Everest Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trekking

As you arrive in Kathmandu, you'll be greeted and welcomed by our airport representative. After you are under our care, we will make sure that your travel needs are taken care of. We will help you check into your respective hotel as there are no scheduled activities for the day. You can choose to walk around the neighborhood or rest in your respective rooms. Enjoy your hotel stay for the night.

We get up early in Kathmandu and have breakfast before heading to the airport and then to Lukla. Even the journey to Lukla is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Due to the airfield's high altitude and geographical location, the runway's length is just 530 meters long. At Lukla, we meet the porters who will assist us with our luggage throughout the journey.

We begin our trip from Lukla to Phakding for a beautiful view of Kusum Kangraru and a lush, verdant area.  The journey begins as we pass through the National Luminary Pasang Lhamu Memorial Gate. Our presence on the route will be recorded by the police at the entry. Walking some more we finally arrived at Phakding after crossing suspension bridges, traveling beside the Dudh Koshi River, and resting short to drink, eat, and refresh ourselves. Our trekking guide will help us choose our accommodations at the Phakding teahouse. Depending on when we get to the area, we may want to explore the village and monasteries.

Waking up early in Phakding, grabbing breakfast, and providing our luggage to our porters, we walk on the trail to Namche bazaar entering the Sagarmatha National Park. The walk will mostly be downhill in the beginning and we will be walking through dry forest trails, rhododendron forests and stone steps, and large mani stones. After lunch, we begin ascending through woods of Himalayan pine and cedar. Crossing a prominent suspension bridge we might get our first glimpse of Mt. Everest depending on the weather and clarity.  We follow the Dudh Koshi to the renowned settlement of Namche Bazaar. Namche is a historic commercial settlement where Tibetan and Nepalese merchants barter textiles, dried meat, and salt. Namche continues to be the principal trading hub in the Khumbu, drawing traders from the Himalayas and the lowlands in addition to being a wonderful place to purchase traditional products. You will stay in Namche for two days to acclimatize, tour nearby markets, and spend time with your colleagues. We get our first looks at Everest and other peaks while hiking. 

The full day has been set aside for acclimatization as we approach 3000m above sea level. Minor symptoms of low oxygen may develop in certain travelers, but our bodies will ultimately adjust. After breakfast, we proceed to the Sagarmatha National Park Museum, where you will be able to observe vintage climbing equipment, historical images of past climbers, flora found in the region, and memorandums written by Tenzing Norgay and Hillary during their ascent. Aside from the Museum's main hall, there is an Army Camp.

We leave the museum and proceed to the Everest View Hotel. The Thamserku and other mountain peaks may be seen well from the region's various ridges. The region is home to the Nepalese national bird, the Lophophorous, as well as countless Yaks. Passing through Syangboche Airport

We can have refreshments and see the several mountains we observed on our tour more closer and with a better perspective from the Everest view hotel. Among the peaks visible from the hotel are Kong De, Kusum Kangaru, Thamserku, and Ama Dablam, the most beautiful mountain in the world. We also get a sneak peek at the route we'll be going tomorrow.

Khungdi La, which can also be viewed from the hotel, is considered holy and so banned to climb. Walking now to the Sherpa settlement of Khumjung, where the Hillary Foundation has erected a school. A monastery in Namche Bazaar preserves the mysterious Yeti's scalp. Namche Bazaar provides several opportunities for local shopping, refreshments such as coffee and cake, and much more.

After grabbing breakfast early morning, we ascend briefly and then walk sideways along the edge. We see the valleys we crossed earlier. We also get a glimpse of the Hillary bridge. Walking ahead we see the Tenzing Norgay stupa.  The trailheads to Kyangjuma are simple at first, then they ascend steeply out of the valley through rhododendron woods before changing as they gain height to aromatic juniper stands and huge conifers. This hike is particularly lovely in the springtime when the rhododendrons are in blossom. Views of Amadablam, Thamserku, Khangtenga, Lhotse, Everest and Tabuche are seen along the trail. After a short walk the routes heading to Everest base camp and Gokyo separate. We take the route to Gokyo climbing many stone steps. Walking for about two hours we reach Maula Danda, where we grab lunch and take in the panoramic views of the mountains. After lunch we begin our descent for about an hour and reach Phortse Tanga where we begin ascending again and walking through forests and woodlands, we get a glimpse of Choyu. Rhododendron and other flowers in various colors we see covering the hills and forests. After walking for 3 hours from Maula Danda We reach Dole. Many Kharkas, summer towns used by Sherpas to transport yak herds to graze in these high pastures, may be seen along the paths. We explore Dole village in the evening and stay at a guesthouse there. 

After breakfast, we walk to Macchermo. On the route, we see the many valleys passed the previous day. We see Taboche and Chola from here. After the light ascent, we notice the vegetation becoming sparse. After a three-hour walk, we reach Macchermo where we grab lunch. A small clinic is located in Macchermo as well, where those facing altitude sicknesses are taken care of. Short hiking trips can be done around the village of Macchermo. According to legend, a Yeti murdered three yaks and assaulted a Sherpa lady in Machhermo in 1974. Macchermo also offers amazing views of the nearby mountains. 

Waking up early again, we begin ascending a thin ridge for a fantastic view of the valley, Kantega, and the mountains, Cho-Oyu (8201m). Numerous stone steps are to be climbed on the trip. Beyond the crest, as the path passes through Pangka at 4390 meters, the valley opens. Cho Oyu can be seen in front as we walk on the trail as we see Thamserku behind us. Walking some more, we reach the first glacial lake on the trip. Geese can be seen swimming in the lake. Walking for a few more minutes we reach the second lake on the Gokyo trek. These lakes are totally frozen during the winter, making for a different view. Walking for about an hour from the second lake we reach the climax of the Gokyo trek, the Gokyo Lake. We walk towards Gokyo village which lies just in front of the Lake, grab lunch, and can wander around the Gokyo lake, taking the beautiful scenery. Yaks can be seen cooling off in the Gokyo lake in Summer and Spring. Tibetan Snow Cocks can be heard chirping in the region as well. Sometimes the bird can even be fed by us there.  We can even move towards the fourth lake present on the trip Cho Oyu can be seen amazingly from here. Beautiful shadows of the mountains can be seen on the lake as well during spring.  While hiking descends to the riverbed before starting the ascent up the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Afterward, we descend back to our hotel for the night. 

Moving from Gokyo village in the morning before sunrise we move to Gokyo Ri. The trail is steep and we climb around 500 meters to reach the top of Gokyo, known as Gokyo RI. The trail is narrow and slippery due to ice and rain during the winter and monsoon seasons respectively. From the top, we can see amazing views of the Lhotse, Everest, and Makalu mountains. As we climb higher, the views get better.  The Mahalangur Himalayan range may be seen in all its glory when you ascend to the Gokyo-RI in the early morning. The ascent to the peak's summit, we reach the top around sunrise and can see a 360-degree panorama of Cho-Oyu, the Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, and the Tawache, takes around two hours. The Ngozumpa glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal, can be seen clearly from there as well. After spending some time at the top, we return back to our lodge and rest or roam the village for the next day when we cross Renjo La. 

Walking early in the morning we begin our journey to cross Renjo La. We pack our lunch and breakfast today at the lodge and we walk beside Gokyo for some time. Then we start ascending where we see amazing views of the mountains. As we climb we see the sunrise which, when reflected on the snowy mountains offers a heavenly sight. From the top, we see a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains, much better than those seen before. As we near the top, we need to use ropes to pull ourselves on the trek. At the top, we eat the packed breakfast at the top, which will be an experience of a lifetime as we dine amid the best views that nature has to offer. Renjo la pass offers the best view amid the numerous viewpoints and passes. It is considered the best viewpoint among the three passes in Khumbu. Then we begin our descent where we can see the Thamo valley and see and walk beside numerous glacial lakes. The trail is narrow and slippery, especially in winter, some parts are very rocky and are very steep downhill. Then we reach Lunden village and warm ourselves up with a nice soup that is available there. We rest for the night at Lunden. 

Waking up quite late we begin our descent to Thame for more breathtaking snow-capped peaks after breakfast.  While descending large boulders alongside the trail we see large paintings of many Buddhist deities.  Along the trip, we could come across Tibetan merchant camps where we can take photos of a unique way of living. There is a large stupa in one of the small villages along the trail which snakes a glacial river. The villages also house a monastery made for nuns that can be explored.   Thame Monastery, a lovely monastery surrounded by several dwellings for monks and laypeople, is located around 150 meters above Thame. It is positioned on a hillside looking down into a valley. The Mani Rimdu festival's spring celebration is held here every year around the middle of May. We stay in a hotel in Thame.

Waking up early for breakfast we move towards Namche Bazaar where we aim to grab lunch. After moving towards Namche Bazaar, we will continue our walk by following the flat terrain and descending to the first rest stop, Thamo. Greenery returns within our sights as we approach Thamo.  Thamo is a small sherpa village with an old monastery beside a stupa. We can rest and grab refreshments and take a tea break in Thamo as well. After this, we take around 2 hours walk to reach Namche through forests and rhododendron. Many stones with mantras written in Tibetan script can be seen. Amazing views of Khantenga and the nearby valleys are also seen. In the trail, Thar, and Yak can be seen plenty. We can enjoy ourselves in Namche, explore the village and alcohol can be taken in Namche.

Today is our final day of the trek as the walk continues down the Dudh Kosi River to Lukla, with its tiny airfield in the mountains, from whence you may board a flight back to Kathmandu the next day. 

As the sun rises this morning, it reflects happiness and a sense of fulfillment among us. We collect our belongings and prepare to travel from Lukla to Kathmandu early in the morning. Flights frequently take departure in the morning due to inclement weather in the afternoon. Enjoy free time till the end of the day after arriving in Kathmandu and settling into your accommodation. It is suggested that you attend a spa, take a short day excursion to explore UNESCO historical sites, or simply relax at your hotel. Make the most of your Nepal trip. Later, spend the night at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Today's schedule includes visits to the cultural and religious monuments of Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, Pashupatinath, one of Nepal's largest temples, and Bouddhanath, a massive stupa.

Temple of Pashupatinath: Pashupatinath Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples, is devoted to Lord Shiva, also known as the "Lord of All Beings." Lord Shiva represents the universe's destructive side. The holy Bagmati river runs through the Pashupatinath complex. Cremation ceremonies are done by the majority of Hindus in the Kathmandu Valley for people who die on the banks of the river.

Swayambhunath Stupa: Swayambhunath stupa is one of Nepal's most respected Buddhist stupas. It is supposed to have formed when the Bodhisattva Manjushri dug a canyon at Chhobhar with his flaming sword to drain the waters of the vast lake that was Kathmandu in ancient times.

Bouddhanath Stupa: Lord Buddha's four pairs of eyes are positioned in the four cardinal directions atop the Valley's 2500-year-old Buddhist stupa, which was built in the fifth century. This stupa constantly monitors individuals and their behavior. Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims may be seen spinning prayer wheels as they round the stupa.

 You can also walk around Thamel and Asons around the vicinity of your hotel selling handicraft items and locally made trinkets and clothes. Ason, the oldest market in Kathmandu also lies a few hundred meters from your hotel. You can shop for spices, tea, brass statues, and decorative jars in this market.

This day is also kept as a contingency day in case flight delays are faced. 

After finishing the Everest Base Camp climb, it's time to bid Nepal farewell. Three hours before your scheduled international flight to your next destination, you will be taken to the international airport. We hope you had a great time in the Everest Himalaya with us. If you like, you may prolong your stay in Nepal to visit the many wonderful places the country has to offer. We hope you remember the time we spent together fondly and recommend us to your friends and family on their Nepal trekking adventure. This is not "Goodbye," but "Feri Bhetumla," which means "Until we meet again" in Nepali.