In many ways, the 2 Passes option is the best way to return to Namche from Chukhung. Being relatively smooth, a gentle angle, and with fewer trekkers, Gokyo Valley is undoubtedly the nicest descent trail. Doing two 5000-meter passes will tax the engine, but once over Cho La it’s a pretty good run until you get close to the river at Phortse Tenga. There, you begin a 350-meter climb back up to Mong La (a small collection lodges) before the rolling cruise back to Namche.

We once did 2 Passes intending to fully loop back to Chukhung, but we stopped for the night at Machhermo, finishing it up the next day. This is also an option to drop to lower elevation and go back up.