Overview And Highlights

Trip Facts

Trip Type

Lodge Trek

Grade

Moderate

Altitude

5340 m.

Transportation

Ktm-Lukla-Ktm by Flight

Group Size

1 or more

Best Season

Spring and Autumn

Duration

13 Days

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Gokyo through Renjo La pass:

The Renjo La Pass – Gokyo Trek is an adventurous and scenic journey in the Everest region, combining the beauty of Gokyo Lakes with the thrill of crossing the high-altitude Renjo La Pass (5360m). Starting from Lukla, it follows the classic Everest trail to Namche Bazaar, then veers off into the less-crowded Gokyo Valley, with stunning lake views, glacier walks, and mountain panoramas before crossing Renjo La into the Thame Valley. This trek offers a quieter, less commercial experience with equally grand views of Everest (8848.86m.) and surrounding giants. This area also includes many other peaks of altitudes of 8000m or more, such as Lhotse (fourth highest), Makalu (fifth) and Cho Oyu (sixth highest).

A little off the main trekking trail, Thamo and Thame offers visits to Sherpa culture where people have maintained the traditional way of life. You can experience the local culture through home stay accommodations. Cultural groups perform shows for tourists on request. In addition, you can explore the jungle near the settlement sheltering endangered wildlife species, like musk deer and pheasants. The mainstay of the local economy here is tourism.

Itinerary Expand All Close All

Day 1 : Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m.) takes about 35 minutes. Trek from Lukla to Phakding (2640 m.) takes approximately three hours.

Food

BLD

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

2886

You transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Lukla. Lukla is a small town with an airport. 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) can be seen in the distance on the opposite bank, and is a peak atop the Kongde Ridge. You descend a mountainside path that merges into your route to Everest, with views to a valley to your right; and at its far end, Kusum Kang (6367m.) The Dudh Kosi approaches as you pass a Mani wall and arrive at Ghat teahouse. You continue along a small path with many climbs and descents following the left bank of the Dudh Koshi to Phakding. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 2 : Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) takes about four and half hours.

Food

BLD

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

3440

The trail starts along a level path along the right bank. 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 the tiny village of Monjo. Now you descend the 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, also 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 Nampa La. After short distance along the Bhote Koshi, begin the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. As the mountain path zigzags uphill, you will emerge at a ridge top rest area that offers excellent views of Everest (8848m) and Lhotse (8516m.) The climb eases somewhat, and Namche Bazaar appears ahead as you travel along the path surrounded by pines. You will pass the plateau where the Saturday bazaar is held and enter the village. Namche Bazaar (3440m) is surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges and opens out only where it faces the Bhote Koshi. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 3 : Rest at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization and excursion around the places.

Food

BLD

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

3440

It is an ideal place to spend a rest day for acclimatization at the high altitude before heading off towards Tyangboche. For the acclimatization you can walk up to Khunde Hospital which was set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or can 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. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 4 : Trek from Namche Bazaar to Thame (3800m) takes about four hours.

Food

BLD

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

3800

From Namche the route turns west and the trail is almost level as you head up the Bhote Koshi Valley, once a popular trading route into Tibet. After descending to the Bhote Koshi the trail climbs steeply to Thame. From here, there are good views of the peaks of Teng Kangpoche and Kwangde and to the north is the Nangpa La, the pass leading to Tibet. Thame Gompa is situated above the village overlooking the valley and is the site for the spring celebrations of the Mani Rimdu festival. You can visit Khumbu Bijuli Power on the banks of Bhote Koshi. Another place worth visiting is the Khare Monastery. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 5 : Rest at Thame. In addition to this, you can visit Thambuchet and Tashi Lapcha Base Camp which divides Khumbu from Dolakha.

Food

BLD

Accomodation

Lodge

You can also hike to Samdur peak from where spectacular views of Mt. Everest can be seen. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 6 : Trek from Thame to Lungden via Taranga takes about five hours.This day you walk around the villages.

Food

BLD

Accomodation

Lodge

You can enjoy the views of the landscape, vegetation and mountains. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 7 : Rest day at Lungden. You can visit Nakpa Valley which falls on the old trade route of Tibet. Another attraction is to hike to Darkyachhulung peak.

Food

BLD

Accomodation

Lodge

You can also visit Marlung the sacred site of Warfield. Yet another hike can be done to Lake Cho Relmo. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 8 : Trek from Lungden to Gokyo via Renjola Pass takes about six hours. On the way you can observe local activities like yak herding.

Food

BLD

Accomodation

Lodge

The views of the mountains and the chance to experience wildlife add excitement to your trekking. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 9 : Rest day at Gokyo and excursion in and around Gokyo valley. Gokyo is situated by the side of Ngozumpa glacier, the biggest glacier of Nepal.

Food

BLD

Accomodation

Lodge

This day you can make a side trip to Fifth Lake via Forth Lake. Or you can trek from Gokyo to Gokyo Ri. Gokyo Ri looms above the village on the northern edge of the lake. You leave camp just after first light, following a steep path up the hillside. As you 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 finest to be had in the Everest region - some say it is even better than that from Kala Patthar. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 10 : Trek from Gokyo to Dole via Machhermo which takes about five hours. It is a short walk to the village of Machermo following the Dudh Koshi stream.

Food

BLD

Accomodation

Lodge

There are yak pastures and a few human settlements. From here you can have an excellent view of Tawoche. While trekking from Machhermo to Dole you can enjoy the views of mountains, landscapes and river. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 11 : Trek from Dole to Namche takes about five hours. On the way you can view landscapes, settlements and mountains.

Food

BLD

Accomodation

Lodge

Local activities like yak herding can also be seen. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 12 : Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2886 m.) takes about six hours.

Food

BLD

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

2886

The last day of your trek leads from Namche Bazaar via Monjo to Lukla. The trek is pleasant, except for few short uphill climbs and then down to the Bhote- Koshi River crossing it three times. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes will bring you to Lukla for your overnight stay. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 13 : Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu

Food

Breakfast

Elevation

1400

Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu takes about 35 minutes. You take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu.

What Is Included ?

Airport pick-up and drop-off services by private vehicle
Trekking guide
One porter for every 2 trekking participants (1 porter carries 25 kilograms of luggage)
All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Accommodation in teahouses (lodges) during the trek
Trekking equipments: Sleeping bags, down jackets, duffle bags, trekking poles, etc.
Entry permit for Sagarmatha National Park
Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card
Local government entrance fee
Flight tickets from Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu
Insurance and equipments for the guides and porters
First aid kit
Tax, VAT and our service charge
Rescue assistance (In case of emergency, we will organize prompt and professional rescue services. To arrange timely evacuation/rescue by helicopter, you must be well insured from a reliable travel insurance company that covers both helicopter evacuation and medical treatment cost.)
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening
Souvenir

What Is Excluded?

Personal nature expenses (Telephone calls, internet, toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers and any alcoholic beverages)
Travel insurance
Tips for involved staffs
Meals and hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (even in case of early arrival or late departure, early return from trekking due to any personal reason than the scheduled itinerary)

Renjo La Pass-Gokyo Trek Altitude Profile

Route Map

FAQs

It’s considered a moderate to challenging trek. The difficulty lies in the high elevation (up to 5,360m), the steep climb to the pass, and occasional snow or icy conditions. However, there’s no technical climbing, so trekkers with good fitness, determination, and basic trekking experience can enjoy it. Proper acclimatization is key to reducing difficulty.

The trek usually takes 12 to 14 days, depending on the route and acclimatization needs. A common itinerary includes:

Arrival in Kathmandu
Flight to Lukla and trek to Namche Bazaar
Trek to Thame, Lungden, Gokyo
Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357m)
Cross Machhermo to Dole
Return to Namche and Lukla

Several things make this trek outstanding:

Breathtaking views from Renjo La of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu
The turquoise Gokyo Lakes, among the highest freshwater lakes in the world
The dramatic Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest in Nepal
Peaceful villages like Dole, Machhermo, and Thame

A chance to experience authentic Sherpa culture away from the crowded Everest Base Camp route

Yes, because elevations rise above 5000 meters. However, the route usually allows for gradual acclimatization, especially if you spend rest days in Namche Bazaar and Gokyo. Symptoms like headache, fatigue, or nausea should not be ignored. Climb slowly, hydrate well, and consider carrying Diamox as a precaution.

The best seasons are:

Spring (March–May): Clear skies, mild weather, blooming rhododendrons
Autumn (September–November): Excellent mountain views, dry weather, vibrant landscapes
Winter (Dec–Feb) can bring snow on the pass, and monsoon (June–Aug) is wet and muddy, making the Renjo La Pass more dangerous and visibility poor.

Absolutely! The Renjo La Pass – Gokyo Trek is a stunning standalone trek and a great alternative to the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek. It’s ideal for those looking for fewer crowds, diverse scenery, and epic mountain views without going to EBC. That said, if you have time, you can combine it with Cho La Pass and EBC as part of the Three Passes Trek.

A guide is highly recommended, especially for the Renjo La Pass crossing, where snow, fog, or confusing trails can pose risks. A porter can make the trek more enjoyable by carrying your gear. While independent trekking is allowed, going with a guide ensures safety, cultural connection, and local support.

You’ll need:

Sagarmatha National Park Permit
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

Compared to the main EBC trail, the Renjo La and Gokyo route is much less crowded, especially before the pass. Villages like Dole, Machhermo, and Thame are tranquil and less commercialized. You’ll get a more peaceful and authentic experience, even in peak season.

Estimated budget:

Independent trek: $40–$50 per day

With guide and porter: $70–$100 per day

Fully guided package: $1200–$2000+ (includes permits, Lukla flights, accommodation, food, guide/porter)

Extras: tips, gear rental, snacks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging, and insurance.

Nepal Environmental Treks & Expedition ensures you to provide a well planned itinerary for Renjo La Pass-Gokyo trek. An experienced and highly professional climbing guide will be assigned to each climbing member. All necessary logistics will be taken care from our side. However, we expect to maintain good health and physical condition as well as well good mental preparation from your side.

Additional Information

Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.

General Items:

Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)

Clothing Items:

Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff

Sun-worn Items:

Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm

Gadgets:

Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),

Liquid/Snacks:

Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks

Medical Essentials:

First Aid Kit

Optional:

Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc

Additional items for camping trek:

Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses

Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.