Gokyo Lakes & the Renjo La
Overview
This 16-day extravaganza offers views comparable to the Everest Base Camp trek, while hiking on less crowded trails. The trek passes through traditional Sherpa settlements and journeys past gorgeous lakes and glaciers. The crossing of the Renjo La into the Thame Valley is picturesque and remote. The sense of communion with nature is deep on this off-the-beaten-path route.
Highlights
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An impressive alternative to the more popular Everest Base Camp trek. Go off the beaten path, avoiding the crowds of the Everest Base Camp trail.
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Ascend Scoundrels Point for one of the finest vistas in all the Himalaya — a stunning view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu (4 of the world’s 6 tallest mountains).
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Crest the Renjo La mountain pass for eye-popping views of the sawtooth mountains of the Khumbu.
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Explore the mesmerising Sherpa village of Gokyo, set by the shores of a glacial lake, along the Ngozumpa glacier (one of the longest in Nepal) and surrounded by snow-covered peaks.
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Visit traditional Sherpa villages like Khunde, Khumjung and Phortse along the way. Stay at and explore the fascinating Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar.
Trek Details
Destination - Nepal
Trek Style – Lodge based Trekking
Duration – 16D/15N (12N Trekking | 3N Kathmandu)
Group Size – 2 to 10 people
Trek Difficulty - ★★★★☆☆ (Demanding) ⓘ
Price – US$ 2,500 / € 2,200 ⓘ
Single Supplement – US$ 300 / € 265 ⓘ
Best Season – mid - March to May & mid - September to December
Ripple Score
The Ripple Score shows you the percentage of total expenses on each trip, that we spend at local businesses on services like accommodation, food, transportation and logistics. The scoring system was created along with the non-profit, Sustainable Travel International. Learn More
93%
Pricing
Price per person: US$ 2,500* / € 2,200*
Single Supplement: US$ 300 / € 265
*SAARC nationals are offered a discount of US$ 100 / € 90 due to reduced administrative costs
Price Includes
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Leadership by our Founder and lead guide Ananth Reddy
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Accommodation on a twin sharing basis
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Domestic flights between Lukla and Kathmandu with a baggage allowance of 15kg
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All transfers between the airport (domestic & int'l) and hotel
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Porters carrying a maximum of 10kg per client
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All trekking arrangements including permits and fees. A guide:client ratio of 1:3
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Purified drinking water on the trek
Price does not include
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International airfare, airport taxes or excess baggage charges
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Personal equipment and clothing
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Dinners and lunches in Kathmandu (Days 1, 2 & 15)
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Travel Insurance
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Personal expenses such as medical immunizations, phone calls, internet, laundry, souvenirs etc.
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Visas
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Tips
For detailed information on pricing, the single supplement, inclusions and exclusions download our trip dossier.
Single Supplement: US$ 300 / € 265
This is a mandatory charge if you are travelling solo and desire private accommodation, or if we are unable to match you with another single traveller to share accommodation with.
+ Extras
Allow approximately US$ 150 for extras such as alcoholic/aerated drinks, snacks, laundry and battery charging on the trek and meals while not on trek plus tips for our local staff.
For detailed information on pricing, the single supplement, inclusions and exclusions download our trip dossier.
Extensions
+ Gokyo Lakes & Everest Base Camp Combo
Combine this trek with the Everest Base Camp trek by adding a challenging crossing of the Cho La. This adds 5 days to the itinerary, making it a 21-day trek. Please contact us for more details.
+ Heli ride down to Kathmandu after visiting Gokyo
Take a wild chopper ride through the Himalayas and skip the walk back down. Cuts short the duration of the trek by 3 days.
+ Heli ride to and lunch at Kongde
A spectacular option for your last day in the mountains. The short heli ride, from Namche, up to Kongde takes you to one of best view points in all of the Khumbu. After lunch, the helicopter brings you down valley to Lukla to allow you to catch your flight to Kathmandu the next morning. Taking this option negates having to walk down to Lukla.
+ Khumbu Heli Sightseeing Tour
Take in the rest of the Khumbu on a once in a lifetime helicopter tour of the Everest region’s breathtaking peaks, glaciers and Himalayan passes! Your flight path takes you out of the Gokyo valley over the glaciated Cho La. Fly over the Khumbu Glacier and the sublime Khumbu ice fall, stopping at Everest Base Camp to snap photographs of the incredible surroundings. Next, fly over Gokyo before crossing the Renjo La to the traditional Thame valley, the old trade route to Tibet.
Note: Please contact us for details and pricing for all helicopter options.
Climate
Autumn
Late September to end-November offers the best weather in the Khumbu, but is also the most crowded time to be trekking. Blue skies, sunny days and chilly night-time temperatures are the norm. The mercury starts to dip towards the end of Autumn and the crowds start to thin out before the lodges and teahouses close for the winter.
Spring
March to mid-May brings dry & warm weather after the Himalayan winter and the benefits of trekking in this season are multi-fold: fewer crowds and gorgeous rhododendron blooms. There is pollen in the air though, which make for less clear views than in autumn.
Winter
The months of December to February offer uncluttered trails, crystal-clear air, sunny days and often empty lodges and teahouses. This is a lesser-known but brilliant season to hike in. Temperatures drop well below freezing at night, but there is very rarely snow underfoot. Solitude and the Himalayas blanketed by fresh winter snowfall are the reward.
