The Gokyo & Renjo La trek will take us to the best viewpoint of Everest in the entire Sagarmatha national park, Gokyo Ri, and the Renjo La (5360m) high pass.
The itinerary also has the benefit of avoiding the touristy path towards Everest Base camp, reaching instead the magnificent Gokyo lake, traversing the challenging Renjo La (5360m) into the Bhote Koshi valley. Here we will experience traditional Sherpa villages not yet exposed to the high afflux of tourists found in the Base Camp trek, providing a unique experience of the Himalayas.
The trek has a duration of 11-12 days and is recommended for trekkers that wish to experience their first high pass in the Everest region.
Please note that all itineraries are indicative and will be tailored for each individual trekking group.
Itineraries may also change during the trek as a function of weather forecast and health&fitness of group members. Safety first!
Day 1: Flight to Lukla (2840m). Lukla – Phakding (2610m)
4-5h. A pleasant walk through pine forests alongside the river will bring you to Phakding, the first stop of our journey. Comfortable lodges and cozy tea houses offer a wide range of refreshments and food options.
Day 2: Phakding (2610m) – Namche Bazar (3500m)
5-6h. With nearly 1000m of altitude gain, today is one of the most physical days of the trek. The altitude is still relatively low and the path guides us in and out the pine trees shadows, crossing several suspended bridges, among which the famous Hillary bridge.
Day 3: Rest day in Namche Bazar (3500m)
Rest days are designed for acclimatisation purposes. Furthermore, Namche offers the opportunity to gather your last supplies before heading higher up the mountain. Snacks, ATMs, maps, equipment, souvenirs – everything is available here, even an Irish pub (I suggest celebratory drinks on your way down – stay healthy on the way up!). Activities available during the rest day include
- Everest view hotel – with a 1h30 hike, you can get your first view of Everest while sipping a warm tea
- Khunde Village – 1h30 hike to visit a traditional Nepali settlement.
- Just rest your legs!
Day 4: Namche Bazar (3500m) – Dhole (4200m)
5-6h. First night above 4000m. Make sure to stay warm and drink hot liquids.
Day 5:Dhole (4200m) – Machermo (4480m)
3-4h. With 280m altitude gain, today is easier on the legs. Light headache can be expected.
Day 6: Machermo (4480m) – Gokyo (4790m)
2-3h. Short day of walking because of the altitude. Gokyo is the highest place where we will sleep. Depending on our physical condition and morale, we may consider resting or doing one of the following day activities.
– Gokyo Ri (5360m)-2h- a steep but short walk up to the view point which offers stunning sigths of Everest(8848m), Lothse(8516m), Makalu(8481m) and Cho Oyu(8188m).
– The Fifth Lake (4990m) – 6h (total) – Flat and long walk towards Cho Oyu base camp and back bordering the amazing Ngozumba glacier. Not a challenging hike but a long distance to cover.
Day 7: Gokyo (4790m) – Lumde (4400m) trough Renjo La (5360m)
7-8h. This is the most challenging day of the trek and the most rewarding one. Experiencing headache after having been above 5000m is normal and it will disappear as you descend. Eat and sleep well, you deserve it!
Day 8: Lumde (4400m) – Thame (3800m)
4-5h. On the way down! Thame is an historical village for the Sherpa people in the Everest region as many high altitude climbers originated from here. You are now below 4000m.
Day 9: Thame (3800m) – Namche Bazar (3500m)
3-4h. A short day back to Namche where you can finally enjoy the pleasures of civilisation. Now is the time to celebrate!
Day 10: Namche Bazar (3500m) – Phakding (2610m)
4-5h. Take your time through the pine hills and enjoy the last days of the trek.
Day 11: Phakding (2610m) – Lukla (2840m)
4-5h. Depending on the time of your flight, you might be able to fly to KTM right away or you may need to spend the night in Lukla.
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