PLAN: Dole (4040 metres elevation); walk approximately 5-6 hours.
Today they will follow the Gokyo valley trail around Khumbila (5761 metres). This is the holy mountain for the local people.They will ascend through birch forest and yak pastures to a stupa† (3992m) on the top of a rocky village called Mon La Stupa. The views of Everest loom above the Lhotse (8511m) and Nuptse (7896m) on the north-eastern skyline. Below they will see the meeting of the Dudh Koshi and Imja Khola. Across the valley there is Thyangboche monastery which is surrounded by Ama Dablam (6856m) and Kantega (6685m).
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| Ama Dablam |
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| Thyangpoche Monastery |
They’ll come above the tree line and pass several temporary yak-herding settlements before reaching Dole. They’ll see some waterfalls and will stop to see the glaciers that flow from Tawatse (6542m) and Cholatse (6440nm) on the opposite side of the valley.
On this part of the trek they will not see many trekkers and locals; the guide suggests that this isolation of the trail is a pleasure. I agree…but I think this could be the point that they really start to feel it, physically as well as the realisation of where they are and how remote they are. The other quote in Hubby’s notebook probably applies here…
"He is able, who thinks he is able”
† A stupa is a type of shrine that is the most sacred monument found in all of the ancient Buddhist countries. Stupas are filled with sacred images, mantras and the relics of holy beings.  |
| Sarnath Stupa |
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| Bodnath Stupa |
