A Unique Everest Trekking Experience

This exceptional trek is organised and led by Ocean Vertical Director, Mollie Hughes—a mountaineer who made history as the first English woman to summit Everest from both the north and south routes.

With Mollie’s unmatched expertise and passion for the mountains, alongside our inspiring local female trekking guides from 3 Sisters Adventure Trek, you’ll embark on an ethical trekking adventure that will leave a lasting impact.

The Gokyo Lakes and Renjo La Trek

Our 12-day Gokyo Lakes and Renjo La trek is truly a jewel of the Everest Region. This circular route takes you away from the busy Everest Base Camp trek, offering an epic journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes Nepal has to offer.

Our Himalayan trip starting from the famous Lukla airport, from where we trek to the vibrant Sherpa market town of Namche Bazaar, before venturing onto quieter paths toward the Gokyo Lakes—the World’s highest freshwater lake system. Here, turquoise glacier water glistens under the bright Himalayan sun, creating an unforgettable scene.

After a peaceful night at our lakeside tea house, we offer the option to summit Gokyo Ri, where you can witness the sunrise over the towering giants of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and more. Watching the first light of dawn paint these peaks in glowing orange hues is an awe-inspiring, life-affirming experience.

The journey continues as we cross the Renjo La, a high mountain pass that presents both a physical challenge and even more spectacular views of the Gokyo Lakes and Mount Everest. As we begin our descent, we pass through the culturally rich village of Thame, the childhood home of Tenzing Norgay, before returning to Namche Bazaar. Finally, with tired legs, full hearts, and a deep sense of accomplishment, we travel back to Kathmandu for some well-deserved rest and celebrating.

Gokyo Lake Trek Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Kathmandu

You’ll be warmly welcomed at the airport by your guide, Mollie Hughes, and transferred to
our comfortable hotel in Kathmandu. After settling in, the group will come together to enjoy
a traditional Nepalese dinner.

Day 2 – Explore Kathmandu

After breakfast, we’ll embark on a half-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s most iconic landmarks, including Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Durbar Square. This enriching experience will give you a glimpse into the rich history and vibrant culture of Nepal. In the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to pick up any last-minute trekking essentials in the bustling tourist district of Thamel, before we reconvene for a group dinner to enjoy one final evening in Kathmandu together.

Day 3 – Fly to Lukla hike to Phakding

Today, we take an exhilarating flight to Lukla Airport, located at 2,840m—the starting point of our trek! Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy breakfast in Lukla before setting off on a 2-3 hour hike to Phakding, where we’ll stay overnight along the scenic banks of the Dudh Kosi, or ‘Milk River’.

Day 4 – Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Today, we enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. From there, we’ll follow a forest trail that leads us on a steep uphill ascent to Namche Bazaar, a vibrant Sherpa market town where we’ll spend the night in a comfortable lodge at 3,440m. The total hiking time for the day will be approximately 5 to 6 hours.

Day 5 – Acclimatisation Day

Today is dedicated to acclimatization, featuring a day hike that allows us to explore Namche Bazaar. We’ll visit the Sherpa Museum and take in our first breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. We will return to our cosy teahouse in Namche Bazaar to relax for the evening.

Day 6 – Namche to Mong La

From Namche, we’ll follow an easy trail to Kyangjuma village, where we’ll be treated to spectacular views of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks. The path then ascends for two hours to Mong La, situated at 3,972m, our destination for the night. Today’s hike will take approximately 4 to 5 hours.

Day 7 – Mong La to Dole

From Mong, we’ll descend steeply for an hour and a half back to the Dudh Kosi (Milk River) at the quaint hamlet of Phortse Thenga, situated at 3,675m. After a short tea break to recharge, we’ll ascend steeply through a beautiful landscape of rhododendron, juniper, and coniferous trees to our destination of the day, Dole, at 4,110m. Today’s hike will take approximately 4 to 5 hours.

Day 8 – Dole to Machherma

Today, we’ll hike along serene and picturesque trails from Dole to our tea house in Machherma, located at 4,470m. The journey will take approximately 4 hours.

Day 9 – Machherma to Gokyo

Today, we finally arrive at Gokyo, where we’ll be treated to our first spectacular views of the Gokyo Lakes. Our hike takes us through the moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier, with the shimmering lakes appearing to our left. We’ll first encounter the stunning First Lake, followed by the Second Lake, until we reach the beautiful village of Gokyo, situated at 4,790m on the banks of the expansive Third Lake. After 4 to 5 hours of hiking, we’ll spend the night in this picturesque setting.

Day 10 – Gokyo Ri or Fourth Lake

Today, you have the option to enjoy a leisurely hike to Gokyo’s Fourth Lake or to rise early and climb Gokyo Ri, reaching 5,357m for breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu at sunrise. Whichever path you choose, today’s hike will last approximately 4 to 5 hours before we return to our lakeside teahouse to rest and reflect on the day’s incredible experiences.

Day 11 – The Renjo La to Lumde

Today marks our longest day of trekking as we leave the stunning lakes of Gokyo behind and zigzag our way up to the Renjo La, a high mountain pass at 5,360m that separates two magnificent valleys. After celebrating our achievement at the pass and taking in the breathtaking views of Mount Everest, we’ll descend down a staircase of massive stone slabs to the banks of Angladumba Tsho, yet another beautiful lake.

From there, a well-defined dirt path meanders through the valley, allowing us to gradually lose altitude with each step until we reach the quaint village of Lumde at 4,380m for the night. Today’s hike will take approximately 7 to 8 hours.

Day 12 – Lumde to Thame

From Lumde, we’ll descend along the riverbank, passing a 350-year-old Buddhist temple on our way to the renowned Sherpa village of Thame, located at 3,800m. In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the impressive monastery in the village, though be prepared for a steep uphill trek! Today’s hike will take approximately 4 hours, providing plenty of time to soak in the beauty and culture of this historic area.

Day 13 – Thame to Monjo

Today will be a gentle undulating trek through a variety of interesting Sherpa villages, before having lunch back in Namche Bazaar and continuing along the trail to Monjo where we will spend the night at 2,835m. The hike will take 5/6 hours.

Day 14 – Monjo to Lukla

Today the picturesque trail descends through lush forests, charming Sherpa villages, and suspension bridges draped with prayer flags. This final stretch of the Everest region trek is a mix of gentle ascents and descents, culminating in the bustling town of Lukla, where there are shops, bakeries and even an Irish Pub! Here we will spend the final night of our trek before an early flight back to Kathmandu the following day.

Day 15- Lukla to Kathmandu

Today, we’ll take a scenic flight back to Kathmandu, where the afternoon is yours to explore. You can indulge in some shopping, sightseeing, or simply enjoy a leisurely coffee in the vibrant Thamel district. In the evening, we’ll come together for a final meal, celebrating the incredible journey we’ve shared.

Day 16 – Home time!

Today we say goodbye to Nepal (for now!) and catch our flights home. Your airport transfer from our hotel is included.