Everest Base Camp, Cho-La Pass and Gokyo Trek

Highlights:

• A challenging trek in the Khumbu region for experienced trekkers.
• Start the journey with a thrilling Lukla flight.
• Acclimatization hike to the Hotel Everest View and Gokyo Ri.
• Explore the stunning Gokyo Lakes and cross the Cho La pass.
• Hike to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.
• Experience the daily life of Sherpas and other mountain communities.
• Witness diverse landscapes and mountain vistas throughout the trek.
• A fantastic trek for anyone seeking an extra exhilarating experience.

Overview:

The Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass trek is one of the most adventurous and demanding EBC itineraries. This 16-day trek combines a visit to the beautiful Sherpa villages, the stunning Gokyo Lakes, a crossing of the Cho La pass, and an exploration of Everest Base Camp. Throughout the trek, you will witness breathtaking landscapes and mountain views.

The journey is exhilarating and life-changing. You will trek through diverse climatic zones, enjoying varying sceneries and vegetation. The highest point reached during the trek is Kala Patthar, situated at 5,545 meters. However, you will go above 5,000 meters multiple times along the way.

If you are looking for something more than the usual EBC trek, we highly recommend the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass trek. This itinerary takes you on offbeat and less crowded trails, so trekkers must be physically fit. This trek is suitable for those with previous high-altitude experience.

What to Expect During the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass Trek:

The Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass trek offers breathtaking panoramas of Mt. Everest (8,849 m/29,032 ft). You will also see many other mountains, including Kanchenjunga (8,586 m/28,169 ft), Lhotse (8,516 m/27,940 ft), Cho Oyu (8,188 m/26,864 ft), Nuptse (7,861 m/25,791 ft), Ama Dablam (6,812 m/22,349 ft), and more.

During the first few days, you will follow the mainstream EBC trail, enjoying the beauty and bustle of the classic route to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m/17,598 ft). You will then explore Kala Patthar (5,545 m/18,129 ft) and begin traversing the less-visited side of the Khumbu region.

Cross the Cho La pass (5,420 m/17,782 ft) and enter the Gokyo Valley. The less crowded, offbeat trails, along with heavenly sceneries, will take you to the Gokyo village (4,790 m/15,715 ft). You will come across the largest glacier in Nepal and reach the Gokyo village, exploring the stunning Gokyo Lakes.

The next day, hike to Gokyo Ri (5,480 m/17,979 ft), a viewpoint famous for its outstanding sunrise and views of Mt. Everest and other mountains. If you decide to hike to the fourth and fifth Gokyo Lakes, you will go deep into the Gokyo Valley and also come across Mt. Cho Oyu Base Camp.

These areas are isolated, and you may not encounter locals frequently. You will be surrounded by the tranquil and soothing aura of the Himalayas.

Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass Itinerary:

The Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass trek starts with the Lukla flight. In two days of walking through rhododendron forests and crossing the Dudh Koshi river multiple times, you will reach Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,290 ft). Go on an acclimatization hike to the Hotel Everest View and continue trekking to Tengboche village.

The trail goes through Deboche and Pangboche villages to Dingboche. Here, you will take a second acclimatization break. You will keep following the mainstream EBC trail until you reach Everest Base Camp. From Dingboche onwards, you will walk via the glacier field and pass by Lobuche and Gorak Shep settlements.

On the way, follow the Khumbu Glacier and also walk through its moraines. The final ascent to Everest Base Camp includes walking on steep, rocky tracks. The following day, hike to Kala Patthar and retrace the route back to Lobuche village. From here, you will follow a different route to Dzongla. The trail then ascends to the top of the Cho La pass.

Crossing Cho La pass is quite challenging. Further, descend to Longponga (4,720 m). You will walk across the largest glacier in Nepal, Ngozumpa, and pass by the two stunning lakes before reaching Gokyo village. Hike to Gokyo Ri and the fifth Gokyo Lake before you begin to return trekking on day 13. You will follow a less crowded route to Dole.

From Dole, trek to Namche Bazaar. The trail then steeply descends from here to Phakding. Phakding to Lukla is an uphill walk. You will take a short flight back to Kathmandu, which marks the end of the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass trek.

Who Can Do the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass Trek?

The Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass trek is for experienced trekkers with good physical and mental fitness. This trek is much more challenging and requires daily long walking durations on off-the-beaten trails. We do not recommend this trek for children unless they are accustomed to wilderness.

Once you are off the main EBC trail, the region is quite remote, and the tourist infrastructure is very limited. If this is your first time trekking in the Himalayas, we recommend considering these packages in the Khumbu region: Everest Base Camp trek, Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return, and luxury Everest Base Camp trek.

EBC with Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass Trek Preparation and Packing:

To prepare for the EBC with Gokyo Lake and Cho La pass trek, you do not have to do much. Long walks and day hikes are enough. You can also incorporate regular exercise focusing on your leg muscles, core strength, and stamina. Activities like swimming, cycling, running, etc., will help you increase your stamina. You can also walk or jog on treadmills.

Follow our packing list below and get the trekking clothes and gear as per that. If you are buying new trekking shoes, then get them early and get used to them to avoid any blisters during the trek. Likewise, do not forget to pack any medicines that you may need.

• Base layers (quick dry and moisture-wicking)
• Undergarments
• Trekking shirts, trousers
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers
• Down jacket
• Gloves, socks, sunhat, bennie, scarf
• Trekking boots and sandals
• Backpack
• Trekking poles
• Quick dry towel
• Sleeping bag
• Water bottles and water purification tablets
• Sunglass
• Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, facewash, moisturizer, sunscreen, lip balm, toilet paper, wet tissue, comb, etc)
• Personal medication
• Hand sanitizer
• Snacks, adapter, camera, power bank, charger, journal, pen
• Passport, Visa, permits, photos, cash

Explore the Best of the Khumbu Region:

We offer many trekking packages in the Khumbu region with different difficulty levels. You can pick the one that best suits your fitness. With three acclimatization days in our Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass trek itinerary, trekkers get ample time to go on side hikes and rest and recover.

We do not rush, and therefore, our guests spend quality time in the mountains and with locals. You can customize the itinerary if you want any changes. Because we are a 100% local Nepali trekking company, you will get a very wholesome experience from the start to the end of the trip. All the trip details are handled by our local team.

Likewise, we have a genuine Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass trek cost. Bookings are open for 2024 and 2025 departures. Get in touch with us anytime for any support.

Everest Cho La Pass Lukla Flight Content:

In the peak trekking seasons, i.e., spring and autumn, the Lukla flights are operated from Ramechhap Airport instead of Kathmandu Airport. It is because of high air traffic. To drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap Airport, you leave your hotel around 1:00 AM – 2:00 AM. It takes around 4 to 5 hours to drive.