Gokyo RI (peak)

After spending the night in the village of Gokyo, we woke up and had a quick warm drink we were the trail by 6:45.  The sun was up but was obscured by the mountains so we were in the shadows for the first bit.  This wasn't necessarily a bad thing as the snow from days earlier that had been melting, was now refrozen and much easier for getting good footing.

The morning was picture perfect weather wise.  Not a cloud in the sky.  We were very blessed to have such a great day in light of previous storms that have wreaked havoc across the Himalaya this week.

What is unfortunate is that photos won't do justice to the views.

A lake at the base of Gokyo Ri

I felt great the whole way beyond the normal lack of oxygen, tingly fingers, shortness of breath, and the thought that my heart was about to beat out of my chest!  

We finally made it to the top and the views were 360 degrees incredible.  It's a pretty unique spot, in that you can view 4 of the world's 14 8,000+ meter peak.  (Choyo,  Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse)

Everest over my right shoulder and Makalu over my left. The tallest and fifth tallest mountains in the world.

My guide and great friend Kewal.  Happy he didn't have to carry me...

Omnipresent prayer flags at the top.

All in all it was an amazing day which I won't soon forget.   Probably the best mountain vistas I've ever experienced.

Slider with Mrs Ward-Elser class card and the infamous travel monkey.

The other side.

One last photo from the top. 

Many more when I get home when the connection is a bit more reliable.