Renjo La Pass, Nepal: Complete Travel & Trekking Guide

Renjo La Pass: The Most Beautiful View in the Everest Region

Renjo La Pass (5,360 m / 17,585 ft) is the westernmost of the Everest Three High Passes, linking the turquoise lakes of Gokyo with the quiet Bhote Koshi Valley and the historic Sherpa village of Thame. Its prayer-flagged summit offers what many trekkers call the single finest view in the Khumbu: Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu rising above the shining Dudh Pokhari (Gokyo Lake) and the vast Ngozumpa Glacier.

On the Everest Three High Passes Trek, Renjo La is the third and final pass, crossed after Kongma La and Cho La. It is also a popular extension of the Gokyo Lakes Trek, turning an out-and-back route into a scenic loop via Thame. Thanks to a well-built stone staircase on the Gokyo side, it is the most straightforward of the three passes, though still a long, high and demanding day.

This guide covers everything you need to know: location, route, views, difficulty, best time, permits, acclimatisation, teahouses, packing and expert tips, followed by the 15 questions trekkers ask most.

Renjo La Pass at a Glance

Detail	Information
Altitude	5,360 m (17,585 ft)
Location	Khumbu region, Sagarmatha National Park, Solukhumbu District, Nepal
Connects	Gokyo (4,790 m), Gokyo Valley → Lungden (~4,350 m), Bhote Koshi Valley
Crossing time	7–8 hours
Distance	About 11 km
Height gain / loss	About 570 m up / 1,000 m down
Difficulty	Moderate–strenuous; the easiest of the Three Passes
Special feature	Stone staircase on the Gokyo side; the best Everest panorama of the three passes
Technical skills	None required; microspikes useful after snowfall
Best seasons	Late September–November and April–May
Main views	Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Gokyo Lake, Ngozumpa Glacier
Permits	Sagarmatha National Park + Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality
Treks that include it	Everest Three High Passes Trek – 19 Days (from US$ 1,450); custom Gokyo–Renjo La loop

Where Is Renjo La Pass?

Renjo La lies in the western part of Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northeastern Nepal. It crosses the high ridge directly west of Gokyo, connecting two very different valleys:

• East side: the Gokyo Valley, with the Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri and the Ngozumpa Glacier.
• West side: the remote Bhote Koshi Valley, with Lungden, Marlung, Thame and the old trade route toward the Nangpa La and Tibet.

Without Renjo La, trekkers leaving Gokyo must retrace their steps down the Gokyo Valley via Machhermo and Dole. The pass turns the journey into a loop and opens up one of the least-visited valleys in the Khumbu.

How to Get to Renjo La Pass

There are no roads in the Khumbu, so Renjo La is reached on foot after a flight to Lukla and gradual acclimatisation.

Route 1: Via the Gokyo Valley (most common)

1. Fly to Lukla (2,860 m) via the Kathmandu to Lukla flight, or from Ramechhap in peak season.
2. Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) and take an acclimatisation day.
3. Follow the Gokyo Valley via Dole (4,040 m) and Machhermo (4,470 m) to Gokyo (4,790 m).
4. Climb Gokyo Ri and rest a day at Gokyo.
5. Cross Renjo La to Lungden, then descend via Thame to Namche.

Route 2: As Part of the Three Passes

On the anticlockwise Everest Three High Passes Trek, you reach Gokyo after crossing Kongma La, visiting Everest Base Camp and crossing Cho La. Renjo La is then crossed on Day 15, with the descent via Lungden and Thame.

Treks That Include Renjo La

Trek	Duration	Renjo La role	Best for
Everest Three High Passes Trek	19 days	Third and final pass (anticlockwise)	Fit, experienced trekkers
Gokyo Lakes + Renjo La loop (custom)	13–15 days	Loop from Gokyo back via Thame	Trekkers wanting Gokyo without EBC
Gokyo + Cho La + EBC via Renjo La (clockwise, custom)	15–17 days	First pass, from Thame side to Gokyo	Experienced trekkers with extra acclimatisation days

See every option on our Everest Region Treks page, or add Renjo La to your trek with our trip planner.

Crossing Renjo La: Gokyo to Lungden Step by Step

Most groups leave Gokyo between 5:00 and 6:00 AM to reach the top in clear morning light, when the views are at their sharpest. Here is how the day typically unfolds on the anticlockwise route.

Stage	Approx. time	Altitude	What to expect
Gokyo → lakeshore trail	30–45 mins	4,790 m	Easy walk along the northern shore of Dudh Pokhari
Climb toward the pass	1.5–2 hrs	4,790 → ~5,100 m	Steady climb up grassy, then rocky slopes, with ever-widening views
Stone staircase to the top	1–1.5 hrs	~5,100 → 5,360 m	Well-built stone steps zig-zag up the final steep section
On the pass	20–40 mins	5,360 m	The famous panorama: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Gokyo Lake
Steep descent (west side)	1.5–2 hrs	5,360 → ~4,900 m	Loose rock and scree, past small glacial lakes such as Relama Tsho
Valley walk to Lungden	1.5–2 hrs	~4,900 → ~4,350 m	Long, gradual descent through a wild, rocky valley
Total	7–8 hrs	~570 m up, ~1,000 m down	About 11 km

The View from Renjo La

The summit of Renjo La is strung with prayer flags and often has a stone cairn or two. Turn east, and the whole Everest range unfolds above the Gokyo Valley:

Mountain / feature	Height	What you see
Mount Everest	8,849 m	Summit pyramid rising above the ridges to the east
Lhotse	8,516 m	Beside Everest
Makalu	8,485 m	Distinct pyramid further east
Cho Oyu	8,188 m	Towering to the north
Gyachung Kang	7,952 m	Between Cho Oyu and Everest
Cholatse & Taboche	6,440 m / 6,495 m	Sharp peaks to the southeast
Dudh Pokhari (Gokyo Lake)	~4,790 m	Turquoise lake and Gokyo village far below
Ngozumpa Glacier	~36 km long	Grey river of ice and rubble stretching north

Many trekkers rank this view above both Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar, because it combines four 8,000 m peaks with the lake and glacier in one frame.

Beyond the Pass: Lungden, Thame and the Bhote Koshi Valley

The western side of Renjo La feels completely different: quiet, wide and remote, with few trekkers. Lungden is a small settlement of lodges and yak pastures. The next day, the trail follows the Bhote Koshi downstream through Marlung and Taranga to Thame, where Tenzing Norgay spent his childhood and many renowned Everest summiteers were born. The cliffside Thame Monastery is one of the oldest in the Khumbu. From Thame, it is a pleasant forest walk back to Namche Bazaar.

Clockwise Crossing: Lungden to Gokyo

On the clockwise route, Renjo La is the first pass, crossed from Lungden to Gokyo. The climb from the western side is longer and gains about 1,000 m, so trekkers need an extra acclimatisation day at Thame or Lungden first. The reward is reaching the top with the full Everest panorama ahead of you. Most trekkers, and Nepal Trip Services, prefer the anticlockwise direction, saving Renjo La as the grand finale.

How Difficult Is Renjo La Pass?

Renjo La is graded moderate to strenuous and is generally considered the easiest of the Everest Three Passes. There is no glacier to cross, and the stone staircase makes the final climb clear and well defined. Even so, it is a long day above 5,000 m with a steep, loose descent.

What makes Renjo La challenging:

• Altitude: at 5,360 m, every step uphill takes effort.
• Long descent: about 1,000 m down on loose rock and scree, hard on the knees.
• Remoteness: no teahouses between Gokyo and Lungden.
• Snow: after snowfall, the stone steps can be icy and the western side slippery.
• Wind and cold: the exposed summit can be bitterly cold even on clear days.

Renjo La vs Cho La vs Kongma La

Factor	Renjo La	Cho La	Kongma La
Altitude	5,360 m	5,420 m	5,535 m
Route	Gokyo → Lungden	Dzongla → Thangnak	Chhukung → Lobuche
Crossing time	7–8 hrs	7–8 hrs	8–9 hrs
Main challenge	Long, steep descent	Glacier and boulders	Length, altitude, Khumbu Glacier
Trail on the climb	Stone staircase	Boulder scramble	Rocky moraine
Best view	Everest above the Gokyo Lakes	Cholatse and Ama Dablam	Makalu and Imja lakes
Difficulty	Easiest	Most technical	Hardest

Who Can Cross Renjo La?

• Fit trekkers comfortable with 7–8 hour days at altitude
• Gokyo Lakes trekkers looking to add a pass and a loop route
• First-time pass trekkers with good preparation and an experienced guide
• Not suitable for anyone with knee problems who can't manage a long, steep descent, or with heart or lung conditions without medical advice

Acclimatisation and Safety on Renjo La

On the anticlockwise route, you reach Renjo La after more than two weeks at altitude, so most trekkers are very well acclimatised. If you are crossing it as part of a shorter Gokyo loop, take an acclimatisation day at Gokyo first and climb Gokyo Ri before the pass.

1. Spend at least two nights at or above Gokyo before crossing if coming straight up the Gokyo Valley.
2. Never cross with worsening altitude symptoms, such as severe headache, vomiting or confusion.
3. Start early to reach the top in clear weather and finish before the afternoon wind.
4. Take care on the descent: use trekking poles and short, steady steps on the loose scree.
5. Carry microspikes in early spring, late autumn or after snowfall.
6. Know the backup: if Renjo La is unsafe, retrace the Gokyo Valley via Machhermo and Dole to Namche.
7. Carry insurance covering trekking up to 6,000 m and helicopter rescue.

Best Time to Cross Renjo La

The best months for Renjo La are mid-October to November and late April to May, when skies are clearest and the stone staircase is usually free of snow and ice.

Season	Months	Pass conditions	Day / night temp near the pass	Verdict
Autumn	Late Sep–Nov	Dry, clear and stable; the best visibility for the Everest panorama	0 to 10°C / -10 to -18°C	Best
Spring	Late Mar–May	Snow possible early; clear mornings, afternoon cloud by May	3 to 12°C / -8 to -15°C	Excellent
Winter	Dec–Feb	Snow and ice on the steps; often impassable	-8 to 3°C / -20 to -30°C	Not recommended
Monsoon	Jun–Aug	Cloud hides the views; wet, slippery rock	5 to 12°C / -2 to -8°C	Not recommended

Temperatures are approximate; wind on the summit makes it feel much colder.

Seasonal tips:

• For the clearest Everest view, aim for mid-October to mid-November and reach the top by 9:00–10:00 AM.
• In early spring and late autumn, carry microspikes for icy steps.
• Lungden has only a few lodges, so book ahead in peak season.

Permits and Costs

No special permit is needed for Renjo La. The two standard Everest-region permits cover the pass, Gokyo and the Bhote Koshi Valley.

Permit	Fee for foreign nationals	Where checked
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit	NPR 3,000 + 13% VAT	Monjo
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit	NPR 3,000	Lukla

Travel beyond Lungden toward the Nangpa La and the Tibet border is restricted, so the trekking route turns down the valley to Thame.

Trek Prices (Including Renjo La)

Trek	Duration	Price per person
Everest Three High Passes Trek	19 days	US$ 1,450 (7–10 people) to US$ 1,600 (solo)
Gokyo Lakes Trek + Renjo La extension	13–15 days	On request

Packages include Lukla flights, permits, a licensed guide, porters, teahouses and three meals a day on the trek. Budget around US$ 20–30 per day extra for hot drinks, showers, charging and Wi-Fi.

Teahouses Before and After Renjo La

Stop	Altitude	Teahouse standard	Notes
Gokyo	4,790 m	Basic–good	Lakeside lodges with views of Dudh Pokhari and Cho Oyu
Lungden	~4,350 m	Very basic	A handful of simple lodges; limited menus
Marlung / Taranga	~4,100–4,200 m	Basic	Small stops on the way down the Bhote Koshi
Thame	~3,800 m	Good	Comfortable lodges near the monastery

• Rooms are simple twin-sharing with beds and blankets; bedrooms are unheated.
• Toilets are shared, and hot showers are limited above Thame.
• Charging and Wi-Fi are paid and slow; carry a power bank.
• Ask your Gokyo lodge to pack lunch for pass day.

Renjo La Packing List: Pass-Day Daypack

Category	Essentials
Warmth	Down jacket (rated -20°C), fleece, thermal base layers, windproof shell jacket and trousers
Head & hands	Warm beanie, buff, liner gloves + insulated gloves, Category 3–4 sunglasses
Traction & support	Trekking poles (essential for the descent), microspikes in snowy conditions
Footwear	Broken-in waterproof boots with ankle support
Food & water	2–3 litres in insulated bottles, packed lunch from Gokyo, energy bars, nuts, chocolate
Safety	Headlamp, personal first-aid kit, blister plasters, altitude medication (on doctor's advice)
Sun protection	SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip balm
Camera gear	Fully charged batteries kept warm, power bank, wide-angle and zoom lens

Photography Tips for Renjo La

• Arrive early: morning light is clearest, before cloud builds over Everest around midday.
• Use a wide-angle lens to capture Gokyo Lake, the Ngozumpa Glacier and the four 8,000 m peaks in one frame.
• Zoom in on Everest, Lhotse and Makalu for detailed summit shots.
• Frame with prayer flags in the foreground for a classic Himalayan image.
• Use a polarising filter to deepen the blue of the lake and sky.
• Keep batteries warm in an inside pocket; cold drains them quickly.

Expert Tips for Crossing Renjo La

1. Climb Gokyo Ri the day before to acclimatise and preview the view.
2. Start at first light: leave Gokyo by 5:30–6:00 AM.
3. Pace yourself on the staircase: short steps and steady breathing are better than rushing.
4. Spend time on top: this is the best viewpoint of the trek, so allow 20–40 minutes if the weather is good.
5. Layer up before the summit: wind on the top is fierce.
6. Take the descent slowly: most slips happen on the loose western side.
7. Use trekking poles to protect your knees on the 1,000 m drop.
8. Eat and drink regularly: there's nowhere to refuel until Lungden.
9. Check snow conditions with your guide and Gokyo lodge owners before setting off.
10. Enjoy Thame: visit the monastery the next day and celebrate the end of the passes in Namche.

Responsible Trekking on Renjo La

• Carry out all rubbish, including wrappers, tissues and batteries.
• Never pollute Gokyo Lake or the small glacial lakes on the western side; the Gokyo Lakes are a protected Ramsar wetland.
• Use refillable bottles and purification tablets instead of plastic.
• Leave prayer flags and cairns undisturbed.
• Stay on the stone staircase and marked trail to prevent erosion.
• Support local lodges in Lungden, Marlung and Thame, where trekker income matters most.

Top 15 Frequently Asked Questions About Renjo La Pass

1. What is Renjo La Pass?

Renjo La is a high mountain pass in Nepal's Everest (Khumbu) region, connecting Gokyo in the Gokyo Valley with Lungden in the Bhote Koshi Valley. At 5,360 m, it is one of the Everest Three High Passes, alongside Kongma La (5,535 m) and Cho La (5,420 m). "La" means pass in the Sherpa and Tibetan languages.

2. How high is Renjo La Pass?

Renjo La stands at 5,360 m (17,585 ft), making it the lowest of the Three Passes but still almost the same height as Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Gokyo Ri (5,357 m).

3. Where is Renjo La located?

Renjo La lies in Sagarmatha National Park, Solukhumbu District, northeastern Nepal. It crosses the ridge directly west of Gokyo village, linking the Gokyo Lakes with the remote Bhote Koshi Valley, Lungden and Thame.

4. How long does it take to cross Renjo La?

Most trekkers need 7–8 hours from Gokyo to Lungden, covering about 11 km, with roughly 570 m of ascent and 1,000 m of descent. Thame is a further day's walk, and Namche Bazaar the day after.

5. Is Renjo La the easiest of the Three Passes?

Yes, in most trekkers' experience. There's no glacier to cross, and a stone staircase makes the final climb clear and well defined. The main challenge is the long, steep descent on the western side and the altitude.

6. Why is Renjo La famous for its view?

From the summit, you see four 8,000 m peaks, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu, rising above turquoise Gokyo Lake and the Ngozumpa Glacier. Having the lake, glacier and highest mountains together in one frame makes it, for many trekkers, the finest viewpoint in the Khumbu.

7. Is Renjo La better than Gokyo Ri for views?

Both are superb and show the same peaks. Renjo La's view is wider and higher, with Gokyo Lake directly in the foreground. Gokyo Ri sits closer to the Ngozumpa Glacier and Cho Oyu. If you have time, do both: Gokyo Ri for sunrise, then Renjo La the next day.

8. Can beginners cross Renjo La?

Yes, fit beginners can cross Renjo La with good preparation, proper acclimatisation and an experienced guide. It's the most accessible of the three passes and a great first high pass for trekkers who have already reached Gokyo.

9. What is the best time to cross Renjo La?

The best months are mid-October to November and late April to May, when skies are clear and the stone steps are usually free of snow. Winter brings ice and snow that can close the pass, while the monsoon hides the views in cloud.

10. Do I need microspikes for Renjo La?

Usually not in mid-autumn or late spring. However, after fresh snowfall, in early spring or in late November, the steps and western descent can be icy, so carrying microspikes is a sensible precaution.

11. Can I do a Gokyo Lakes trek with Renjo La?

Yes. Adding Renjo La to the Gokyo Lakes Trek turns it into a loop: up the Gokyo Valley, over Renjo La and back down via Lungden and Thame. It takes about 13–15 days and avoids retracing your steps.

12. Which direction is better for Renjo La?

Most trekkers cross from Gokyo to Lungden (east to west), as the last pass on the anticlockwise Three Passes route. You climb the stone staircase and descend the long western side. Crossing from Lungden means a bigger climb and needs an extra acclimatisation day at Thame or Lungden.

13. Are there teahouses on Renjo La?

No. There are no teahouses or shelters on the pass. The nearest lodges are in Gokyo (4,790 m) on the east side and Lungden (~4,350 m) on the west side. Carry water, a packed lunch and warm layers.

14. What is in the Bhote Koshi Valley beyond Renjo La?

The Bhote Koshi Valley is one of the quietest parts of the Khumbu, with the villages of Lungden, Marlung, Taranga and Thame. Thame, where Tenzing Norgay spent his childhood, is known for its ancient cliffside monastery and as the home of many famous Everest climbers.

15. How do I book a trek over Renjo La?

Renjo La is the final pass on our Everest Three High Passes Trek, a 19-day circuit from US$ 1,450 per person. You can also add it to a Gokyo Lakes trek as a loop. Contact Nepal Trip Services or use our trip planner to design your route.

Plan Your Renjo La Adventure with Nepal Trip Services

Renjo La is the perfect grand finale to any Everest-region adventure. From its prayer-flagged summit, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu rise above the turquoise Gokyo Lake in a view that stays with trekkers for a lifetime. Beyond it, the quiet Bhote Koshi Valley and historic Thame offer a peaceful, culture-rich return to Namche Bazaar.

With 16 years in the Himalayas, Nepal Trip Services takes care of every detail so you can focus on the mountains:

• Licensed, experienced guides who know Renjo La and its changing conditions
• Well-paced itineraries with proper acclimatisation before every pass
• Daily health checks with a pulse oximeter and a full first-aid kit
• All logistics handled: Lukla flights, permits, porters and teahouse bookings in Gokyo and Lungden
• Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag on loan
• Flexible routes: the full Three Passes, a Gokyo–Renjo La loop or a custom itinerary

Ready to cross Renjo La? Explore the full itinerary, inclusions and group prices on our Everest Three High Passes Trek – 19 Days page, or see all our Everest Region Treks, including the Gokyo Lakes Trek. You can also plan a custom trip built around your dates and experience. Spring and autumn departures fill quickly, so we recommend booking 2–3 months ahead.

• WhatsApp / Viber: +977 982-8696557
• Phone: +977-9813593530
• Email: info@nepaltripservices.com
• Office: Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
• Response time: usually within 0–2 hours

Altitudes, timings, permit fees and prices are approximate and current as of October 2026. Conditions on Renjo La change with weather and season; your guide will make the final call on the day.