Mysterious, exotic, and unforgettable, Nepal is on top of every trekker’s list of travel spots. Home to the imposing Everest peak (the highest in the world), the territory features 8 smaller peaks too, most of which have already been trekked by worldwide travelers, hikers, and mountaineers. Nepal is a wonderland of superlatives, the birth place of the Buddha and it combines ancient cultures with spectacular landscapes meant to entice avid voyageurs hunting for supreme adventures.
To get to Gokyo Ri you’ll have to put your abilities to the ultimate test because the trek is less explored than most traditional base camp treks in Nepal. The views from the top of the mountain though will be worth the effort, so let’s get started!Gokyo Ri Gokyo Ri – another Everest
It may not be the tallest mountain peak in Nepal, but it’s just as challenging as the Everest. The Gokyo Ri trek is similar to the Everest Base Camp Trek in the first couple of days. Trekkers will arrive at the Lukla Airport and they will begin their adventure from the steep forests of Namche Bazaar. On their route they will come across a more alpine type of environment, namely the villages of Machhermo, Dole, and ultimately Gokyo. The peak push from Gokyo is rather enjoyable when compared to Kala Patar; the views are astounding, and as soon as you reach the top you’ll have an incomparable feeling of achievement. Gokyo RiGokyo Ri – the trekking adventure
It looks like the Himalayan chain has two Everests, and one of them is Gokyo Ri. The trek is really not about reaching the top of the mountain but about enjoying the experience, admiring the surroundings, and really sensing the adventurous spirit. After you passed Namche Bazaar and Gokyo Valley, you’ll see how the settlements and the people are dissipating. In between villages, trekkers will stumble upon rhododendrons, papery trucks, waterfalls, and remote gorges. The landscape is just breathtaking, and in spite of the difficulty level of the climb, the views will make sure to ease the whole experience.
Independent vs. guided treks
Nepal is conceivably the starting point of the sovereign tea house trek. Back in the days, before guided treks where ever developed, tourists had to venture into the wild at their own risk. There were no travel guides back then, and the routes were a lot more difficult to explore. Things have changed ever since, and although the mountain has changed, the trekking trails have changed, the people and their little tea-houses have remained the same. Tourists are still stopping by to rest and have some tea before moving on with their adventure to the top of Gokyo Ri Mountain.
As time passed, increasingly more guest houses and restaurants were built on Nepal’s most isolated areas. Trekking the Himalayas is less difficult today than it was 20 years ago; yet, the trails are still challenging. If you’re not an experienced traveler, it’s best to hire a tour guide; select from the myriad companies available online, or you can always ask for assistance on site.
Prices for a travel guide are reasonable and you’ve got nothing to worry about. Apart from keeping you away from potentially dangerous routes, tour guides know the history of the Himalayan chain, including hidden secrets about Nepal very few people know about. Gokyo RiThe summit of Gokyo Ri
We did mention that trekking the Himalayas is not just about reaching the top. Yet, we have to admit that the landscape is absolutely breathtaking from the plateau. Located in the Khumbu region, Gokyo Ri is positioned on the western side of the well-known Ngozumpa glacier (the largest and most amazing in Nepal). From Gokyo trekkers will have the chance to admire some of Himalaya’s most famous peaks namely: Cho Oyu, Everest, Makalu Kangchenjunga, and Lhotse.
Nepal is a superb land to explore – the mountains, the people, the customs and traditions, and the trekking routes to the summit of Gokyo Ri will make your travel experience unforgettable. The settlement is positioned between Ngozumpa Glacier and Dudh Pokhari lake, so you can imagine that the landscape from the top is absolutely mesmerizing. Are you ready to be swiped off your feet by Nepal?