Nepal - Gokyo valley and Everest Base Camp trek

Machermo to Gokyo

 

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Day 8 - Machermo to Gokyo Lakes (4800m)

Today we head for the holy lakes at Gokyo following a very scenic path to Pangka (4548m.) then descend slightly, following one of the meltwater rivers which flow down the west side of the Ngozumba Glacier. The walk offers spectacular views of the incredible ice face of Cholatse and is easy until you reach a steep rocky incline into the ablation valley by the side of the glacier and get to the firstof the holy lakes.
Then it flattens out and you soon arrive at the second of the lakes, crossing the path which heads across the
glacier to the Cho La (then Lobuche and Everest Base Camp later in the trek). The third lake is known as Dudh Pokhari and on its east shore is the summer settlement of Gokyo (4800m.). Walking by the side of the lake, the scenery is magnificent with the summits
of Cho Oyo and Gyachung Kang reflected in its emerald green waters. There are several lodges for trekkers.

A short walk up the hill behind Gokyo village you reach the top of the lateral moraine of the Ngozumba Glacier. With a length of around 40km is the largest glacier in Nepal. Like all large Himalayan glaciers it is covered in debris and rock and you can only see the ice in parts.

Sitting over Gokyo at almost 5000m looking at (and at times hearing) this glacier and watching the play of evening light and clouds on it is an unforgettable experience.

The West faces of Cholatse (left) and Taboche (right)

 

The West face of Cholatse (6440m)

 

 
 

Patched roof

 

 

Terminal moraine of the Ngozumba glacier with Cho Oyu in the background

 

 

Gokyo: the second lake

 

 
Gokyo: the second lake with view of Gokyo Ri and Cho Oyu

 

 

Taking a walk from Machermo

 

 
Gokyo

 

 

View up the Gokyo valley from above Machermo (Cho Oyu is the central peak)

 

 

Gokyo lake

 

 

Ngozumpa Glacier from the lateral moraine

 

 
Ngozumpa Glacier from the lateral moraine

 

 
 

Tne Machermo Rescue Post

 

 

Tne Machermo Rescue Post

 

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