Gokyo Renjola Pass Trek

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. After completing visa procedures and collecting your luggage, head to the exit of the arrival hall. Our representative from Highland Expeditions will be waiting just outside, holding a placard for easy identification, and will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu.

Today is a flexible arrival day with no scheduled activities, allowing you to arrive at your convenience.

Meals: None
Accommodation: Hotel
Max Elevation: 1,350m/4,455ft
Overnight Elevation: 1,350m/4,455ft

Today, embark on an organized sightseeing tour to discover Kathmandu’s key attractions. Our representative will pick you up from your hotel for a guided exploration. You’ll visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the world’s largest Buddhist shrines, immersing yourself in its cultural and spiritual significance. Next, head to Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s most revered Hindu temple. The tour lasts approximately 3–4 hours. In the late afternoon, return to the hotel for a trek briefing to prepare for the upcoming journey.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Max Elevation: 1,350m/4,430ft
Overnight Elevation: 1,350m/4,455ft

• Flight to Lukla: Depending on your travel month, board a flight to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla from either Kathmandu or Ramechhap Airport. During peak seasons (March 25–May and September 20–November), flights typically operate from Ramechhap, 130 km east of Kathmandu, requiring a 4-hour drive starting around 2:00 a.m. The flight itself takes just 15 minutes, offering stunning Himalayan views. Upon landing in Lukla, you’ll be captivated by the towering peaks surrounding the village, setting the tone for the adventure ahead.
• Trek to Phakding: After meeting your trekking crew, begin your journey along the Dudh Koshi Valley on a well-marked trail. The gentle descent takes you through scenic landscapes to Phakding, where you’ll spend the night in a teahouse/lodge.
• Lukla Flight Details: Flights to Lukla operate under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and are weather-dependent. If poor weather cancels flights, we’ll attempt to arrange a helicopter (additional costs of $300–$500 or more apply, based on group size, availability, and demand, after crediting plane fare). If delays persist and neither option is viable, we’ll collectively decide on next steps, especially if pre-trek delays impact the itinerary. Your guide will provide support, and your cooperation is appreciated. Plan contingency days in Kathmandu post-trek for potential delays; if flights run smoothly, use these days for sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley.
• Key Details:
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
• Distance: 9km/5.59 miles
• Duration: Approximately 4 hours trekking
• Max Elevation: 2,800m/9,184ft (Lukla)
• Overnight Elevation: 2,600m/8,531ft (Phakding)
• Elevation Gain: 1,250m/4,100ft from the previous night

Enjoy the first leg of your trek, surrounded by the majestic Himalayas and the serene beauty of the Dudh Koshi Valley!

• Journey Along Dudh Koshi River: Continue trekking along the Dudh Koshi River, passing through scenic pine forests. Cross multiple suspension bridges and traverse charming settlements like Zapute, Toktok, Benkar, and Chumoa before arriving at Monjo.
• Sagarmatha National Park: Just beyond Monjo, enter Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to preserving the fragile mountain ecosystem.
• Route to Namche Bazaar: Descend from the park, cross another suspension bridge, and reach the iconic Hillary Bridge at the base of a hill. From here, ascend steadily uphill to Namche Bazaar, the vibrant Sherpa hub.
• Scenic Highlights: Enjoy views of Thamserku Mountain. On clear days, catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Kusum Khangru peaks, offering a taste of the Himalayan grandeur ahead.
• Key Details:
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
  • Distance: 12km/7.5 miles
  • Duration: Approximately 7 hours
  • Max Elevation: 3,450m/11,319ft (Namche Bazaar)
  • Overnight Elevation: 3,450m/11,319ft
  • Elevation Gain: 850m/2,788ft from the previous night

Relish the stunning mountain views and the lively atmosphere of Namche Bazaar as you settle in for the night!

After having breakfast at Namche, we'll take a 4-hour, 5.5 km hike to the Everest View Hotel for stunning views of Mount Everest and the surrounding Khumbu region. From there, we'll continue on to the villages of Khumjung and Kunde. In Khumjung, you'll have the chance to visit several monasteries, the local airport, and a school founded by Sir Edmund Hillary. Afterward, we'll return to Namche for lunch. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Namche Bazaar. We'll be staying overnight in a teahouse or lodge at an elevation of 3,450 meters (11,319 feet). All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included.

Following a steep ascent from Namche Bazaar, we will arrive at Kyangjuma Village, where we can appreciate the stunning vistas of Thamserku, Kantega, and Ama Dablam. The most challenging section of our day will be the climb to Mong La, a picturesque location on the spur of Mt. Khumbila, where we will stop for lunch. We will also have the opportunity to marvel at the impressive Chorten at the center of the Mong La settlement and admire the surrounding snow-capped mountains and valleys.

The trail today is rich in flora and fauna, including wildflowers and rhododendrons. We may even see some wildlife, such as pheasants, mountain goats, and musk deer. After trekking through forests, past waterfalls, and across bridges, we will reach Dole, a small village with several teahouses. We will spend the night in a teahouse or lodge at an elevation of 4,200m/13,776ft. The hike will cover a distance of 12km/7.8 miles over approximately 7 hours. All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included.

Today's journey is a short and manageable one. We begin with a climb out of the Dole Valley and then ascend gradually along the Dudh Kosi Valley. While the terrain is relatively easy, you may still feel the effects of the altitude. The landscape will shift to a barren alpine environment, but the views of the snow-capped peaks and clear blue skies will be stunning. After about two hours of walking, we'll reach Luza (4,360m), and an hour later, we'll arrive at our lodge in Machhermo (4,465m).

After lunch, you have the option to take an excursion across rocky terrain to the base of Kyajo Ri (6,168m) and Machhermo Peak (6,073m). Keep an eye out for any signs of the mythical Yeti! This area is known for an incident in 1974 where three yaks were killed and a Sherpa girl was injured by a large, ape-like creature.

The hike is about 5.5 km (3.41 miles) and will take approximately 4-5 hours. We will be staying in a teahouse or lodge at an elevation of 4,470m (14,655ft). All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included.

To acclimate to the higher altitude, we will spend an extra day in Machhermo. The day is designed for you to get your body accustomed to the thin air. You can take the opportunity to explore the area around our camp. Just above the village, there is a magnificent viewpoint that offers panoramic views of Cho Oyu (8,210m) and the mountains surrounding the Ngozumpa Glacier. We will spend 3-4 hours exploring and getting used to the altitude, with a maximum elevation of 4,470m. Our overnight stay will be in a teahouse or lodge at an elevation of 4,800m. All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included.

Following breakfast, we begin our climb to a crest and a Chorten, where we can take in commanding views of the valley and the peaks of Mt. Kangtega, Thamserku, and the northern side of Cho-Oyu (8,153m). After a gentle hike, we'll reach Phangka (4,480m), a site where an avalanche claimed 40 lives in 1995. The trail then takes us down to the riverbank and up a steep path onto the Ngozumpa Glacier's terminal moraine.

Once we cross an iron bridge, the path becomes more level, leading us past the first lake, Longpongo (4,690m), where you can see what are said to be Lama footprints on a stone. As we continue, the second lake, Taboche Tsho, will appear, its stunning turquoise water glistening in the sunlight. Just beyond the second lake, we'll reach the third lake, connected by a flowing stream, where the village of Gokyo is situated. With the impressive Cho-Oyu mountains as a backdrop, this is a spectacular and picture-perfect location.

The trek will cover a distance of 7 km (4.35 miles) over approximately 5 hours, with a maximum elevation of 4,790m (15,712ft). We will be staying overnight in a teahouse or lodge at the same elevation. All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included.

Today's journey is the main highlight of the trip, as we will hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) early in the morning. The 2-3 hour climb is demanding but well worth the effort. From the summit, we will witness a spectacular sunrise over the Himalayan peaks, including four of the world's 8,000-meter mountains: Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. The vantage point also provides breathtaking views of the turquoise Gokyo lakes and the vast Ngozumpa Glacier. After enjoying the panoramic scenery, we will descend to our hotel in Gokyo for breakfast and then have the rest of the day to explore the other notable sites in the village. The trek today covers 3.35 km (2.08 miles) and will take about 4 hours. We will be staying in a teahouse or lodge at an overnight elevation of 4,790m (15,712ft). All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included.

Today's journey will be one of the most demanding but rewarding of the trek, as we'll tackle the Renjo Pass at 5,360 meters (17,581 feet). To cover the challenging 12.8 km (8 miles) and 8-9 hour duration, we'll begin with an early start from Gokyo.

The steep climb to the summit of Renjo La Pass will be worth the effort, as you'll be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view. From this vantage point, you'll see the towering peaks of Everest and Lhotse, along with the impressive Kantega and Makalu. The view of Everest from Renjo La is considered one of the most stunning on the entire trek. After enjoying the scenery, we'll descend to the peaceful village of Lungden, where we will spend the night in a teahouse or lodge at an elevation of 4,368 meters (14,327 feet). All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included.

Today's journey from Lungden to Thame is a gentle descent, offering a welcome change after the strenuous Renjo Pass. The 7.5 km (4.6 mile) trek will take about 5 hours and will lead us through traditional Sherpa villages and ancient monasteries. Our destination is Thame, one of the oldest Sherpa settlements in the region, situated at an altitude of 3,820 meters (12,530 feet). Once we arrive, you'll have the opportunity to explore the village and visit the Thame Monastery, known as a spiritual haven. We will be staying overnight in a teahouse or lodge at the same elevation. All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included.

Today we will retrace our steps along the trail back towards Namche Bazaar, enjoying splendid views of pasture lands and remote territories along the way. The downhill trek will offer a breathtaking perspective of Mount Kongde Ri, Thamserku, and Kusum Kangaru. We will cross several suspension bridges over the Bhote Koshi River and pass through lush rhododendron forests before arriving at Namche Bazaar for lunch. After our meal, we will continue our descent, trekking on to Monjo. The total distance for the day is 11.7 km (7.28 miles), with a duration of about 6 hours. We will spend the night in a teahouse or lodge at an elevation of 2,835 meters (9,299 feet). All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included.

Today marks the final day of our trek as we follow the Dudh Kosi River to Lukla. Starting from Monjo, we'll walk gradually along the river, stopping for lunch along the way. Our final ascent will take us to the airstrip at Lukla. The rest of the day is yours to relax and reflect on our journey through the mountains. This is our last night in this spectacular region, and we will celebrate our successful trek with our Sherpa guides and porters, who have become our friends. We will spend the night in a teahouse or lodge at an elevation of 2,800m/9187ft. The total distance for the day is 21km/13 miles, with a duration of 7-8 hours. All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included.

Today begins with an early breakfast as we prepare for our flight from Lukla to Ramechhap Airport. Upon landing, a vehicle will be waiting to transfer us back to Kathmandu, a journey that will take approximately 5 hours. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, explore the city at your own pace, or do some souvenir shopping. We will be staying in a hotel at an elevation of 1,350m/4,430ft, with breakfast provided.

It's time to say farewell to Nepal. Enjoy your last moments in Kathmandu with breakfast in a café, a final stroll through the narrow alleys and temples, and some final souvenir shopping. A driver will be waiting for you at your hotel to take you to the airport for your return flight home. It's best to be at the airport at least two hours prior to departure.

Today is a free day in Kathmandu, allowing you to relax, explore, or shop at your leisure. This day also serves as a contingency day in case of any flight delays from Lukla.

If you'd like to explore, you could consider visiting some of the city's famous sites, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple), and Boudhanath Stupa.¹ You might also enjoy a visit to the tranquil Garden of Dreams or the bustling streets of Thamel for souvenir shopping. Other options include exploring the ancient city of Bhaktapur or visiting the sacred Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati River.

You are staying at a hotel in Kathmandu at an elevation of 1,350m/4,430ft, and breakfast is included.