Gokyo Ri or Knobby View

[Yak]

Dear Trekkers,

For those you have seen either or both, which one is better?

Thanks.:D

[Escher]

hmmm "Everest or K2 which one is 'better'!"

Difficult to answer a question "which is better" If I had to choose I would have to say Gokyo Ri. The views of the confluence of glaciers tumbling down Cho Oyu and Gyachang Kang from Knooby View/Scoundrel's View/5th and 6th lake are stupendous and of course you can see Everest.

But you can't beat Gokyo Ri at sunset (better than sunrise IMO) it's easy to get back down to the village in the dark with a headtorch and if you are lucky enough to get a cloud inversion for sunset it is absolutely sensational.

Anyway the real answer is to spend a few days in Gokyo. Go up Gokyo Ri, walk along the glacier to the 5th and 6th lakes and maybe climb the Nameless Fangs. I have arrived up there in thick cloud and chatted to people who have been there for only day and have complained about seeing nothing and that they have to head dopwn now as their itinerary doesn't allow any more time. Just as they head down the clouds part and Gokyo is clear and gorgeous again. Gokyo is one of the most beautiful places on earth you owe it to yourself to ascend Gokyo Ri and see Knobby's View. You won't regret it.


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/92/229398352_3b74d21f8a_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/89/229380656_d87287dd37_o.jpg

[Spaceman347]

I'll give you my opinion in about 2 weeks :D

Not that I think I'll have anything to add that Escher hasn't already covered, I'm just feeling rather chuffed about my upcoming trip (just ask the poeple who sit near me at work, they'll tell you that the sooner I go the better as they are sick of me reminding them that I'm heading off)

[thesilvertops]

Hi

You have to do both....

http://www.pbase.com/thesilvertops/image/61436741.jpgGokyo Ri

http://www.pbase.com/thesilvertops/image/61436744.jpgScoundrel's View

You can see these pics at original size at this address:

http://www.pbase.com/thesilvertops/nepal_panoramas

The views from both astounding and after the long walk in you have to spend a reasonable amount of time there. We always plan to stay 3 nights at Gokyo and Gorak Shep but have had to leave after two nights on one occasion at each due to fatigue/altitude. So, when we are okay, we make the best of it.

[Yak]

The reason why I asked because my itenarary only has 1 free day in Gokyo Valley.

So I think I couldnt do both and had to decide on one.

But ultimately, I also knew that they were both good.

Thanks everyone for sharing your views. (esp Escher for the detailed review)

Looks like I have to try and tweak the plan for 2 days in Gokyo...

[Yak]

Actually, can it be that the view of Gokyo Ri and Renjo la quite similar, only a slight difference in distance?

Had to use google earth to visualize... sad...

[James]

The view from Renjo la is a little further away. The top of Gokyo Ri is very pleasent and a nice place to spend some time. The pass at Renjo la has a very similar view but is less inviting place. If you are not going over the pass, then Gokyo Ri is the better choice. If you are going over the pass you could/should skip Gokyo ri and go the the 5th lake instead.

If you will otherwise be going over Renjo la then that view would nicely substitute for the view from Gokyo Ri,. Though no matter which direction you're going over the pass I doubt you would want to spend a lot of time at the pass. If you are headed to Gokyo, then you will have had a long day already and will be anxious to get down to Gokyo which now will be very visiable yet a fair walk away. If you are leaving Gokyo you will still have a easy, but long walk down to Thame after you are down from the pass.

[Yak]

That is a very good point. Thanks james.

If I have only time for one then I most probably do the 5th/6th lake.