| Trekking
to Everest circuit is one of the most
dramatic treks in Nepal as it combines
the classic close up views of Everest
from Kalapathar, Everest Base Camp,
sparkling Gokyo lakes, an assent of
Gokyo Ri for stunning high Himalayan
panorama and Cho-la, a beautiful remote
high altitude pass which captivates
the eyes of all who cross it.
On
the way up into the Gokyo valley and
Everest Base Camp, we stay in Namche
bazaar the unofficial Sherpa capital,
with its colourful mix of people,
Sherpa museum, monastery and market
stalls full of Tibetan artifacts.
Leaving the popular trails to Everest
base camp behind us, we trek to the
serene Gokyo valley, where you will
be taken-aback by vistas of three
sparkling lakes, seen against a backdrop
of the mighty surrounding peaks. We
ascend Gokyo Ri in the crisp sunrise
air, for 360 degree views of many
of the world's highest peaks (Everest,
Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu are
in the top 10), and of the Nagozumba
glacier, the longest glacier in the
Kumbu region. Next is the Cho La (5420m),
a pass that is rarely attempted by
trekking groups, which rewards you
with a descent through pristine snowfields
into a broad secluded valley surrounded
by craggy peaks. Kalapathar is the
place for close up views of Everest
- tinged with the romance and thrill
of being so close to the Everest.
After making a historical footprint
at the Everest Base Camp, our route
down takes you in many cultural sights;
Pangboche, a traditional Sherpa village,
Tengboche, famous for it's ornately
decorated Tibetan monastery and Kumjung,
with the Hilary School and Hospital.
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