Travel Nepal

Gokyo Ri -An Alternative View Of Mount Everest

So far, Everest Base Camp remains free of a super-highway and a MacDonald's. Still, every year, tens of thousands of hikers trample along the traditional Everest Trail with the aim of claiming that famous feather in their cap. Adventure travellers who prefer a less-explored and just as spectacular alternative, are turning to Gokyo.

At 5360 metres, Gokyo Ri stands at exactly the same elevation as Everest Base Camp. Except it feels more rewarding to reach because at the end of all the walking, you're at the top looking out at an endless mountain vista. Nepal is home to eight of the world's ten highest peaks and from Gokyo Ri, you can see five of them: Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lohtse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

The Journey to Gokyo Ri

The journey starts with a flight from Kathmandu. We fly into Hillary Tenzing Airport at Lukla, where most people start their trek to the Khumbu - Everest Base Camp, or Gokyo. Pilots must throw their propellers into hard reverse in time to touch down. Then everyone is quickly hustled out of the aircraft as return passengers board. Bags are thrown onto the tarmac, the pilot guns the engines and they're gone. In peak Everest season, over 50 flights a day operate out of Lukla. Only the most experienced pilots in Nepal are cleared to land here.

Namche Bazaar

Our first acclimatization days are spent at the village of Namche Bazaar, home of the legendary Sherpa people. This colourful village was once the main trading route between Tibet and Nepal and offers a unique insight into the traditional Nepali and Tibetan way of life. The famous Buddhist Monastery at Thyanboche, which has been restored after being destroyed by fire in 1989 is worth the visit. Thyangboche is surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountainous scenery in the world and majestically towering above is Ama Dablam.

The Everest area is justifiably famous, not only for being home to the world's highest mountain but also for its friendly Sherpa people.

Gokyo is part of the Sagarmatha National Park. We spend eight days trekking through villages, each with their own cultures and traditions, festivals and ancient monasteries. Some of it is steep and challenging, over rock, snow and ice. But the view just gets better and better the higher we climb. Some trekkers choose to rest in Gokyo Village. The keen amongst us take the day and hike to the summit of Gokyo.

Kathmandu

This trip will end with two fabulous days in the capital of Kathmandu visiting Bhaktapur the City of Devotees. Bhaktapur is the home of medieval art and architecture. Lying 14km/9 miles east of Kathmandu City, Bhaktapur was founded in the 9th century and is shaped like a conch shell. One of the many highlights of the city is the Nyatapola Temple which was built by King Bhupatindra Malla and is the best example of Pagoda style architecture.

Anyone who lives an active life and is in good health will enjoy this trek.

Did you know that the Himalayas are still forming, rising into the skies of the subcontinent at a rate of a few millimetres per year!

Nepal Trekking Adventure To Gokyo Lakes

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Contact: Lyn Taylor
Phone: 02 9997 7442 or 0418 917 342

5% of your land content goes towards equipment for a remote area school in Nepal.

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If you are looking for an active, out of the ordinary vacation, Lyn Taylor's Adventure Travel designs and leads adventures all over the world. A range of holidays are available to suit your budget and we are your specialist for Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, India, Vietnam, Peru and Indonesia.

An adventure holiday is an unforgettable and life-changing experience. We specialise in tailored individual, family adventure, group trips as well as especially designed trips for women who want to share a unique adventure together.

Lyn Taylor says adventure is travel in which one must actively participate, rather than observe. Guests return to us year after year because we guarantee incredible holidays that engage your senses.