Everest Two Passes Trek | 15 Days - Joyful Eco Treks | Nepal’s Best Trek and Tours Packages

Everest Two Passes Trek | 15 Days

Mount Everest, Solukhumbu District, Nepal

15 Days 14 Nights

Trek-region

Everest

Group Size

1-12 (Private & Small Group)

The Everest Two Passes Trek (Renjo La + Cho La) is a scenic, high-altitude route that combines the peaceful Gokyo Valley with the classic Everest trail. You cross two classic Himalayan passes (Renjo La and Cho La) and walk along the Gokyo Lakes, Everest Base Camp, and the sunrise viewpoint at Kala Patthar (5,555m).

It’s a challenging but rewarding trek for those who want more variety, big mountain scenery, and a greater sense of accomplishment than the classic EBC trek.

Trip Info 

  • Lukla (after flight from Kathmandu)
  • Lukla (flight back to Kathmandu)
  • Everest (Khumbu), Sagarmatha National Park
  • Everest (Khumbu), Sagarmatha National Park
  • Trekking/Hiking
  • Challenging
  • Feb–Jun, Sep–Dec
  • Kala Patthar (5,555m)
  • 3–8 hours (average 5–6)
  • Sagarmatha National Park Permit/Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee
  • Hotel + Teahouses
  • 15 Breakfast / 14 Lunch / 14 Dinner
  • Licensed guide; 1 porter for two trekkers

Why go?

The Everest Two Passes Trek (Renjo La + Cho La) is a high-altitude teahouse trek that combines the quieter Gokyo Valley with the classic Everest Base Camp route. You take on two iconic Himalayan pass crossings, Renjo La (5,360m) and Cho La (5,420m), making it a stronger, more varied alternative to the standard EBC trek.

You begin with a scenic flight to Lukla, then trek through Sherpa villages to Namche Bazaar before heading toward the Gokyo side of the Khumbu. After crossing Renjo La, you reach the striking Gokyo Lakes and often add the Gokyo Ri viewpoint. The trail then crosses Cho La to rejoin the main Everest route, leading to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and the sunrise climb to Kala Patthar (5,555m) before descending back to Lukla.

Trek Highlights 

  • Cross two iconic Himalayan passes, Renjo La (5,360m) and Cho La (5,420m).
  • Enjoy the stunning turquoise views of the Gokyo Lakes and the surrounding glacial valley.
  • Hike to Gokyo Ri for wide panoramas of Everest and other 8,000m peaks.
  • Experience the legendary Everest classics, including Everest Base Camp (5,364m).
  • Reach the famous sunrise viewpoint at Kala Patthar (5,555m).
  • Walk beside dramatic ice formations around the Khumbu Glacier.
  • Trek through iconic Sherpa hubs like Namche Bazaar with rich mountain culture.
  • Pass through high alpine landscapes, rugged ridgelines, and glacier terrain.
  • Stay in traditional teahouses and experience authentic Khumbu hospitality.

Tour Plan

You take an early mountain flight to Lukla, then begin the trek with a short, gentle walk down the Dudh Koshi valley. The trail passes small Sherpa villages, mani stones, and prayer wheels, helping you settle into the rhythm of trekking in the Everest region. You reach Phakding by afternoon, with time to rest or explore the riverside surroundings.

Trek duration: 3 hours (6.2 km)

Accommodation: Teahouse in Phakding (room with attached bathroom)

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Note: In peak time (Mar–May, Sep–Nov), the flight often operates to Manthali instead of Kathmandu. Flight time from Kathmandu is 40 minutes and from Manthali is 20 minutes.

You follow the Dudh Koshi River upstream, crossing suspension bridges draped with prayer flags and passing small Sherpa villages and pine forests. The trail continues through Benkar and Monjo, where you enter Sagarmatha National Park, then reaches Jorsalle for a short break before the climb.

After crossing the iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge, you begin the steep final ascent toward Namche Bazaar. As the trail gains height, the first clear Himalayan views start to open up, and you arrive in Namche, the lively Sherpa hub with shops, bakeries, and mountain culture all around.

  • Trek duration: Approx. 6 hours
  • Accommodation: Teahouse in Namche Bazaar
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Note: The last climb to Namche is steep, so pace steadily and stay hydrated.

You spend the day acclimatizing in Namche Bazaar while staying active on a short hike above town. The walk to Everest View Hotel offers wide panoramas of the Khumbu peaks and helps your body adjust to the altitude without overexertion.

You can continue toward Syangboche or hike to Khumjung and Khunde to experience traditional Sherpa villages, local monasteries, and everyday mountain life. Back in Namche, you explore the bazaar, visit cafes and bakeries, and rest well before heading higher.

Trek duration: Approx. 3 to 4 hours

Accommodation: Teahouse in Namche Bazaar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Note: Follow the acclimatization rule, hike high and sleep low.

You leave Namche Bazaar and take a quieter trail that follows the upper Bhote Koshi valley, away from the busy Everest Base Camp route. The path winds through forests, mani walls, and small Sherpa settlements, with open views of surrounding ridgelines and snow peaks.

Along the way, you pass Thamo Gumba, a peaceful monastery area, before continuing to Thame, a traditional Sherpa village known for its ancient monastery and mountaineering heritage. The afternoon stays relaxed, giving you time to explore the village and rest for the higher altitude days ahead.

  • Trek duration: Approx. 6 hours
  • Accommodation: Teahouse in Thame
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Note: This quieter route is ideal for steady acclimatization.

You trek deeper into the quieter Bhote Koshi valley, leaving the main Everest trail far behind. The landscape becomes drier and more open, with stone houses, yak pastures, mani walls, and long mountain views. The trail passes through Marlung, one of the larger settlements in the Thame valley, before continuing gradually upward.

As you gain altitude, the air feels thinner, and the pace naturally slows. You reach Lungden, a small high-altitude village, where you rest early and prepare for the demanding Renjo La Pass crossing the next day.

Trek duration: Approx. 6 hours

Accommodation: Teahouse in Lungden

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Note: Walk steadily and hydrate well to support acclimatization.

You start early for a challenging and rewarding day as the trail climbs above Lungden toward Renjo La Pass. The ascent is steep and rugged, with rocky sections and cold wind as you gain height. Reaching the prayer-flagged pass feels like a major achievement, with sweeping views of the Himalayan giants, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

From Renjo La, you descend carefully on rocky trails into the dramatic Gokyo basin. The route opens to the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and the impressive Ngozumpa Glacier before you arrive in Gokyo village for a well-earned rest at altitude.

  • Trek duration: Approx. 7 to 8 hours
  • Accommodation: Teahouse in Gokyo
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Note: Carry warm layers and move carefully on the descent if conditions are icy.

You take a well-planned acclimatization day in Gokyo, allowing your body to adjust before the next high pass. An early hike to Gokyo Ri is the highlight, offering some of the best panoramic views in the Khumbu, with sweeping mountain and glacier scenery.

After the hike, you return to Gokyo village and spend the rest of the day at a relaxed pace. You can explore the shores of the Gokyo Lakes, enjoy views of the Ngozumpa Glacier, and rest well for the upcoming crossing toward Cho La.

Preparation: Well prepared for the upcoming crossing toward Cho La.

Trek duration: Approx. 3 to 4 hours

Accommodation: Teahouse in Gokyo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Note: A slow pace and good hydration help acclimatization at this altitude.

You leave Gokyo and follow the valley trail alongside the dramatic Ngozumpa Glacier, walking through a stark alpine landscape of rock, moraine, and scattered yak pastures. The route stays quieter and feels more remote, with wide glacier views and surrounding peaks guiding the way.

The walk is shorter but still demanding due to the altitude. You reach Thangnak, a small settlement with a few teahouses, and rest early to prepare for the Cho La Pass crossing the next day.

  • Trek duration: Approx. 4 to 5 hours
  • Accommodation: Teahouse in Thangnak
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Note: Rest well tonight since tomorrow is a high pass day.

You start early for one of the toughest days of the trek as the trail climbs from Thangnak toward Cho La Pass. The ascent moves through rocky terrain and can include snow and ice, so careful footing and a steady pace matter. From the top of Cho La, you take in dramatic high-mountain views before beginning the descent.

The downhill section is steep at first and often the most technical part of the day. As the trail eases, you continue toward Dzongla, a quiet village set beneath towering peaks, where you rest after the long pass crossing.

Trek duration: Approx. 7 to 8 hours

Accommodation: Teahouse in Dzongla

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Note: Microspikes can be helpful if the pass is icy.

You leave Dzongla and follow a rugged high-altitude trail with wide mountain views and glacier scenery. The route passes the beautiful Chola Lake, then continues across moraine terrain as the landscape becomes more barren and dramatic. The air is thinner here, so the pace stays slow and steady.

As you approach Lobuche, you begin to feel the presence of the Khumbu Glacier and the Everest foothills around you. You arrive in Lobuche by afternoon, rest in the teahouse, and prepare for the Everest Base Camp day ahead.

  • Trek duration: Approx. 4 to 5 hours
  • Accommodation: Teahouse in Lobuche
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Note: Keep warm in the evening as temperatures drop quickly at this altitude.

You follow the rocky moraine trail beside the Khumbu Glacier, passing memorials and glacier viewpoints as the scenery turns wild and icy. After reaching Gorak Shep, you take a short break, refuel, and prepare for the final push higher.

You continue to Everest Base Camp, walking across glacial terrain with close views of the Khumbu Icefall area and surrounding peaks. After time at Base Camp for photos and rest, you retrace the trail back to Gorak Shep for the night, ready for the early start to Kala Patthar.

Trek duration: Approx. 7 to 8 hours

Accommodation: Teahouse in Gorak Shep

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Note: Walk steadily and dress in layers as wind and cold increase near Base Camp.

You start before dawn for the climb to Kala Patthar, the highest point of the trek and the best viewpoint for a close-up Everest sunrise. The trail is steep and cold, but the panoramic Himalayan scenery from the top makes the effort worth it.

After returning to Gorak Shep for breakfast, you begin a long descent through the upper Khumbu valley, passing familiar glacial landscapes and gradually returning to easier air. You reach Pheriche, a windswept settlement with wide valley views, and enjoy a more comfortable night at a lower altitude.

  • Trek duration: Approx. 6 to 7 hours
  • Accommodation: Teahouse in Pheriche
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Note: Keep layers accessible for the cold sunrise hike, then adjust as temperatures rise on the descent.

You continue descending through the Khumbu valley, passing stone walls, yak pastures, and classic mountain scenery as the trail becomes greener again. The route leads through Pangboche and then toward Tengboche, where prayer flags and monastery views add a peaceful feel to the day.

After crossing the river and climbing briefly, the trail continues through forests and familiar villages on the way back to Namche Bazaar. You arrive in Namche with time to enjoy a warm meal, relax in cafes, and celebrate the hard days already completed.

Trek duration: Approx. 7 to 8 hours

Accommodation: Teahouse in Namche Bazaar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Note: Use trekking poles to reduce strain on knees during the long descent.

You leave Namche Bazaar and descend on familiar trails back into the Dudh Koshi valley. The route crosses suspension bridges and passes through pine forests and small villages, with a mix of steady descents and short uphill sections that keep the day active.

You continue past Phakding and follow the river trail toward Lukla, where the trek began. After arriving, you check into the teahouse, enjoy your final evening in the Khumbu, and celebrate the completion of the Everest Two Passes adventure.

  • Trek duration: Approx. 6 to 7 hours
  • Accommodation: Teahouse in Lukla
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Note: Pack flight essentials separately since the next morning starts early.

You take a scenic flight out of Lukla, enjoying one last aerial view of the Khumbu valleys and Himalayan ridgelines. After landing, you transfer onward and wrap up the trek with time to relax and reflect on the journey.

In peak seasons, you often fly to Manthali/Ramechhap and then continue by road to Kathmandu. In other months, flights usually operate directly to Kathmandu, giving you a smoother return.

Flight time: 40 minutes (Kathmandu) or 20 minutes (Manthali)

Accommodation: Not included

Meals: Breakfast

Note: Peak seasons often use Manthali/Ramechhap for Lukla flights.

Included/Exclude

Cost Includes

  • Airport pickup and drop-off
  • Private transfers between the airport and your hotel
  • Domestic flights, Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu
  • Kathmandu – Manthali – Kathmandu (when flights operate via Manthali)
  • Hotel stay in Kathmandu
  • Accommodation during the trek (teahouses)
  • Meals during the trek (15 breakfast / 14 lunch / 14 dinner)
  • Water purification tablets for safe drinking water
  • Licensed trekking guide (English-speaking)
  • Porters during the trek (1 porter for two trekkers, 9 kg each)
  • All trek permits and fees
  • Water purification tablets + Medical kit support, including an oximeter
  • A farewell dinner on your last night in Nepal
  • All government taxes, and service chargess

Cost Excludes

  • International flights to/from Nepal
  • Kathmandu accommodation before and after the trek
  • Kathmandu meals before and after the trek
  • Any extra nights in Kathmandu
  • Tips for guide and porters
  • Nepal visa fees
  • Travel insurance with evacuation coverage
  • Personal trekking gears and equipments
  • Drinks, boiled water and extra teahouse costs
  • Snacks, tips, laundry, and personal expenses
  • Costs for rescue/evacuation (covered by your insurance)

Location Map

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