About Gokyo Cho La Pass Island Peak Climbing
Climbing Island Peak through the Gokyo Valley route is just amazing. The ultimate way to acclimatize for Island Peak 6189m is with a challenging trek through places of breathtaking beauty in the heartland of Khumbu region. This route through the Gokyo Valley, crossing Cho La Pass at 5420 meters is a perfect acclimatization trek before we head towards Island Peak as the he trek traverse through Gokyo lake (4750m), Gokyo Ri (5360m) and challenging Cho La pass (5420m) before marching towards Island Peak Base Camp.
Island Peak is a favorite peak in Everest Region, offering what is considered to be the finest of all views of Khumbu Himalaya of Nepal. The trek to Gokyo Cho La Pass and Island Peak Climbing starts out on the traditional trail to Namche Bazaar. From Namche, we follow the main trail for about 2 hours and branch off into the Gokyo Valley, ascending stone stairs that seem to almost hang off the mountain’s edge along the Dudh Koshi River. The four-day trek to Gokyo passes through scant settlements where few tourists have ventured. The trek leads to the turquoise Gokyo Lakes beside the moraines of Ngozumpa Glacier and up to summit the rocky Gokyo Peak (Ri). From Gokyo Ri at 5360 meters, we witness the surreal panoramic view of four of the six highest mountains in the world: Mt. Everest (8848.86m), Mt. Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Makalu (8485m) and Mt. Cho Oyu (8188m) as well as other towering snow-peaks such as Gyachung Kang (7922m), Cholatse (6440m), Tawache (6542m), and Kangchung (6103m). Gokyo Ri is considered as one of the best view points in the entire Khumbu region. The Ngozumpa Glacier gouges its way through the valley below.
The next adventure is the spectacular Cho La Pass, 5420m, from where we get another spectacular view of the entire Khumbu region. As we descend from Cho La pass, we get the first look at Island Peak. From Dzongla, we continue our journey downwards all the way to Dingbouche and from Dingbouche, we descend into the Imja Valley and turn off to Chukkung to begin the approach to Island Peak Base Camp. We spend a night at Island Peak Base Camp and one night at Island PeakHigh Camp before we attempt our Island Peak ascent. Training required for the climb is given by our Sherpa climbing guides at Island Peak Base Camp. We attempt our summit push from High Camp. Island Peak Summit Day will be a long, most challenging as well as an important day to mark of our trip. From the summit of Island Peak, we eye witness magical mountain moments where in a semi circle to the north, there is Nuptse (7879m), Lhotse (8501m), Lhotse Central Peak (8410m) and Lhotse Shar (8383m); to the east, Mt. Makalu (8475m); and in the south, astonishing Mt. Ama Dablam (6812m) and Baruntse (7129m).
The best season for Gokyo Cho La Pass Island Peak climbing is from March to May and from September to November. However, the winter is also a great time to climb if you are well prepared for the cold weather. In the crisp and cold month of December the views of the mountains are crystal clear and there are fewer tourists around. The duration of the Gokyo Chola- EBC- Island Peak trek can be lengthened or shortened according to your preference.
Planning to climb Island Peak (Imja Tse) via Gokyo Valley in 2023 and 2024:
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