Overview of Renjola Pass Trek via Gokyo Lake
Renjola Pass Trek via Gokyo Lake is a serene beauty and a less crowded alternative route to Everest Base Camp. Standing proudly at 5360 meters, Renjola Pass offers an unmatched panoramic spectacle. Throughout the journey, indulge in breathtaking vistas of towering peaks, many surpassing the 8000-meter mark, such as Mt. Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8463m), and Cho Oyu (8201m).
Embark on a journey that reveals a tapestry of landscapes, from the vast expanse of Thame Valley to the tranquil Gokyo Valley, adorned with its countless lakes. Immerse yourself in the rich Sherpa lifestyle and cultural tapestry, and encounter the noble yaks that grace your path. Renjola Pass Trek is an adventure like no other, promising an authentic wilderness experience that is truly unparalleled.
The adventure of Renjola Pass Trek via Gokyo Lake begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, followed by a trek to Phakding. The following day's journey takes you to Namche Bazaar, the bustling heart of the Everest region, offering accommodations and trekking necessities. It's an ideal resting point, providing opportunities to either hike to the Everest viewpoint or visit the Khumjung Khunde village, renowned for its hospital, school, and monastery rumored to house a mysterious YETI SKULL. At an altitude of 3440m, Namche aids in acclimatization for further ascents to 3860m. Spend your days exploring the vibrant Namche bazaar, soaking in its lively atmosphere.
Renjola Pass Trekking continues towards the ancient monastery along the Thame and Thamo Valley before arriving at the picturesque town of Lunden, nestled at 4350 meters. The following day marks the pinnacle of the adventure with the thrilling ascent to Renjola Pass at 5360 meters, offering unparalleled vistas of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Gokyo Lakes.
The next morning you should ascend to the top of Gokyo Ri viewpoint at 5360 meters. Which rewards you with breathtaking majestic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, as well as the shimmering lakes and glistening glaciers below. Subsequently, the Renjola Pass Trek through Machhermo, Dole, and back to the vibrant Namche Bazaar.
The Renjola Pass Trek journey concludes in Lukla, where you board a flight back to Kathmandu. This tentative 12-day itinerary includes region-specific pricing. Rest assured, the trip is meticulously organized with your safety and enjoyment as top priorities, featuring experienced mountaineering guides and resilient porters to accompany you every step of the way.
Thame Valley
The valley is serene and inviting, with yak shelters and lush pastures throughout. Thame and Thamo boast impressive monasteries—Thame with a male gompa and Thamo with a female gompa. You'll be treated to stunning views of white snow peaks, and this route leads to the Tibet border via Nangpa La Pass. While crossing into Tibet was once easier, now special permits are required.
Renjo La Pass (5360m)
The Renjola Pass trek is a long day of walking, with no tea houses between Lunden and Gokyo Lake. Carry lunch and snacks. The hike to Lunden takes about 4 to 4.5 hours, offering an open viewpoint with views of snowy peaks and Gokyo Lake. Mt. Everest is prominently visible here. After another 2 to 2.5 hours of descent and gradual slopes, you reach a spectacular viewpoint. The trail is well-maintained but has steep sections. Passing through the pass, you'll easily reach Gokyo Valley.
About Gokyo Lakes
Gokyo has many lakes; the third lake is so glorious and tremendous. You are staying overnight beside the lake. Many lodges are well-managed. It is made of snow-white mountains and glaciers. The first lake is tiny, the second is quite bigger, and the third is amazing. The fourth and fifth lakes are a bit far from your lodge; each lake is an hour apart. Visit all of them easily.
Gokyo Ri Viewpoint (5360m.)
It is an open and splendid viewpoint in the Everest region trekking, and we recommend that you visit early in the morning at sunrise. It takes from your lodge approximately 2 hours, steadily ascending uphill. You will see wow views of white snow and crystal-clear mountains, including Mt. Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8463m), Cho Oyu (8201m), and many more peaks. You will see the huge glacier of Ngozumpa, which is in front of lakes. Furthermore, you will get to the top, and you will enjoy it so much while you are there.
Gokyo Valley
Gokyo Valley, nestled to the left of Mt. Everest, features the vast Ngozumpa Glacier and numerous stunning lakes. Gokyo Ri offers a magnificent panoramic view of white snow peaks. Along the way, you'll encounter charming spots like Machermo, Dole, and Mongla, eventually rejoining Namche Bazaar. It's truly a breathtakingly beautiful valley to explore.
Route of Renjola Pass via Gokyo Lake Trek
Renjola Pass Trekking starts in Kathmandu to Lukla by flight, then same day trekking to Phakding, the next day Namche Bazaar, and a rest day in Namche Bazaar. You should do a day excursion for acclimatization and trek to Lunden. the next day, Renjola Pass Visit Gokyo Lake, Gokyo Ri, then Machhermo Namche Bazaar, and Lukla, and fly back to Kathmandu. This is a 10-day itinerary, but you need to plan a minimum of 12 to 13 days.
What is the cost of Renjola Pass Trek?
The Renjola Pass Trek costs $1125 per person, covering all expenses except the hotel in Kathmandu. For the full-board package, including the Kathmandu Hotel, the cost is $1175 per person. Groups must have a minimum of two people; solo travelers may have a slightly higher rate. Feel free.
How About Lifestyle and Culture in the Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek?
The majority of people in the area are Sherpas, each with a unique cultural identity. They dress in traditional attire, speak their native languages, and deeply practice Buddhism. Sherpas adhere to their cultural traditions, evident in the numerous monasteries, tsortens, prayer wheels, prayer flags, stupas, and other Buddhist monuments. Walking clockwise is a practice to seek blessings from the divine in accordance with Sherpa beliefs.
Attractions: Mountains View from Renjola and Gokyo Ri (5360 m/17585 ft)
You will see those thrilling white-snow mountain views from the Renjo La Pass trek.
- Mt. Everest (8848m /29029 ft.)
- Lhotse (8516m /27940 ft.)
- Cho Oyu, (8201m / /26907 ft)
- Nupse Sar (7861m/ 25790 ft)
- Peak 38 (7590m / 24902 ft.)
- Ama Dablam (6812m/ 22350 ft.)
- Thamserku is (6608m / 21680ft.)
- Taboche Peak (6495m / 21310ft.)
- Cholatse Peak (6640m / 21785 ft).
- Kongde Peak is (6187m / 20299ft.)
Is there a well-managed lodging and food facility?
They have built well-managed lodges; there are many lodges in every camp, and they grow some organic vegetables and provide healthy meals and comfortable rooms with warm hospitality.
How about transportation to get to Lukla?
Kathmandu to Lukla is by flight only for 30 minutes, but in peak touristic season, as in the months of October, November, April, and May, they fly Ramechap to Lukla and Lukla to Ramechap due to the fact that lots of tourists want to visit the Everest region. Kathmandu airport is very busy with international and domestic airlines on the same runway. They get air traffic jams, and they can’t supply many tourists in the Everest region. Ramechap to Lukla is only a 15- to 18-minute flight, and they can supply as much as they get. From Kathmandu to Ramechhap and returning, there are some shared vehicles, or you can take a private car or jeep according to your group size. We manage it easily.
Accept the flight; there is off-road riding. You should catch a local sharing jeep or take a private jeep to get near Lukla. It is a long drive.
Do we need entry permits for the Gokyo Renjola Pass trek?
Yes, of course, you are visiting Sagarmatha National Park. There is a big checkpoint in Monjo village. The Sagarmatha National Park Army and Khumbu Village Municipality should raise it accordingly.
- Sagarmatha National Park Fee: Rs. 3000
- Khumbu Rural Municipality Fee: Rs. 2000/-
- TIMS (Trekking Information Management System): Nrs. 2000/-
When is the best time to visit Renjola Pass Gokyo Trek?
The ideal times for the Renjola Pass via Gokyo Lakes trek are autumn (October to December) and spring (March to May). During these months, you'll experience clear visibility and pleasant temperatures, perfect for enjoying the crystal-clear views of white snow peaks.
While it's possible to trek during the monsoon season (June to August), the frequent rain and clouds can obstruct the views and disrupt your experience.
Winter (December to February) can also be challenging due to heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. The pass may be covered in snow and ice, requiring good gear and physical fitness to navigate safely.
- Autumn season: September, October, and November
- Spring Season: March, April, and May
- Monsoon Season: June, July, and August
- Winter Season: December, January, and February
Carry Your Important Medications
Medicine is crucial, especially in remote mountain regions where healthcare facilities are scarce. It's vital to carry any necessary medication for pre-existing conditions. Prevention is better than cure, as there are no clinics or hospitals readily available along the trekking route. Even if there is a clinic, it may not have the specific medication you require. Therefore, I strongly advise you to bring your medication or purchase it in Kathmandu before the trek. Our company provides a basic first aid kit with items like headache and fever medication, but it's essential to have your specific medications on hand.
