Day 12-13 Gokyo
OMG!!! What a beautiful morning! 4 inches of fresh snow, mountains breaking out of clouds, all white everywhere, crazy, close to heaven. We are so lucky we crossed the pass yesterday. Would have been tough today. We are now in Gokyo (15,716 ft). It took us about 3 hours to get here, crossing Ngozumba Glacier. We have great lodge, very clean, beside a lake. And warm. It has been on and off snowing all day with low visibility. It is a day to rest and visit with others. The weather is supposed to be good tomorrow.
Day 13 - Gokyo Ri (17,581 ft)
Another spectacular day! Mostly sunny, few clouds, views of Everest from the top of Gokyo Ri (17,581 ft)! It was another slow motion walk. From the top we had views of Everest, Malaku, and Lhotse! Everest had a plume of cloud blowing off one side. Temperatures have been getting down in the teens at night. Last night showed a low of 18° F and a high today of 28°. As long as the sun shines and the wind doesn't blow it feels warm. For today's hike up Gokyo Ri, we started with strong gusts. We were lucky. By the time we reached the top. The wind died down. We spent about an hour up there. I took lots of photos and had a great talk with Krishna.
Days 12 and 13
Day 12 we made the short walk across the Ngozumba Glacier from Thangnak to Gokyo. Day 13 we went to the top of Gokyo Ri.
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Khumbi-La
Thangnak Morning
Soft Glow
I loved the soft light on the peaks this morning.
Dragnag
Leaving Dragnag in the morning with 4-5 inches of fresh snow and radiant peaks.
Glacier Crossing
We are now crossing the Ngozumba Glacier.
On the Glacier
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Moraine
We are climbing the other side of the glacial moraine.
Gokyo
From the top of the moraine we got our first view of the village of Gokyo.
Dining Area
The stove is filled with yak dung as people sit around the dining room.
Dining Room
This is a typical lodge's dining area, with tables set around the perimeter and a stove in the center.
Evacuations
People were often transported here from higher elevations before another level of evacuation.
Two Yaks
We are having a staring contest. They won.
Yak
Who are you looking at?
The Old Guy
This guy was old and would stand in one spot for hours.
Third Gokyo Lake
Today we are climbing Gokyo Ri (17,581 feet) which starts with the hillside beyoud the lake.
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Water Collection
Some local people are collecting water at the stream.
Snow Mounds
A few inches of snow cover most of the rocks in this valley that leads starts in Gokyo and leads to the peaks seen here. There is a very large boulder up the valley, uncovered by snow.
Gokyo
The scenic village of Gokyo sits at 4,750 m (15,580 ft). It is a common stop on the Three Passes of Everest Trek, sitting below Renjo La.
The Old Yak
Notice the old yak in the field. He didn't move for hours.
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Gokyo (15,580 ft)
Gokyo is one of the highest settlements in the world.
Admiring the View
Notice the old yak, still in the snowy field, hasn't moved.
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Gokyo Landing
A helicopter sits on it's landing pad unloading.
On Gokyo Ri
...and higher still. The old yak still has not moved.
Lakpa on Gokyo Ri
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On Gokyo Ri
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Gokyo Ri (17,500 feet)
From the top of Gokyo Ri, we look down on the village of Gokyo under the prayer flags.
Krisha on Gokyo Ri
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Gokyo Ri and Everest
Again, here is the north face of Everest from Gokyo Ri.
Gokyo Ri, Everest & Me
Mount Everest is right over my head.
Everest
The cloud plume is partially clearing on Everest.
Descent
As we begin the descent, the snow is melting.
Ngokumba Glacier
Ngokumba Glacier flows above and beyond Gokyo.
Back to Gokyo
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Fitzroy
We arrive back at our lodge in Gokyo.