Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek, 14 Days Itinerary & Cost

Introduction to Gokyo Renjola Pass Trek

Most people who do the Gokyo Lakes trek walk back the same way they came in. Same stones, same bridges, same forest; retraced in reverse. We do it differently. We cross a 5,360 m /17585 ft mountain pass and loop home through valleys that most trekkers never see.

That pass is Renjo La. At the top, you’ll stand at 17,585 ft and look straight across at Everest; not from below, but eye to eye, with Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu lined up beside it. Four of the planet’s highest peaks, right there, across the open air.

This route goes through places the EBC crowds don’t reach: the glacial lakes above Gokyo, the rough lodges of Lungden, the monastery bells of Thame. Fifteen days total. Thirteen days walking. The pass is the hard day; long, steep, cold, and completely worth it.

We won’t pretend this is easy. Renjo La is harder than a classic Everest Base Camp trek because of that one tough crossing. But the trail is quieter, the villages feel more real, and you leave with a story that out-and-back trekkers simply can’t tell.

Starts at: Lukla

Trek Region: Everest / Gokyo / Khumbu

Duration: 14 Days

Max Altitude: 5,360m / 17,585ft (Renjo La Pass)

Ends at: Lukla

Transport: Flight — Kathmandu–Lukla round trip

Trip Grade: Strenuous

Accommodation: Teahouse + 1 basic lodge night at Lungden

Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek Highlights

Cross Renjo La Pass (5,360 m) – One of the best high passes in the Khumbu, without the crowds of Cho La.
Summiting Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) at dawn – Witnessing Everest illuminate gold above the clouds represents a transformative experience.
Walk all six Gokyo Lakes – A chain of glacial lakes unlike anything else in Nepal.
Stand above Ngozumpa Glacier – The longest glacier in Nepal, and feel just how big it is.
Drop into the Thame Valley – On the return journey exposes a dimension of Khumbu that most trekkers never encounter
Visibility of four 8,000-metre peaks – From the summit of the pass, what emerges is visibility of four 8,000-metre peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, positioned directly across into Tibet.
Get the experience of Lungden and Marulung – Stay in Sherpa villages where very few trekkers pass each week.
Visit Thame Monastery – One of the oldest in Khumbu, and the village where Tenzing Norgay grew up.
Option to add 3 days to reach Gyazumpa Tsho (the 5th lake) – 18 days at USD 1,726 per person.
Walk a complete loop – not a single kilometre of retraced trail from Day 5 onward.

Why Book with Magical Nepal

Our guides know every cairn, every icy section, and every wind-exposed corner before dawn. Top rating award winning agency in Tripadvisor and many other platform. See our reviews before you decide to book with us.
100% guaranteed departures. Once you are booked, your trek runs whether you are one person or a group of twelve. We never cancel because of low numbers.
Pre-trek briefing the night before you fly. Every group meets the evening before Lukla for a full session: acclimatisation plan, what Lungden will actually be like, how to spot altitude symptoms early, and a walkthrough of the route on a physical map.
24/7 WhatsApp support. Our Kathmandu team is available around the clock. If anything changes on the trail, weather, health, logistics, you have a direct line to someone who can act on it right away.
Private airport transfers, both ways. A vehicle and driver will be at Tribhuvan International when you land. No shared shuttles, no waiting around.
Sleeping bags, down jackets, and duffle bags included. Cold-rated sleeping bags and down jackets are provided for the full trek. A duffle bag goes with your porter. All returned at the end.
See your group before you arrive. Group trekkers are introduced to fellow travellers through the client portal before departure. We match groups by rough age and experience level where possible.
Book online in under ten minutes. Reserve your place with a 40% deposit through the client portal. The balance is paid at our Kathmandu office on arrival day.
All permits handled for you. Sagarmatha National Park entry and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit are both included and processed before your trek begins.

Renjo La Pass Trek Itinerary

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Not Included

Overnight: Kathmandu

Your driver meets you in the arrivals hall at Tribhuvan International Airport. The drive to the hotel is your first taste of the city: motorbikes weaving through traffic, the smell of incense and diesel, temples wedged between apartment blocks. Kathmandu moves fast even at low altitude.

Check in, shower, rest if you need it. At 5 pm, your lead guide joins you for the pre-trek briefing. This is not just a formality; it is where we go through the acclimatisation plan behind the itinerary, what Lungden will actually feel like after eleven days on the trail, and how to spot the early signs of altitude sickness before they become a problem.

That evening, join us for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant near the hotel. Dal bhat, the Nepali staple you will be eating a lot of, is a good first practice run. Sleep well. Tomorrow is an early start.

Trek time: 3 to 4 hours

Flight time: 35 to 40 minutes

Accommodation: Tea House

Trek Distance: 6.2 km/3.8 miles

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Overnight: Phakding

The Kathmandu–Lukla flight is short and spectacular. About twenty minutes in, the Himalayan foothills give way to real peaks, and suddenly the landing strip appears below, a steep concrete ribbon ending at a cliff edge. Tenzing-Hillary Airport has one of the most dramatic approaches in the world. That reputation is earned.

From Lukla (2,860 m), the trail drops almost immediately into the Dudh Koshi river valley. This is a gentle, well-worn path, a good warm-up for Day 2. The first suspension bridges appear here, yak-bell chains jangling as loaded animals cross in both directions. The smell of pine resin is strong in the lower stretches. Step to the left when the yaks come through. They have the right of way.

Phakding is a relaxed first stop, lower than Lukla by about 200 m, which gives your body a soft landing. The teahouses here are comfortable by trekking standards: a dining room warm with a stove, basic wooden bunks, and a hot shower for a few hundred rupees extra. Get to bed early.

Trek time: 5 to 6 hours

Accommodation: Tea House

Trek Distance: 7.4 km/4.6 miles

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Overnight: Namche Bazaar

This is the day the trail earns its reputation. The walk into Namche involves a long, steady climb of roughly two hours of real ascent after the last suspension bridge before town. The Hillary Bridge is the landmark: two high spans of wire and plank above the roaring Dudh Koshi. If the weather is clear, you get your first sight of Everest from the ridge above, a white triangle above the valley walls, impossibly far up.

The trail passes through the Sagarmatha National Park gate, where your permits are checked. From there to Namche, the path climbs through rhododendron and pine, past flat mani stone walls carved with Buddhist prayers. Dozens of loaded porters and yak teams pass throughout the morning; this is the main highway of the Khumbu, and it is busy.

Namche Bazaar sits in a natural bowl at 3,440 m. There are bakeries, gear shops, a Saturday market, and teahouses with surprisingly decent Wi-Fi. Your lungs will notice the altitude here for the first time. Take it easy tonight.

Trek time: 4 to 5 hours

Accommodation: Tea House

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Overnight: Namche Bazaar

The rule of acclimatisation is simple: climb high, sleep low. Today we go up to 3,880 m and sleep at 3,440 m. The trail above Namche winds through a yak pasture and onto a high ridge where the Everest View Hotel sits, a Japanese-built lodge from the 1970s with picture windows framing the entire Khumbu. Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku. Have a tea. Spend an hour. Your red blood cells are quietly multiplying.

Above the hotel, an optional extension takes you to Khumjung, a Sherpa village with a monastery that reportedly holds a Yeti scalp. The monastery is worth visiting regardless. The lama will show you the relic without any fuss.

This rest day feels frustrating if your legs feel fine. Don’t skip it. Altitude sickness does not care how fit you are, and the headache that arrives at Gokyo without this groundwork is genuinely unpleasant. Stay hydrated, eat well, sleep in Namche for a second night.

Trek time: 5 to 6 hours

Accommodation: Tea House

Trek Distance: 9 km/5.5 miles

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Overnight: Dole

Here is where the Renjo La route splits from the EBC path and the trail gets noticeably quieter. We leave the main Everest highway at Sanasa junction and head into the Gokyo valley. The crowd thins fast. By Mong La, you might have the trail to yourself and the wind.

The climb to Dole is long and steady, tracking above the Dudh Koshi through alpine vegetation that gets shorter and stiffer with altitude. Juniper is everywhere now, that resinous, cold smell that means you are getting high. The trail passes through several small settlements before reaching Dole, where the teahouses are basic but functional. Single-glaze windows, quilts that smell of wood smoke, a shared squat toilet out back.

Dole at 4,200 m is where the altitude becomes a real feeling rather than just a number. Appetite drops a little. The air feels thin. A slow walking pace feels like the right and only pace. This is normal. This is what 4,200 m feels like, and your body is adapting.

Trek time: 4 to 5 hours

Accommodation: Tea House

Trek Distance: 6 km/3.7 miles

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Overnight: Macchermo

A shorter day, deliberately so. The distance is modest, but the altitude gain is real, and we would rather you arrive at Machhermo with energy to spare. The trail continues through high alpine meadow, Cholatse and Taboche pyramiding into view ahead. The cold becomes constant above Dole; even the midday sun here has a different quality, thin, bright, and without warmth.

Machhermo (4,470 m) is a small group of lodges on a slope above the valley floor. It was the reported site of a Yeti attack in 1974; three yaks were dead, and a herder was injured. Your guide will probably tell you the story over dinner with a completely straight face.

This is the last place with hot showers before Gokyo. Use them. Eat a big dinner; Sherpa stew is the standard choice, a thick broth of vegetables, noodles, and potatoes that delivers more calories than it looks. Headaches here are worth reporting to your guide, not ignoring.

Trek time: 4 to 5 hours

Accommodation: Tea House

Trek Distance: 7 km/4.3 miles

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Overnight: Gokyo Village

The walk to Gokyo is one of the most visually rewarding days of the entire trek. The valley narrows and tilts, the Ngozumpa Glacier slides into view on the left, grey, crevassed, enormous, and the first of the Gokyo lakes appears without warning: Longponga Tsho, its water an improbable malachite green against the surrounding grey rock and ice. The colour comes from glacial flour suspended in the water, fine as powder.

The trail follows the east edge of the glacier on a rocky moraine, then passes the second lake before arriving at Gokyo village, a cluster of teahouses beside Dudh Pokhari, the third lake, at 4,790 m (15,715 ft). The glacial lake is sacred in Hindu and Buddhist tradition, and its still surface reflects the surrounding peaks with extraordinary clarity on calm mornings.

Gokyo itself is a seasonal settlement. Outside of peak trekking months, only a handful of lodges stay open. The teahouse quality here is reasonable: simple rooms, multiple blankets recommended, stoves in the dining hall that get properly warm after dinner. Get to your room early, let the altitude settle, and set your alarm for before dawn tomorrow. Gokyo Ri waits!

Trek time: 5 to 6 hours

Accommodation: Tea House

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Overnight: Gokyo Ri

Wake before 5 am. Headtorch, warmest layers, half a cup of tea. The climb up Gokyo Ri (5,357 m / 17,575 ft) takes two to three hours at altitude, no scrambling, just sustained steep trail through loose stone and frozen scree. The sky lights up fast up here, and by the time the summit ridge comes into view, the horizon is already turning. Then Everest catches the first direct light, and the summit pyramid goes from black to orange to white in about thirty seconds.

The view from Gokyo Ri is, by general agreement among people who have stood on many Himalayan viewpoints, one of the finest anywhere: Everest (8,849 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,485 m), and Cho Oyu (8,188 m) all visible at once, with the full length of Ngozumpa Glacier spreading below you like a river of ice. Stay as long as you can stand the cold.

The afternoon is free for the second lake, a longer walk along the moraine above Gokyo with excellent views back down the valley. Rest well tonight. Tomorrow is the big day.

Trek time: 8 to 10 Hours

Accommodation: Basic Lodge

Trek Distance: 12 km/7.4 miles

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Overnight: Lungden

The alarm goes at 3 am. The dining room is cold, the stove from last night has given up entirely, and the tea your guide makes is the best you will have all trek, simply because you need it so badly. Headtorches on. Step outside. The Milky Way at 4,790 m has a density that you do not see from anywhere near sea level: too many stars, too close, the kind of sky that makes you understand why the ancients thought the mountains touched heaven.

The trail to Renjo La climbs steeply from the moment you leave Gokyo, gaining altitude quickly on a rocky path that switchbacks above the third lake. In the pre-dawn dark, the lake is a black mirror below you, and the ice on the moraine crunches underfoot. This is where trekking poles stop being optional; the icy sections near the top are real, and balance matters on a long day. In Nov/Dec or Feb/Mar, microspikes are essential. In Oct or Apr/May, traction cleats are still a good idea on the approach.

About two hours up, the trail crests a side ridge, and there is a false summit. Every first-timer stops here and thinks they are done: a flat section, a cairn, what looks like sky above. Then you see the actual pass, another 45 minutes of climbing beyond it, and you understand why guides cross this route dozens of times before they stop being surprised by it. Do not sit down on the false summit. Keep moving. Cold stops people faster than expected at this altitude.

The real summit of Renjo La (5,360 m / 17,585 ft) announces itself with a wall of prayer flags, their colours faded by a year of Himalayan wind. Then you look west, and the Khumbu spreads out behind you, the entire Gokyo valley, the lakes you have walked past, Ngozumpa Glacier from above. And you look east, and there is Everest. Not from below this time. Across. Eye level. Lhotse behind it, Makalu further right. And directly ahead across the Nangpa La, Cho Oyu at 8,188 m, the sixth-highest mountain on earth, and the closest you will ever get to the high peaks of Tibet. It is a view that Kala Patthar, for all its fame, simply cannot match. Spend time here.

The descent to Lungden is long and steep on loose scree; knees get a workout. Trekking poles again: essential. The trail drops through boulder fields and then across a high valley floor before reaching Lungden at 4,350 m. We will be honest about Lungden: it is rough. One main lodge, a single communal stove that the entire guest list gathers around, rooms that are cold and basic, and food that is simple but plentiful. You will be too tired to care about any of it. After 8 to 10 hours on a mountain pass, a bowl of hot dal bhat and a flat surface to sleep on feels like everything you need.

Trek time: 4 to 5 Hours

Accommodation: Tea House

Trek Distance: 10 km/6.2 miles

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Overnight: Thame

After yesterday, Lungden in daylight is easier to appreciate. The valley it sits in is wide and wind-swept, with Nangpa La visible at the far end, the ancient trade route between Nepal and Tibet that yak caravans still use today. Sometimes you will see Tibetan traders moving through in the early morning, the same way they have been moving through for centuries.

The trail descends the Bhote Koshi valley toward Thame, a long downhill through increasingly green terrain as altitude falls. The change in air quality between 4,350 m and 3,800 m is noticeable within the first hour. Breathing feels easier; legs find a rhythm. The Bhote Koshi river runs alongside for much of the descent, loud enough that conversation requires raised voices over the water.

Thame (3,800 m) is the real discovery of this route. Most EBC trekkers never come here. The village looks and feels like Khumbu did thirty years ago: small stone houses, prayer flags running between the rooftops, a quiet that has nothing to do with remoteness. Thame is where Tenzing Norgay, the first man to summit Everest alongside Edmund Hillary, grew up. The monastery above the village is four centuries old and hosts the annual Mani Rimdu festival, a three-day masked dance ceremony performed by monks that draws Sherpas from across the valley.

Trek time: 4 to 5 Hours

Accommodation: Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Overnight: Namche Bazaar

A comfortable valley walk east from Thame, rejoining the main Khumbu trail at Namche. The trail follows the Bhote Koshi downstream, a different approach to Namche from the one you used on the way in, which gives the town a fresh angle. You enter from the west, above the Saturday market ground, and the whole horseshoe of Namche opens up below you.

Namche at 3,440 m after eleven days at higher altitude feels almost easy. Your breathing is automatic. The pace is relaxed. This is what acclimatisation feels like from the other side. Use the afternoon for what Namche does well: a proper meal at a bakery, a beer if you want one, the chance to call home with an actual mobile signal for the first time in a week.

The last night in Namche is always a bit celebratory. You have crossed a 5,360 m pass. You have slept at four thousand metres for a week. Two more days and you are in Kathmandu. A good dinner and an early night is the right call.

Trek time: 6 to 7 Hours

Accommodation: Teahouse

Trek Distance: 13.5 km/8.3 miles

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Overnight: Lukla

The longest day of the return leg, and the one most trekkers underestimate: thirteen and a half kilometres back down the Dudh Koshi valley, bridges, rhododendron forest, suspension crossings, the whole descent from 3,440 m to 2,860 m. Downhill sounds easier than uphill. On tired legs, with worn boots, by early afternoon, it is not.

Start early. The trail is the same route you came up on Days 2 and 3, but in reverse; it moves differently, the forest section above Phakding feels longer, and the final climb up to Lukla is genuinely unwelcome after six hours. But Lukla has restaurants, cold drinks, and beds with actual mattresses.

Dinner in Lukla is one of those evenings where the group gets honest about the trip. The name Renjo La gets mentioned often, and always with the same expression, that slightly disbelieving look of someone recalling something that was both terrible and completely worth it. Your flight leaves early tomorrow. Pack tonight.

Flight time: 35 to 40 minutes

Accommodation: Kathmandu Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Kathmandu

The Lukla–Kathmandu flight departs early, before mountain cloud builds. The takeoff on the return is something else: the runway tilts away from the cliff edge, the plane lifts fast, and then the Himalaya unfold below you one last time before dropping into the heat haze of the Kathmandu valley.

Transfer from the airport to the hotel. Shower, a real one, hot water, pressure, for as long as you want. The afternoon is yours: Thamel, Durbar Square, a restaurant that serves things other than dal bhat and Sherpa stew. If you would like to add a Kathmandu city tour, your guide can arrange it.

The evening is a good time to tip your guide and porter if you have not already. Tipping is not included in the package price and is genuinely meaningful for the people who spent two weeks making sure you got up and down that mountain safely.

Transfer: Private vehicle to Tribhuvan International Airport

Your driver picks you up from the hotel and transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international flight. Transfer timing is calculated against your departure, typically three to four hours before the gate opens.

Fifteen days, a mountain pass, six glacial lakes, four of the world’s highest peaks from eye level, the monastery bells of Thame, one very cold night at Lungden, and a sunrise from Gokyo Ri that you will spend the rest of the year trying to describe to people who were not there.

18-Day Extension — Gyazumpa Tsho (The 5th Lake)

Want more time above 5,000 m? The 18-day version of this trek adds three days above Gokyo to reach Gyazumpa Tsho, the fifth of the Gokyo Lakes, reached by camping on the moraine above the glacier. It is a remote, rarely visited detour that adds real wilderness to the route. The extension costs USD 1,726 per person (vs. USD 1,695 for the standard 14-day). Group sizes here are kept deliberately small.

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Includes

Local transfers for your international flight x 2 (arrival/departure)

Local transfers for your domestic flight x 2

Kathmandu Lukla Kathmandu Flight

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Local Entry Permits

Guide for 13 days, Porter for 12 Days

2 nights accommodation in a Kathmandu hotel (Kantipur village, kathmandu business home or similar standard)

11 night accommodation in mountain teahouses

Staff insurance and necessary ground transport for support staff

13 x set breakfast, 12 x set lunch and 12 x set dinner while on trek.

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu

Personnel expenses of any kind and travel insurance

Packing List

Daily Wear

Layered Clothing: Lightweight moisture-wicking base layers, mid thermal layers for altitude warmth, and a heavy insulating layer for the pass crossing and cold nights above 4,000 m.
Trekking Pants: Comfortable, quick-drying synthetic — 2 pairs recommended.
Rain Pants: Lightweight waterproof — essential for afternoon rain and wet conditions on the pass descent.
Shirts: 2 long-sleeve synthetic for sun and wind protection, 1 short-sleeve for warmer lower sections.
Warm Hat and Gloves: Two pairs of gloves — thin merino wool liners for most days, thick insulated pair for the Renjo La crossing morning.
Balaclava: Non-negotiable for the 3 am pass start — wind on the summit ridge is serious.
Down Jacket: Essential from Namche upward — provided by us, or bring your own.
Windbreaker/Softshell: For trail days above Dole where wind is constant even in sunshine.
Sturdy Waterproof Hiking Boots: Well broken-in before arrival — Salomon Quest 4D or similar recommended.
Camp Shoes or Down Booties: For teahouse evenings — your feet will thank you after long trail days.
Socks: 3 pairs wool or synthetic hiking socks, 1 extra pair specifically for the pass day.
Scarf or Buff: For trail dust in lower sections and neck protection on the pass.

Gear

Daypack (20–25 L): Carries everything you need on the trail each day — water, snacks, camera, layers.
Trekking Poles: Two, not one — essential for the steep pass descent to Lungden (over 1,000 m of loose scree).
Sleeping Bag: Cold-rated — provided by us. If bringing your own, rated to -10°C minimum.
Reusable Insulated Water Bottle: 1 L minimum — keeps drinks from freezing on the pass morning.
Headlamp with Fresh Batteries: The Renjo La crossing starts at 3 am — this is not optional. Check batteries the night before.
Headlamp with Fresh Batteries: The Renjo La crossing starts at 3 am — this is not optional. Check batteries the night before.
Power Bank (10,000 mAh or larger): No charging points above Namche without paying per charge — cold drains batteries fast, keep it inside your jacket.
Microspikes or Light Crampons: Rentable at our Kathmandu office — essential in Nov/Dec and Feb/Mar, strongly recommended in Oct and Apr/May for the pre-dawn icy approach.

Garment

Items	Details	Quantity
Underwear	Breathable synthetic	4
Socks	Wool hiking socks	3-4
Sports Bra (if applicable)	BYO	2
Base Layer Pants	Merino wool or synthetic	1
Base Layer Top	Merino wool or synthetic	1
Trekking Shirt	Synthetic lightweight	2
Trekking Pants	Synthetic lightweight	2
Rain Pants	Lightweight waterproof	1
Rain Jacket	Waterproof shell	1
Down Jacket	Provided — or BYO rated to -10°C	1
Windbreaker/Softshell	BYO	1
Gloves — Thin	Merino wool liner gloves	1 pair
Gloves — Thick	Insulated waterproof	1 pair
Balaclava	Full face coverage	1
Sun Hat or Peak Cap	With neck protection	1
Warm Beanie	For evenings and pass morning	1
Hiking Boots	Waterproof, well broken-in	1 pair
Camp Shoes or Down Booties	BYO or purchase in Kathmandu	1 pair
Glacier-Rated Sunglasses	High UV/SPF, wraparound — essential above 5,000 m	1 pair

Hygiene and Safety

Toiletries: Biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, personal hygiene items — keep it minimal, everything is carried.
Sunscreen: SPF 50+ — UV intensity above 4,000 m is significantly stronger than at sea level.
Lip Balm: SPF-rated — altitude air is extremely dry, lips crack badly without it.
Hand Sanitiser: Teahouse facilities above Machhermo are basic.
First Aid Kit: Personal medications, blister treatment, paracetamol, antihistamine, antiseptic wipes, bandages — your guide carries a group kit but personal supplies matter.
Water Purification Tablets or Filter Bottle: Reduces plastic waste and saves money on bottled water above Namche.
Altitude Medication (Diamox): Consult your doctor before the trek — available in Kathmandu if prescribed.

Electronics

Camera or Smartphone: The views from Renjo La and Gokyo Ri are the reason you came — make sure it’s charged the night before each key day.
Kindle or Book: Teahouse afternoons at altitude are slow and welcome — something to read is genuinely useful.
Notebook and Pen: For journaling. The pass crossing is the kind of day you will want to write down while it is still fresh.
Spare Memory Cards: Running out of storage on Day 9 at the top of Renjo La is not an experience you want.

Renjo La Specific Additions (not on standard trek lists)

Microspikes or Light Crampons — rentable in Kathmandu.
Balaclava — for the 3 am pass start.
Extra thermal base layer — temperatures at the pass can hit -15°C before dawn.
Hand warmers — for the pass crossing morning.
High-SPF glacier sunglasses — snow blindness is a real risk above 5,000 m.

Note: Keep in mind that sleeping bags and down jackets can be easily rented in Kathmandu. We at Magical Nepal will take care of all the essentials, making sure your adventure becomes fruitful.

Kathmandu to Lukla Flight via Kathmandu/Ramechapp

Due to government regulations, direct flights from Kathmandu to Lukla are not permitted during peak trekking seasons — mid-March to mid-May and mid-September to mid-December. During these windows, all Lukla flights are routed through Ramechhap airport, roughly six hours’ drive southeast of Kathmandu.

Since there are no suitable hotels near Ramechhap, this means a 1:00 AM departure from Kathmandu to reach the airport in time for your flight. It’s an early, unglamorous start to what becomes a spectacular day — but it’s the reality of flying into the Khumbu during peak season, and every other trekking group is doing the same thing that morning.

We will try our best that you fly from Kathmandu.

Lukla flight: Cancellation and Buffer Day Recommendation

Lukla airport sits at 2,860 metres (9,383 feet) in a narrow mountain valley with a short, sloped runway that can only take small aircraft. There’s no radar at Lukla, so pilots fly visually — they need to see the runway to land, which means cloud cover and visibility are everything.

Flights operate on a “weather permitting” basis, which means Mother Nature makes the final call — not the airline, not us, and not your travel plans.

Most flights use Twin Otter aircraft (DHC-6), small 19-seat propeller planes built for mountain landings. They’re reliable and designed for high altitude but still entirely dependent on clear skies.

Lukla is notorious for morning clouds and afternoon storms, so flights depart Kathmandu early — around 6–7 AM — to land before midday when visibility deteriorates. The flight itself takes about 40 minutes, climbing from Kathmandu at 1,300 metres (4,265 feet) up to Lukla’s altitude. This is the same gateway used for your return flight at the end of the Renjo La trek.

During peak seasons (March–May, September–November) airlines run multiple flights daily, but in winter (December–February) and monsoon (June–August) flights are less frequent and delays are common.

If the weather closes in — cloud cover too thick, visibility too low, wind too strong — your flight simply won’t go. Without radar, pilots can’t instrument-land; they have to see where they’re going. There’s no negotiating with a mountain.

What we can’t control: we’re a tour company, not an airline. We don’t own planes, we don’t forecast weather, and we don’t make the go/no-go decision at Lukla airport. That call happens at the airport itself, usually 30 minutes before departure.

Sometimes you’ll get a text from the airline saying “flight delayed” and you’ll wait 2, 4, sometimes 6 hours at Kathmandu airport for a second departure window. Sometimes the weather clears and you fly. Sometimes it doesn’t and you lose that day. This happens to roughly 1 in 10 flights, especially in shoulder seasons.

That’s why the Renjo La Pass Trek itinerary is built with a buffer day at the end (Day 14 in Kathmandu). Your trek through the Gokyo valley and over Renjo La Pass doesn’t begin until Day 2 or 3 if the first flight is cancelled — so your contingency is already planned in. We strongly recommend not booking your international departure flight for the same day you return to Kathmandu from Lukla.

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Accommodation for the 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.

Available Food in Renjo La Pass Trek

Eating well on the Renjo La trek is straightforward if you follow a few basic rules.

Beverages are not included in the package price. Bottled water, tea, coffee, hot lemon, and soft drinks are all available at teahouses and priced per item. Budget roughly USD 3 to 5 per day for beverages on the trail. Water purification tablets or a filter bottle are a good idea; refilling from taps or streams is possible and reduces plastic waste.

In Kathmandu at the start and end of the trek, you will find a wide range of cuisine: Indian, Tibetan, Korean, Italian, and excellent Nepali food. Thamel has dozens of good restaurants. Use those days to eat what you have been craving on the trail.

Common Meals Available on the Trek

Breakfast Options

Porridge

Tibetan bread

Eggs

Hot Lemon

Muesli

Tea

Coffee

Lunch and Dinner Options

Dal Bhat

Rice, lentils & veggies

Momo

Tibetan dumplings

Thukpa

Noodle soup

Sherpa Stew

With noodles, meat, and vegetables

Fried Rice

With egg or vegetables

Spaghetti / Macaroni

With tomato sauce, cheese, vegetables

Potato Dishes

Boiled, fried, mashed, or roasted potatoes – often with cheese or garlic

Soups

Garlic (altitude remedy), tomato, vegetable, mushroom, or lentil

Pizza

Veg, cheese, or mixed (availability depends on the village)

Snacks and Desserts

Chocolate Bars & Cookies

Apple Pie

Popcorn

Yak Cheese

Special Diets and Food Considerations:

Vegetarian and Vegan Options – Available at every teahouse on this route. The kitchen staff is used to catering for a wide range of dietary needs.
Gluten-Free Options – Gluten-free is trickier in the higher villages, so bring your own snacks if this is a hard requirement for you.
Meat Consumption – Meat above Namche is technically available but genuinely inadvisable. The cold chain is non-existent at altitude, and the last thing you need on this trail is food poisoning at 4,500 m. Stick to vegetarianism above Namche; it is both safer and usually better cooked.

Food Safety Tips:

Eat plenty of carbohydrates – Boosts energy at high altitudes
Drink enough fluids – Dehydration makes the altitude sickness even worse
Try garlic soup – Handy especially in altitude adjustment and adaptation
Avoid alcohol and heavy foods – Makes the acclimatization process very hard

Best time for Renjo La Pass Trek

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.

A Typical Day on the Renjo La Pass Trek

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.

Permits for the Gokyo Lakes Trek

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.

Safety at the Renjo La Pass Trek

At Magical Nepal, your safety comes first. Renjo La Pass Trek is an exciting Himalayan adventure; at the same time, you will reach higher altitudes, so caution, essential preparation, and support become vital.

Altitude and Acclimatisation

Altitude sickness (also called AMS — Acute Mountain Sickness) is a real risk on this trek. The good news is that the itinerary is designed specifically to reduce that risk.

Two rest days are built into this itinerary: Namche on Day 4 (3,440 m) and Gokyo on Day 8 (4,790 m). These are not optional extras — they are the foundation of a safe ascent. Skipping either of them would put you at significantly higher risk on the past day.

The route profile is actually safer than EBC Classic in one important way: you cross Renjo La on Day 9, after already sleeping two nights at 4,790 m. Your body is as ready as it can be without medical intervention. By comparison, some EBC itineraries push trekkers to high altitude with fewer nights of acclimatisation.

The golden rule remains: climb high, sleep low. The Day 8 summit of Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) with a return to Gokyo teahouses is the acclimatisation mechanism for the pass. Do not skip it, even if you feel strong.

Symptoms to watch for: a mild headache and reduced appetite are normal above 3,500 m. Symptoms that require reporting to your guide immediately include: persistent headache that does not get better with paracetamol, vomiting, confusion, difficulty walking in a straight line, or a cough with frothy sputum. Any of these warrant descent, not rest and hope.

Diamox (acetazolamide) is available in Kathmandu and is sometimes used to help with acclimatisation. Consult a doctor before taking it, as it has side effects. We do not require trekkers to take Diamox, but we do require them to acclimatise properly on the itinerary schedule.

Stay hydrated throughout the trek; aim for 3 to 4 litres of water per day. Avoid alcohol above Namche. Eat even when your appetite drops. Sleep at lower altitudes than your high point each day. Follow these rules and your body will adapt.

Emergency and Evacuation Process

The Khumbu has a well-established emergency response system, and your safety is planned for at every step of this trek.

Guide training: All our guides are trained in Wilderness First Responder protocols and carry a full first aid kit. They assess symptoms, make descent decisions, and communicate with our Kathmandu office via satellite phone if needed.

HAPE and HACE: High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE) are the two most serious altitude conditions. Both require immediate descent. Our guides are trained to recognise both and will initiate descent without waiting for your agreement; your safety overrides any preference to continue.

Helicopter evacuation: Helicopter evacuation is available from most points on the Renjo La route, including Gokyo, Machhermo, and Namche. Evacuation from Lungden requires a helicopter with high-altitude capability. Your travel insurance must cover helicopter evacuation; this is not optional. The cost of a helicopter rescue in the Khumbu can be USD 3,000 to USD 8,000 or more. Do not trek without proper insurance.

The rescue process: If evacuation is needed, your guide contacts the Kathmandu office, which coordinates with the nearest helicopter operator. Response times from Namche or Gokyo are typically 1 to 3 hours in good weather. In poor weather, response can be delayed. The guide stays with the patient until the helicopter arrives.

Altitude descent as treatment: In many cases, descending 500 to 1,000 m resolves mild to moderate AMS symptoms quickly. Your guide will not hesitate to suggest descent if symptoms are not improving. This is not failure; it is the correct medical response.

Contact: Our 24/7 WhatsApp line connects you directly to the Kathmandu office. The number is provided at the pre-trek briefing. Save it in your phone before you fly to Lukla.

Difficulty and Physical Fitness Required for Renjo La Pass Trek

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.

Cultural Insights during Renjo La Pass Trek: Trekking in the Khumbu

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.

Important Notes for the Renjo La Pass Trek

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.

Private vs. Group Trek

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.

Route and Alternatives for the Renjo La Pass Trek

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.

Lukla Flight Information

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.

Porter Weight Limit and Information for Trekking to Renjola Pass

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.

Cost and the Booking Process for Renjola Pass Trek

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 Culture in Nepal

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions for Renjo La Pass Trek

General Information

How hard is the Renjo La Pass Trek compared to Everest Base Camp?

The total distances are similar, and the maximum altitude is actually lower, Kala Patthar (the EBC highpoint) is 5,545 m, while Renjo La is 5,360 m. The difference is Day 9, the pass crossing: 8 to 10 hours of trekking that starts before dawn, climbs 570 m to the pass, and then descends over 1,000 m on loose ground. EBC Classic does not have a day like that. Everything else on the Renjo La trek is strenuous mountain hiking, not technical climbing. If you are fit, properly acclimatised, and have realistic expectations of the pass day, this trek is very doable.

Is Renjo La Pass Trek less crowded than the EBC route?

Yes, significantly. The Gokyo valley sees a fraction of the foot traffic of the main EBC highway. Above Machhermo, you will often have the trail to yourself. The teahouses in Lungden and Thame see very few trekkers per week compared to Namche or Tengboche. If you want a quieter, more personal experience of the Khumbu, Renjo La is the better choice.

Can I do the Renjo La trek as part of the Everest Three High Passes?

Yes. Renjo La is one of the three passes in the Everest Three High Passes Trek, alongside Cho La and Kongma La. The full Three Passes circuit takes 17 to 21 days and is the ultimate Khumbu experience.

How does the Renjo La loop compare to the out-and-back Gokyo route?

The out-and-back Gokyo route 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 a completely different perspective on the Khumbu. It is harder, but it is a fundamentally better trek with more variety, more cultural depth, and a more satisfying finish.

What is the best way to see Everest on this trek?

The best single view of Everest on this route is from the top of Renjo La Pass, straight across at near-equal altitude, with Lhotse behind it and Cho Oyu directly ahead across the Nangpa La into Tibet. The second-best view is from the summit of Gokyo Ri at sunrise. Both are available on this itinerary.

Permits and Logistics

What permits do I need for the Renjo La Pass Trek?

Two permits are required: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. Both are included in your package price and arranged before your trek begins. You do not need to visit any permit office.

Do I need a guide for the Renjo La Pass Trek?

Nepal’s trekking regulations require all trekkers in Sagarmatha National Park to be accompanied by a licensed guide. Beyond the legal requirement, having an experienced guide on the Renjo La route is genuinely important, the pass crossing in the dark, the false summit, the descent to Lungden, these are situations where route knowledge matters.

How do I get from Kathmandu to Lukla?

All packages include round-trip domestic flights between Kathmandu and Lukla. Flights are approximately 35 minutes and depart from Kathmandu’s domestic terminal, which is a separate building from the international terminal. We handle all flight bookings and transfers. No additional arrangement is needed on your part.

Can I store extra luggage in Kathmandu while I trek?

Yes. Our Kathmandu office has a free luggage storage facility. Leave anything you do not need on the trek (formal clothes, extra shoes, electronics) in storage and collect it on your return. It is safe, free, and strongly recommended over carrying unnecessary weight to Lukla.

What happens if my Lukla flight is delayed or cancelled?

Lukla weather delays are common, particularly in spring and autumn. If your flight is delayed, our team manages the rebooking. Your Day 14 buffer day in Kathmandu is designed to absorb most weather delays without impacting your international departure. In the rare case of a multi-day Lukla closure, we discuss alternatives with you, including the Phaplu flight option, and adjust accordingly.

Accommodation and Food

What are the teahouses like on the Renjo La route?

Teahouse quality varies significantly across the route. Phakding, Namche, and Gokyo have the best facilities, proper beds, functioning Wi-Fi, and reasonable food variety. Dole and Machhermo are mid-tier. Lungden is the most basic: one lodge, cold rooms, simple food, no shower, and limited menu options. Above Machhermo, there are no hot showers. This is standard for high-altitude trekking and not a reflection of local hospitality, it is simply what is possible at 4,500 m.

Is vegetarian and vegan food available on the trail?

Yes, at every teahouse on this route. Dal bhat, vegetable dishes, egg options, Tibetan bread, and noodle soups are all vegan or easily made vegan. Most kitchen staff are used to dietary requests and will accommodate them. Gluten-free is harder to guarantee in higher villages bring your own snacks if this is a strict requirement.

Is meat safe to eat above Namche?

We do not recommend eating meat above Namche. There is no functioning cold chain at altitude, and food poisoning on a high-altitude trek is a serious problem. Stick to vegetarian food from Namche onward. Dal bhat and Sherpa stew are both excellent sources of calories and protein.

Are beverages included in the package?

No. Hot and cold beverages tea, coffee, bottled water, soft drinks, and alcohol are purchased separately at teahouses. Budget approximately USD 3 to 5 per day. Bringing a reusable water bottle with purification tablets is both cost-effective and environmentally better than buying plastic bottles throughout the trek.

Can I get Wi-Fi on the trail?

Most teahouses offer paid Wi-Fi, typically USD 2 to 5 for a day pass. Speeds are best in Namche and Gokyo and range from slow to non-functional in Lungden and Thame. Above Gokyo, do not expect reliable connectivity. Ncell SIM cards (available at Kathmandu airport with your passport) give you the best mobile data coverage in Namche, Machhermo, and Gokyo.

Health and Safety

How does altitude sickness affect trekkers on this route?

Mild altitude symptoms, headache, reduced appetite, slight fatigue are normal above 3,500 m and affect most trekkers to some degree. Serious altitude sickness (AMS, HAPE, HACE) is less common but can occur above 4,000 m. The itinerary’s two built-in rest days (Namche Day 4, Gokyo Day 8) significantly reduce the risk. Your guide monitors the group daily and makes decent recommendations if symptoms are not improving.

What if someone cannot cross the pass?

We have a pre-agreed contingency plan for every group. If a trekker reaches the base of the pass and cannot continue safely, due to altitude symptoms, injury, or exhaustion, the guide has the option to descend with that person back to Gokyo while the rest of the group continues with a second guide if group size allows. The safety call is always made by the guide. Helicopter evacuation is available from Gokyo if needed.

Is helicopter evacuation available from all points on the route?

Helicopters can reach most points on the Renjo La route, Gokyo, Machhermo, Namche, and Thame all have established landing zones. Evacuation from Lungden requires a high-altitude capable helicopter and is more weather-dependent. This is why we require comprehensive travel insurance that specifically covers helicopter evacuation before the trek begins.

Do I need any vaccinations before trekking in Nepal?

We recommend consulting a travel health clinic at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure. Commonly recommended vaccinations for Nepal include hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus. Some trekkers also get rabies vaccination. Your travel doctor will advise based on your medical history and itinerary.

Is Diamox (acetazolamide) recommended?

Diamox can help with acclimatisation for some people, but it has side effects and is not required. Consult your doctor before taking it. The best acclimatisation tool on this trek is following the itinerary as designed, the two rest days and the Gokyo Ri summit on Day 8 do most of the acclimatisation work without medication.

What should I do if I feel very unwell on the trail?

Tell your guide immediately. Do not minimize symptoms or try to push through. The guide is trained to assess altitude conditions and will make the appropriate call — which may mean rest, descent, or evacuation. The worst decisions on high-altitude treks happen when people do not speak up early enough.

Payments and Extra Costs

What extra costs should I budget for beyond the package price?

The main extras to budget for: beverages on the trail (USD 3 to 5 per day), hot showers above Namche (USD 2 to 4 per shower), Wi-Fi charges (USD 2 to 5 per day at teahouses), battery charging at teahouses above Namche (USD 1 to 2 per charge), personal snacks and energy bars, and tips for your guide and porter. A reasonable total for extras across the 13 trekking days is USD 150 to 250 per person.

Can I pay the deposit and balance by card?

Yes. A 40% deposit is paid through the online client portal (app.magicalnepal.com) by card at time of booking. The balance can be paid by card at our Kathmandu office on arrival day. A 3.5% surcharge applies to all card payments. Cash (USD, EUR, or GBP) is accepted for the balance without surcharge.

What currencies are accepted?

USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, and SGD are all accepted at our Kathmandu office for the balance payment. On the trail, Nepali rupees are needed for teahouse purchases. There are ATMs in Namche (the last ATM before the pass) but not above it. Withdraw enough rupees in Namche for the rest of the trek.

Is travel insurance included in the package price?

No. Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately before your trek begins. We require a policy that specifically covers high-altitude trekking (above 5,000 m) and helicopter evacuation. We ask for proof of insurance at the pre-trek briefing.

Cultural Insights

What should I know about Sherpa culture before trekking?

The Sherpa people are Tibetan Buddhists and their culture is deeply connected to the mountains. Prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens are not decorations; they are living expressions of faith. Walk clockwise around all religious monuments. Do not touch prayer flags or mani stones. Remove shoes before entering monasteries. Dress modestly in villages. These gestures show respect and are always noticed.

Is it appropriate to visit Thame Monastery?

Yes, monasteries on the Renjo La route, including Thame Gompa, welcome visitors. Enter clockwise, remove your shoes at the door, and do not photograph during active ceremonies without permission. A small donation to the monastery fund (often a donation box near the entrance) is customary and helps maintain the building.

Should I bring gifts for local people or children on the trail?

Please do not give sweets, money, or pens to children on the trail. It encourages dependency and is actively discouraged by local communities and development organisations working in the region. The best way to support local people is to buy from local shops, eat at teahouses, and tip your guide and porter fairly.

What is the religious significance of the Gokyo Lakes?

The six Gokyo Lakes are considered sacred under both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Dudh Pokhari, the third lake beside Gokyo village, is a Ramsar-designated wetland and the site of the annual Janai Purnima pilgrimage, when thousands of Hindu pilgrims come to bathe in its waters. Treat the lakes and their surroundings with the same respect you would show any sacred site.

Can I attend the Mani Rimdu festival at Thame?

Yes, if your departure date coincides with the festival. Mani Rimdu at Thame Monastery is a three-day masked dance ceremony held each spring (dates vary by year based on the Tibetan calendar). It is one of the most significant cultural events in the Khumbu calendar and an extraordinary thing to witness. Contact us when booking and we will check whether a festival-aligned departure date is available for your preferred travel window

Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek

Introduction to Gokyo Renjola Pass Trek

Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek Highlights

Why Book with Magical Nepal

Renjo La Pass Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Day 2: Kathmandu to Lukla (Flight), Trek to Phakding

Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Day 4: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar | Hike to Everest View Hotel

Day 5: Namche Bazaar to Dole

Day 6: Dole to Machhermo

Day 7: Machhermo to Gokyo Village

Day 8: Acclimatisation Day | Summit Gokyo Ri + Second Lake

Day 9: Gokyo to Renjo La Pass to Lungden

Day 10: Lungden to Thame

Day 11: Thame to Namche Bazaar

Day 12: Namche Bazaar to Lukla

Day 13: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu

Day 14: Final Departure

Not satisfied with this Itinerary?

Includes

Packing List

Daily Wear

Gear

Garment

Hygiene and Safety

Electronics

Renjo La Specific Additions (not on standard trek lists)

Kathmandu to Lukla Flight via Kathmandu/Ramechapp

Lukla flight: Cancellation and Buffer Day Recommendation

Read before you book the Renjo La Pass Trek

Accommodation for the Renjo La Pass Trek

Available Food in Renjo La Pass Trek

Common Meals Available on the Trek

Special Diets and Food Considerations:

Food Safety Tips:

Best time for Renjo La Pass Trek

Spring Season (March to May)

Autumn Season (Sept to Nov)

Winter Season (Dec to Feb)

Monsoon Season (June to August)

Spring (March to May)

Autumn (September to November)

Winter (December to February)

Summer/Monsoon (June to August)

A Typical Day on the Renjo La Pass Trek

Permits for the Gokyo Lakes Trek

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

Safety at the Renjo La Pass Trek

Altitude and Acclimatisation

Emergency and Evacuation Process

Difficulty and Physical Fitness Required for Renjo La Pass Trek

Cultural Insights during Renjo La Pass Trek: Trekking in the Khumbu

Important Notes for the Renjo La Pass Trek

Private vs. Group Trek

Route and Alternatives for the Renjo La Pass Trek

Lukla Flight Information

Porter Weight Limit and Information for Trekking to Renjola Pass

Cost and the Booking Process for Renjola Pass Trek

Tipping Culture in Nepal

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Renjo La Pass Trek Map

Frequently Asked Questions for Renjo La Pass Trek

General Information

How hard is the Renjo La Pass Trek compared to Everest Base Camp?

Is Renjo La Pass Trek less crowded than the EBC route?

Can I do the Renjo La trek as part of the Everest Three High Passes?

How does the Renjo La loop compare to the out-and-back Gokyo route?

What is the best way to see Everest on this trek?

Permits and Logistics

What permits do I need for the Renjo La Pass Trek?

Do I need a guide for the Renjo La Pass Trek?

How do I get from Kathmandu to Lukla?

Can I store extra luggage in Kathmandu while I trek?

What happens if my Lukla flight is delayed or cancelled?

Accommodation and Food

What are the teahouses like on the Renjo La route?