Renjo La Pass

Renjo La is the high pass that turns the Gokyo journey into a complete Everest-region loop. It links the turquoise lakes of Gokyo with the quieter Thame Valley, giving trekkers a huge mountain panorama without following the main Base Camp trail.

Where Is Renjo La Pass Located?

Renjo La Pass lies in the Khumbu region of Solukhumbu District, Koshi Province, in north-eastern Nepal. It sits inside Sagarmatha National Park and connects the Bhote Koshi Valley on the Lungden and Thame side to the Gokyo Valley.

Gokyo lies east of the pass, while Lungden lies on its western approach. The pass stands at approximately 5,360 metres (17,585 feet). 

What Is Renjo La Pass Known For?

Renjo La combines a high mountain crossing with one of the Everest region’s best-known lake-and-mountain views. The following features give the pass its identity:

• A High-Altitude Crossing in the Everest Region

At 5,360 metres, Renjo La is a serious high-altitude crossing. It is non-technical, but the thin air, steep ascent, and long descent make it a demanding, memorable day for trekkers.

• One of the Three Passes of the Everest Three Passes Trek

Renjo La is one of the three major passes on the Everest Three Passes Trek, alongside Kongma La and Cho La. It is often crossed first on a clockwise route from Lungden towards Gokyo, before the trek continues to Cho La, Everest Base Camp and Kongma La.

• Panoramic Views of Everest, Cho Oyu and the Gokyo Lakes

The view brings high peaks, Gokyo village and Dudh Pokhari, the lake beside it, into one scene. That combination distinguishes Renjo La from crossings where nearby ridges hide much of the valley below.

• A Link Between Gokyo and Thame

Renjo La connects the Gokyo Valley with the Thame Valley, allowing trekkers to make a circular route rather than returning the same way. On the western side, the trail descends towards Lungden and Marlung before continuing to Thame and Namche Bazaar.

• A Crossing Without a Glacier Traverse

Renjo La follows rocky slopes and stepped sections rather than a glacier crossing. This makes it less technically involved than Cho La, although snow and ice still demand careful footing.

How to Reach Renjo La Pass?

Renjo La has no road access. You reach it on foot after flying to Lukla and trekking through Namche Bazaar, Thame and Lungden, or from the Gokyo Valley on the other side. The most common route on the Three Passes itinerary is Lungden to Gokyo via Renjo La.

Route: Kathmandu or Manthali → Lukla → Phakding → Namche Bazaar → Thame → Marlung → Lungden → Renjo La → Gokyo

• Fly to Lukla

The Kathmandu–Lukla flight takes approximately 40 minutes. During the busy months of March, April, May, October and November, departures often move to Manthali Airport in Ramechhap. That journey includes an approximately five-hour drive from Kathmandu and a 20-minute flight to Lukla.

• Trek from Lukla to Namche Bazaar

Route: Lukla → Phakding → Monjo → Jorsale → Namche Bazaar

Walk to Phakding on the first day, then continue through Monjo and Jorsale to Namche the next day. The second stage includes suspension bridges and the sustained final climb into Namche. Allow approximately three hours to Phakding and six hours from Phakding to Namche.

Spend the following day acclimatising in Namche before continuing into the Thame Valley.

• Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lungden

Route: Namche Bazaar → Thamo → Thame → Marlung → Lungden

The walk to Thame covers approximately 6.8 km and takes around six hours. The trail passes Sherpa villages and forested slopes before reaching the overnight stop.

The following day, continue north through the Bhote Koshi Valley and Marlung to Lungden. This stage covers approximately 8.2 km and takes around six hours. Stay in Lungden before the crossing.

• Cross Renjo La from Lungden to Gokyo

Route: Lungden → Renjo La Pass → Gokyo

The crossing covers approximately 9 km and takes around eight hours. Climb from Lungden towards the pass, then descend on the Gokyo side to the lake and village. This is a full trekking day, not a short excursion from your lodge. 

How Difficult Is It to Cross Renjo La Pass?

Renjo La is challenging mainly because of its altitude, not because it requires climbing skills. The Lungden-to-Gokyo crossing climbs from 4,500 metres to 5,446 metres, then descends to Gokyo at 4,750 metres. The day takes about eight hours and covers roughly 9 km.

Walking Time, Steep Sections and Trail Conditions

Prepare for a long day over uneven rock, steps and exposed ground. Dry conditions allow a straightforward trekking crossing without routine rope work. Ice on steps and fresh snow make the same route substantially harder. Practise long hill walks with your daypack and include descents in your training.

Altitude and Acclimatisation Before the Crossing

Allow time to acclimatise before attempting Renjo La. The day in Namche helps, but your condition in Lungden determines whether you should continue. Add time at the same sleeping elevation if you need it; the itinerary date does not establish that you are ready.

Tell your guide immediately about a headache with nausea, dizziness or unusual tiredness. Do not ascend with symptoms of altitude sickness. Worsening symptoms require descent; confusion, difficulty walking steadily or breathlessness at rest require urgent medical help. Fitness does not prevent altitude illness.

What to See and Do at Renjo La Pass

Renjo La is a place to pause, take in the view and then continue safely. The pass itself is exposed, so keep your time at the top short if the wind picks up or cloud begins to build.

• Enjoy Panoramic Views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu

From the pass, you can see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu across the Khumbu skyline. The view is broad rather than close-up, which makes it a good place to understand how the major valleys and peaks fit together.

• See the Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Valley from the Pass

Looking east, the Gokyo Valley opens below the pass, with the lakes and the Ngozumpa Glacier visible in clear weather. The view is especially striking when sunlight reaches the water and the surrounding ridges.

• Visit the Pass Marker and Prayer Flags

Prayer flags mark the high point and give the crossing a sense of arrival. Make sure to take a few minutes to rest, but avoid spending too long at the pass if the weather changes or you feel unwell.

• Photography at the High-Altitude Summit

The pass is a strong place for wide landscape photographs, especially in the morning when the light is clearer. Make sure to bring spare batteries and keep your camera close to your body in cold weather; batteries drain quickly at this altitude.

Popular Treks Passing Through Renjo La

Trekkers cross Renjo La as part of a longer journey through the Everest region. The following itineraries include the pass and continue towards Gokyo and Everest Base Camp:

• Everest High Pass Trek — 15 Days

The Everest High Pass Trek crosses Renjo La from Lungden to Gokyo, then continues over Cho La towards Everest Base Camp. It combines two high passes with Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar.

• Everest Three Passes Trek — 17 Days

The Everest Three Passes Trek follows the same opening crossing, then adds Kongma La after the Everest Base Camp section. It suits trekkers who want the full three-pass circuit.

Best Time to Cross Renjo La Pass

Renjo La is best crossed in spring or autumn, when the days are longer and the weather is more settled. The pass 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 brings longer daylight and warmer approaches as the season progresses. March needs particular attention to winter snow on the upper trail. April and May offer more comfortable walking temperatures, while the exposed pass still requires warm layers.

Start early to leave enough time for the descent before afternoon cloud builds. Rhododendrons add colour to lower forested sections of the journey; they do not grow around the bare pass.

• Autumn (September to November)

October offers a strong balance of clear mountain views and generally drier trails. Early September still carries monsoon rain and cloud, while November brings colder mornings and a greater need to watch for frost and ice.

For the lake-and-Everest panorama, October is a good first choice. Fresh snowfall can still interrupt a crossing, so keep a spare day in your schedule. 

• Winter (December to February)

Winter brings severe cold, snow-covered approaches and icy steps. Clear skies alone do not make the pass suitable: snow depth and footing can prevent a crossing even on a sunny day. Reduced lodge operations also complicate the overnight stops. 

Choose spring or autumn for a first Renjo La crossing. Winter requires experienced guidance, suitable equipment and flexibility to abandon the pass.

• Monsoon (June to August)

Cloud reduces the views that make Renjo La worth visiting, while wet rock and poor visibility complicate the route. Rain affects the lower approach and Lukla flights; higher up, cold conditions and snowfall remain possible.

Plan the crossing outside monsoon for a more dependable journey. 

Permits Required for Renjo La Pass

Renjo La lies inside Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality. The Lukla approach requires the park and local entry permits; there is no separate Renjo La permit.

These standard fees total NPR 6,000, before any applicable additional charges. 

Trek with a government-licensed guide. Nepal Tourism Board lists Gokyo Renjo La and the Three Passes Trek under its mandatory guide and agency-issued TIMS provision. 

Have your trekking agency confirm the registration arrangements before departure, as local Khumbu procedures and national TIMS guidance differ. Keep your passport and permit records accessible at checkpoints. 

Where to Stay Near Renjo La Pass?

Trekkers stay in teahouses on either side of Renjo La, as the pass has no overnight accommodation. On the Lungden–Gokyo route, you stay in Lungden before crossing and Gokyo afterwards.

• Lungden and Marlung on the Western Approach

Lungden is the usual overnight stop before Renjo La, approximately 6–7 km from the pass. Its small lodges offer basic rooms and cooked meals, giving you a place to rest and prepare for an early departure.

Marlung also has accommodation and lies approximately 2 km further down the valley. Most trekkers continue to Lungden to shorten the climb on crossing day.

• Gokyo Village After the Pass

After crossing Renjo La, you simply descend to Gokyo for the night. Its lakeside lodges offer simple rooms, hot meals and shared bathroom facilities, with paid Wi-Fi available at some properties. Staying here also gives you time to rest before exploring Gokyo or continuing your trek.

Renjo La vs Cho La vs Kongma La

Renjo La generally has the least technical terrain, Cho La demands more care on snow and ice, and Kongma La is the highest of the three. Their differences go beyond altitude, as each offers a different experience.

Renjo La: Lake Views and Less Technical Terrain

Renjo La stands out for the view of Gokyo village and Dudh Pokhari below Everest and the surrounding peaks. Its rocky paths and stone steps avoid a glacier traverse, which explains its reputation as the easiest of the three. 

However, the sustained climb and steep descent still require stamina, and ice on the steps makes footing more difficult. 

Cho La: A Glacier Crossing Between Gokyo and Everest Base Camp

Cho La connects Thangnak with Dzongla, allowing trekkers to combine Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp without retracing the lower valley trails. Compared with Renjo La, its steep rocky approaches and glacier section demand more careful foot placement. 

Snow and hard ice make this the crossing where traction equipment and your guide’s assessment of conditions becomes particularly important. 

Kongma La: The Highest Pass and a Demanding Walking Day

Kongma La connects Lobuche with Chhukung and offers views of Lhotse, Makalu, Baruntse and Ama Dablam. The crossing combines a long climb, rough rocky sections and a traverse of the debris-covered Khumbu Glacier on the Lobuche side. 

Its main challenge is sustained effort: you need energy and concentration for difficult ground throughout the day, including after reaching the pass.

What Should You Pack for Renjo La Pass?

Renjo La is a high, exposed mountain pass, and crossing it demands more preparation than a normal day on the lower trails. Pack for cold winds, strong sunlight and steep, uneven ground, with enough food and water for the full walk from Lungden to Gokyo.

Also keep the following essentials in your daypack:

• Insulated jacket and windproof outerwear: Put them on before an exposed stop, including the pause at the pass.

• Warm gloves, hat and neck covering: Protect your hands and face while keeping enough finger movement to handle poles and camera equipment.

• Worn-in trekking boots and poles: Use them for uneven ground, steps and the descent towards Gokyo.

• Sunglasses and sun protection: Snow glare and strong sunlight require protection even when the air feels cold.

• Head torch: Mainly essential for early departure in the morning.

• Water and packed food: Fill your bottles and collect your packed lunch before leaving Lungden. Keep snacks within reach.

• Traction equipment when conditions require it: Have your guide assess whether microspikes or crampons suit the actual surface; they are not interchangeable for every type of ice.

• Personal medicines and protected documents: Carry your regular medicines, insurance details and emergency contacts with you.

Keep your sleeping bag and overnight clothing in the main trekking luggage. Your daypack should hold everything you need before reaching Gokyo.

Expert Tips for a Successful Crossing

Renjo La combines high altitude, steep trails and a long walking day. Good preparation and guidance from an experienced trekking team help you understand the demands before you arrive. Start with these steps:

• Plan with a reliable trekking agency. Choose a team with experience guiding Renjo La. Ask about the crossing’s difficulty, daily walking hours and equipment requirements. Request recent reports on snow and ice, then review conditions with your guide in Lungden before setting out.

• Discuss your training before the trek. Share your fitness level and previous trekking experience so the team can advise on preparation. Build endurance through regular hill walks with your daypack, practise uphill and downhill walking, and strengthen your legs with step-ups, squats and lunges. Practise using your boots and trekking poles on uneven ground.

• Choose an itinerary with time to acclimatise. Look for an acclimatisation day in Namche, overnight stops in Thame and Lungden, and flexibility to add time before crossing if needed. 

Why acclimatise: An acclimatisation day in Namche gives your body time to adjust to thinner air before moving higher. Overnight stops in Thame and Lungden divide the approach into manageable stages, with Lungden providing a base for an early crossing. Afterwards, an extra day in Gokyo allows recovery and further acclimatisation before continuing towards Cho La.

FAQs

Is Renjo La really the easiest of the three passes?

Renjo La is often conside..red the least technical of the three, but it is not easy. The altitude, steep ascent and long descent still make it a demanding day, especially in poor weather.

Renjo La or Gokyo Ri: which has better views?

Both offer strong views, but they are different. Renjo La gives you a wide crossing-day panorama across the Gokyo Valley and towards Everest, while Gokyo Ri gives a higher, more focused viewpoint over the lakes and surrounding peaks.

Does Renjo La involve a glacier crossing?

No. Renjo La does not involve a glacier crossing like Cho La. It is a steep mountain pass with rocky and sometimes snowy trail conditions.

How long does it take to cross Renjo La?

The crossing from Lungden to Gokyo takes about eight hours and covers roughly 9 km. From Gokyo to Lungden, the day is similar in length but follows the route in reverse.

Can you cross Renjo La in winter?

It is possible in some years, but winter brings severe cold and the risk of deep snow. The pass can become difficult or impassable, so only attempt it with proper winter gear and local guidance.