Advise for trek to Goyko and Renjo La

Replies: 7 - Last Post: Jan 31, 2013 2:32 PM Last Post By: captainbruce

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Jan 30, 2013 5:26 PM
Posts: 2

Advise for trek to Goyko and Renjo La

Hi, My family will be trekking for a month in the Everest region. We have trekked the AC and ABC in the past. Last trip was only a few years ago but I am sure things have changed a good bit. Anyway, I need help regarding costs, internet availability, and crowds.

When we did the Annapurna treks, costs went up considerably as we gained altitude. That made it hard to budget. I have seen online some menus for restaurants in Namche Bazaar and so I have a good idea what things cost down there. How much do costs rise as the trek gains altitude? Is a dal baat and tea 50% more in Gokyo or 200%, or something else? Is it still the case that you can only use cash at the tea houses or is that changing and are some places now taking plastic?

There was spotty internet when we last trekked. I am seeing lots of internet availablity in Namche Bazaar. Is internet found in the tea houses all the way to Gokyo? Is it worthwhile bringing a tablet to have computer access? I was planning on bringing paper books but if there is reasonable wireless access I might bring a tablet.

It sounds like EBC and Gokyo turn into quite a circus at the height of the fall trekking season. Now sounds like a great time to be there if you can handle some cold. We are going in later March and April. How busy is the trek? Do tea houses fill up or become uncomfortably crowded? Should I actually book a place in Namche right now? What happens higher up, say in Dole or Gokyo?

Thanks for your help!

scoodly

Jan 30, 2013 6:01 PM
Posts: 3,689

Hi

I trekked EBC and Gokyo in March/April last year:

There was no problem finding accommodation and we didn't need to employ the usual tricks; setting out very early, sending a porter ahead etc. One of the lodges did fill up - at Gokyo - but there was plenty of space at the next one. It was busy but this meant a lively atmosphere, I don't think you will have any issues but if the group is large then it might be worth taking steps as above. It does take away the opportunity to look around lodges and make your own choice. The trails were not too busy; occasional lines of trekkers on the main EBC trail but nothing to spoil the experience in my view - Gokyo valley was much quieter. We had no issues finding accommodation in Namche (in both directions).

There was internet access at the main sleeping places on the EBC trail including at Gorak Shep. Gokyo had access too but I did not notice in the other villages.

Budgeting is not straightforward because prices vary with altitude but a benchmark is $25 - $30 per person per day which gets a plentiful and reasonably varied diet with some luxuries such as chocolate. Western style meat dishes, beer and a daily shower will bust this budget though. It was cash only in the lodges we stayed in. It's possible the more expensive hotels in Namche will take plastic though I would not rely on this, nor on the ATMs in N and Lukla working when you need them to.

scoodly

Vanlandeghem

Jan 31, 2013 2:14 AM
Posts: 1

I trekked in the region in March 2011 for 22 days. Dal Bhat rises from 300 to 500 rps at high altitude. At these altitutes, they don't grow rice but potatos. So rice has to be carried a long way...
I ate sherpa stew...cheaper an maybe more appropriate for the region :))) : 160-250 rps.
Lodging : no problem in March. I was often alone (thore, surke, shivalaya, jubing, lobuche,...) Cost lodging was max 300 rps or so in Gokyo. But even in hotspot "lobuche" it was just 100rps.

Petrus

Jan 31, 2013 5:13 AM
Posts: 1,156

If you have a month do the Jiri-Namche-EBC-Gokyo-Thame-Namche-Lukla variation.It should take something like 23-25 days.

Spring season is not nearly as crowded as the fall season is.

yomenendez

Jan 31, 2013 6:33 AM
Posts: 39

Petrus is spot on for the trek time...
Back in 1988 I looked into doing the Jiri-EBC-Jiri trek...
Lukla was not available as a flight destination...
The trek was 30 days minimum to be safe....
Int'l flights were sketchy....
I only had 30 days....

Went to climb Kili...

NeverRetire...WorkHard...TravelWell

Yo

la_vache

Jan 31, 2013 7:48 AM
Posts: 337

I trekked in Oct 2010. The only really crowded lodge was Machermo, and the only effect on me was that I ate early in the evening since most of the other trekkers were in groups.

The Jiri-Namche section had very few trekkers. Less than a dozen others passed me en route.

abbottdog

Jan 31, 2013 7:59 AM
Posts: 2

Thanks everyone for the excellent comments. I really appreciate it. Can't wait to start trekking!

captainbruce

Jan 31, 2013 2:32 PM
Posts: 53

Just returned from trekking up there. $25-30 is accurate but if you want a room ensuite then it goes up - $25+ in namche. Internet in Lukla/Namche out of season, advertised as being in tengboche and Dingboche in season. Phone reception spotty. OK up to Tengboche - there's a mast - and OK up to pangboche if you can see the mast. Fades at Dingboche BUT 1/2 way up Chukung RI you can see the mast and so for 5 mins there's a signal and there is one at the top of the Kongma La. It is however a long schlep for a phone call. ......Gokyo side there is a faint signal after Machermo coming down but it only resumes at Dole and only then if you go up on the hillside there is none at all in the lodges. You can power up a kindle easily but an ipad, even kept warm in the sleeping bag at night will die on you. Battery recharging available all the way up at 200 to 350 per hour varying with height. be warned its weak solar batteries so charging an ipad will take several hours.

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