Gokyo Lake-Chola Pass-Everest Base Camp Trek (18 days)

The Gokyo - Cho La Pass trek is known as the ‘high altitude trek’ of the Everest region. From Lukla, the route follows the Everest trail to Namche Bazaar and an acclimatisation day to visit the bustling village of Khumjung.

It then follows the Dudh Kosi River Valley, for three days, to the lakes and village of Gokyo, west of Everest base camp. This summer-grazing village is on the slopes of Ngozumpa’s glacial moraine, below a ring of spectacular peaks. 

From the summit of Gokyo Ri (5357m) across the lake is one of the most dramatic panoramas in the Khumbu region. This includes Cho Oyu (and the ice ridge to Ghyachung Kang from which the glacier flows), Everest, Lhotse and Makalu: four 8 000m peaks towering above innumerable ‘minor’ peaks. More of Everest is visible, than from Kala Patthar above Gorak Shep. The view down to the Ngozumpa glacier, the longest in Nepal, is awe inspiring.

A walk back down the valley and across the glacier leads to the tiny village of Thangnak. An early start is needed for the tough trek over the Cho La (5367m). The steep ascent and long descent leads to Lobuche on the Everest Base Camp route. This can be a difficult walk and also very cold. The trail then gradually climbs to Gorak Shep: the last outpost before Base Camp. Behind Gorak Shep is Kala Patthar (5 550m), that offers a steep climb: rewarded by views of Everest, the South Col, Nuptse and the Khumbu Glacier. 

The Gokyo Cho La pass trekking to Base Camp follows the moraine to a U of mountains opposite the ice fall to the Western Cwm. In spring it is crowded with hopeful mountaineers. On the downward journey, arid scenery is replaced by the return of vegetation and terraced farmlands. Prayer flags, chortens, and monasteries become more numerous along with villages of hand-crafted buildings and friendly Sherpas. 

This trek calls for fitness, stamina, good boots, warm/waterproof clothing, good sleeping bag, day pack camera sunscreen and hat. 

Our Gokyo Everest Base trek package includes the Lukla flights, local porters, meals, accommodation, and safe drinking water. The best Everest Region trekking seasons are spring (March - May) and autumn (September- November) but we offer this Everest Cho La pass trek in all four seasons.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01 Arrive Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)

Day 02 Kathmandu valley sightseeing & trek preparation (1,300m/4,264 ft)

Day 03: fly Kathmandu – Lukla and trek to Phakding (2562m /8700ft) 45 minutes airstrip and 3/4 hrs trek.

Day 04: Phakding - Namche Bazaar (3440 m/11,280 ft): 5/6 hrs trek.

Day 05: Acclimatization Day - Namche Bazaar: (3,440m/11,284ft)

Day 06: Namche Bazzar - Dole-(4,110 m/ 13,152 ft): 5-6 hrs walk

Day 07: Dole - Machherma-(4,470 m/ 14,663 ft): 4-5 hrs walk

Day 08: Machharma - Gokyo (4800 m/15,744 ft): 3-4 hrs walk

Day 09: Gokyo Valley:Acclimatization Day

Day 10: Hike - Gokyo Ri (5,330 m/17,483 ft) - Thaknak (4750 m/15,580 ft): 5-6 hrs walk

Day 11: Thaknak - Cho-la Pass (5367 m/17,604 ft) - Dzonglha (4830m/15,845ft),7-8 hrs 

Day 12: Dzonglha - Lobuche (4940 m/16,207 ft), 2-3 hrs

Day 13: Lobuche - Gorak Shep (5160 m/17,000ft) - Everest Base Camp (5364 m/17,594 ft) - Gorak Shep : 7 to 8 hrs walk

Day 14: Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar (5545 m/18,192 ft) - Pheriche (4280 m/14,070 ft): 7-8 hrs walk

Day 15: Pheriche – Namche Bazar  (3,440m/11,284ft), 6-7 hrs

Day 16: Namche Bazar - Lukla (2780m /9175ft) 5/6 hrs walk

Day 17: Lukla – Kathmandu by Air (1300m /4264ft) 35 minutes airstrip.

Day 18: Departure

Transfer international airport and fly to onward destination.

Remark - Please note that cloud and turbulent weather is a regular phenomenon along the Himalayan range. It is thus possible that domestic flights from Kathmandu to/from Lukla may have to be delayed for a few hours or even cancelled for a day or more. Fortunately this does not happen frequently during the high seasons of March – May or September to November: but you need to plan for this possibility.

As a safeguard we recommend that you add on a couple of extra days after your trek before you fly from Kathmandu to your onward destination.

Cost Inclusive

• All airport/Hotel transfers
• 2 star Hotel in Kathmandu for 3 nights with breakfast 
• City tour by private transport
• Welcome and farewell dinner
• Full meals on your choice (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) during the trek
• Hot drinks (Tea & Coffee)
• Safe Drinking water
• All mountain accommodation (5 Nights twin sharing Room with independent bathroom and hot shower; remaining nights soft, comfortable twin sharing private room but share bathroom)
• Domestic flight (Kathmandu /Lukla / Kathmandu)
• An experienced English-speaking Govt. registered trekking guide and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
• Guide & porter salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
• Trekking permits and all necessary paper work (National Park Permit & TIMS )
•  A comprehensive medical kit
• All government and local taxes
• Trekking equipment such as four season down jacket, sleeping bag, trekking boots, rain coat, walking stick and many more as per necessity

Cost Exclusive

• City monument fees
• Bottle drinks
• Boiled water
• Hot shower except attached bath room 
• Camera battery re-charge 
• Personal expenses
• Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu
• Travel insurance & evacuation
• Tip (not mandatory but expected) 

Gokyo Cho La Pass detail itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)

Our MMT(Mountain Mart treks) Airport Representative will be there to greet you outside the Terminal Hall (after you have completed passport, immigration and visa requirements). He will be displaying our Treks & Expeditions logo with your name on it. You will then be transferred to your hotel. Afternoon free.  Evening: a welcome dinner, hosted by our management team, to introduce you to your guide, brief you on the trek and check on necessities.

Day 02: Kathmandu Valley sightseeing & and trek preparation (1,300m/4,264 ft)

After breakfast, your day will start with city trip to cultural world heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley. such as,This includes the pilgrimage sites of the Hindu s Temple Pashupatinath; the world’s biggest Stupa at Bouddhanath; and visit the Swoyambhunath Stupa - also known as the monkey temple. After exploring the surrounding areas, we visit the historical Patan Durbar Square & and Kathmandu’s Durbar Square (Freak Street) with its temple, unique ancient art, architecture s, museum and Kumari (living goddess). Evening meeting for pre-trip counseling to ensure you have all necessary trekking gear, medical kit and legal requirements (including permits, TIMS and etc.).

                    "OR"                

Day at leisure, to follow your own interests.

Day 03: fly Kathmandu – Lukla and trek to Phakding (2,562m /8,700ft) 35 minutes airstrip and 3-4 hrs

Transfer to domestic airport and fly to Lukla (2,780m /9,175ft) gateway to Everest Base Camp 35 minutes Trans Himalaya flight. Culminate dramatic landing on a hillside Lukla, introduce porters and downhill to beautiful Sherpa settlement Choplung. The trail continues along the side of the Dudh Koshi valley before ascending to Ghat ((2530m /8350ft) Trail climbs gently again about an hour to our final destination Phakding. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 04: Phakding - Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,280 ft): 5-6 hrs

Trek leads through a beautiful pine forest, along Dudh Koshi River crossing many suspension bridges via Sherpa villages Benkar, Chimoa, Monjo and Jorsole a national park permit check point with the tranquility view of glistering Mt. Thamserku (6618 m) Trail continues through the Dudh Koshi riverbed to the confluence of Bhote Koshi and Dudh Koshi rivers. Trail climbs steadily crossing high Tenzing- Hilary suspension bridge. On the way inspiring glimpse of Mt. Everest right up next Nuptse- Lhotse ridge. About 3 hours ascend through the wonderful pine forest finally reach a prosperous trading and administrative village Namche Bazar. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 05: Acclimatization Day - Namche Bazaar: (3,440m/11,284ft)

It’s a scheduled acclimatization day of the trek. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and health experts recommend to hold at least one extra night. Stay active and roaming instead of being lazy. Namche Bazar has ATMs, cyber cafés, finger licking delicious restaurants, bakery, colorful market each Friday evening and Saturday morning. There is day trip starts visiting Sagarmatha (Everest) National park visitor centre on the hillock where we can observe an assortment of things related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture and learn about the various plants and animal life of the Everest region. Then take entertaining acclimatization side trip to large traditional Sherpa village Khumjung with the view of Thamserku, Khaantaiga, Ama Dablam, Mt, Everest and many more. Evening back to Namche Bazar for overnight.  

We could trek alternatively north of Namche Bazar to Thame, enroute to Ngangpa La (5 hours, go and back) with the panoramic view of Himalayas which are not seen in EBC route.

Day 06: Namche Bazzar - Dole-(4,110 m/ 13,152 ft): 5-6 hrs

Trail climbs to the end of village to hillock and leads moderately flat through the hillside with the view of Thamserku, Khangtega, Amadablam and Mt Everest to Kyangjuma. The trail ascends observing Grandview of Mt. Khumbila to Mong La a tiny Sherpa village and an ancient chorten in the middle of settlement. Trail descends and ascends to Dole with the outstanding marvelous view of snowed-caped .Himalayas, wild life and different Mountains vegetation. Spotted dears, Mountain goat (Himalayan Thar) colorful Pheasant (Danphe) and rhododendrons tranquilized the day walk thoroughly. Overnight in Dole at Hotel.

Day 07: Dole - Machherma-(4,470 m/ 14,663 ft): 4-5 hrs

Today, our trail climb to scenic ridges above the Dudh Koshi river through thorny bushes offering breathtaking view of Cho-Oyu, Thamserku & Khangtaiga. The trail continues with the superb view of huge valley passing charming summer settlement of Luza (4360m /14380ft) and few small hamlets to reach Machherma.   A beautiful stream flowing down from Kyajo Ri and Phari Lapche mountain runs through the middle of the village before draining into the Dudh Koshi River. It’s final major settlement on the way to Gokyo. HRA aid post is located here to share AMS precaution and cure. Overnight at Hotel in Machharma.

Day 08: Machharma - Gokyo (4,800 m/15,744 ft): 3-4 hrs

After breakfast, our trail ascends through to the ridge offering superb view of the valley, Mt. Khangtaiga, Thamserku and north face of Cho- Oyu (8201 m) Trail descend down to the river bank before beginning the climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngazumpa glacier. Trail continues ascend through the moraine and pass a metal bridge through the first Lake, known as Longpongo glacier at 4690m /15383ft where Lama Footprint could be seen on the stone. Enjoy the lake view and about an hour further struggle reach Gokyo located on the bank of third lake. Overnight at Hotel in Gokyo.

Day 09: Gokyo Valley:Acclimatization Day

It’s another scheduled rest and acclimatization day in the trip. Acute Mountain Sickness and health expert advise not to stay lazy and keep moving and strolling around. Gokyo has two out standing manor view points. The six languid pools that surrounded Gokyo source of the river which followed from Lukla. It would be perfect idea to explore fourth Lake, Fifth Lake and Sixth Lake. Trail leads along the moraine all the day with small gain of the altitude to fourth Lake (Thonak Tso 4870m) Fifth Lake (Ngozuma Tso 4980 m) 3 Km north of Gokyo. Scoundrel (5000 m) viewpoint is the milestone destination beyond the Fifth Lake in the Cho-Oyu base camp that has fabulous view of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Makalu. Check energy level and time then consult about fifth Lake. Retrace 200m descend about 2 hours to Gokyo. Over4night in Gokyo at Hotel.

Day 10: Hike - Gokyo Ri (5,330 m/17,483 ft) - Thaknak (4,750 m/15,580 ft): 5-6 hrs

Today’s trail climb up north of Third Lake (Dudh Pokhari) overlooked Cholatse and the broad Ngozumpa glacier. About 2 hours ascending a car’s cradle of prayer flags on the top of the hill. The summit is encircled breathtaking  panoramic view of Cho-Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cholatse, Tobache, Thamserku, Khangtaiga, Kusum Kangaru and many more. Early morning Gokyo Ri (Gokyo Peak) visit is unforgettable lifetime memory. Trek down to Gokyo and after breakfast resume our trek through Second Lake and Ngozumpa glacier for the overnight to Thaknak. Over Night in Guest House.

Day 11: Thaknak - Cho-La Pass (5,367 m/17,604 ft) - Dzonglha (4830m/15,845ft),7-8 hrs 

It’s toughest but most beautiful show up of the trip. Trek starts early in the morning to beat the cloud from the pass. Trail leads steep and involves a glacier traverse to the east through a ravine and a rock tail. Trek continues through the frozen lake to the large prayer flag at the edge of the glacier is Cho la pass. This pass has fabulous view of  Kyajo Ri (6186 m) Pharilapche(6017 m) Numbur Himal and Ngazumpa glacier to the west. The pyramidal Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Baruntse, Lobuche east and south to the southeast. After the pass trail descends for down view of Pheriche village to Dzongla. Here are two lodges for overnight. Stay in Dzonglha. 

Day 12: Dzonglha -  Lobuche (4,940 m/16,207 ft): 7-8 hrs

 After breakfast, short and easy day to Lobuche with the view of Thamserku, khangtaiga, Ama Dablam and Towache. Trail set off along hillside curving round through the wide gravelly river bed to Lobuche. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 13: Lobuche - Gorak Shep (5,160 m/17,000ft) - Everest Base Camp (5,364 m/17,594 ft) - Gorak Shep : 7 - 8 hrs

After breakfast, the trail follows windy and rocky path with crest of north ridge to Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, Nuptse, etc. Trail continues along side of Khumbu Glacier to Gorakshep. Check in to Hotel, Lunch and afternoon set out to visit world’s highest base camp Everest Base Camp. Base Camp has no view of Mt. Everest but fantastic view of Khumbu Icefall and colorful camp site of Everest expedition during expedition season. Trek back to Gorakshep for overnight.

Day 14: Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar (5,545 m/18,192 ft) - Pheriche (4,280 m/14,070 ft): 6-7 hrs

Early morning, trail climbs 2-3 hrs up to Kala Patthar (5545 m/18192 ft) early in the morning to see first day sun light from top of the world (Mt. Everest) This is milestone of the trek to inspect panoramic view with the fantastic sunrise over Mt. Everest, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nupte, Mt. Ama Dablam and many more After accomplish Kala Patthar, trek down to Gorakshep and retrace down to Lobuche and continue trek to  Pheriche for 2 and half hours to the warmer and better night sleep. Overnight in Pheriche.

Day 15: Pheriche – Namche (3,4400m /11,284ft) 6-7 hrs

Our trail, descend down through the highest Sherpa permanent settlement Pangboche for whole year around. It’s believed Pangboche monastery is the oldest in Khumbu region built in 16th century. The trail continues down to Imja Khola (Imja river) and cross the suspension bridge to Deboche, a little stone scattered village with nun monastery and long Mani wall. Trail ascends through dwarf conifers and rhododendron forest about 45 Minutes trek to Tengboche. The famous Gomba (Tengboche Monastery) with the background of Ama Dablam, Nupte, Mt. Everest, Kangtega and many more peaks. During October/November in full moon the colorful Mani Rimdu festival is held here with masked dancing and Tibetan opera in the monastery courtyard. Visit the Monastery of the leisure afternoon. After lunch, our trail drops down to Dudh Koshi River and cross the suspension cradle bridge. And then rise up Sanasa the confluence of Everest Base Camp trek and Gokyo Lake trek. Then follow the wider trail round aside the hill to Namche Bazar. Overnight in Namche Bazar. 

Day 16: Namche Bazar - Lukla ((2,780m /9,175ft) 5-6 hrs

Descend down to National Park check point to lower green valley Jorsalle. Then, trail follows down steam of Dudh Koshi river retracing to Phakding and Lukla scaling different Sherpa villages crossing a suspension bridge above Thado Kosh. Last section of the day, about 35 minutes ascend to accomplish entire trek. Reconfirm flight Ticket and see off to local porters. Overnight in Hotel. 

Day 17: Lukla – Kathma3du by Air (1,300m /4,264ft) 35 minutes airstrip.

Fly Back to Kathmandu (35 minutes) in the morning and transfer to your choice of Hotel/Resort/Guest House. Free afternoon.

Day 18: Final departure

Transfer to international airport and fly to onward destination.
               

Remark - Please note that cloud and turbulent weather is a regular phenomenon along the Himalayan range. It is thus possible that domestic flights from Kathmandu to/from Lukla may have to be delayed for a few hours or even cancelled for a day or more. Fortunately this does not happen frequently during the high seasons of March – May or September to November: but you need to plan for this possibility.

As a safeguard we recommend that you add on a couple of extra days after your trek before you fly from Kathmandu to your onward destination.

Departure Dates for Gokyo Lake-Chola Pass-Everest Base Camp Trek (18 days)

Body wear:

T-shirt, long sleeve, half pant, long trouser, warm Jacket, fleece Jacket, Gore-tax windproof Jacket & trouser, warm trouser, rain Jacket, sleeping bag, down jacket

Head wear:

Sun hat, woolen hat/fleece hat, sunglass & scat

Hand wear:

Gloves

Foot wear:

Warm woolen socks, trekking boots & sandal

Accessories:

Personal toiletries, personal first aid kit, sun block, lip guard, shampoo, soap, shavers, moisturizer, passport copies, pocket knives, flash light, camera & film, tawel, water bottle, music & books.

What you carry for the trek:

Please, bring the equipment listed above and pack your gear for the trek into a duffel bag or rucksacks, and small day bag for you. The larger bag with your kit will be carried by the porter to meet you each evening. You should bring a day pack to carry by yourself for water, rain jacket, hat gloves, camera money etc. The weather in mountain is changeable so you will need some warm cloths with you on your day pack.

What to do about the left over baggage:

One day before your departure for the trek you could leave the valuable things which you do not need on the trek such as passport, visa card, flight tickets, in our safety box, and the rest of the things you could store it in our store room.

What is a tea house trek? Accommodation and food facilities!

Tea house trek mean staying and eating in the local lodges. We stay in double room, rooms are basic but comfortable mattress, normally just a bed and pillow. Most of them have electric light and all have and all have specious dining room –lounge. Mostly in tea houses there are common bathroom. Hot shower also available on the tea- houses but the hot water depend on weather conditions and to pay to get the shower.  We eat at tea- house, though food is usually potential and delicious, menu is not extensive. They offer variety of potato rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup. You could choose food from the menu what you could choose the food from the menu what you would like to have. You would be able to eat the food as much as you like but you would not able to order more than enough and left the food.

Health:

It’s very important not to get sick while you are going on the trek and you need to be careful about what you eat and drink.  You need to stay healthy and avoid getting sick in order to have a successful trek.

Some tips for staying healthy:

Avoid drinking or brushing your teeth with tap water. Drink only sealed bottled or proper boiled water or use water purification tablets. During the trek avoid the temptation to test your fitness through fast walking at altitude.

Medical kit

Your guide will bring normal medical kits with him while on the trek. It is recommended that you also bring a small personal medical kit including pain killers, sore throat, plasters, strapping tape for blisters, etc. If you are taking regular mediation you need to bring those medicine with you and do not forget to bring extra supply if somehow one pack is lost.

The trails:

The trekking trail of Nepal vary from wide, rode-like avenues to narrow, slippery paths built out over enormous drops. In many places, a fall from the trail would be final. One most pay attention at all the time to where you are placing your fact. Be specially  careful not move while looking through the view finder of your camera.

The weather:

Nepal has the wildest altitude range of any country of the earth. Each altitude will have its’ own weather problem, from typical heat to arctic cold. In the main trekking season in the spring and fall, the weather is often stable and even the high passes may be free of snow and relatively easy to traverse at times. Those trekkers who encountered an easy at altitude nasty spread the word that boots and warm clothing are not required. This is a mistake. That sudden storm can occur at any time, dumping one or two meter of snow on the passes. At that point, any one with simple running shoes will not be able to processed and may even be stranded for a number of days. Frostbite is a constant risk if one walks in snow at high altitude.

If you trek in the winter, you most be prepared for cold and snow. If you trek in the monsoon you might be face with slippery trails and difficult rivers crossing. You are heading into the world highest mountain range. Be prepared for changes in temperature and weather.

Altitude and preventing altitude:

Being in a hurry in the mountain of Nepal can be deadly. Acclimatization is the word used to describe the adjustments your body makes as it ascends. Ascend slowly and drinking lots of water is one of the best ways not to get high altitude. You should not plan to go to high altitude if you have know heart disease, difficulty to breathing at sea level or are pregnant. For other chronic medical conditions its better to consult your doctor. Sleeping pills, alcohol, smoking should not be used at altitude as they tend to decrease breathing and lead to Acute Mountain Sickness. It comes that during 3-4 liters of fluids (Water, Soup, etc) per day to avoid dehydration helps in the acclimatization process.

Tipping and cash requirement

On the trekking route do not forget to bring Nepalese rupees for drinks bottled water drinks/alcohol that might purchage on the way. The sum of amount to carry on the trekking route depends on the day and area you are going to trek in. Tipping is now common in Nepal but there is no certain rules how much should be tips and it’s not the must to tip.

Photographing people:

During a trek you will have many opportunities to photograph local people and amazing society. You could usetons of films taking amazing natural scenery but talking the picture of people it’s a good idea to ask before taking. Some people do not like you to take the picture of them. So always ask before taking the pictures.

Considering Environment:

While trekking you have to consider on the environment not to destroy the environment. There are so many ways you could help not to polluted the environment of the area such as pick up papers, film wrappers, burn all your toilet paper and bury your farce, do not make camp fire.

Insurance:

All tour participants should obtain their own personal insurance which covers accidents, health, emergency evacuation and loss or damage to personal effects.