- Mode of Trekking: Tea House-Lodge Based Trek
- Trekking Grade: Moderate to adventurous
- Maximum Altitude: 5,360m on top Renjo La Pass
- Total Trip: 17 days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
- Season: All months of the year except June to August (wet monsoon months)
Introduction
This journey is ideal for those who want to avoid the busier Everest trails while still seeing breathtaking views of the mountain. As we trek gently through Sherpa settlements and yak farms into the gorgeous Gokyo Valley with its beautiful lakes. Walk alongside the longest glacier in the Himalayas, the Ngozumba Glacier. Trek to the magnificent turquoise Gokyo Lakes through Sherpa communities. We prepare for the trek's pinnacle, the crossing of the Renjo La with an altitude of 5,360m. As we weave our way to the top of the pass, the views of Everest and surrounding peaks are breathtaking. Retrace the journey back to Lukla with a stop at Namche Bazaar - Sherpa Capital to conclude the trek. Fly to Lukla in the Himalayas for a magnificent Himalayan mountain flight. Immerse yourself in the culture of Kathmandu.
Enjoy the Everest region's scenery on less-traveled trails. Climb Gokyo Ri at an altitude of nearly 5400m after crossing the Renjo La (5400m) for one of Nepal's best and broadest vistas of 8000m peaks. Walk alongside the longest glacier in the Himalayas, the Ngozumba Glacier. Trek to the magnificent turquoise Gokyo Lakes through Sherpa communities. Fly to Lukla in the Himalayas for a magnificent Himalayan mountain flight. Immerse yourself in the culture of Kathmandu.
Itinerary
Our staff will greet you and transport you to the respective hotel. The rest of the afternoon is yours to do as you please. In the evening, our staff will give you a brief on the trekking and also provide you with information on what to do and what not to do along with other relevant information.
An early start with a short flight to Lukla's STOL airfield. Sir Edmund Hillary established the Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla to facilitate access to the Everest region and the Sherpa people. It's a beautiful flight with breathtaking views of the Eastern Himalaya. When we arrive in Lukla, we are greeted with views of the massive peaks that encircle the settlement, giving us a taste of what is to come. After arriving at Lukla via air, we will walk towards Phakding for our overnight stay.
This morning, we will cross the Dudh Kosi's green/aqua waters and enter the Sagarmatha National Park's gates. The creation of this national park is an important step towards reducing the consumption of firewood in the area. We follow the river until the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and the Bhote Kosi, where we pass a magnificent high bridge before we start our ascent towards Namche Bazar. The trail passes through a pine forest on its way to a viewing point where we get our first glimpse of Mt Everest. The trail climbs and meanders to Namche and the sight of this thriving community nestled in a horseshoe-shaped valley opposite the stunning Kongde Ri peak is well worth the effort.
Our hike will begin with an ascent to the Syangboche airport and then continue along the ridgeline to the Everest View Hotel. The neighboring mountains, including Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Khangtega, Ama Dablam, and others, greet us with breathtaking vistas. We carry on to Khumjung to visit a school built by Sir Edmund Hillary. We descend and follow the trail to to reach Kyangjuma for overnight stay.
We head north-east, following the main trail to Thyangboche as it contours around the hills, before branching off for a brief climb on the flanks of Khumblia, the sacred peak (5761 m). As the trail steadily ascends to Mon La, we walk through yak pastures for a while. The Dudh Kosi and Imja Khola converge below us, and Ama Dablam and Kantega frame Thyangboche monastery across the valley. We arrive at a stupa wrapped in prayer flags on a mountain, and then descend steeply through woodland to the Dudh Kosi.
Our trails heads towards north this morning, following the Dudh Kosi to its source, the spectacular Ngozumpa Glacier. After a brief ascent, we are on the trail for the long ascent to Gokyo. As we gain height, sections of red birch, fir, and dwarf rhododendron woodland are intermingled with yak grazing. We pass by beautiful waterfalls and stop to see the glaciers that flow from Taweche and Cholatse on the valley's opposite side. Behind us, beautiful ridges stretch to the top of Khumblia and a slew of unidentified peaks that reach about 6,000 meters, while ahead of us, we get our first glimpses of Tibet's Cho Oyu. Kantega and Thamserku emerge over the foothills in the distance.
We reach Machhermo's "settlement” for lunch after continuing our hard but relentless climb. Machhermo, like the other little communities in this valley, has only a few structures, most of which are uninhabited for the most of the year. Khumjung and Khunde villagers typically hold land here far up the valley, where they graze yaks throughout the summer. As we prepare for our ascent of Gokyo Ri, this is an important acclimatization day (5483m). We take it easy today, but if you want to stretch your legs, go for a hike up the mountain behind Luza for a view of the Gokyo Valley this afternoon.
We begin our trek to Gokyo village by following the valley high above the river. We pause in the town of Pangka to take in the spectacular views of Cholatse. We have arrived in a high alpine area, and when we near the Ngozumpa Glacier, we will trek down onto the moraine and rock that runs alongside it. To the south, Kantega is visible, and to the north, Cho Oyu is seen. Each mountain has its own personality and presence, which explains why the Nepalese revere them so much. The path levels out as we reach the glacier's snout. We walk through the first of the lakes, Longpongo, before arriving at the second, Taoche Lake, a larger body of water where ducks frequently swim in the frigid waters. Our road borders the Ngozumpa Glacier as we hike up the valley, with only the vast lateral moraine separating us from the glacier.
The greatest way to truly experience the size and enormity of the surrounding Himalaya is to get up early. Today, you can either climb Gokyo Ri (5483m) or trek alongside Nepal's largest glacier, the Ngozumpa glacier to Ngozumba Tsho, also known as the 5th Lake by locals. Both have amazing views, with the latter being rated Nepal's best because it overlooks Everest's western cwm and other 8000m+ summits. The 5th Lake is a popular local hangout away from the crowds, offering a truly stunning experience and vista that few people get to witness. The typical postcard image of snowcapped mountains and the brilliant turquoise waters of Gokyo Lake completes a stunning scenario at Gokyo Ri. Cho Oyu (8153m), Gyangchung Kang (7922m), Lghotse (8501m), Makalu (8475m), Cholatse (6440m), Taweche (6542m), Kantega (6685m), Thamserku (6808m), Lobuche (6145m), Cholatse (6440m), Taweche (6542m), Kantega (6685m), Thamserku (6808m), T (8848m). Although we are further from Everest than the customary viewing location of Kala Pattar, we are in a better position to see more of the mountains and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
It will be thrilling and difficult to cross the Renjo La Pass. We go between boulders on a zigzag incline to the top of the 5360m high pass. We begin by descending steeply into a lonely northern valley, where the panorama gradually changes to that of the Tibetan Valleys beyond the border. This is an ancient commerce route used by Tibetan traders descending from Tibet over the Himalayas via the Nangpa La pass. The routes, with their caravans of woolly yaks laden with supplies, are still in use today.
After crossing the pass of Renjo La, our major difficult part of the trek is over. We will turn south and down the valley towards Lukla. The descend continues to one of the famous Sherpa Village of Thame. Thame happens to be the home village of many legendary Sherpa Climbers. We will have opportunity to visit the beautiful monastery in Thame.
Continue our descend to Bhote Koshi river followed by sloping trail to Thamo village. The trail enters into the tree line of pines, firs and rhododendron woodland to the Sherpa Capital of Namche Bazaar to stay in more comfort with varieties of food.
We will have morning time free for leisurely breakfast and walk around Namche Bazaar for some last moment souvenir shopping. After lunch continue a long drop on the main trail to cross the suspension bridge and retrace the journey back to Phakding for overnight stop.
Enjoy the beautiful greenery landscapes around you on the final day of this incredible adventure, have a leisurely walk with a small ascent before Lukla, and then end the day in the afternoon in Lukla with time to explore the town before dinner in the Everest and Khumbu districts.
The flight to Kathmandu is generally scheduled in the morning, but it may be delayed owing to severe weather or other factors. Depending on the flight time, board a small aircraft for a super flight back to Kathmandu and then transfer back to your hotel.
A free day in Kathmandu, saved in case of a flight delay at Lukla, to enjoy quick sightseeing tour and your own activities and shopping. After breakfast, start your day with a half-day guided sightseeing tour of places of interest in and around Kathmandu, including the Kathmandu valley and the city, which are steeped in historical monuments listed as World Heritage Sites, and spend the afternoon for souvenir shopping and other independent activities.
Today, our crew transfers you to the airport for your final departure from Nepal with memories of the land of Himalayan Wonders.
Departure Dates and Prices
Dates | Price | |
---|---|---|
30 Sep, 2023 - 16 Oct, 2023 | US$ | Book Now |
20 Oct, 2023 - 05 Nov, 2023 | US$ | Book Now |
10 Nov, 2023 - 26 Nov, 2023 | US$ | Book Now |
20 Mar, 2024 - 05 Apr, 2024 | US$ | Book Now |
15 Apr, 2024 - 01 May, 2024 | US$ | Book Now |
05 May, 2024 - 21 May, 2024 | US$ | Book Now |
Price includes following services
- Accommodation sharing twin at Hotel in Kathmandu for 3 nights on Bed & Breakfast basis.
- Airport transfers in Kathmandu.
- Half day guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu with applicable entrance fees.
- Internal flight Kathmandu / Lukla / Kathmandu with applicable airport taxes.
- Trekking arrangement backed by our Sherpa crew using local lodges on full board basis.
- Applicable Trek Permit & National Park Fees.
- Insurance for Nepalese crew.
Our price does not include followings
- International flights to / from Kathmandu.
- Nepal entry visa fees.
- Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu Hotel.
- Travel, Medical and Personal insurance.
- Rescue evacuation in case of emergency.
- Personal clothing and personal trekking gear including sleeping bag & down jacket.
- Expenses of personal nature, i.e. tipping, laundry, wifi, charging fee of electronic devices, bottled drinks, bar bills etc.
- Any expense for early returning member due sickness, injury or any other reason. No refund will be entertained for any unused service.