16 Days
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This journey focuses on mesmerizing mountain landscapes, glacial lakes, and a high-altitude pass. This also combines the stunning beauty of Gokyo Lakes with the challenge of crossing the Renjo La Pass, offering enthralling views of some of the world's highest peaks.
The Gokyo Lake Renjo La Pass Trek offers a journey through the less-traveled paths of the Everest region. Being off the mainstream trails, it provides a more exotic and less crowded experience. Moreover, the scenery along this route is arguably more stunning than that of the classic Everest Base Camp trek. The trek is situated in the Solukhumbu District of Nepal, within the boundaries of Sagarmatha National Park. A highlight of this adventure includes crossing one of the highest passes, known as Renjo La.
The region is home to the local people of Sherpas and other ethnic communities. These people are living in harmony and have a friendly hospitable nature. People from these communities have opened guesthouses and lodges along these routes, offering comfortable and hygienic stays.
The Renjo La Pass is the highest destination on this trek, offering an incredible view of the Everest range.
From this viewpoint, you’ll get a great view of the Gokyo lakes with snowy peaks in the backdrop. This pass was once a trade route to Tibet, where the Sherpas would walk across Nangpa La. You’ll also have a chance to view Mt Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Aba Dablam, and other snow-capped peaks of the region. Also, you might be able to witness some endangered species like red pandas, snow leopards, and many more.
With the Nepal Hiking Team, we assure you that the Gokyo Lake Renjo La Pass trek will be the experience of a lifetime. It is a great option for those looking for a less crowded, more off-beaten path trekking experience.
As you land at the Tribhuvan International Airport, one of our representatives will greet you from the Nepal Hiking Team. You'll then be transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu and for the rest of the evening, you can either relax or explore on your own.
Your journey will initiate with a flight from Kathmandu/Ramechhap to Lukla, where you’ll set foot on the trail for the first time. The first part of the trek is relatively easy as you will make your way through beautiful forests to a small village called Phakding. Exploring the Sagarmatha National Park, you will hike to the bustling town of Namche Bazaar. Here, you'll let your body acclimate to the high altitude and hike up to Everest View Hotel. You can also stroll around the village and visit the Sherpa Museum as well.
After taking a day to acclimatize in Namche, you will continue your journey to the beautiful villages of Dole and Machhermo. As you reach the stunning Gokyo Lakes, you’ll take a day to explore and prepare for the next day's hike to the famous viewpoint, Gokyo Ri.
Now you'll ascend towards the Renjo La Pass, which is at 5360 m elevation, and reach Lunden. You’ll now make your way to Thame and then to Namche Bazar. Retracing your steps along the way to Lukla, you will spend your final night there.
Finally, you'll fly back to Kathmandu to bring your unforgettable journey in the Nepalese Himalayas to a close. Before heading back home, you'll take a day to relax or explore Kathmandu.
If you also wish to go on this thrilling trek, then you can contact the Nepal Hiking Trek (NHT). We customize any treks as per your preference and have experienced guides to assist you in your journey.
After you arrive in Kathmandu, Our representative will greet you and explain the itinerary further. There are no planned activities for the day, so check into the hotel. Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel.
This day is scheduled for jet lag recovery and trek preparation for the Gokyo Lake & Renjo La Pass trip. A Nepal Hiking Team (NHT) member will provide a detailed Gokyo Lake Renjo La Pass itinerary briefing covering the trekking route, accommodations, weather updates, safety guidelines, and altitude acclimatization.
We provide essential trekking equipment if required, including a 70-liter duffel bag, a sleeping bag, a down jacket, and a detailed route map of Gokyo and Renjo La Pass. These items must be returned after the trip.
Additionally, as a complimentary gift, we offer a Nepal Hiking Team T-shirt and a cap to our trekkers.
Early morning today, you’ll head to the airport for your Lukla flight. The flight to Lukla is a lifetime experience in itself. After landing, you’ll trek to Phakding along green landscapes and a view of Kusum Kangraru.
Note: Flights will be operated via Ramechhap during the peak season, from the end of March to early May in the spring season, and from late September to the end of November in the autumn season. Ramechhap is 142 km away, a 4-hour drive. We will need to depart from Kathmandu at 2 AM for the flight to Lukla.
Today, you follow the Dudh Koshi River, and ascend through the pine and cedar forests, to the famous village of Namche Bazaar. You will spend two days at Namche for acclimatization, where you can visit the local markets, and spend time with your team. During the hike, you’ll capture your first glimpses of the Everest and surrounding peaks.
This day is especially sectioned for acclimatization. We will hike to Syangboche Airport (3700m), supposed to be the highest airport in the world, then continue climbing to Everest View Hotel for great panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Amadablam, Tawache, etc. On the way back, we visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and Everest Photo Gallery.
The trail is easy in the beginning up to Kyangjuma & climbs steeply out of the valley through rhododendron forests. It gives way to the fragrance of juniper and conifers as the elevation increases. This trek is especially beautiful in spring when the rhododendrons are in full bloom.
The trails pass through Kharkas, which is a summer settlement used by Sherpas bringing herds of yaks to graze in these high pastures. The route passes through the settlements of Tongba (3950m) and Gyele (3960m) to Dole. The views of Khumbila and Tawache are incredible throughout the trek.
Today, this trail climbs up to Lambara at (4220m) and Luza at (4360m). The trail is steep in most places as it climbs through juniper plants. The trail continues to climb along the side of the valley, high above the river, to Machhermo.
Today, you’ll climb a ridge for an excellent view of both valleys to Kantega and towards Cho-Oyu (8201m). After crossing the ridge the valley becomes wide as the trail passes through Pangka at (4390m).
The route then descends to the riverbank before beginning the climb to the Ngozumpa Glacier. It's a steep climb up the moraine, alongside the stream to the first small Lake.
You wake up early and climb up to the Gokyo-Ri, for the panoramic view of Mahalangur Himalayan range. It takes a few hours to climb to the top of the peak, providing a 360-degree view of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cholatse.
Also witness the Mesmerizing Ngozumpa glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal.
We start our trek from Gokyo to Lunden via Renjo La Pass early in the morning, reaching an elevation of 5,360 meters. As you ascend, you'll be treated to the most beautiful and exciting day of the journey, with panoramic views that include the Gokyo Lakes, Mount Everest, and other towering peaks.
Upon reaching the pass, take a moment to savor the vistas before descending into the remote northern valley, reminiscent of Tibetan landscapes.
We conclude our journey in Lunden, surrounded by solitude and stunning natural beauty.
After breakfast, you’ll descend down to Thame for more amazing snow-clad peaks. You may also witness a Tibetan trader encampments along the way for pictures of a rare lifestyle. You’ll also get a chance to visit Thame Monastery, a picturesque monastery, set amongst on the side of a hill overlooking the valley. This is the site for the spring celebration of the Mani Rimdu festival, held in the middle of May each year.
We will continue our trek, following the flat terrain before descending to our first resting place, Thamo, and then heading towards Namche Bazaar. The trek back is terrific. You will have completed a circuit upon arriving at Namche.
Today marks the last day of our trek. We'll depart Namche in the morning and retrace our steps to Lukla via Jorsalle, Monjo, Phakding, and Choplung, concluding our trek. Upon reaching Lukla, you'll have time to relax and recover in your guesthouse as we prepare to bid farewell to the majestic landscape.
After breakfast, take a morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu (or Ramechhap, depending on the season). Enjoy a final view of the mountains before landing. Upon landing at the Kathmandu Airport, you will be driven from the Tribhuvan International Airport to your hotel.
At the end of your trek, we provide a Trip Completion Certificate, highlighting your achievement and mentioning the highest elevation reached (5,360m) during the Gokyo Lake with Renjo La Pass Trek in Nepal.
If you arrive on schedule without any flight delays from Lukla, you have a free day to spend as you wish. Options include: Explore Kathmandu Valley on your own, relax at your hotel (recover), or opt for a guided day tour in Kathmandu Valley (available at an extra cost).
The airport representative from Nepal Hiking Team will transport you to Kathmandu International Airport around 3 hours before your scheduled flight from where you will depart. Meals: Breakfast included.
The Gokyo Renjo La Pass trek is considered a moderately difficult to challenging trek, mainly due to its high altitude, steep sections, and the need for good physical fitness and acclimatization to cross the Renjo La Pass, which sits at around 5,360 meters (17,585 feet) elevation. Even though Renjo La Pass is not the most difficult pass in the Everest region, it still demands preparation and a good level of fitness to complete successfully.
Difficulty factors of Gokyo Lake Trek with Renjo La Pass are High altitude, which can lead to altitude sickness if not properly acclimatized; some sections of the trail, especially near the Renjo La Pass, involve steep ascents and descents on rocky terrain. Weather conditions in the Everest Region are unpredictable, with potential snow and strong winds, adding complexity to the trek.
Apart from these, trekkers need to walk for 5 - 7 hours of trekking per day for 14 - 16 days.
The best time to trek the Gokyo Renjo La Pass is in spring (early March to late May) and autumn (September to late November). During these months, the weather is stable in the Everest Region, the skies are clear, and the trails are less likely to be muddy or snowy.
One of the perfect times to trek Gokyo and cross Renjo La is spring. During spring, rhododendrons are in full bloom, days are longer and sunnier, and the weather is also pretty good, with average temperatures ranging from 11–18°C.
Another good time is the autumn season. During autumn, skies are usually clearer, the average temperature ranges from 7–14°C, and the days are clear and beautiful. Note: The trails can be crowded during peak seasons.
However, we recommend that trekkers avoid this trek from June to August, which is the monsoon season, when the trails are slippery, and the views may be obscured. Also, avoid trekking in December, January, and February, as winter is not a good time due to snow (High passes are blocked by snow) and ice. During summer and winter, the climate in the Himalayas is unpredictable, and the weather can change quickly.
The cost of the Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek in Nepal ranges from US $1,450 to US $1,800 per person, depending on the group size and tour operator.
With Nepal Hiking Team, the price for the Gokyo Lake with High Altitude Renjo La Pass Trek is $1,780 per person, but we offer an all-inclusive price of $1,625 per person for groups of 2 to 4 trekkers. For larger groups of 5 to 10 people, the cost per person is $1,525, while for solo trekkers, the price remains $1,780.
This cost covers 15 nights of accommodation, including guesthouses during the trek and hotels in Kathmandu, as well as meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and breakfast while in Kathmandu.
Additionally, trekking permits and government taxes are included, along with the services of a licensed guide and porter.
The package also provides essential trekking gear, such as a duffel bag, sleeping bag, and down jacket, all of which must be returned after the trip. Moreover, the price includes round-trip domestic flights between Kathmandu and Lukla and all necessary transportation.
Yes, a trek combining Gokyo Lakes with the Renjo La Pass is considered very much worth it, as it offers stunning views of Mount Everest (the highest peak in the world), along with other high peaks such as Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Lhotse, and others. Trekkers can also witness mountain glaciers and breathtaking landscapes while following a less crowded route in the Everest region, making it a rewarding experience for both beginner and experienced trekkers seeking a challenging yet scenic high-altitude adventure.
One of the main reasons to try this trek in Nepal is the spectacular panoramic vistas of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and other Himalayan giants, which can be seen from both Gokyo Ri and the Renjo La Pass. Compared to the standard Everest Base Camp trek, this route provides a different perspective of the mountains and glaciers, making it a unique alternative to the all-time best treks in the region. The trekking trail of Renjo La is considered less crowded compared to the main trails of Everest, allowing for a more tranquil and peaceful trekking experience.
Beyond the incredible views, the route passes through a diverse landscape with varied terrain, including alpine meadows, glaciers, rocky ridges, and rhododendron forests. Trekkers will also have the chance to encounter local Sherpa villages and experience their unique culture, adding a cultural dimension to this already spectacular journey.
Renjo La Pass in Nepal stands at a height of 5,360 meters (17,560 feet) above sea level and is one of the most renowned high-altitude passes in the Khumbu region.
Everest Renjo La Pass is located within Sagarmatha National Park and serves as a connection between Lungden Village and the Gokyo Lakes region.
As part of the Everest Three Passes Trek, Renjo La is considered a challenging mountain pass due to its steep ascents and descents, requiring good physical fitness and endurance.
If not prepared well, trekkers may face the risk of altitude sickness. So, proper acclimatization is crucial for this Trek in Nepal. The other two passes in the Everest Three Passes Trek are Kongma La and Cho La, but Renjo La is the only pass that does not require a glacier crossing. It is also possible to trek over Renjo La from Gokyo to Namche Bazaar in a single day.
From the summit, trekkers are rewarded with a 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayas, including Everest, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Makalu, and other towering peaks.
The Gokyo Lakes in Nepal, located at an elevation of 4,700–5,000 meters (15,400–16,400 feet), form the world’s highest freshwater lake system. These stunning lakes of Gokyo are situated in the Gokyo Valley within Sagarmatha National Park. This protected area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The largest lake in the system is Thonak Tsho, while Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari), the third lake, is the most visited due to its striking turquoise color and religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists.
The Gokyo lakes are part of a Ramsar site. It is widely recognized for its ecological and cultural importance. Gokyo Lakes Trekking with RenjoLa Pass is a popular alternative to the iconic Everest Base Camp Trek. It offers breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
A major highlight of this trek is Gokyo Ri (17,585 ft / 5,360m), which provides one of the best panoramic viewpoints in the Everest region.
Important facts: Though the lakes are part of the Everest Three Passes Trek, they are not directly named after Gokyo Ri, but rather the entire Gokyo region that encompasses the lakes, valleys, and peaks. The trek through this region follows a scenic route, making it a must-visit for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.
I completed the Gokyo–Renjo La Pass trek with my 58-year-old mother. Despite persistent bad weather during the journey, the overall experience remained positive, which is expected when traveling in the late monsoon season.
Our guide, Bishal, ensured the trip was well managed. He provided detailed information about the mountains and local culture, assisted us throughout, and was consistently supportive. He showed patience with my mother, who occasionally needed more time on the trail. With his approach, we felt comfortable and secure throughout the trek.
Our porter, Indra, was highly reliable and carried out his responsibilities effectively. His contribution, along with Bishal’s, added significant value to the trek.
We fully recommend Nepal Hiking Team, particularly Bishal and Indra, for this route
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I highly recommend Nepal Hiking Team. I did the Gokyo Lakes–Renjo La Pass trek in the Everest region and had an amazing experience. My guide, Rajesh, was exactly what you’d hope for in a guide—my health and safety were always his top priority, and he made sure I was comfortable and enjoying the journey. He also shared so much knowledge about the mountains, wildlife, and local culture, which made the trek even more meaningful.
Amir, my porter, was always smiling and brought such positive energy to the trail. The team also handled accommodations and meals very smoothly. Overall, it was a wonderful way to experience the Himalayas.
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My friend and I did the EBC/Three Passes trek a few weeks ago (a mutual friend had already gone to EBC with the Nepal Hiking Team and loved the experience, so we were repeat customers of sorts).
Our guide, Uttam, and our porter, Nima, were incredibly professional and helpful for the ~20 days that we were on the trail.
Their skills, care, and guidance really made a difference during the few times we had to traverse rough terrain in snowy, rainy, and windy weather, as well as when dealing with the effects of altitude and dry mountain air.
Over and over we met other people on the trail whose guides/companies delivered a noticeable lesser experience, and each day we were more grateful to have booked with NHT.
On top of everything, Uttam and Nima proved to be warm, friendly, patient, wonderful trail companions, routinely going above and beyond to deliver a fantastic experience.
If you’re already considering spending the time and money on a Nepal trekking vacation, do yourself a favor and book with Nepal Hiking Team!
Jos and I started our 18-day trek to Everest Base Camp, the Cho La and Renjo La Passes on the 6th May 2025, and over the course of the journey, we saw the most incredible sights, met the kindest people, and gained a deeper appreciation for the Himalayas.
I honestly cannot recommend our guide Bishal highly enough, he was so knowledgeable about our surroundings, as well as always keeping Jos and me entertained and enthused about our walk. He regularly joined us to play cards, even occasionally winning a game of Monopoly Deal and chatting with us about the day just gone, or the adventures that awaited us. Indra, our porter, was also amazing. I am still so impressed with the ease with which he seemed to carry our bags and race up the mountains. Without him and Bishal, Jos and I would absolutely not have been able to complete our trek, and I am so grateful to them for all they did.
The couple of weeks I spent in the Himalayas, catching peaks at Everest and trekking along incredibly stunning trails, will stay with me forever, and I am so appreciative to Nepal Hiking Team for accommodating such a special experience.
Bella xx
Our group of 4 (all over 50 years old) did a private Gokyo Lake Trail. Everything from booking to hiking was very professionally organized. Thanks to Ganga – he organized the trip.
We had an amazing guide, Dhurba. He managed our pace (we were not fast hikers) and made sure things were prepared during tea breaks, breakfast, and dinner. Also, thanks to our porters, Sandib and Nabin. They carried most of our gear, and we only had to carry our day backpacks.
The hike to Gokyo Ri and the trail via Renjo La Pass were the highlights of the trek. The weather cooperated, and we saw big mountains – Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and others. We met nice people along the trail (some wanted to talk and some didn’t, but that’s ok).
Being in the place, meeting people, seeing the mountains, hiking, and being one with nature – it feels like I was reborn after the trip.
We decided on the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek because the daily hikes are manageable (below 10k for most of the days, which was important for our group), and the hike is less crowded compared to the Everest Base Camp route. As a bonus, we returned via the Renjo La Pass.
The two most challenging days were the hike from Namche to Dole (lots of elevation gain) and the hike from Langden to Namche – it was the longest hike of the trip.
