Lungden

Lungden is the quiet high-altitude stop where the Everest route turns away from the main trail and follows the Bhote Koshi towards Tibet.

It is a practical overnight base for Renjo La Pass, with stone lodges, yak pastures, and wide views across a valley shaped by centuries of trade and travel

Where Is Lungden Located?

Lungden lies in the upper Bhote Koshi Valley, in the western part of the Khumbu region. It sits between Thame to the south and Renjo La Pass to the north, with Gokyo on the other side of the pass.

The village is about 8.2 km from Thame and roughly 9 km from Gokyo via Renjo La, though the walking time is much longer than the distance suggests because of the altitude and uneven trail.

Country	Nepal
Province	Koshi
District	Solukhumbu
Municipality	Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality
Region	Upper Bhote Koshi Valley, Khumbu, Everest region
Latitude	Approximately 27.9053° N
Longitude	Approximately 86.6369° E
Elevation	Approximately 4,380 m (14,370 ft)

What Is Lungden Known For?

Lungden is known as the overnight stop before or after Renjo La. It is also a quieter route linking Thame with Gokyo, with stone lodges and yak pastures in the upper Bhote Koshi Valley.

1. An Overnight Stop Before or After Renjo La

Lungden is the usual base for trekkers crossing Renjo La. Those heading from Thame use it to prepare for the pass, while those arriving from Gokyo use it as the first settlement after the crossing.

2. A Quieter Route Linking Thame with Gokyo

The approach follows the Bhote Koshi Valley beyond Thame and Marlung. Fewer groups use this route than the main Everest Base Camp trail, making Lungden a good stop for trekkers who enjoy smaller settlements and open mountain scenery.

3. Stone Lodges and Yak Pastures in the Upper Bhote Koshi Valley

Lungden is a small settlement of stone buildings beside grazing land. Yaks, stone-walled enclosures and grassy slopes form much of the scene around the lodges. The settlement is much smaller than Namche, with services centred on trekking stays.

4. A Historic Stop on the Nangpa La Trade Route

Lungden lies along the old trade route linking Tibet with Nepal and India via Nangpa La. Traders and pack animals followed the Bhote Koshi Valley, using Lungden as a stopping place on their journeys between Tibet and Namche Bazaar.

How to Reach Lungden?

Lungden has no road access. The usual approach starts with a flight to Lukla, followed by a trek to Namche Bazaar, Thame and Lungden.

Route: Kathmandu or Manthali → Lukla → Phakding → Namche Bazaar → Thamo → Thame → Taranga → Marlung → Lungden

By Air and on Foot

Route: Kathmandu or Manthali → Lukla → Phakding → Namche Bazaar → Thame → Lungden

The journey begins with a flight to Lukla, taking around 40 minutes from Kathmandu or 20 minutes from Manthali.

From Lukla, walk approximately 6.2 km to Phakding in three hours and stay overnight. The next day, continue approximately 11 km to Namche Bazaar in six hours.

Spend two nights in Namche so your body has a full day to adjust to the altitude before continuing higher.

From Namche, walk approximately 6.8 km to Thame in six hours. After an overnight stay, continue via Marlung to Lungden, covering around 8.2 km in six hours.

Alternative Route via Renjo La

Route: Gokyo → Renjo La Pass → Lungden

Trekkers arriving from Gokyo cross Renjo La before descending to Lungden. This full-day crossing covers approximately 10–12 km and takes around six to eight hours.

What to See and Do in Lungden?

Lungden offers short village walks, yak pastures, and views along the upper Bhote Koshi Valley. Keep outings gentle after arrival, especially when preparing for Renjo La the following morning.

1. Explore the Small Sherpa Village and Nearby Yak Pastures

Walk among the stone lodges and along public paths beside the grazing areas. You can see how lodge work and livestock keeping support this small settlement, with supplies arriving on the same paths used by trekkers.

Plan a short village walk of about 0.5–1 km, allowing 20–40 minutes. Follow public paths between the lodges and pastures, keep outside private enclosures and give grazing animals room.

2. Take Short Acclimatisation Walks

A gentle walk above the lodges gives you a little more time outdoors before returning to sleep in Lungden. Choose an out-and-back outing of approximately 1–2 km, allowing around 30–60 minutes at a comfortable pace.

Follow an established path with your guide and choose a nearby turning point. This is a short local outing, not the climb to Renjo La. If you have a headache, nausea, or unusual tiredness, tell your guide and avoid walking higher.

3. Enjoy Views of the Bhote Koshi Valley and Surrounding Peaks

The paths near Lungden look down the valley towards Marlung and the approach from Thame. Stone lodges, grazing yaks, and mountain slopes give you plenty to photograph close to the settlement.

Higher slopes above Lungden offer views towards Kongde Ri and Kyajo Ri. Clear mornings are a good time for mountain photographs, before cloud builds later in the day.

4. Learn About the Historic Nangpa La Trade Route

Lungden’s valley leads north towards the old Nangpa La trading route, while the Renjo La trail turns towards Gokyo. Traders once moved salt, wool and other goods along these routes using pack animals.

The approach from Thame gives this history a visible setting: village paths, stone walls and grazing land remain part of the valley. Nangpa La itself lies well beyond a short village outing.

Popular Treks Passing Lungden

These treks include an overnight stay in Lungden before crossing Renjo La to Gokyo.

Trek	Lungden on the route
Everest Three Passes Trek – 17 Days	Reaches Lungden from Thame before crossing Renjo La to Gokyo. The longer circuit also includes Cho La, Kongma La and Everest Base Camp.
Everest High Pass Trek – 15 Days	Stays in Lungden before Renjo La, then continues from Gokyo across Cho La towards Everest Base Camp.

History of Lungden

Lungden’s history is tied to the old trade corridor that once linked Tibet with Nepal and India.

The village sits in the upper Bhote Koshi Valley, close to the route leading towards Nangpa La, a high pass historically used by traders, pilgrims and herders moving between the Tibetan plateau and the lower Himalayan valleys.

Its position made it a practical resting place for people carrying goods across the mountains, long before trekking became the main reason travellers came here.

• The Historic Trade Route Between Tibet and Nepal

Lungden lay on the route associated with Nangpa La, a high pass leading towards Tibet. Traders moved salt, wool, grain, livestock and household goods through this corridor, while Sherpa families relied on the route for trade and seasonal movement.

The village’s stone lodges and grazing land reflect that older pattern of travel: a place where people stopped, rested and prepared for the next stage of a long mountain journey.

• Sherpa Settlement and Yak Herding

Lungden developed as a Sherpa settlement, shaped by families who adapted to a cold, dry and high-altitude environment. Stone-walled terraces, potato farming and yak herding became part of daily life, with livestock providing wool, dairy, manure for the fields and transport across the rough mountain paths.

The surrounding pastures still reflect that older way of living, even though trekking now brings many visitors through the valley.

• Lungden Today

Lungden now remains a small, seasonal settlement with a few lodges serving trekkers. Its position makes it an important stop on the Renjo La route, linking Thame with Gokyo and giving trekkers a place to rest before or after crossing the pass.

Best Time to Visit Lungden

Lungden is best visited in spring or autumn, when the teahouses are open and the weather is more settled. The village remains cold and exposed in every season, so even in the best months, start early and be ready for changing conditions.

• Spring (March to May)

Spring is a good season to visit Lungden, especially in April and May, when days grow longer and the approach becomes warmer. Grass begins to grow around the pastures, while flowers brighten forest sections farther down towards Thamo and Namche.

March remains colder, with winter snow on higher paths. Snow can also remain on the Renjo La approach later in spring. Morning walks often offer better views before afternoon cloud develops.

• Autumn (September to November)

Autumn offers clear mountain views and generally dry walking conditions around Lungden. October is particularly good for following the Bhote Koshi Valley from Thame and preparing for the Renjo La crossing.

Early September can still bring monsoon rain. November is usually drier, with colder mornings and freezing nights. Warm sleeping equipment becomes especially useful because Lungden’s bedrooms are generally unheated.

• Winter (December to February)

Winter brings quieter lodges, cold weather and clear views during settled periods. A village visit can appeal to trekkers who enjoy fewer groups and have suitable winter clothing and sleeping equipment.

Snow and ice affect the approach, and some lodge owners close for part of the season. Make sure to arrange an operating lodge before leaving Thame. Continuing over Renjo La requires a separate assessment of snow, wind and the route; reaching Lungden does not mean the crossing is open.

• Monsoon (June to August)

Monsoon brings green grazing land and fewer trekkers to Lungden. The summer landscape gives the village a different appearance from the dry autumn and winter months.

Rain, cloud and wet ground affect the journey, particularly on the lower approach. Poor visibility can also delay Lukla flights. A registered local trekking agency and guide can use their contacts to arrange accommodation and check access before departure.

Daytime and Night-time Temperatures

Lungden stays cold after sunset, even during the main trekking seasons. You can use these approximate figures when packing for a village stay; the higher Renjo La crossing is colder.

Season	Daytime temperature guide	Night-time temperature guide
Spring	Around 0°C to 8°C	Around −8°C to −2°C
Autumn	Around 0°C to 8°C	Around −8°C to −2°C
Winter	Frequently near or below 0°C	Around −15°C, with colder spells
Monsoon	Around 10°C to 15°C	Around 0°C to 5°C

March and November are colder than the middle of their respective seasons. Temperatures can drop below these figures during colder weather, so pack for freezing nights.

How Difficult Is the Trek to Lungden?

The trek to Lungden is moderately challenging, mainly because of the altitude and several consecutive walking days. The approach follows trekking paths and does not require mountaineering skills.

The final stage from Thame covers approximately 8.2 km in six hours. Much of the walk follows the valley, with uneven ground and climbs between villages. Regular hill walking and practice on consecutive days help make the approach more comfortable.

At 4,380 m (14,370 ft), Lungden is about 580 m higher than Thame. Allow enough acclimatisation time before continuing to the pass; an extra night can be useful when the ascent feels too quick.

Crossing Renjo La is a more demanding day, involving approximately 980 m of ascent from Lungden before descending towards Gokyo. Choose the village approach and onward crossing around your fitness and how well you adjust to altitude.

Where to Stay in Lungden?

Lungden has a small choice of trekking lodges and teahouses offering rooms and hot meals. They provide a practical overnight base before Renjo La, with fewer facilities than Namche or Thame.

• Room Types and Comfort

You can expect basic twin rooms or shared sleeping arrangements, with beds, mattresses, pillows, and blankets. Bedrooms are usually unheated, so bringing a warm sleeping bag is highly recommended.

The shared dining room is the main place for meals and evening conversation. Lodges commonly use a stove here, including yak-dung fuel. Shared bathrooms are the usual arrangement.

• Seasonal Availability and Booking

Lodges are most active during spring and autumn. Lungden has only a small room supply, so groups arriving on the same day can fill the available beds.

It is recommended to arrange accommodation through the registered trekking agency before arrival. Their contact with lodge owners helps secure a room, meals and an early breakfast. Winter and monsoon visits need advance arrangements because fewer properties operate.

• Food and Drinking Water in Lungden

Teahouses serve filling meals suited to a day on the trail. Common choices include dal bhat, noodles, soup, potatoes, eggs and porridge. Availability depends on the lodge and the season. Hot tea and other drinks are generally available.

For a Renjo La crossing, arrange breakfast, a packed lunch and drinking water the evening before. There are no dependable meal stops between Lungden and Gokyo, so carry enough food for the full walking day.

Lodges also sell boiled drinking water. Carry reusable bottles and a suitable water-treatment method for other refill points. An insulated bottle or cover helps keep water usable during cold early starts.

Facilities and Services in Lungden

Lungden’s services are basic. You can find meals and a bed at the teahouses, but do not rely on shops or medical facilities for essential supplies. Carry personal medicine, toiletries and any specialist items from Namche Bazaar.

• Electricity and Device Charging: Electricity is available but can be intermittent. Some lodges may offer charging for an extra fee, so a power bank is useful.
• Wi-Fi and Mobile Network Coverage: Wi-Fi is spotty and often chargeable. Mobile coverage can also be limited, so do not rely on internet access.
• Cash, Shops and Basic Supplies: There are no ATMs in Lungden, so carry cash from Namche. Small shops sell snacks, water and trekking gear, but stock up on essentials beforehand.
• Medical Help and Emergency Support: Lungden has no established hospital or permanent medical clinic. Moreover, guides provide basic first aid, while more extensive care is available farther down the valley and at Khunde Hospital. Also carry insurance covering trekking at the highest point on your itinerary and emergency evacuation.

Permits Required to Visit Lungden

Lungden lies inside Sagarmatha National Park. The approach from Lukla requires the park entry permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Trek Card.

Permit or entry document	Standard adult fee
Sagarmatha National Park entry permit	NPR 3,000 per person
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Trek Card	NPR 3,000 per person

These two entry fees total NPR 6,000 per person. Concessionary rates apply to eligible visitors. The municipality issues its Trek Card in Lukla, and the park has an entry checkpoint at Monjo. Make sure to  keep your passport and entry documents accessible.

A licensed guide is required under Nepal Tourism Board’s published rules for the Gokyo–Renjo La and Three Passes routes. Those rules also require an agency-issued TIMS card, with a standard fee of NPR 2,000. TIMS is separate from the municipality’s Trek Card.

What to Pack for Lungden?

You simply have to pack for freezing nights, an unheated bedroom and the walking days from Lukla. Keep the items needed for the next morning accessible in your daypack.

• Warm clothing: An insulated jacket, fleece, thermal underwear, warm hat, gloves and spare socks.
• Walking equipment: Worn-in boots with good grip and trekking poles for uneven ground and descents.
• Weather protection: A waterproof jacket, dry bags, sunglasses, sun cream and a sun hat.
• Overnight essentials: A warm sleeping bag, head torch with spare power, power bank and personal toiletries.
• Food, water and medicine: Reusable bottles, water treatment, trail snacks, prescribed medicines and basic first-aid supplies.
• Documents and cash: Passport, permits, insurance information and Nepalese rupees.

For Renjo La, add warmer hand protection and an insulated bottle or cover for the early start. Snow and ice can require traction equipment selected with the guide. Village walking alone does not require ropes or technical climbing equipment.

FAQs

Are Lungden, Lungdhen and Lumde the Same Place?

These spellings commonly refer to the same trekking settlement below the western side of Renjo La. Maps and itineraries also use Lunden or Langden. Its position north of Marlung in the upper Bhote Koshi Valley identifies the stop.

How Many Days Does It Take to Reach Lungden from Lukla?

Allow approximately five days, including the flight day and a full acclimatisation day in Namche. The four walking stages are Lukla–Phakding, Phakding–Namche, Namche–Thame and Thame–Lungden. Flight delays or additional acclimatisation can add time.

How Many Nights Should You Stay in Lungden?

One night is common before crossing Renjo La. An extra night gives more time to adjust to the altitude and take a gentle local walk. Choose the schedule around how you feel rather than treating arrival as automatic readiness for the pass.

Do You Need to Cross Renjo La to Reach Lungden?

No. You can reach Lungden from Lukla via Namche Bazaar, Thame and Marlung without crossing a high pass. Renjo La lies beyond Lungden on the onward route to Gokyo. Returning down the same valley also avoids the crossing.

How Long Does It Take to Trek from Lungden to Gokyo?

Allow approximately eight hours for around 9 km via Renjo La. The route involves a long climb to 5,360 m (17,585 ft), followed by a descent to Gokyo.