Our Gokyo Lake Renjo La Pass Trek (14 Days) with Igloo Himalaya Treks went beyond every expectation we had. What truly stood out was how safe, professional, and attentive our guide Sagar was. Crossing Renjo La at 5,360 m was intense, but we felt completely supported every single step. Standing on top of the pass with turquoise Gokyo Lake below and Mount Everest in full panorama took our breath away. The descent through Lungden and Thame gave us an authentic, uncrowded Sherpa cultural experience. Outstanding service!
Gokyo Lake Renjo La Pass Trek — 14 Days
Follow the Gokyo Valley to its mountain lakes, climb Gokyo Ri and cross Renjo La on this 14-day trek through the Khumbu. The approach passes through Namche Bazaar, Dole and Machhermo, with time for acclimatisation in Namche and two nights in Gokyo. After the viewpoint hike, cross the high pass and descend towards Lungden and Thame. This route combines lake scenery and mountain views with a different return valley before rejoining the trail through Namche to Lukla.
Key Trip Facts
Gokyo Renjo La Trek Overview
Our 14-day Gokyo Renjo La Trek follows the Gokyo Valley to its mountain lakes before crossing Renjo La into the western Khumbu. You approach through Namche Bazaar, Dole and Machhermo, spend two nights in Gokyo and hike Gokyo Ri. The return follows Lungden and Thame, giving the journey a different route back towards Namche Bazaar.
After flying to Lukla, walk through Phakding and cross suspension bridges on the way to Namche Bazaar. We spend two nights here, including an acclimatisation hike above the town. Beyond Namche, the trail turns towards Mong La and Phortse Tenga before climbing through forest to Dole. Sherpa villages, prayer wheels and mani walls line sections of the approach, reflecting the Buddhist traditions of the people who live here.
From Dole, continue through grazing country to Machhermo and the lakes beside Gokyo Village. An early hike to Gokyo Ri offers views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu when the weather is clear. We return to Gokyo for another night before crossing Renjo La and descending through Lungden towards Thame and the lower valley.
This trek includes consecutive walking days, substantial gains in sleeping altitude and a demanding pass crossing. Namche provides an acclimatisation stop, while the additional night in Gokyo allows a viewpoint hike before Renjo La. Snow and ice can make the pass more difficult. Prepare for uphill walking, long descents and cold mornings, and discuss your experience and health before booking.
You stay in mountain teahouses during the trek and a hotel in Kathmandu. The 14-day programme covers your arrival, the walking journey, return travel and departure from Nepal.
Key Route Highlights & Destinations
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Gokyo Renjo La Trek Highlights
Why Book the Gokyo Renjo La Trek with Igloo Himalaya Treks?
We help you prepare in Kathmandu and support your walking journey through the Khumbu. This package includes the following arrangements.
Trek Briefing and Gear Check
Before leaving Kathmandu, we explain the programme, check your essential equipment and help with last-minute preparations. You can ask questions about the walking days, accommodation and what to carry.
Guide and Porter Support
Your package includes a licensed, English-speaking guide and one porter for every two trekkers. Your guide leads the route and explains local landmarks, while your porter carries your main trekking bag.
Equipment Checks Before Your Trek
Prepare your sleeping bag, warm jacket, trekking bag and personal equipment before departure. Ask us about any rental arrangements and charges so your quotation confirms the equipment supplied for your trek.
Communication When Plans Change
Weather can affect Lukla flights and the trekking schedule. Our team keeps you informed, explains the available options and discusses the next steps with you, including any additional accommodation or transport costs.
Gokyo Renjo La Trek Itinerary — Day by Day
Our 14-day itinerary includes Namche acclimatisation, two nights in Gokyo, a Gokyo Ri hike and the Renjo La crossing. Walking times are approximate; your pace, weather, trail conditions and health can affect the schedule.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrival in Nepal — Kathmandu (1,400 m) — Welcome & Briefing
Welcome to Nepal. Our representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and accompanies you to your hotel. After you settle in, we go through the trekking programme, check your essential equipment and discuss any questions you have.
Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the nearby streets of Thamel or rest after your flight. We also help with any final preparations before you leave for the Everest region.
Day 2: Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding
Scenic Flight & Trek — Phakding (2,610 m) — Approx. 3–4 hrs (8 km)
Your mountain journey begins with a flight to Lukla at 2,860 m. Depending on airline operations and the season, the flight may depart from Kathmandu or Manthali Airport in Ramechhap.
After landing, you meet your trekking team and begin walking towards Phakding. The trail passes village homes, prayer wheels and forested slopes, with downhill stretches and shorter climbs along the way. Sections follow the Dudh Koshi River, introducing you to the valley you will explore over the coming days. We spend the night in Phakding.
Day 3: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Sagarmatha Entry — Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) — Approx. 5–6 hrs (10–11 km)
We follow the Dudh Koshi through villages and pine forests, passing Benkar and Monjo before entering Sagarmatha National Park. Your guide handles the permit checks along the route.
Suspension bridges connect the valley trails, followed by a sustained uphill walk towards Namche. This final climb is the most demanding part of the day, so we allow time for breaks. Namche’s shops, lodges and houses spread across the hillside, making it an important trading town and a useful place to spend the next two nights.
Day 4: Acclimatisation Day in Namche Bazaar
Acclimatisation Walk — Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) — Approx. 3–4 hrs (5–6 km)
We stay another night in Namche and take a shorter hike above the town. A usual option is the trail towards Hotel Everest View, where clear weather offers views of Everest and nearby peaks.
Your guide chooses the walk according to conditions and how the group is feeling. Afterwards, we return to Namche for the night. The afternoon gives you time to rest, visit the shops or stop at a café before continuing towards Dole tomorrow.
Day 5: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole
Via Mong La & Forest — Dole (4,200 m) — Approx. 6–7 hrs
Leaving Namche, follow the hillside towards Kyangjuma before turning onto the Gokyo trail. The route climbs to Mong La, then descends towards Phortse Tenga, with mountain views when the weather allows.
After crossing the lower slopes, climb through pine and rhododendron forest towards Dole. This stage gains considerable sleeping altitude, despite the descent along the way. We keep a measured pace and check how you are feeling. At Dole, settle into your teahouse and rest before continuing towards Machhermo tomorrow morning.
Day 6: Trek from Dole to Machhermo
Alpine Grazing Slopes — Machhermo (4,470 m) — Approx. 3–4 hrs
From Dole, the path climbs above the village and follows the hillside through open grazing country. Pass Lhabarma and Luza, with views towards Cho Oyu in clear weather. The higher altitude calls for steady walking.
Forests become less common as the trail continues across slopes with low vegetation and stone buildings. We reach Machhermo and check into a teahouse for the night. Use the afternoon to rest and get ready for tomorrow’s walk towards the lakes and Gokyo Village.
Day 7: Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo
Glacial Valley & Lakes — Gokyo (4,790 m) — Approx. 4–5 hrs
Leaving Machhermo, continue up the valley towards the lakes. Rocky paths and uneven ground call for care as we gain height beside the Ngozumpa Glacier. Pass the lakes before reaching Gokyo Village beside Dudh Pokhari.
After checking into your teahouse, rest and organise your warm layers for tomorrow’s early hike. We spend two nights in Gokyo, giving you time for the viewpoint before the pass crossing. The lakes and surrounding slopes form the village’s setting.
Day 8: Hike to Gokyo Ri and Return to Gokyo
Summit Panorama — Gokyo (4,790 m) — Approx. 4–5 hrs return
We start early and climb the path above Gokyo towards Gokyo Ri. The altitude adds effort to the ascent, so walk steadily and follow your guide’s directions. Warm layers and a headtorch are useful before the sun rises.
In clear weather, the viewpoint offers views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu, with the lakes and Ngozumpa Glacier below. Descend carefully to Gokyo and rest. Your guide reviews your progress and the conditions before tomorrow’s Renjo La crossing.
Day 9: Cross Renjo La Pass and Trek to Lungden
High Pass Crossing — Lungden (4,380 m) — Approx. 7–8 hrs
We leave Gokyo early and climb towards Renjo La. The ascent is steep, with rocky ground and possible snow or ice. Your guide assesses conditions and your progress throughout.
From the pass, clear weather gives views across the Gokyo Lakes and surrounding peaks, including Everest. After a break, begin the long descent on stone steps and uneven paths towards the western side of the Khumbu.
Continue down towards Lungden in the Bhote Koshi valley, where we stay in a teahouse. This is a demanding day; allow time and energy for the descent.
Day 10: Trek from Lungden to Thame
Bhote Koshi Valley — Thame (3,800 m) — Approx. 3–4 hrs
From Lungden, follow the Bhote Koshi valley towards Thame. The route loses height and passes grazing areas, stone-walled fields and villages. After yesterday’s pass crossing, the shorter stage allows a steadier walk, with time to pause along the valley trail.
Thame is a Sherpa village known for its Buddhist monastery and its position on routes towards the upper valley. Settle into your teahouse and rest. Ask your guide about local visiting customs and current access before exploring nearby paths or considering a monastery visit.
Day 11: Trek from Thame to Namche Bazaar
Sherpa Valleys & Forest — Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) — Approx. 4–5 hrs
Leaving Thame, follow the valley back towards Namche Bazaar. The route passes village homes and Buddhist features before returning to wooded slopes, with uphill stretches between the descending sections.
As we approach Namche, familiar shops, lodges and cafés come into view. Check into your teahouse after completing the circuit through Gokyo and the western valley. The rest of the day allows time to organise your belongings, visit nearby shops or rest before tomorrow’s final trekking stage towards Lukla again.
Day 12: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Descent to Lukla — Lukla (2,860 m) — Approx. 6–7 hrs
Our final trekking day follows the route down from Namche through Jorsalle, Monjo and Phakding. You cross familiar suspension bridges and return through the forested sections of the Dudh Koshi valley.
The approach to Lukla includes uphill stretches, so there is still some effort ahead after the main descent. On arrival, we check into the teahouse for the last night in the mountains. The evening gives you time to organise your belongings and spend time with your guide and porter team.
Day 13: Fly from Lukla and Return to Kathmandu
Return Flight — Kathmandu (1,400 m) — Farewell Dinner
We prepare for the return flight from Lukla. Depending on the operating schedule, you may fly directly to Kathmandu or land at Manthali Airport and continue by road.
After reaching your hotel, the remaining time is free for rest, shopping or exploring nearby areas. We share a farewell dinner in Kathmandu, bringing the trekking programme to a close. Flight timing remains dependent on weather and airline operations.
Day 14: Departure from Kathmandu
Departure Day — Kathmandu (1,400 m) — Airport Transfer
Your 14-day Gokyo Renjo La Trek ends today. After breakfast, you prepare for your onward journey. Depending on your departure time, there may be an opportunity for a final walk nearby before leaving the hotel.
Our representative accompanies you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure.
What’s Included in the Gokyo Renjo La Trek
Every permit, transport service, teahouse stay, meal, and mountain guide assistance listed below is fully included in your package price.
What’s Not Included in the Gokyo Renjo La Trek
To help you budget accurately for personal expenses, here are the items not covered in our standard package quotation.
100% Price Transparency Guarantee
Our quotes include all national park fees, municipality permits, guide/porter wages, meals, and flight taxes.
Gokyo Renjo La Trek Dates & Availability
Join one of our scheduled small-group departures or choose your own custom private dates with dedicated Sherpa guide support.
Starting Prices
Standard Starting Rate: $1,390 / person| Number of travellers | Price per person | Availability | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
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1 person
Custom solo departure with private guide
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Request a quote
Custom solo departure
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Solo Departure | |
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2–4 people
Small private group (friends, couples)
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From $1,390
Request a quote (Small private group)
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Guaranteed | |
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5–9 people
Standard group rate (tiered savings)
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From $1,280
Request a quote (Standard group rate)
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Best Value | |
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10–20 people
Large group discount (clubs, teams)
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Request a quote
Large group discount
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Group Discount | |
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Other group sizes
Custom dates or customized itineraries
|
Request a quote
Custom quotation
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Custom |
Contact us with your travel dates and group size. We’ll confirm the arrangements and provide your quotation in US dollars before you make a booking.
What to Pack for the Gokyo Renjo La Trek
Pack layers for warmer walking days, cold mornings and evenings, and changing weather at higher elevations. Keep water, a warm layer, rain protection, medicines and valuables in your daypack. Use your main duffel for the rest of your belongings.
Hiking Gear
Clothing
Sleeping Equipment
Toiletries & Hygiene
Electronics
Documents & Personal Items
Check your equipment before departure, including sleeping-bag warmth, jacket insulation and your trekking bag. Ask us about rental arrangements and charges when confirming details in your quotation.
Trek Difficulty and Fitness
The Gokyo Renjo La Trek involves steep paths, uneven ground and walking at high altitude. The pass crossing combines a sustained climb with a long descent to Lungden. Snow or ice can increase the difficulty. Prepare for consecutive walking days and discuss your previous mountain experience.
Previous hiking experience is helpful. First-time trekkers should build their endurance before departure and become comfortable walking uphill and downhill with a daypack.
Begin preparing around two to three months beforehand, allowing longer if you are starting from a low fitness level. Gradually combine regular walks, hill hikes and strength exercises. Practise in the boots you will wear on the trek.
Altitude and Acclimatisation
Our itinerary includes an acclimatisation day in Namche before continuing to Dole. The sleeping-altitude gain is substantial, so your guide reviews your current progress and how you are feeling.
Tell your guide immediately about headaches, nausea, dizziness or unusual fatigue. Do not continue to a higher sleeping altitude while experiencing symptoms of altitude illness. If symptoms worsen despite resting at the same elevation, descent is necessary. Crossing Renjo La must remain secondary to your health.
Medical Conditions and Travel Insurance
If you have an existing medical condition, seek advice from a healthcare professional familiar with high-altitude travel before booking. Discuss your planned route and any medicines you take.
Arrange insurance covering the full Gokyo Renjo La Trek, including the pass at approximately 5,360 metres, emergency helicopter evacuation and medical treatment in Nepal. Check altitude limits, exclusions, excess charges and the insurer’s assistance procedure. Carry your policy details and emergency contact number.
Accommodation and Room Facilities
You stay in a three-star Kathmandu hotel and teahouses along the route. The programme includes two hotel nights and eleven teahouse nights, with Gokyo the highest overnight stop on this itinerary.
Higher on the route, expect simpler rooms and shared bathroom facilities. Attached bathrooms in Lukla, Phakding and Namche depend on availability. Confirm your room arrangements and upgrade costs, and prepare for cold nights around Gokyo and Lungden.
Food and Dietary Requirements
Trekking meals include one cup of tea or coffee with breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus fresh seasonal fruit and Snickers after dinner.
Tell us about allergies or dietary requirements before booking so we can discuss what can be arranged along the route. Explain any strict requirements clearly, including concerns about shared cooking equipment.
Drinking Water
Carry reusable bottles and drink boiled or appropriately treated water. Water from a clear stream or an untreated tap may still contain germs.
Boiling is the most reliable way to kill germs. If boiling is unavailable, filtration followed by disinfection offers broader protection than many portable filters alone. Follow the instructions for your treatment equipment or tablets.
Guide and Porter Support
The package includes a licensed, English-speaking guide and one porter for every two trekkers. Porters carry the main luggage; you carry your daypack. Confirm the porter load and your personal allowance before departure.
Showers, Charging and Communication
Hot showers, Wi-Fi and charging are excluded outside Lukla, Phakding and Namche; confirm allowances at those stops. Higher lodges charge separately, and service availability varies. Mobile reception can be unreliable. Carry a power bank and tell family you may be out of contact during the trek.
Permits and Documents
We arrange the Sagarmatha National Park permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry permit as part of the package. Carry your passport, insurance details and copies of important documents. Your Nepal visa remains your responsibility.
Flight Delays and Extra Time
Lukla flights can be delayed or cancelled because of weather. During peak periods, flights may use Manthali Airport in Ramechhap, requiring a road transfer.
Your return flight is on Day 13, before departure on Day 14. Confirm Manthali road transfers, charges and flexibility for weather delays with us.
Altitude Profile of the Gokyo Renjo La Trek
Your first trekking night is in Phakding, below Lukla. You sleep at Namche, Dole and Machhermo before spending two consecutive nights at Gokyo. Gokyo Ri and Renjo La are higher daytime objectives. After the pass, sleeping elevations fall through Lungden and Thame towards Namche again.
Interactive Day-by-Day Elevation Profile
Interactive elevation chart showing daily gain and acclimatization stopping points. Switch units below to convert between meters (m) and feet (ft).
Overnight Altitudes
14 Days| Day | Overnight Stop | Approximate Altitude |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Kathmandu | 1,400 m |
| Day 2 | Phakding | 2,610 m |
| Day 3–4 | Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m |
| Day 5 | Dole | 4,200 m |
| Day 6 | Machhermo | 4,470 m |
| Day 7–8 | Gokyo | 4,790 m |
| Day 9 | Lungden | 4,380 m |
| Day 10 | Thame | 3,800 m |
| Day 11 | Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m |
| Day 12 | Lukla | 2,860 m |
| Day 13 | Kathmandu | 1,400 m |
| Day 14 | Departure | No overnight stay |
Elevations are approximate and follow the overnight stops in our itinerary.
Higher Places You Visit
Key High PointsDay 4 — Hotel Everest View:
Around 3,880 mFollowed by a return to Namche Bazaar.
Day 5 — Mong La:
Approximately 3,975 mCrossed on the trail through Phortse Tenga towards Dole.
Day 8 — Gokyo Ri:
Approximately 5,357 mFollowed by a return to the teahouse in Gokyo.
Day 9 — Renjo La:
Approximately 5,360 mThe highest planned crossing, before descending towards Lungden.
Acclimatisation Note: Namche and Gokyo have repeated overnight stops. Gokyo is the highest sleeping village, while Renjo La is a daytime crossing before the descent to Lungden.
Weather and Best Time for the Gokyo Renjo La Trek
Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, are the main planning seasons for the Gokyo Renjo La Trek. Both offer opportunities for mountain views, although cold weather, cloud and snowfall remain possible, particularly around Gokyo and on the high pass.
Gokyo Valley & Renjo La Pass Temperature Trends
Prime Seasons: Oct–Nov & Apr–MayInteractive temperature graph showing day vs night variations along the Gokyo route and monthly averages. Toggle between Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F) or explore daily trek stages vs full-year climate trends.
Seasonal Weather Conditions
4 Distinct SeasonsLower trails become warmer, with rhododendrons around Namche and towards Dole. March can retain winter snow near the pass, while April and May offer longer daylight and changing afternoon cloud.
Early September can retain monsoon cloud and rain. October and November often offer clearer mountain mornings, with colder nights and possible snow around Gokyo and Renjo La.
Severe cold, short daylight and snow or ice can make the pass inaccessible. Confirm current access, lodge availability and the suitability of any planned crossing with your guide.
Rain and cloud can slow walking, limit mountain views and disrupt Lukla flights. Conditions on the pass can change quickly, so the crossing requires flexibility and local assessment.
These are seasonal patterns; conditions can vary from year to year and during an individual trek.
How Weather Changes Along the Route
Walking around Phakding and Namche can feel warm in sunshine. Conditions become colder around Dole, Machhermo, Gokyo and Lungden, particularly before sunrise, after sunset and on the more exposed slopes.
During spring and autumn, nights around Gokyo can fall below freezing. Wind makes the viewpoint and pass feel colder, while snow or ice affects footing. Carry warm layers, gloves, a headtorch and weather protection, and follow your guide’s advice.
Which Season Should You Choose?
Off-Peak Note: Winter and monsoon require greater flexibility and preparation for less comfortable conditions.
Gokyo Renjo La Trek Topographic Route Map
Book the Gokyo Renjo La Trek
Send us your preferred travel dates, number of travellers and questions about the Gokyo Renjo La Trek. We’ll check availability and prepare a quotation for your group. Tell us about your walking experience, fitness and schedule so we can discuss the pass crossing, daily arrangements and any preparation needed before travelling to Nepal.
Gokyo Renjo La Trek Reviews
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Gokyo Renjo La Trek FAQs
General & Route
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