Everest Base Camp And Gokyo Lake Via Cho La Pass Trek
About this tour
The Gokyo Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp Trek is a challenging and scenic adventure combining the Gokyo Lakes, Cho La Pass (5,330m), and Everest Base Camp. This circular route offers breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, passing through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, Gorak Shep, and Kala Patthar.
Trekkers traverse forests, glacial valleys, and high-altitude passes, with highlights like the Gokyo Ri ascent (5,357m), the Ngozumpa Glacier, and a demanding but rewarding Cho La Pass crossing. The journey concludes in Lukla, marking an unforgettable Himalayan experience.
- Experiencing the exhilarating Lukla flight
- Landing at the world's highest altitude airport in Lukla
- Exploring the vibrant Sherpa culture in Namche Bazaar
- Experiencing the awe-inspiring Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Witnessing the remarkable Khumbu Ice Fall
- Enjoying panoramic vistas from Gokyo Ri (5,357m / 17,575ft)
- Crossing the challenging Cho La Pass (5,420m)
- Encountering cultural gems like prayer wheels, colorful flags, and Mani stones
- Reaching the iconic Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
- Admiring towering 8000m+ peaks, including Mount Everest (8,848m)
- Visiting Edmund Hillary funded schools and hospitals
- Soaking in the mesmerizing views from Gokyo Ri
- Exploring the serene glacial lakes of Gokyo Valley
- Achieving a profound sense of contentment at Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar
- Wandering through off-the-beaten trails adorned with lush vegetation in Gokyo Valley
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu, Nepal to Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
Welcome Dinner The day before our trekking expedition begins, we’ll gather for a memorable welcome dinner. It’s a perfect occasion for us to connect and become acquainted with one another before we set off on our exciting adventure. This dinner also provides a valuable opportunity for you to approach your guide with any final questions or concerns you may have.
Day 2: Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Chaunrikharka, Nepal to Phakding, Nepal
Flight to Lukla and Trek to Phakding Our adventure begins with a thrilling flight from Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,593ft) to Lukla (2,850m / 9,350ft), offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and a seemingly impossible airstrip below. Rest assured, the experienced pilots make this journey look effortless, having completed it countless times. Upon arrival in Lukla, our trek team will gather your belongings, and you can savor a cup of hot tea to kickstart your Himalayan experience. With excitement in the air, we set off on our trek towards Phakding, a charming village nestled at an altitude of 2,650m (8,562ft). This relatively short trek on our first day serves two purposes: it eases us into the trekking routine, and it allows for crucial acclimatization. Our trail leads us through the picturesque Chaurikharka Village, and we gradually descend to the banks of the Dudhkoshi River. As we meander along the river’s edge, we’ll arrive at Phakding, our welcoming haven for the night and the beginning of our remarkable journey to Everest Base Camp. With some extra time on hand, we may explore the enchanting Rimishung Monastery, adding a touch of cultural immersion to our Himalayan experience.
Day 3: Phakding, Nepal to Namche Bazar, Namche, Nepal
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar Today, we’ll keep heading north alongside the Dudh Koshi River, and this path will treat us to incredible views of snow-capped mountains all around. We’ll need to cross a few suspension bridges, and one of them is super famous – it’s called the Hillary Suspension Bridge. As we move forward, we’ll enter the Sagarmatha National Park. Here, we’ll register our permits and start climbing through a dense forest. Along the way, we’ll catch our first glimpses of Mount Everest, which is very exciting! But we’ll keep trekking until we finally reach Namche Bazaar. On this day, we’ll also need to walk over some more suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. If you’ve never been on one before (except the one from yesterday), it might feel a bit scary at first, but don’t worry, you’ll get used to it. When we arrive in Namche, you’ll see why this place is so important for climbers and trekkers. It’s a lively and bustling town, and it’s a hub for many mountain adventurers!
Day 4: Edmund Hillary School, Khumjung, Nepal to Khumjung Village, Khumjung, Nepal
Rest Day and Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar Today is our first full day dedicated to acclimatization, and there are plenty of things to do in Namche Bazaar. This town has lots of cozy cafes, restaurants, and hotels with Wi-Fi, as well as shops selling souvenirs and gear. You have several options for activities: you can visit the Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center, explore traditional Sherpa villages, check out the Hillary School, visit yak farms, or explore Buddhist monasteries. Remember, acclimatization doesn’t mean just sitting around! The best way to help your body adjust to the high altitude is to stay active. So, why not explore some of the beautiful places nearby? Khumjung village is famous for its ancient monastery, which was restored after the 2015 earthquake, and its connection to Sir Edmund Hillary. Sir Edmund also played a big role in setting up the Khunde Hospital and Khumjung School, showing his appreciation to the Sherpa people in this area. And, of course, you came here to see Mount Everest! You can get an amazing view of Everest from the Everest View Hotel. It’s a nice hike to the hotel, and once you’re there, you can enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the spectacular view of Everest from their terrace. So, make the most of your day and explore these incredible sights!
Day 5: Namche Bazar, Namche, Nepal to Dole, Khumjung, Nepal
Trek from Namche to Dole Today, after a hearty breakfast, we start our hike. We’ll climb up the Dudh Koshi Valley, and then we’ll go down into forests filled with tall pine trees and colorful rhododendron flowers. Along the way, you’ll see lots of Buddhist stupas and beautiful waterfalls. Plus, you’ll be amazed by the views of mountains like Thamserku, Everest, and Ama Dablam – they’re really impressive! When we come to a fork in the trail, we’ll turn left. This is where our path takes a different route from the classic Everest Base Camp trek. The classic trek goes towards Tengboche, but we’re headed to Dole. The trail to Dole is a bit rocky, and there are some ups and downs. After about two hours of walking, we’ll reach a place called Mong La Pass (3,957m / 12,982ft). From here, you can get some incredible views of mountains like Mt. Ama Dablam (6,812m / 22,349ft) and Mt. Khumbila (5,761m / 18,901ft). As we keep going, our path takes us downhill through more forests with pine and rhododendron trees. We’ll also pass by a riverside village called Phortse Tenga. But we won’t stop there; we’ll keep moving until we reach Dole, where we’ll spend the night.
Day 6: Dole, Khumjung, Nepal to Machhermo, Khumjung, Nepal
Trek from Dole to Machhermo On this day, we leave behind the village of Dole (4,200m / 13,270ft) and continue our ascent to higher altitudes. Our path takes us through picturesque meadows that serve as grazing grounds for yaks. Alongside, you’ll notice numerous shrines and colorful prayer flags, adding a touch of spirituality to the landscape. During the summer months, these meadows are lush and green, with yaks peacefully grazing. However, in the winter, the region turns barren, and even the locals move to lower areas to escape the harsh cold. As we look ahead, the majestic Mt. Cho Oyu, which ranks as the fifth tallest mountain in the world, comes into view. Our trail then leads us to the Lapahrma village, followed by Luja, before finally reaching our destination for the day. This beautiful and scenic trail is marked by a steep climb that takes us through scrub juniper. As we depart from Dole, the first half-hour involves an uphill gradient, followed by a more gradual incline for the rest of the journey. The Dudh Koshi River flows far below, and as we hike towards the cozy teahouse settlement of Machhermo (4,470m / 14,450ft), the trail leads us to a ridge above the village. Here, we are treated to stunning views of Thamserku, an awe-inspiring mountain. Today’s trek will last around 5-6 hours.
Day 7: Machhermo, Khumjung, Nepal to Gokyo, Khumjung, Nepal
Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo Today is dedicated to exploring the stunning Gokyo Lakes. After about an hour of trekking, we will cross elevated grazing lands and reach Phanga. Here, you can see memorials dedicated to those who lost their lives during landslides in the region. As we continue our journey, the paths become narrower, leading us to the outlet of the first Gokyo Lake, the smallest among the five major Gokyo lakes. A short walk from there brings us to Gokyo village, one of the highest settlements in Nepal. In the heart of the Gokyo Valley, you’ll encounter an uphill trail that leads to the famous Gokyo Ri viewpoint. This viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Day 8: Gokyo Ri, Khumjung, Nepal to Gokyo Lake, Khumjung, Nepal
Rest and Acclimatization at Gokyo with a Visit to Gokyo Ri Viewpoint On the seventh day, we have a well-deserved rest day in Gokyo to acclimatize to the high altitude. During this day, we will explore the breathtaking Gokyo Valley. One of the highlights of the day is our visit to the renowned Gokyo Ri viewpoint, which stands at an impressive altitude of 5,400 meters (17,814 feet). From the summit of Gokyo Ri, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring views of four of the world’s six highest mountains: Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,485m), and Cho Oyu (8,188m). This viewpoint offers a unique perspective on these towering peaks, making it a must-visit destination. Additionally, we’ll have the opportunity to explore the other mesmerizing Gokyo Lakes, adding to the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. This day of acclimatization ensures that we are well-prepared for the higher altitudes to come in our journey.
Day 9: Gokyo, Khumjung, Nepal to Dragnag, Khumjung, Nepal
Trek from Gokyo to Thangnak Having acclimatized for a day in the beautiful Gokyo village (4,790m / 15,584ft), we continue our trek with Thangnak as our destination. Along the way, we’ll encounter the vast Ngozumpa Glacier. The trail itself has its share of ups and downs, but it’s a relatively shorter trek, and you won’t be gaining any significant altitude. Thangnak village is nestled alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier in a tranquil setting. It’s strategically located, making it an ideal stop for trekkers planning to cross the challenging Cho-La Pass (5,330m). A brief hike from here takes us to the fourth Gokyo Lake, or more precisely, to a viewpoint above the lake. As we continue trekking, we’ll traverse glacier and rocky terrain until we reach Thangnak. This village has only a handful of teahouses, and it serves as the base for everyone gearing up to conquer the Cho-La Pass on the following day. Today’s trek will last approximately 5 hours.
Day 10: Cho La Pass, Khumjung, Nepal to Green Valley Lodge Dzongla, खुम्जुंग, Nepal
Trek from Thangnak to Dzongla via Cho La Pass Today is a challenging day as we depart from Thangnak (4,700m / 15,400ft) and embark on a hike over rocky trails and glacial moraines to reach the summit of the formidable Cho La Pass (5,420m / 17,783ft). We’ll start our journey in the very early morning hours. After a couple of hours of strenuous trekking, we’ll conquer the Cho La Pass, which rewards us with breathtaking vistas of Cho La Lake and the imposing Mt. Cholatse (6,440m). As we descend from the pass, the trail can become icy and slippery, so we must proceed with caution. Despite the challenges, the scenery along this route is truly delightful. After approximately seven hours of trekking, we’ll reach our destination for the day, Dzongla (4,855m / 15,930ft). It’s a long and demanding day, so an early start, around 3 am, is essential to tackle the Cho La Pass. This pass serves as a crucial link between the main Everest Base Camp trail and the Gokyo region. Crampons are necessary for parts of this pass, especially when navigating the glacier. We’ll wrap up this tough but rewarding day at Cho Dzongla village, where we can finally rest and enjoy a hearty dinner. The stunning views along this route more than make up for the challenges.
Day 11: Green Valley Lodge Dzongla, खुम्जुंग, Nepal to Lobuche, Khumjung, Nepal
Trek from Dzongla to Lobuche On the tenth day of our journey, we bid farewell to Dzongla and commence our trek. We’ll follow the moraine, descending alongside Chola Lake, and then continue our path along the Khumbu Glacier. Along the way, we’ll come across memorial statues dedicated to climbers who lost their lives in this region. Compared to the challenges of the previous day, today’s hike to Lobuche should be more enjoyable. As we progress, we’ll be following the Imja Khola. After approximately four hours of trekking, we’ll arrive at our destination for the day – Lobuche (4,910m / 16,175ft). This marks our return to the classic Everest Base Camp trek trail.
Day 12: Everest Base Camp, Khumjung, Nepal to Gorakshep, Khumjung, Nepal
Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp and Return to Gorak Shep This day is nothing short of remarkable as you’ll reach the famed Everest Base Camp. The journey kicks off in Lobuche and involves a significant elevation gain as we approach Gorak Shep. Upon reaching Gorak Shep, we’ll leave our belongings behind and make our way to the Everest Base Camp itself. Arriving at Everest Base Camp (EBC) is a monumental achievement, a testament to your unwavering determination and consistent physical effort throughout the trek. This accomplishment will undoubtedly transform you and instill a sense of fulfillment. The views from EBC are nothing short of breathtaking, with the expansive Khumbu Glacier spread out before you. We recommend capturing as many pictures as possible; these moments will serve as cherished mementos for the rest of your life. After soaking in the sights and experiences at EBC, we’ll trek back to Gorak Shep for the night. Rest assured, another extraordinary day is still in store for you on this incredible journey. Today’s trek will last approximately 6-8 hours.
Day 13: Kala Patthar, Khumjung, Nepal to Pheriche, खुम्जुंग, Nepal
Hike to Kala Patthar Viewpoint, Trek to Gorak Shep, and Then to Pheriche In the early morning hours at Gorak Shep, we’ll rise and embark on a hike to the iconic Kala Patthar viewpoint (5,555m / 18,208ft) to witness the break of dawn over the majestic Everest Mountain. The sights you’ll behold are unparalleled and truly awe-inspiring. After spending some quality time absorbing the breathtaking views at Kala Patthar, we’ll descend to Gorak Shep for a well-deserved breakfast and some rest. Our next destination for the day is Pheriche. As we depart from Gorak Shep, our trail leads us along the Khumbu Glacier towards Everest Base Camp, passing by numerous fluttering prayer flags along the way. This round trip to Everest Base Camp will take approximately 4 hours. We’ll return to Gorak Shep for breakfast before setting out on our journey to Pheriche, which is approximately a 4-hour trek. In Pheriche, you’ll find the Himalayan Rescue Association Clinic, which specializes in altitude sickness treatment for trekkers and climbers, as well as providing medical assistance to the local population. They also conduct educational sessions on altitude sickness and offer aid to porters in need of medical attention.
Day 14: Pheriche, खुम्जुंग, Nepal to Namche Bazar, Namche, Nepal
Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar On this day, we’ll wake up in Pheriche and set our sights on Namche Bazaar as our destination. The trail will lead us through enchanting forests where we might have the chance to spot wildlife such as pheasants, musk deer, mountain goats, and more. Along the way, you’ll encounter numerous prayer flags and chortens, and this day presents your last opportunity to catch a glimpse of Mt. Everest. As we continue our trek, we’ll eventually arrive in Namche Bazaar, where we’ll spend the night. While this day involves a substantial amount of hiking, the descent in altitude makes the journey feel somewhat easier. You’ll also notice the temperature rising, which is a welcome change after the cooler days you’ve experienced earlier. The return of lush forests and greenery gives this part of the trail a different character compared to what you’ve encountered thus far. Upon reaching Namche Bazaar, a comfortable hotel and a delicious dinner await you, providing a well-deserved rest after your trekking endeavors.
Day 15: Namche Bazar, Namche, Nepal to Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Chaunrikharka, Nepal
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and this marks your final day on the trekking trails. After enjoying breakfast, we’ll embark on a descent along a steep trail, cross the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge, and pass through several local villages. The majority of our trek today will take place within the Dudh Koshi River Valley and its picturesque surroundings. Upon reaching Lukla, we’ll freshen up at our hotel and take some well-deserved time to relax. This is likely to be your last night in the Khumbu region, and it’s a moment worth celebrating. You’ve triumphed over numerous challenges, and your accomplishments are certainly cause for reflection and joy.
Day 16: Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Chaunrikharka, Nepal to Tribhuvan International Airport, काठमाडौँ, Nepal
Fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla If all goes according to schedule, you’ll board an early morning flight back to Kathmandu. This 40-minute flight will provide a relaxing journey. During this time, you may find yourself reflecting on your incredible journey to Everest Base Camp and feeling excited about reuniting with your loved ones back home. Once again, the flight will be spectacular, offering captivating views of mountains and farmland until you finally arrive in the city of Kathmandu. We will be there to escort you to your hotel and offer any tips or guidance you may need on how to make the most of the remainder of your day in Kathmandu.
What's included
- Pre-trek online personal advice - Round trip flight from Kathmandu to Lukla - All permits - Bedroom in teahouse lodges during trek - Three meals per day during trek - Government registered, well experienced, English speaker and friendly local trekking guide - Staff fees with all their expenses and necessary insurance - Welcome dinner - Agency's gift
- Nepal visa fee - Health insurance with heli-rescue up to 6,000m (compulsory) - Personal expenses due to flight delay - Any expenses which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, political trouble, and strikes etc. - Personal expenses (phone charging, WiFi, hot shower, laundry...) - Drinks and Bar Menu - Breakfast on the first day, lunch and dinner on the last day - Gratuity (optinal) - Accommodation in Kathmandu - International flight
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Kathmandu, Nepal to Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal