Gokyo and Gokyo Ri - Nepal

 

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The settlement of Gokyo is located between a lake and the lateral moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier and was no more than a summer yak pasture until several lodges were built to cater for trekkers.

Gokyo Ri lies at the northern edge of Dudh Pokhari lake. It is reached by following a zig zag path up the hillside. The walk is technically very straightforward but can be pretty tough if you are still in the process of acclimatising to altitude. Just go slowly, take your time and you will enjoy it. As you climb, the summits of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu slowly come into view and from the summit of Gokyo Ri itself (5360m.), you have one of the finest views of Everest to be had in the Khumbu.

At your feet the massive Ngozumpa Glacier (the largest glacier in Nepal) stretches from the foot of Cho Oyu, an 8200m summit to the north almost to the slopes of Cholatse.

If the afternoon is clear (unfortunately it often clouds over) seize the opportunity (and a head torch) and go up Gokyo Ri to watch the sun setting on Everest and Makalu, respectively the highest and fifth highest summits in the world. This is a sight that you will not forget.

Beyond Gokyo and walking north there are two more lakes and another interesting set of hills that can be climbed (or scrambled up) called Nameless Towers. These offer even more spectacular views of Cho Oyu.

It is also really worth your while going up to the ridge of the lateral moraine just above the settlement of Gokyo. The views of the glacier are breathtaking but be very careful not to go too close to the very crumbly edge of the moraine.

 

 

 

View of Gokyo and the 3rd lake

Gokyo Ri seen from the 2nd Gokyo lake

 
 

Starting the ascent: view of Ngozumpa glacier and Cholatse with Gokyo in the foreground

 

Starting the ascent: view of Ngozumpa glacier, Cholatse and Taboche with Gokyo in the foreground

 

Higher up: view of Ngozumpa glacier, Cholatse and Taboche

 

A multitude of cairns on the upper slope of Gokyo Ri

 

View from the southern top of Gokyo Ri

 
Prayer flags on Gokyo Ri
 

Yours truly on Gokyo Ri with Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Makalu in the background

 
Everest viewed from Gokyo Ri
 

Looking north from Gokyo Ri (Cho Oyu is to the left and hidden in the cloud)

 
The very top of Gokyo Ri (in the foreground)
 
 

Looking south from Gokyo Ri (across the lower reaches of the Khumbu valley)

 
Cholatse (left) and Taboche (right) at sunset
 
Everest at sunset from Gokyo Ri
Everest at sunset from Gokyo Ri
 
Makalu at sunset from Gokyo Ri
Makalu at sunset from Gokyo Ri

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Panoramic view from the top of Gokyo Ri - click to enlarge

Panorama from Gokyo Ri - it covers about 200°. Cho Oyu is left (in the clouds), Everest in the centre. Tamserku, Kantega and Kyashar are to the right

 

Panorama of the 4th Gokyo lake, Cho Oyu and Ngozumpa glacier

From the lateral moraine of the Ngozumpa glacier. The 4th Gokyo lake and above Nameless Towers. Cho Oyu is in the centre.

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