Trekking · Gokyo
Gokyo Ri for four 8,000 m peaks
Cross the lake outlet before dawn and climb Gokyo Ri, about 5,357 m, for the sun rising behind Everest and a view that takes in Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, the Ngozumpa glacier and the turquoise lakes in one sweep.
Gokyo Ri rises directly across the lake from the village, a steep brown hill with a summit of prayer flags. Leave around 4:30 to 5 am with a headlamp, cross the stepping stones at the lake's outlet and climb the zigzag path, gaining about 570 m in 2–3 hours. The pace is slow at this altitude; set a rhythm and rest often.
At the top the view is among the finest in Nepal. To the north, Cho Oyu, 8,188 m, fills the head of the valley. East across the Ngozumpa glacier, Everest's summit pyramid rises above the ridges, with Lhotse beside it and Makalu far off on the horizon. Below, Gokyo village and its lake look tiny, and the second, fourth and fifth lakes gleam in their hollows.
Some trekkers prefer sunset, when Everest catches the evening light; mornings are usually clearer. Either way, carry water, snacks, a down jacket, hat, gloves and sunglasses; it is bitterly cold before sunrise and dazzling after. Descend carefully, as the path is loose. Many people rate this view higher than Kala Patthar's.
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Questions
How high is Gokyo Ri?
Gokyo Ri is about 5,357 m, roughly 570 m above Gokyo village. The climb takes 2–3 hours up and about 1–1.5 hours down on a steep but non-technical path. It is lower than Kala Patthar, about 5,644 m, but many trekkers think its view is even better.
Which mountains can I see from Gokyo Ri?
On a clear day, four 8,000 m peaks: Cho Oyu at 8,188 m to the north, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu to the east. You also see Gyachung Kang, Cholatse, Taboche and the Ngozumpa glacier below, plus the Gokyo lakes. Mornings in October to December are most reliably clear.
Is Gokyo Ri better than Kala Patthar?
Many trekkers think so. Gokyo Ri shows Everest from further away but adds Cho Oyu, Makalu, the huge Ngozumpa glacier and the turquoise lakes in one panorama. Kala Patthar gives a closer, more dramatic Everest view. If you do the Cho La, you can climb both.
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