Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, you’ll be greeted by a representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore the vibrant city at your own pace or relax at the hotel. This first day is focused on settling in and preparing for the adventure ahead.
The day begins with a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You’ll visit landmarks like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and the famous Boudhanath Stupa. Afterward, you’ll have free time to purchase any last-minute trekking gear.
An early morning flight takes you from Kathmandu to Lukla, where your trek officially begins. The scenic flight provides stunning aerial views of the Himalayas. From Lukla, you’ll trek to Phakding, following the Dudh Koshi River. This is a relatively easy trek, providing a warm-up for the days ahead.
After breakfast, you continue trekking alongside the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges and making your way through pine forests. The trail takes you to Namche Bazaar, the bustling gateway to the Khumbu region. Along the way, you’ll enter Sagarmatha National Park, home to some of the highest peaks in the world.
This day is reserved for acclimatization to the high altitude. Namche Bazaar, perched between ridges, offers numerous tea houses, shops, and stunning views of the Himalayas. A short hike to the Everest View Hotel provides even more breathtaking scenery, including views of Mount Everest and other peaks. Afterward, you return to Namche for the night.
Leaving Namche, you follow the trail that ascends through rhododendron forests and small settlements. The path climbs steeply through forests to Mongla and then descends to Phortse Tenga before a final uphill push to Dole. Along the way, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks.
The trek from Dole to Machhermo is a steady climb, with the landscape transitioning from dense forests to scrub juniper as the altitude increases. The trail passes several summer grazing settlements, offering stunning views of Cho Oyu in the distance. The peaks of Kantega and Thamserku dominate the skyline behind you as you ascend.
You’ll continue trekking along the scenic path that leads to Gokyo Valley, passing meltwater rivers from the Ngozumpa Glacier. The trail takes you past three sacred lakes, with Dudh Pokhari being the most striking. You’ll settle into the Gokyo settlement near the lake’s shores, enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
This rest day in Gokyo allows you to acclimatize further and explore the area. A highlight of the day is the early morning climb to Gokyo Ri, a peak that offers awe-inspiring sunrise views over Mount Everest, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. After descending, you can spend the remainder of the day exploring the lakes or simply resting.
The most challenging day of the trek, you will cross the Renjo La Pass. After a steep ascent, the pass offers magnificent views of Everest, Lhotse, and the Gokyo Lakes. The descent from the pass can be tricky, as the trail is steep and sometimes icy. You’ll pass through beautiful valleys and lakes before arriving in the village of Thame.
Leaving Thame, you follow a relatively easy trail back to Namche Bazaar. Along the way, you’ll pass the village of Thamo and the hydroelectric power station. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit Khari Gompa, a nunnery located in the area. As you approach Namche, you’ll once again be treated to fantastic mountain views.
This final day of trekking takes you from Namche Bazaar back to Lukla. The trail descends steeply at first and then flattens out, allowing for a more relaxed pace. You’ll cross suspension bridges, pass through local villages, and enjoy the final views of the mountains before arriving in Lukla.
An early morning flight from Lukla brings you back to Kathmandu. After the scenic flight, you’ll have the rest of the day free to relax or explore more of Kathmandu’s rich cultural heritage.
This day is reserved for rest, shopping, or additional sightseeing around Kathmandu. You can explore more of the city’s vibrant markets, dine at local restaurants, or visit any of the heritage sites you may have missed earlier.
On your final day, you will be transferred to Kathmandu airport for your departure flight. You’ll leave Nepal with unforgettable memories of the stunning landscapes, warm hospitality, and incredible adventure that was the Everest Renjo La Pass trek.