Reach to Lukla by Flight
Lukla is a small town and the starting point for all treks to the Everest region, including the Renjo La and Chola Pass Trek with Everest Base Camp. It serves as a gateway with a small airstrip to Everest region trekking, and there is no road access from Kathmandu to Lukla. Trekkers must either fly from Kathmandu or Ramechhap or trek from Phaplu or Jiri. Regular flights to Lukla are operated by Tara Air, Summit Air, and Sita Air from Kathmandu or Ramechhap during the main trekking season.
During peak trekking months—March, April, May, September, October, and November—flights to Lukla may operate from Ramechhap/Manthali due to Nepal's aviation rules aimed at avoiding congestion and air traffic delays. Ramechhap Airport is approximately 144 kilometers east of Kathmandu and requires a 3 to 5-hour drive by private vehicles from Kathmandu.
Regarding luggage, there is a weight limit of 15 kg per passenger, including your hand-carry bag. It is advisable to keep your luggage under this limit to avoid extra charges. In case of an overload, your bag may be transported on a subsequent flight.
Be prepared for potential delays or cancellations, as weather conditions can impact flights to and from Lukla. If flights are delayed or canceled, you may need to add a few extra days to your itinerary. We will do our best to adjust the itinerary as needed. If you do not have extra time before or after your trekking itinerary, you might consider taking a helicopter close to Lukla or shifting your trekking route to another region. Arranging for one or two additional days in your trip is highly recommended to accommodate potential flight delays or cancellations and to ensure you can board your pre-planned international flight.
Best time to Renjo La & Chola Pass Trek with EBC
The best time for Renjo La and Cho La Pass Trek with Everest Base Camp is during the pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn) seasons in Nepal. These periods offer the most favorable weather conditions for trekking in Nepal Himalayas.
Both seasons offer good weather conditions, but April, May, October, and November are considered the best months for the Renjo La and Cho La Pass trek. These months provide suitable conditions for trekking without significant hazards. However, keep in mind that the weather in the mountains can be changeable, so it's always advisable to be prepared for sudden changes regardless of the season.
Choosing the best time depends on your preferences, availability, and tolerance for crowds, as both spring and autumn have their unique advantages.
Spring is the best and most favorable season for trekking to Renjo La and Cho La Pass. The weather is generally stable, with clear skies, mild temperatures, warm days, and less rain and snow. The visibility is excellent for mountain views, and the trails are often busy with trekkers. However, snow can remain at higher altitudes, especially around Renjo La and Cho La Pass, at the beginning of March. During this period, you need to be prepared with proper cold-weather gear and an experienced guide.
- Autumn (September to November):
Autumn is considered the peak trekking season, making it one of the best times for the Renjo La and Cho La Pass Trek. Autumn offers clear skies, stable weather, and excellent visibility. The temperatures are pleasant during the day, perfect for trekking. The trails might be busier compared to other times, but the views of the Himalayas are breathtaking. However, by the end of November, snow can accumulate around the passes, so you need to be prepared with proper cold-weather gear and an experienced guide.
- Winter (Dec to Feb) & Summer (June to August):
These seasons are generally not recommended for this trek due to extreme cold, snowfall, and potential avalanche risks around the passes in winter, while the monsoon brings heavy rainfall, clouds, and blocked trails and mountain views.
Renjo La and Cho La Pass Trek Difficulty
The difficulty level of the Renjo La (5,360 meters) and Cho La (5,420 meters) 13 days Trek is considered challenging and rewarding adventure due to is durations of the trek, variety of terrain, including steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, and possibly some snow-covered sections, especially around the higher areas. Weather conditions in the Renjo La and Cho La Pass with Everest Base Camp Trekking route are always changeable, with cold temperatures and the possibility of snowfall, especially at higher altitudes. So this makes the trek physically challenging.
There is no road access to Lukla, making it difficult to reach, as it is the starting and ending point of the trek. Lukla is situated at an altitude of 2,800 meters above sea level. The trek reaches Kala Patthar after crossing the Renjo La and Cho La Passes. The trail is well-maintained, with a mix of uphill and downhill terrain at progressively increasing altitudes. Daily walking distances range from 5 to 8 hours in high-altitude terrains, which present another challenge. Good fitness is required, but maintaining good health, physical fitness, and mental preparedness is highly recommended for ascending to high altitudes.
The trek to Renjo La and Cho La Pass with EBC 13 days in the mountains is definitely not simple due to its high altitude. Some sections of the trail are relatively challenging, with steep slopes and rocky terrain. Some parts of the trail can be prone to landslides and avalanches. Snowfall and rainfall can make the trek more challenging, so it is important to prepare with proper seasonal equipment.
Having an experienced guide and porter, proper rain and cold weather gear, staying in teahouses, taking rest days for acclimatization, walking slowly, and taking short, easy steps will help minimize the difficulty and make the Renjo La and Cho La Pass with Everest Base Camp Trek more enjoyable and hassle-free.
Acclimatization day to reduce the Altitude Sickness for the Trip
An acclimatization day is necessary to reduce the risk of high-altitude sickness during the 13-day Renjo La and Cho La Pass with Everest Base Camp. This trek takes place in a remote, high-altitude area of the Everest Region, starting at 2,800 meters and reaching Renjo La at 5,360 meters and at 5,420 meters. Along the way, trekkers pass through beautiful Sherpa villages, forests, and other high-altitude landscapes. As you ascend, oxygen levels and air pressure decrease compared to sea level. Once you reach an altitude above 3,500 meters, you may experience symptoms of altitude sickness, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, loss of appetite, tiredness, dizziness, and sleeplessness.
Namche Bazaar and Gokyo are designated as our acclimatization rest day in the itinerary for this Trip. This rest day help prevent altitude sickness and allow you to adapt to the environment. If you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness during the journey, it is important to address them immediately to avoid difficulties in completing the trip. To prevent these issues, you should follow your guide's instructions, as they are knowledgeable about high-altitude sickness.
To prevent altitude sickness, you should follow the itinerary closely, as proper acclimatization helps your body adapt to higher elevations. Additionally, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, eat a well-balanced diet with sufficient carbohydrates, maintain a comfortable pace, and avoid alcohol and sedatives.
When ascending on the 3,500 meters, be honest with your guide about how you are feeling. Your guide will advise you to walk slowly and may suggest that you sleep at a lower altitude before ascending further. This practice, known as acclimatization, helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness. However, if you continue to feel unwell despite following these recommendations, you should return to a lower altitude.
Requires Permits & Permits Cost for the Trek
The Renjo La and Cho La Pass Trek with Everest Base Camp route is situated within the Sagarmatha National Park in the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality in the Everest region of Nepal. Therefore, you need to purchase a Sagarmatha National Park entrance permit and a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entrance permit. Another required permit is the TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card, which is for your safety and security, as it helps keep track of trekkers' whereabouts in the region. All permits are mandatory for the Renjo La and Cho La Pass Trek with Everest Base Camp.
These permits can be obtained from a reputable trekking company, the Tourism Board (Bhrikuti Mandap), Kathmandu. The Sagarmatha National Park entrance permit can be buy in Monjo and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entrance permit can be purchased in Lukla after starting the journey. You or your guide must carry these permits throughout the trek, as you will need to show them and register at every checkpoint along the trail. If you attempt to trek without these permits, you will need to purchase them on-site at double the cost (as a penalty) or you may be forced to turn back. Requiring permits are given below:-
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entrance permits
- Cost: US$ 30 per person, per trek for all foreigners
- Cost: US$ 20 per person for SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) citizens
TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) Card:
- Cost: US$ 20 per person, per trek
Sagarmatha National Park Entrance Fees:
- Cost: US$ 30 per person, per trek for all foreigners
- Cost: US$ 15 per person for SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) citizens
Hire a experienced Trekking Guide for the Trip
The Renjo La and Cho La Pass with Everest Base Camp Trek is a challenging but rewarding trekking destination in the Everest Region. The route requires walking at higher elevations and can be difficult to navigate, especially around Renjo La Pass and Cho La Pass, making it essential to hire an experienced trekking guide. The trek involves navigating forests, villages, moraines, glaciers, and alpine terrain at higher elevations. Finding the right path can be mentally challenging and make the journey more demanding. An experienced guide will help ensure you stay on track and manage the trek and climb safely. A guide is invaluable for ensuring you reach your destination successfully and with minimal stress, assisting with navigation and supporting you every step of the way.
In addition to route navigation and trekking assistance, the guide will explain the local culture and natural surroundings, facilitate interactions with local people, and ensure a stress-free journey. They will also manage accommodation, food, transportation, and permits throughout the trip, and provide assistance in any situation. Our team of experienced and professional guides is dedicated to making your trek as comfortable and stress-free as possible, with full responsibility, care, honesty, and kindness.
Luggage Load Carried by Porters during the Trek
If you are doing Renjo La and Cho La Pass Trek with Everest Base trip with just a guide, it will be a cheaper journey, but the guide will not carry your luggage because they are professionals and have their own luggage to carry. In this case, you can hire a porter-cum-guide who handles both guiding and carrying your luggage, typically about 10 to 12 kg.
If you are in a group, we usually assign one porter for every two trekkers, so each trekker's luggage should weigh around 10 kg. If you hire a Porter, a porter typically carries 20 to 25 kg during the trek in Nepal. Trekking with both a guide and a porter highly recommended because they makes walking easier and gives you more free time to enjoy the trekking and climbing, resulting in a memorable trekking experience in Nepal during the Renjo La and Cho La Pass Trek with Everest Base Camp.
Accommodation in the Renjo La and Cho La Pass Trek
Accommodation options along the Renjo La and Cho La Pass with Everest Base Camp Trekking route are generally basic but comfortable teahouses. In popular places such as Lukla, Phakding, and Namche, there are sufficient accommodations, including some with luxury facilities. In other areas, especially during peak season, it can be difficult to find accommodation, but guides can manage this by making advance bookings via phone calls.
Normally, lodges offer basic private accommodation (typically with 2 beds per room) for twin-sharing, equipped with beds, blankets, and pillows. The bathrooms are commonly shared indoor facilities with squat and western toilets, and sometimes hot showers are available, often using solar power or a gas geyser for an additional charge. Every lodge has a communal dining area with a heater, especially in higher altitudes, where trekkers can eat, relax, and socialize with others.
Note: If you choose to use luxury accommodations, the cost is significantly higher than basic accommodations, but the facilities are also luxurious, resembling those of a star hotel
Food in Renjo La and Cho La Pass Trek
During the Renjo La Pass and Cho La Pass with Everest Base Camp Trekking, food options primarily consist of local Nepali and Sherpa dishes, with some basic Western options available in more developed areas. Every teahouse has a food menu, and the food items are almost the same at every teahouse in each location. You can choose food from the menu based on your requirements. Most teahouses grow fresh vegetables in their gardens and serve them to customers, especially at lower altitudes.
The cooks are generally trained, often hired from more urban areas, but the taste of the food might differ from Western cuisine. It is advisable to eat vegetarian during the journey because it can be difficult to obtain fresh meat due to the remote location and the predominantly Buddhist community along the routes.
Local Nepali and Sherpa food:
- Dal Bhat:A staple dish served to accompany, consisting of rice served with lentil soup (dal), seasonal vegetables, and pickle.
- Momos:Steamed or fried dumplings filled with vegetables, tuna fish, cheese, eggs, potatoes, or a mix, served with dipping sauces.
- Thukpa:An energetic noodle soup with vegetables and sometimes eggs, flavored with local spices.
- Tibetan Bread:Flatbread fried or baked, often served with honey jam or butter for breakfast or as a snack.
- Tsampa:Roasted barley flour, eaten as porridge or mixed with butter tea (suja). It looks similar to baby food.
Western and International Options:
- Pasta and Noodles:Available in tea houses, often prepared with local ingredients and sauces.
- Omelets:Commonly served for breakfast with items like omelet, fried, boiled, poached eggs, accompanied by Tibetan bread or toast.
- Potatoes and Vegetables:Sometimes served as standalone dishes or as sides with main meals, featuring various varieties flavored with local spices.
- Others: Soups, Piza, fried items, pancake, and some others
Beverages:
- Hot Drinks: All types of hot drinks such as tea, coffee, hot lemon, lemon ginger honey, and hot chocolate are available throughout the trek, but they are often served without sugar; sugar will be provided separately.
- Soft Drinks:Carbonated beverages like cola and Sprite, as well as bottled water, are available throughout the trek.
Drinking Water in Renjo La & Cho La Pass Trek
Safe drinking water is essential during the combining Renjo La and Cho La Pass Trek with Everest Base Camp due to its length of journey and high-altitude terrain. Staying hydrated is vital for completing the journey successfully, especially at high altitudes. It's recommended to consume bottled, boiled, or treated water to prevent waterborne illnesses and high altitude sickness. Bottled water is available at teahouses and shops along the route, with prices increasing as altitude rises, typically ranging from NPR 100 to NPR 500 per liter.
It's highly recommended that all trekkers bring a reusable water bottle for refilling from natural water sources. Many natural sources such as streams, rivers, and taps are available along the route, but this water should always be purified before drinking. Methods for purification include water purification tablets, filters, or UV purification. Your guide can also provide information about safe drinking water sources during the journey.
Communication in the Renjo La & Cho La Pass Trek
Average (neither good nor bad) mobile phone coverage is available along the Renjo La and Cho La Pass with Everest Base Camp Trekking route. Coverage can be irregular or non-existent in more remote sections, especially at higher altitudes. You can buy a local SIM card (Ncell or Nepal Telecom) in Kathmandu, which will provide coverage in many areas along the trek, though data speed and reliability may vary.
Internet services are also available in all lodges along the entire journey. Teahouses and lodges provide internet access for an extra charge. However, in places like Lukla and Phakding the quality and speed are good, and they may offer it free of charge. Electric power sources are available in lodges, but they charge extra, so battery life can be a concern. Carry a portable power bank to keep your devices charged is highly recommended for this trip.
Tipping information
The trekking and climbing guide, as well as the porter, is essential to the success of the trip, ensuring that it is completed smoothly and without issues. Tipping is an important aspect of trekking in Nepal, as it acknowledges and appreciates the hard work of the local staff who assist you throughout your journey. It is customary to tip at the end of the trek, and you should gather all team members (guide, porter, assistant guide) together to distribute the tip. Tips are generally given in cash, preferably in US dollars or Nepalese rupees, and it is best to use small denominations to facilitate easier distribution
While the typical guideline is to tip around 10% of the total payable amount, you can adjust this based on the quality of service provided. Recommended tipping amounts are as follows:
- Guide: $12-$15 per day
- Climbing Guide: US$ 80 total
- Porter: $8-$10 per day
- Assistant Guide: $8-$12 per day
These tips are highly recommended to motivate the team and reward them for their outstanding service, contributing to a memorable and inspiring experience.
Renjo and Cho La Pass with Everest Base Camp Trek – Travel Insurance Information
Travel insurance is essential for the Renjo La and Cho La Pass with Everest Base Camp trek, as well as for all trekking routes in Nepal. This is due to the long journey, adventurous nature of the trek, high altitude, varying environments, and remote locations far from your home country.
The route involves walking on hilly terrain and narrow trails at lower elevations, and crossing glaciers and moraines at higher elevations. During the trek, issues such as bad weather, flight delays, loss of belongings, high-altitude sickness, health problems, or other emergencies may occur.
In such situations, medical facilities are limited or may not be available, and transportation to a city for treatment can take considerable time. Emergency evacuation and medical care may be required quickly. Without travel insurance, these costs can be extremely high if paid directly.
Therefore, your travel insurance must cover all the above-mentioned risks and include coverage up to the maximum elevation of the trek (5,550 meters) for the entire journey, typically around 20 days from departure to return.
If you need reliable travel insurance, we can recommend reputable companies to ensure you are fully covered and safe, making your Renjo La and Cho La Pass with Everest Base Camp trek a memorable and hassle-free experience.
Required packing list for Everest View Trek
Travel equipment is essential to pack before your trip. Below is the recommended packing list. We understand it may seem like a lot to carry from home, so we suggest packing light and bringing only the necessary items. If you’re missing something, you can hire or buy it in Kathmandu, especially around Thamel.
These general items are suitable for all seasons while trekking in Nepal, but the list may vary depending on the season and the duration of your chosen trek. Therefore, it’s important to ask your trekking organizer for a detailed packing list specific to your trek. They will provide you with clear information about what to bring.
Requirement Documents for the trek:
- Passport and 4 passport size photos
- Travel insurance details (in case an emergency evacuation if needed)
- Boarding passes for flights
- Driver’s license (if needed)
- Cash USD
- Credit/Debit Card (Ensure you have $500 on your card in case an emergency helicopter evacuation is needed)
Logistics Things for the trek
- Sleeping bag (Comfort rating -15 Celsius recommended)
- Sleeping bag liner (Optional)
Footwear Things for the trek
- Trekking boots: one pair lightweight
- Sandals for city and tea house footwear
- Shoes for the plane and tea houses (Optional)
- Gaiters for hiking in winter to the base camp
- Thin, lightweight inner socks
- Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Clothing for Body
(Please make sure that you have non-cotton clothing for trekking)
- Base-layer t-shirts (e.g. running t-shirts)
- Fleece / Windproof jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Down jacket for warmth
- Travel clothes and City Wear
- Underwear
- Base-layer trousers (optional)
- Waterproof trousers
- Trekking trousers
- Trekking shorts (Optional)
- Gloves and wool hat
- bandanna or scarf
Health Requirements (Basic First Aid Kit)
- First-aid kit; should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea
- Re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking if any particular
- Wet wipes for cleaning can be purchased in Kathmandu
Others Necessary Things
- Sunglasses and Sun cream
- Towel
- Book (reading and writing materials)
- MP-3 /Music, headphones and ear plug (who know some people on group are snoring) as optional.
- Travel wash
- Hand sanitizer, wet wipes
- A day bag: 35 liters
- A duffel or rucksack with straps to go over your back (Max 12 kg of weight for porters to carry)
- Dry Liner or Dry Bag
- Water bottle/thermos/ camel bag: At least 2 L. Nalgen bottles best.
General Toiletries
- Toilet papers/ tissue
- Contact lenses, Glasses (if needed)
- 1 medium sized quick drying towel
- Tooth brush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
- Multipurpose soaps (preferably biodegradable)
- Nail clippers
- Face and body moisturizer
- Feminine hygiene products
- Small mirror
- On Personal Hygiene
- Wet wipes (baby wipes)
- Anti-bacterial hand wash
Others (Optional) Things
- Trekking Poles
- Large plastic bags – for keeping items dry inside your kit / duffel bag
- Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, and scrabble. (for luxuries)
- Binoculars (for luxuries)
- Trail Map/Guide book (if you are alone)
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