The Gokyo Renjo La Pass guide will help anyone who wants to get information about the majestic Gokyo Renjo Trek.
Gokyo Renjo La Pass is an amazing, underrated, off-the-beaten-track trekking stop in Nepal. If you are looking for an in-depth guide on Gokyo Ri and Renjo La Pass Trek, you are in the right place. Among the many trekking destinations in the Everest region, like Everest Base Camp Trek, this trek stands out in itself. This trek takes you around one of the beautiful Himalayas, Gokyo Valley.
The best attraction of the Gokyo Lake Trek is its less crowded area. Despite having some stunning vistas, this trek is far from mainstream treks. During this trek, you will see some of the tallest mountain ranges, such as Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Nuptse.
So let’s get into the complete guide of the Gokyo Renjo La Pass trek and learn if this trek is difficult, along with the factors that affect the difficulty.
How Difficult are The Gokyo and Renjo La Pass Trek?
The Gokyo Lake Trek via Renjo La Pass is moderate to high in difficulty. If you are a beginner, it will undoubtedly provide some challenges; however, it is not impossible, and you will undoubtedly complete it eventually. The Gokyo Valley Trek is an adventure in the Everest region that can be challenging due to some steep sections with ups and downs.
This trek is more difficult than the regular Everest Base Camp Trek. You have to trek long distances each day, and the trails are even harder than the EBC trek. Good physical endurance and stamina are necessary, and you must also be mentally ready.
Renjo La Pass is the lowest elevation of the three passes, despite its high altitude of 5,360 meters. The trekking routes of this trail are not easy as you travel through rugged paths, terrains, rocky gravel roads, and climb snow-capped mountains.
The Gokyo-Renjo Trek in the Everest region is challenging due to several factors, including high altitude, weather conditions, long distance and duration, and remoteness. Let’s explore each factor in more detail.
Factors Which Contribute to Gokyo Lake RenjoLa Pass Trek Difficulty
Altitude Sickness
Altitude Sickness is the most common difficulty that trekkers face while climbing high altitudes. You will trek towards one of the high passes in Renjo La Pass, which lies at an altitude of over 5360 m. During most of this trek, you will be trekking above 3000m, increasing the risk of altitude sickness. The major symptoms of Altitude sickness are fever, headache, vomiting, shortness of breath, joint pain, and difficulty walking.
Generally, trekkers suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness, but there are more serious symptoms if they suffer from HACE and HAPE. One of the best ways to prevent acute mountain sickness during your trek is to acclimatize. The trekking agency or your guide has separated a single day as an acclimatization day.
Another way to prevent AMS is by gradually ascending and descending as you climb through the higher altitude. You can also prevent altitude sickness by keeping yourself hydrated all the time. Keep drinking plenty of water and drinks with lemon, ginger, and honey to keep warm and hydrated during your trek.
Weather and Temperature
Weather and Temperature also affect the difficulty factor in your Gokyo Renjo La trek. The Renjo La Pass Trek begins with comfortably warm temperatures at lower elevations. However, as you venture higher into the mountains, the wind becomes bitterly cold and icy.
The weather in the Himalayas is known to change unexpectedly, with climatic shifts occurring almost every hour. Nevertheless, with proper preparation and determination, you can confidently navigate through the constantly changing weather and tackle the challenges of this incredible trek.
Bad weather, such as rain and snow, can be a nuisance when trekking. In winter, snow can block paths, making them difficult to navigate.
During monsoon season, paths can become slippery and muddy, leading to injuries if you’re not careful. The degrees tend to fall rapidly in higher, elevated areas. So, if you travel, especially in winter, the climatic conditions are freezing.
Hence deciding the best time for the hike to Gokyo Ri trek is one of the important factors to consider even before booking your trek.
Distance and Duration
Long distances and durations during your trek increase its difficulty, especially since the terrain is unfavorable. After you land in Lukla and begin your trek to Phakding, you’ll start trekking relentlessly for 12 days while covering a certain distance daily. Remember that your itinerary can be increased to 14 or 15 days if you want to add extra days.
The overall trekking distance to overcome during your trek is about 52 miles or 92 km. To complete this distance in the allocated trekking duration, you’ll have to trek for seven to eight hours per every day. Your trek to Gokyo village is uncomfortable as you have to trek through remote, secluded settlements.
Ways to be prepared for Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek
Hire Guide or Porters
Trekking in Nepal has become easier and more comfortable since the implementation of the new guide rule. Since April 1, 2023, hiring a guide has been mandatory, which will benefit your excursion. If you are trekking alone without a guide, planning a 10 to 15 days itinerary becomes overwhelming. However, guides cover everything from logistics, accommodation, food, drinks, and attractions to travel. They also have tons of experience in high-altitude treks and can assist you in reaching Renjo Pass, which is about 5000m.
On the other hand, hiring porters is not mandatory. However, they will prove valuable during your trek. They carry heavy loads, and as your trek is upward ascent, getting rid of your 20 kg baggage will become a blessing.
Acclimatize Properly
Acclimatization is extremely important during your trek to Gokyo Ri. During your acclimatization day, you can treat it completely as a rest day or hike around the local area and then return to the same place to sleep.
To help you adjust to the high altitude during your trek, it is recommended to hike high and sleep low. As part of your trek, you will spend time in Namche Bazaar to help you adjust. While in Namche, you will have the opportunity to hike to the Everest View Hotel. From there, you will see an amazing view of Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, and Everest. At night, you will return to Namche Bazaar to rest at a lower altitude.
After acclimatizing in Namche, you will be fully rejuvenated and eager to proceed towards the Gokyo lakes and Renjo La Pass. It is highly recommended that you trek alongside a guide and porter to make your journey smoother, as they will assist you with logistics and managing your heavy baggage. With their support, you can embark on this adventure with confidence and enjoy the breathtaking views along the way.
Mentally & Physically Prepared for the trek
As mentioned earlier, climbing Gokyo Ri is not an easy task. The trek will test your physical fitness and endurance level. Hence, even before heading out for your trek, it is vital to be prepared. First, you have to be ready physically, which means training. Physical exercises are crucial to raising your stamina level.
You can increase your stamina by tasting yourself on the treadmill or gym. Furthermore, you can also increase your physical endurance by going on a hike with a backpack. Generally, hiking or running upward ascends during your trek increases your stamina level and will prepare you for challenging treks like Gokyo Renjo La Pass.
Hiring a Travel Agency is a Wise Choice
Another important way to prepare for your Gokyo Ri trek is to hire a travel agency. There are many travel agencies in Nepal, and among them, Hillary Steps Trekking is the leading candidate for providing all the trips and treks in Nepal. A travel and trekking agency like ours takes on all the responsibilities, from logistics, guides, and accommodation to helicopter rescue if needed.
We are in complete control and will assist you throughout the Gokyo Ranjo La Pass excursion in every way possible. Our trek package offers affordable and appropriate trek and tour destinations in Nepal.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01: Arriving in Kathmandu (1350m/4429ft)
- Day 02: Kathmandu to Phakding (2610m/8563ft) via Lukla (2860m/9383ft)
- Day 03: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11286ft)
- Day 04: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar
- Day 05: Namche Bazaar to Dole (4100m/13451ft)
- Day 06: Dole to Machhermu (4470m/14665ft)
- Day 07: Machhermu to Gokyo Lake (4800m/15748ft)
- Day 08: Excursion to Gokyo Ri (5360m/17585ft)
- Day 09: Gokyo to Renjola Pass (5360m/17585ft) to Lungde
- Day 10: Lungde to Thame (3880m/12729ft) to Namche
- Day 11: Namche Bazaar to Lukla
- Day 12: Lukla to Kathmandu
- Day 13: Final Departure
Documents and paperwork required For the Gokyo Renjo la Pass trek
During your Trekking in Nepal, you must own some important documents and permits. The permits that make you eligible for the Gokyo Renjo La Pass are:
- Sagarmatha Nationa Park Permits
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
Apart from these permits, you must submit some documents to be eligible to trek in Nepal, such as:
- Valid Passport
- At least 2 passport size photos
- Visa on Arrival
- Voucher of payment of all the permits needed for the trek
- Nepali currency
Food and Accommodation During the Trek
It is important to eat healthy foods and stay in a suitable place as you trek along the Khumbu region. The Gokyo Ri Trek offers different types of lodges, hotels, and tea houses, depending on where you stay. When you arrive in Kathmandu, you can stay in three- to five-star hotels or budgeted lodges. Five-star hotels are quite expensive compared to low-budget lodges.
You’ll not find high-budgeted hotels as you start trekking towards the beautiful Gokyo area. Instead, you will spend your time in tea houses. The rooms with tea houses are small but cozy with few beds. If you trek in peak season, you must share your room with other trekkers. However, if you are a female trekker traveling solo, you will get a single room without paying an additional cost.
Regarding food during your trek, you’ll eat three-course meals every day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For breakfast, you will have common foods like tea, coffee, bread, chapati with jam, cornflakes, soup, etc. In city areas like Kathmandu, there are more menu options.
You will eat local Nepali delicacies like Dal, Bhat, and Curry for lunch and dinner. You will also have options for Western meals like Pizzas, Burgers, Dumplings, stews, and steaks.
