Gokyo to Henjo La

[RRainey]

Just out of couriosity how do you get up to the Henjo la from Gokyo?
Is it cross country across snow? (In winter)

RR

[kiwigirl]

Just out of couriosity how do you get up to the Henjo la from Gokyo?
Is it cross country across snow? (In winter)

RR

I have both Khumbu map and National Geographic Everest Base Camp map that also covers Goyko and Henjo la isnt in either of them! When I do a websearch for Henjo la it comes up with Renjo la . .. . .. . .:confused:

[Escher]

The renjo la is the main pass between Gokyo and Thame I believe. The henjo la is a lesser known one - also known as "the pass of the chickens." It is less steep and not as high and is seen as a good alternative to the renjo la for those who are less adventurous.

[RRainey]

I must be looking at my gokyo lakes make wrong as it seemed to me it was higher than Renjo la. RR

[Escher]

I was just kidding. Hen = chicken!

I think Henjola is a peak and 5925m is a spot height for its summit. It's pretty craggy and steep round there so you'll probably need some climbing gear to get up there. There is a nice peak you can climb up that way though without anything specialist. It's up towards the fifth lake and you'll be able to see it as you head that way along the glacier. It looks like 3 fingers and I have heard it called the Nameless Fangs or Nameless Fingers. It's a nice short scramble at the top and a good excursion from Gokyo, about 5800m high and might be right up your street.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/23/33858267_95e7e90eb5_o.jpg

That's the Nameless Fangs on the left.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/21/33861626_a77bb94d03_o.jpg

Up close

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/23/33867109_062a9c7160_o.jpg

View from the top

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/23/33867108_b2d22df444_o.jpg

Henjola is probably somewhere in this picture (this is looking that direction from the Nameless Fangs)

[RRainey]

My gokyo Lakes map has a icon for a pass so maybe that low point is it in the last photo. RR

[Escher]

Yeah maybe. My map has a spot height but every map I have is different and there are all sorts of naming clashes and discrepancies. La nearly always means pass but not universally. Off the top of my head there are peaks like Cholatse, Yala and Khumbui La that have la in their names.

Perhaps you should get yourself up there and find out for real if its crossable.

[RRainey]

Escher when were these photos taken winter or spring? RR

[Escher]

That was around the 10th March 2003, so Spring. There had been a decent snowfall a few days earlier, that is why its looks so snowy. Winter doesn't mean completely snowed in necessarily. It can snow a lot or it can snow a little. It can be clear for ages with very little precipitation in Winter although a big dump can come at any time. It all depends on the year. You may have very little snow on the ground when you go. It is not that unusual. Fresh snow can be a problem but old snow can sometimes makes the way quicker. Of course that time of year everything will be frozen so streams will be frozen and there will be a few hazardous icy sections. Snow will only make a difference if it is fresh and substantial.

[rich]

If anyone finds an expensive pair of gloves up that way. They are mine. Had to take them off to take photos and neglected to retrieve them. damnit.

[RRainey]

Escher, Are the Nameless fangs and Knobby view the same place? I don't think so but my hiking partner thinks they are the same. I think the nameless fangs are south of knobby view?

RR

[Escher]

If my memory serves me correctly you are correct RR. Knobby view is a little further on (between 5th and 6th lake) and a little lower - 5500m. Nameless Fangs are higher at 5800m and a little closer to Gokyo but it probably takes more energy to get to the top. There is also scoundrel's view which is a point along the glacier near the confluence of four glaciers where you get a sneaky look at Everest without having to climb higher than the glacial moraine takes you.