-
14 days
-
Everest
-
Challenging
-
5,360 m
-
From 1 person
-
Trekking
Highlights
- The turquoise Gokyo Lakes and the Ngozumpa Glacier
- Sunrise over Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu from Gokyo Ri (5,357 m)
- Crossing the Renjo La pass (5,360 m) with views of Everest
- The quiet Bhote Koshi valley and the old Sherpa village of Thame
- A loop route with no walking back the same way
Overview
The Gokyo Lakes and Renjo La Trek is a quieter alternative to Everest Base Camp. From Namche Bazaar you follow the Dudh Koshi valley north to the turquoise Gokyo Lakes beside the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal, and climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) for one of the best views of Everest.
Instead of returning the same way, you cross the Renjo La pass (5,360 m) into the remote Bhote Koshi valley and walk down through the old Sherpa village of Thame to Namche. Because Lukla flights can be delayed by weather, we recommend planning a spare day in Kathmandu after the trek.
Know before you go
Best time to go
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons, with stable weather and clear mountain views. In spring the rhododendron forests are in bloom, and autumn brings the clearest skies after the monsoon.
Winter (December to February) is cold at altitude and high passes can be closed by snow. The monsoon (June to August) brings rain, cloud and slippery trails, so we do not recommend it for this trek.
Difficulty and fitness
This is a challenging trek with five to eight hours of walking on most days and a long, steep day over the Renjo La pass (5,360 m). No technical skills are needed, but you should be in good health and used to hiking several days in a row.
The slow ascent via Dole and Machhermo and the day at Gokyo help your body adjust before the pass. Training with long walks, hill hikes and cardio exercise in the months before the trip makes the trek far more enjoyable.
Permits
You need a Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit.
We arrange all permits for you before the trip. See Includes/Excludes for what is covered in the price.
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Later in the day your guide gives a trek briefing, checks your equipment and answers any questions. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
An early morning flight takes you to Lukla (2,860 m), a short and spectacular flight into the Khumbu region. After meeting your porters, you begin with an easy walk of around 3–4 hours, mostly downhill along the Dudh Koshi river. Please note: in the main seasons (March–May and October–November), Lukla flights usually depart from Manthali airport in Ramechhap, about a 4–5 hour drive from Kathmandu, so the day starts very early. Overnight in a teahouse in Phakding (2,610 m).
The trail follows the Dudh Koshi upstream across several high suspension bridges and enters Sagarmatha National Park. A long, steep climb then brings you to Namche Bazaar, the main Sherpa trading town of the Khumbu. Overnight in a teahouse in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).
A rest day to help your body adjust to the altitude. A morning hike climbs to the Everest View Hotel for views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam, returning via the Sherpa village of Khumjung. Overnight in a teahouse in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).
You climb out of Namche to the ridge of Mong La, with views of Ama Dablam, then descend through rhododendron forest to the river before climbing again to Dole. Overnight in a teahouse in Dole (4,200 m).
A short climb up the Gokyo valley brings you to Machhermo, with views of Cho Oyu at the head of the valley. The short day gives your body time to adjust. Overnight in a teahouse in Machhermo (4,470 m).
The trail climbs past the first and second Gokyo lakes, with their turquoise water, and continues to Gokyo on the shore of the third lake. The afternoon is free to rest. Overnight in a teahouse in Gokyo (4,790 m).
A sunrise climb of Gokyo Ri (5,360 m) rewards you with panoramic views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and Makalu above the lakes and the Ngozumpa Glacier. After breakfast back in Gokyo, the rest of the day is free to rest or walk along the lakeshore, which also helps your acclimatization. Overnight in a teahouse in Gokyo (4,790 m).
The final pass of the trek, Renjo La (5,360 m), offers views over the Gokyo lakes and towards Everest. A long descent on the western side brings you to the quiet settlement of Lungden. The day takes around seven to eight hours. Overnight in a teahouse in Lungden (4,368 m).
Following the Bhote Koshi valley downstream, you reach the Sherpa village of Thame and its old monastery set on the hillside. The lower altitude makes for a comfortable night. Overnight in a teahouse in Thame (3,820 m).
An easy walk through quiet villages and forest brings you back to Namche Bazaar. The afternoon is free to enjoy the bakeries and shops of the town. Overnight in a teahouse in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).
On your final trekking day you descend to the Dudh Koshi and retrace the trail back to Lukla. In the evening you can celebrate the end of the trek with your guide and porters. Overnight in a teahouse in Lukla (2,860 m).
A morning flight takes you back to Kathmandu. Flights from Lukla depend on the weather, so departure times can vary. The afternoon is free to rest or explore the city. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
Your trip ends today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few free hours for last-minute shopping or a final stroll, before a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
