Thangnak, Nepal: Complete Travel & Trekking Guide

Thangnak: Your First Stop After Cho La Pass

Thangnak (also spelled Dragnag or Thagnak, about 4,700 m) is a tiny settlement on the western side of Cho La Pass, on the edge of the vast Ngozumpa Glacier in Nepal's Everest (Khumbu) region. For trekkers on the Everest Three High Passes Trek, it's the welcome finish line after crossing Cho La (5,420 m), and the jumping-off point for the short but fascinating glacier crossing to Gokyo.

Thangnak is little more than a few stone lodges and yak pastures tucked beneath steep moraine walls. Yet after a long pass day, its warm dining rooms feel like a mountain refuge. The next morning, a 3–4 hour walk across the rubble-covered Ngozumpa Glacier brings you to the turquoise lakes of Gokyo.

This guide covers everything you need to know: location, how to get there, the glacier crossing, itineraries, difficulty, best time, permits, teahouses and travel tips, followed by the 15 questions trekkers ask most.

Thangnak at a Glance

Detail	Information
Other spellings	Dragnag, Thagnak, Thaknak
Location	Gokyo Valley, Sagarmatha National Park, Solukhumbu District, Koshi Province, Nepal
Altitude	About 4,700 m (15,420 ft)
Position on the route	Western foot of Cho La; eastern edge of the Ngozumpa Glacier
From Dzongla via Cho La	7–8 hours
To Gokyo	3–4 hours across the Ngozumpa Glacier
Famous for	First stop after Cho La; gateway to the glacier crossing and Gokyo Lakes
Accommodation	A few very basic teahouses
Best seasons	Mid-October–November and late April–May
Permits	Sagarmatha National Park + Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality
Trek that includes it	Everest Three High Passes Trek – 19 Days, from US$ 1,450 per person

Where Is Thangnak?

Thangnak lies in the Gokyo Valley, inside Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northeastern Nepal. It sits in a narrow ablation valley between the steep slopes below Cho La and the eastern lateral moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Directly across the glacier, about 3 km away as the crow flies, lies Gokyo village and its turquoise lakes.

Thangnak's position makes it the natural overnight stop on the western side of Cho La. Without it, trekkers would have to cross both Cho La and the Ngozumpa Glacier in a single exhausting day.

How to Get to Thangnak

There are no roads in the Khumbu, so Thangnak is reached on foot after a flight to Lukla and gradual acclimatisation over more than a week.

Route 1: Over Cho La from Dzongla (Anticlockwise)

This is the most common approach, used on the anticlockwise Everest Three High Passes Trek and on EBC-to-Gokyo treks.

Stage	Approx. time	Altitude	What to expect
Dzongla → boulder field	1–1.5 hrs	4,830 → ~5,000 m	Gentle climb up a rocky valley beneath Cholatse
Boulder scramble	1.5–2 hrs	~5,000 → ~5,300 m	Steep, loose rock; sometimes using hands for balance
Cho La glacier & pass	30–60 mins	~5,300 → 5,420 m	Icy glacier traverse; microspikes often needed
Steep descent	1.5–2 hrs	5,420 → ~5,000 m	Loose rock and scree on the western side
Valley walk to Thangnak	1–1.5 hrs	~5,000 → 4,700 m	Easier boulder-strewn valley
Total	7–8 hrs	~590 m up, ~720 m down	About 10 km

Route 2: From Gokyo (Clockwise)

On the clockwise route, you walk from Gokyo across the Ngozumpa Glacier to Thangnak in 3–4 hours, then cross Cho La to Dzongla the next day. This direction tackles the steeper western side of Cho La on the way up, so good acclimatisation at Gokyo is essential.

Getting to the Start

1. Fly from Kathmandu 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) with an acclimatisation day.
3. Anticlockwise: continue via Dingboche, Lobuche, Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar to Dzongla, then cross Cho La.
4. Clockwise: follow the Gokyo Valley via Dole and Machhermo to Gokyo, then cross the glacier.

Treks That Include Thangnak

Trek	Duration	Thangnak on the route	Best for
Everest Three High Passes Trek	19 days	Day 12 overnight, after Cho La	Fit, experienced trekkers
EBC + Gokyo via Cho La (custom)	15–17 days	Overnight after Cho La, before Gokyo	Trekkers wanting EBC and Gokyo in one trip
Gokyo + Cho La + EBC (clockwise, custom)	15–17 days	Overnight after Gokyo, before Cho La	Trekkers who prefer Gokyo first

See every option on our Everest Region Treks page.

What to See In and Around Thangnak

1. The Ngozumpa Glacier Crossing to Gokyo

The highlight of a stay in Thangnak is the morning walk across the Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal's longest glacier at about 36 km. From the outside it looks like a vast field of grey rubble, but underneath lies ice that is constantly moving and melting. The trail weaves over rocky ridges and around meltwater ponds, with ice cliffs exposed in places.

Stage	Approx. time	What to expect
Thangnak → eastern moraine	30–45 mins	Climb the moraine wall above the lodges
Glacier crossing	1.5–2 hrs	Up-and-down trail over rubble-covered ice, past grey and turquoise ponds
Western moraine → Gokyo	45 mins–1 hr	Climb out of the glacier and descend to Gokyo and Dudh Pokhari
Total	3–4 hrs	Short day, but slow going on uneven ground

Glacier safety tips:

• The route changes every season as the ice shifts; always follow your guide's line.
• Watch for loose rocks on steep moraine sections and rockfall near ice cliffs.
• Don't walk close to the edges of meltwater ponds or ice cliffs.
• Cross in the morning, when the ground is firmer and rockfall risk is lower.

2. Views Back Toward Cho La

From Thangnak and the eastern moraine, you can look back at the rugged ridge you crossed the day before, with Cholatse and the Cho La area towering above. It's a great moment to appreciate the scale of the pass.

3. Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri

Just a few hours away, the Gokyo Lakes are among the highest freshwater lake systems on Earth. From Gokyo, you can climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) for a panorama of four 8,000 m peaks, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu, or explore the Fourth and Fifth Lakes.

4. Quiet Mountain Atmosphere

Thangnak sees far fewer visitors than Gokyo or Everest Base Camp. In the evening, the valley falls silent except for the occasional rumble of the glacier, an unforgettable reminder that you're in the heart of the Himalayas.

Thangnak Highlights at a Glance

Attraction	Distance from Thangnak	Time needed	Why go
Ngozumpa Glacier crossing	Starts at the lodges	1.5–2 hrs on the glacier	Walk across Nepal's longest glacier
Cho La views	From the lodges and moraine	Any time	See the pass you've just crossed
Gokyo village & Dudh Pokhari	3–4 hrs	Half a day	Turquoise lakes and comfortable lodges
Gokyo Ri	Above Gokyo	3–4 hrs return from Gokyo	One of the best Everest panoramas in Nepal

Sample Itineraries Through Thangnak

Option 1: Everest Three High Passes Trek (19 days)

Day	Route	Overnight altitude
11	Kala Patthar sunrise, trek to Dzongla	4,830 m
12	Cross Cho La (5,420 m) to Thangnak	4,700 m
13	Cross the Ngozumpa Glacier to Gokyo	4,790 m
14	Gokyo Ri sunrise, explore the lakes	4,790 m
15	Cross Renjo La (5,360 m) to Lungden	~4,350 m

See the full Three Passes itinerary.

Option 2: EBC to Gokyo via Cho La (custom, 15–17 days)

1. Trek from Lukla to Namche, Tengboche and Dingboche with two acclimatisation days.
2. Reach Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.
3. Walk to Dzongla, then cross Cho La to Thangnak.
4. Cross the Ngozumpa Glacier to Gokyo and climb Gokyo Ri.
5. Return to Namche via the Gokyo Valley or over Renjo La.

This route combines the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek and the Gokyo Lakes Trek in one journey. Ask us to tailor it through our trip planner.

Option 3: Clockwise via Gokyo

From Gokyo, cross the glacier to Thangnak (3–4 hrs), rest for the afternoon, then cross Cho La to Dzongla the next morning before continuing to Lobuche and Everest Base Camp.

Altitude, Acclimatisation and Difficulty

At about 4,700 m, Thangnak is slightly lower than Dzongla, so sleeping here after Cho La helps your body recover. Most anticlockwise trekkers are already well acclimatised after nights at Lobuche and Gorak Shep.

Section	Time	Difficulty	Notes
Dzongla → Cho La → Thangnak	7–8 hrs	Very hard	Boulder scramble, glacier, steep descent
Thangnak → Gokyo	3–4 hrs	Moderate	Uneven glacier trail; short but slow
Gokyo → Thangnak (clockwise)	3–4 hrs	Moderate	Same glacier crossing in reverse
Thangnak → Cho La → Dzongla (clockwise)	7–8 hrs	Very hard	Steeper ascent on the western side

Tips for a smooth stay:

• Rest as soon as you arrive after Cho La, and drink plenty of water to recover.
• Eat a filling dinner; dal bhat is ideal after a pass day.
• Check your feet for blisters and dry your boots by the stove.
• Tell your guide about any headache, nausea or unusual tiredness.
• Start the glacier crossing after breakfast, when the light is good and the trail is firm.

Best Time to Visit Thangnak

The best times to stay in Thangnak, and to cross Cho La and the Ngozumpa Glacier, are mid-October to November and late April to May.

Season	Months	Day / night at Thangnak (approx.)	Conditions	Verdict
Autumn	Late Sep–Nov	4–10°C / -14 to -8°C	Clear, stable; Cho La usually passable; firm glacier trail	Best
Spring	Late Mar–May	5–13°C / -10 to -4°C	Warmer; snow may linger on Cho La early	Excellent
Winter	Dec–Feb	-6 to 4°C / -22 to -14°C	Very cold; lodges may close; Cho La often impassable	Not recommended
Monsoon	Jun–Aug	6–11°C / -2 to 4°C	Rain, fog; slippery moraine and higher rockfall risk on the glacier	Not recommended

Temperatures are approximate and vary from year to year.

Permits and Costs

No special permit is needed for Thangnak. The two standard Everest-region permits cover Cho La, the Ngozumpa Glacier and Gokyo.

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

Both permits are included in all Nepal Trip Services Everest packages. Prices in Thangnak are high, because all supplies are carried in. Budget about US$ 25–35 per day for extras such as hot drinks, boiled water, charging and snacks.

Teahouses and Food in Thangnak

Thangnak has only a few small, simple lodges, so rooms can fill quickly in October, November and April.

• Rooms: basic twin-sharing rooms with beds and blankets; bedrooms are unheated.
• Toilets: shared and simple, often outside the main building.
• Showers: usually unavailable.
• Dining: a cosy dining room warmed by a stove, the best place to relax after Cho La.
• Food: dal bhat, noodle soup, fried rice, potatoes, garlic soup and Tibetan bread; menus are short.
• Charging and Wi-Fi: very limited and paid; carry a power bank.

Good to know: Gokyo, just 3–4 hours away, has larger, more comfortable lodges with better facilities, so many trekkers save hot showers and Wi-Fi for there.

Packing List for Thangnak

• Warmth: down jacket (rated -20°C), thermal layers, fleece, windproof shell
• Sleeping: four-season sleeping bag (-15°C to -20°C) and liner
• Traction: microspikes for Cho La, trekking poles for the glacier and moraine
• Footwear: sturdy, broken-in boots with good ankle support for the glacier crossing
• Water: insulated bottles, purification tablets
• Power: large power bank
• Health: blister plasters, personal medicines, rehydration salts
• Hygiene: toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitiser

Responsible Travel at Thangnak

1. Carry out all rubbish, as waste disposal is very difficult this high and this remote.
2. Never throw anything into glacial ponds or the streams around the lodges.
3. Refill water bottles with boiled or filtered water instead of buying plastic.
4. Stay on the marked glacier route to protect yourself and the moraine.
5. Conserve fuel and power in the lodges.
6. Ensure porters have proper gear, including microspikes and warm clothing for Cho La.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thangnak, Nepal

1. Where is Thangnak in Nepal?

Thangnak is a small settlement in the Gokyo Valley of the Everest (Khumbu) region, inside Sagarmatha National Park in Solukhumbu District. It lies at the western foot of Cho La Pass, on the eastern edge of the Ngozumpa Glacier, across from Gokyo.

2. Is Thangnak the same as Dragnag?

Yes. Thangnak, Dragnag, Thagnak and Thaknak are all spellings of the same place. You'll see different versions on maps, signs and trekking itineraries.

3. What is the altitude of Thangnak?

Thangnak sits at about 4,700 m (15,420 ft), slightly lower than Dzongla (4,830 m) on the other side of Cho La and Gokyo (4,790 m) across the glacier.

4. How long does it take to cross Cho La from Dzongla to Thangnak?

The crossing takes about 7–8 hours and covers roughly 10 km. You climb about 590 m to the top of Cho La (5,420 m) and descend about 720 m to Thangnak.

5. How long is the walk from Thangnak to Gokyo?

The walk to Gokyo takes about 3–4 hours. It crosses the Ngozumpa Glacier on a rough, up-and-down trail over rubble-covered ice, then climbs out to Gokyo village on the shore of Dudh Pokhari.

6. Is the Ngozumpa Glacier crossing dangerous?

It's not technical, but it does require care. The trail shifts every season, and there can be loose rocks and occasional rockfall near ice cliffs. Following an experienced guide, crossing in the morning and staying away from pond edges make it safe.

7. Why stay in Thangnak instead of going straight to Gokyo?

Crossing Cho La already takes 7–8 hours. Adding the 3–4 hour glacier crossing would make an exhausting, risky day at high altitude. Thangnak provides a safe, comfortable break between the two.

8. What are the teahouses like in Thangnak?

Thangnak has a few very basic lodges with twin rooms, shared outdoor toilets, a warm dining room with a stove and short menus. Hot showers are usually unavailable, and charging and Wi-Fi are limited and paid.

9. Do I need to book teahouses in Thangnak?

In peak season (October, November and April), booking ahead is strongly recommended, since there are only a few lodges. Nepal Trip Services books your rooms in advance.

10. How cold does it get in Thangnak?

In autumn and spring, nights usually range from about -4°C to -14°C, and colder in winter. A four-season sleeping bag and a warm down jacket are essential.

11. Is there Wi-Fi or mobile signal in Thangnak?

Connectivity is very limited. Some lodges may offer slow, paid Wi-Fi, and mobile signal is weak or unavailable. You'll find better connections in Gokyo.

12. Can I go from Gokyo to Thangnak?

Yes. On the clockwise route, trekkers cross the Ngozumpa Glacier from Gokyo to Thangnak (3–4 hours), then cross Cho La to Dzongla the next day. This direction has a steeper climb up Cho La, so good acclimatisation is essential.

13. Is altitude sickness a risk in Thangnak?

Yes. At around 4,700 m, altitude sickness is possible, especially after the strain of crossing Cho La. Rest, drink plenty of water and tell your guide about any symptoms such as headache, nausea or dizziness.

14. What is the best time to visit Thangnak?

Mid-October to November and late April to May offer the best conditions, with stable weather, clear views and Cho La usually passable. Winter and the monsoon are not recommended.

15. Which trek includes Thangnak?

Thangnak is part of our Everest Three High Passes Trek, a 19-day circuit from US$ 1,450 per person, and any custom EBC-to-Gokyo trek via Cho La. Contact us or use our trip planner to build your route.

Plan Your Thangnak and Cho La Adventure with Nepal Trip Services

Thangnak is where the hardest part of Cho La ends and the magic of Gokyo begins. After a long day over the pass, its small lodges offer warmth and rest, and the next morning's walk across the Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal's longest, is one of the most unusual experiences in the Himalayas. A few hours later, you're standing beside the turquoise lakes of Gokyo.

With 16 years of experience in the Everest region, Nepal Trip Services takes care of every detail:

• Pre-booked teahouses at Dzongla, Thangnak and Gokyo, even in peak season
• Licensed, experienced guides who know the Cho La route and the ever-changing glacier crossing
• Well-paced acclimatisation and daily health checks with a pulse oximeter
• All logistics handled: Lukla flights, permits and porters
• Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag on loan, plus help renting microspikes
• Flexible plans, including extra rest days or alternative routes if Cho La is closed

Ready to cross Cho La and the Ngozumpa Glacier? Explore the full itinerary and group prices on our Everest Three High Passes Trek – 19 Days page, browse all our Everest Region Treks, or plan a custom trip combining Everest Base Camp and Gokyo via Cho La. Spring and autumn departures fill quickly, so we recommend booking 2–3 months ahead.

• WhatsApp / Viber: +977 982-8696557
• Email: info@nepaltripservices.com
• Office: Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
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