Renjo and Chola Pass Trek - 16 Days

You will start early for the long day ahead with a quick tea and drive to Kathmandu domestic airport for a scenic flight to Lukla, the gateway to Khumbu. In clear weather, you will have ample views of the Himalayas as you fly over rivers, forests, mountain passes and tiny settlements.

At Lukla, you will be welcomed by majestic views of Mt. Karyolung (6465 m), Mt. Khatang (6776 m), Mt. Nupla (5869 m), and the rest of your trek crew. After sorting out your bags, you will begin the day's hike on a gentle undulating trail high above the Dudh Koshi river.

On the trail, you will get to interact with the local Sherpa people who are mostly Buddhists. The major attractions of the day include the suspension bridge crossing over the landslide at Ghat, a huge boulder painted with Tibetan scriptures, and a mane wall just before arriving at Phakding - your destination for the day. Also, the gorgeous Mt. Thamserku (6623m) will reveal itself and welcome you to the Himalayas just before you arrive at Phakding.

Another superb day of hiking, you will start the day with a hearty mountain breakfast. The undulating trail can be challenging but equally rewarding. A few minutes our of Phakding, you might see wild honey bee hives high up on mountain cliffs. The trail gets exciting when you reach the landslide crossing at TokTok, and is followed by a small waterfall at Benkar. A river crossing above a suspension bridge after Benkar brings you to the quaint little hamlet of Monjo where you will need to show your National Park permits at a checkpoint. You will then continue to Jorsalle, where you can enjoy local cuisine with views of the famous twin suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi river.

After lunch, you will cross the suspension bridge and begin a slow grueling climb up a steep trail to Namche. As you climb, during clear weather, you might get a first peek at Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7879m) and Lhotse (8383m) at Top Danda. Once you arrive at the bustling town of Namche, you have the rest of the day at leisure to either explore the town and indulge in luxury - proper coffee and delicious bakery, shop for gears at one of the many stores in town or just call it a day with a book in your lodge.

Today, you'll begin your acclimatization routine by gradually ascending to higher altitudes. In the morning, you'll have the opportunity to explore the charming town of Namche, visit the local museum, and discover hidden gems within its winding streets.

After lunch, you'll embark on a hike to Khumjung and Khunde, where you can visit the Khumjung Hillary School and the Khunde monastery. We highly recommend a descent to the Everest viewpoint for a breathtaking panoramic sunset over the majestic Himalayas.

Today's trek takes you away from the vibrant hub of Namche Bazaar and into the quieter, more traditional heartland of the Khumbu region. Heading west from Namche, you'll embark on a journey that offers a stark contrast to the bustling market town, leading you deeper into authentic Sherpa culture and stunning mountain vistas.

The trail from Namche is generally well-defined, winding gently through serene pine forests and across open yak pastures. This path provides a wonderful opportunity to observe local life unfold, often encountering yak herds grazing peacefully. As you trek, you'll be treated to magnificent views of the surrounding peaks, including Kongde Ri and Thamserku, with glimpses of Everest and other giants often appearing on clear days.

You'll pass through several smaller settlements before arriving at Thame, a truly historic Sherpa village. Thame is notably less frequented by trekkers than other parts of the main trail, offering a profound sense of peace and an authentic glimpse into traditional monastic life. The village is home to a revered monastery, one of the oldest in the Khumbu, where you can witness monks in prayer and soak in the deeply spiritual atmosphere. This trek serves not only as a beautiful walk but also as an excellent acclimatization hike, helping your body adjust further to the increasing altitude.

You'll start the morning with a visit to the magnificent Thame Monastery, just above the village. It's one of the oldest monasteries in the Khumbu, offering a beautiful glimpse into Sherpa spiritual life and history, and it's a wonderfully peaceful way to begin our day.

After visiting the monastery, you'll begin the ascent towards Sunder Peak. The trail is a sustained climb, often over open and rocky terrain, so you'll definitely feel the effort – but the views are incredibly worthwhile! This trek up to Sunder Peak is a classic example of our 'climb high, sleep low' strategy. As you gain elevation, the landscape opens up dramatically, and the panoramas become truly spectacular.

From the summit of Sunder Peak, you'll be treated to an awe-inspiring 360-degree view. We'll get magnificent perspectives westward into the Rolwaling Himal range, including peaks like Gaurishankar, which are less commonly seen from other parts of the Khumbu. You'll also gain unique angles of prominent local mountains like Thamserku and the sacred Khumbila, giving you a fresh appreciation for this incredible region. Below us, the entire Thame valley will stretch out, a beautiful tapestry of traditional villages.

After soaking in these unforgettable vistas, you'll make our descent back to Thame. You'll feel a real sense of accomplishment from this hike, and your body will be much better prepared for the adventures still to come.

You'll be heading further into the quieter, more remote reaches of the Khumbu as you leave Thame for Lundgen (4,380 m).

You'll be following the ancient trade route that historically connected Nepal with Tibet, traversing a beautiful valley. The trail is mostly a gradual ascent, winding through a more austere, high-alpine landscape. You'll pass through small, scattered hamlets and yak pastures, giving you a wonderful sense of the isolation and rugged beauty of this region. Keep an eye out for yaks grazing freely!

As you gain altitude, you'll feel the air growing thinner, a natural part of our acclimatization process. The views will also become increasingly expansive, revealing more of the surrounding peaks that guard this remote valley.

Lundgen is a small, quiet settlement, primarily serving trekkers heading towards the Renjo La Pass or further into the high valleys.

Today marks one of the most challenging and spectacular days of your Everest Three Passes adventure as you prepare to conquer the mighty Renjo La Pass. Departing from Lundgen, your journey immediately begins with a steady ascent, taking you into increasingly rugged and remote high-alpine terrain.

The path to Renjo La is demanding, winding steeply uphill over rocky trails and, depending on the season, possibly through snow. As you climb higher, the air thins, and every step is a testament to your endurance. The anticipation builds with each gain in altitude, knowing that an unparalleled reward awaits.

Finally, you'll stand atop the Renjo La Pass (5,340 m). From this breathtaking vantage point, you'll be treated to a 360-degree panorama that defies description. The iconic peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and the majestic Cho Oyu dominate the horizon, while below, the stunning turquoise expanse of the Gokyo Lakes shimmers, fed by the vast Ngozumpa Glacier. This is a moment of pure triumph and unforgettable beauty.

The descent from Renjo La to Gokyo is equally captivating. Initially steep and potentially challenging over rocky sections, the trail gradually eases as you make your way down towards the third Gokyo Lake, where the charming village of Gokyo (4,790 m) awaits. The views during the descent are continuously mesmerizing, with the vibrant blue lakes offering a stunning contrast to the stark mountain landscape. Arriving in Gokyo, nestled beside the pristine lake, provides a profound sense of accomplishment and a peaceful respite after your high-pass crossing.

For those seeking an unparalleled visual reward, an early morning ascent to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) is highly recommended. This challenging yet incredibly rewarding climb offers arguably the finest panoramic views in the Everest region. As you push towards the summit, the crisp morning air and the rising sun will inspire your every step.

From the top of Gokyo Ri, you'll be treated to a breathtaking 360-degree spectacle. Witness the colossal peaks of Mount Everest (8,848.86 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,463 m), and the magnificent Cho Oyu (8,201 m) dominating the horizon. Below, the intricate network of the Ngozumpa Glacier stretches out, a vast river of ice, while the multiple turquoise Gokyo Lakes shimmers in the sunlight. This is a moment of pure awe and a true highlight of your entire expedition.

After your descent back to Gokyo village, you'll head towards Dragnag.

The trail out of Gokyo towards Dragnag leads you onto the vast, undulating expanse of the glacier itself. This is not a flat, smooth walk; instead, you'll navigate a fascinating, ever-changing landscape of rocky moraines, glacial debris, and sometimes patches of exposed ice. It's a testament to the raw power of nature, requiring careful foot placement as you traverse its complex terrain. As you make your way across, you'll gain a profound appreciation for the sheer scale of this icy giant, with the surrounding peaks towering dramatically on all sides.

After successfully crossing the glacier, the trail leads you to Dragnag (4,750 m), a small, remote settlement nestled at the foot of the mountains. This isolated camp serves as your vital overnight stop, strategically positioned for your challenging ascent over the Cho La Pass tomorrow. Dragnag offers a stark but essential refuge, allowing you to rest and prepare for the next high-altitude hurdle.

Today is another monumental day on your Renjo and Chola Pass Trek adventure as you prepare to conquer the formidable Cho La Pass. This challenging crossing is often considered the most strenuous of the three, demanding your full strength and determination.

You'll begin your day with an early start from the remote settlement of Dragnag, heading directly towards the pass. The ascent to Cho La is steep and arduous, navigating over rocky moraines and through rocky scree slopes. Depending on conditions, you may encounter patches of ice or snow, requiring careful footing. Every step upward is a testament to your resilience as you push towards the pass's summit.

Upon reaching the top of Cho La Pass (5,330 m), a profound sense of accomplishment will wash over you. The views are simply breathtaking, offering a new perspective of the Everest region's giants. You'll witness majestic peaks like Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Lobuche East, and even a glimpse of Everest, all set against a vast, high-altitude panorama.

The descent from Cho La to Dzongla is equally challenging. It's often steep and rocky, requiring careful negotiation as you make your way down. As you lose altitude, the terrain gradually eases, and the stunning views of the surrounding valleys open up, guiding your way. You'll finally arrive at Dzongla (4,620 m), a small, basic settlement nestled amidst impressive peaks. This vital overnight stop provides a much-needed rest after a demanding day, positioning you perfectly to reconnect with the main Everest Base Camp trail tomorrow.