Day 9 - Climb the Gokyo Ri
Starting before dawn, the sunrise gives beautiful lighting on the mountains and lakes as we climb to 17,590 ft. for a full panoramic view of all the major peaks in the region.
22 Photographs
1
With just enough light to keep from stepping into the (frozen) Gokyo Lake, we set out for Gokyo Ri, more than 2,000 feet above us.
2
The full south face of Cho Oyu looms just a short distance further up the valley.
3
Well-prepared for the cold, our dawn team starts the steep climb.
4
The sun starts to strike the higher peaks just above the frozen Gokyo Lake.
5
The gray band is the Ngozumba Glacier coming down from Ngozumba Kang, next to Cho Oyu. The “village” of Gokyo itself is below the ridge, between the glacier and the lake.
6
Sun! First beams of sunlight make beautiful patterns on the lake.
7
With the sun up, now it’s time to shed some layers!
8
More of the glacier comes into view to the south as we climb.
9
The first good view of Everest (with the plume blowing off its top) means it’s time to stop and enjoy the scenery!
10
The whole dawn party basks in some rare warmth.
11
Just a little bit further, and the summit is in sight!
12
At the top!
13
Our lead sherpa, Dik, salutes the view!
14
What a sight! A closeup of Mt. Everest (left) and Lhotse (right).
15
There’s plenty of time to cruise along the summit ridge and take in the views.
16
Look ma, I’m almost as tall as Everest!
17
At the tippy, tippy top - 17,590 feet.
18
What a backdrop, Everest and Lhotse behind Dik and me.
19
Looking back the way we came, the lake seems soooo small!
20
...and still ahead, Cho Oyu looks soooo big!
21
A twelve-image panorama puts the breathtaking views all together. The full-size image is interactive - move your cursor over the peaks to see what they are!
22
Our little Gokyo Ri itself. Doesn’t look like much of a mountain, but it was plenty of effort to climb at this altitude. Rex, our leader, kept watch as we made our way up and down.