Renjo La Pass Trek Guide

Overview

The Renjo La Pass trek is one of the quieter and more rewarding ways into the Gokyo valley, approaching it from the west via the historic Thame valley rather than the busy main trail. Its centrepiece is the Renjo La, a high pass at around 5,360 m that delivers what many consider the single finest viewpoint in the Khumbu: a sudden, sweeping panorama looking down on the turquoise Gokyo lakes with Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu ranged across the skyline beyond.

Most trekkers complete the route in 12 to 15 days round trip from Kathmandu, including the flights to and from Lukla. After the familiar walk up to Namche Bazaar, the trail branches west into the Thame valley, an old salt-trading route to Tibet and the home village of several famous Sherpa climbers, before climbing through Thame and Lungden towards the pass. This western approach sees far fewer trekkers than the main Gokyo trail, giving a quieter, more remote feel.

Crossing the Renjo La, the trail drops to the Gokyo lakes (around 4,790 m) and the village of Gokyo beside them. From here you can climb Gokyo Ri for a classic close-up of Everest and the vast Ngozumpa glacier, the longest in Nepal. Many itineraries return down the standard Gokyo trail via Dole and Namche, making a satisfying loop that combines the quiet Thame side with the spectacular lakes.

The trek is graded strenuous, with a genuine high-altitude pass and several days above 4,000 m, but it requires no technical climbing skills in normal conditions. It is a superb choice for trekkers who want the Gokyo scenery without the crowds, and it can be linked with the Three Passes or the Cho La for a bigger Khumbu circuit.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

This is a classic Renjo La itinerary built around the quiet Thame approach, the pass crossing and the Gokyo lakes. It can be linked with the Cho La or Three Passes for a longer circuit. Allow buffer days, as the Lukla flights from Kathmandu are weather-dependent.

Day 1: Fly Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840 m), trek to Phakding (2,610 m)

An early scenic flight to Lukla, then a gentle walk down the Dudh Koshi valley to Phakding. (3-4 hours.)

Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

Crossing suspension bridges and entering Sagarmatha National Park, then a steep climb to Namche Bazaar. (5-6 hours.)

Day 3: Acclimatisation day at Namche

An active rest day hiking to the Everest View Hotel viewpoint and the Sherpa villages for first big mountain views. (4-5 hours of hiking.)

Day 4: Namche to Thame (3,820 m)

Branching west into the quiet Thame valley, an old Tibet trading route, to the village of Thame with its hillside gompa and Sherpa-climbing heritage. (4-5 hours.)

Day 5: Thame to Lungden (4,380 m)

A steady climb up the increasingly remote valley to Lungden, the last settlement before the pass, in wild high country. (4-5 hours.)

Day 6: Acclimatisation or short hike from Lungden

A day to acclimatise before the pass, with an optional short hike up towards Renjo La or a side valley to aid adjustment. (2-4 hours.)

Day 7: Cross the Renjo La (5,360 m) to Gokyo (4,790 m)

The big day: a long climb to the Renjo La at around 5,360 m and its breathtaking panorama over the Gokyo lakes with Everest, Lhotse and Makalu beyond, then a descent to the village of Gokyo beside its third lake. (6-8 hours.)

Day 8: Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) and explore the lakes

An early climb up Gokyo Ri for a classic close-up of Everest and the vast Ngozumpa glacier, then time to explore the upper Gokyo lakes. (4-6 hours.)

Day 9: Gokyo to Dole (4,200 m)

Descend the standard Gokyo trail along the valley to Dole, with the Ngozumpa glacier behind you. (5-6 hours.)

Day 10: Dole to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

A descent through rhododendron and birch forest back to Namche. (5-6 hours.)

Day 11: Namche to Lukla (2,840 m)

A long descent down the Dudh Koshi valley back to Lukla for the flight out. (6-7 hours.)

Day 12: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu

The morning flight back to Kathmandu. With buffer days for flights and acclimatisation, the full trip runs around 12-15 days. (Flight plus transfer.)

Optional extension: link with Cho La or Three Passes (3-5 extra days)

From Gokyo you can cross the Cho La towards Everest Base Camp, or combine all three high passes for a full Three Passes circuit, making a much longer and more demanding journey.

Difficulty & Fitness

The Renjo La Pass trek is graded strenuous, with a genuine high-altitude pass crossing and several days at altitude. It is more demanding than the standard Gokyo lakes route because of the high, remote western approach.

• High altitude. The pass tops out at around 5,360 m, and you spend several nights above 4,000 m, so altitude sickness is a real concern. Proper acclimatisation, including the Namche day and care on the Thame side, is essential.
• Long pass day. The Renjo La crossing is a long, sustained climb to over 5,300 m followed by a steep descent to Gokyo, the hardest single day of the trek.
• Remote western approach. The Thame valley is quiet and lightly served, with fewer and simpler teahouses than the main trail, so flexibility and self-sufficiency matter.
• No technical skills in normal conditions. The pass is a walking route in good conditions, though early or late season snow can make it harder and may call for extra care.

You should be a fit trekker comfortable walking 5-8 hours a day on uneven mountain trails for nearly two weeks, with good cardiovascular fitness for the altitude. No technical climbing skills are required in normal conditions, but previous high-altitude experience helps. Train with hill walking and cardio beforehand, and respect the altitude on the pass day.

Permits & Regulations

The Renjo La Pass trek runs entirely within the Khumbu, so you need the standard Everest-region permits. Note that TIMS is not used in the Khumbu; instead two local permits apply:

• Sagarmatha National Park entry permit, around NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals, usually issued at Monjo or in Kathmandu through an agency.
• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry permit, around NPR 2,000-3,000, paid locally (typically at Lukla).

Since 2023, Nepal requires trekkers on organised treks to use a licensed guide rather than walking fully independently. On a high, quiet route like the Renjo La, where the western approach is lightly travelled and the pass is exposed, a guide is especially valuable. Carry your passport and several passport photos, keep both permits handy for the checkpoints at Lukla and Monjo, and, because fees and rules can change, confirm the current requirements with a registered agency in Kathmandu before you travel.

Cost & Budget

The Renjo La Pass trek costs a little more than the standard Gokyo route because of its length and the remoteness of the Thame approach, with the Lukla flight as the major fixed cost.

• Guided package: typically around USD 1,400-2,400 per person depending on group size, the number of days and the level of service. This usually covers the guide, porter, permits, the Lukla flights, accommodation and meals on the trek.
• Lukla flights: the round-trip flight between Kathmandu (or Manthali) and Lukla is the single biggest cost and varies by season. Build in a buffer for weather delays.
• Permits: the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit (around NPR 3,000) plus the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit (around NPR 2,000-3,000).
• On-trail spending: Namche has unreliable ATMs, so carry enough Nepali rupees in cash for meals beyond your package, hot showers, charging, wifi and tips. Prices rise the higher you go, and the Thame side has fewer services.

Smaller groups pay more per head, while larger groups spread the guide and flight-handling costs. A generous tip for guides and porters is customary, and you should budget a contingency for an extra night if a Lukla flight is delayed or weather affects the pass.

Best Time to Trek

The Renjo La Pass trek follows the same seasonal pattern as the rest of the Khumbu, and because the high pass can hold snow, conditions there shape the experience.

• Spring (March-May) brings warm days, blooming rhododendron in the lower valleys and generally clear mountains, with the pass usually crossable, though early spring can still hold snow.
• Autumn (late September-November) offers the most stable weather and the clearest air after the monsoon, with superb views from the Renjo La over the Gokyo lakes. It is the most reliable season for the pass.

Avoid the monsoon (June-early September): cloud hides the panorama that is the whole point of the pass, trails are wet, and Lukla flights face the worst delays. Winter (December-February) brings very clear, cold days but heavy snow can block the Renjo La and close lodges on the quiet Thame side. For the best balance of clear views and a safe pass crossing, plan for spring or autumn.

Packing, Safety & Tips

Acclimatisation

With a high point of around 5,360 m and several nights above 4,000 m, altitude sickness is a real concern. Take the Namche acclimatisation day and a day on the Thame side, ascend steadily, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and watch for headache, nausea or dizziness. The quiet western approach means help is further away, so descend promptly if symptoms worsen.

Gear & packing

Pack for cold, high mountain weather with a serious pass crossing: a warm sleeping bag (rated well below freezing), a down jacket, layered clothing, sturdy broken-in boots, trekking poles, glacier sunglasses, sun protection and a headlamp. Bring a reliable water-purification method, high-energy snacks, and a first-aid kit with blister care and altitude medication discussed with your doctor. Carry traction aids if snow is likely on the pass.

Communications & money

Mobile signal and wifi reach Namche and Gokyo for a fee but are patchy on the Thame side. Namche has unreliable ATMs, so carry enough cash in Nepali rupees for the whole trek. The quiet western valley has fewer services, so do not rely on finding supplies high up.

Safety & insurance

Buy comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking to at least 5,500 m and includes helicopter evacuation. The Thame side and the Renjo La are remote and exposed, and a rescue is far easier to arrange with cover in place. Trek with a licensed guide, stay weather-aware on the pass, and start the crossing early to avoid afternoon cloud and wind.

Combining with other treks

The Renjo La pairs naturally with the Gokyo Lakes, which it reaches by a quieter route, and it can be linked with the Cho La towards Everest Base Camp or combined into the full Three Passes circuit for a far bigger adventure. Base yourself in Kathmandu before and after to arrange permits, the Lukla flight and a guide.