Everyone talks about Chola Pass (5420 m) and Everest Base Camp when they talk about high–altitude treks in the Khumbu region. In fact, the Everest Base Camp Trek and the EBC Chola Pass Trek are two commercial and popular treks to do in the region. However, there are some trails which are highly underrated and offer the best Himalayan experiences. The travel planners of the Hikers Himalaya have knitted the best itinerary of the Renjola Pass Trek via Gokyo Valley. We present you the beautiful blue turquoise lake valley and the less–trekked high–altitude mountain pass of the Khumbu region.
The most important thing to consider before booking a trek in Nepal is the overall trekking experience. Furthermore, a trekker must also consider whether the trail is crowded or not. If you can get the chance to explore the trail that is less crowded yet provides mesmerizing mountain vistas, then the trek is the best. The major motto of the company is to provide worth for every penny spent by our customers. Therefore, we have put in lots of effort to create the itinerary.
Explore more Sherpa villages and relish the times in the raw areas of Upper Khumbu, Nepal. The presence of villages like Thame, Gokyo, Machhermo, and major lower elevation villages on the Everest Base Camp Trek route makes it the most suitable trail. Don’t worry about mountain vistas. In fact, the trek gives you a chance to witness 4 mountains listed in the top ten mountains of the world. Talk to our travel planners and book the magnificent Himalayan trekking package priced flexibly, suitable for all kinds of trekkers.
Check out the highlights of the Renjo la Pass Trek via Gokyo Valley in Khumbu, Nepal. Inside the Sagarmatha National Park, you can walk on a trail that is completely isolated from the crowded Everest Base Camp Trek route. Here is the list of the highlights:
There are more than 19 lakes in the Gokyo Lake system. However, 5 lakes are only accessible to normal trekkers. Therefore, we have kept an extra day for exploration and activities in the Gokyo Valley, including the Gokyo Ri hike. Trekkers will be able to understand the glacial lake system of Gokyo Valley.
Note that the water in these lakes is the result of seepage from Choyou Mountain. The world’s longest glacier of more than 36 kilometers long, is near the Gokyo Valley. Exploring these lakes, which are inside the Ramsar Conservation Site, offers the best experiences of blue turquoise lakes. Get the best Himalayan wilderness experiences by booking the Renjola Pass Trek via Gokyo Valley in Nepal.
The route to the Gokyo Valley or Gokyo Lake during the Everest trek is completely different from the famous Everest Base Camp Trek route. In fact, trekkers leave the regular EBC Trek route from Kyangjuma and take the route of Mongla Danda.
The trail features the best vegetation experiences from alpine forests to grassy alpine meadows. Furthermore, trekkers walk on the narrow valley ridge trail overlooking breathtaking scenery of mountains like Tabuche, Cholatse, and Choyou. If you wish to compare it with the EBC Trek route, then you are in for surprises. From Dole, you will be completely walking alongside the river originating from Gokyo Lakes. Moreover, you will embrace the sight of Choyou in the distance and witness a great combo of mountainous valleys.
The most iconic and challenging section of the Renjola Pass Trek via Gokyo Valley is the crossing of the Renjola Pass (5360 m). Please note that the altitude of the pass is lower than the altitude of the Everest Base Camp (5364 m). Moreover, if you trek in the Everest Base Camp trek route, the maximum altitude is the height of the Kalapathar Hill (5545 m).
The crossing starts early in the morning from the Gokyo 3rd Lake. It is full of boulders and rocks all the way to the top of the pass. A few years ago, the pass used to be covered by snow, but it is not the case now. In comparison to the other two mountain passes of the region (Kongma La and Cho La), the Renjo La Pass is easier to cross. However, it doesn’t mean that the crossing is similar to walking in a park. It’s much more difficult than the activity. Once you are on the top of the pass, you can surely get astounding scenery of mountains including Everest and Makalu.
The reason behind choosing the Renjo la Pass Trek via Gokyo Valley route is to offer diverse natural and cultural attractions. If you are searching for both the Himalayas and Sherpa culture, then the itinerary of the Renjola Pass Trek with Gokyo Valley is an ideal choice. Additionally, trekkers can also complete the trek with fewer threats of altitude sickness. One should note that the threat of altitude sickness is still on the trail but not in comparison to other commercial trails of Khumbu Nepal. Travelers must check out the highlights of the trek to know the relevance and importance of this trekking route in Khumbu Nepal.
Iconic moments are captured during the sunrise hike of the Gokyo Ri. The vantage point is near the 3rd Gokyo Lake. The hike to the top of the vantage point takes about 2 hours, but it offers a magnificent time for travelers to capture the best moments in Khumbu, Nepal. The sight of a blue turquoise lake, mountains, valleys, and glaciers makes it wonderful for trekkers. In fact, one can get the best pictures regardless of your photography skills. Imagine a picture that has a blue turquoise lake, snow–capped mountains, and Himalayan landscape!
Do you know that the Everest region of Nepal is not only known for mountains? Yes, it is also the home of the Sherpa People. These people are renowned across the globe for their mountaineering prowess. Multiple records in the field of mountaineering have the names of the Sherpa People. Interestingly, you can’t imagine mountaineering or climbing a mountain without the assistance of Sherpa. Therefore, curiosity about these people is high among people from across the globe.
As mentioned above, the Renjo La Pass trek is the best walking holiday to do in the Everest region of Nepal to know about the Sherpa People. The itinerary includes exploration of Thame Village. The village is famous as the place of mountaineers. Interestingly, every household of the village has at least one Everest summiteer. Major villages where you can interact with Sherpa mountaineers are Thame, Khunde, and Khumjung. In fact, Thame is also the home of the first successful climber to conquer Mt. Everest (8848.86 m). His name is Tenzing Norgay, and he climbed Everest alongside Sir Edmund Hillary for the first time in 1953.
The location of Gokyo Valley is such that a trekker can head to different trekking destinations of the region. A smart trekker is one who always looks for possible side treks to be done by customizing the original trekking itinerary. In fact, the Gokyo Valley is at the crossroads of different treks in the Everest region. The famous side trip that is possible to do from the Gokyo Valley is the EBC Chola Pass Trek in Nepal. The trek is also called the Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Gokyo Lake Trek.
Another famous side trip to do from the Gokyo Valley is the hike to Gokyo 5th Lake. In fact, the hike is popular among trekkers from across the globe because of the different view of Mount Everest. If you are on the Everest Base Camp Trek, the sight of Mount Everest may seem the same, but the Gokyo Fifth Lake Trek offers a different view. Interestingly, the view of the mountain is much larger than the view seen during the regular Everest Base Camp Trek.
A challenging side trip to do is the Everest Three High Passes Trek. The final destination or the mountain pass during the Everest Three High Passes Trek is the Renjola Pass. Therefore, the same itinerary of the Renjola Pass Trek via Gokyo Valley is also possible by booking the Everest Three High Passes. Trek. However, you don’t get a chance to spend overnight in Machhermo and Dole.
Gokyo Ri Hike is also a famous side trip to do from the Gokyo Valley. In fact, trekkers either choose sunset or sunrise moments to capture from Gokyo Ri. Highly recommended time to capture best photos is during sunset, but unpredictable mountain weather may become a hurdle for a sunset hike. Therefore, a sunrise hike to the top of Gokyo Ri is highly recommended.
Arguably, the most famous mountain pass of the Khumbu, Nepal, is the Chola Pass (5420 m). The pass separates the beautiful Gokyo Valley from the Everest Base Camp Trek route. While comparing these two passes of Khumbu, one should also note down significances. If you are taking the Cho La Pass route, then you can also reach the world’s tallest mountain’s foothills. The chance to leave footprints at the Everest Base Camp (5364 m) is not ordinary. Either clockwise or anticlockwise, Cho La Pass (5420 m) offers more Himalayan wilderness opportunities.
In contrast, the Renjo La Pass (5360 m) offers both Himalayan wilderness and Sherpa villages. Moreover, the route of the Renjo La Pass Trek in Nepal is the best alternative trek to do in the Everest region to avoid excessive crowds. The travel planners of the Hikers Himalaya insist that you choose the Renjo La Pass route instead of the Chola Pass Everest Base Camp Route if you are looking for more tranquil Himalayan experiences.
If you compare the difficulty level between Cho La Pass and Renjo La Pass, then Cho La Pass tops. The number of days to do the Cho La Pass Trek in Nepal is more than the Renjo La Pass Trek. Therefore, the decision is up to you. You can check our Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Gokyo Trek to know more about the route.
The biggest concern a trekker must have while doing any kind of trekking activities in the Everest region is the altitude. Besides altitude, you should also consider the number of days, difficulty level, and your personal preferences. If you are looking for adventurous peak climbing during the trek, then you can book the peak climbing with the trekking destination. It is also possible. However, you must not ignore different things before trekking in the Everest region. From permits to meals and from accommodation to difficulty level, one must consider these before booking the trek.
In our trekking package of the Renjo La Pass Trek via Gokyo Valley, we have sorted out four things to remember for you. The provision of a guide and porter is basic, but you must understand the difficulty, accommodation, meals, permits, insurance, and emergency situations before booking the trek. Moreover, you should also consider the packing list, flights to Lukla, budget, etc., but these four things are the must-know things.
Understanding the difficulty level helps you to prepare for the best trekking experiences. In fact, it helps you to avoid major hassles like exhaustion, incompletion of the trek, and altitude sickness. Therefore, don’t underestimate the difficulty level information for any kind of trekking activities in Nepal. Furthermore, the Renjola Pass Trek via Gokyo Valley is moderate challenging trek route.
The journey of the Renjo La Pass Trek via Gokyo Valley in terms of difficulty level is moderate. The only thing you must consider seriously is the crossing of Renjo La Pass (5360 m). Make sure that you are well prepared both physically and mentally. Prepare your body for this adventurous pass-crossing trek at least one month prior to the trek.
Exercises like cycling, running, hiking, swimming, and walking help you to boost your fitness and cardiovascular abilities. Activities like these help you to tackle the threats of altitude sickness. Moreover, the threat of altitude sickness is the biggest hurdle for a successful trek in the Khumbu, Nepal.
The Everest region of Nepal is not sort on accommodation and meals facilities. In fact, the trail is fully equipped to host a plethora of trekkers from across the globe. It is one of the best commercial trekking regions of Nepal. Besides trekking, the region is popular for peak climbing activities and luxury trips like helicopter tours or helicopter return trek from the Everest Base Camp.
Luxury mountain lodges to basic tea houses are available in the trekking route of the Renjola Pass Trek via Gokyo Valley. Most of the tea houses are of medium range, where you get the best and warmest rooms with lots of amenities. Bathrooms may have to be shared, but you can get the best rooms considering the altitude. Meals in the Everest region of Nepal, including the Renjola Pass Trek via Gokyo Valley route, are of high standards.
Relish hearty meals from different parts of the world. Chinese, Indian, Continental, and Nepalese cuisines are available on the trail. However, the most famous one is the Nepalese Dal Bhat. Yak stew is also popular among trekkers from across the globe.
The Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry permit are needed to do any kinds of trekking activities in the Everest region. If you book the Renjola Pass Trek in Nepal, then you must also acquire these trekking permits. Our trekking guide will obtain the permits once you book the trek.
In Lukla on the first day of the trek, the guide will get the Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry permit that costs NRs. 3000. Similarly, the cost of the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit is also NRs. 3000 to foreigners and NRs. 1500 to SAARC nationals. The national park permit for Everest trekking is available near Jorsalle Village and Monjo Village.
Valid trekking travel insurance is mandatory for any kind of trekking activities in Nepal. Crew members’ travel insurance is the responsibility of Hikers Himalaya, but your personal insurance is up to you. Leave a copy of your travel insurance in our city office before departing for the trek. During an emergency, our city clerks will be notified by our guide, and they will coordinate with the hospital, helicopter company, and insurance company. Once finalized, you will be lifted from the spot and transferred to the city. You must get insurance for the Renjo La Pass Trek via Gokyo Valley.
The Hikers Himalaya is one of the best and most reliable trekking agencies of Nepal. The company is run by a trekking guide who has been working in the field of Nepal trekking for more than two decades. Furthermore, the company has a motto to exceed the expectations of clients in terms of hospitality and services. Therefore, every penny spent by you will be returned in the form of momentous memories. The trail of the Renjola Pass Trek via Gokyo Valley offers challenges that require insurance.
Local crew members, including Rai, Magar, Tamang, Gurung, and Sherpa people, help you to know about the authentic conditions of the people. Furthermore, you will be safe when you trek with locals, especially in the higher elevation places like Gokyo and Renjo La Pass.
Contact the travel planners of the Hikers Himalaya to book an enticing trekking package of the Renjo La Pass Trek via Gokyo Valley. Our trekking package is created by experienced Sherpa guides and locals. Therefore, impeccable hospitality and quality services are guaranteed while trekking in alternative areas of Khumbu, Nepal.
Nepal visa fee
Travel insurance
Extra expenses: hot beverages like a big pot of tea or coffee and mineral water, and hot showers.
Tips for trekking staff will be appreciated.
Well, the Renjo La Pass via Gokyo Valley Trek in Nepal is an alternative trekking route up in the Khumbu Nepal to the Everest Base Camp Trek route. The trail passes through authentic Sherpa villages, high mountain passes, glacial blue turquoise lakes, diverse vegetation, and diverse landscapes. Furthermore, the trek offers completely different scenery of the Everest region. The scenery that you see during the Everest Base Camp Trek is slightly common but you can get completely different sides of Mount Everest and Khumbu Valley during the Renjo La Pass via Gokyo Valley Trek in Nepal. Explore authentic villages of Sherpa community and relish the chance to experience Khumbu Himalayas from different perspective.
The difficulty level of the Renjo La Pass Trek in the Everest region of Nepal is moderately challenging. Crossing the high mountain pass above 5000 m is never easy. Furthermore, the rugged trail and higher elevation increase the difficulty level of the trek route. However, the trail is relatively easy except the section of the Renjo La Pass crossing. The well - maintained trail with limited uphill – downhill sections mean that you can walk comfortably but the risk of altitude sickness may increase arduousness of the trek. The rugged trail of the Renjo La Pass and steep uphill hike to the top of the Gokyo Ri increase the difficulty level.
Physical and mental preparation are essential for a successful trek in Gokyo region of Everest! Furthermore, the trek encompasses challenging higher elevation mountain pass crossing. Therefore, you must be in a top - notch physical conditions. Similarly, you must also build up the mental strength together with the cardio – vascular abilities! Make sure to start the physical fitness boosting regimens at least one month prior to the trek. Actively and consistently perform activities like swimming, cycling, walking, hiking, and running to boost the physical fitness level and cardio – vascular abilities. Having the best cardio – vascular ability improves the chances of surviving the demands of the higher elevation places with thin air or low oxygen density.
Yes, it is possible to cross the Renjo La Pass from Thame side instead of Gokyo Valley side. However, the concept of conquering the high mountain pass requires a lot of acclimatization activities. Therefore, you may not encounter any fatal incidents during the hike. If you trek from the Thame side, then you must cross the mountain pass on the second day from Namche Bazaar (3440 m) which is not highly recommended due to issues of altitude sickness. You can’t go against the nature even if you have strong will. However, if you are extremely fit and you can adjust the demands of higher elevation, then you can surely choose to cross the Renjo La Pass from Thame side instead of Gokyo Valley side.
It is possible to add the Chola Pass crossing in the itinerary but you have to choose the direction of Namche Bazaar – Thame route instead of Dole – Machhermo route. The Renjo La Pass is the final pass on the Everest Three High Passes Trek route. Therefore, in this itinerary, it is not possible to include the Chola Pass (5420 m) in this itinerary. If you are willing to add the Chola Pass, then you have to choose the Thame route as explained above.
Yes, it is possible to reach the Everest Base Camp (5364 m) from Gokyo Valley. Once you cross the famous Chola Pass (5420 m), you can connect with the Everest Base Camp Trek route that takes you to the base camp via Lobuche and Gorakshep. However, in our itinerary of the Renjo La Pass Trek via Gokyo Valley, it is not possible to reach Everest Base Camp. If you are willing to add the visit to the Everest Base Camp, then you have to include Chola Pass. Another option is to book a helicopter from Gokyo to Everest Base Camp and enjoy time of about 20 minutes in the top of the Kalapathar (5545 m) hill.
Only few people know about the Scoundrel’s Viewpoint in Gokyo Everest! Yes, this is the most picturesque place to spend a tranquil moment with the mountains in the Everest region. If you go about 200 to 350 meters away from the Gokyo Fifth Lake, you can reach the Scoundrel’s Viewpoint in Gokyo Everest. The sight of Mount Everest is so majestic from this place. You can get huge section of the mountain including summit. Furthermore, you can also enjoy the majestic scenery of glacier, Choyou Mountain, and Gokyo Valley landscapes from the viewpoint.
You need two permits to do the Renjo La Pass via Gokyo Valley Trek in Nepal. They are the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry permit. The cost of the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit is NRs. 3000 to foreigners and NRs. 1500 to NRs. 1000 to SAARC nationals. Similarly, the cost of the Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality has changed from 2026. It is now NRs. 3000 to all and changed from previous cost of NRs. 2000. Nowadays, you don’t need Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) permit for the trek. It is now replaced by the local rural municipality entry permit in many trekking regions of Nepal.
Thame village is one of the major Sherpa villages of the Everest Khumbu region Nepal. It is in between Namche Bazaar and Renjo La Pass. The village is also the home of legendary mountaineer and the first person to ever climb Mount Everest, Tenzing Norgay. Yes, Tenzing Norgay Sherpa was born in the village. Recently, the village experienced heavy losses and destruction of houses due to outbursts of Thyanbo Glacial Lake in 2024. Interestingly, the village is also in the traditional and historical salt trade route between Nepal and Tibet just above the Dudh Koshi River valley.
The major source of income for Sherpa people is climbing mountains. In fact, these people are known across the globe as fierce and talented mountain climbers. Their mountaineering prowess is unmatched! Besides herding sheep and yaks, the Sherpa people rely heavily in the income coming out of trekking and climbing mountains. Therefore, all teenagers to old Sherpa connect themselves with climbing mountain. It is true that every house of Thame Village has at least one Everest Summiteer.
The maximum altitude a trekker reaches during the Renjo La Pass Trek via Gokyo Lake is the height of the Renjo La Pass. It is about 5360 m above sea level. If you decide to do the Gokyo Ri hike, then the height also includes around 5357 m above sea level. The maximum altitude that you stay overnight during the Renjo La Pass Trek via Gokyo Lake is around 4800 m above sea level.
It is said that there are more than 19 glacial lakes in the Gokyo Lake System. Please note that these lakes are formed from the seepage of the Choyou Mountain near the world’s longest glacier, the Ngozumpa glacier. Even if there are more than 19 lakes, five lakes are popular and accessible to trekkers. In fact, the itinerary of the Renjo La Pass Trek via Gokyo Lake includes excursion of all these 5 lakes including the visit to the Scoundrel’s Viewpoint near the 5th Gokyo Lake. Make sure to enjoy the blue turquoise lake and serene times that you can spend on the shores of these lakes.
The total trekking distance of the Renjo La Pass Trek via Gokyo Valley is around 90 kilometers to 110 kilometers! Comparatively, the trekking distance of the Renjo La Pass Trek via Gokyo Valley is shorter than the Everest Base Camp Trek distance. Trekkers must cover around 130 kilometers including a return trek during the Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal. However, the Renjo La Pass Trek via Gokyo Valley is just 90 kilometers. You must note that the side treks that you do from the Gokyo Valley determine the trekking distance.
The Everest region of Nepal is one of the best commercial trekking destinations of Nepal. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about the availability of lodging and meals facilities! You can find different styles of lodging facilities in the trail. Trekkers can use basic porter houses, tea houses, lodges, and luxury mountain lodges for accommodation in this trekking route. Remember that you may not find proper luxury style lodges in the places like Dole, Machhermo, and Lungden but other places surely can give you many options. Even if these places lack luxury lodges, you can surely find basic tea houses.
No, you can’t take your kids and elderly family members in the Renjo La Pass Trek via Gokyo Valley especially the crossing of the Renjo La Pass (5360 m). The altitude factor plays great role to bar you from taking your kids in this trekking route. However, you can take your kids and family members up to the beautiful valley of Gokyo! Remember that you can spend quality trekking times with your kids and elderly citizens in the Gokyo Valley where you can find better facilities and lesser altitude risks if you do it in our trekking itinerary that comprises Namche – Dole – Machhermo route to the 3rd lake.
The sight of mountains seen from the top of the Renjo La Pass (5360 m) and the top of the Gokyo Ri (5357 m) is unmatched. In fact, it can surely rival the scenery seen from the top of the Kalapathar hill near the Everest Base Camp! You can relish the sight of the mountains like Choyou, Lhotse, Everest, and Makalu which are in the list of the top 10 mountains of the world! Besides these mountains, you can also relish the sight of more than a dozen mountains including spectacular sight of Khumbu Valley!
The Hikers Himalaya always believes in providing an impeccable hospitality, quality services, and reliable support in an affordable as well as flexible trek package rate. Therefore, you can surely knit a beautiful trekking journey of the Renjo La Pass Trek via Gokyo Valley starting from 1450 $ per person for standard packages. Please check the “includes” and “excludes” section of the package to know more about the services that you get in just 1450 $ per person. The price is still negotiable if you have larger group members for the trek.
Yes, there are risks of altitude sickness during the Renjo La Pass Trek via Gokyo Valley in Nepal. It is same like in many high – altitude treks in Nepal. If you don’t adopt proper acclimatization methods and correct trekking styles, then you may not complete the trek successfully. Therefore, we advise you to listen to the words our trekking guide shares you while trekking. Following the rules and heeding the instructions from our guides can help you overcome the threat of altitude sickness.
Once our trekking guide informs the city office of the Hikers Himalaya, we proceed promptly to notify the situation to your travel insurance company. We will also alert the hospital about your possible arrival and immediately dispatch the helicopter to the designated place. Once you are rescued, our office staff will accompany you in the hospital until you feel better!
Yes, there are options to book the trek with the helicopter return trekking package option. During the Renjo La Pass Trek via Gokyo Valley, you can book the helicopter ride once you cross the pass and reach the village of Lungden. You will be lifted from the village and taken to Lukla and eventually to Kathmandu. If you add another 700 $ to 800 $, in the cost of the Renjo La Pass Trek via Gokyo Valley package, then we can also add the helicopter flight from Gokyo to Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar back to Gokyo before continuing the journey of the Renjo La Pass (5360 m) crossing.
The rugged trail is hard to cross and navigate! The first phase until the foot of the Renjo La Pass is around the blue turquoise Gokyo Lake. It is basically Nepalese flat trail easy to walk. Once you start to trek uphill to the summit of the pass, the trail has many smaller rocks to big boulders! Some sections may require you to use support railings or rope to climb further. Once at the top, the sight of unlimited mountains and Khumbu Valley can surely help you forget about all the tiredness and exhaustions endured until this point.
The best time to trek in the Everest region of Nepal including the Renjo La Pass Trek via Gokyo Lake is during the months of spring season (March – May) and autumn season (September – November). Avoid winter season for the trek due to high chances of snowfall especially during the high – pass crossing! If Lukla flight happens on time without delays, then you can also trek during the monsoon season. Lower elevation places may not give better views but higher elevation surely provides better scenery similar to spring and autumn season.
There’s no rule that states that you can’t trek alone in this route. However, we strongly recommend you to hire a trekking guide for any kinds of higher elevation treks in Nepal. The Government is also planning to implement the rule of mandatory trekking guide in the trekking trail that traverses through the national parks and conservation areas. Our geographical terrain requires you to hire a guide. Porter hiring is your choice but we recommend you to hire one to enjoy the trek without stress of carrying your own luggage.
