Begin by climbing gradually up to the village of Lungdhen and then continue ascending up to 2 lakes beneath the Renjo La. From the lakes the path is well maintained and is mainly on stone steps. Although these make the final ascent easy to follow, they give your thighs a real work out and you may be cursing them by the time you get close to the col!

Upon arriving at the col the view is utterly breathtaking and any memory of the effort required to get here will quickly disappear. Everest and Lhotse dominate the view but Kantega and Makalu also look particularly impressive. There are few better views of Everest than the one from the Renjo La so snap as many photos as possible if the weather is clear.

The initial descent from the col is quite steep but it quickly mellows and descends past 2 lakes before arriving at Dudh Pokhari (the third lake), on the shore of which is Gokyo village. Gokyo has grown over recent years and is now quite a busy, fun little place.