Gokyo Lakes and Renjo La Pass Crossing
- 16 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Dec)
We guide you off the main Everest trail, crossing the 5360 m Renjo La pass and visiting the sacred Gokyo lakes.
At a glance
Trip overview
We designed this 16-day itinerary for trekkers who want to experience the Everest region away from the busier main trail to base camp. By heading west from Namche Bazaar, our route enters the upper Dudh Koshi valley toward Dole and Machhermo, leading us to the turquoise, oligotrophic waters of the Gokyo Lakes beneath the shadow of Cho Oyu.
The physical focal point of our journey is the crossing of the Renjo La Pass at 5360 m. From this historic trade route connecting the Khumbu to Tibet, we look out across a massive expanse of high-altitude peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, before descending past Lunden into the Thame valley.
This trek suits hikers with previous high-altitude experience and solid cardiovascular fitness. Daily walking times range from four to seven hours over rocky moraines, stone staircases, and potentially snow-covered high passes. Our experienced local guides manage your pace and monitor your acclimatisation closely throughout the trip.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Renjo La Pass
We cross this 5360 m high pass on rocky stone steps, rewarded with a wide view over the Gokyo valley and major Himalayan peaks.
Sacred Gokyo Lakes
We spend time exploring the series of high-altitude freshwater glacial lakes nestled beneath Cho Oyu.
Sagarmatha National Park
We trek through protected alpine forests of pine and rhododendron inside a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Gokyo Ri Viewpoint
We climb to 5360 m at dawn to watch sunrise strike the summit pyramids of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu.
Sherpa Villages
We stay in family-run teahouses and visit ancient Buddhist monasteries through Namche, Thame, and Dole.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport upon your arrival and transfers you to your hotel in Kathmandu. You have the rest of the day to rest or check your gear.
Day 2
Rest Day in Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Rest Day in Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We spend today handling final trek preparations, checking permits, and allowing time to recover from international travel.
Day 3
Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding
Meals: B / L / D
After an early flight from Kathmandu or Ramechhap to Lukla (2860 m), we begin our walk on a stone-paved trail alongside the Dudh Koshi river, passing through small settlements until we reach Phakding (2652 m).
Day 4
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
We cross suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi, enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, and make a sustained uphill climb through pine forests to reach the bustling regional hub of Namche Bazaar (3440 m).
Day 5
Acclimatisation Day in Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Acclimatisation Day in Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
We hike up toward the Everest View Hotel (3880 m) and the village of Khumjung to help our bodies adjust to the thin air, returning to Namche for the afternoon.
Day 6
Trek to Dole
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Trek to Dole
Meals: B / L / D
We leave the main Everest Base Camp trail, climbing high above the Dudh Koshi valley past chortens and yak pastures through Mong La before descending slightly and climbing again to Dole (4200 m).
Day 7
Trek to Machhermo
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Trek to Machhermo
Meals: B / L / D
The trail continues upward alongside open hillsides and scrub juniper, offering our first close views of Cho Oyu before we arrive at Machhermo (4470 m) by early afternoon.
Day 8
Trek to Gokyo Lake
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Trek to Gokyo Lake
Meals: B / L / D
We hike along the lateral moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal, before dropping down to the edge of the sacred third Gokyo lake at Gokyo (4790 m).
Day 9
Hike to Gokyo Ri, Return to Gokyo
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Hike to Gokyo Ri, Return to Gokyo
Meals: B / L / D
We start before dawn to climb the steep, gravelly switchbacks of Gokyo Ri (5360 m) for panoramic views of the high peaks, then descend back to Gokyo for a restful afternoon.
Day 10
Trek to Lunden via Renjo La Pass
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Trek to Lunden via Renjo La Pass
Meals: B / L / D
We traverse the western shore of the lake and climb steadily over steep, rocky terrain to cross the Renjo La Pass (5360 m), before descending past frozen tarns to the remote settlement of Lunden (4368 m).
Day 11
Trek to Thame
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Trek to Thame
Meals: B / L / D
We follow the Bhote Koshi river downstream along an ancient trade route, passing traditional stone houses to reach the historic village of Thame (3820 m).
Day 12
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
Day 12
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
Our trail winds through pine forests and past cliffside mani walls, bringing us back into Namche Bazaar for our final evening in the upper valleys.
Day 13
Trek to Lukla
Meals: B / L / D
Day 13
Trek to Lukla
Meals: B / L / D
We retrace our steps down the steep stone stairs to the Dudh Koshi valley, passing through Monjo and Phakding before our final uphill push to Lukla (2860 m).
Day 14
Return Flight to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 14
Return Flight to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We board our morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu or Ramechhap and transfer to our hotel for a free afternoon.
Day 15
Leisure Day in Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 15
Leisure Day in Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
You have a free day in Kathmandu to rest, shop for souvenirs, or explore the city streets at your own pace.
Day 16
Trip Departure
Meals: B
Day 16
Trip Departure
Meals: B
Our driver transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure flight.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off in a private vehicle
- Four nights of 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
- Best available twin-share teahouse lodges during the trek
- Experienced English-speaking guide and porters (one porter for every two trekkers)
- Staff insurance, food, salary, and equipment
- Round-trip domestic flights between Kathmandu and Lukla
- All required park entry permits and local taxes
- Use of a down jacket, sleeping bag, and duffel bag during the trek
- First-aid medical kit and pulse oximeter carried by our guide
Not included
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Personal travel insurance covering high-altitude emergency evacuation
- Meals in Kathmandu except for daily hotel breakfast
- Hot showers, device charging, and Wi-Fi fees at teahouses along the trail
- Bottled water and soft drinks during the trek
- Tips and gratuities for trekking guides and porters
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & Acclimatisation
We spend two nights in Namche Bazaar and include dedicated altitude gains to help your body adjust to oxygen levels above 4000 m. Our guides carry pulse oximeters and monitor your condition daily.
Teahouse Accommodation
Lodges along the Gokyo route are simple, twin-share rooms with wooden beds and foam mattresses. Dining rooms are heated with yak dung or wood stoves, but bedrooms are unheated.
Weather & Mountain Flights
Flights between Kathmandu and Lukla are subject to changing weather conditions in the mountains. We recommend building a couple of buffer days into your international travel schedule.
Drinking Water
Bottled water is restricted in Sagarmatha National Park to reduce plastic waste. We advise bringing a reusable bottle and purification tablets or a reliable filter.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy waterproof hiking bootsEssential
Footwear
Must be broken in prior to the trek.
Warm down jacketEssential
Clothing
Rated for sub-zero temperatures (provided by us if needed).
Waterproof shell jacket and trousersEssential
Clothing
Gore-Tex or equivalent breathable fabric.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Sleeping bag rated to -15°CEssential
Camping
Provided by us during your trek.
Trekking polesEssential
Safety
Essential for stability on steep descents from Renjo La.
UV protection sunglassesEssential
Safety
Category 3 or 4 lenses for high-altitude glare.
Headlamp with extra batteriesEssential
Safety
Required for early morning starts like Gokyo Ri.
Valid passport and insurance detailsEssential
Documents
Keep physical copies in your daypack.
Reusable water bottles and purification tabletsEssential
Safety
For safe daily hydration on the trail.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
PermitRequired for entering the Sagarmatha National Park protected area.
Local Area Permit
PermitLocal government rural municipality fee for Khumbu region.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Gokyo Lake Renjo La Pass Trek?
This is a moderately strenuous trek. The main challenges are the high altitude, reaching 5360 m at Renjo La Pass and Gokyo Ri, and walking five to seven hours each day on rocky, uneven mountain trails.
What is the highest altitude reached on this trek?
The highest points on this itinerary are the Renjo La Pass and Gokyo Ri viewpoint, both situated at an altitude of 5360 m.
Do I need previous trekking experience?
Previous high-altitude hiking experience and a solid level of physical fitness are strongly recommended. You should be comfortable walking consecutive days over rough terrain in cold weather.
What happens if the Lukla flight is delayed?
Mountain weather can cause flight delays in Lukla. We advise adding two buffer days to your international flight schedule to accommodate any schedule adjustments.
Are private rooms available in the teahouses?
Teahouses primarily offer twin-share rooms. Single rooms can sometimes be arranged at lower elevations, but availability becomes very limited and cannot be guaranteed at higher camps like Gokyo and Lunden.
What kind of insurance do I need?
You must hold a comprehensive travel insurance policy that explicitly covers trekking up to 6000 m and emergency helicopter evacuation.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 16 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
Ready to book Gokyo Lakes and Renjo La Pass Crossing?
Talk to a Himalaya Treks planner about departure dates, group discounts, or a customised private departure.