walking in snow

[Tony]

Hi Tony,

Buying gaiters in Kathmandu will not be a problem. I bought a pair some two years ago. In actual fact, pricewise, they were quite cheap.

I would certainly try and walk with the boots that you are comfortable in. Your feet will be of primary importance to you for if they blister, it will make your trek somewhat difficult. Hence the advice given by Daniel & Escher is very sound.

I have just returned from a 3 week trek of Nepal and the general opinion of most that we encountered was that the views from Gokyo were more spectacular than from EBC. From Gokyo you can climb Gokyo Ri one day and then trek to the Fifth Lake or even beyond the next day. The views from both will leave you spellbound. We were planning to also trek Kala Pattar via Cho Lo pass but after some minor problems decided the view of Everest and surrounds could not be any better than from Gokyo. Still if you have time and strength go for it. There is something special about saying that you have been to EBC.

Enjoy your trek. It will be an experience that you will not forget. Nepal is a beautiful place to visit

[Tad]

Hi Tony.
Question. From Gokyo, where is gokyo Ri, and where is the fifth lake? They do not appear on my map. We are planning to hit Gokyo some time. Also, when people say "Cho La," do they mean the Chhugyuma Pass between Dughla and Gokyo.
Thanks.
tad

[Tad]

Hi Daniel
When people say "Cho La," do they mean the Chhugyuma Pass between Dughla and Gokyo? Is it usually pretty icey in January and Feb?
Thanks.
tad

[Daniel]

Indeed Ted, this is what people mean. Cho La, or Chungyma Pass is, like any high altitude area, excellent in good weather and deadly in bad or even indiferent weather. I guess there can be no guarantee, and you have to see how things are, talk to people while you are in the area. What people have to realise, is that you CANNOT plan your trip exactly down to the last day, and there is no guarantee you will achiever your "goals". You are not going to a resort, trains do not go on schedule, ofen there is no schedule (and maybe no trains either), and conditions in the Himalayas, as in any other mountainous areas come with not assurance or guarantee. I am using " " because often while on trek people start realizing that the journey itself is just as important, and maybe more important that sticking to a schedule and reaching a particular point.
Keep flexible I guess. Be prepared to wait, go somewhere else, drink beer, have sex, whatever. In 2 of my 4 treks I did not reach the point I wanted to get to, for various reasons. I still enjoyed the trips tremendously.