Cholatse and Taboche towering above Gokyo Lake, the place where two hot air balloons, Star Flyer 1 and Star Flyer 2 took off and successfully flew over the summit of Everest, in October 1991. • This picture was shot by me, exactly 34 years later
Meta Description: Explore the awe-inspiring peaks of Cholatse and Taboche towering above Gokyo Lake, and relive the historic 1991 Everest hot air balloon flight. Discover trekking tips, Everest lore, and a photographer’s reflection 34 years later.
Cholatse and Taboche: Guardians of Gokyo Lake and Witnesses to Everest’s Sky-High Adventure
Nestled in the heart of Nepal’s Khumbu region, the twin peaks of Cholatse (6,440m) and Taboche (6,542m) stand like silent sentinels over the shimmering turquoise waters of Gokyo Lake. This remote Himalayan valley is not just a trekker’s paradise—it’s also the stage for one of aviation’s most daring feats: the October 1991 flight of the Star Flyer 1 and Star Flyer 2 hot air balloons, which soared over the summit of Mount Everest. As a photographer who captured this majestic landscape exactly 34 years later, I invite you to uncover the legacy of this place where earth meets sky.
The Historic Flight: Balloons Over Everest (1991)
A Sky-High Dream Realized
In October 1991, a team of adventurers led by British entrepreneur Richard Branson and renowned balloonist Per Lindstrand embarked on a mission deemed impossible: flying hot air balloons over Everest. Departing from a launch site near Gokyo Lake, the balloons Star Flyer 1 and Star Flyer 2 ascended into the jet stream, battling temperatures of -40°C and oxygen-thin air at 9,000 meters.
Their success marked the first-ever hot air balloon flight over Everest’s summit, a triumph of human ingenuity against one of Earth’s most extreme environments. The flight route passed directly between Cholatse and Taboche, two peaks that now stand as monuments to this audacious achievement.
Why Gokyo Lake?
The choice of Gokyo as the launch site was strategic:
- Altitude: At 4,700m, Gokyo’s elevation allowed for shorter ascent time.
- Weather: Stable autumn winds offered a rare flight window.
- Scenery: The open valley provided unobstructed takeoff—with Cholatse and Taboche framing the backdrop.
Gokyo Lake Today: A Trekker’s and Photographer’s Paradise
Cholatse and Taboche: Titans of the Khumbu
These peaks dominate the Gokyo skyline, their sharp ridges and ice-clad faces contrasting with the lake’s serene beauty. For trekkers on the Gokyo Lakes Trail, views of these mountains from Gokyo Ri (5,357m) are unforgettable. As I framed my shot 34 years after the Star Flyer expedition, I was struck by how timeless they appeared—unchanged guardians of history.
Trekking Tips for Gokyo Lake
- Best Time to Visit: October-November (clear skies, minimal rain) or April-May (warmer temperatures).
- Key Stops: Namche Bazaar → Dole → Machhermo → Gokyo.
- Don’t Miss: Sunrise at Gokyo Ri, turquoise glacial lakes, and the Ngozumpa Glacier.
Photographing the Legacy: 34 Years Later
As I stood at Gokyo Lake in October 2025—34 years to the month after the balloon launch—I captured Cholatse and Taboche bathed in dawn light. The scene evoked a profound sense of continuity: the same peaks that witnessed the Star Flyers’ ascent now framed trekkers and dreamers anew. This land is a testament to human ambition and nature’s enduring grandeur.
Pro Tip for Photographers:
Use a telephoto lens to compress Cholatse/Taboche against Gokyo Lake. Arrive pre-dawn for alpenglow on Everest’s summit (visible on clear days!).
How to Experience the Magic of Gokyo
- Trek the Gokyo Lakes Route: A quieter alternative to Everest Base Camp.
- Visit the Local Monasteries: Learn about Sherpa culture in Machhermo.
- Contemplate History: At the balloon launch site, imagine the roar of burners echoing off Cholatse in 1991.
Final Thoughts
Cholatse and Taboche are more than mountains—they’re keepers of stories. From the Star Flyers’ pioneering flight to the quiet footsteps of modern trekkers, Gokyo Lake remains a place where adventure, history, and awe-inspiring beauty converge. Whether you’re chasing horizons or reflecting on the past, this corner of the Himalayas will leave you breathless—in every sense.
Plan Your Journey:
Ready to follow in the footsteps of legends? Connect with certified Khumbu guides or reach out for photography insights. The Everest sky still beckons.
