Classic
GOKYO RENJO LA PASS TREK – 14 DAYS
Explore the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and cross the scenic Renjo La Pass while enjoying panoramic views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and the remote Khumbu valleys.
Duration
14
Group Size
8
Physical Rating
Level 3
Transport
Flight
Max Altitude
5,360 m/17,585 ft
Best Season
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Accommodation
Tea House & Hotel
Meals
Included
Start/End Point
Kathmandu
Trip Overview
The Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek is a high-altitude circuit through the western Khumbu, combining the turquoise Gokyo Lakes with a crossing of Renjo La and a descent through the remote Bhote Koshi Valley. It offers a more adventurous return from Gokyo than retracing the same route through Dole. The journey follows the Dudh Koshi from Lukla to Namche Bazaar, then climbs through Dole and Machhermo to Gokyo. After an optional ascent of Gokyo Ri, the route crosses Renjo La to Marlung and continues through Thame before rejoining Namche. Renjo La is a serious pass above 5,300 m. Snow, ice, strong wind and poor visibility may make the crossing difficult or unsafe. This trek requires strong fitness, high-altitude preparation, correct equipment and flexibility to follow the guide’s safety decisions.
Trek Highlights
- Explore the turquoise Gokyo Lakes beneath Cho Oyu.
- Climb Gokyo Ri for a broad Himalayan panorama in clear conditions.
- Cross Renjo La between the Gokyo and Bhote Koshi valleys.
- See the Ngozumpa Glacier and rugged glacial landscapes.
- Descend through the quieter settlements of Marlung and Thame.
- Experience Namche Bazaar and traditional Sherpa communities.
- Enjoy possible views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu.
- Complete a circular route with less trail repetition than the standard Gokyo return.
What's Included
- Airport arrival and final-departure transfers in Kathmandu.
- Kathmandu hotel accommodation on a bed-and-breakfast basis, as specified in the confirmed quotation.
- Domestic airfare and airport transfers for the Lukla sector according to the final operating airport.
- Teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek.
- Meals during the trek only as specified in the confirmed package.
- Licensed English-speaking trekking guide and agreed porter support.
- Guide and porter wages, meals, accommodation, transport and insurance.
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and applicable Khumbu local permit.
- Necessary ground transport described in the final itinerary.
- Company duffel bag and sleeping bag/down jacket loan when specifically confirmed and required.
- Basic group first-aid kit carried by the trekking team.
- Government taxes and company service charges.
Price Excludes
- International flights and the Nepal entry visa.
- Travel insurance, medical treatment and emergency evacuation or helicopter rescue.
- Meals in Kathmandu except those specifically listed in the confirmed package.
- Meals and drinks during the trek unless included in the confirmed quotation.
- Personal trekking clothing, footwear and equipment.
- Hot showers, battery charging, Wi-Fi, mobile data and other lodge services.
- Bottled drinks, snacks, alcoholic beverages and personal expenses.
- Extra nights, meals, transport or route changes caused by weather, illness, pass closure or flight disruption.
- Helicopter upgrades or alternative transport following flight disruption unless explicitly included.
- Tips for guides, porters, drivers and other staff.
- Anything not specifically listed under “What Is Included.”
Gears & Equipment
Clothing and Footwear
Broken-in waterproof trekking boots with ankle support,
Moisture-wicking base layers,
Fleece and insulated mid-layers,
Warm down jacket,
Waterproof and windproof shell jacket and trousers,
Trekking trousers and thermal leggings,
Warm hat, sun hat and neck gaiter,
Light gloves plus warm insulated gloves,
Warm trekking socks and light camp shoes
Equipment and Personal Items
Microspikes or traction devices when advised for current Cho La conditions,
Trekking poles and gaiters,
Cold-rated sleeping bag,
Daypack with rain cover and duffel bag if porter support is included,
Headlamp with spare batteries for the pre-dawn pass start,
High-quality UV-protection sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm,
Reusable bottles and reliable water purification,
Personal medicines and first-aid essentials,
Passport, permits, insurance certificate and emergency contacts,
Power bank, charging cables, travel adapter and toiletries
Itinerary
Lukla – 2,860 m / 9,383 ft; Phakding – 2,610 m / 8,563 ft | Flight: approximately 30–40 minutes; trek: 3–4 hours
Transfer to the operating airport and fly to Lukla, subject to weather and airport conditions. Meet the trekking crew and descend through Chaurikharka before following the Dudh Koshi to Phakding. Overnight in Phakding.
Namche Bazaar – 3,440 m / 11,286 ft | Trek: approximately 6–7 hours
Follow the Dudh Koshi, cross several suspension bridges and pass Monjo before entering Sagarmatha National Park. Beyond Jorsalle, climb steadily through forest to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Namche Bazaar – 3,440 m / 11,286 ft | Hike: approximately 3–5 hours
Take a guided acclimatization hike toward Syangboche, the Everest View Hotel, Khumjung or another suitable viewpoint. Gain altitude gradually before returning to sleep in Namche. Use the afternoon for rest and preparation. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Dole – approximately 4,040 m / 13,255 ft | Trek: approximately 5–6 hours
Climb above Namche and follow the trail through Kyangjuma toward Mong La. Descend to Phortse Thenga, then climb through forest beside waterfalls to the small settlement of Dole. Overnight in Dole.
Machhermo – approximately 4,470 m / 14,665 ft | Trek: approximately 4–5 hours
Ascend gradually through Luza and open yak-grazing country as the valley widens. The shorter day supports acclimatization before reaching Gokyo. Rest and hydrate after arriving in Machhermo. Overnight in Machhermo.
Gokyo – approximately 4,790 m / 15,715 ft | Trek: approximately 4–5 hours
Climb toward the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier and enter the Gokyo Valley. Pass the first and second lakes before reaching Gokyo village beside Dudh Pokhari. Move slowly at this altitude. Overnight in Gokyo.
Gokyo Ri – approximately 5,357 m / 17,575 ft; Gokyo – 4,790 m / 15,715 ft | Hike: approximately 4–6 hours
Climb Gokyo Ri early if health, weather and trail conditions permit. In clear weather, the summit offers views of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu above the lakes and glacier. Descend to Gokyo and rest or explore near the lakes with your guide. Overnight in Gokyo.
Renjo La – approximately 5,360 m / 17,585 ft; Marlung – approximately 4,210 m / 13,812 ft | Trek: approximately 7–9 hours
Start before dawn and follow the trail along the lake before climbing steeply toward Renjo La. Snow, ice and wind may make the ascent demanding. Descend carefully on rocky trail and stone steps into the Bhote Koshi Valley, then continue to Marlung. The crossing will be abandoned if conditions are unsafe. Overnight in Marlung.
Thame – approximately 3,820 m / 12,533 ft | Trek: approximately 4–5 hours
Descend the Bhote Koshi Valley through smaller settlements and yak-grazing country toward Thame. The lower altitude provides recovery after Renjo La. Explore the village or monastery area if time and local arrangements permit. Overnight in Thame.
Namche Bazaar – 3,440 m / 11,286 ft | Trek: approximately 4–5 hours
Follow the valley downstream through Thamo and forested terrain before returning to Namche Bazaar. Enjoy the greater choice of lodges, shops and cafés after the remote pass section. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Lukla – 2,860 m / 9,383 ft | Trek: approximately 6–7 hours
Descend from Namche, cross the Dudh Koshi bridges and retrace the trail through Monjo and Phakding. Several short climbs lead to Lukla, where the trekking portion ends. Overnight in Lukla.
Kathmandu – approximately 1,400 m / 4,593 ft | Flight: approximately 30–40 minutes plus transfers
Fly to Kathmandu or to Ramechhap with onward road transfer, depending on seasonal operations. Mountain flights are subject to weather, visibility and airport conditions. Transfer to your Kathmandu hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu – approximately 1,400 m / 4,593 ft | Schedule: flexible
Use this day for rest, shopping or an optional cultural tour. It also provides a useful buffer if the Lukla flight was delayed. Sightseeing services and entrance fees are included only when stated in the confirmed package. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu – approximately 1,400 m / 4,593 ft | Airport transfer: approximately 30–60 minutes
After hotel check-out, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your international flight schedule. The package ends with final assistance from the Barunche Treks & Expeditions team.
What Makes This Trip Different?
Thame Valley and Sherpa Heritage
After crossing Renjo La, the trek descends through Marlung and Thame, a quieter part of the Khumbu associated with historic trade routes, Sherpa settlements and Buddhist culture.
Gokyo Lakes and a High-Pass Circuit
Turquoise lakes, the Ngozumpa Glacier, Gokyo Ri and Renjo La create a varied circuit that combines famous scenery with a remote high-altitude crossing.
FAQs
It is a challenging high-altitude trek involving a long pass day, steep terrain and several nights above 4,000 m.
No. It explores Gokyo, crosses Renjo La and returns through Marlung and Thame. It does not visit Everest Base Camp.
It is generally crossed as a trekking pass, but snow and ice may require microspikes, careful footwork and guide-managed safety equipment.
No. The guide may turn back or use an alternative route if snow, ice, wind, visibility, health or trail conditions make it unsafe.
Renjo La is approximately 5,360 m, slightly higher than the commonly quoted Gokyo Ri elevation of approximately 5,357 m.
Everest is visible from Gokyo Ri in clear conditions, together with Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu.
Renjo La links Gokyo with the Bhote Koshi Valley. Cho La links Gokyo with the Everest Base Camp trail and commonly involves more glacial or icy terrain.
It is better suited to trekkers with previous multi-day and high-altitude experience. Strong fitness is essential.
Choose a policy covering trekking above 5,500 m, high passes, medical care and emergency helicopter evacuation in Nepal.
Many lodges offer charging and limited connectivity for a fee, but service is unreliable at high altitude.
The team will seek the next practical option. Extra hotels, transfers or helicopter alternatives may cost more unless included.
Yes. Extra acclimatization, weather-buffer or Thame exploration days can be added to a private departure.
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