Gokyo Chola Pass EBC Trekking

Overview

The Gokyo Cho-La Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek is a challenging and adventurous journey that takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Everest region of Nepal. This trek typically takes around 16 days to complete, including acclimatization days.

Gokyo Chola Pass EBC trekking starts with the scenic flight into Lukla from Kathmandu. You enjoy the very best views of the Himalaya from the window seat. Landing at a small airstrip- Lukla is quite a new experience. The plane crosses the last ridge on the approach and then dives down the runway. Make sure the seat belt is fastened up tight until the flight gets bumpy. The pilots are all experts at this so just take it easy and enjoy the ride.

From Lukla your trekking begins, passing through a series of Sherpa villages surrounded by cultivated fields, monasteries, chortens and Sagarmatha national park. After crossing the Dudh Koshi river a number of times on the wonderful wire swing bridges you begin a long uphill climb to Namche Bazaar where you will have your first acclimatization day. Namche is a small but beautiful town, also called the capital of the Khumbu region and a great place to relax before moving ahead.

After leaving Namche Bazaar you will trek up the Dudh Koshi valley, passing through Dole and Machhermo en route before finally reaching Gokyo valley. Here you will explore 5 lakes, all of which look like a stunning turquoise. You will visit all these lakes and climb Gokyo Ri, which is one of the best viewpoints in the Himalaya offering unbelievable views of Mt. Everest, Cho Oyu Makalu and many other peaks. Leaving Gokyo valley you trek down to Thangnak before climbing up to cross the Cho La pass at 5330m, one of three great passes in the Khumbu region. After crossing the Cho-La pass, you will rejoin the main Everest route to Gorakshep. From Gorak Shep you will hike to Everest base camp in the afternoon and explore around. Next day early morning you will climb to Kala Pattar for the best views of Mt Everest. After spending a couple of hours you will descend, passing Gorak Shep and head to Dingboche (4410m) Tengboche (3870) and Namche Bazaar. Over the next two days you travel back to Lukla and catch a flight back to Kathmandu.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrive in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Transfer to your hotel. Explore the vibrant streets of Thamel.

Day 2 : Kathmandu Sightseeing

Explore Kathmandu Valley's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Final preparations for the trek.

Day 3 : Flight to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2,610m)

Early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840m), a thrilling experience.

Trek from Lukla to Phakding, a small village located at 2,610m.

Day 4 : Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

Trek through beautiful forests and cross several suspension bridges.

Arrive at Namche Bazaar, the main trading center of the Khumbu region.

Day 5 : Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

Explore Namche Bazaar. Hike to Everest View Hotel for stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Acclimatize to the altitude.

Day 6 : Trek from Namche Bazaar to Phortse Thanga (3,680m)

Trek to Phortse Thanga via Khumjung village. Experience the Sherpa culture and hospitality.

Day 7 : Trek from Phortse Thanga to Machhermo (4,470m)

Trek through rhododendron forests and along the Dudh Koshi River. Arrive at Machhermo, a small settlement with tea houses.

Day 8 : Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (4,800m)

Trek to Gokyo, situated beside the beautiful Gokyo Lake. Enjoy stunning views of Cho Oyu, the sixth highest mountain in the world.

Day 9 : Acclimatization Day in Gokyo

Explore Gokyo Ri for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

Rest and acclimatize in preparation for the Cho-La Pass.

Day 10 : Trek from Gokyo to Thagnak (4,700m) via Cho-La Pass (5,420m)

Early morning start for the challenging ascent to Cho-La Pass. Cross the pass and descend to Thagnak.

Day 11 : Trek from Thagnak to Lobuche (4,910m)

Trek along the Ngozumpa Glacier. Arrive at Lobuche, a small village situated close to the Khumbu Glacier.

Day 12 : Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and back to Gorak Shep (5,164m)

Trek to Everest Base Camp, the closest you can get to Mt. Everest without mountaineering. Explore the base camp and soak in the majestic surroundings.

Return to Gorak Shep for overnight stay.

Day 13 : Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m) and Trek to Pheriche (4,371m)

Early morning hike to Kala Patthar for breathtaking sunrise views of Everest and surrounding peaks. Descend to Pheriche for overnight stay.

Day 14 : Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

Descend through Pangboche and Tengboche monasteries. Return to Namche Bazaar for overnight stay.

Day 15 : Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla

Trek back to Lukla, enjoying the last views of the Himalayas. Celebrate the completion of the trek with your team.

Day 16 : Flight back to Kathmandu

Take an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Enjoy a free day in Kathmandu for relaxation or further exploration.

This itinerary provides a balanced mix of trekking, acclimatization, and exploration of the Everest region's cultural and natural highlights. However, it's essential to remember that weather conditions and individual trekking speeds can affect the itinerary. Always consult with experienced guides and be prepared for altitude-related challenges.

Trip code
Package name	Gokyo Chola Pass EBC Trekking
Duration	16
Max. elevation	5420 m
Level	ADVANCE
Transportation	Private Car, Hice and Bus in Kathmandu/Kathmandu Lukla Kathmandu by Plane
Accomodation	Standard Hotel in Kathmandu/Basic Lodge Teahouse in the Trekking
Starts at	Kathmandu Lukla
Ends at	Lukla Kathmandu
Trip route	Lukla,Namche,Dole,Gokyo,Thangnak,Dzongla, Lobuche,Gorakshep,Dingboche,Tengboche,Manjo
Cost	USD 1,395 per person