Overview
The Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek is one of the most underrated trips in Nepal. Away from the crowded trails, this trek provides a unique, yet quintessential Everest region experience. Passing through the heartland of the Sherpa ethnic group into the mesmerizing snow-capped mountain peaks, we enjoy the many delights of Sagarmatha National Park. Our Gokyo Renjo La Trek takes visitors deep into the Khumbu region after crossing suspension bridges, going through picturesque terraced hillsides and Sherpa villages, and reaching high-altitude Himalayan passes. In the process, we witness the sheer size of several of the world’s tallest mountains, including Mt. Everest (8,848 meters). This trek is similar to the Gokyo Lakes Trek, except that we use the Renjo La Pass (5345 meters/17,536 feet) from Gokyo Lakes instead of the Cho La Pass.
Starting with a short flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, we begin our journey. The first several days of the trek, we experience the unique Sherpa culture. Sherpas are known for their unparalleled mountaineering skills, having adapted to the harsh conditions of their alpine environment. Embedded in Sherpa heritage is a rich influence of Tibetan Buddhism, which is observed in the number of precious mani stones, colorful prayer flags, and well-known monasteries. We feel the warmth and friendly hospitality from the Sherpa people as our excitement to trek higher into the mountains grows. On our way up, rare species may be seen, including the musk deer, the Snow Leopard, wild goats, and many others. Be careful though! The legendary Yeti is believed to be lurking in the region.
Though the Gokyo Renjo La Trek does not include a trip to Everest Base Camp, you’ll get plenty of Mount Everest views! Also, there are plenty of other opportunities that are unique to this trekking package, including a trip to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) and the Gokyo Lakes (4,700-5,000m). Located just west of Ngozumpa Glacier, Gokyo Ri provides a panoramic view of four stunning 8,000+ meter peaks: Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. The entire Gokyo Valley can be seen, home to one of the highest settlements in the world. The high alpine, emerald-green Gokyo Lakes are unlike any sight in the world. We take our time, snapping photos and enjoying this once in a lifetime experience. We feel a great rush and a smile across our faces knowing that we are surrounded by the most cherished landscapes in the world.
After Gokyo, we trudge up the Renjo La Pass (5345m), where a jagged line of mountain peaks looms straight ahead. Below, we get one last shimmering glimpse of Gokyo Lakes. From here on out, it’s down, down, down. Before reaching Namche, we stop in Thame – a village so charming, you won’t want to leave. The village fills visitors with a great sense of inner peace.
Trekking is possible throughout the year, but Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) provide the best weather. During the Spring, there is a bit more color and the rhododendrons are blooming, and in the Autumn months, the skies are generally clearer. The Gokyo Renjo La Trek requires fitness and acclimatization to avoid acute mountain sickness. Breeze Adventure arranges the trek with complete management. Please, feel free to contact us for more detailed information.
Trip Highlights
Enjoying a tranquil, less populated route to Gokyo Ri and Gokyo Lakes
Mesmerizing emerald-green lakes at Gokyo Ri
Captivating Himalayan peaks including views of Mt. Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,463m), and Cho Oyu (8,188m)
Experience Sherpa villages and Tibetan Buddhist culture
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.
- Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2860m), trek to Phakding (2610m) – 30-minute flight, 2-3 hours trek
- Day 04: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m) – 6-7 hours
- Day 05: Acclimatization and exploration day in Namche Bazaar
- Day 06: Trek from Namche to Dole (4038m)– 5 hours
- Day 07: Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4470m) – 4 to 5 hours
- Day 08: Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo Village (4750m) – 4 hours
- Day 09: Exploration day at Gokyo Village. ( Hike to Gokyo Ri (5357m) and explore around Lake and Glacier, 4-5 hours.
- Day 10: Trek from Gokyo to Lungden (4500m) via Renjo La Pass (5360m), 7-8 hours.
- Day 11: Trek from Lungden to Thame (3850m)
- Day 12: Trek from Thame to Namche Bazaar
- Day 13: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla – 6-7 hours
- Day 14: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu in the morning – 30-minute flight
- Day 15: Transport from hotel to Tribhuvan Airport for departure from Nepal.
Trip note
Accommodation
All our packages include accommodation at the cost. This accommodation is included during the set itinerary. While in Kathmandu, we provide a 2-3 Star hotel for you. During the trek, our guides will pick the best lodge for you to stay based on their experience as well as room availability. All the accommodations will be the twin-shared basis. In the mountain, Shower and toilet will be on Sharing basis. During high trekking season, you may have to share a room with a same-sex trekker from another group.
Food
Nepal has a wide variety of food and it is easy to cater to your needs. If you are a vegetarian/vegan, gluten or lactose free, we are able to work around that if you let us know ahead of time. During your time in the hotel in Kathmandu, your breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner must be covered on your own. On the trek, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided. For teahouse treks, we can order typical Nepali food, continental, Italian, Tibetan and Indian at teahouses. While camping, we will prepare the meals for you. After our trek, we will have a celebration/pre-departure traditional Nepali meal in Thamel.
Guide & Porters
A government-licensed guide will lead the trek. All our guides have tremendous experience on the trails and are passionate about the trekking industry. Our guides and porters are dedicated to making your experience of trekking in Nepal a memorable one. If there is any worry during your trek, our guides will address it. Your safety is our number one priority. For groups of more than six people, there will be two guides. For teahouse treks, there will be one porter for every two trekkers. For camping treks, we will need more porters in order to carry the food, kitchen equipment, tents, etc.
Acclimatization/Fitness/Experience
As many of our treks lead us high into the Himalayas, it is necessary to let our bodies sufficiently get used to the altitude. Our treks have acclimatization days built into the itinerary. It is best to take it slow to prevent altitude sickness. The level of fitness necessary for our treks varies depending on the trek. On average, expect to walk an average of 5-6 hours per day while on the trial. Generally, the treks can be done with an average level of fitness. More important than fitness or experience is one’s personal determination and positive attitude toward finishing and enjoying the trek.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend having travel insurance before going on a trek. We do our best to take care of you, but something can happen that is out of our control. In case of medical emergency, leading to a helicopter evacuation, it is best to have insurance. You are unable to obtain medical insurance in Nepal and must do so in your home country. Be sure that your insurance covers accidents abroad and high in the mountains.
Best Time to Travel
The peak seasons for traveling in Nepal are during the Spring (March to May) and the Autumn (September to November). These times provide the best scenery and clearest skies, but of course they are a little more crowded than the off-season. It is possible to trek during the Winter (December to February), but you will face cold temperatures. It is also possible to trek during the monsoon season (June to August), though the views will likely be covered by clouds and there is a high chance of rainfall.
Domestic Flights
Insert a cushion of a couple of added days on your travel schedule, advised as a margin of security for your flight from Nepal. We advise that you schedule an extra two days cushion in your itinerary. Breeze Adventure can arrange activities with your additional days in Kathmandu.
