Gokyo & Renjo-La Pass

Nepal
Trekking
Moderate
13 Days
5,360 m

The Gokyo Valley is one of Nepal's most breathtaking trekking destinations, offering pristine turquoise lakes, sweeping Himalayan views, and a quieter alternative to the classic Everest Base Camp route. Nestled at around 4,700–5,000 meters, the valley features the stunning Gokyo Lakes—a series of six glacial lakes considered sacred in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The highlight is Gokyo Ri (5,357m), a viewpoint rivaling Kala Patthar, where trekkers enjoy a 360-degree panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Unlike the busier EBC trail, Gokyo provides a more serene experience, with opportunities to explore the Ngozumpa Glacier (the largest in Nepal) and witness rare wildlife like the Himalayan tahr.

The Renjo La Pass (5,360m) adds an adventurous challenge to the Gokyo trek, connecting the valley to the less-visited Rolwaling region. This high-altitude crossing rewards trekkers with unparalleled views of Everest, Gyachung Kang, and the turquoise lakes below. The descent leads through traditional Sherpa villages like Lungden and Thame, offering cultural immersion away from the crowds. Combining Gokyo Lakes with Renjo La creates a spectacular loop trek, often paired with the Everest Three Passes route for seasoned hikers. With its mix of natural beauty, cultural depth, and alpine thrills, this journey stands out as a premier Himalayan adventure.

Trip Facts

Activities
Trekking
Starting Price
US$ 1250/PP
Accommodation
Tea House / Lodge
Max. Altitude
5,360 m
Best Season
Autumn
Trip Hours/Day
5 - 6 Hours
Trip Grade
Moderate
Group Size
2 - 10

Highlights & Attractions

Gokyo Lakes – Sacred turquoise glacial lakes
Gokyo Ri (5,357m) – Rival view to Kala Patthar
Renjo La Pass (5,360m) – Thrilling high-altitude crossing
Less crowded than EBC, with deeper cultural immersion Less crowded than EBC, with deeper cultural immersion
Sherpa villages (Thame, Lungden, Khumjung)

Trip Itinerary
Include & Excludes
Trip Notes
Reviews

Trip Itinerary

Day 01 - 02: Arrival in Kathmandu & Lukla Flight

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400m), trek briefing, gear check
Day 2: Scenic flight to Lukla (2,860m), trek to Phakding (2,610m)
*(3-4 hrs, gentle descent, Dudh Koshi River views)*
Day 03 - 04: Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar

Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
*(5-6 hrs, steep climb, first Everest glimpses)* Day 4: Acclimatization hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880m) or Khumjung village
(Explore Sherpa culture, visit Hillary School)
Day 05 - 07: Trek to Gokyo Lakes

Day 5: Namche → Dole (4,200m)
*(5-6 hrs, rhododendron forests, mountain vistas)* Day 6: Dole → Machermo (4,470m)
*(3-4 hrs, yak pastures, panoramic views)*
Day 08: Gokyo Ri Summit (5,357m) & Exploration

Sunrise hike to Gokyo Ri for 360° views of Everest, Makalu, and Cho Oyu
Optional: Explore Fifth & Sixth Gokyo Lakes or Ngozumpa Glacier
Day 09: Cross Renjo La Pass (5,360m) to Lungden

Challenging 7-8 hr trek over Renjo La Pass
Reward: Stunning views of Gokyo Lakes and Rolwaling Himalayas Descend to Lungden (4,380m) (remote Sherpa village)
Day 10 - 11: Return via Thame & Namche

Day 10: Lungden → Thame (3,800m)
*(4-5 hrs, ancient monasteries, traditional culture)* Day 11: Thame → Namche Bazaar
*(4-5 hrs, scenic valley trails)*
Day 12 - 13: Return to Lukla & Kathmandu

Day 12: Namche → Lukla (6-7 hrs, final Himalayan views)
Day 13: Morning flight to Kathmandu, farewell dinner

Package Includes

Domestic Flights: Round-trip Kathmandu-Lukla flights (including airport taxes)
Permits: Sagarmatha National Park entry fee + Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural permit
Accommodation: Teahouse lodges during trek (shared rooms, basic but clean)
Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek; hot drinks (tea/coffee).
Extras: Trekking map, pre-trip briefing, farewell dinner in Kathmandu

Package Excludes

International Flights & Visa: Nepal entry visa fees (~$30–$50)
Kathmandu Accommodation: Hotels before/after trek (unless specified in package)
Insurance: Travel insurance (must cover high-altitude trekking up to 5,360m + emergency evacuation)
Meals in Kathmandu: Lunches & dinners in the city

Trip Notes

Additional Notes

Altitude Warning: This trek reaches 5,360m (Renjo La Pass)—proper acclimatization is critical.
Packing: Bring layers, sturdy boots, and altitude medication (Diamox recommended).
Payment: Teahouses accept cash (NPR/USD); ATMs only in Namche.

Reviews

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