Gokyo Ri

It might not be highest summit in these parts but the view from Gokyo Ri is hard to beat!

Hiking Difficult

Distance: 7.3 km
Ascent: 681 m
Descent: 757 m
Duration: 2-3 hrs

Low Point: 4.7 km
High Point: 5.3 km
Gradient: 23˚

Another day which requires an early start, Gokyo Ri is worth getting out bed early for. The ideal time to arrive on top is at sunrise so a pre-dawn start and a trudge uphill using head torches is the price of entry. Allow 2 hours to get up to the summit, which is reached via a good but steep path which will test your determination!

Looking across to Machermo Peak just after departing Gokyo for the glacier crossing to Dragnag. Photo: Charlie Boscoe

Cho Oyu (the 6th highest mountain in the World) as seen from the top of Gokyo Ri Photo: Charlie Boscoe

Looking down on Gokyo village on the descent from Gokyo Ri Photo: Charlie Boscoe

Summit! And what a view to reward your efforts Photo: Charlie Boscoe

Description

Once you hit the summit any tiredness will instantly be forgotten because the panorama from the top is utterly spectacular. Cho Oyu dominates the view to the north, and Everest is unmissable to the east. Spend a long time studying the view armed with FATMAP to enable you to identify the other surrounding mountains.

Having filled a memory card with photos (there is no such thing as too many photos from a spot like Gokyo Ri) descend back to the village, which takes about an hour to reach from the summit. Grab a second breakfast and then cross the glacial moraine at the foot of the Ngozumba Glacier.

The crossing of the moraine takes about 45 minutes and is clearly marked with cairns and markings even though it changes year by year. On the far side of the moraine, head south and get off the glacier at the tiny farming village of Dragnag.

Difficulty

Difficult

Hiking trails where obstacles such as rocks or roots are prevalent. Some obstacles can require care to step over or around. At times, the trail can be worn and eroded. The grade of the trail is generally quite steep, and can often lead to strenuous hiking.