Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek

Teahouses in the Khumbu range from very comfortable to genuinely basic, and the Renjo La route covers both ends of that spectrum.

Namche, Phakding, and Gokyo have the best teahouses on the route, proper beds with decent mattresses, dining rooms with stoves, and reasonably reliable Wi-Fi. These are places where you can sleep well and eat well.

Dole and Machhermo are mid-tier. Rooms are smaller and colder, but there are still hot showers at Machhermo and functional dining rooms. Above Machhermo, expect single-glaze windows, shared squat toilets, and no hot showers. This is not a failure of the teahouses; it is what the logistics of supplying a lodge at 4,500 m actually allow. Everything arrives by porter or yak.

Lungden is the roughest night on the route. One main lodge, a single communal stove that everyone gathers around, cold rooms, and simple food. There is no Wi-Fi, no hot shower, and no menu variety. You will be exhausted enough from the pass crossing that this will not matter much. Trekkers who are told honestly what to expect handle Lungden far better than those who arrive with different assumptions. Think of it as part of the adventure.

Thame, on the return, is a pleasant surprise, a small village with several teahouses, quieter than Namche, and with a warmth that feels authentic rather than commercial.

In all teahouses, rooms are shared between members of a couple or a group by default. Solo trekkers typically get their own room, though in peak season this is not always guaranteed. Bring a padlock for your bag and a sleep liner if you are sensitive to bedding quality.

Spring Season (March to May)

• Temperature: Pleasant conditions, ranging from 10–20°C during the day
• Visibility: The visibility is superb with clear mountain views
• Nature Highlights: Blooming rhododendrons, exotic wildflowers, and beautiful freshwater of Gokyo Lakes
• Crowds: Decent traffic, comparatively less heavy than autumn
• Ideal For: Nature lovers and trekkers looking to experience diverse landscapes with clear skies and perfect visibility

Autumn Season (Sept to Nov)

• Weather: More dry, with crystal-clear skies and breathtaking Himalayan views
• Temperature: Daytime temperatures around 15–22°C
• Full Cultural Vibe: Celebrations like Dashain and Tihar add a different charm and experience
• Crowds: Busiest season, mainly during October and November
• Ideal For: Photographers, festival lovers, and those looking for the authentic views of the mountains

Winter Season (Dec to Feb)

• Trail Conditions: Pretty quiet, with snow-covered landscapes
• Temperature: Freezing cold, especially at Gokyo Ri and the lakes; temperatures fall more at night
• Visibility: Absolutely stunning due to dry air and minimal clouds
• Crowds: Very low, offering solitude
• Ideal For: Adventurers who enjoy the winter season and peaceful trails

Monsoon Season (June to August)

• Weather: Heavy rain and cloudy skies, especially in lower elevations
• Trail Conditions: Muddy and slippery; chances of landslides and flight delays
• Scenery: Lush green hills and exquisite blooming alpine flora
• Visibility: Not ideal for mountain views due to fog and mist
• Crowds: Very little traffic
• Ideal For: Experienced trekkers looking for solitude and comfortable with unpredictable conditions

Spring (March to May)

Spring brings rhododendrons in full bloom in the lower valleys, stable weather, and shorter queues at teahouses. Snow on the pass is usually manageable by late March. April and May are the busiest months, but even then the Gokyo side of the Khumbu experiences far fewer trekkers than the EBC route. Temperatures at altitude are cold in the early morning but rise quickly once the sun is up. Visibility is generally very good.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is widely considered the best trekking season in Nepal. The monsoon has cleared the air, and the mountain views are the sharpest of the year: deep blue skies, almost zero haze. October and November are the peak months. Trails are busier than spring but still far less crowded than the EBC highway. Night temperatures drop significantly by November, and the pass can have its first significant snowfall by late November or early December.

Winter (December to February)

Late December through February is possible but weather-dependent. The pass is sometimes snowed in during this window, and a guide-assessed go/no-go call the morning of the crossing is required; we will not push a team over a pass that has taken on significant fresh snow overnight. Trekkers who book for this period must have travel insurance covering trip modification and helicopter evacuation. January is the coldest month and generally not recommended for first-time high-altitude trekkers.

Summer/Monsoon (June to August)

The monsoon season (June to August) is not recommended for the Renjo La route. Heavy rain makes the trails slippery, the pass unpredictable, and views are largely obscured by clouds.

In short: come in October for the sharpest views, come in April for the flowers and the quiet, and call us before booking a December or January crossing.

Wondering what a normal day actually feels like on the trail? Here is what to expect.

Your morning starts between 6 and 7 am. You will hear the kitchen staff moving around before that: the sound of water being boiled, pots being stacked. Breakfast is usually ready by 6:30 am: porridge, eggs, toast, Tibetan bread, or pancakes, with tea or coffee. Eat a full breakfast. The trail asks more of your body than you expect.

Departures are typically between 7 and 7:30 am. Your guide leads, your porter follows behind (or goes ahead, depending on the terrain). The walking pace is slower than what you would do at home, deliberately so. The Nepali phrase “bistari bistari” means “slowly slowly”, and your guide will remind you of it often in the first few days until it becomes instinct.

Trail days average 4 to 7 hours of walking, with short breaks every 60 to 90 minutes. Your guide will stop at viewpoints, at mani walls, and whenever the group needs it. There is no fixed break schedule; the pace adapts to the day and the altitude.

Lunch is usually eaten at a teahouse mid-route. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes and gives your legs a proper rest. Common choices: noodle soup, fried rice, dal bhat, potato dishes.

You aim to arrive at your overnight teahouse by early to mid-afternoon, between 1 pm and 3 pm on most days, later on bigger days like Day 9. Arriving early matters at altitude: it gives your body time to rest before dinner, and it means you can claim a good room before the lodge fills up.

Afternoons are free time. Some trekkers explore the area around the lodge, visit a monastery, or simply sit outside and watch the mountains change colour. Others sleep. Both are correct answers.

Dinner is served between 5:30 and 7 pm. The dining hall will be warm with the stove running, often the warmest room you will experience above 4,000 m. The group usually eats together, and these are the conversations you will remember: what the day was like, what is coming tomorrow, stories from your guide about the trail and the people who live on it.

Bedtime by 8 or 9 pm is normal and sensible. At altitude, your body recovers while you sleep. Rooms are cold; use the sleeping bag provided, not just the lodge blankets. Sleep with your water bottle and tomorrow’s clothes inside the bag if temperatures are very low.

Two permits are required for this route, and both are included in your package price.

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

This covers access to the national park area, which includes the entire Gokyo valley, the Renjo La corridor, and all the terrain you will walk from Monjo onward. 

The permit is checked at the park gate between Phakding and Namche on Day 3. It is checked at the park gate between Phakding and Namche on Day 3. As of 2026, the fee is NPR 3,000 per person (approximately USD 22) for foreign nationals. SAARC nationals pay a reduced rate.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

This is the local government fee for trekking in the Khumbu region. It is checked at multiple points along the route and is separate from the national park permit. The current fee is NPR 2,000 per person (approximately USD 15).

Total permit cost: approximately USD 37 per person, which is included in your package price.

Both permits are processed by us before your trek begins; you do not need to queue at any permit office. Carry your passport throughout the trek as it may be required for permit checks along the trail.

Permit rules are updated regularly by the Nepal government. We stay current with all changes and will notify you of any updates that affect your trek before departure. There are no additional trekking permits required for the standard Renjo La loop.

The Renjo La Pass Trek is rated strenuous. Here is what that actually means.

Compared to the EBC Classic, the total distances are similar, the maximum altitude is actually lower (Kala Patthar is 5,545 m; Renjo La is 5,360 m), but there is one day that EBC simply does not have: the pass crossing. Day 9 is 8 to 10 hours on a day that starts before dawn, climbs 570 m to a 5,360 m pass, then descends over 1,000 m on loose ground to Lungden. That is the hard part. Everything else is strenuous trekking at altitude, not technical climbing.

To prepare for this trek, we recommend the following:

4 to 6 months of consistent cardio training before departure, running, hiking, cycling, stair climbing. The more hill-specific your training, the better. If you have access to stairs, use them with a weighted pack several times a week. At least one prior multi-day trek where you have carried a pack and slept in basic conditions. 

If this is your first Himalayan trek, we recommend the Everest View Trek as a warm-up option before attempting Renjo La.

You should be able to walk 6 to 8 hours per day on uneven terrain with a 5 to 8 kg daypack, at least once a week, without significant recovery time.

Strength training helps too, specifically legs and core. Steep descents like the one from Renjo La to Lungden put real pressure on the knees. Building quad strength before you arrive will protect your joints on that descent.

Arrive fit, and the route rewards you. Arrive undertrained and the past day becomes a serious ordeal. We say this not to discourage you, but to make sure you enjoy the day rather than just survive it.

The Khumbu is the homeland of the Sherpa people, an ethnic group originally from Tibet who migrated to this region roughly 500 years ago. They brought with them Tibetan Buddhist traditions that remain at the heart of village life today.

Buddhism is visible everywhere on the trail. Mani walls, long rows of flat stones carved with the mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum”, appear at the entrance to almost every village. Walk to the left of mani walls, clockwise around chortens (stone monuments), and clockwise around prayer wheels. This is not a tourist custom; it is how local people show respect, and following the convention matters.

Prayer flags are strung between buildings, across passes, and along ridge lines. The five colours represent the five elements: blue for sky, white for air, red for fire, green for water, yellow for earth. Older flags are faded and tattered; that is intentional. As they deteriorate, the prayers printed on them are carried into the world by the wind.

Monasteries are open to visitors in most villages. Remove your shoes before entering, walk clockwise inside, and do not take photographs without asking. A small donation (often a few hundred rupees) is customary and directly supports the monastery’s upkeep. If a puja (blessing ceremony) is happening, sit quietly and observe; you are welcome.

The Sherpa relationship with the mountains is not one of conquest. Peaks like Everest are sacred; Sherpa guides perform a puja ceremony before any serious climb, asking permission from the mountain to proceed. Joining the puja that your guide performs before the pass crossing is a privilege. Treat it as such.

Festivals: If you trek in spring, you may encounter Mani Rimdu at Thame Monastery, a three-day masked dance festival performed by monks. It is one of the most significant religious events in the Khumbu calendar and an experience that very few trekkers on the standard EBC route ever see. The Renjo La loop puts you in Thame at exactly the right time if you book your departure to coincide with it. Ask us about dates when booking.

Language: A few Nepali phrases go a long way. “Namaste” (hello, with hands pressed together) is the standard greeting. “Dhanyabad” means thank you. “Bistari” means slowly. Your guide will teach you more along the way, and local people genuinely appreciate the effort.

Gifts and children: Please do not give sweets, pens, or money to children on the trail. It encourages a culture of begging that is harmful to local communities. If you want to contribute, buy from local tea shops, eat at local teahouses, and consider making a donation to one of the schools in the region.

• Travel insurance is not optional. Every trekker on this route must have comprehensive travel insurance that specifically covers high-altitude trekking (above 5,000 m) and helicopter evacuation. Check your policy wording carefully; some standard travel policies exclude trekking above a certain altitude. We ask to see your insurance details at the pre-trek briefing.
• The pass crossing is weather-dependent. On the morning of Day 9, your guide makes a go/no-go assessment of the pass conditions before departure. If there has been significant fresh snowfall overnight, or if weather is approaching, the guide may recommend waiting or descending. This decision is final. Safety always takes priority over schedule.
• Lukla flights are not guaranteed on any given day. Budget time on both ends of the trek for potential weather delays. Your Day 14 buffer day exists precisely for this reason. Do not book international flights on the same day as your Lukla return flight.
• Mobile and internet coverage is patchy above Namche. Ncell has the best coverage on this route. You will have signal in Namche, Dole, Machhermo, and Gokyo in most conditions. Above Gokyo and through the Thame valley, coverage is limited to non-existent. Most teahouses have Wi-Fi for a fee; speeds range from adequate in Namche to essentially decorative in Lungden.
• Charging electronics costs extra at teahouses above Namche. Budget USD 1 to 2 per charge. A portable power bank (10,000 mAh or larger) is worth bringing. Phones drain faster in the cold; keep them inside your jacket when not in use.
• Plastic waste: The Khumbu is actively trying to reduce plastic pollution. Bring a reusable water bottle and purification tablets or a filter. Refilling from taps or streams (treated) is possible at most teahouses and dramatically reduces plastic bottle waste. We encourage all trekkers to leave the trail cleaner than they found it.
• Respect local customs: Walk clockwise around mani walls and chortens. Remove shoes before entering monasteries. Dress modestly in villages. These small gestures are noticed and appreciated by local communities.
• Altitude affects sleep, appetite, and mood. It is completely normal to feel tired, slightly irritable, or less hungry than usual above 4,000 m. These are not signs that something is wrong; they are signs that your body is working hard to adapt. Keep eating, keep drinking water, and keep walking at a pace that lets you hold a conversation.
• The Renjo La Pass Trek is remote. Beyond Namche, there are no ATMs, no pharmacies, and no shops selling specialist gear. Come prepared. If you forget something essential, Namche has gear shops where you can fill gaps, but prices are higher than in Kathmandu, and availability is not guaranteed.

• The Renjo La Pass Trek is available as both a private and a group experience, at the same starting price of USD 1,695 per person.
• Private Trek: You depart on any date you choose, with your own licensed guide and porter. The itinerary can be adjusted within reason; for example, adding an extra acclimatisation day or spending more time at Gokyo. Private treks offer maximum flexibility and are ideal for trekkers who have a specific departure date, want a customised pace, or simply prefer not to share the experience with strangers.
• Group Trek: Group departures are matched with travellers of similar age and experience level where possible, and are capped at a manageable maximum for pass days; we do not take large groups over Renjo La. Group trekkers are introduced to fellow travellers through the client portal before departure, so you arrive knowing who you will be walking with. Group treks have fixed departure dates posted on the booking portal.
• All departures, private or group, are 100% guaranteed once confirmed. We do not cancel trips due to low numbers. A solo traveller books a private trek, and it runs on their chosen date. A group departure that attracts only two or three trekkers still runs.
• If you are travelling solo and would prefer company, opting into a group departure is often the better choice. Many of our most memorable treks have been small groups of solo travellers who met through the portal and walked the route together.

The standard Renjo La loop runs clockwise: Lukla — Namche — Dole — Machhermo — Gokyo — Renjo La Pass — Lungden — Thame — Namche — Lukla. 

This direction is strongly recommended for acclimatisation reasons; you approach the pass from the Gokyo side after two nights at 4,790 m, which is the safest way to tackle 5,360 m.

Running the loop counter-clockwise (crossing Renjo La from the Thame side) is possible but not recommended. The ascent from the Thame side is shorter but steeper, and trekkers doing it this way have typically spent far fewer nights at high altitude before the crossing day.

Compared to the Gokyo Out-and-Back: Most operators sell Gokyo as an out-and-back from Namche, up the valley, see the lakes, come back the same way. This retraces roughly 40 km of identical trail. The Renjo La loop covers new ground every day from Day 5 onward, adds a genuine high-pass summit, passes through Thame (which most Gokyo trekkers never see), and ends with an entirely different perspective on the Khumbu. It is harder, but it is a fundamentally better trek.

Compared to the Everest Three High Passes Trek: The Three Passes Trek (Renjo La + Cho La + Kongma La) is the ultimate Khumbu circuit at 17 to 21 days. Renjo La Pass Trek is the right choice for trekkers who want a genuine high-pass experience without the full Three Passes commitment. We have the Three Passes page for trekkers considering the bigger route.

Compared to the EBC Classic: EBC Classic reaches a higher altitude (Kala Patthar at 5,545 m vs Renjo La at 5,360 m) but does not cross a pass. Renjo La is harder because of the crossing day, but the views from the top of the pass, Everest straight across at eye level, are widely considered superior to the view from Kala Patthar. For trekkers who want Everest views but prefer a quieter trail and a more complete loop experience, Renjo La is the better choice.

Alternatively, consider the Gokyo Lake Trek (without the pass) for trekkers who want to see the lakes and Gokyo Ri but are not ready for a high-pass crossing day.

All Renjo La Pass Trek packages include round-trip flights between Kathmandu and Lukla. Here is what you need to know.

Airline and schedule: Flights to Lukla operate from Tribhuvan International Airport’s domestic terminal. Most flights depart between 6 and 8 am. The flight takes approximately 30 to 35 minutes. Airlines operating this route include Tara Air, Summit Air, and Sita Air. We book whichever airline has the best schedule for your departure date.

Weather dependency: Lukla flights are weather-dependent. Tenzing-Hillary Airport has one of the most demanding approaches in the world; pilots need clear visual conditions to land. Flights are sometimes delayed or cancelled, particularly in early morning fog or afternoon cloud buildup. This is why Day 14 (the buffer day in Kathmandu) exists. We strongly recommend not booking international departure flights on the same day as your Lukla return flight.

Flight delays and cancellations: If your Lukla flight is delayed or cancelled, our Kathmandu team manages the rebooking. You will not be stranded or left to navigate this alone. The buffer day absorbs most delays without any impact on your international departure.

Baggage: The weight limit for Lukla flights is typically 10 kg per person for hand luggage plus a small personal item. Your large bag (which goes with the porter) is weighed at the domestic terminal before departure. The duffle bag provided by us is sized and weighted for this. Do not pack more than 10 kg in your daypack; for the flight, excess baggage fees apply.

Alternative route: In rare cases of extended Lukla closure, the trek can start from Phaplu (a longer airstrip with better weather reliability) with an overland connection, or overland from Kathmandu to Salleri and then walking up. This is uncommon but good to know. If weather causes a multi-day Lukla closure, we will discuss options with you and adjust accordingly.

Every package includes a porter, one porter shared between two trekkers, with a 20 kg combined bag limit. Here is how that works in practice.

The 20 kg limit means 20 kg total between two people’s bags, not 20 kg per person. That is approximately 10 kg per person. This is firm. Porters in the Khumbu carry heavy loads as their livelihood; the limit exists not just for logistics but to protect their health.

What goes with the porter: your main bag (the duffle bag provided), containing your sleeping bag, down jacket, spare clothes, and any gear you do not need during the day.

What goes in your daypack (which you carry): your water, snacks, camera, phone, headtorch, light layers, sunscreen, poles, and any items you need on the trail that day.

If you are a solo trekker with a 20 kg bag, the full 20 kg limit applies to you alone, and you will be the sole user of the porter. Two trekkers travelling together share that 20 kg total.

Overpacking is the most common mistake on this trek. You do not need as many clothes as you think. The key items: sleeping bag, down jacket, base layers, trekking layers, rain gear, and boots, cover virtually everything. We send a detailed packing guide with your booking confirmation. Read it before you pack.

If you need to pack more than 10 kg for your portion, an additional porter can be arranged at an extra cost. Let us know before departure rather than at Lukla airport.

Prices

14 Days (Standard): USD 1,695 per person — private trek

18 Days (+ 5th Lake / Gyazumpa Tsho extension): USD 1,726 per person

The price is per person and does not change based on group size. A solo traveller pays USD 1,695. A group of four pays USD 1,695 per person.

Payment Terms

40% deposit secures your booking through the client portal: app.magicalnepal.com

Balance paid in cash or card at our Kathmandu office on arrival day

Accepted currencies: USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, SGD

3.5% surcharge on card payments

Cancellation Policy

Full refund for cancellations 72+ hours before departure

Within 48 hours: refund minus actual costs incurred

How to Book

Visit app.magicalnepal.com and select your departure date. Complete the booking form with your personal details and pay the 40% deposit. You will receive a confirmation email within 24

hours with your booking reference, pre-trek information pack, and an introduction to your assigned guide.

Group trekkers are introduced to fellow travellers through the portal in the weeks before departure. Private trekkers receive a personalised pre-trek briefing schedule and a direct WhatsApp contact for their guide.

All trekkers must hold comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation before the trek begins. We ask for a copy of your insurance policy at the pre-trek briefing.

If you have questions before booking, use the chat function on the portal or email us directly. We typically respond within a few hours during business hours Nepal time (GMT+5:45).

Tipping your guide and porter is not mandatory, but it is very much the custom in Nepal’s trekking culture, and it matters more than you might expect.

Your guide and porter are professionals. They work in demanding physical conditions, often away from their families for weeks at a time, and your tip is a meaningful part of their annual income. It is not a bonus; it is a recognised part of how trekking wages work in Nepal.

Suggested tipping amounts:

Guide: USD 10 to 15 per trekker per day

Porter: USD 5 to 8 per trekker per day

For a 13-day trek, this means roughly USD 130 to 195 for the guide and USD 65 to 104 for the porter, per trekker. These are guidelines, not rules; tip more if your guide has been exceptional, tip within your means if budget is a concern.

Tips are given in cash at the end of the trek, typically on the evening of Day 13 in Kathmandu, or on the last evening in Lukla. USD cash is fine. Nepali rupees are also fine. If you are unsure, ask your guide what is most useful.

If you are on a group trek, tips are usually pooled and presented together. Your guide will let you know the convention the group agrees on.

Do not tip mid-trek unless there is a specific reason. The end-of-trek tip is the traditional moment and carries its own significance.