Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek Details
Nepal's most underrated trek, Gokyo Renjo La Pass, is a heavenly paradise. Away from the crowded trails, this Gokyo Valley trek bestows the unique cultural and natural experience within the Sherpa villages. The huge glacier lake chain in Gokyo provides more than awesome views from Gokyo-Ri. This trek in the Everest region is equally rewarding with pristine frozen glaciers, thrilling suspension bridges, picturesque terraced hillsides, and the panorama of the World's tallest mountain.
The Gokyo trek commences with an exciting flight to Lukla. Strolling in the small Sherpa villages, we stop at Namche for a day. Exploring the foothills of the world's tallest snow-capped mountain peaks and the rich biodiversity of Sagarmatha National Park is a blessing. Upto Namche, we take the classic Everest base camp route. Once blessed with the majestic view from the Gokyo Ri, we walk beyond the Mani stones, colorful prayer flags, and well-known monasteries.
In a short while, we will be living in the highest altitude settlement at Gokyo Valley. There's Gokyo Ri (5,357m) and the five Gokyo Lakes (4,700-5,000m). The high alpine, emerald-green Gokyo Lakes, are unlike any sight in the World. Now, we trudge up the Renjo La Pass (5345m), where a jagged line of mountain peaks looms straight ahead. Don't be surprised if the Himalayan Yak, Musk deer, Snow Leopard, or wild goats rush to you in this Gokyo Lake and Renjola pass trek. Then, we get down, tracing our journey back to Lukla and eventually flying to Kathmandu.
Best time for Gokyo Lake Renjola Pass
Trekking in Gokyo is possible throughout the year, but Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) provide the best weather. During the Spring, there is a bit more color, and the rhododendrons are blooming. Further, Gokyo Lake weather in the Autumn months bestows clear sky and great views. Monsoon rain makes it hard to trek in Gokyo in June-July, while the trail is all covered in snow during the months of Winter (January, February).
Most Popular and beautiful places on Gokyo Lakes Renjola Pass
Lukla
Lukla, "Gateway to Khumbu" at 2860 meters, is actually an unimaginable paradise. Its pride, Lukla airport, built in 1964, is known as the most thrilling airport in the World. Also called Hillary Airport, every trek in the Everest region begins from Lukla.
Namche Bazaar
The ancient town of Namche Bazaar has been in highlight for centuries. Early, the traders from Tibet used to sell their goods to the Indian buyer at this place. Today, it is home to the finest lodges (Even a 5-star hotel), bakery, and bar in the entire region. Namche's economic growth has been unbelievable. Also, the town offers stunning panoramic views of the mountains.
Gokyo Lakes
The World's highest freshwater lake system, Gokyo Lakes, is located at an elevation of 4,700 meters to 5,000 meters. Thonak Lake being the largest, this wetland of 7,770 ha has six major glaciers. There's Gokyo Cho which has religious importance among the locals. Gyazumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, and Ngozumpa Cho are other major lakes.
Renjo La Pass
Renjo-La Pass at 5360m is the highest altitude we get during the Everest Gokyo Ri trek. Within the pristine Gokyo lakes, this highpass is the most challenging part of the journey. It demands seven hours of walk. The top features the mighty Everest and dozens of other mountain peaks.
Thame Village
Thame, the remote village in the Namche VDC, was the major slat trading route of the previous century. Now, it's the home to brave Sherpas like Apa Sherpa, who made a world record conquering Everest 21 times. The ancient Thame monastery is the place for the very popular Mani Rimdu festival.
Gokyo Lakes Renjola Pass Trek Difficulties
The Gokyo Renjo La Trek requires fitness and acclimatization to avoid acute mountain sickness. The Gokyo trek distance of over 150kms is not a big deal. But walking 6 to 7 hours daily at almost 5,000 meters above sea level is not a joke. It is a physically and mentally challenging trek. Some trekking experience and cardio-vascular exercise before the Gokyo valley trek will help you a lot.