Summiting Gokyo Ri: Chasing the Sunrise over Everest

At a staggering 3:30 AM, our adventure began with the energetic bustle of trekkers gearing up for an ascent like no other. In the quiet pre-dawn hours, there was no coffee or boiled water to be found. The mission was clear – we needed to conquer Gokyo Ri before the morning clouds obscured the majestic view of Everest. Headlamps lit up the path as we trod through the darkness, crossing Gokyo Lake 3 and embarking on the seemingly vertical switchbacks that would take us to the summit. 

Amidst our group, we had an unexpected companion - a small dog we affectionately named "Gokyo Dog." The ascent was challenging, a three-hour vertical climb that pushed our limits. But just when fatigue began to creep in, something magical happened. 

The sun started to rise, casting its warm, golden glow over the peaks of Everest. We were granted the incredible privilege of witnessing a sunrise over the top of the world. 

And then, it happened – we reached the summit of Gokyo Ri! After seven days of trekking, we had finally conquered this towering peak. The views that greeted us were nothing short of breathtaking, and the camaraderie among our group made the moment even more special. There couldn't have been a better set of fellow adventurers to share this once-in-a-lifetime experience with.

The Descent and Our Circle of Kindness

As we began our descent, the reality of the morning hit us – we hadn't had our much-needed cups of coffee yet! The trek down took half the time of our ascent, and the sun now bore down on us. Our cold-weather gear was quickly shed as we sweated our way down. At last, we reached our haven, had our caffeine fix, and indulged in a well-deserved breakfast.

But it wasn't just food that nourished us on this morning. It was a circle of kindness that wrapped around us as we gathered in the dining hall. You see, today was Mary's birthday, and in the spirit of the day, we went around the table sharing our gratitude and reflections on our journey. Smiles turned to tears of happiness as heartfelt words filled the room. Greg and a few of us lightened the mood with some comic relief, but truthfully, there couldn't have been a better group of people to embark on this remarkable journey with.

Journey to Machhermo: Familiar Sights and the Company of Dzos

Our trek continued, leading us towards Machhermo. The sight of Gokyo Lakes 2 and 1 filled us with nostalgia, although some things seemed strangely unfamiliar despite our journey a few days prior. We even caught up with our trusty Dzos – the hybrid beasts of burden, part yak and part ox, who tirelessly carried our supplies from place to place. Eventually, we arrived at Tashi Dele Lodge, where we enjoyed a well-deserved lunch and indulged in a refreshing nap.

Dinner Celebration: A Sweet Surprise for Mary's Birthday

Our evening unfolded as we gathered for tea and placed our dinner orders. Cards were played, laughter echoed, and reflections on the trip flowed. But as darkness settled in, a delightful surprise awaited. A cake, baked in Gokyo, emerged to celebrate Mary's birthday.

 We all savored a slice, and Mary generously shared with everyone, including the dedicated teahouse staff. As the night quieted down, trekkers retreated to their beds, knowing that the next day would bring a seven-hour trek, another step in our epic journey.