The Gokyo Lakes and Renjo La Pass Trek is one of the most rewarding alternatives to the classic Everest Base Camp route. Instead of crowded trails, this trek leads you through peaceful Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries, and pristine alpine valleys.
The highlight of the trek is the Gokyo Valley, home to six sacred glacial lakes shimmering beneath towering Himalayan giants. From Gokyo Ri (5,357m), you’ll enjoy one of the finest viewpoints in Nepal, offering jaw-dropping views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the massive Ngozumpa Glacier—the longest glacier in the Himalayas.
Crossing Renjo La Pass adds a thrilling adventure element, connecting Gokyo Valley with the remote Bhote Koshi region before descending back to Namche Bazaar. This trek perfectly balances natural beauty, cultural immersion, and physical challenge.
This incredible journey takes you to the stunning turquoise Gokyo Lakes, up Gokyo Ri for panoramic Everest views, and across the dramatic Renjo La Pass (5,360m)—one of the most scenic high passes in the Himalayas. Perfect for trekkers seeking adventure, solitude, and unforgettable mountain landscapes.
Trip Highlights
üExplore the breathtaking Gokyo Lakes, one of the highest freshwater lake systems in the world
üClimb Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu & Cho Oyu
üCross the spectacular Renjo La Pass (5,360m)
üWalk beside the massive Ngozumpa Glacier
üExperience authentic Sherpa culture in traditional mountain villages
üTrek through Sagarmatha National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
üEnjoy quieter trails compared to Everest Base Camp Comfortable
Gokyo Lakes and Renjo La Pass Trek – 13 Days | Best Everest Alternative Trek
Detailed Itinerary
Day-1Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. This day is kept free so you can relax after your journey or step outside to explore the lively streets of Kathmandu. You may visit nearby markets, enjoy local food, or simply rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day-2Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2,610 m)
An early morning flight brings you to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. After landing, the trek officially begins. Walking alongside the Dudh Koshi River, you pass through small villages and prayer wheels before reaching Phakding. This short and gentle trek helps your body adjust to the altitude.
Max Altitude: 2,610 m
4 Hours
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day-3Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Today’s walk is both exciting and scenic. You cross several suspension bridges, enter Sagarmatha National Park, and enjoy your first distant views of Himalayan peaks. A steady climb brings you to Namche Bazaar, the bustling heart of the Khumbu region and a key trading center for local Sherpa communities.
Max Altitude: 3,440 m
6 Hours
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day-4Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
A rest day is essential for proper acclimatization. You can take short hikes to nearby viewpoints for sunrise views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Cho Oyu. Optional walks include visiting Syangboche Airstrip, hiking to the famous Everest View area, or exploring local museums and cafés in Namche.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day-5Trek to Dole (4,200 m)
Leaving Namche, the trail climbs gradually through rhododendron and juniper forests. As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes more open and rugged. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of Cho Oyu and surrounding peaks before reaching the quiet settlement of Dole.
Max Altitude: 4,200 m
6-7 Hours
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day-6Trek to Machhermo (4,470 m)
The trail continues upward through alpine terrain and summer grazing lands. Machhermo sits beneath dramatic mountain scenery and offers beautiful views of Thamserku, Kantega, and Cho Oyu. The slower pace today helps with acclimatization.
Max Altitude: 4,470 m
5-6 Hours
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day-7Trek to Gokyo (4,800 m)
Today you reach the stunning Gokyo Valley. Passing glacial streams and turquoise lakes, the trail leads to Gokyo village beside the third Gokyo Lake. Views of Cho Oyu and the massive Ngozumpa Glacier make this day truly unforgettable.
Max Altitude: 4,800 m
5-6 Hours
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day-8Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,483 m) and Return to Gokyo
An early morning climb to Gokyo Ri rewards you with one of the best panoramic views in the Everest region. From the summit, you can see Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the entire Gokyo lake system. After descending, the rest of the day is spent relaxing or exploring the village.
Max Altitude: 5,483 m
5-6 Hours
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day-9Cross Renjo La Pass (5,340 m) to Lungden (4,300 m)
This is one of the most challenging and rewarding days of the trek. The climb to Renjo La Pass is steep but offers breathtaking views of Everest, Rolwaling range, and the Gokyo lakes. After crossing the pass, descend into the quieter Bhote Koshi Valley to reach Lungden.
Max Altitude: 5,340 m
7-8 Hours
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day-10Trek to Thame (3,800 m)
Descending through peaceful valleys and traditional Sherpa villages, you reach Thame, one of the oldest settlements in the region. Visit the historic Thame Monastery and experience the calm spiritual atmosphere of this beautiful village.
Max Altitude: 3,800 m
4-5 Hours
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day-11Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
The trail gently leads back to Namche Bazaar. Enjoy familiar views, warm showers, and a comfortable evening in this lively mountain town after completing the high-pass section of the trek.
Max Altitude: 3,440 m
3-4 Hours
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day-12Trek to Lukla (2,840 m)
Your final trekking day follows the Dudh Koshi River back to Lukla. Cross suspension bridges and enjoy the last mountain views as you celebrate the successful completion of your journey.
Max Altitude: 2,840 m
5-6 Hours
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day-13Fly Back to Kathmandu
An early flight returns you to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free for shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing after the trek.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day-14Final Departure
Your adventure comes to an end as you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight, carrying unforgettable memories of the Gokyo Lakes and Renjo La Pass trek.
What's Included
Airport transfers in Kathmandu
Round-trip Kathmandu–Lukla flights
Tea-house accommodation during the trek
3 meals per day during trekking
Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
Porter service (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
Sagarmatha National Park permit & local permits
First-aid kit and safety support
Trek briefing and farewell dinner
What's Excluded
International airfare
Nepal visa fees
Travel & rescue insurance (mandatory)
Personal expenses (Wi-Fi, hot showers, drinks, charging)
Tips for guide and porter
Related Treks You Might Like
If Gokyo Lakes Renjo La Pass Trek 13days Package fits your travel plans, you may also enjoy a few of our other Everest Region adventures:
Browse all Everest Region itineraries on our Everest Region page. Each route can be customized for group size, season, and trekking pace — get in touch with our team to combine two treks or adjust the itinerary to your dates.
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