Nature Unlimited - Mt. Everest !

Mt. Everest! Few other names evoke such respect & awe. Sagarmatha (forehead of the ocean) to Nepalese, Chomolungma to Tibetans, call it what you may, the name is taken with utmost respect, be it by mountaineers, trekkers, religious followers or a commoner.
The much famed Everest Base Camp trek, has been favourites amongst trekkers worldwide for the great views of the mighty peak it offers from Kalapatthar. However, personally i preferred to be on the Gokyo route for two reasons: 1. This route offers a lot more of the Everest region’s diverse grandeur with expansive views of the Greater Himalayan range, gorgeous lakes & vast meadows. 2. The route has lot less traffic of co-trekkers. Essentially the trail is the same till a few days beyond Namche Bazaar and then branches off to the two exclusive trek routes.
On the trail a few years ago, leading a team of co-trekkers, we had reached Gokyo base camp the previous eve to some great weather, with information that it was likely to worsen over the next 48 hrs. The views all along had been mesmerizing. Camaraderie & health was buoyant too.
“Views from campsite are fantastic, sir, but those from Gokyo Ri (Peak) are to be experienced in a lifetime”, said our guide Biren. 3.30am next morning we set off, head lamps & all, for a steep uphill of 2 hrs (we were to gain 2000ft in these two hours). Lungs protested, heart thumped wild & knees groaned. But the show was on, aspirations set and feeding of each other energies, we egged on.
Sunrise behind the Great Mountain was just occurring at 6am when we reached summit (18000ft). The peaks of Mt. Makalu, Mt. Lhotse & Mt. Cho Oyu (all above 26000ft) and many more were seemingly at eye level and appeared to be just a shout away. The mighty Ngouzumba Glacier beneath us completed this arresting panorama of infinity. Conniving well with deficient oxygen, it literally blew away our minds! Suddenly, what unfurled in front of us was this! A circular rainbow atop the tallest peak in the world! (click on pic for a fuller view). A rare spectacle of nature, reserved as it were, for the fortunate few. Himalayas beckon, say the smitten. True. So true.

From me to you:- A grand stand view of the Everest Range from atop Gokyo Ri! (18000 ft / 5480 mtrs.)
(Gokyo is a 15 day return difficult grade trek from Lukla where most group fly into from Kathmandu. Our group from Pune, was arguably, the first one to do it beginning from Jiri, an additional 5 days return. All comforts are offered by Moving Clouds with porters, guides, warm & friendly camps, tasty & nourishing food)