When it comes to a beautiful destination, Nepal does not disappoint at all. There are plenty of trekking stops in Nepal, where you can enjoy nature at its best. Gokyo Renjo La Pass trek is one of those amazing treks which lies in the well-known Everest region. It is also popular as the best alternative of legendary Everest Base Camp trek.
Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek revolves around one of the high passes, i.e. Renjo La Pass(5350m) and breathtaking Gokyo lakes. It is not limited up to this only, this trek has a lot to offer.
Let’s start, Gokyo & Renjo La Pass adventure takes you up there closer to the Himalayas from where you can enjoy the panoramic view of the re-known peaks like Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse, Mt Makalu, Mt Ama Dablam, Mt Cho-Oyu. Renjo La Pass and Gokyo Ri(5357m) are the points of the trek that provides the awe-inspiring panorama.
But before reaching there, the trail starts from the foothill of the Everest region, i.e. Lukla. Starting from Lukla, the route slowly moves upwards to more and more beautiful landscapes. The Sherpa villages are scattered all over the trails to provide insight into their unique culture and lifestyle.
Forested trails connect one settlement to another, walking amid such trails is a true celebration of mother nature. Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site welcomes visitors halfway of the trek. Entry to the national park means this trek provides the watchful show of Himalayan floras and faunas. Several pristine lakes of the Gokyo region add the sugar to this already sweet trek.
Gokyo Renjo La Pass is a peaceful trekking destination that shows you the best but unseen face of the Everest region. It is all about lakes, peaks, villages, and forests. Come and join this adventure to explore the hidden gem of the Everest region.
Read this article for major highlights, detailed itinerary, packing lists and some frequently asked questions of Gokyo Renjo La trek.
Highlights of Gokyo Renjo La Trek
- Stretch legs on the unbattered, unspoiled and less crowded trails of Gokyo & Renjo La Pass
- Come across the settlements of unique Sherpa to explore their lifestyles and cultures
- Ramble amid the colourful vegetation of Sagarmatha National Park
- Scale Gokyo Ri(5480m) and Renjo La Pass(5345m) to observe the wide vision of sky-touching peaks like Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, Nuptse etc
- Hike through beautiful landscapes of Khumbu and Gokyo valley
- Enjoy the chilling and frozen view of Gokyo Lakes
Detailed Itinerary of Gokyo Renjo La Trek
Day 01: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and Trek to Phakding(2610m)
Flight Duration: 40 minutes
Trek Time: 3 to 4 Hours
Altitude Gain: 2,610m
Difficulty: Easy
It all starts with a Lukla flight from Kathmandu. After the picturesque air travel of 40 minutes here comes the Lukla, the gateway of Everest. You will land at one of the most thrilling airports in the world, Lukla airport. Spend some time around Lukla and get yourself ready for the first steps of the trek. Now, it is time to head ahead towards Phakding.
You have to trek for 3 to 4 hours to reach Phakding for the night stay. The trek starts with gentle descent from Lukla through rhododendron trees until Dudhkoshi river. From the river, you will follow the riverbed trail to move towards Chheplung village.
Then you will cross a suspension bridge over Thado Koshi to reach Ghat(2590m). Passing by the large mani walls and farm fields from one village to another, you will reach Phakding(2610m). Overnight at a lodge in Phakding
Day 02: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazar
Trek Time: 5 to 6 Hours
Altitude Gain: 3,440m
Difficulty: Moderate
Today is a hike day up to Namche Bazar, the most happening place in the Everest region. The day hike starts with crossing the colourful suspension bridge over the Dudhkoshi River. Until Namche Bazar, you will be crossing the 5 different several suspension bridges, it is a suspension bridge day.
After the first bridge, you will climb up to Jorsale(2740m). Jorsale is a small village at the edge of Dudh Koshi River. From Jorsale the Sagarmatha National Park starts and you have to show your entry permit here.
After the permit verification, you will start the 2-hour hike through forested trails towards Namche Bazaar. And after reaching Namche, you will conclude 6 hours of a hike from Phakding. Namche Bazaar is a hub of Khumbu region. You’ll spend some time around the restaurants of Namche before night sleep. Night stay at a guesthouse in Namche
Day 03: Rest and exploration day in Namche Bazaar
Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trekking is a high altitude trek and in every high altitude trek, the human body needs to be adjusted with the new height. This is why the third day of the trek is scheduled as acclimatization/rest day at Namche Bazaar. On this day, you will hike down the near settlements like Khunde and Khumjung. Starting with the Khunde village tour, you will explore Sherpa peoples and some monasteries of this village.
Then moving to another village, Khumjung village, you get to see the most beautiful Mt. Ama Dablam from the yards of the village. Khumjung is a big village of Sherpas which gives you insight into their lifestyle and culture. After village tours, it is time for lunch, you will hike up to Everest View Hotel(3880m).
This hotel is one of the highest placed hotels and it is popular for panoramic views of Everest region mountains. You will enjoy your food along with the awe-inspiring view at the backdrop. Relax and observe the view before starting the hike back to Namche Bazar. Back in Namche, you can spend some time shopping(if required), coffee/restaurant hangouts. Overnight in Namche.
Day 04: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole
Trek Time: 5 to 6 Hours
Altitude Gain: 4038m
Difficulty: Moderate
After the full acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar, it is time to move on. The trek to Dole is exciting and pleasurable as you will walk through the forest of Pine and Rhododendron. This is the day when you will part from the regular Everest Base Camp Trek route. You will start with a climb to Kyangjumba by trekking in lush forest trails. This same trail is nicely covered with red Rhododendron flowers during Spring.
Along the walk, you will cross several Kharkas(pastures) by observing the yak grazing over. You will also sign in Sherpa villages like Tongba, Gyela before reaching the Dole. The view of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Everest is always there in the northern side throughout the day. After setting off from Namche for 6 hours here comes the Dole. Upon your arrival at Dole, you can have sight upon the never-heard but beautiful peaks like Khumbila(5,761m) and Tawache(6542m). Overnight at the teahouse in Dole.
Day 05: Trek from Dole to Machermo
Trek Time: 4 to 5 Hours
Altitude Gain: 4470m
Difficulty: Moderate
The hike from Dole to Machermo starts with a steep climb. Firstly, you will scale down Lambara(4220m) by walking lush trails of Junipers and Oaks and then Luza(4360m). Today’s walk is scenic as the earlier trials, you will move forward by touching down the green trails and pastures somewhere in between. After Luza, it is another steep climb up to Machermo.
Before entering Machermo, it is an alluring walk via a valley where the river flows. The mountain views of Kantega, Cho Oyu, and Tharmseku are always there in the background. And you will reach Machermo(4470m), where you will feel the oxygen is lighter than ever during the trek. Overnight at the teahouse in Machermo.
Day 06: Trek from Machermo to Gokyo
Trek Time: 4 to 5 Hours
Altitude Gain: 4470m
Difficulty: Moderate
After breakfast at Machermo, you will start the hike towards Gokyo valley. Climb the steep ridge to move forward and enjoy the view of Kantega and Cho-Oyu. Leaving the ridge, the landscapes start to widen and the view gets more and more beautiful. You’ll reach Pangka(4390m) after a short climb and then you have to descend from the hill to the riverbed. From the banks of the river, it is a bit difficult hike as you have to walk on rough trails of Ngozumpa Glacier.
From here on, you will start viewing the amazing landscapes of the higher Everest regions. The glacier belt is quite observable if you have never seen it. Walking pass from Ngozumpa Glacier, you will reach the first of several Gokyo lakes.
And departing from the first lake, you will see some monasteries along the way before reaching Gokyo valley. Gokyo is a small settlement of Sherpas where you can enjoy the most beautiful Himalayan lakes and peaks. Everst, Makalu, Lhotse is easily viewable from Gokyo. Overnight at a teahouse in Gokyo.
Day 07: Exploration day in Gokyo
Trek Time: 3 to 4 Hours
Altitude Gain: 5357m
Difficulty: Moderate
Gokyo Ri (5357m), the major highlight of Gokyo Renjo La trekking will ascend down today. The hike to Gokyo Ri from Gokyo village is a difficult climb of 2 hours.
The paths to the top are steep, rough and uneven, you have to watch out the trails.
The hard work of 2 hours is worth it after reaching the top. From Gokyo Ri, you can encounter the best view of Everest region.
The wide panorama of peaks like Cho-Oyu, Everest, Makalu, Lhotse is just wow. You can have a clear view of Ngozumpa glacier, Fifth Gokyo lake, and several close mountain passes. After a timeless moment at the Gokyo Ri, you will hike down back to the Gokyo village for overnight stay.
Day 08: Trek from Gokyo to Lungden via Renjo La Pass
Trek Time: 6 to 7 Hours
Altitude Gain: 5357m and 4300m
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Here comes the most important day of Gokyo Renjo La Trek. On this day, you will trek down the well-known Renjo La Pass(5360m). You will start the day hike with a gentle uphill climb through a grassy area. As you will move up, the climb will be steeper and steeper before ending at the top.
From the top, you can enjoy the awe-inspiring views from any of the directions. If you look towards the east, there will be snow-covered Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Gyachung Kang and Gokyo Lakes. Turn towards the west and enjoy the wide panorama of Tengi Ragi Tau and Rolwaling mountains.
Wherever is your head placed, the view is eye-observing from the Renjo La Pass. Thereafter the views, it is time to leave the top and move towards your overnight destination. The descend is until Bhote Koshi Valley which is easy-peasy via Dudh Pokhari lake. Then you will walk over beautiful meadows to reach Lungden(4300m). Overnight at Teahouse in Lungden.
Day 09: Trek from Lungden to Thame
Trek Time: 4 to 5 Hours
Altitude Gain: 3800m
Difficulty: Easy
Your quest of Renjo La Pass has completed and it is time to make your way back home. On this day, you will trek until Thame(3800m) which is an easy trek of 5 hours from Lungden. The downhill slope of the trail makes it easy to trek on, as you don’t need to push yourself the slope will push you down. Throughout the descent, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Dudh Kosi Valley. Your half of the hike will be over the riverbeds of Bhote Koshi River.
After the convenient hike of 5 hours here comes the Thame village. Thame village is the village where the first Everest climber Tenzing Norgay Sherpa was born and spent his early childhood. Thame village is also popular for “Thame Monastery ”, enjoy the blissful time around the monastery. Also, you can enjoy the mountain view from Thame village. To say, Thame is a perfect village to spend your rest time, here all of the tiredness vanishes after reaching here. Overnight at a teahouse in Thame.
Day 10: Trek back to Namche Bazaar
Trek Time: 4 to 5 Hours
Altitude Gain: 3440m
Difficulty: Easy
After a warm breakfast in Thame, you’ll head towards the Namche Bazaar. The trail to Namche from Thame is easy and smooth. You can slow it down by enjoying the peaks behind you. The valley’s surrounding is also observable with hills everywhere.
Your every step towards Namche will take you to the end of Gokyo Renjo La Trek. The routes of Gokyo Renjo trek are never repeated until Namche Bazaar. Every place you enter is completely new and never seen.
You’ll reach Namche prior to nightfall so you can tour around the missed parts of Namche Bazaar. You can do some shopping in Namche for your loved ones back home. Overnight in Namche.
Day 11: Trek back to Lukla
Trek Time: 4 to 5 Hours
Altitude Gain: 2800m
Difficulty: Easy
From Namche, you’ll retrace your earlier footprints of Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek.
Trek to Lukla from Namche is an easy hike of 6 hours where you will make some gentle climbs and falls. Following the river beds of Dudh Koshi river and walking through Rhododendron forest you’ll make it back to Lukla.
Enjoy the view of the surrounding before your tomorrow’s leave for Kathmandu. It is the last day of yours in the Khumbu region until the next visit, make the most of it. Overnight in Lukla.
Day 12: Fly back from Lukla to Kathmandu
Flight Duration: 30 to 40 minutes
Enjoy the last organic breakfast in Lukla before boarding into the plane. Within 30 to 40 minutes of take-off, you will be back to Kathmandu. Upon landing at Kathmandu, you will get a hotel transfer to your hotel.
Packing list for Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek
What to pack for the trek? This question is a headache for every adventurer before any kind of outing. To help you out, here is the full packing guide for Gokyo Renjo La pass trekking:
Clothing
- Multi-layer shirts
- Trekking shirts
- Breathable underwear
- Trekking socks(extra pairs)
- Hiking Pants
- Light and warm pullovers
- Water and Windshield jackets and pants
- Down jacket
- Down vest
- Warm hat
- Buffs
- Sun hat/cap
- Inner and outer Gloves
Accessoires
- Trekking boot
- Sandals
- Head-lamp
- Sleeping bag
- Sports Watch
- Sunglasses ( UV protected )
Medics
- Diamox
- Cold cream
- Sunscreen
- Anti nauseant for high altitude.
- Imodium
- Band-aids
- Eye drops
Toiletries
- Foot powder for stinky
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo
- Soap
- Microfiber towel
Frequently asked questions for Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek
Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek is my first trek. Can I do it?
Yes, why not! This trek is suitable for any kind of trekkers either experienced or inexperienced. The experienced ones can do this trek easily and no need to do any kind of training before the trek because they are used to difficult treks.
However, inexperienced ones have to join some training to build up fitness and pain endurance level for the trek. Gokyo Renjo La trek involves 5 to 6 hours hiking daily on the hilly routes. To meet this requirement, you can do daily exercises like workouts, walking, jogging.
What is the best time around the year for Gokyo Renjo La Pass trekking?
Gokyo Renjo La Pass trekking is possible throughout the year with a better plan and preparations. But, the two peak seasons for this trek are Autumn and Spring. Autumn means September, October, November, and Spring means March, April, May. The early winter month, i.e. December is also a doable month. All of these months have perfect trekking weather with clear skies. Whereas, Monsoon months are the off-months for trekking due to the rainy season. The trails are muddy and slippery with mountain views blocked by the clouds. So, Monsoon is not the right time for this adventure.
What are the chances of altitude sickness during Gokyo Renjo La Pass trekking?
Gokyo Renjo La Pass adventure is a high altitude trek that takes you to height of above 5000m. In any trek above 4000m, there is a risk of altitude sickness for the foreign and unfamiliar trekkers. To avoid the altitude sickness, there are two full days for acclimatization and rest on the itinerary of Gokyo Renjo trekking. With proper acclimatization and drinking water, hiking slowly you can be away from the grip of altitude sickness.
What kind of accommodations are there in the trails of Gokyo Renjo La Pass trek?
The accommodations during Gokyo Renjo La Pass trekking are acceptable. You will get comfortable rooms, clean bedsheets, WIFI, hot showers and varied food items. The charge for such shelter is around USD3 to USD10 per night. However, in Namche you can get good quality accommodations which are a bit more expensive than the basic lodges.
Is the water during Gokyo Renjo La Pass trekking safe enough to drink?
Yes, the water is safe enough to drink. The tea houses and lodges sell mineral water bottles. The cost of water is a bit expensive as you go higher. You can bring water purification tablets to save the cost of water.
What are the permits required for Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek?
Sagarmatha National Park Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Entry permit are the two passes required for this trek. Sagarmatha National Park Permit is for making entry into the national park which costs 3000NPR(30 USD) per head. You can get it from either Kathmandu or Khumbu.
And, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Entry permit is for entering the restricted settlements of the Khumbu region and this permit costs 2000 NPR(USD 20). You can get this pass from Lukla only. The documents required for these permits are passport photocopies and passport-sized photos.
Can I charge my phone and camera on trek?
Yes, you can charge your electronic equipment on the trek. All of the tea houses/lodges have charging facilities. They charge you around 2 to 3 USD per hour for battery charging.
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