Starting from
USD 1900/personActivity
Hiking/ Trekking
Duration
21 Days
Difficulty
Challenging/Demanding
Arrival City
Kathmandu
Departure City
Kathmandu
Max Altitude
5555m/18225ft
Meals
20 Breakfast, 16 Lunch, 18 Dinner
Accommodation
3 star hotels in Kathmandu; and Tea House during trek
Best Season
March, April, May, September, October, November
Enjoy the tranquil setting of the Gokyo Valley, surrounded by snow-capped peaks
Stunning Himalayan views from the vantage point of Kalapatthar and Gokyo Ri
Pass the mighty Cho La Pass that connects Gokyo with the Everest trail
Experience the unique way of life in the high-altitude mountain region.
The Gokyo Ri Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp Trek is a great way to enjoy the serene views of the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and conquer the foot of the majestic Mount Everest, all while climbing the thrilling Cho La Pass. This adventurous yet rewarding trek takes you on a detour full of culture, natural beauty, solitude, and thrill.
Beginning your journey with a fantastic Kathmandu sightseeing tour, you will take a thrilling flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Passing through the lush forested trails and charming villages, you will come across the beautiful Nzogumpa Glacier on the way to Gokyo Valley. The emerald five Gokyo Lakes are standing still in the valley. You cannot miss the panorama of mountains from the top of Gokyo Ri.
Now, you will enter another adventurous phase of the trek near Thagnag. The Cho La Pass at 5420 m awaits your presence. This mountain pass remains icy and snowy most of the time. Even though crossing this pass is a huge challenge, the view from the pass is spectacular.
You will trek all the way to EBC after reconnecting with the standard Everest Base Camp trek. The stunning sunrise over Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other surrounding peaks from Kalapatthar will leave a strong picture that you will cherish for life. Likewise, you will end this amazing journey by returning to Lukla via Khumjung where you will meet closely with sacred Khumbila peak.
Our representatives will greet you and take you to the hotel when you arrive at the International Airport in Kathmandu.
You may wish to buy some trekking gear such as hats, t-shirts, walking sticks, trekking bags etc. which are easily found near your hotel.
In the evening, we will gather for a warm welcome dinner, graciously hosted by our company, where we will indulge in delightful conversation and exquisite flavors.
Dinner Included
Today, you’ll enjoy a half-day of sightseeing, visiting some of Kathmandu's most famous World Heritage Sites. First, you'll explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historic and cultural hub with its stunning temples, royal palaces, and intricate architecture. The square offers a glimpse into Nepal’s rich history and vibrant culture.
Next, you'll visit the Bouddhanath Stupa, one of the largest and most revered stupas in Nepal. Surrounded by monasteries and bustling with activity, it’s a peaceful and spiritual site where you can take in the sights and sounds of the local Buddhist community.
After your sightseeing tour, you'll have some free time to get ready for your trek. There are plenty of shops near your hotel where you can purchase any last-minute trekking gear like jackets, pants, hats, walking sticks, shoes, and more. This is the perfect opportunity to pick up anything you might need for your adventure ahead!
Breakfast Included
The journey begins with a scenic 25-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2800m), a small town with an airport that marks the start of your trek into the Everest region.
Upon arrival in Lukla, you’ll begin your trek to Phakding (2640m), which takes around three hours. Lukla itself is a small and bustling town with a few tea shops, lodges, hotels, and general stores, providing basic amenities for trekkers.
Your trek starts with a gentle climb up the mountainside, following the left bank of the Dudh Koshi River. Along the way, you'll enjoy stunning views of the valley to your right, with Kusum Kang (6367m) visible in the distance.
The trail then descends along mountainside paths, which will eventually merge into the Everest route. As you pass a Mani wall, the Dudh Koshi River comes into view, and you’ll finally reach the village of Phakding, where you’ll spend the night.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included
Today’s trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m) takes approximately four to five hours and offers an exciting and scenic journey.
Along the way, you’ll cross towering suspension bridges that span the Dudh Koshi River, adding a thrilling element to the hike.
Beyond Monjo village (2800m), you'll reach the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site established to protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. The park is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, including the endangered snow leopard and red panda.
The trail then steeply ascends toward Namche, and if the weather is clear, you’ll be rewarded with your first breathtaking view of Mount Everest in the distance. Namche Bazaar, the primary trading hub of the Khumbu region, is a bustling village known for its vibrant Saturday market. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture and get a closer look at Sherpa life.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included
Namche Bazaar is beautifully nestled between two ridges in the heart of the Khumbu region, surrounded by towering peaks. The village offers a charming blend of lodges, tea shops, and gift shops, creating a lively yet serene atmosphere. The breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains make Namche a perfect place to rest and acclimatize before continuing your journey to the small village of Tengboche.
For acclimatization, you have a few wonderful options. You can take a walk up to Khunde Hospital, which was established by the legendary Sir Edmund Hillary.
Another great option is a one-hour trek up to Syangboche (3800m), where the Everest View Hotel is located. From here, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kusum Kangaru.
Additionally, the National Park Centre and Museum, located just above the village, offers both fascinating insights into the region's history and wildlife, as well as incredible views.
Taking the time to explore and acclimate here will prepare you for the next stages of your trek, while also allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of the area.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included
Today, you'll journey north to Sanasa, but first, you’ll stop at a beautiful viewpoint that offers stunning views of several majestic peaks, including Mount Ama Dablam, Lhotse Shar, Taboche Peak, Kangtega, and Thamserku. The panoramic views here are a perfect opportunity to pause and take in the awe-inspiring mountain scenery.
At Sanasa, you’ll encounter a peaceful detour from the Everest Base Camp trek, which leads you across the slopes of Khumbila Mountain. Khumbila is a sacred peak for the Sherpa people, revered as the home of the patron God of the Khumbu Region. Out of deep respect for the mountain’s spiritual significance, it is never climbed.
From Sanasa, you’ll continue along the Phortse Thanga route, crossing the Dudh Koshi River, before making your way to the village of Phortse Thanga. The quiet, scenic path takes you deeper into the heart of the Khumbu region, where the serene beauty of the mountains and villages will surround you.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included
Today, the trail ascends from Phortse Thanga, leading you through lush pine and rhododendron forests, past beautiful waterfalls, and through expansive yak pastures. The peaceful surroundings make this day’s trek especially serene, with the sounds of nature and distant mountain views guiding you along the path.
As you continue, you'll pass several tea houses before the trail climbs steadily to a peak. After a short walk from there, you'll arrive at Luza, where the trail starts to ascend further up the edge of the valley. Along the way, you’ll pass through higher pastures and encounter Chortens adorned with colorful prayer flags, adding a spiritual touch to the landscape.
From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the eastern portion of the Gokyo Valley, along with striking views of Mount Taboche and Mount Cholatse. After soaking in the scenery, a short stroll will bring you to Machhermo, where you'll rest and spend the night, ready for the next day's adventure.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included
Today promises to be a day filled with awe-inspiring mountain views and a series of stunning turquoise blue glacier lakes. As you trek through the breathtaking landscape, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of towering peaks and crystal-clear lakes that shimmer in shades of blue, making for an unforgettable experience.
The views of the surrounding mountains will be simply extraordinary, with jagged peaks rising above the serene lakes. The vivid turquoise hues of the glacier-fed lakes are striking, creating a surreal and otherworldly scene. These natural wonders are a true highlight of the trek, offering the perfect combination of rugged beauty and tranquility that will stay with you long after you leave.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included
Today will be a memorable day as we explore the stunning Gokyo area and trek up to Gokyo Ri. The journey to the top of Gokyo Ri is challenging, with a steep ascent, but the views that await you will make every step worth the effort.
As you climb, you'll be rewarded with incredible vistas of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu, along with the sparkling Gokyo Lakes below.
From the summit of Gokyo Ri, the panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks and the vast expanse of the Himalayas will be absolutely breathtaking. The effort to reach the top will quickly fade away as you take in the extraordinary beauty of the landscape around you.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included
Today, we’ll begin our descent toward Thangma, a journey that will take approximately 4 to 5 hours. As we make our way down, you'll have the opportunity to take in the changing landscape, with the tranquil surroundings providing a peaceful contrast to the higher altitudes.
Upon arriving in Thangma, we’ll head to our tea house, where you can relax and unwind after the day’s walk. It’s a well-deserved rest, giving you the chance to recharge and enjoy the serene village atmosphere before continuing your adventure.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included
After breakfast, we will begin our trek toward Dzongla, located at an elevation of 4840 meters. Today's hike will take approximately 5 to 6 hours, with the highlight being our passage through Cho La Pass, which stands at a height of 5240 meters. This challenging section will test your endurance, but the views and sense of accomplishment make it all worthwhile.
Once we reach Dzongla, you’ll have time to relax and unwind at your tea house. The quiet village offers a peaceful atmosphere to rest after the day’s hike and prepare for the next stages of the trek. Enjoy the stunning mountain views and the serenity of this beautiful location.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included
After breakfast, we’ll begin our hike to Lobuche, where you'll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding mountains along the way. As you continue, you’ll stop for a well-deserved lunch at the tea house in Dongla.
The trail then zigzags up the rocks of the glacier's terminal moraine, and as you ascend, you’ll pass numerous stone caves, which have been built as tributes to the many Sherpas who lost their lives while attempting to summit Mount Everest. These memorials are a poignant reminder of the courage and sacrifices of the Sherpa community.
After reflecting on this sacred spot, the path continues gently along the glacier, leading you to the cluster of houses at Lobuche. Here, you can take in the stunning surroundings and rest, preparing for the next leg of your journey.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included
After breakfast, we will begin the climb from Lobuche (4900m) to Gorakshep (5180m), which takes about three and a half hours. The trail offers stunning views, and as you ascend, you'll be getting closer to the heart of the Himalayas.
Upon reaching Gorakshep, you'll enjoy lunch and take a brief rest before embarking on the final leg of your journey to Everest Base Camp (5486m). This hike will take around 4 and a half hours, and the route follows glaciers and snow-covered rocks, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
As you make your way to Everest Base Camp, you'll pass by numerous small ice lakes, and upon reaching the base camp, you’ll feel the immense power and grandeur of Mount Everest up close. After spending some time at the base camp, you will return to Gorakshep to rest and relax after an unforgettable experience.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included
After breakfast, we will begin the trek to Kala Patthar (5545m), with the round-trip journey taking approximately six hours. The morning will start with an early ascent to Kala Patthar to witness the stunning dawn over the Himalayas.
As the sun rises, you’ll be treated to one of the most breathtaking views in the world. From Kala Patthar, you will see the majestic Mount Everest and many other iconic peaks such as Mount Pumori, Mount Lingtren, Mount Khumbetse, Mount Nuptse, Mount Lhotse, Mount Ama Dablam, and Mount Thamserku. The panoramic vista of these towering mountains bathed in the soft morning light is an unforgettable experience.
After taking in the views, we’ll descend back to Pheriche (4243m), where you can relax. Pheriche is also home to volunteer doctors who are available to assist both hikers and locals, providing medical care as needed to ensure everyone’s health and well-being.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included
After breakfast, we will begin our trek to Tengboche (3870m), which takes approximately five hours to complete. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of some of the Khumbu region’s most famous peaks, including Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kusum Kangaru.
The trail offers a mesmerizing backdrop of these towering giants, making the journey even more rewarding. Once we reach Tengboche, you’ll have the chance to rest and soak in the serene beauty of the surroundings.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included
As we near the end of our climb, we will begin our descent to Khumjung, located at an elevation of 3780 meters. The walk to Khumjung is a pleasant and scenic journey, offering views of the beautiful landscape and the surrounding peaks.
Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the charm of the small village life in this region, where the local Sherpa culture is vibrant and welcoming. The tranquil atmosphere and stunning surroundings will make this a memorable part of your trek.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included
Today, we will trek down to the charming settlement of Phakding. The walk is pleasant, offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape as we make our way through the peaceful valley. Upon arrival in Phakding, we’ll check into our Tea House and take some time to relax.
You can spend the rest of the day exploring the village at your own pace, soaking in the local culture, and interacting with the friendly residents. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with the Sherpa people and learn more about their way of life in the Khumbu region.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included
Today, we will journey back to Lukla, trekking through lush green landscapes and breathtaking mountain vistas, passing by local Sherpa villages along the way. The hike will take around 4 to 5 hours, offering one last chance to absorb the stunning beauty of the region.
Once we arrive in Lukla, you’ll have some free time to explore the area while the guides reconfirm your flight tickets back to Kathmandu. In the evening, we’ll gather to celebrate the successful completion of our trek with a festive dinner.
Afterward, we’ll spend the night in Lukla, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of our journey through the Everest region.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included
After breakfast, you'll take a scenic flight back to Kathmandu. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your accommodation where you can unwind and relax after the trek.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Whether you choose to rest, explore the city, or do some shopping for souvenirs, you'll have plenty of time to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Kathmandu.
Breakfast Included
Today is your free day in Kathmandu to relax and unwind. You can explore Thamel, the largest tourist hub in the city, where you can shop for souvenirs, enjoy local cafes, or simply take in the vibrant atmosphere of the area.
In the evening, we will gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of your trek. It's a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the journey, share stories, and enjoy the company of fellow trekkers before your departure.
Breakfast, Dinner Included
Today, our representative will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the airport for your departure. We hope you’ve had an unforgettable experience and that you take with you wonderful memories of your journey through Nepal.
Thank you for choosing to visit, and we wish you safe travels and all the best for your future adventures!
Breakfast Included
Trekking from Lukla to Gokyo valley while passing villages like Macchermo and Dole can take you about a week. This duration can also depend on the pace of the trekker and acclimatization days included. Furthermore, exploring Gokyo Ri and rejoining the classic Everest Base Camp route after crossing Cho La Pass can take you around 4 to 5 days. Progressing with the trek to base camp and returning to Lukla can take around a week. In this way, trekking to EBC, Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass can take you anywhere around 18 to 25 days.
In a rewarding journey of the Gokyo Ri Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp Trek, you will cover approximately 115 km from Lukla to Gokyo Valley, then walk to Everest Base Camp and return to Lukla via Khumjung. In this round trip, you will elevate to several higher altitudes, with the maximum elevation of 5545 m at Kalapatthar.
The Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo generally starts from Lukla. Whether you choose your Gokyo Ri Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary clockwise or anticlockwise, you will begin the adventure from Lukla. However, if you are skipping the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, you can start your trek from Salleri or Jiri, too. Either you embark on the base camp trek first and follow the Gokyo valley route, or vice versa, trekkers mostly end their trek in Lukla.
Climbing Mount Everest is undoubtedly hard, but conquering the base of Everest via Gokyo and Cho La Pass is also a difficult journey. This trek is considered a moderately challenging trek where you will have to walk on the glacial moraines, take steep uphill and climb an icy mountain pass. On top of that, altitude adds an extra layer of difficulty in the trek. Furthermore, coping with the exhausting hours of walking in remote and secluded places can be daunting.
While trekking to Gokyo Lake and the Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass, you don’t have to cover any technical sections. However due to difficult terrain and altitude, this trek demands a good level of physical fitness and mental endurance. Moreover, prior high altitude trekking experience can be a plus point in this journey. Hence, if you have reasonable physical and mental fitness, you can easily complete this trek.
Likewise, if you are novice trekkers thinking of embarking on this journey, it is doable but you should make prior preparations properly. We advise you to first get hands on easy treks like Ghorepani Poon Hill trek or Annapurna Base Camp Trek so that it will be easy for you to deal with all trek challenges.
Furthermore, if you are someone looking for adventure with the ebay of both world, mainstream and remote trekking, this trek is made for you. However, if you have any health related issues, we recommend you to consult with your doctor first.
You can get the best of EBC Trek via Gokyo Lake if you set out during spring(March to May) and autumn(September to November) seasons. Known for the peak season for trekking in Nepal, these seasons offer the dry trails, pleasant atmosphere and incredible views. The crisp visibility of the mountain views along with rhododendron bloom along the trail makes this journey one of the best spring treks in Nepal. Moreover, the festive season that spreads throughout the trek during autumn
Mostly all the teahouses and lodges in the Gokyo Ri Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp Trek offer you a twin sharing room with beds equipped with blankets, pillows and mattresses, However, the lower region like Lukla and Namche Bazaar only may have attached bathrooms of western style. As you incline to higher elevation like Gokyo, Lobuche or Gorakshep you can get a traditional style shared bathroom. During peak season, the teahouses can get packed so it is better to make early booking rather than searching for accommodation at the last minute.
You can find basic yet fulfilling meals in the teahouses. These teahouses can provide you meals for all 3 times. i.e. breakfast, lunch and dinner.
For breakfast, you can have bread, khapse, eggs, yea, coffee, paratha, chapati etc. Likewise, dinner and lunch will have similar food options like dal bhat tarkari, chowmein, fried rice, momo etc.
You can also get hot drinks, soft drinks and even hard drinks. But we don’t recommend drinking hard drinks on the trek as it can delay your acclimatization process and keep you at the risk of altitude sickness.
Absolutely yes. Without the trekking permits, it is impossible to complete your Gokyo Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp Trek. You will need two permits. One is the Sagarmatha National Park Permit, which you will need to enter and access the trails within the national park. This permit will cost you around NRS 1500(around $15) if you are a SAARC national. Likewise, if you are citizens of countries other than SAARC nations, this permit will cost you around NRS 3000 (around $30).
Similarly, if you are Nepali, you will have to pay NRS 100 to acquire this permit. You can easily obtain this permit at the Tourist Service Centre in Kathmandu or at the gate of the national park in Monjo. Another permit you have to acquire is the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. You will have to pay NRS 2000(around $20) for this local-level permit.
The Gokyo Ri Cho La Pass Via Everest Base Camp Trek cost will sit around USD 1600 to USD 2500 per person. However, this cost can rise or drop according to the services you choose, the duration of your trek, the itinerary, and the highlights. If you want a budget-friendly trek, you can limit your service to a basic or moderate level and trek in groups. If you want to make the trek luxurious, you can choose opulent services, food, and even book a helicopter for the return instead of trekking.
The EBC Gokyo Trek takes you above 5000 m at various points, like Kalapatthar, Cho La Pass, and Gokyo Ri. Moreover, your trek starts above 2500 m from Lukla and quickly escalates to higher altitudes within the span of over two weeks. So, there are high chances of altitude sickness in this trek.
The key to avoiding high elevation sickness is altitude acclimatization. You should let your body adapt to the lower oxygen of the high altitude. Staying hydrated throughout the trek while properly resting and sleeping can boost your acclimatization to a greater extent. Moreover, you should try ascending slowly and take short breaks throughout the journey. If you suffer from mild symptoms of altitude sickness, you can stop ascending and take medications like Diamox to stop worsening the condition. However, if your condition worsens to shortness of breath, hallucinations, etc, you should immediately descend and seek medical help.
Being one of the moderately challenging treks in Nepal, it is necessary to make preparations beforehand to successfully complete the journey. Whether you are a seasoned trekker or just a beginning trekker, preparing physically and mentally will help you cope with the difficult terrain, mountain passes, and high altitude during the hike. It’s just that the intensity of the preparation can be different for each trekker.
Exercises like squats, lunges, planks, push-ups, etc, will increase your strength and stability. Likewise, cardio exercises like stair climbing, cycling, hiking, swimming, etc, will help to increase endurance and foster better circulation. Not only should you look out for physical fitness, but you should also prepare for mental resilience.
After walking long hours continuously for almost 3 weeks, it is normal to feel exhausted and want to give up. Hence, preparing mentally beforehand will help increase your determination and willpower. It will also foster decision-making amidst the chaos. Hence, you should build a strong mentality and adaptability, along with understanding the difficulties of the trek.
Mountain Adventure Trekking is prepared to provide you trekking and touring service for decades. Our well planned itinerary, English speaking guides and team members are just an email or phone call away from connecting you to the beautiful Everest region. From the reflective turquoise waters of Gokyo Lakes to the powerful presence of Everest itself, your every day on the trail of Gokyo Ri Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp Trek will be extraordinary. Contact us.
