Gokyo Renjo la Pass Trek 10-day Itinerary

The Renjo La Pass (5,360 m / 17,585 ft) is one of the most scenic and peaceful high mountain crossings in the Everest region of Nepal. Located inside Sagarmatha National Park, it connects the beautiful Gokyo Valley with the traditional Sherpa village of Thame, northwest of Namche Bazaar.

Unlike the busy Everest Base Camp trail, Renjo La offers a more remote, less crowded alternative route, making it ideal for trekkers seeking solitude, dramatic landscapes, and authentic Himalayan culture.

Renjo La lies near the historic Nangpa-La Pass, an ancient trade route used by Tibetan traders traveling between Tibet and the Khumbu region. For centuries, yak caravans carried salt, wool, and grain across these high mountain passes to Namche Bazaar.

Walking near Renjo La gives trekkers a sense of stepping into this historical Himalayan corridor, where trade, culture, and mountain life were deeply connected.

Key Highlights & Details

• Maximum Altitude: Renjo La Pass 5,360 m (17,585 ft).

• Location: Situated in Sagarmatha National Park, connecting Gokyo Valley and the village of Lungden.

• Duration: Typically 10–14 days from Lukla, depending on acclimatization and the walking pace.

• Distance: Approximately 90–110 km for the full loop.

• Difficulty: Moderate to hard; considered the easiest of the three high Everest passes (compared to Cho La and Kongma La).

• Scenery: Stunning views of Gokyo Lakes, Ngozumpa Glacier, Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Cho Oyu.

• Best Time to Visit:

  • Pre-monsoon (March–May) – blooming rhododendrons.

  • Post-monsoon (September–November) – crystal-clear mountain views.

• Permits Required: Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.

• Accommodation: Traditional teahouses (lodges) offering basic, standard, and luxury rooms; meals usually included.

• Requirements: Good physical fitness and proper acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness.

Why is Renjo La Special?

Renjo La Pass is part of the famous Everest Three Passes Trek, linking the Gokyo Lakes to the Everest Base Camp route via Cho La Pass. However, many trekkers choose Renjo La specifically because:

• It is generally considered less technical than Cho La Pass.

• The trail is less crowded, especially compared to the main EBC route.

• It provides a unique approach to the Gokyo Valley from Thame and Lungden.

• It offers arguably the most beautiful Gokyo Lake Everest combined view in the region.

Enjoy Comfort & Create Memories at Renjo La Pass for the best memory

• Recharge Yourself and Your Devices: The top of Renjo La Pass often has a small charging station for mobile devices, allowing trekkers to power their cameras or phones for capturing every moment. The smart decision is made to let the traveller enjoy and capture the moment if the device is dead while reaching the top.

• Warm Refreshments: Celebrate the success of a 5,000+ meter Himalayan pass, stop for the rest to hydrate, and head down to Gokyo Lake Valley.

• Capture the Moment: The top offers perfect photo opportunities, with Gokyo Lakes, the Ngozumpa Glacier, and Everest in the background.

• Make Memories: At an elevation of 5,360 m, sipping tea, snapping pictures, and soaking up the atmosphere create memories that last a lifetime.

Renjo La Pass Difficulty

This trek is moderately challenging.

1. High Altitude

• At over 5,000 meters, oxygen levels are about 50% of sea level, making every step more physically demanding.

• Trekkers are at risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) if they ascend too quickly. Even fit and experienced trekkers can feel breathless and fatigued.

• Proper acclimatization in Namche Bazaar or Thame for the clockwise direction, but for the anticlockwise direction, a rest day in Gokyo is highly recommended.

2. Weather Challenges

• High winds, sudden snow, or fog can reduce visibility, making navigation and footing more difficult.

• Temperature drops sharply at higher altitudes; daytime sun may feel warm, but exposure on the pass is cold.

3. Physical & Mental Endurance

• Trekkers must carry their personal gear, snacks, and water while climbing the pass.

• Maintaining focus and energy over several hours at high altitude is mentally challenging.

Ascending Trail to Renjo La Pass

The ascending route (typically from Lungden or Thame toward Renjo La) includes:

1. Thame Village → Lungden (Base of Pass)

   • Moderate uphill trek through rhododendron forests and small Sherpa settlements.

   • Gentle acclimatization begins here; short hikes to the monastery for the higher altitude.

2. Lungden → Renjo La Bass 

   • The path becomes rockier and steeper.

   • Trails cross moraine slopes, and you may encounter loose gravel or icy patches in colder months.

3. Renjo La Base → Renjo La Top

   • Final ascent is steep, exposed, and thin air, requiring slow, steady pacing.

   • Stunning views open up gradually: Ngozumpa Glacier on one side, Gokyo Lakes below, and Everest in the distance.

   • Often, trekkers take short breaks for photos, tea, or snacks, both for acclimatization and enjoyment.

Descending Trail from Renjo La Pass

The descent (toward Gokyo Valley or Dole) is easier in some ways but has its own challenges:

1. Renjo La Top → Renjo La Base

   • Steep descent over scree and loose stones can strain knees and ankles.

   • Trekking poles are recommended for stability.

2. Renjo La Base → Gokyo Village

   • Gradual slopes through open terrain, with occasional stone steps or small streams.

   • The path offers panoramic views of Gokyo Lakes; careful footing is still required, especially in wet or snowy conditions.

3. Optional Side Hikes

   • Gokyo Peak (5,357 m) can be climbed for additional views.

   • Short hikes to surrounding ridges may involve rocky or icy terrain, requiring stamina.

Tips for Handling the Difficulty

• Acclimatize well: Spend at least 1–2 days at Namche or Thame.

• Pace yourself: Slow, steady walking helps avoid fatigue and altitude sickness.

• Stay hydrated: Drink water frequently; dehydration worsens altitude sickness.

• Use trekking poles: They reduce stress on knees and improve balance.

• Layer clothing: Weather can change rapidly; carry windproof and warm layers.

• Rest and refuel: Tea, snacks, and breaks are vital on the ascent and descent.

Trekking itinerary and Route

The Renjo la Pass itinerary typically begins with a scenic flight to Lukla, followed by a trek alongside the captivating Dudh Koshi River, eventually leading to Namche Bazaar. After a day of rest in Namche for acclimatization, trekkers continue their journey towards Renjo La Top, passing through the charming Sherpa village of Thame. This route is known for being less crowded compared to the Tengboche side, offering a more serene experience. Basic accommodation options are available in Lungden, making it a convenient stop along the way. Once the Gokyo Valley is explored, the return trek follows a route back to Dole, Namche, and Lukla, and concludes with a flight back to Kathmandu.

During the Renjo La Trek, there are opportunities to ascend several peaks if one has extra days to spare. Sundar Peak in Thame and Nangkartshang Peak, also known as Lungden Peak, are two notable options. Lungden Peak, standing at an impressive 5,100 meters above sea level, is located along the ridge of the Renjo La pass. As a result, trekkers have the possibility of summiting Lungden Peak on the same day they pass through Lungden village en route to Renjo la. These additional peaks offer an exciting challenge and a chance to elevate the trekking experience through the breathtaking surroundings.

About Sundar Peak

The Sundar Peak is 536o m above sea level and can be summited during your Renjola Pass trek. The Sunder Peak is situated directly above the village of Thame. While this peak is easily accessible, a winding path straight up begins at the gompa above Thame; however, if you have a few extra days, we recommend adding a trip to Sundar Peak to complete the trip.

Our full board package of the Renjo la trek itinerary is from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. The cost includes round-trip flight, experienced guide, strong supportive porters, equipment, and insurance for the staff,  lodge accommodations during the trip, three times meals, national park entry fee, Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit, etc.

Physical fitness level

What’s crucial is a willingness to prepare physically and mentally, and to respect the demands of the environment. It is recommended to take a walk for a few hours a day for a month to maintain your stamina during the trek. Proper acclimatization ensures trekkers can fully enjoy the journey, absorbing the breathtaking landscapes and immersing themselves in the local culture. Ensure that you bring the recommended Trekking equipment list. Remember, quality trekking equipment can make your trip enjoyable, while poor one can make it miserable.

Renjo La Pass vs Cho La Pass

• Renjo La (5,360 m): Less crowded, connects Gokyo with Thame, easier ascent, best Everest + lake views.
• Cho La (5,420 m): Steeper, icier, connects Gokyo with the EBC trail, more popular.

Trekkers who prefer quiet scenic beauty choose Renjo La, while those heading to Everest Base Camp often cross Cho La.

This Trek is ideal for:

• Experienced trekkers seeking a quieter Everest experience

• Adventurers who have already visited Everest Base Camp

• Photographers looking for dramatic landscapes

• Trekkers wanting to combine culture, lakes, glaciers, and high passes

With proper acclimatization and preparation, Renjo La Pass becomes one of the most rewarding high-altitude experiences in Nepal.

Best Time for the Renjo La Pass Trek

• Spring (March–June): Blooming rhododendrons, green valleys, warm days, and clear skies. Trails are less crowded compared to the peak EBC season.

• Autumn (September–December): Stable weather, crystal-clear mountain views, and mild daytime temperatures. A great time for uninterrupted Himalayan panoramas.

• Winter (Dec–Feb): Possible but challenging due to heavy snow and very low temperatures.

• Monsoon (Jun–Aug): Not recommended due to rainfall, leeches, and poor visibility.

Both spring and autumn are the ideal seasons for this trek.

Why Trek with Nepal Wilderness Trekking?

If you’re planning to do the Gokyo Lake Renjo La Pass Trek or the Renjo La Circuit Trek, Nepal Wilderness Trekking Pvt. Ltd. offers expert-guided packages at competitive prices. As a Kathmandu-based local company with decades of experience, we provide licensed guides who know the Everest region inside out. Our team ensures safety, cultural immersion, and a well-organized trekking experience.

With our knowledge of Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, Renjo La, and the Everest Three Passes Trek, we guarantee a memorable Himalayan adventure tailored to your needs.