Gokya-Renjo La Trek

A day trip around the valley, which is rich in Cultural Heritage, consisting of seven sights listed in World Heritage List.

From Kathmandu, we take an early flight to Lukla. It’s a 30 minutes flight with excellent views of Langtang, Rolwaling and Everest mountain regions on the north and beautiful green valleys on the south.

From Lukla, we head north following Dudh Koshi River. On the way, we pass through several beautiful villages and cross a few suspension bridges.

After a few ups and downs for 2.30 hrs, we arrive at the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, where our permits will be checked, and another half an hour walk to Jorsale, which is the last village before Namche Bazaar. After Jorsale, it is approximately 1 hr walk on flat trail and then it is 2 hrs hard climb to Namche Bazaar. At the beginning of the uphill, one can have his/her first sight of Mt. Everest along with Mt. Taboche. Namche Bazaar is one of the most beautiful villages in the Khumbu region with its typical curved shape and excellent vies of Mt. Kongde and Mt. Thamserku. Besides this, there’s a lot more that a trekker can do there, e.g. one can visit the monastery on the western edge of the town or one can take a walk through the beautiful town or visiting the Sherpa Photo Gallery or Mountaineering Museum might be a brilliant idea. Also one can spend some time interacting with fun loving Sherpa and Rai people there.

On this day, a trekker can explore the beautiful town as well as do an easy acclimatization walk up Syangboche or Khumjung. After the breakfast, one can hike to Everest View Point Hotel, an ideal place to overview some outstanding mountains such as Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku etc. The hike can be extended to Khumjung Village or Khunde Village to explore more about the Sherpa people and their lifestyle. Also one can visit the hospital in Khunde and Hillary School in Khumjung.

After walking 2 hrs on a relatively flat trail, one should diverge from main trail to EBC to enter the Gokyo Valley. From the point of diversion, it’s 1.30 hrs climb to reach Mong Danda (which is the birthplace of Saint Lama Sanga Dorje, the reincarnation Lama of Rongbuk Monastery). From Mong Danda, one can have a good look at Dudh Koshi Valley. Afterwards, the trail descends to the Dudh Koshi and reaches Phortse Thanga. And then the trail climbs steeply through rhododendron forests, passing many Kharkas on its way to Tongba (3950m), Gyele (3960m) and finally Dole.

The trail climbs through a huge rock at Lhabarma (4330m) and carries on to Luza
(4340m). From Luza, the trail continues to climb to Machhermo (4410m) where you can have good views of the mountains.

Passing through Machhermo, the trail climbs and reaches Pangka (4390m). Beyond Pangka, the trail drops and again climbs steeply. From there you can see the massive Ngozomba Glacier. You pass from the side of two lakes and finally you arrive at Gokyo. Situated right below Gokyo Ri (5387m), placed in between Ngozomba Glacier and The Third Lake, one can also see the Renjo La Pass right behind The Third Lake.

In the morning one can have a walk around Gokyo Lake.  For a splendid panoramic view climbing Gokyo Ri is a must. It’s better to climb in the afternoon as most of mountains are on the eastern side. From Gokyo, one can see the Everest, but a bit far. One can see 4 out of world’s 6 highest mountains (Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu and Mt. Cho Oyu) from one point. Mt. Cho Oyu and Mt. Ghyachung Kang appear as a big ice wall bordering Tibet. The massive Ngozomba Glacier is right below. One can take a walk to the lakes following the Gokyo Valley further towards north. From Fifth Lake, one will have a magnificent view of Mt. Everest.

It’s approximately 3 hrs hard walk to arrive to Renjo La (5340m) on the other side of the Third Lake form Gokyo, where you will have a breathtaking view as the reward for your hard work. Afterwards, it’s 2.30 hrs walk down to Lunde. This beautiful alpine valley is a trade route for Tibetan yak caravans heading to Namche Bazaar. It was just recently, in 2003, opened up for trekkers. Rocky spires and glaciers loom beautifully above, often with wispy fast-moving clouds against a blue-blue sky.

On this day, we trek down to Thame, viewing more amazing snow peaks. We may meet Tibetan trader encampments along the way for pictures of a rare lifestyle. About 150m above Thame is the Thame Gompa, a picturesque monastery set among the many homes of Lamas and lay people. It’s perched on the side of a hill overlooking the valley.

From Thame, we walk up and down, passing through a few Sherpa villages and finally we arrive to Namche Bazaar.