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Gokyo Valley – Renjo La

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Trip Overview

Level 12/20 12 days of trekking with regular stages of 4 to 6 hours, except for the day crossing the Renjo La pass (7 to 8 hours).

In just 12 days of walking, this program will take you into the legendary Khumbu region of the Sherpas, while avoiding the well-trodden paths that lead to Everest. Starting from Lukla, a small mountain airstrip and gateway to the Khumbu, this program ascends the Dudh Kosi Valley to Namche Bazaar, the capital of the Sherpa country. Following the Gokyo Valley, you will discover beautiful little glacial lakes with turquoise waters. The ascent of Gokyo Peak, a viewpoint overlooking the giants of Cho Oyu, Everest, and Lhotse, will offer you an unforgettable panorama. From Gokyo, the program takes you over the Renjo La pass before descending through the valley leading down from the Nangpa La, a legendary route used by Tibetan and Sherpa merchants. From Thame, a small Sherpa village off the main trail and the birthplace of famous Everest conquerors, the circuit returns to Namche and Lukla.

Highlights

  • A short trek on less-traveled trails
  • A loop through the Gokyo Valley and its turquoise lakes, returning to Thame
  • Stunning panoramic views from the summits of Gokyo Ri and Renjo La
  • A Khumbu region untouched by crowds

Itinerary

Arrival in Kathmandu.
After your visa and customs formalities, baggage claim and you will be met at the airport exit by a representative from the agency. Transfer to the hotel.
Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2850m).
A 40-minute flight in a Twin Otter from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway to the Khumbu region. We meet our local staff at the airport exit, and after a brief introduction and the distribution of loads among the porters, the trek begins. Trek to Phakding (2600m). 3 hours. The trail crosses Lukla along the main street lined with lodges and shops, and at the edge of the village, begins a steep descent towards a river with Kusum Kanguru (6367m) as a backdrop. The path then climbs slightly, skirting a ridge to reach Ghat on the banks of the Dudh Kosi River, the "milk river" due to its whitish color. The trail then follows a series of typical Nepalese ascents and descents before finally arriving in Phakding.
Trek Phakding – Namche Bazar (3440m). 6am
The trail continues north up the Dudh Kosi valley, climbing through cultivated fields to Benkar with its enormous carved boulder in the middle of the path. The trail then continues its ascent through a wooded area of ​​rhododendrons, magnolias, and fir trees. Soon, Mount Thamserku comes into view, and we enter Sagarmatha National Park at Jorsale. Crossing a suspension bridge high above the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and Bhote Kosi rivers, the trail continues a long and steep climb to a ridge offering views of the Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse peaks. The trail continues its ascent through the forest to Namche, a protected settlement nestled in a natural amphitheater.
4 Acclimatation autour de Namche Bazar (3440m). 4h
Given the significant altitude gain and the fact that the following days will take us even higher, this day is dedicated to acclimatization. Optional activities include either rest and strolling through the bazaar with its shops reminiscent of Thamel, or a hike in the hills to visit the villages of Shyangboche and its small airstrip, as well as the Kunde hospital.
Trek Namche Bazar – Thengboche (3860m).
We set off on a wide path that leads us to the edge of Namche. At the top of the climb, the peaks unfold one after another: Thamserku, Kangtaiga, Ama Dablam, Lhotse Shar, Tawoche… The path continues to ascend, passing stones engraved with mantras at Sanasa, a small hamlet inhabited by Tibetans. The trail descends steadily to Teshinga, then more steeply to Phunki Thangkha at 3250m, a small hamlet with numerous prayer wheels powered by the waters of the Dudh Kosi. After a picnic lunch, the path resumes its steep climb, then becomes more gradual as it winds through the forest along the hillside to a plateau at the summit where the Thengboche monastery stands, nestled in a clearing surrounded by rhododendrons and dwarf firs. From this point the view is fantastic: Kwangde (6187m), Tawoche (6542m), Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7855m), Lhotse (8616m), Ama Dablam (6856m), Kangtega (6779m) and Thamserku (6608m).
Trek Thengboche – Dole (4100m).
We descend into a dense, wild forest to reach the Imja Khola River, which we cross to ascend to Phortse, away from the usual routes. After a picnic lunch in this village, we cross the Dudh Kosi River to emerge at Phortse Thangkha and rejoin the main trail of the Gokyo Valley. From this village, the path climbs steeply out of the valley through forests of rhododendrons, then junipers and conifers as the altitude increases. This section of the trek is particularly beautiful during the spring bloom. Passing through the villages of Tongba and Gyele, we arrive in Dole.
Trek Dole – Machermo (4410m).
The trail continues its slow ascent, always on the right bank of the Dudh Kosi, passing Lhabarma at 4220m and Luza at 4360m, amidst juniper trees and pastures. The path continues to climb along the valley, high above the river, crossing sandy spurs before arriving at Machermo.
Trek Machermo – Gokyo Lakes (4750m).
Leaving Machermo, the trail climbs a ridge offering a superb view of the valley below and Cho Oyu (8153m). The valley then widens at Pangka at 4390m and descends to the riverbank before ascending the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. The climb up the moraine is steep alongside the stream to the first lake at 4650m. A gentle uphill slope then follows the valley to a second lake at 4690m, and finally across a rocky outcrop before arriving at Gokyo: pastures enclosed by stone walls on the shores of a large lake, a place reminiscent of an abandoned summer resort.
Ascent of Gokyo Ri (5280m) – Gokyo Lakes (4750m).
To enjoy the superb panorama, we undertake the 2-hour climb up this slope, and at the summit, the reward awaits: Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, and Tawoche. We then descend to the lake and stroll around Gokyo.
Gokyo Lakes Trek – Renjo La (5340m) – Lengden (4380m).
The trail skirts the lake completely, climbing steadily up grassy slopes at first. The incline then becomes steeper, and the terrain changes to rocky slopes or scree before the Renjo Pass. Just before the summit, the path becomes more challenging and requires attention. Your efforts are rewarded by the superb view from the pass, which, from west to east, encompasses Tengi Ragi Tau, Rolwaling Himal, Lake Rermo, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and the Gokyo Lakes! A large stone staircase leads down in an hour to the edge of a large mountain lake, Angladumba Tsho, nestled in the heart of a stunning rocky cirque. The trail then descends a U-shaped glacial valley, passing Lake Rermo Pokhari at the foot of captivating rock and glacial faces, towards alpine pastures and Lake Rermo. The start of the descent in difficult weather conditions requires great care for the porters. Overnight stop in Lengden, the first village in the valley.
Trek Lengden – Thame (3800m)
The trail continues its descent along the left bank of the Bhote Kosi River through alpine meadows and passes through the village of Marulung at 4210m. We cross to the other side via a bridge as the descent continues, and we must cross a tributary before reaching Taranga. A kilometer further on, we cross another stream and, still on the right bank, arrive at Thame. This route is used by Sherpas who trade with Tibet via the Nangpa La pass, and it is not uncommon to encounter yak caravans. Thame is the village where some of the great Sherpas of Everest, such as Ang Rita and Appa, were born.
Trek Thame – Namche Bazar (3440m)
The trail leaves the village, descending towards the river, which we cross on a bridge before climbing back up the other side. The path passes through Samde at 3610m and then descends towards Thamo amidst alpine meadows. A short stop at the checkpoint, and the trail is clearly above the river. The Kwangde massif is magnificent. We pass through the hamlets of Samshing, Phurte, and Gangla, traversing forests of pine and rhododendrons. We arrive back at Namche Bazaar, the capital of Sherpa country, with its bustling alleyways.
Trek Namche – Lukla (2850m) 6h
The route follows the same path as the outward journey, with a steep descent to the confluence bridge, then continues along the left bank of the Dudh Kosi to Jorsale, where we show our permits at the checkpoint. The descent continues to Monjo, crosses the Monjo Khola on a bridge, and then the path crosses to the right bank of the Dudh Kosi before Benkar. Before Phakding, the path crosses back to the left bank and continues downhill to Ghat and Cheplung. From this village, the path climbs steeply to the entrance of Lukla.
Flight Lukla – Kathmandu
Early in the morning, we head to the airport for a 40-minute return flight on a Twin Otter to the capital. Planes come and go, bringing in new trekkers, supplying hotels, and taking trekkers back down. Back to the hustle and bustle of the capital, we transfer to the hotel for a nice hot shower.
Kathmandu Valley
Today we set off to explore the Kathmandu Valley, starting with the charming city of Bhaktapur, "the city of devotees," the jewel of the valley with its countless temples and scenes of rural life. After lunch, we return to Kathmandu, visiting the Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, where all Hindus are cremated. Then we continue to the enormous Buddhist stupa of Bodhnath, where Tibetan pilgrims tirelessly circle the stupa, spinning prayer wheels and reciting their rosaries. What an atmosphere! Overnight at the hotel
Departure from Kathmandu
Depending on flight times, it will be possible to do some last-minute shopping before heading to the airport for the return flight.

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