Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp Trek is a renowned trekking route in the Everest region of Nepal. It is an adventurous and scenic trek that takes you through the mesmerizing Gokyo Valley, over the challenging Cho-la Pass, and eventually to Everest Base Camp. This trek offers a unique and alternative perspective of the Everest region, allowing you to explore pristine glacial lakes, majestic glaciers, and stunning mountain vistas.
Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp trek starts with a flight to Lukla and follows the Dudh Koshi River valley, passing through picturesque Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar. As you ascend further, you'll reach the tranquil Gokyo Valley, known for its turquoise lakes, including the famous Gokyo Lake. The panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu from Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters) are truly breathtaking.
From Gokyo, the trek continues towards the challenging Cho-la Pass (5,420 meters), which requires careful navigation and may involve some snow and ice depending on the season. Crossing the pass rewards you with incredible views of Ama Dablam and other surrounding peaks. After conquering the pass, the trail descends to the Everest Base Camp route and leads you to the iconic base camp itself (5,364 meters). Standing at the base of the world's highest peak is a remarkable experience that offers a glimpse into the world of mountaineering.
The Gokyo Cho-la Pass trek is a physically demanding journey that requires good physical fitness, acclimatization, and proper preparation. It is recommended to undertake this trek with a professional guide and necessary trekking gear. The best time for the trek is during the pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn) seasons when the weather is relatively stable.
Gokyo Chola Pass Trek Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu 1300 m / 4265 ft
- Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu
- Meet and greet with a representative of the Across Himalaya
- Transfer to the hotel for check-in
- Briefing about the trek and preparation
Day 02: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (Flight) to Phakding 2651 m / 8697 ft – 3 hrs
- Early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
- Arrival at Lukla airport and meet the trekking crew
- Start trekking to Phakding, a small village in the Khumbu region
- Overnight stay at a tea-house
Day 03: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar 3438 m / 11279 ft – 5 to 6 hrs
- Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
- Cross several suspension bridges and pass through beautiful villages like Monjo and Jorsalle
- Namche Bazaar is the gateway to the Everest region
- Overnight stay at a tea-thouse
Day 04: Acclimatization day
- Rest day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization
- Hike to the Everest View Hotel for stunning views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam
- Explore the Sherpa culture and visit the local market
- Overnight stay at a tea-house
Day 05: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole 3680 m / 12073 ft – 6 hrs
- Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole
- Cross the Mong La Pass and enjoy breathtaking views of mountains and valleys
- Overnight stay at a tea-house
Day 06: Trek from Dole to Machhermo 3870 m / 12696 ft – 4 hrs
- Trek from Dole to Machhermo
- Pass through beautiful rhododendron and juniper forests
- Overnight stay at a tea-house
Day 07: Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (Afternoon hike to Gokyo Ri)4800 m / 15748 ft – 4 hrs
- Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo
- Afternoon hike to Gokyo Ri for panoramic views of the Himalayas
- Overnight stay at a tea-house
Day 08: Trek from Gokyo to Thagnak (Morning hike to Gokyo 4th Lake)5367 m / 17608 ft- 4 hrs
- Trek from Gokyo to Thagnak
- Morning hike to Gokyo 4th Lake for stunning views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers
- Overnight stay at a tea-house
Day 09: Trek from Thagnak to Cho Dzongla via Chola Pass 4843m / 15889 ft – 8 hrs
- Trek from Thagnak to Cho Dzongla via Chola Pass
- Cross the challenging Chola Pass at an elevation of 5,330m
- Overnight stay at a tea-house
Day 10: Trek from Dzongla to Lobuche 4940 m / 16207 ft – 3 hrs
- Trek from Cho Dzongla to Lobuche
- Enjoy views of Ama Dablam and Thamserku
- Overnight stay at a tea-house
Day 11: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (Afternoon hike to Kalapatthar) 5368 m / 17611 ft – 7 hrs
- Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep
- Afternoon hike to Kalapatthar for stunning views of Mount Everest, Nuptse, and Pumori
- Overnight stay at a tea-house
Day 12: Trek from Gorakshep to Pheriche (Morning hike to EBC) 4200 m / 13779 ft – 8 hrs
- Trek from Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp
- Explore the base camp and enjoy the views of the Khumbu Glacier
- Trek back to Gorakshep and then to Pheriche
- Overnight stay at a tea-house
Day 13: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar 3440 m / 11286 ft – 6 hr
- Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
- Pass through the beautiful village of Pangboche
- Overnight stay at a tea-house
- Day 14: Namche Bazaar to Lukla 2860 m / 9383 ft – 8 hrs
- Trek down to Lukla via Manju and Phakding village
- Overnight stay at a tea-house
Day 15: Trek from Lukla to Kathmandu (Flight) 35 min
- Early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
- Overnight stay at a Hotel
Day 16: Free day in Ktm or Departure
Cost Includes
- Airport transfers - Arrival and departure pick-up and transfer service
- Entry permits to Sagarmatha National Park and Tim fee
- Support staff (trekking guide and porter), as well as their necessary insurance,
- lodging and food allowances and salary (1 Guide for the group and 1 porter for 2 hikers)
- Domestic airfare - round trip (Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu)
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, 3 meals a day and overnight accommodation at a tea house lodge on the way.
Cost Excludes
- International flight ticket and airport taxes.
- Lunch and dinner during the stay in Kathmandu
- Travel / medical insurance and emergency evacuation expenses
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, alcoholic beverages, bottled soft drinks (including cold drinks, and mineral/water
- hot/shower, tea, coffee, chocolate and hot drinks), suggestions for the guide, porter and other officials...
- Additional costs- additional days of stay, in case of flight cancellation due to natural disasters, bad forecast
- weather and other unforeseen circumstances.4Personal mountaineering for the trip