Short Days to Goyko Ri
The altitude rises as you approach Goyko
The days are deceptively easy while trekking
towards Goyko. Gone are the continual ups and downs as you go down
one massive Himalayan drainage, and then spend an entire day climbing
out. That isn't the pattern going to Goyko.
The terrain is fairly easy, for the Himalayas.
The valley that runs up towards Goyko is an easy ascent. It's gentle,
and therefore deceptively dangerous. Because while the walking is
easy, the altitude is quite high, more than 5,000 meters (15,000
feet), and rising steadily. It's easy to walk higher than is wise
in one day while going to Goyko. Many have gotten altitude sickness.
Some have died. The beauty of the valley, the lakes, and of Goyko
are almost mesmerizing. So, you will have to consciously make sure
you don't go up in altitude too quickly. That is the danger at Goyko.
But the great heights are also the allure.
On
Top of Goyko Ri
Goyko below, Cho Oyu north, and Buddhist Prayer flags
flapping atop the Himalayas
It takes hours to climb Goyko Ri. The
trail goes across the glacial river, along the side of the mountain,
and then up and up, nonstop to the top. Most people start early
in the morning.
The views on top are some of the most
beautiful in the Himalaya, with the biggest mountains on earth stretching
out in front, alongside Everest. The clouds form and then break
away. The Buddhist prayer flags adorn the summit and flop continuously.
And you will be in on the most special places on earth.
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