Gokyo Lake With Renjo La Pass Trek – 10 Days

Namche Bazaar is the most important acclimatization stop on the trek heading to Everest, including a trek to Gokyo Lake via Renjo La Pass. Due to the significant gain in altitude from Lukla and Phakding, an extra day in Namche helps your body to adjust to thinner air and reduces the risk of acute mountain sickness.

On this day, you’ll not stay idle; instead, you’ll follow the golden rule of “climb high, sleep low”. This means you’ll go for a short day hike to a higher altitude and return to sleep in Namche Bazaar. Everest View Hotel (3,800 m), Khumjung village, and Syangboche Airstrip are popular acclimatization hikes on this day. Additionally, we recommend staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and getting sufficient rest on this day.

After yesterday’s rest and acclimatization, you’ll start today’s trek feeling refreshed and prepared. As you finish your morning meal, you’ll begin your day’s trek towards Dole. The Gokyo Lake Renjo La Pass trek route begins by climbing, leaving Namche Bazaar, passing through forests of pine and rhododendron that heighten the senses with aroma.

After a while, the route gains altitude, offering a view of Mount Ama Dablam, Kangtega, and Thamserku. Then, you’ll follow a peaceful and less crowded trail north to Mong La (3,975 m), a stunning ridge-top with views of mountain panoramas. From Mong La, you’ll descend to Phoryse Thenga. And, finally, the steady climb through a forest of silver fir, birch, and rhododendron takes you to the village of Dole. Your night stay and dinner are at the Dole Resort or a Similar category.

Day five marks one of the remarkable journeys in the adventure of the Gokyo Lake Renjo La Pass Trek. You’ll leave Dole after a hearty breakfast, making your way toward Gokyo village. As you leave Dole, the forest of the tall junipers and rhododendron starts thinning out. By the time you approach Luza and Machhermo, the scenery transforms into a subalpine to arctic zone with glacial moraines and dry tundra.

After Machhermo, the route offers views of the Ngazumpa glacier’s lateral moraine. The pathways from Machhermo to Gokyo pass by Longpongo Lake and the second and third Gokyo lakes, adding to the thrill of the trek. Upon reaching Gokyo, you’ll settle in Gokyo Resort or Cho Oyu Lodge for the day’s accommodation and dinner. At night, don’t forget to look up at the sky, with zero pollution, high elevation, and dry air, offering an ideal opportunity for stargazing.

Day six is one of the most awaited days in the journey to Gokyo Lake with the Renjo La Pass Trek. Early morning, you’ll head towards Gokyo Ri with a headlamp and packed snacks. The route starts gently but gradually becomes steeper, featuring switchback sections. The path is rocky and dusty, but not technically challenging. As you gain height, you’ll see Dudh Pokhari (Third Lake) sparkling below.

The mid-ascent hike to Gokyo Ri zigzags up the ridge with increasing elevation gain. The final part of the hike is rocky but eye-appalling with a colorful prayer wheel. Within 2-3 hours of hiking from Gokyo village, you will reach Gokyo Ri at 5,357 meters above sea level. Stepping to the top of Gokyo Ri provides you with a sense of accomplishment as 360-degree views of mountain peaks will surround you.

From Gokyo Ri, you will get a panoramic view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ngozumpa Glacier, Gokyo Lakes, Tawoche, Cholatse, and other peaks. Additionally, witnessing the sun’s first rays scattering over the peaks makes your entire journey worthwhile. After appreciating the views and blessing your eyes from the Gokyo Ri, you’ll descend to Gokyo village, take a moment to explore the Gokyo lakes, and sleep overnight there.

On the 7th day of the Gokyo Lakes and Renjo La Pass Trek, you’ll wake up before dawn and start your day’s trek after having breakfast. The day takes you to the most challenging section of the journey, Renjo La Pass, in the initial phase. The trek is a gradual climb through rocky paths with some steep sections. The increasing altitude as you trek makes the final climb to Renjo La challenging, with a risk of altitude sickness. It takes 4-5 hours to reach the top of Renjo La from Gokyo Valley.

The top of Renjo La Pass (5,340 meters) rewards you with a view of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and the Ngozumpa Glacier below. After soaking in the 360-degree panorama’s view from the top of the pass, you’ll continue your day’s trek. After crossing Renjo La Pass, you’ll descend to Lumde, which is steep. The walkway leads you through remote Sherpa villages and lush alpine meadows. Along the way, you will pass yak herders and experience the less-visited part of the Khumbu region. As you reach Lumde, you’ll settle into a 3-pass lodge or a similar category for a night’s stay and dinner.

The eighth day starts with a hearty morning meal at Lumde. Afterward, you’ll pack your backpack and begin your day’s trek that takes you from a high altitude of Lumde to the bustling town of Namche Bazaar. The descent starts with a gentle slope through lush alpine meadows and dense forests. Similarly, you’ll pass by traditional Sherpa villages and cattle grazing pastures, providing a real insight into local life trekking in Nepal.

After a while of trekking, you’ll reach Thame, where the landscape becomes greener with more trees. You can stop at the village to take a break and have lunch. Continuing the walk from the village, you’ll head down to Namche Bazaar through forested trails along the Bhote Koshi River. The last part of the descent takes you through a series of zig-zags, which eventually lead to the entrance of Namche Bazaar. Additionally, you’ll stay overnight and have supper at Namche Bazaar on this day.

Day nine marks the final day of walking on the Gokyo Renjo-La Pass Trek. The trek begins after breakfast at Namche Bazaar for the last time. The downhill trek towards Phakding through uphill and downhill sections marks the beginning of the day’s trek. Along the way, you’ll pass through beautiful forests of pine and rhododendron, as well as several small Sherpa villages like Jorsale. Similarly, the Dudh Koshi River will be along your side, and you will cross several suspension bridges.

As you get to Phakding, you can rest, have a cup of tea, and refuel your body before continuing the trek to Lukla. It takes approximately 2-3 hours to trek from Phakding to Lukla. As you get to the village, you’ll check into Hotel Ganesh or a similar category for the day’s accommodation and meal.

From day ten, you’ll complete the trek to Gokyo Lake with Renjo La Pass. Early morning, you’ll take a flight to either Ramechhap’s Manthali Airport or directly to the Domestic Airport of Kathmandu from the Tenzing Hillary Airport of Lukla. If you have to take a flight to Manthali airport, you’ll need to drive back to Kathmandu for your night’s stay.