30 years ago: 28 April 1982, Everest Trek day 9, Dulay to Gokyo

Wednesday 28th April 1982:  Dulay to Gokyo (7 miles)

I had an even later start (08:30) but it was a glorious morning.  I walked slowly to Gokyo (15,500 ft) arriving at the New Tea Shop, by Gokyo Lake, at 14:00.  All the villages between Dulay and Gokyo seemed deserted with the possible exception of Pangka.  Gokyo was quite busy with trekkers, although I only passed one leaving the area on my way up.  No sign of any more Grandalas was a big disappointment and no hoped-for Snow Partridges either although a Himalayan Rubythroat and three species of accentor were nice, and avian evidence of being above the tree line.

Birds seen:  Black Kite 1, Golden Eagle 1, Ruddy Shelduck 2, Pintail 2, Tibetan Snowcock 6, Snow Pigeon 30, Rufous Turtle Dove 3, Olive-backed Pipit 2, Rosy Pipit 12, Brown Dipper 1, Rufous-breasted Accentor 2, Robin Accentor 1, Alpine Accentor 3, Himalayan Rubythroat 1 male, Blue-fronted Redstart 25, Plumbeous Redstart 1, River Chat 5, Blue Whistling Thrush 1, Tickell’s Warbler 2, Alpine Chough 1, Chough 15, Large-billed Crow 15, Hodgson’s Mountain Finch 20, Beautiful Rosefinch 1, White-winged Grosbeak 3.

view south from Dulay to Phortse

Dulay

trail between Dulay and Gokyo

first lake at Gokyo

lodges, huts and tents by Gokyo Lake

Gokyo Peak from Gokyo Lake, a 2000 foot climb I was not particularly looking forward to in thhe morning