Gokyo and Renjo La Pass Trek – 14 Days

Manthali to Lukla Flight (March, April, May, October, and November)
During peak seasons, such as March, April, May, October, and November, the flight to Lukla will be operated from Ramechhap/Manthali due to air traffic expansion. The Manthali/Ramechhap airport is about a 5 to 6 hours drive away from Kathmandu. On this day we wake up at 1:30 to 2:30 am and take an escorted shuttle to Manthali airport on a shared tourist vehicle and board a 20-minute flight to Lukla.

Kathmandu to Lukla Flight (January, February, June, July, August, September, and December)
The flight to Lukla is typically operated from Kathmandu during nonpeak seasons, which include January, February, June, July, August, September, and December. Please be aware that the decision regarding the operation of flights solely depends on the airline and is influenced by the volume of travelers during a specific month. On this day we wake up at 5 to 6 am. Our staff will escort you to the domestic airport terminal in Kathmandu and board a 35-minute flight to Lukla.

Flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport usually takes place early in the morning. We suggest you to make all the sorting and packing the day before, so there is no rush on Day 2. Once you reach Lukla, have your breakfast while our guide will make an arrangement of porters. We assign one porter to every two clients. Begin the trek by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River where you join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, located just above Chaunikharka (2,713 m). The walking is easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat (2,550 m), it is a short walk to Phakding.

We continue trekking along the banks of the Dudh Koshi, crossing the majestic rivers many times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering the Sagarmatha National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views.

Namche Bazaar (considered the Gateway to Everest) is home to many quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, money exchange services, internet cafes and bakeries. Namche is the biggest town along the Everest trail.

We spend a day in Namche Bazaar in order to acclimatize and adjust to the thinning air. We will trek a short distance to a museum that is celebrated for its exhibits of the traditional customs of the Sherpa people.

We also hike up the Syangboche Airport near the Everest View Hotel. From this point, we can see rewarding views of the Himalayas with a stunning sunrise and sunset over the panorama of Khumbu peaks.

After the breakfast, we start walking on the same route to the Everest Base Camp until a place called Sanasa. From there, the trail ascends towards Mongla (4,000 m).

The outstanding views of the mountains keeps accompanying throughout the trail. Passing through the beautiful rhododendron forests, we descend towards Phortse Tenga and steeply climb to reach Dole. The total walk will be of 6 hours from Namche Bazaar.

The early morning we continue to climb along the sides of the beautiful valley and walk through small thorny bushes that takes us to the scrub juniper.

As the altitude increases, we can see the summer settlement areas where during the summer time, yaks are taken to pastures for grazing.

As we walk up these areas, we can witness the beautiful Cho Oyu Mount ain. After walking for 5 to 6 hours we finally reach Machherma.

The trek today takes us to one of our main destinations, Gokyo (4,800m). Following the scenic path to Pangka and descending slightly, we follow one of the melt-water River which flows down the west side of the Ngozumpa glacier.

The trail leads us to staircases and atop of the stairs arrives the first lake called as Longponga at the elevation of 4,650 m. The trail then follows the valley and past the valley is the second lake at an elevation of 4,800 m also known as Taujun Lake.

After walking for some more time comes the beautiful Gokyo valley. Gokyo is a collection of stone houses and walled pastures on the shores of a large lake known as Dudh Pokhari.

Early in the morning, we have a steep climb up to the top of Gokyo Ri at an elevation of 5,483 m. There are ample rewards for those who attempt this trip.

You get stunning views of the super Gokyo valley, the massive Ngozumpa glacier and an incredible panoramic view of the whole Khumbu Himalayas, including the giants; Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu and Gychung Kang.

A three-hour trek at the break of dawn leads us to the astonishing Renjo La Pass 5,483 meters (17,988 feet), situated in the Everest Region. The Renjo La Pass altitude adds to its allure, standing as a truly remarkable high point.

The vistas that unfold, encompassing the majestic Mount Everest, the elegant Cholatse, and the formidable Taboche, are nothing short of exhilarating.

Continuing on with the trek we walk down the trail heading to the destination for the day, Lunden. While on the trail we can see the amazing snow peaks. The total trek for the day will be of 7 hours.

After breakfast, we head back to the trail which mostly descends down to the village of Thame. While on the trail we can see amazing snow peaks.

About 150 meters above Thame, there is a Thame Monastery, a picturesque monastery set among the many homes of monks and lay people. It resides on the side of a hill overlooking the valley.

This is the site for the spring celebration of the Mani Rimdu festival, held about the middle of May each year.

Thame is a traditional Sherpa village that has escaped the crowds trekking to Everest and has one of the oldest monasteries in the region. The village is notably the hometown of Apa Sherpa who has made it to the summit of Everest 21 times!

The walk itself is peaceful with excellent views of the mountains as it winds in and out of the forest on the side of the canyon. This day, we continue our journey walking down the hill from Thame. The trek will be easy and short and the final destination for the day and the trip will be at Namche Bazar.

Finally we return back to Lukla where the trek began, which will seem like ages ago. It will give you time to reflect on the trek also giving you time to explore the town.

Lukla to Manthali Flight (March, April, May, October, and November)
The flight from Lukla to Manthali is a 20-minute flight. After that, it is about a 5 to 6 hour drive to Kathmandu. Please note that the driving hours may vary according to the highway traffic condition. You’ll be transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu on a shared tourist vehicle.

Lukla to Kathmandu Flight (January, February, June, July, August, September, and December)
The flight from Lukla takes about 35 minutes. After arriving at the airport, you will be transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu via a shared tourist vehicle.  Please be aware that the decision regarding the operation of flights solely depends on the airline and is influenced by the volume of travelers during a specific month.

You might want to stay a little more in Nepal. If you are looking for extending your trip, there are options such as a visit to Chitwan National Park, known for wildlife viewing and to Pokhara, considered one of the most beautiful cities of Nepal. You can also extend your trip to Tibet, India or Bhutan.

The Gokyo and Renjo La pass trek concludes – our airport representative will drop you to Kathmandu’s Tribhuwan International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.