My Unforgettable Trek to Gokyo Ri with Apex Asia and Broad Adventures

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Seeking an adventure that combined my love for exotic treks and photography, I found myself drawn to the idea of exploring Nepal. And what could be more iconic than the Everest Base Camp? But, as I discovered, sometimes the road less traveled offers the most breathtaking views and experiences. This is the story of my incredible journey to Gokyo Ri, a decision influenced greatly by the expert guidance of Broad Adventures.

Choosing the Right Trek

After some initial research, I reached out to Ramesh and Keshav, the owners of the now-merged Broad Adventures. Their prompt and insightful responses helped shape my adventure. I wanted a trek that was not only visually stunning for photography but also vigorous and somewhat isolated. Despite my limited knowledge of the area, they recommended Gokyo Ri, assuring me it was perfectly aligned with my aspirations. And they were absolutely right!

The stunning views from Gokyo Ri

A Trek Tailored for the Jewish Observant

Being Jewish and observant, I had specific requirements regarding travel on the Sabbath and kosher food. The team was incredibly accommodating. They arranged for a cook to accompany us, ensuring all my meals were kosher, and were familiar with the needs of Shabbos observance. The morning we set off, they even allowed me to inspect the hechshers on the food. It was clear they had experience catering to Israeli clients and understood my needs perfectly.

The Journey and the Team

The trek itself was nothing short of amazing. My guide, Gyanu, was calm and experienced, guiding us through the stunning landscapes with ease. Uttam, our cook and part-time porter, along with Ranjit, the porter, were like mountain goats, carrying our supplies and preparing delicious meals every day.

Kosher meals being prepared in the Himalayas

Life in the Teahouses

The teahouses along the trail were basic and quite cold, especially in winter, so a very warm sleeping bag is a must. Also, it’s important to be prepared for basic toilet facilities and the lack of toilet paper, which is typical in these remote areas.

A Change of Plan

Initially, I hadn’t realized that Gokyo is an out-and-back trek. Wanting to explore more, I discussed with the team the possibility of returning via a different route. They were incredibly accommodating, suggesting we extend the trip by a day to return through the Renjo-La pass, which was an excellent recommendation.

The breathtaking Renjo-La pass

Reflections on an Unforgettable Trip

This journey was probably the best I’ve ever undertaken. The concerns I had about observing Shabbat and keeping kosher were completely unfounded. The team took care of everything seamlessly.

And for those wondering about Jewish life in Nepal, the Chabad in Kathmandu was a delightful surprise, serving up delicious shakshuka and schnitzel!

Enjoying a meal at the Chabad House in Kathmandu

Final Thoughts

For anyone, especially Jewish observant clients, looking for a trekking adventure in Nepal, I cannot recommend Broad Adventures enough. They went above and beyond to ensure my trekking experience was not only enjoyable but also adhered to my religious practices. Gokyo Ri, with its serene beauty and the incredible team that supported me, has set a new standard for all my future adventures.

Have you ever embarked on a trekking adventure that catered to specific dietary or religious needs? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Keith Bokenthal is an adventure and travel enthusiast, sharing his experiences and tips with fellow travelers, especially those looking to combine their love for adventure with their religious observances.