The stunning Gokyo Lakes Trek offers a wonderful alternative to the classic Everest Base Camp Trek, and is a great choice for people who want to experience the magnificence of Everest without the crowds. An exciting addition to this trek is to include the high Renjo La Pass (5,360 m.), which is often included on the Three Passes trekking route. Combined, these create one of the most exciting hiking trails in Nepal.

This trek takes you to the attractive Gokyo Valley, where tranquil turquoise lakes are surrounded by snowy peaks and Nepal’s biggest glacier. The views of Everest from Gokyo are exceptional. Start the trek by following the Dudh Koshi River to Namche Bazaar, a lively Sherpa town. Continue to Dole and Machermo, before reaching Gokyo (4,750 m.), from where you can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Ngozumba Glacier. Gokyo village is situated on the banks of the third of the numerous bright turquoise Gokyo lakes.

Continue on a path beside the Dudh Pokhari River, and up over the Renjo La, from where there are great views of Gokyo Lake and Everest. The trail winds down a sometimes icy path to the south bank of Angladumba Tso Lake. Trek back via Thame, a hidden valley near Namche Bazaar, where you can experience the quiet of the area without many other trekkers around.

Our Gokyo Lakes & Beyond itinerary, including the Renjo La, is an ideal option for travellers who enjoy a physical challenge and want to experience the best of the Everest region while limiting their time on the most heavily-beaten paths.

US$2,095*

15 NIGHT TOUR WITH 11 NIGHT TREK
DEPARTS: KATHMANDU

Maximum elevation: 5,360 m.
Level of difficulty: Medium to hard
Availability: March to May & September to November

* Price based on twin share accommodation. Single room supplement available subject to availability
Find out approximate trip price in your own currency here

DAY 1

Arrive Kathmandu.
Altitude: 1,400 m.

DAY 2

Kathmandu. Sightsee at the city’s numerous historical cultural sites and prepare for the start of your trek tomorrow.
Altitude: 1,400 m.

DAY 3

Kathmandu to Phakding. Fly Kathmandu to Lukla. The flight is spectacular, make sure you have your camera handy! From Lukla, the trail descends before following the Dudh Koshi River through forests and spectacular waterfalls. Passing through the village of Ghat, the trail continues to climb to Phakding, a small village in the Dudh Kosi River Valley. 
Walking time: 4 hrs
Overnight: Phakding
Altitude: 2,610 m.

DAY 4

Climb from Phakding to Namche Bazaar. Climbing from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, the first couple of hours climbs uphill and crosses suspension bridges, while gradually moving uphill towards the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park, the official entrance to the Everest Region.
Walking time: ~6 hrs
Overnight: Namche Bazaar
Altitude: 3,440 m.

DAY 5 

Rest day in Namche Bazaar. It is recommended to go on a day hike to higher altitude, as well as explore Namche, which has lots of little shops and cafes.
Overnight: Namche Bazaar
Altitude: 3,440 m.

DAY 6

Trek from Namche to Dole. The trail first takes you above Namche to a viewpoint offering spectacular views of Thamserku and Amadablam. Spend the night in the small village of Dole.
Walking time: 6 hrs
Overnight: Dole
Altitude: 4,200 m.

DAY 7

Trek from Dole to Machermo. Continue your steady ascent above the treeline as you follow the Dudh Kosi River Valley to Machermo. This is a relatively steady and gentle day’s walk.
Walking time: 5 hrs
Overnight: Machermo
Altitude: 4,410 m.

DAY 8

Trek Machermo to Gokyo. Today you will trek to one of the most scenic villages in the whole Khumbu area: Gokyo. The ascent is gradual, and you’ll probably arrive in Gokyo in time for lunch, so there will be lots of time to enjoy the views of lakes, mountains and glaciers.
Walking time: 6 hrs
Overnight: Gokyo Village
Altitude: 4,750 m.

DAY 9

Gokyo Ri Day Trip. Start early to make the ascent of Gokyo Ri (5,357m). The view from the top is unforgettable: four of the tallest mountains in the world, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. The whole horizon is jagged snowy peaks.
Walking time: 3-4 hrs
Overnight: Gokyo Village
Altitude: 4,750 m.

DAY 10

Gokyo to Lumde over the Renjo La Pass. This strenuous day starts with following the trail along the Dudh Pokhari River. After 2 hours reach the Renjo La Pass (5,360 m.) from which there are great views of Gokyo Lake and Everest. The trail winds down a sometimes icy path to the south bank of Angladumba Tso Lake. A narrow boulder-strewn valley leads to Lumde.
Walking time: 7-8 hrs
Overnight: Lumde
Altitude: 4,380 m.

DAY 11

Lumde to Thame. Descending from Lumde, the path leads to Marlung on the bank of the Bhote Koshi River. From Marulung to Thame, the trek follows a traditional route used for centuries by the Tibetan traders. Overlooking Thame is a famous Gompa. 
Walking time: 5-6 hrs
Overnight: Thame
Altitude: 3,844 m.

DAY 12

Thame to Monjo. Descend gradually, passing through small villages before reaching Monjo, just below the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park.
Walking time: 6-7 hrs
Overnight: Monjo
Altitude: 2,860 m.

DAY 13

Monjo to Lukla. Retracing your steps, follow the steep path down from Monjo to Lukla.
Walking time: 4-6 hrs
Overnight: Lukla
Altitude: 2,860 m.

DAY 14

Lukla to Kathmandu: Take the morning flight to Kathmandu
Overnight: Kathmandu
Altitude: 1,400 m.

DAY 15

Kathmandu. Spend the day relaxing, sightseeing, or doing some last-minute souvenir shopping.
Altitude: 1,400 m.

DAY 16

Depart Kathmandu.