Everest Base Camp – Cho La Pass – Gokyo Ri Trek

On an exciting adventure with the Everest Base Camp – Cho La Pass – Gokyo Ri Trek. This thrilling journey takes you through the heart of the Everest region, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, tranquil lakes, and ancient glaciers. Trekking through traditional Sherpa villages, you'll experience the rich culture and warm hospitality of the locals. Highlights of the trek include crossing the challenging Cho La Pass, standing atop the scenic Gokyo Ri, and reaching the iconic Everest Base Camp. Suitable for trekkers with moderate experience, this trek promises an unforgettable Himalayan experience filled with adventure and natural beauty.

Trip Fact

DestinationNepal
Durations18 days
Trip DifficultyChallenging
ActivitiesTrekking
AccommodationHotel/Resort in City and Guest House during Trek
MealsBreakfast in City & All Meals during Trek
Mx.altitude5500m.
Group SizeMin. 1 Pax

Overview

Highlights

The feeling of reaching Everest Base Camp.
The fantastic views from Kala Patthar of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and many other peaks.
See the world-class mountaineers preparing for their Everest ascent.
Experience the culture, hospitality, and day-to-day lifestyle of the Sherpa ethnic group.
Become mesmerized by the turquoise waters of the alpine Gokyo Lakes.

Everest Base Camp –Cho La Pass – Gokyo Ri Trek is one of the famous adventure activity in Everest region. Crossing the Cho La Pass (5420m) to reach the Everest Base Camp (5364m) is a thrilling experience. The Cho La High Pass requires some technical skills, but with good fitness and acclimatization, you’ll have nothing to worry about. It is considered by trekkers to be a challenging, yet rewarding package. Throughout the journey, you will see several highest mountains in the world, reaching towards the sky. Some of these peaks include: Mt. Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Nuptse (7861m), Makalu (8481m), Kanchenjunga (8586m) and more. Gokyo Lake, Valley and Gokyo Ri are also highlights of this trek.

Everest Base Camp – Cho La Pass – Gokyo Ri trekking route includes a trip to the lap of Mt. Everest – Everest Base Camp. For trekkers who want to go a little bit beyond the Everest Base Camp Trek, this route is perfect for you. The trail passes through Lukla, Phakding, Namche bazaar, Dole, Machhermo, Gokyo, Thaknak and then crosses the Cho La Pass to join the usual route of the Everest Base Camp Trek. Those first days, you will find more solitude and beautiful desolation than on the EBC Trek. Passing through the villages, you will enjoy and observe the traditional Sherpa culture, customs and rituals, and enjoy the general hospitality. You’ll also get chances to learn about Tibetan Buddhism as you visit gompas and enjoy the various monuments along the trail. Gokyo Valley is beautifully located near the Gokyo Lake. The attractions on our day hike to Gokyo Ri include: the Everest Himalayan Panorama, the five Gokyo lakes and Ngozumba Glacier. Kalapatthar is another highlight of the trek, in which we get a 360-degree panorama of the Everest region peaks. It is also the literal high point of our trek. After the trail reaches Kalapatthar, we begin the trek down to Lukla and fly back to Kathmandu.

Everest Base Camp – Cho La Pass – Gokyo Ri Trekking is possible throughout the year, but Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) provide the best weather. During the Spring, there is a bit more color and the rhododendrons are blooming, and in the Autumn months, the skies are generally clearer. The Everest Base Camp – Cho La Pass – Gokyo RiTrek requires fitness and acclimatization to avoid acute mountain sickness. Shepherd Holidays arranges the trek with complete management. Please, feel free to contact us for more detailed information.

Detail Itinerary

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1Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.

"After your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our airport representative will greet you with khada (typical traditional Tibetian/Nepali scaff using for greetings) and escort you to the hotel. In the afternoon, you can take rest or explore the streets of Thamel nearby your hotel. In the evening, we will organize a short pre-trip meeting and introduce you with your trekking guide, who will brief you about the preparations to be done for the trip."

Overnight at Hotel

2Day 02

Pre-trip Meeting and Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley.

3Day 03

Fly to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla (2840 Meters) and trek to Phakding.

"Early in the morning, we catch a flight to Lukla from the Kathmandu domestic airport. We enjoy the incredible mountain views during the short flight. After landing, we begin our trek full of excitement. After passing picturesque Sherpa villages, their fields of crops, and many monuments toward Tibetan Buddhism, we see a spectacular view ofKusum Kanguru just as we arrive in Phakding. Overnight in a guest house."

4Day 04

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440 Meters) about 5 hours.

"After breakfast, we head to Namche Bazaar. The path leads us across several suspension bridges, while enjoying spectacular views of Thamserku. Following the Dudh Koshi River bank, we reach Monjo and officially enter Sagarmatha National Park. We continue along the river bank and eventually ciimb in altitude. We cross the highest suspension bridge of the Everest region, and again trek higher. We catch our first peek of Mt. Everest and continue to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in a guest house."

5Day 05

Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar.

"Today is our acclimatization day. We must take time to let our bodies adjust to the difference in altitude, as the air is thinner here. We take a short day hike up to Sagarmatha National Park Museum and Khumjung Village. From the museum, we can see a perfect view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and many more Himalayan peaks. Afterwards, we explore Namche Bazaar, a major trade center in the Khumbu region, densely populated by Sherpa people as well as trekkers who have finished or are preparing for the various Everest region treks. There is much to explore in the streets of Namche Bazaar. Overnight in guest house."

6Day 06

Namche Bazaar to Dole (4200m).

7Day 07

Dole to Machhermo (4470m).

8Day 08

Machhermo to Gokyo Lake (4800m). – 4-5 Hours.

"Today, we will hike from Machhermo to Gokyo Lake. The trail from Machhermo to Gokyo Lake is pleasant and relatively easy. We start by climbing a ridge for an excellent view down the valley to Kangtaiga, as well as Cho Oyu (8153m). The valley now widens as the trail passes through Phangkha. We head to the riverbank before climbing onto the moraine of the Ngazumpa Glacier on a steep trail. Upon crossing a bridge over a stream, the trail follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo. At the sight of the second lake, Taboche Tsho, we become mesmerized by the sheer beauty of the turquoise waters. A little further, we reach the third lake. Gokyo village stands by the third lake with Cho Oyu in the background.The whole scene in jaw-dropping. Overnight in a guest house.Upon arrival, you can explore around Ngozumpa Glacier and Gokyo lakes."

9Day 09

Gokyo rest, explore the Gokyo RI

"Gokyo is a trade center where Sherpa people run lodges and provide the best services to the trekkers. Gokyo is situated by the side of Ngozumpa Glacier, the biggest glacier in Nepal. Today, we will walk around the lake and we can make the side trip of the fifth lake as well if you are up for it. We will also hike up to Gokyo Ri, a stunning viewpoint to see the glacial lakes and massive peaks. Overnight at guesthouse."

10Day 10

Gokyo to Thaknak (4750m). – 4-5 Hours.

11Day 11

Begin at Thaknak, cross the Cho-La Pass (5367m) and trek to Dzongla (4850m). – 7-8 Hours.

"Today is going to be one of the toughest days of the trip, but the scenery distracts us from the difficulty. Have caution, as the trail is steep and the path may be icy and slippery. The trail from Phedi climbs through a ravine on a rocky trail. While trekking on the side of a frozen lake, we reach at the top of the pass. The pyramid-likel Ama Dablam presides over a range of mountains on the south. We pass through some crevasses before we reach Dzongla Village. The village provides great views of Cholatse, Ama Dablam, Lobuche mountains along with the Pheriche Village far below."

12Day 12

Dzongla to Lobuche (4940m). – 2-3 Hours.

"Today we follow the gorgeous trail through the remote areas of the Everest region. It is a desolate path until we reach Lobuche. We begin by walking along Chola Lake and continue in the Khumbu Valley, enveloped by high peaks and massive rock formations. It is a short trek, but somewhat difficult due to the altitude. The sunset view of Mt. Nuptse in the evening is marvelous. Overnight at guest house."

13Day 13

Lobuche to Gorak Shep- Everest Base Camp (5364m) – return to Gorak Shep (5170m). – 7-8 Hours.

"We are full of excitement today, ready to make our dreams come true. We have an early breakfast because we’ve got a long day ahead of ourselves. The trail to Gorakshep is mostly uphill and rocky. After having lunch and dropping our bags off at Gorakshep, we head to Everest Base Camp with our day pack. The trail is a steep, rocky incline.Everest Base Camp is located on the Khumbu Glacier, where we can see infamous Khumbu Icefall, Mt. Khumbutse and Pumori, though we are unable see Mt. Everest. After we take some snaps and celebrate, we head back down to Gorakshep. Overnight at guest house."

14Day 14

Early morning hike up to Kalapatthar (5550 meters) then trek down to Pheriche.

"After waking up early in the morning, we begin our climb to Kala Patthar. This is a major highlight of the Everest Base Camp Trek! The breath-taking views of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, and many others are right in front of us. After enjoying our time and taking some photos at Kala Patthar, we come back to Gorakshep and have a nice big breakfast. After, we descend to Lobuche. The trail goes downhill via the Khumbu Glacier. Eventually, we arrive to Pheriche. Overnight at guesthouse."

15Day 15

Pheriche to Namche Bazaar. – 6-7 Hours.

"In the morning, we have breakfast and head down to Namche Bazaar.After walking about one hour, we are back on our previous trail that we took on the way up to Everest Base Camp. The trail is mostly downhill, except a quick climb to Tengboche. If you want, we can revisit Tengboche monastery.After the lunch, we climb up to Kyanjuma for one and half hours and enjoy the gentle flat trail to Namche Bazaar. Tonight, we celebrate our successful Everest Base Camp Trek!!"

16Day 16

Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2860m). – 6-7 Hours.

"After having breakfast, we start head down to Lukla. We enjoy the last views of Mt. Everest, already looking forward to seeing it again. We cross six suspension bridges and pass several Sherpa villages before arriving in Lukla.After crossing the highest of the bridges, we walk for another 3 hours to Phakding and stop for lunch. We arrive in Lukla after about 2.5 hours of walking after Phakding. Time to enjoy the last night of the Himalaya in Lukla!"

17Day 17

Fly out from Lukla to Kathmandu.

18Day 18

Back to home.

If the provided schedule isn't suitable for you, we are able to create personalized travel arrangements according to your preferences and requirements.

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Cost Details

Cost Includes

Transportation to and from Tribhuvan Airport.
3 Star or above hotel in Kathmandu, breakfast included.
All transportation for the trek, including flights to and from Lukla.
Local guest house accommodation in mountain.
Government-authorized, experienced guide and porters.
Insurance, food, accommodation, and wage for guides and porters.
Hygienic meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
Douffle Bag, Sleeping Bag, Warm Layers (Returnable)
Shepherd Holidays' T-Shirt
Certification
First Aid Kit.
Maps.
Service charge and government taxes.
Sagarmatha National Park entry fee.
TIMS Card.
Post-trek celebration dinner in Kathmandu.

Cost Excludes

International Airfare.
Meals in Kathmandu (besides breakfast).
Your personal expenses, shopping, etc.
Shower and electronic charging fees at guest houses during the trek.
Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, tea and coffee.
Tips for guide and porter.
Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary.
Costs from unexpected occurrences (i.e. cancellations, weather problems, damages of property, illness, etc.).

Trip Route Map

Everest Base Camp – Cho La Pass – Gokyo Ri TrekMap

Good to Know

some essential things to know about the Everest Base Camp – Cho La Pass – Gokyo Ri Trek:

Physical Fitness: This trek involves challenging terrain and high altitudes. Prior hiking experience and a good level of physical fitness are essential.

Altitude Acclimatization: Proper acclimatization is crucial to prevent altitude sickness. The trek itinerary includes rest days and gradual ascents to help your body adjust to the altitude.

Pack Light: Carry only essential items as you'll be carrying your own gear throughout the trek. Pack layers for varying weather conditions and sturdy hiking boots.

Weather Conditions: Be prepared for unpredictable weather, including cold temperatures, strong winds, and potential snowfall, especially at higher altitudes.

Permits: Ensure you have all the necessary permits for trekking in the Everest region, including the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and TIMS card.

Guides and Porters: Consider hiring a local guide and porter for navigation assistance, safety, and cultural insights. They can also help lighten your load during the trek.

Hydration and Nutrition: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and carry water purification tablets. Eat nutritious meals to sustain your energy levels throughout the trek.

Altitude Sickness Awareness: Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of altitude sickness and know when to descend if you experience severe symptoms. Your guide can provide assistance and advice.

Emergency Evacuation: Be aware of the emergency evacuation procedures in case of any medical emergencies. Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking activities.

Responsible Trekking: Practice responsible trekking by respecting the environment, local culture, and fellow trekkers. Dispose of waste properly and support local communities along the way.

By keeping these essential tips in mind, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and memorable Everest Base Camp – Cho La Pass – Gokyo Ri Trek.

Travellers‘ reviews

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J
Mr. Justin Arthur
03 1st 2020
Chola Pass
Everest Base Camp – Cho La Pass – Gokyo Ri Trek is very thrilling trek. Chola Pass was really a beautiful day of my lifetime. Guide Mr Deepak and porters of Shepherd Holidays are kind hearted and helpful. They did their best to help us and run the trek smoothly. Highly recommended these guys. Cheers!