note of Thami - Renjo La - Gokyo

[triste]

Based on my experience in January 2007, here is a description about the route from Thami, crossing Renjo La to Gokyo, with map and photos; hope it's informative :)

Started from an advertisement near Ghat:

http://homepage.mac.com/cherish/images/trekking/big/b0462.jpg

This is the only lodge in Lundgen (4350 m), however, It was closed when I was there. So, be prepare for "no-lodge-land"

My acclimatization is 2 nights at Namche Bazaar, then 2 nights at Thami Gompa (3900 m), 1 night at Lundgen.

http://homepage.mac.com/cherish/images/trekking/big/b0507.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/cherish/images/trekking/big/b0575.jpg

[triste]

While staying in Thami Gompa, you might explore the Thami Khola; bring enough food and water, there's no support / lodge westward of Thami Gompa.

http://homepage.mac.com/cherish/images/trekking/big/b0581.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/cherish/images/trekking/big/b0589.jpg

From Thami Gompa to Lundgen, it took about 4 hours, no difficulty.

http://homepage.mac.com/cherish/images/trekking/big/b0600.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/cherish/images/trekking/big/b0626.jpg

[triste]

There is a lodge, opened, in Marulung (4210 m), in case of necessary, you might stay here.

http://homepage.mac.com/cherish/images/trekking/big/b0633.jpg

One hour later, arrived Lundgen (4350 m), the only lodge is closed and only one villager was living there in winter, a quiet village.

http://homepage.mac.com/cherish/images/trekking/big/b0640.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/cherish/images/trekking/big/b0641.jpg

A view of the trail to Renjo La, notice the big rock on the ridge:

http://homepage.mac.com/cherish/images/trekking/big/b0646.jpg

[triste]

A scan of map:
http://homepage.mac.com/cherish/images/trekking/map/route0112.png

The trail I trekked from Lungden to Renjo La was on the west side of the river, so, I think that the route marked on the map is symbolized.

[triste]

Part 1: Lundgen to the ridge with a big rock, steep, about 1.25 hours

0735 hours, trekking started
http://homepage.mac.com/cherish/images/trekking/big/b0654.jpg

Sanctuary beneath the big rock
http://homepage.mac.com/cherish/images/trekking/big/b0655.jpg

[triste]

Part 2: the ridge with a big rock to Angladumba Tsho, flat to steep, about 3.25 hours.

Huge arrow digged, pointing to Lungden
http://homepage.mac.com/cherish/images/trekking/big/b0664.jpg

Afterward, the trail is clear
http://homepage.mac.com/cherish/images/trekking/big/b0668.jpg

approaching the twin lake
http://homepage.mac.com/cherish/images/trekking/big/b0670.jpg

A stitched photo (http://homepage.mac.com/cherish/images/trekking/big/anladumba-cho.png) of the Angladumba Tsho, the lake beneath Renjo La

[triste]

Part 3: Angladumba Tsho to Renjo La, extremely steep, about 2 hours.

From Angladumba Tsho to Renjo La, there was stair, it's about going up 200 - 300 m.

http://homepage.mac.com/cherish/images/trekking/big/b0684.jpg

Near the top
http://homepage.mac.com/cherish/images/trekking/big/b0687.jpg

looking back
http://homepage.mac.com/cherish/images/trekking/big/b0688.jpg

Voila, a stitched photo (http://homepage.mac.com/cherish/images/trekking/big/renjo-la.png)from Renjo La, Gokyo, Everest & Cholatse in view.

[triste]

Part 4: Renjo La to iced waterfall, steep then flat, about 1 hour.

The trail is full of creek
http://homepage.mac.com/cherish/images/trekking/big/b0699.jpg

iced waterfall
http://homepage.mac.com/cherish/images/trekking/big/b0700.jpg

Near the iced waterfall, the terrain is full of creek, If you cannot find the trail, be calm. Keep going to the edge, before falling down, you would see the trail clearly.

[triste]

Part 5: iced waterfall to flat terrain, steep, about 1 hour.

Looking back
http://homepage.mac.com/cherish/images/trekking/big/b0702.jpg

the trail going down is located between the iced waterfall (wondered would it be waterfall in other seasons) and the cliff on the right.

The trail is very slippery, be careful when going down.

Part 6: flat terrain to Gokyo, flat, about 1 hour.

http://homepage.mac.com/cherish/images/trekking/big/b0703.jpg

When the daylight faded, I felt cold even I wore down jacket while moving, so be prepare for the low temperature.

My advices:

Trekking from Lungden to Gokyo via Renjo La is challenging with risk, without escape route; must be well acclimatized.

Going up 1000 m then down 600 m, and trekking continuously for 10 hours is hard, requiring some physical and mental effort.

No support / lodge en route, bring enough food & water, and, prayer flag from Namche Bazaar, put it on the la.

Considering to hire porter, or to trek in group.

[Spaceman347]

Great post Triste, thanks

[Todd Delaney]

Excellent, great photos...

[James]

This was the slowest loading post I've ever read, but it was well worth the wait. Great pictures and descriptions, just like being there.

[ricky]

Great post Triste,

I'll probably start from Gokyo side and I'm presuming it will be slightly easier....
________
vapourizers (http://vaporizer.org/)

[triste]

In this direction, going up 600m then down 1000m; it's between easy and moderate.

BTW, the owner of the Gokyo Lake Side Lodge provided service to bring you from Gokyo to Renjo La, he needed to return to the lodge and look after his son; then you did the downward trip from Renjo La to Langden alone.

Owner, his niece & his son
http://homepage.mac.com/cherish/images/trekking/big/b0748.jpg

Last, if you cross Renjo La in this direction, consider cross the Kongma La from Chhukung to Lobuche, which is also a La with magnificent view.

[Harry]

This is even better than the best guidebook! Great!!!

Harry

[peteris]

Very nice post, Triste!

[rotrax]

Fantastic pictures of the Renjo La. I'm hoping to do this next year and the Kongma La as well. Do you have any pictures you can post of the Kongma La ?
Thanks

[boleslav]

Your trip report was very useful for our April 08 trek - thanks
All I can add that there are 3 lodges in Lungden now and one in Marulung.

[Suginami]

I love these pictures