EBC CHOLA PASS GOKYO TREK

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  • DURATION19 Days
  • DIFFICULTY-LEVELFairly Strenuous
  • GROUP SIZE1-14
  • MAX ALTITUDE5555

Highlights

  • Visit cultural heritage sites in Kathmandu
  • Fly over the Himalayas to reach Lukla
  • Follow the trail through the Sagarmatha National Park
  • Explore Namche Bazar
  • Pass by beautiful villages and get to see the lifestyle of the locals
  • Visit ancient monasteries along the Route
  • Explore EBC and hike to Kala Patthar
  • Cross Cho La Pass
  • Visit Gokyo village and hike to Gokyo Ri & Gokyo Lakes
  • Witness stunning mountain views and breath-taking landscapes

Trip Overview

Everest Cho La Pass and Gokyo Trek explores the hidden wonders of the Khumbu region and takes you on an adventurous venture beyond the Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar into the stunning Gokyo Valley, crossing Cho La Pass.

Everest Cho La Pass & Gokyo Trek is the extended version of the usual Everest Base Camp Trek. The trek combines the base of the world's highest mountain- Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), hike to the famous vantage point of Khumbu region- Kala Patthar (5,545 m), the crossing of challenging Cho La Pass (5,420 m), and an excursion to stunning Gokyo Lake (5,000 m). Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek is an ultimate adventurous journey for travel-lovers looking to go beyond the EBC and explore the more hidden parts of the Everest region.

Reaching the base of Mt. Everest is a huge achievement itself. The Everest Cho La Pass & Gokyo Trek package is an adventure trek in Everest Region in Nepal. The EBC Chola Pass trek surely tests your endurance and helps you raise your bar in the Himalayas. You have to be physically fit with prior trekking experience to go on Everest Cho La Pass & Gokyo Trekking. The trail involves uncountable numbers of ascends and descends along with many steep & rugged sections. You will be walking through dense forests, above rushing rivers, moraines, and glaciers.

Trekking through the remote mountain villages, you will reach Namche Bazar and further ascend to Everest Base Camp via Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche villages. On the way, the trail passes by lush forests of rhododendron and offers you breath-taking views of the Himalayan Mountains. Explore EBC and Kala Patthar before leaving for the Gokyo Valley. From Kala Patthar, you will descend to Dzongla and move towards the top of Cho La Pass. Crossing the pass, drop down to Thangnak and continue the trek to picturesque Gokyo village. Further, the trail descends to Machhermo and goes through Namche Bazar to Lukla.

You get to see the lifestyle of the locals and their rich cultural heritage on Everest Cho La Pass & Gokyo Trek. Get blessings in different monasteries and observe the practices of the locals closely. Likewise, taste delicacies that are only found in this part of the world and have unforgettable moments throughout the trek. Feel free to send your queries to us. We would love to answer all of your questions and possibly create lifelong memories too.

Major Attractions Everest Cho La Pass & Gokyo Trek

Sightseeing in Kathmandu

We have added a guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley in our Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek package cost. The tour will be led by a professional tour guide. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the largest stupa of Nepal- Boudhanath Stupa, the holy Pashupatinath Temple, the famous Monkey Temple- also known as Swayambhunath, and the Kathmandu Durbar Square. During the tour, you will get to know in-depth about the history, architecture, and art of Nepali people.

Fly over the Himalayas to reach Lukla

Lukla is the starting point of the trek and a 35 minutes flight from Kathmandu is the quickest way to reach there. Located at 2,860 meters, Lukla airport is famous for its short runway at such a height. The flight offers breath-taking aerial views of the Himalayas and lush green hills. Travelers say, "Lukla flight is one of the thrilling flights we have boarded in our lifetime", and we cannot agree less.

Follow the trail through the Sagarmatha National Park

The trail from Lukla descends to Phakding and heads towards Monjo from where the Sagarmatha National Park begins. The trail goes through the national park, where you might get to see Himalayan birds and animals. Likewise, most of the route goes through dense forests of rhododendron, juniper, fir, oak, etc..., crossing numerous streams and wooden/suspension bridges.

Explore Namche Bazar

Namche Bazar is situated at 3,440 meters, and it is the gateway to Mt. Everest. Namche Bazar is the most developed village in the Khumbu region that offers top-notch accommodation and several cuisines along with other services like ATM lounge, internet connection, cafes, restaurants, museums, and gear/souvenir shops. Here, you will visit the Everest Photo Gallery and Sherpa Culture Museum. Likewise, you will go on a short excursion to Everest View Hotel and Syangboche Airstrip.

Pass by beautiful villages and get to see the lifestyle of the locals

During the trek, you will be spending nights in remote villages and pass by many small settlement areas. Some of the major villages along the trial are Phakding, Namche Bazar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Dzongla, Thangnak, Gokyo village, and Machhermo. Every village will bring something new to you. Similarly, you will have a glimpse of the lifestyle of the locals. People from communities like Sherpa, Bhote, Rai, Limbu, etc resided in these villages. Get to see their culture and tradition as well.

Visit ancient monasteries along the Route

The trail takes you to the biggest monastery of the Khumbu region that is Tengboche monastery which is constructed in 1916 by Lama Gulu. Even destroyed twice, this monastery is still standing firmly at 3,867 meters. Likewise, you will visit other ancient monasteries and stupas on the way. The trail also includes prayer wheels and fluttering prayer flags.

Explore EBC and hike to Kala Patthar

The Everest Base Camp in the lap of Mt. Everest, situated at 5,364 meters. You can see mountaineers preparing to scale Everest upon reaching the base camp, along with other fellow trekkers marking their steps on the base camp. Likewise, Kala Patthar is the popular vantage point in the Khumbu region at 5,545 meters from where you can see the gorgeous sunrise and 360-degree views of Mt. Everest. Kala Patthar is located above Gorak Shep, and the route is steep & rugged.

Cross Cho La Pass

Located in the northeastern part of Nepal, Cho La Pass stands 5,420 meters above sea level. Connected by Dzongla village to the east and Thagnak Village to the west, Cho La Pass is difficult to cross. You will wake up early, around 5 AM, and push towards the summit to cross it before mid-day. There is a chance of rockfall along the way as well. The route to the top of Cho La Pass is very steep and made of loose rocks, ice, and large boulders.

Spend a couple of nights in picturesque Gokyo village and hike to Gokyo Ri & Gokyo Lakes

Located at 4,750 meters, the Gokyo village is one of the highest settlement areas in the world. It is a beautiful village situated at the eastern shore of the third Gokyo Lake, Dudh Pokhari. There are altogether six Gokyo Lakes extending from 4,700–5,000 meters. During your acclimatization day in Gokyo village, you will explore these lakes and hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357) to witness panoramic views of the mountains.

Witness stunning mountain views and breath-taking landscapes

The trek offers you excellent views of glaciers, lakes, and Himalayan mountains like Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Mt. Makalu (8,481 m), Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Nuptse (7,861 m), Mt. Thamserku (6,623 m), Mt. Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Kongde Ri (6,187 m), Mt. Pumori (7,161 m), and many others. Throughout the trek, you will witness breath-taking sceneries.

Would you like to make another pass from Gokyo? You can continue to Renjo La pass or if you want more adventure trek in the region, go on Everest High Pass Trek.

Itinerary

Open All DaysClose All

Upon landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport, there will be a small meet and greet with our company representatives. They will take you to the hotel and brief you about the day program.

The rest of the day is free to relax and explore around the hotel.

  • Hotel
  • 1345
  • Kathmandu

The second day involves the UNESCO World Heritage Sites visit, guided by a professional tour guide. During the Kathmandu day tour, you will be exploring medieval palaces, temples, and monasteries.

The tour takes you to the larges stupa of Nepal- Boudhanath Stupa and the famous Monkey Temple - Swayambhunath. Likewise, you will visit the holy Pashupatinath Temple and the Kathmandu Durbar Square.

In the evening, prepare for the trek and meet with the trek guide.

  • Hotel
  • B
  • 1345
  • Kathmandu

Kathmandu Lukla flight is no doubt one of the most thrilling flights you might board in your lifetime. This short 35 minutes flight takes you above the Himalayas, offering breath-taking scenery, and land on a short runway at 2,860 meters.

From here, you begin trekking towards Chheplung (2,700 m). The trail crosses the Thado Koshi River on a thrilling suspension bridge and ascends to Ghat village (2,590 m). Enjoying the views of Kusum Kanguru, reach Phakding.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 2600
  • Phakding

The trail continues crossing Dudh Koshi River several times on the way. Trek through beautiful mountain villages and dense forests to Monjo.

From here, Sagarmatha National Park begins. You ascend following a steep and rugged path to Namche Bazar that goes through dense forests.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 3440
  • Namche Bazaar

Today is an acclimatization day in Namche Bazar. Rest days are important during the high altitude trek to adjust your body with the elevation as it increases.

The day is spent hiking to the Syangboche Airstrip and Everest View Hotel. You will see stunning views of the mountains like Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku, and many others.

You can also go on an excursion to the Khumjung monastery and later end the day in Namche Bazar, spending time with locals.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 3440
  • Namche Bazaar

The trail winds in and out of side valleys. There will be several small ascends and descends on the way. Passing by mani stones, descend to Phunki Thanga (3,250 m).

The trail then ascends steeply through the forests of pine and rhododendron to Tengboche. The village welcomes visitors with tempting views of Mt. Tawache, Mt. Kwangde, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, etc.

Later, visit the oldest and the biggest monastery of the Khumbu region, the Tengboche monastery.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 3867
  • Tyanbgboche

Descend through lush forests after having breakfast. Cross Imja Khola and further pass by Pangboche village. Take a small break in Tengboche for lunch and visit the ancient Pangboche monastery.

The trek continues towards Dingboche, following uphill pastures.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 4260
  • Dingbuche

It is the second acclimatization day. You will wake up early to go on a hike to Nagarjun Hill to witness gorgeous sunrise and panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains.

You can also visit Chhukung that especially offers fantastic views of Island Peak and Mt. Ama Dablam.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 4260
  • Dingboche

The day begins with a gentle hour-long climb to Thugla (4,600 m), where you will take a small break for lunch. The trail then steeply ascends towards Pheriche (4,240 m).

From here, you trek and descend through pastures to Lobuche. Get to see closer views of mountains like Pumori, Nuptse, Lhotse, etc.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 4930
  • Lobuche

From Lobuche, it will take around two hours to reach Gorak Shep. The trail gradually ascends and passes by the lateral moraine of Khumbu Glacier.

Further, walk on the side ridge of Khumbu Glacier and reach Everest Base Camp. The base camp offers tempting views of Khumbu Icefall, Khumbu Glacier, and snow-clustered mountains.

After spending some time at the base camp, return to Gorak Shep to spend the night.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 5300
  • Gorakshep

Today, you will begin trekking early in the morning. Follow an uphill rugged and steep trail that leads to Kala Patthar. You can see glorious sunrise and 360-degree views of Everest from this place.

Later, descend from Gorak Shep to Lobuche and continue trekking towards Dzongla.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 5545
  • Zongla

The trail today ascends to Cho La Pass. You begin trekking early in the morning. It is going to be a strenuous climb, therefore be careful and attentive on the way.

As you approach the top of the pass, numerous colorful prayer flags will come into sight. The top offers panoramic views of the surrounding.

Further, the trail descends to Thangank, where you will spend the night.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 5370
  • Thangnak

The route from Thagnak to Gokyo is short. You will trek for around 2 to 3 hours to reach Gokyo village. The trail passes by the first and second lake.

You will get ample time to rest and explore the village later in the day today.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 4790
  • Gokyo

The rest day keeps you away from altitude sickness, and you can explore the nearby areas. Go on an adventurous hike to Gokyo Ri to witness outstanding views of Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Chamar, etc

Later, hike to the stunning Gokyo Lake and descend to the bank of the largest glacier in Nepal- Ngozumpa Glacier. Spend the night in Machhermo.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 5483
  • Machhermo

Trek following the Dudh Koshi River and descend through lush rhododendron forests. The trail goes through remote villages like Phortse Thanga, Mong, and Sanasa.

The trail then crosses the longest mani wall of the Khumbu region and takes you back to Namche Bazar.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 3440
  • Namche Bazaar

From Namche Bazar, the trail retraces its steps back to Lukla. You will follow a downhill route through dense forests, crossing numerous suspension bridges and passing by a few villages. Reach Phakding and ascend to Lukla for the night stay.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 2840
  • Lukla

Take an early flight back to Kathmandu. Drive to the hotel from the airport and freshen up. You will have the rest of the day free. Visit nearby tourist sites and enjoy the day as you wish.

  • Hotel
  • B
  • 1345
  • Kathmandu

An extra day in Kathmandu. Today, you can visit Patan and Bhaktapur. If you want, we can arrange a guided tour for you as well. In the evening, meet with the team members over farewell dinner.

  • Hotel
  • B
  • 1345
  • Kathmandu

Today, you will board a flight back to your home. Our airport representatives will transfer you to the airport as per your flight departure time.

  • B

What's Included

  • All the airport transfers
  • Four nights’ hotel Kathmandu including breakfast
  • Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu as per the itinerary
  • Meals during the trek with hot tea/coffee in breakfast
  • Sagarmatha national park entry permits and TIMS permit
  • Flight fare (Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu) with domestic airport tax.
  • Fourteen nights’ accommodation on the trek in lodge/guesthouses.
  • A guide and porters (1 porter for every two trekkers and a porter will carry from 20-25 KG).
  • Arrangement of emergency helicopter service, which will be paid by your travel insurance company.
  • Sleeping bag, down jackets, and duffle bag, if necessary, and returned after the trek.

What's Excluded

  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Meals (lunch and dinner) while you are in Kathmandu
  • Your personnel expenses/shopping and entrance fees on day 2
  • All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
  • Sweet things like chocolate bars and bar bills
  • Hot shower, telephone, internet, and laundry
  • International airfare to and from Nepal
  • Tips for the guide and staffs
  • Anything not mentioned in the included section

Useful Information

Permits Required for Everest Chola Pass Trek

You need to obtain some permits to trek to the Everest Cho La pass Gokyo Valley Trek. The permits are Sagarmatha National park entry permits, TIMS (Trekkers information management system) permit, and other entry permits from Khumbu-Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality. We apply and get all these permits for you once you book the Everest Cho La pass and Gokyo Trek with us.

Fitness Required for Everest Chola Pass Trek

Please note that a moderate-strong level of fitness is mandatory with daily trekking between 3 to 8 hours for Everest Cho La Pass Trek. You will reach an altitude of 5,545m above sea level on this trek. If you have any health concerns please consult your healthcare provider before booking Everest Cho La Pass Hiking Adventure.

Best Time for Everest Chola Pass Trek

The best seasons (time) to do Everest Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek are autumn (from mid-September till mid-December) and spring (from the beginning of March until the end of May).

The temperatures drop considerably as the trek goes higher on Everest Chola Pass Gokyo Trek. The nights are chilly & cold (between -20 C to 5C), but the days are sunny and hot (between 10C to 30C). The mornings are usually clear, with clouds building up during the afternoon & disappearing at night.

Accommodation on Everest Cho La Pass Trek

You have 3-star hotel accommodations for four nights in Kathmandu and simple lodge/teahouse accommodation for the rest of the 14 nights on Everest Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek. The rooms are just with a bed with a pillow and blankets on the trek lodge/guest house.

We accommodate you/group in the local lodge/guest house available each day. We send a porter ahead of us to book the required number of rooms for you/group (The Rooms are not available to book in advance in all places). Please remember that some of them are very basic, and a sense of adventure is necessary.

  • Hotel in Kathmandu: Hotel Moonlight: 4 nights
  • Hotel on Trek: Simple Mountain lodge: 14 nights

Accommodation will be on double/twin share mostly on trekking lodge and single room available in Kathmandu at extra cost.

Note: Hotel upgrade in Kathmandu is available. There are luxury 4 and 5-star hotels available in Kathmandu so, let us know if you want to upgrade the hotels in Kathmandu.

Extra nights in Kathmandu pre or post the Everest Chola pass Gokyo Trek

The extra night hotels in Kathmandu are available at the US $55.00 per night with breakfast and airport transfers. Let us know if you want to arrive earlier or stay in Nepal later than the scheduled dates and need to book extra nights.

Meals & Drinks on Everest Cho La pass Trek

The meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), a total of 46 meals on Everest Cho La Pass Gokyo Trekking are included in our price. And, the meals are provided in lodges. You have breakfast and dinner at the lodge, where you stay overnights, and lunch at the lodge available along the trail.

You find a wide variety of Nepali and Western food on Everest Cho La Pass Gokyo Trail and drinks (coffee, tea, milk, soft drinks, and beer) as well. The drinks are not included in the cost, So, you can buy them yourself on the available lodge/guest house.

You can bring water purification pills/medicine while coming for the Everest Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek since you have normal water for free, or you can buy bottled water or boiled/safe water to drink

Electricity and battery charge facilities in Everest Chola pass Gokyo Trek

The electricity is available in Kathmandu and in most of the villages of Everest Cho La Pass Gokyo trek, where you can charge your camera/mobile batteries. However, we suggest you have spare batteries to use in case of unavailability.

Guide and crews on Everest Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek

You have a tour guide for a day tour in Kathmandu on day 02 and a trained/certified trek guide for the whole trek who handles the logistics and guide you and your team.

We also provide porters to carry your luggage, and there is one porter for every two members, and a porter carries about 20 - 22KG, which means 10- 11 KG from each trekker.

We also provide a Sherpa (assistant guide) when there are eight or more members for the Everest Chola pass Gokyo trek.

Equipment List for Everest Chola Lass Gokyo Trek

Equipment plays a vital role in a comfortable and successful Everest Cho la pass Gokyo trek. So, you need to pack your trekking gear carefully and pack things that you need, and you should not pack anything that you do not need on the trek. To help you to pack your gear for the Everest Chola pass Gokyo trek, we have given some list that you should not miss while you are packing.

General

  • Four seasons sleeping bag (we provide you one if required and it to be returned after the trek).
  • Duffel or Rucksack bag to keep all your gear and this will be carried by the porter.
  • Daypack for yourself to keep your things such as camera, water, things that you need for the day, and this is carried by you.
  • A small lockable bag to keep the extra stuff that you do not use on the trek and this can be kept at the hotel in Kathmandu.
  • A down Jacket (we provide you one if you do not have and it is returned at the end of the trek).
  • Shade hat
  • Warm wool hat to cover your ears
  • A pair of light-weight warm gloves
  • T-shirts 2-3 pieces
  • Lightweight thermal tops
  • A fleece jacket
  • Raincoat (if you are traveling in monsoon time)
  • A pair of quick-drying nylon hiking shorts
  • A pair of trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts.
  • Four pairs of warm socks
  • A pair of light to medium weight waterproof hiking/trekking boots
  • A pair of light trekking shoes or sandals for camp/lodges
  • A water bottle
  • Head/torch Light
  • A medium-size towel
  • Walking poles (optional)

Medicines and First Aid Kits

  • We recommend consulting with your doctor for medication suggestions to take for these regions.

Miscellaneous but Important

  • Passport and extra passport photos (4 copies), these extra passport photos are necessary to obtain the trekking permits.
  • Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport.
  • Lip balm at least SPF 20, 2 sticks.
  • Sun cream with SPF 40
  • Pocket knife
  • Water purification Iodine tablets (optional)
  • Toiletry kit and be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, and soap

Client Reviews

Everest Chola pass trek

Last week of November and December, the grand route to the valley of Gokyo until Gokyo Ri 5,400m. Perfect organization Escapes Nepal. I would say "Swiss"! Accurate, timely, competent, and flexible in satisfying customer demands.

Diligent in responding to every need, even trivial. For me, it is the second trek in Nepal, both with Escape Nepal and both perfect. From guide Bim, bearer Dhan, from the owner of the agency Arjun, the last of the drivers, they are all available and courteous, always ready to lend a hand and make you feel welcomed and surrounded by friends.

Escape Nepal is a guarantee! Thank you!

Chris, Canada | 16 December, 2015