Gokyo Lake Trek: 13 Days Complete Itinerary
Mount Everest, Solukhumbu District, Nepal
13
Days
Trek-region
Everest
Group Size
1-12 (Private & Small Group)
The Everest Two Passes Trek (Renjo La + Cho La) is a scenic, high-altitude route that combines the peaceful Gokyo Valley with the famed Everest trail. You cross two spectacular Himalayan passes (Renjo La and Cho La) and walk along the Gokyo Lakes, Everest Base Camp, and the sunrise viewpoint at Kala Patthar (5,555m / 18,225ft).
It’s a challenging but rewarding trek for those who want more variety, big mountain scenery, and a greater sense of accomplishment than the standard EBC trek.
Trip Info
Why Choose the Everest Two Passes Trek
Trek Highlights
Tour Plan
What’s Included & Excluded
Cost Includes
Cost Excludes
- Airport pickup and drop-off service in Kathmandu
- 3 nights’ hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
- Kathmandu to Besisahar transfer by private tourist vehicle
- Besisahar to Koto transfer by local jeep
- Ngawal to Besisahar transfer by local jeep
- Full board meals during the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Local teahouse and lodge accommodation during the trekking days
- Government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter support during the trek, if included in your selected package
- Nar Phu Restricted Area Permit arrangement
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit arrangement
- All required government taxes and official paperwork
- A basic first aid kit, carried by the guide
- Trekking map for the Nar Phu Valley route
- Duffel/kit bag, sun hat, and neck gaiter, as per package
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu after the trek
- Trip completion certificate
- International flights to and from Nepal
- Nepal visa fees (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for a month, and USD 125 for three months)
- Travel insurance with high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation coverage
- Personal trekking gear, clothing, and equipment
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, unless mentioned in the package
- Extra drinks, bottled water, boiled water, tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging, and laundry during the trek
- Snacks, energy bars, and other personal food items
- Shopping, spa, massage, and personal expenses in Kathmandu
- Porter service, if not included in your selected package
- Extra hotel nights in Kathmandu caused by road delays, weather, illness, or personal plans
- Rescue or evacuation costs, which must be covered by your travel insurance
- Tips for guides, porters, and drivers
- Any service not clearly mentioned in the cost includes section
Everest Two Passes Trek Map
Note: These temperatures represent the peak trekking seasons (Spring from March to May and Autumn from September to November). High-altitude weather can change rapidly.
Best Time for Everest Two Passes Trek
The best time for the Everest Two Passes Trek is spring and autumn. Spring runs from March to May and brings warmer days, clear views, and blooming rhododendrons in the lower parts of the trail.
Autumn runs from September to November and is the most popular season. The weather is usually stable, the skies are clearer, and the mountain views are often better after the monsoon.
Winter is possible for experienced trekkers, but the trail becomes very cold around Gokyo, Cho La, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep. Snow can also make the high passes harder to cross. Monsoon is less ideal because clouds can block mountain views, and flights to Lukla may face delays. The lower trails can also become wet and slippery.
Accommodation and Meals During the Trek
Accommodation is mainly in local teahouses during the trek. Rooms are simple and usually come with basic beds, blankets, and shared toilets. In places like Namche Bazaar, the lodges feel more comfortable, but facilities become more basic near Lungden, Gokyo, Thangnak, Dzongla, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep.
Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and battery charging are available in some villages for an extra cost. These services may not work every day because remote lodges often depend on solar power and local systems. Carry a power bank, enough cash, and warm layers for higher stops.
Meals are warm and filling. Common options include dal bhat, noodles, fried rice, soup, potatoes, pasta, pancakes, Tibetan bread, tea, and coffee. The menu becomes shorter in higher villages, so pack energy bars, nuts, chocolate, and electrolyte powder for long walking days and pass crossings.
Everest Two Passes Trek Difficulty
The Everest Two Passes Trek is a challenging high-altitude trek. You do not need climbing skills, but you should have good fitness, strong legs, and previous multi-day hiking experience.
The main challenges are long walking days, cold weather, thin air, rocky trails, glacier sections, and two high passes: Renjo La and Cho La. The route also reaches Kala Patthar at 5,555m / 18,225ft, so proper acclimatization is very important.
This trek is best for trekkers who want a harder route than the normal Everest Base Camp trek. Fit beginners may complete it with training, guided support, slow pacing, and enough rest days.
Packing List for Everest Two Passes Trek
The trail moves through warm valleys, cold villages, windy passes, and high glacier areas. Pack light, but choose good layers and reliable trekking gear.
Luggage & Porter Guidelines
- Duffel bag or large rucksack, 60L to 70L
- Daypack, 25L to 35L
- Rain cover for daypack
- Waterproof liner or dry bag
- Extra luggage storage in Kathmandu
- Porter weight limit: around 12 kg per trekker, if porter service is included
General Trekking Gear
- Four-season sleeping bag, rated to around -10°C to -15°C
- Sleeping bag liner, optional
- Trekking poles
- Dry bags or zip-lock bags
- Water bottles or hydration bladder, at least 2L capacity
- Water purification tablets, drops, or a filter
- Small lock for a duffel bag
Clothing
- Moisture-wicking trekking T-shirts, 3 to 4 pairs
- Thermal tops and bottoms, 2 pai
- Fleece jacket or warm pullover
- Moisture-wicking 4-6 underwear
- Trekking pants, 2 pairs
- Down jacket with hood
- Waterproof or windproof pants
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
Footwear & Socks
- Broken-in waterproof hiking boots
- Camp shoes, sneakers, sandals, or Crocs
- Trekking socks, 4 to 5 pairs
- Warm wool socks for sleeping
- Gaiters, optional for snow or muddy trails
Head, Hands & Face
- Sun hat or cap
- Warm beanie or woolen hat
- Neck gaiter or buff
- Lightweight inner gloves
- Warm windproof or waterproof gloves
- UV-protection sunglasses
Electronics
- Headlamp with extra batteries or a charging cable
- Power bank, 20,000mAh or higher
- Phone and charging cable
- Camera, optional
Medical Kit
- Personal medicines
- Diamox (to prevent and treat altitude sickness), only after doctor’s advice
- Pain relief tablets
- Anti-diarrheal medicine
- Rehydration salts or electrolyte tablets
- Blister pads or moleskin
- Band-aids and medical tape
- Antiseptic wipes
- Muscle rub or anti-inflammatory cream
- Tweezers
Toiletries & Personal Care
- Sunscreen, SPF 50+
- Lip balm with SPF
- Wet wipes
- Quick-dry towel
- Hand sanitize
- Toilet paper, 2 rolls
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Soap or body wash
- Moisturizer
Snacks & Money
- Energy bars
- Nuts or chocolate
- Electrolyte powder
- Cash in Nepali rupees
- Passport copy
- Travel insurance copy
- Trekking permit copies, if provided
- Zip-lock bags or dry bags for small items
- Note: Sleeping bags, down jackets, and trekking poles can be rented in Kathmandu, but bring your own broken-in trekking boots.
USD 2350PP
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Group-Size Discounts
Discounts are solely based on your group size. We do not add anyone to your group.
See Group Booking Discount
USD 2750
1 Pax
USD 2490
2 – 4 Pax
USD 2390
5 – 10 Pax
USD 2350
11 – 16 Pax
Plan Your Everest Two Passes Trek
Ready to cross Renjo La and Cho La, visit Gokyo Lakes, reach Everest Base Camp, and see sunrise from Kala Patthar? Share your travel dates, group size, fitness level, and trekking experience. Joyful Eco Treks will help plan your trek with permits, guide support, teahouse stays, meals, flights, pacing, and full trip support from arrival to departure.
How difficult is the Everest Two Passes Trek?
The Everest Two Passes Trek is a challenging trek. You cross Renjo La and Cho La, walk at high altitude, and spend many days on rocky trails, glacier sections and steep climbs.
Can beginners do the Everest Two Passes Trek?
No, the Everest Two Passes Trek is not ideal for complete beginners. Fit beginners may do it with proper training, a slow pace, and guide support, but it is better for trekkers with previous hiking or multi-day trekking experience.
What is the best time for the Everest Two Passes Trek?
The best time to visit the Everest Two Passes Trek is during spring and autumn. March to May and September to November offer clearer skies, better mountain views, and safer high-pass conditions.
What permits do I need for the Everest Two Passes Trek?
You need two main permits for the Everest Two Passes Trek: the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit.
Do I need a guide for this trek?
Yes, a licensed guide is strongly recommended for this trek. The route includes high passes, glacier sections, changing weather, altitude risk, and remote trails, so guide support makes the journey safer.
What is the highest point of the trek?
The highest point is Kala Patthar at 5,555m / 18,225ft. It is widely considered the finest ground-level viewpoint for Mount Everest.
What is the highest point of the Nar Phu Valley Trek?
The highest point of the Nar Phu Valley Trek is Kang La Pass at 5,306 m (17,408 ft) above sea level. It lies between Nar village and Ngawal and is one of the most important highlights of the trek. From the top of the pass, you get wide mountain views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape, which is why many trekkers see it as a standout part of the route. Since it is the highest elevation on the trail, proper acclimatization is important before crossing it.
Which part of the trek is the hardest?
Cho La Pass is often the hardest part because the trail can include rock, snow, ice, and steep sections. Renjo La is also demanding, but many trekkers find Cho La more technical.
Is altitude sickness a risk on this trek?
Yes, altitude sickness is a real risk because the trek goes above 5,000m several times. Walk slowly, drink enough water, avoid alcohol, and follow the acclimatization plan.
What happens if Lukla flights are delayed?
If Lukla flights are delayed, you may need to wait at the airport or fly the next day when the weather clears. In peak season, your flight may also operate to Manthali instead of Kathmandu. Extra hotel nights, road transfers, or flight changes may be needed, so keep at least one buffer day in your travel plan.
