“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” – Lao Tzu

Welcome to Nepal, a landlocked Asian nation with some of the most stunning landscapes on Earth. Mountains peak out from almost every nook of this spectacular country. Hike with us as we venture to the Gokyo Lakes: a Terrain 5 expedition of a lifetime!

Nepal is a hot spot of outdoor possibilities! Although the most well-known natural point of interest is Mount Everest, climbing the tallest mountain in the world is but one option visitors can attempt while in this stunning country. The Gokyo Lakes in Sagarmatha National Park offer an unforgettable 10-day trek, the perfect target for an adventurous geocacher.

This extended journey starts in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital and largest city. The bustling streets offer frenetic excitement in anticipation of the next leg of your trip. A short flight away, the village of Lukla is the “jumping-off” point for your adventure. Be sure to pack light, yet be prepared for rugged terrain! In full, the roundtrip journey is 55 miles (90 km) through an unspoiled landscape.

The trek is difficult, in no small part, because the journey has a vertical gain of over 7000 feet (2100 m). Each day, you rise with the sun and set off for the next small town along the route. The villages of Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Dole, and Machhermo each remind you how close you are to your destination!

After four days of hiking, the lakes come into view: the clarity is something out of a movie! The crystal blue runoff indicates glacial melt, its beautiful color reflects the surroundings with near-perfect accuracy. Due to the elevation, each inhale and exhale make this hike more challenging than those at a lower height.

At long last, it’s finally time to find the elusive geocache! The cache description provides more than enough information to spot the container. Make your way through the town of Gokyo; on your way out a suspicious rock pile on the nearby road catches your eye. As you investigate, you realize that this pile is a slightly too manmade to have occurred just by nature itself. 

Eureka! After hiking an immense distance to find this cache, the satisfaction of finding the geocache is nothing short of otherworldly. Positioned amongst rock spires in every direction, the geocache lies in a humble valley where you now stand. Congratulate yourself on a trek well down; only a few people get to witness these sights every year!

There’s one last thing to do before you leave: climb the peak! A short but strenuous hike grants a heavenly view of this incredible place. With just a few steps from the top, you get winded. A deep breath and a short break provide you with the needed stamina to reach the top! 

Now at the highest point for miles, geocaching lingers on your mind. Would I have come without geocaching? Would I be the person I am today without this incredible game? Some questions may always remain unanswered.

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Source: Geocaching