Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
Experience the ultimate Himalayan escape with the Renjo-la pass Trek,a premier 2026 choice for high-altitude adventure. This less-crowded alternative to the standard Everest Base Camp route offers a pristine journey through the Gokyo Valley, home to the world’s highest freshwater lakes.
The trek’s centerpiece is the challenging Renjo La Pass (5,360m), widely regarded as one of the finest vantage points in Nepal for a 360-degree panoramic view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Beyond stunning vistas, you’ll traverse the massive Ngozumpa Glacier and immerse yourself in authentic Sherpa culture within remote villages like Thame and Lungden. Perfect for experienced hikers, this circuit combines solitude with breathtaking natural beauty
Accommodation: Hotel
Altitude: 1350m
Arrival in Kathmandu where an Orbit Nepal Adventure representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude: 2,610m / 8,563ft
Catch a scenic flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport . Begin your journey with a gentle descent along the Dudh Koshi River to Phakding.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude: 3,440m / 11,286ft
Cross high suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Bridge, and enter Sagarmatha National before a steady climb to the Sherpa hub of Namvhe Bazaar .
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude: 3,440m / 11,286ft
Stay active to adjust to the altitude. Hike to the Everest View Hotel for panoramic vistas of Everest and Ama Dablam before returning to Namche.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude: 4,200m / 13,779ft
Ascend through rhododendron and juniper forests, leaving the main trail for the quieter Gokyo route. Enjoy stunning views of peaks like Tawache and Khumbila.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude: 4,410m / 14,468ft
Traverse a ridge above the valley with views of Cho Oyu. The trail winds through high pastures to the remote settlement of Machhermo.
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude: 4,790m / 15,715ft
Pass the first and second Gokyo Lakes before reaching the third lake (Dudh Pokhari), where the beautiful village of Gokyois situated on its shores.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude: 5,357m / 17,575ft
Summit Gokyo Ri for a 360-degree sunrise view of Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse. Spend the afternoon exploring the fourth and fifth Gokyo Lakes.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude: 4,380m / 14,370ft
Tackle the trek’s highlight: crossing Renjo La Pass (5,360m). Witness unparalleled vistas before a long descent to the peaceful village of Lungden .
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude: 3,800m / 12,467ft
Follow the Bhote Koshi River valley downhill through remote Sherpa settlements. Visit the historic Thame Monastery, one of the region's three oldest.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude: 3,440m / 11,286ft
Enjoy a gentle, pleasant walk back to the busy gateway of Namche Bazaar , passing through traditional villages like Thamo and Phurte .
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude: 2,840m / 9,317ft
Retrace your initial steps down to the Dudh Koshi River and then uphill to Lukla for a final celebration with your trekking team.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Return to Kathmandu by plane. Spend your last free afternoon for souvenir shopping or a farewell dinner in the city.
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, concluding your unforgettable Himalayan journey
Yes, the Renjo La Pass trek is generally considered more challenging than the standard EBC trek. It involves crossing a high-altitude pass at 5,360 meters (17,585 feet) and includes longer, more demanding trekking days, especially on the pass-crossing day itself. It requires a high level of physical fitness and prior high-altitude trekking experience is recommended.
The highest point you will reach is the summit of Gokyo Ri (5,360m / 17,575ft) during an acclimatization hike, or the top of the Renjo La Pass itself (5,360m / 17,585ft). Proper acclimatization is crucial for a safe and successful journey.
The best seasons for this trek are pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (late September to November). These periods offer stable weather, clear skies for spectacular mountain views, and comfortable temperatures. Winter treks are possible but involve extreme cold and heavy snow at high altitudes.
Preparation should begin several months before your trip. Focus on cardiovascular fitness through activities like hiking, running, swimming, or cycling. Include strength training for your legs and core. Practice hiking with a weighted backpack to simulate trail conditions.
Altitude sickness is a genuine risk. Your guide is trained to recognize symptoms and manage the situation. The itinerary includes dedicated acclimatization days to help prevent AMS. If symptoms worsen, the only cure is immediate descent to a lower altitude. Travel insurance covering emergency evacuation is mandatory.
