23 MARCH, 2013 - GOKYO VALLEY

Finally Gokyo Valley!!

Gokyo Lake

Another leisurely 4 hour jig-jag jaunt from Machermo to Gokyo (4800m). It’s always just over the next ridge but it is never this ridge nor that ridge nor the next 3 that follow! Our efforts though are always visually so rewarded.

Heading to Gokyo

We come upon the first of five lakes in the Gokyo Valley. It is astoundingly serene. Two ducks on the far shoreline quack to the other. Their chorus is not as lyrical as the call of the loon but memorable nonetheless. The most staggerring selection of inukshuks surrounds this lake. It is reminiscent of the Tate Modern collection of Barbara Epworth and Henry Moore sculptures.  Shad, do you recall our glass of vino from the wine bar overlooking the Thames?!  Prior to departing this area, Tendi and Cam construct our own cairn to mark our footprint here.

Corsing Lake side Bridge

We zip by lakes #2 and #3 and see the civilization of Gokyo Resort on the hilltop.  An evening amble, another hundred meters higher affords one the spectacular panorama of the Ngozumba Glacier. The groaning of the ice and the constant cascading of snow and rocks are so primal. It is powerful,frightening and beautiful all at once. Tibet is on the backside of these incredible mountains that now gleam in the evening sunshine.

View of Machermo

Another  exquisite day concludes.

a.c. xx