Gokyo-Ranjo Pass Trek - 16 days

Introduction

Mount Everest, rising 8,848m (29,028ft) above sea level reigns as the highest mountain on Earth. For decades summiting Everest has been considered as one of the greatest mountaineering achievements. In the spring of each year, we embrace this intense challenge by taking a group of qualified climbers to climbMt. Everest via the South East Ridge of Nepal. The first successfully climbed on Mt.Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzin Norgay Sherpa accomplished this feat in May 29, 1953. Since then, the South East and also via other various routes, the Mt.Everest has seen over few thousand ascents. The South East is by far but the most successfully climbed route on the mountain.

The Everest area, known locally as Sagarmatha National Park is home to some of the world's highest peaks as well as the famous Sherpas, migrants from eastern Tibet who crossed over the Himalaya and settled here sometime in the late 1400s or early 1500s. This trek is one that goes deep into the heart of the Himalaya. The mountain views are stunning, and the simplicity and hospitality of the Sherpa community is heart warming. You will get to take in the awe-inspiring views of Mt.Everest, the tallest of them all, Mt.Lhotse, Mt.Nuptse, Mt Amadablam, Kasum Kangru peak, Thamserku peak and Kwangde peak etc. You will also be visiting Sherpa villages and monasteries to gain insight into their culture and lifestyle from up close.

Journey

This classical Everest trek into the Solu-Khumbu region begins with a spectacular mountain flight to Lukla & continually trekking along the DudhKosi ("MilkRiver"). After crossing the Namche Bazar”Sherpa head quater/Capital” we will continue on to Tengboche with its beautiful Buddhist monastery, this small village is considered the spiritual center of the Khumbu area. We will gradually make our ascent to Machhermo (4,470m) where we do hiking and acclimatization to the hills before getting into the GokyoLake and climbing the GokyoPeak (5,360m). After successfully climbing GokyoPeak, we cross through the Ranjo La Pass, which is one of the breathtaking panoramic viewpoints for the world highest mountains. And we will start to descent and trek to Thame, from where the world class climbers come from. Then continue to Namche and trek, where our trek ends .

TRIP HIGHTLIGHTS

Mt. Everest & Sherpa Cultures
Stunning views of Mt. Cho-Oyu
RanjoPass (5,360m)
GokyoPeak (5,360m)
GokyoLake

DETAILS ITINERARY

Day 1
Arrival in KTM, Transfer to hotel, Briefing

After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will have to go through custom formalities. You will be greeted by our representative who will be anxiously waiting for you with a placard displaying your name in his hand. You will be transferred to the 3-Star category hotel in a private vehicle. Once you get refreshed, you will get briefing regarding the itinerary. Enjoy welcome dinner in the evening where you can taste authentic Nepali dinner. Stay overnight in a hotel.

Day 2
Tour, Necessary preparation & packing

You will be transferred to our office for documentation work. You will also be introduced with your crew members and other trekkers who are going to join you on the trip. In the afternoon, half day sightseeing tour will be organized during which you will be taken on memorable UNESCO Heritage Tour. Tour begins with visit to Nepal’s holiest Pashupatinath Temple Complex and takes us through Nepal’s largest Bouddhanath Stupa and 2500 years old Swoyambhunath Stupa. We will return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 3
Fly to Lukla (2840m), Trek to Phakding (2610m), 3 hours

We will drive to domestic terminal of Tribhuvan Airport early in the morning and catch a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. We will follow one of the most scenic air routes in the world with panoramic views of glistening mountains to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla. Lukla allows access to Everest Khumbu region. We will assemble the crew and take breakfast before start of Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek. Following the stone path through Ghat village, we will reach Phakding village. Visit local monastery. Stay overnight in Phakding.

Day 4
Trek to Namche (3440m), 5 hours

Leaving Phakding, we will walk along Dudhkoshi River and enter the dense pine forest. We will cross suspension bridges and walk through dispersed houses of Zapute, Benkar and Chumoa to reach Monjo. Monjo allows an entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. We need to go through required national park formalities before we can enter the park. The park is rich in Himalayan herbs, plants, mammals and birds. We will descend to Hillary Bridge existing at the base of hill. After crossing the bridge, we will follow the escalating path towards Namche Bazaar. The path rewards us with views of Thamserku Mountain, Everest, Lhotse and other mountains and peaks. Stay overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 5
Trek to Khumjung (3840m), 3 hours

Namche Bazaar acts as the major trade centre to conduct trade in between locals and neighbouring Tibetans. Namche is also popular as the capital of Sherpa land. It is wise to take rest at Namche on this day. For proper acclimatization with the changing altitude, we can arrange day hike to small Khumjungvillage. Visit the local monastery and observe the local lifestyle. Head office of National Park, Museum and monasteries are interesting places near Namche. We can get most of the modern facilities including hospital and post office at Namche. Stay overnight in Namche.

Day 6
Trek to Dole (4200m), 5 hours

Being properly acclimatized, we will follow the scenic path with close-up views of mountains at the backdrop to reach pretty village of Sanasa. We will enjoy the views of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse,Thamserku and other peaks and mountains. Following the steep path, we will cross rhododendron forest to reach the view point of Mongla. After capturing the panoramic views of mountains from the view point, we will lower down toPhortseThanga. The trail escalates uphill from PhortseThanga to Dole. Stay overnight in Dole.

Day 7
Trek to Machhermo (4470m), 4 hours

Following the steep narrow trail escalating uphill, we will reach to the top of ridge. We will walk past Lhabarma(4220m) and reachLuza(4360m). Passing through scrub, we will climb along the side of valley to reach Machhermo(4410m). This area is known as the native land of mythical ape-man Yeti. Locals believe Yeti was seen for the first time in Machhermo in 1974. Few teahouses are available in Machhermo for accommodation. Stay overnight in Machhermo.

Day 8
Day hikes and rest day (4470m)

This is a rest day. We will climb to the nearby ridge for the views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, Thamserku and other peaks and mountains. Visit Himalayan Rescue Association in the afternoon. Stay overnight inMachhermo. This is the last settlement that we will find before Gokyo.

Day 9
Trek to Gokyo (4790m), 4 hours

Leaving Machhermo, we will walk throughDudhKoshi Valley to Gokyo village. The trail leads us to Pangkavillage (4480m) that greets us with spectacular views of Everest, Thamserku, Nuptse and other peaks and mountains. We will walk through Nepal’s largest Ngozumpa Glacier rejoicing the pleasant views of KantegaPeak and Cho Oyu (8153m). Making our way through moraine and rock, we will get first view ofthree Gokyo Lakes including Longponga Lake, TabocheTshoLake and DudhPokhari La. We will descend to the Gokyo village for overnight stay.

Day 10
Day trip to GokyoRi (5483m)

We will take well-earned rest on this day. Visit to GokyoRi will be made in the afternoon. GokyoRi is one of the best view points in Everest which allows spectacular views of Everest and three other mountains that are over 8000m feet. Capture the image and return to Gokyo.

Day 11
Cross over Renjo Pass (5340m) & trek to Lungden (4400m), 6 hours

Leaving Gokyo, we will prepare ourselves for the difficult ascend to the top of Renjola pass. Renjola summit allows unobstructed views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Cholatse, Makalu, Gyachung Kang, Tabuche and other peaks and mountains in Khumbu region. Lowering down from the summit, we will walk past yak kharkas and frozen lakes to Lungden. Stay overnight in Lungden.

Day 12
Trek to Namche (3440m), 5 hours

After an early morning tea, we will follow DudhKoshi River to the south and enter Thame village. We will visit the local monastery in Thame. The pretty village of Thame is located below Syangboche Airstrip. Walking along the western part of Khumbu, we will reach Namche. Stay overnight in Thame.

Day 13
Trek to Lukla (2840m), 6 hours

From Namche, we will lower down to rhododendron forest and walk along Dudhkoshi River to Phakding. Walking past the walled road of Ghat, we will reach Lukla. Stay overnight in Lukla.

Day 14
Fly to Kathmandu & Evening celebration meal

We will catch an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. This is rest day. Spend the day as you like. You can go for shopping in Thamel where you can buy souvenir items. We can also arrange for guided sightseeing tour. Alternatively, you can arrange your photo albums and jot down memories in your journal. Enjoy celebration meal in the evening. Stay overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 15
Free day, Emergency day for Lukla – KTM flight

Due to the climate condition, delay of flight in Lukla is a common experience. Also, we might lag behind schedule due to unforeseen circumstances. Under such condition, we will catch flight from Lukla to Kathmandu on this day. Returning to Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel. Spend the day as you like. Farewell dinner will be served in the evening.

Day 16
Transfer to airport for onward flight or optional extension

GokyoRenjo La Pass Trek ends on this day. If you like, we can arrange for additional sightseeing tours or trekking. If not, we will transfer youto the Airport three hours before your scheduled flight. Safe journey. We hope to see you soon.

Start Date

End Date

Availability

Price

Min.

COST INCLUDES

Conservation/National park fees and all govt. taxes
All required trekking permits
4 (four) nights 3 star hotel accommodation on twin sharing BB basis
Round trip (KTM – Lukla –KTM) domestic airfares with domestic airport taxes
All airport/hotel/airport transfers by private vehicles
An Experience Sherpa Trek Guide
Support Sherpa staffs
Required number of porters
Trek sleeping bag and Down Jacket (to be returned after the trek)
Trek duffle bag to each trek member
All meals of high quality and hygienic (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
All hot drinks and beverages (tea, coffee, hot chocolate, treated drinking water etc.)
Trek First Aid Kit
Insurance of all local team members
Equipment for porters
Half-day world heritage sites tour with guide & private transport
Farewell celebration dinner

COST EXCLUDES

Medical/personal high risk insurance, (must cover emergency evacuation cost)
International departure taxes
International departure taxes
Major meals in Kathmandu
Cost of personal expenses i.e. telephone calls, laundry, Toiletry items etc.
Bottle water, boiled water, soft drinks, beers
Tips to the local staff

Fitness
This kind of trek is challenging but doesn’t really require previous trekking and mountaineering experiences and also doesn’t require any technical experience. But if you have any previous experiences would be really helpful. Your fitness is really important for this trek; therefore we strongly suggest preparing yourself in good physical condition. You need to be trained at least for about 3 to 5 months to prepare yourself as strong candidate. You can go to fitness center every morning for about 1.5 hours, do hiking every weekend with increasing weights on your pack, manage some time for cycling for couple of hours for 2 or 3 times a week. However at the high altitude, there might be little symptoms of altitude illness like mild headache, fatigue etc. but take it as normal and just drink enough water (4 – 5 liters) every day.On this trek, youneed to be able to hike 4 – 8 hours over hilly terrain up to 5,500m of altitude with daypack.

Experience
If you have any previous experiences of similar grade trek would be helpful, but if you don’t have is also not really important matter of issue. This trek will introduce you about high altitude trekking in the Himalayas and also about the local cultures, traditions and local people.
Even if you are around the age of 65 years, you can be a candidate for this trek.