view of the Ngozumpa glacier, stretching out like a frozen river, is simply mesmerizing. As  I caught my breath, the calm and beautiful scenery, with its clear lakes and huge mountains, made me forget how tired I was. It felt like a moment to just let go and relax, enjoying the rewards of all my hard work. Nature's peacefulness wrapped around me, giving me a sense of calmness. I can't help but marvel at the sheer magnificence of the Himalayas, at the beauty that's been carved into the landscape over millennia.

 

Touching the Sky, Gokyo Ri's Breathtaking Summit View

 

Close View of Dudh Pokhari Tso or Gokyo lake

The cerulean waters of the Gokyo Lakes mirror the majestic peaks that encircle them, creating a scene of ethereal beauty that left me in awe.

Gokyo Ri isn't just a summit – it's a place of dreams realized, a testament to human determination and the beauty of our planet. So, if you ever get the chance, I urge you to take on this extraordinary trek. Stand atop Gokyo Ri, and let your spirit be lifted by the sight of Everest and its companions, by the majesty of the lakes, glaciers, and mountains that paint the canvas of this remarkable corner of the world.

 

As you traverse through dramatic landscapes, conquer formidable passes, and stand atop Gokyo Ri, you'll find yourself captivated by an experience that will resonate within your heart for a lifetime.

 

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Dive into the world of adventure by clicking the link to our blog post below. 

. What mountains you can see from Gokyo Ri?

. Breaking Chains, Embracing Freedom: The Story Of My Solo  Adventure

.  Everest Base Camp, Danger of Avalanches

 

 

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