Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake Trek via Cho La Pass is a 16-day trekking expedition to explore the Everest Base Camp alongside Gokyo Lakes. This trekking tour combines the beauty of the typical Everest Base Camp with the Gokyo Lake Trek. Visitors will be able to see the eight-thousanders and witness glaciers, rocky moraines, and unique flora and fauna along the route.
The Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake Trek via Cho La Pass start like many other treks in the Everest Region. A short and scenic flight from Kathmandu will take us to the Tenzing and Hilary airports at Lukla. From here, we’ll first trek to Phakding and then Monjo, the entry point of the Sagarmatha National Park. This park is conserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An easy trek from Monjo will take us to Namche Bazaar.
During our second day at Namche, we’ll either trek to Syangboche, which has Hotel Everest View, or Khumjung, which has a Sherpa Museum. The next day, our trail climbs up to Mong La Pass, which then drops to Phortse Thanga. Another up-and-downhill hike through rhododendrons and pine forests will take us to Macchermo and Gokyo the day after. Gokyo is famous for its lakes and the Gokyo Ri Peak. We’ll get to the summit of Gokyo Ri and hike up to the fifth Gokyo Lake. Moreover, we’ll also trek to the Scoundrel’s
From Gokyo, a short yet strenuous trek will take us to the village of Thangnak through the Ngozumpa Glacier. Another brutal day will see us climb up the rocky and frozen Cho La Pass before leaving it behind for Dzongla village. Trek to Lobuche and then to Gorakshep before finally climbing up the 5545 meters Kala Patthar and the Everest Base Camp.
This trail is difficult but not more complex than the Everest High Pass Trek. This Everest Base Camp Trek and Gokyo Lake Trek via Cho La Pass are designed for active trekkers who want to traverse the Khumbu Region in a few days.
Everest Base Camp is among the most common but equally popular destinations for trekkers worldwide. The main reason for being one of the most travelled trekking destinations is the combination of comfort and adventure. The Everest Base Camp Trek is the closest you can view Mount Everest without actually hiking it, as the base camp lies at 5364m.
Everest Base Camp is primarily famous for its amazing mountainous scenes, barren landscapes, and one of the most hospitable welcomes from the Sherpa people living in the Khumbu Region. So now, let’s get to know how your Everest Base Camp Trek journey starts.
The Everest Base Camp starts from the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Within a few minutes in the air, you will be in awe of the stunning mountainous view of the country. After landing in Lukla, you will head towards the Phakding trek. The next day, we will head towards the Gateway of Mount Everest, Namche Bazaar. Resting a day in Namche Bazaar is essential to acclimate to the climate.
During the rest day in Namche, we can visit several local villages or hike towards Hotel Everest View to get one of the best panoramic views of Mount Everest. The next day, the trek begins towards Dingboche and Tengboche. The next day is another rest day, and then trips continue the day after towards Lobuche. Finally, the destination is near as we head towards Everest Base Camp and then hike downwards towards the beautiful town of Gorakstep.
The next day is the trip to another beautiful attraction of the Everest Base Camp Trek in Kalapatthar, which is at a higher altitude than Everest Base Camp itself at over 5555m.
As we move towards the beautiful Gokyo village area, this will end your Everest Base Camp Trek.
Gokyo Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Nepal. Still, you have to endure tons of mental and physical difficulties before being rewarded by the serene beauty of the valley. Once you reach the pristine valley and see all the lakes, white mountains, blue skies, and some small and isolated but prestigious villages, all over tiredness and fatigue will disappear instantly.
Gokyo village is also the home of the fantastic Gokyo Lake, one of Nepal’s most beautiful natural resources. The lake is above 4700 meters sea level. The colour is silky sky blue, and the water is as clear as crystal. The number of tourists is so mesmerised by Gokyo Lake that the area around the lake has been recognised as a Ramsar site since 2007.
Gokyo Valley Nepal is not only limited to one beautiful view of Gokyo Lake but also consists of one of the highest passes in the world Cho La Pass. So, let’s take an in-depth look at the Cho La Pass.
Cho La Pass is one of the major attractions if you want to continue your Everest Base Camp Trek. You will move towards Gokyo Valley, from where you can witness Gokyo Lake and reach Gokyo Peak, but after moving some distance forward, you will come across Cho La Pass.
Cho La Pass is one of the highest passes in the world, located at an altitude of over 5420 metres. Cho La Pass lies on the northeastern side of the Solukhumbu district. Cho La Pass is the second most trekked pass in the world and acts as the connection bridge between the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Valley.
Generally, if people want to extend their Everest Base Camp Trek by a few days at that time, they travel northeast towards Gokyo Valley via Cho La Pass and experience the beautiful surroundings they have never seen before.
Hence, all in all, Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Valley, and Cho Lass Pass Trek is one major trek wrapped like a bundle, so trekkers trekking towards Everest Base Camp extend their trip by a day or two and explore even more stunning places of the Khumbu region.
Every trekking region has some difficulty that the trekkers face that can be calculated from the number of days for the trek, the geo structure of the surroundings, the elevation of an altitude needed to reach the destination, and weather and climate.
So, let’s look at some factors that affect difficulty level during Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lake, and Cho La Pass.
One of the most common difficulties the trekkers face while trekking at Everest Base Camp is the constant temperature and weather change. Sometimes, the skies are clear, but within a few hours, the fast winds start blowing, and sometimes, in the winter, the chances of heavy snowfall are extreme. Hence, it is always wise to take the advice of an expert regarding weather and temperature before heading out to trek Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lake, and Cho La Pass.
Another common trek difficulty that the trekkers trekking towards Everest Base Camp face is the elevation and chance of enduring altitude sickness. It has to be noted that during the trek, you will constantly walk upwards for 6-8 hours per day and, at one point, reach a height of over 5000m. Altitude sickness starts at an altitude of over 4000m and affects people not trained to trek so much daily. The preparation for altitude sickness begins even before the trek, as trekker must prepare their bodies months before the beginning of the trek.
During the trek, if altitude sickness happens, it is wise to lower the altitude and always keep medicine like Diamax for brief relief. Acclimatisation in different places is also necessary to get our body used to the weather and the elevation.
Hence, trekkers face some difficulties and treatment during the Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Valley, and Cho La Pass trek.
The seasons are divided into four parts: spring, winter, autumn, and monsoon, and these seasons also affect the conditions in which they make trekking appropriate. Now, look at all the seasons and find out which ones are best for Everest Gokyo Lake Trek.
Undoubtedly, the Spring and Autumn seasons are the best seasons for trekking in any trekking destination in Nepal, not only the Everest Base Camp Trek. The spring season falls from the middle of March to the middle of May, whereas the Autumn season is from September to November. During these seasons, there are clear blue skies with no expectation of rain, but nights in autumn are chilly and cold.
Winter and Monsoon seasons are considered the worst to trek around the Everest Base Camp region. During the Monsoon season, there is the risk of floods and landslides due to continuous rain, whereas during the winter season, the temperature drops significantly below 0 degrees, and there is a higher chance of snowstorms or blizzards that can block the trekking route.
Email our trip experts if you need to modify this trail for the best experience in the Everest Region. Email us at info@adventurewalkway.com.
Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal, where you’ll get settled in your hotel. After freshening up, meet the company representatives to discuss further the upcoming 16-day trek. After the discussion, you can either stroll around the city or rest for the time being. Overnight Hotel BB
Today we prepare for the trek and check the last-minute checklist for trekking gear and if needed shopping around Thamel. After lunch visit Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, Kathmandu Durbar Squire, Pashupatinath Temple, and Bouddhanath Stupa. Overnight at Hotel BB
Today in the morning after breakfast you will fly for Lukla which is 2804m high. The domestic airlines take around 35 minutes to reach Lukla airport. Tenzing-Hillary Airport is named the Lukla Airport. In Lukla, we take some time to meet our crew and manage the baggage. Through the Lukla village, we start our adventurous journey to Phakding at an altitude of 2610m. The never-seen vegetation and dramatic hillside on the way through Dudh Koshi add inspiration to trekking of Gokyo Lake trek. Until we reach Phakding you can see the various long old monasteries placed on the beautiful village and the way. On this day we will manage breakfast, lunch, and dinner according to the calendar.
The second day of the walk takes us into the Sagarmatha National Park. After enjoying our first breakfast in the mountains, we start the walking adventure for the day. We will trek to Namche Bazar today. Entering the national park at Monjo checkpoint, we trace the trail that leads us to our destination. We will pass beautiful places and cross several hanging bridges over the river. We eventually reached Namche Bazar to stay overnight. The beautiful settlement of Namche on the mountain slope will welcome us with its unique Everest charm. Checking into a guest house and relaxing in the peaceful atmosphere of Namche can be as rewarding as anything.
Take a day off to get acclimatized to the climate and the high altitude. During our day off, we’ll have short hikes to either Khumjung or Syangbohce. Syangboche has an airstrip and Hotel Everest View while Khumjung has a Sherpa Museum and a school made by Sir Edmund Hilary’s Himalayan Trust. Back to the Hotel After lunch Hanging around the Market overnight At the Lodge
Today we’ll be trekking for 5 to 6 hours to get to the village of Phortse Thanga. Climb uphill to the Mong-La Pass. From there, we’ll start descending to a route where the trail splits. Keep on the downhill route, cross the river, and hike uphill to get to Phortse Thanga. Overnight At Lodge
Today we start our trek after breakfast. On the way, you can see the unbeatable scene of various flora and fauna as well as wild creatures with unexpected encounters. Ups and down and crossing the many suspension bridges on the Dudh Koshi will be usual for you. Viewing various mountains like Kantega, Cho Oyu, and Thamserku adds inspiration to your trekking. Superb views of the surrounding snowy hills make your journey of Dole feel short and interesting. You can see the continuous flow of Dudh Koshi from the middle of the beautiful village. This village Machhermo not only gives you the ancient picture of early Khumbuwan people but also the chance to see the local culture and heritage. If you feel hesitant because of physical sickness, you can check your problem at Himalayan Rescue Hospital in Machhermo. When we reach Mochhermo, our targeted trekking hour will be finished. You will stay overnight in Machhermo and the management of living, dining, and breakfast will be managed by a Trekking guide
Another easy hike today! Head uphill along the stone steps before crossing a small bridge. Keep on ascending after crossing the bridge until we get to flat surfaces. Before arriving at Gokyo, we’ll get to see the first two frozen lakes of Gokyo. After lunch in Gokyo, we’ll be hiking up a moraine to enjoy Ngozumpa Glacier. This is the largest glacier in the Khumbu Region. Overnight At Gokyo
Today is acclimatization day but we can hike Gokyo –Ri if you are interested. Gokyo Ri is the highest altitude of our trekking package. Gokyo Ri is about 700 meters higher than Gokyo Village. Today we hike to Gokyo-Ri and back to the Gokyo village in the evening.
A short strenuous trek completes the day today. Climb up the moraine along the rocky and snowy trail before descending Ngozumpa Glacier from the sides till we get to Thangnak. Overnight at Lodge
Trekking to Cho La Pass from Thangnak is probably the toughest on this trek. Ascend on a fairly steep trail climbing over massive boulders and rocks. Zig-zag our way up to the main ridge and then to the high pass via the frozen trail. Slowly start our journey downhill off the Cho La Glacier, which in fact, might be quite a dreadful experience for amateur trekkers. Enjoy the views of Lobuche East, Lobuche West, Nuptse, Makalu, Mt. Everest, Cholatse, Ama Dablam, and Kyajo Ri. Overnight at a local tea house in Dzongla.
Resume our trekking opposite the Cho La Pass, its glacier, and its lake to arrive at Lobuche. Keep on the trail and cross the Khumbu Glacier before getting to Gorakshep. Rest for the day and prepare for the upcoming climb. Overnight at a local tea house.
Wake up early in the morning to ascend on a rocky trail to summit the 5545 meters-tall, Kala Patthar. After enjoying the sunrise over majestic peaks, our hike takes us back to Gorakshep for breakfast. Hike up on a fairly easy trail to finally set foot at Everest Base Camp. Let the moment sink in! After a short while, we get back to Gorakshep and trek to Periche for an overnight stay.
Across the river to arrive at Shomare and Pangboche. Cross the river again to get to Debuche prior to making it to Tengboche, which has one of the oldest monasteries of the country. We’ll hike downhill until Kyangjuma and ascend to get to Namche Bazaar.
Today, we’ll leave Namche and trek downhill to Monjo to exit the Sagarmatha National Park. From Monjo, we get past the villages of Benkar, Phakding, and Cheplung before making it to Lukla.
Head back to Kathmandu via a short scenic flight. Freshen up, have your breakfast, and if you want, explore the UNESCO world heritage sites in the Kathmandu valley.
After 16 days of hiking experience, our journey comes to an end. It’s time for you to head home or off to your next destination.
We offer fixed departure dates. If these dates are not suitable for you or if you prefer to schedule your own departure, please contact us.
Everest Base Camp Trek, along with a trip to Gokyo Valley and Cho La Pass, is one of Nepal’s most common trekking destinations; however, they are equally expensive. I think planning your budget before heading out on your trip is always a good idea. Generally, the trek costs you from $700 to $7000 based on your needs, number of people, trekking length, and requirements.
Cho La Pass is a reasonably arduous trek considering you have been trekking towards Everest Base Camp for several days. It becomes more dangerous during rainy and winter, so plan your trip before committing to the EBC or Cho La Pass trek.
The best season for the EBC, Gokyo, and Cho La Pass is spring, but you can also travel in autumn. You have to avoid winter and the rainy season.
Yes, Altitude sickness is possible after trekking above the altitude of 4000m, and since the Everest Base Camp is located above 5000m, the illness is possible.
Altitude sickness can be prevented by maintaining physical condition, strolling, and acclimatising in certain places.
You can only go on the EBC trek with an authorised guide or potter.
You must avoid products that have alcohol and caffeine as they make your body dehydrated and can cause altitude sickness.
You generally don’t need crampons during EBC unless it is in heavy winter, as there are many snowfalls, making it difficult to walk and trek.
Some major attractions are Sagarmatha National Park, Hotel Everest View, Gokyo Lake, Cho La Pass, Namche Bazaar, and several others.