Renjola Pass Gokyo Trek - 16 Days

It’s exciting as you fly into Kathmandu if the day is clear. The views from the windows of your plane give you fantastic views of snow-capped mountain peaks begins to stir the excitement in you that makes you feel elated, & this begins a whole link of blissful experiences that stay with you for a long time. Our escort and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Our escort will also help you check into your reserved hotel. At the hotel, you will be oriented on your daily activities. This is your first overnight in the valley of the gods.

Kathmandu, is the historical heart of Nepal, has been a popular destination for tourists ever since the country opened its borders to outside world. The city presents a wonderful combination of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two prime neighboring cities bear immense historical, cultural and religious significances.

We will arrange a professional tour guide for you and a private tourist vehicle with a driver to explore between monuments. The tour guide will take you to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath Stupa, the historical and cultural sites you’ll visit today. Offering panoramic views of the valley.

After completion of your day tour, you will be having meeting with your trek guide at our office/hotel. He will brief you about the Trek and all the essentials. The Thamel has many trekking gear shops, where you can buy missing gear in the late evening and get ready for the flight for Lukla.

This takes about 30 minutes of real scenic flying. We then start our trek from Lukla to Phakding (2640m.) which takes approximately three hours. You transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Lukla. Lukla is a small town with an airport at one of the highest altitudes in the world.

You begin today’s trek from Lukla following a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi River. Nupla (5885m) which can be seen in the distance from the opposite bank is a peak atop the Kongde Ridge. You descend a mountainside path that merges into your route to Everest, with views to a green valley on your right; and at its far end, is Kusum Kang at (6367m.) The Dudh Kosi approaches as you pass a Mani wall and arrive at your first teahouse. You continue along a small path with many climbs and descents following the left bank of Dudh Koshi to Phakding. And this is our first Stay overnight at a tea house lodge.

This takes about four and half hours. The trail starts along a level path on the right bank of the river. Thamserku looms skyward on the opposite bank. You cross a stream and climb the terraced hill from the Dudh Koshi route, to arrive at Bengar. The trail now climbs from the riverbed on the left bank into the mountain, through a forest to Chumoa. You continue along a path with many ups and downs; cross a stream, and pass by the tiny village of Monjo. You then descend a path of stone steps and return to the right bank over a wooden bridge. After a short climb you come to Jorsale’s teahouse and hotel. Before this, you stop at the National Park Service where a park entrance fee is collected. You follow a short walk along the riverbed of this V-shaped valley where the river forks – the right is the Dudh Koshi and the left is the Bhote Koshi that leads to Nangpa La. After short distance along the Bhote Koshi, you begin the steep ascent to Namche Bazar. As the mountain trail zigzags uphill, you emerge at a ridge top rest area that offers excellent views of Everest (8848m) and Lhotse (8516m.) after this, the climb eases somewhat, and Namche Bazar appears ahead as you travel along a path surrounded by pines. Pass the plateau where the Saturday bazaar is held and enter the village. Namche Bazar (3440m) is surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges and opens out only where it faces the Bhote Koshi. Stay overnight at a lodge.

This is an ideal place to spend a rest day for acclimatization at a high altitude before heading off towards Tyangboche. For acclimatization, you walk up for a visit to Khunde Hospital which was set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or take a one hour walk up to Syangboche (3800m.) where Everest View Hotel is situated above Namche for outstanding views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. Our first overnight at bustling Namche.

We now will approach altitudes of 4500m, so we will stay at Machermo for an extra day. Today is a special day for great sceneries as we follow the main trail north out of Namche. A short climb to a crest reveals a wonderful view towards Everest and Lhotse. We hang on to this primary trail for a while longer, passing many traders selling Tibetan handicrafts, to crossroads high above the Dudh Kosi. The trail to Everest drops down the hill but we steer off here and climb to cross the Mon La before reaching Phortse Tenga. From Phortse Tenga, the trail climbs steeply to Dole, through rhododendron and birch forest bedecked with hanging mosses and lichens.

From Dole we climb progressively along the side of the valley, where the rhododendron forests give way to scrub juniper as the altitude increases. The trail passes many summer settlements [versa], which are used when yaks are taken to these pastures to graze in the summer months. As we look far beyond, we get excellent views of Cho Oyu, while at the rear are the peaks of Kantega and Thamserku. We don’t hike much today and arrive at Machermo in time for lunch.

After we feel much rested, we make headway for the lakes at Gokyo. We hike through a scenic trail to Pangka and then descend slightly, hanging to the route of the rivers which flow down the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. We climb a steep rocky incline into the valley by the side of the glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes. We soon arrive at the second of the lakes, crossing the path which heads across the glacier to Cho La – our route to Lobuche and Everest, later in the trek. The third lake is known as Dudh Pokhari and on its eastern shore we come across the settlement of Gokyo. Walking by the outer rings of the lake, the scenery is almost stunning with the summits of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang reflected in its emerald green waters.

Gokyo is situated by the side of the Ngozumpa glacier, known to be the biggest glacier in Nepal. This day you can also do a side trip to the Fifth Lake via the Forth Lake. Or you can trek from Gokyo to Gokyo Ri. 

Gokyo RI stands high above the village on the northern edge of the lake and we leave camp just after first light, following a steep path up the hillside. As we climb, the summits of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu slowly come into sight and the view from the summit of Gokyo Ri itself is one of the most beautiful to be seen in the Everest region – some say it is even better than that from Kala Pattar. For those with all the energy, there are more good views to be had by dropping back down to the main path and following it north to the fourth and fifth of the Gokyo lakes, the latter being about three hours from Gokyo.

This scenic trek takes approximately six hours and is one of the most rewarding crossings in the Everest region. The trail ascends to the high Renjo La Pass, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Everest range, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Along the way, you can observe local high-altitude life, especially yak herding and seasonal settlements used by herders. The route is surrounded by dramatic alpine landscapes, glacial valleys, and pristine mountain scenery, with occasional chances to spot Himalayan wildlife. After crossing the pass, the descent leads to Lumde, where you will enjoy a well-earned rest with an overnight stay at a lodge.

This pleasant trek takes around five hours and leads you through traditional Sherpa villages and quiet mountain trails. Along the way, you will have opportunities to interact with local people, gaining insight into their daily life, traditions, and rich cultural heritage. The route offers beautiful views of green valleys, terraced fields, and surrounding mountain landscapes, creating a peaceful contrast to the higher alpine terrain. Upon reaching the historic village of Thame, known for its ancient monastery, you will settle in for an overnight stay at a lodge.

Today is another rest and acclimatization day at Thame, allowing you to explore the village and spend time with the welcoming Sherpa community. You can learn about their unique culture, traditions, and way of life, as well as visit the historic Thame Monastery. For those wishing to be more active, optional excursions include a hike to Thambuchet and the Tashi Lapcha Base Camp, which marks the natural divide between the Khumbu and Dolakha regions. Alternatively, you may hike up Samdur Peak, from where you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Mount Everest and the surrounding Himalayan giants. After a rewarding day, return to Thame for an overnight stay at a lodge.

The trek from Thame to Namche Bazaar takes you through beautiful alpine scenery and traditional Sherpa settlements. Along the trail, you will enjoy scenic landscapes featuring green valleys, terraced fields, and the striking contrast of silver-gray mountain peaks rising above. You may also observe local activities such as yak herding and daily village life along the way. As you approach Namche Bazaar, the vibrant hub of the Khumbu region, you can relax and explore the town. Stay overnight at a lodge.

On the last lap of our trekking we follow the Dudh Kosi River down to Lukla with steeply descending from Namche Bazzar. The trail goes through dense forests and crossing many bridges over streams. There are also many small settlement areas on the way. After we get to Phakding Village, the last uphill climb of 45 minutes will bring you to Lukla where we end our beautiful and memorable trek.

Today, we take a short flight back to Kathmandu. The views during the flight are perfect. After  touchdown to the airport in Kathmandu, our team will trasfer you to the hotel and  take care everything while check into your hotel.

The remaining time of your day is yours for leisure, treat yourself to a relaxing Spa treatment and Massage, shopping for souviners and more. In the evening, the company will organize a farewell dinner with cultural program, where you will meet with the team of your trek for the last time.

As we have successfully completed the trip, it is time to return home or embark on your next journey. Even you can join our next adventures trips in the Himalayas if you wish too. If not, our airport team will take care of your airport escort and say you our last goodbye till the next adventure holidays.