With stunning views of Everest and beyond, this is one of the best short treks in Nepal! A varied circuit with good acclimatisation, incredible views of Everest, a significant pass crossing and an introduction to the Sherpa culture.

After a flight to the tiny airfield of Lukla, we walk up to Namche Bazaar in two days. From just beyond the village we can already glimpse the summit of Everest, peeping out from behind the massive rock curtain of Lhotse. Heading up a side valley, we reach Gokyo Lake and the settlement of Gokyo. From the summit of Gokyo Ri (5340m), a stunning panorama is revealed with magnificent views of Everest and Lhotse (8501m), with Cho Oyo (8153m) dominating the head of the valley, Makalu towering in the distance, and Tibet, seemingly a stone’s throw away. It feels like the top of the world!

From Gokyo, an old trading route leads to our second high point: Renjo La (5417m). The view from here, dominated by prayer flags, is quite different. All too soon it will be time to take leave of this grand array of snowy giants and start our descent.

Still air on Gokyo Lake. Photo Jan Arnold

Everest from Gokyo Ri. Photo Jan Arnold

Gokyo Ri. Photo Uta Purcell

Above Gokyo

Prayer flags on Renjo La. Photo Emily Baird

Descending from Renjo La

Above Lungden

Namche Bazaar

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