Gokyo Lakes & Renjo La Pass

We fly to Lukla, the gateway to Everest region and start our hike through the scenic land of the legendary Sherpas in to the Sagarmatha National park. From Namche Bazaar, the trading capital and main town of the Khumbu region we start our climb to the breathtaking Gokyo valley which is located adjacent of the Khumbu. We enter the land of the green high altitude lakes. From Gokyo Ri you have magnificent views of the highest peaks of the world, Cho Oyo (8,153m), Gyachung Kang (7,922m), Everest (8, 848m), Lhotse (8,501m) and further way Makalu. After crossing Renjo La Pass we descent to Thame Valley (Valley of snowleopards) and return to Namche Bazar and Lukla.

An impression from Sally O. on our Gokyo Lakes Tour:

“The Gokyo route fulfilled its promise in every way imaginable. Many visitors-including those who have also been to Everest base camp-call the 360-degree panorama at the summit of Gokyo Ri (ri is the Tibetan for mountain) the finest mountain vista in Nepal. The view from peak is spectacular. There is the vast Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal. Beginning in ice and snow, it grinds down to an immense moraine of rubbly rocks, dotted with small pools-some as bright green as the lakes just below us, some still iced over and glassily reflecting the clear blue sky and long streaming clouded. Then of course, there’s Everest’ and the fluted ridge of the vast ice wall anchored at either end by the high peaks of Lhotse and Nuptse; the jutting spires of Makalu; and, showiest of all, the crenellated contours of Cho Oyo, the world’s ninth highest peak, as it dominates the landscape with its massive bright white, glacier-accented bulk.”

NY

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1 350 m)

Day 02: Flight to Lukla & Trek Phakding (2 600 m)

Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazar (3 440 m)

Day 04: Rest Day in Namche Bazar

Day 05: Trek to Dhole (4 110 m)

Day 06: Trek to Machhermo village (4 470 m)

Day 07: Trek to Gokyo Lake (4 790 m)

Day 08: Climb Gokyo Ri 5 360 meter

Day 09: Trek to Lungden village via Renjo La Pass 5 415 meter

Day 10: Trek to Thame village (3 760 m)

Day 11: Trek to Namche Bazar (3 440 m)

Day 12: Trek to Lukla (2 840 m)

Day 13: Fly Back to Kathmandu

Nepal is not like home. It is exotic, it is wonderful but also very different. Great elevation changes, differences in customs and language, menu variations, lodge limitations, ant the many other mysteries and wonders of travel in Nepal are all conditions you must be physically and mentally prepared for. The itinerary may change. We may meet unknown hardships as well as unexpected pleasures. Come with an open mind and positive spirit.

The trek is non-technical and suitable for everyone in good shape who likes to hike over mountain trails and stay at rustic lodges. You should be in good physical shape for this trip and feel comfortable hiking 11 to 20 km a day on a trail while carrying a day pack of about 5 kilo. In general this is a moderate trek but with this several strenuous days at high altitude. While the trip has been designed to gradually acclimatize you to altitude, several lodges will be above 3 600 m and our highest lodge will be at 4 900 m. On some days altitude gains and losses of up to 1 800 m can be expected. At least 2 rest days are planned. Strengthen your knee muscles and prepare for several days of steep descents of anywhere up to 1 800 m.

A program of cardiovascular conditioning such as running, swimming, biking or aerobics is essential, but try to supplement your exercise with hiking on steep hills or running up and down steps. The more you can condition by closely simulating the activities of trekking, the better off you will be. While the trip is rated as moderate overall, several days will be strenuous, and good conditioning is essential to your enjoyment of the trek.

Remember that Nepal has the 2 926 km latitude so it will be warm at the lower elevations (short and T-shirt) while nights will be cool to depending on the elevation and season. For fall trips day trips will be between 20?C and 25?C at the lower elevations. In the higher elevations expect day temperatures to be 10 degrees cooler. Temperatures at night will be cool being mostly between 10? C and 15 ?C except at 4 790 m where temperatures at or below freezing are likely at night. The weather in fall is generally sunny, although an occasional storm could occur.

The pace will be unregimented. You are encouraged to walk by yourself or in small groups. Take time to visit local houses and temples, share a cup of tea or rakshi with our porters and the locals in the many chiyaa houses. Pursue interest in photography bird watching and botany and sample the culture of the area you are travelling in.

Personal gear will be carried by porters. Porters can carry two members’ duffel bags. Since their load is 25 kg, this means that your duffel cannot exceed twelve kilos. We stay in locally owned lodges and will receive an insight into family living. All the guest houses have toilets and cold showers. Some of the guesthouses have hot showers available and every lodge is equipped with solar power systems for lightning. The main common room has a heater, nice in the cold nights.

This is not a tour where everything can be planned in advance to run like clockwork. You probably won’t experience exactly what is written in the daily itinerary. Often adjustment must be made in the field. We want you to participate in the trip with the clear understanding that things can go wrong. Adventure travel does involve certain risks both emotional and physical. One has to be flexible when traveling in Nepal and have a cheerful attitude.

In Kathmandu

• Two nights in Hotel Potala deluxe room (without breakfast)
• Welcome dinner at Nepali Chulo (Authentic Newari food and cultural dance party)
• All airport transfers.

In Everest

• Return ticket for Everest.
• Accommodation and 3 times meals every day during trek (daily we discuss a few items for meals and give the tour leader of your company the decision for the meal of the group = one meal per person, bar bill not included).
• During the meals we provide coffee and tea.
• Traveltimes Treks will provide water for purification after breakfast, lunch and dinner at the participants needs.
• Iodine is sold everywhere at cheap price in Thamel and Everest Region
• Assistance trekking guide, one porter for two members as well as their expenses including insurance.
• Entry fee for the Sagarmatha National Park, TIMS Card (Trekking Information Management System), domestic airport tax, all ground transportations and governmental taxes.

In case of delay of flights due to weather conditions

In case of delay because of weather conditions Traveltimes Treks is prepared to cover unusually for the members the costs for one night lodging in Lukla and one night in Hotel Potala. All further costs will be on personal charge of the travelers.

• World Heritage entry fees in Kathmandu while sightseeing
• Personal expenses like laundry, Communication, Personal shopping
• Meals in Kathmandu except welcome dinner
• Tips for guides and porters or staffs
• International Flights
• Travel Insurance (required)