Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek

Day to Day Itinerary

• Day 1 Fly to Lukla (2820m) and Trek to Phakding (2,657 m) - 04 hrs

  Lukla altitude: 2860 m above sea level

  Flight duration: 30 to 40 minutes

  Phakding altitude: 2610 m above sea level

  Walking duration: 3 to 4 hours

  Overnight at Phakding

  Wake up fast and get ready for the Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek. Your guide will come to pick you up early in the morning to catch the flight to Lukla from Tribhuvan International airport.

  Arriving at the airport, you complete the necessary formality and board the plane to Lukla. After taking off, you get a splendid 360-degree view of rivers, hills, valleys, and mountains. Enjoying the marvelous scenarios, you reach Lukla airport, well-known for its narrow and small runway.

  You fill your tummy and head north walking out of the town through the stone stairs. Today, you lose altitude when trekking from Lukla to Phakding as the trails follow downhills along the Dudh Koshi river.

  You continue walking down the main street and come across the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality office. From there, you hike for an hour or so, to reach Chheplung and cross over Thado Koshi using a suspension bridge.

  You can witness Kusam Kanggru, one of the most challenging mountains to conquer, past the bridge. As you keep moving ahead, the trails lead you to Ghat, where you walk over a ridge marked with Mani stones.

  The trail between Lukla to Phakding is a mix of stone pathways, rocky sections, and dirt which is easy to maneuver. It is mostly downhill with some short uphill segments.

  You come across several suspension bridges as you approach Phakding. This beautiful village lies at a lower elevation, with more greenery and a great view of the Dudh Koshi river.

• Day 2 Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) - 06 hrs

  Namche Bazaar altitude: 3445 m above sea level

  Walking duration: 6 to 7 hours

  Overnight at Namche Bazaar

  After your overwhelming first night in the Everest region, you now head to your second-day destination, which is Namche Bazaar. Today's trek is challenging as you gain nearly 1200 m elevation at once.

  You leave Phakding after breakfast and start by crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River. Then passing small settlements, you reach the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu ticket-checking counter.

  After checking your permits, you follow the stair paths through the jungle and alongside the river. If you are fortunate, you might see some endangered wild animals.

  The trails have several small ups and downs until you reach Jorsale, where you have lunch. After a delicious meal, you verify your permits at the Sagarmatha National Park entry point and continue further.

  From here, you keep following the steep uphill trails while viewing green valleys and snow-capped peaks in the distance. After a strenuous hike of a few hours, you arrive at Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa town, and hub of the Khumbu district.

  Namche is the gateway that leads to the different areas of the Everest region. This town is the last developed place with ATMs, cafes, western restaurants, Wi-Fi, and more.

• Day 3 Rest day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization and excursion

  Namche is a beautiful town that offers several side trips making it the best place for acclimatization. During your stay here, you can visit the mini-museum which is 30 minutes away from the center.

  The walk up to the museum offers a great bird's eye view of Namche, while the sight from the museum gives a great view of Lhotse, Nuptse, and more. Or you can hike up to Hotel Everest View for a more exciting adventure.

  The trail to the hotel is a 3 to 4 hours long uphill walk from Namche. You pass some traditional villages like Khumjung and make a zigzag hike through dirt paths and stairs.

  Reaching the hotel, you have lunch here while enjoying the view of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and many more. You explore the village for an entire day and return to Namche for the night.

• Day 4 Trek to Dole (4,200 m) - 06 hrs

  Dole altitude: 4150 m above sea level

  Walking duration: 7 hours

  Overnight at Namche Bazaar

  After breakfast, you leave the town and continue your trek towards Dole. You climb above it while following the flat trail beyond Dudh Koshi River. You keep moving forward to Kyangjuma while viewing Kantega and Ama Dablam.

  From Kyangjuma, you walk down the route to Sansa and follow the Gokyo signpost. You first make a steep ascent along the narrow paths and through the dense forests.

  The trails keep ascending and lead you to Mong La, a small Rai village. From here, you climb uphill along the barren and rocky path while enjoying the scenic setting.

  Then you make a steep decline along the dusty trail to Phortse Tenga, where you stop for lunch. The walks are fairly pleasant from here onwards, with gradual climbs through the rhododendron forest.

  After walking for hours, you reach Dole which emerges above the treeline. This village is a cluster of trekking lodges rather than actual homes. It offers a spectacular view of Khumbila and Tawache.

• Day 5 Trek to Machhermo (4,470 m) - 04 hrs

  Machhermo altitude: 4470 m above sea level

  Walking duration: 4 to 5 hours

  Overnight at Machhermo

  You are already above the treeline, and the trails will only take you higher from here. After breakfast, you leave the village towards Machhermo. The walk between these places is straightforward with gentle climbs.

  You start by ascending the trails to Lopharma while viewing Cho Oyu at a distance. Then, you gain elevation and trek through the forest while passing waterfalls.

  During the walk, you might see mountain goats, musk deer, and pheasants. After walking for half an hour, you reach Luza and stop for lunch. Regaining your energy, you trek down to the river and slowly climb uphill toward Machhermo.

  This beautiful village offers a breathtaking view of Taboche, Kajyori, Cholatse, and Cho Oyu.

• Day 6 Trek to Gokyo Lake (4,800 m) - 04 hrs

  Gokyo Altitude: 4750 m above sea level

  Walking duration: 3 to 4 hours

  Fifth Lake altitude: 4980 m above sea level

  Hiking duration: 4 to 5 hours

  Overnight at Gokyo

  You leave the beautiful village after a delicious meal. The trail separates from here as one crosses over the Dudh Koshi river towards Na, while another leads you to Gokyo, and you choose the latter.

  The journey starts by ascending a small hill and walking over its edge while enjoying the exotic view of Cho Oyu in front and the Khantega gorge below. The valley keeps expanding with the routes to Pangram at 4390m beyond the ridge.

  You then descend the trails down to the river bank and continue taking a steep uphill path through the moraines of Ngozumpa glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal.

  From here, you keep moving forward and reach Longpongo lake, followed by Raboche Tsho (the second lake) in the next half an hour or so. From Raboche, the trail separates as one path crosses the glacier to Thagnak, while another moves along the glacier and leads to Gokyo.

  Taking the latter option, you gradually climb the trails and arrive at Gokyo. You have lunch here and leave your belongings in the lodge to continue towards Fifth Gokyo Lake.

  You head north from the valley, gaining altitude, and reach Thonak Tsho (the fourth lake). Then, you follow the path doing a gradual climb uphill to Ngozumpa Tso, the fifth lake.

  The place offers a beautiful view of Mt. Cho Oyu, Ngozumpa glacier, Nuptse, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and more. Enjoy the view and head down to Gokyo for the night.

• Day 7 Early morning hike to Gokyo Ri (5360 m)

  Gokyo Ri altitude: 5357 m above sea level

  Walking duration: 4 to 5 hours

  Overnight at Gokyo

  You spend another day in Gokyo to explore the beautiful valley and climb Gokyo Ri. The beautiful peak looms above the Gokyo village on the lake's northern edge.

  Today starts with an early morning hike to the summit of Gokyo Ri to view the beautiful sunrise. The trials lead you uphill the hillside through the dusty and rocky path.

  The routes are steep, with a gradual climb to the summit. You arrive at the top while it's still dark, so there will not be much to see. But once the sun begins to rise and shine over the peaks and valleys, it takes your breath away.

  The sunrise view from Gokyo Ri is not to be missed, with the golden rays shining over the snowy peak. After a while, you get to enjoy the beautiful sight of Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, and more.

  You capture the moments and stay there for some time, then descend to the village following the same route. You then have breakfast and explore the village and its nearby area.

  The remaining day goes by exploring around and interacting with the villagers.

• Day 8 Cross Renjo - La (5,360 m) and descend to Lungden (4,380 m ) - 07 hrs

  Renjo La Pass altitude: 5360 m above the level

  Lungden altitude: 4350 m above sea level

  Walking duration: 7 to 8 hours

  Overnight at Lungden

  The trek today as long as you cross over one of the three high passes. You leave the village after breakfast and start by gently climbing uphill over the grassy area.

  The climb gradually becomes steeper as you continue walking uphill to the top. After trekking the steep complex trails, you are offered the panoramic view of Rolwaling, Tengo ragi Rau, etc., in the west, while Makalu, Everest, Gokyo Lake in the east.

  You spend some time admiring the beautiful scenarios and trek down to Lungden. The trails follow through a beautiful meadow to Bhote Koshi River and continue alongside it.

  Walking past yak caravans and several small settlements, you reach Lungden. The village shows you the unforgettable view of Lhotse, Taboche, and more.

• Day 9 Trek to Thame village (3,880 m) via Marlung - 06 hrs

  Thame altitude: 3850 m above sea level

  Walking duration: 6 to 7 hours

  Overnight at Thame

  You begin the trek from Lungden to Thame after breakfast. You descend south of the trails peacefully along the river while passing stone houses. After walking for an hour or two, you reach Maralung and cross over Bhote Koshi River.

  You now follow the traditional route that Tibetan Traders used for centuries. From here, you enter the beautiful forest of rhododendron and descend to Taranga.

  The trail winds you through the Langmuche Khola valley and leads you to Thame. The trek today is an excellent combination of stoic endurance and transcendent joy.

  Arriving at Thame, you have lunch and head to the Thame monastery, where spiritual Buddhist practices are done. You get to see the beautiful views of Ama Dablam, Makalu, and more from here.

• Day 10 Trek to Namche Bazaar via Thame - 05 hrs

  Walking duration: 6 hours

  Overnight at Namche

  Today's trek is mostly descended from Thame to Namche Bazaar, making the hike pleasant. It is a mixture of downhills, flat sections, and short uphill climbs in some parts.

  Leaving the village, the trail takes you steeply down to the Dudh Koshi river. You then cross over it using a suspension bridge and enter the beautiful forest of rhododendrons and oaks.

  You then gradually climb uphill for another couple of hours and descend to a valley. From there, you again cross over the river and come across a more forested area.

  Then continue the walk for another hour or so, until you arrive at Namche Bazaar. You can refresh and roam around the town while enjoying the beautiful view.

• Day 11 Trek to Lukla - 06 hrs

  Walking duration: 7 to 8 hours

  Overnight at Lukla

  Today is your final day in the Everest region as you head back to Lukla from Namche. It is a long downhill walk through dense forests, suspension bridges, and past the villages.

  Following the same trails back, your time inside the beautiful Sagarmatha National Park ends. You walk up and downhill several routes before you reach Lukla.

  Lukla is a beautiful town of Sherpas; explore the place and enjoy the views of the Himalayas.

• Day 12 Fly back to Kathmandu

  Kathmandu altitude: 1400 m above sea level

  Today you wake up early and catch the flight back to Kathmandu. Looking at the beautiful scenarios, you leave the peaceful nature behind and return to the noisy city.

  After landing at the airport, your Gokyo Renjo La Pass trek ends. We hope you had a fun time with TrekEBC and will remember us for other treks.