# Gokyo Lakes and Renjo La Pass Trek

> The Gokyo Lakes and Renjo La Pass trek is a 14-day loop in the Everest region for trekkers who want big views without the crowds of the main Everest Base Camp trail. Walk up from Namche Bazaar to the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) for one of the best views of Everest in Nepal, then cross the high Renjo La (5,360 m) pass, with Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu lined up behind you, and descend through the quiet Bhote Koshi valley to the Sherpa village of Thame.Graded strenuous because of the pass and the altitude, it is ideal for fit trekkers with some experience. Lukla flights, permits, a licensed guide, porters, teahouses and all meals on the trek are included.

## Trip facts
- **Destination:** Nepal
- **Duration:** 14 days
- **Difficulty:** Strenuous
- **Activity:** Trekking
- **Max altitude:** 5,360 m / 17,585 ft (Renjo La)
- **Best season:** Oct–Nov, Mar–May
- **Group size:** 1–12 people
- **Accommodation:** Hotel in Kathmandu, teahouses on the trek
- **Meals:** Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek
- **Price:** from US$1,590 per person
- **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/gokyo-renjo-la-pass-trek
- **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=gokyo-renjo-la-pass-trek

## Overview
**Quick answer:** the Gokyo Lakes and Renjo La Pass trek takes 14 days from Kathmandu, reaches 5,360 m at Renjo La and 5,357 m on Gokyo Ri, and costs from US$1,590 per person. It is graded strenuous.

This loop links two of the most beautiful parts of the Khumbu. The Gokyo valley holds a chain of glacial lakes beside the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal, under the huge south face of Cho Oyu. Renjo La, the westernmost of the Everest region's three high passes, is a quieter alternative to Cho La, with one of the finest views of Everest from any pass. The return through Thame, one of the oldest Sherpa villages in the Khumbu, makes it a true circuit, with no retracing of steps until Namche.

### Gokyo Renjo La trek at a glance

Trip factDetailsDuration14 days (11 days of trekking)Maximum altitudeRenjo La, 5,360 mGradeStrenuousStart and finishLukla, by flight from Kathmandu or RamechhapPermitsSagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality feeBest timeOctober–November and March–MayCostFrom US$1,590 per person### Why choose this trek?

- **Gokyo Lakes**, a chain of turquoise glacial lakes beneath Cho Oyu.
- **Gokyo Ri**, with views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu.
- **Renjo La**, a high pass with a classic Everest view.
- **Thame** and the quiet Bhote Koshi valley.
- **Far fewer trekkers** than on the main EBC trail.

### How difficult is it?

Most days are 5–7 hours, but the pass day is long, 7–9 hours, on rocky, steep ground that can be snowy or icy. You need good fitness and should be comfortable at altitude. The itinerary includes acclimatisation in Namche and a gradual ascent to Gokyo before the pass.

## Highlights
- Turquoise Gokyo Lakes beneath Cho Oyu
- Sunrise view of Everest from Gokyo Ri (5,357 m)
- Crossing Renjo La (5,360 m)
- Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest in Nepal
- Sherpa village of Thame and the Bhote Koshi valley

## Day-by-day itinerary
### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Our team meets you at the airport and drives you to your hotel. Trek briefing and gear check.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2,860 m), trek to Phakding (2,610 m)
Early flight to Lukla (from Ramechhap in peak season) and an easy walk to Phakding.
_Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 2,860 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 8 km_

### Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Cross the Hillary Bridge and climb steadily to Namche.
_Walking: 6 hours · Altitude: 3,440 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 11 km_

### Day 4: Acclimatisation day in Namche
Hike to the Everest View Hotel and Khumjung, then return to Namche.
_Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 3,880 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 6 km_

### Day 5: Trek to Dole (4,040 m)
Leave the main EBC trail at Mong La and climb into the quiet Gokyo valley.
_Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 4,040 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 10 km_

### Day 6: Trek to Machhermo (4,470 m)
A short day to help acclimatisation, with views of Cho Oyu ahead.
_Walking: 4 hours · Altitude: 4,470 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 7 km_

### Day 7: Trek to Gokyo (4,790 m)
Pass the first and second lakes and arrive at Gokyo on the shore of the third lake.
_Walking: 4–5 hours · Altitude: 4,790 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 7 km_

### Day 8: Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) and Gokyo Lakes
Pre-dawn climb up Gokyo Ri for sunrise on Everest and Cho Oyu. Optional afternoon walk to the fourth lake.
_Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 5,357 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 6 km_

### Day 9: Cross Renjo La (5,360 m) to Lungden (4,380 m)
Early start up to the pass for a sweeping view of Everest and the Gokyo valley, then descend to Lungden.
_Walking: 7–9 hours · Altitude: 5,360 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 12 km_

### Day 10: Trek to Thame (3,820 m)
Follow the Bhote Koshi valley down through yak pastures to Thame and its monastery.
_Walking: 5 hours · Altitude: 3,820 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 12 km_

### Day 11: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
An easy walk back to Namche through Sherpa villages.
_Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 3,440 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 9 km_

### Day 12: Trek to Lukla (2,860 m)
Descend to the Dudh Koshi and walk back to Lukla. Farewell dinner with the crew.
_Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 2,860 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 19 km_

### Day 13: Fly to Kathmandu
Morning flight to Kathmandu (or Ramechhap and drive). Afternoon free; this also serves as a buffer for weather.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 14: Departure from Kathmandu
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_

## What is included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles
- 2 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Return flights Kathmandu (or Ramechhap) – Lukla, with transfers
- Sagarmatha National Park permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek (11 nights)
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek
- Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide trained in first aid
- Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers) with their wages, food, lodging and insurance
- All government and local taxes

## Not included
- International flights to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance covering trekking to 5,500 m and helicopter evacuation (compulsory)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trek
- Extra nights caused by early return, flight delays, landslides or cancellations
- Helicopter evacuation or charter
- Personal equipment and expenses
- Tips for your guide and porters

## Useful information
### Fitness and preparation

You should be comfortable walking 5–7 hours a day for several days in a row on hilly, uneven trails. Start training two to three months before the trek with long hill walks, stair climbing and cardiovascular exercise, and break in your boots before you travel.

### Altitude sickness

The highest point is 5,360 m at Renjo La and 5,357 m on Gokyo Ri, with nights up to 4,790 m at Gokyo. Most people feel the altitude a little: a mild headache, poor sleep, less appetite. Go slowly, drink 3–4 litres a day, skip the beer until you are back down, and tell your guide straight away if you feel worse. Going down is the cure that always works. Ask your doctor before you travel whether altitude medication makes sense for you.

### Weather and temperatures

Autumn is clear and cold, with nights at Gokyo around −10°C to −15°C. Snow can fall on Renjo La at any time and make the descent icy; spring is warmer but cloudier in the afternoons.

### Domestic flights and baggage

Lukla flights are weather-dependent and often delayed. In peak season many depart from Ramechhap, about 4–5 hours' drive from Kathmandu. The baggage limit is about 15 kg including hand luggage. We recommend keeping one or two spare days before your international flight.

### Permits

The Sagarmatha National Park permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee are included.

### Money, charging and Wi-Fi

Carry Nepali rupees for drinks, snacks, showers and charging, and get them in the city; mountain ATMs are rare and unreliable. Wi-Fi is available in many lodges for a small fee. A power bank is worth packing.

### Drinking water

Buy boiled or filtered water at lodges or use purification tablets or a filter with a refillable bottle, instead of buying plastic bottles.

### Travel insurance

You need travel insurance that covers trekking to 5,500 m, medical care and helicopter rescue. We ask for your policy details before you arrive.

### Visa

You can usually get a Nepal visa on arrival at the airport or apply online in advance. Check that your passport is valid for at least six months, and pack a few passport photos for permits.

## Packing list
### Clothing

- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Fleece jacket or mid-layer
- Warm down jacket (can be borrowed from us)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers
- Trekking trousers and shirts
- Warm hat, sun hat and buff
- Liner gloves and insulated gloves
- Trekking socks

### Footwear

- Broken-in waterproof trekking boots
- Camp shoes or sandals for the lodges

### Equipment

- Sleeping bag rated to about −15°C (can be borrowed from us)
- Daypack of 25–35 litres with rain cover
- Trekking poles
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Water bottles and purification tablets
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Power bank and charging cables
- Microspikes for Renjo La (ask us before departure)
- Category 3–4 sunglasses

### Personal items

- High-factor sunscreen and lip balm
- Personal first-aid kit and medication
- Toiletries, quick-dry towel and wet wipes
- Snacks such as energy bars and nuts
- Passport, insurance details and copies

## Frequently asked questions
### How long is the Gokyo Renjo La trek?
**14 days** from Kathmandu, with 11 days of trekking.

### How high is Renjo La?
About **5,360 m**.

### How difficult is the trek?
**Strenuous**, mainly because of the long pass day and altitude.

### How much does it cost?
From **US$1,590 per person**, including Lukla flights, permits, guide, porters, teahouses and meals on the trek.

### Can I see Everest on this trek?
Yes, from Gokyo Ri and Renjo La, two of the best Everest viewpoints in Nepal.

### Is Renjo La harder than Cho La?
Renjo La is generally less technical, with no glacier crossing, but it is still a long, high pass day.

### Does this trek go to Everest Base Camp?
No, but you can add EBC via Cho La for the Three Passes route.

### When is the best time?
**October–November** and **March–May**.

### Do I need microspikes?
Often yes in autumn and spring; we'll advise before you travel.

### What permits are needed?
The **Sagarmatha National Park** permit and the **Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality** fee, both included.

### Is it crowded?
Much less than the main EBC trail, especially on the Renjo La and Thame sections.

### Do I need previous experience?
Previous trekking at altitude is helpful but not essential if you are fit and acclimatise well.