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Gokyo Chola Pass Trek (EBC) – 16 Days

The Everest region is the heart of Nepal's trekking industry, with the Gokyo Chola Pass Trek offering a perfect blend of the Everest Base Camp, Chola Pass, and Gokyo Lake. This route showcases majestic snowy peaks, glaciers, moraines, and Sherpa villages, making it a must-visit destination. While the Everest Base Camp Trek is the most popular, the Gokyo Chola Pass Trek provides an equally stunning alternative, combining high-altitude passes and beautiful lakes. The Khumbu region is a legendary trekking paradise, and this trek offers unforgettable adventures through Gokyo Lake, Chola Pass, and Everest Base Camp.
Trip Code: Trekking
Max. Altitude: 5643 m / 18513 ft
Group size: 2-14
Duration: 16 Days
Best Time for Visit: Spring & Autumn
Transportation: Flight
Activity: Trekking
Difficulty: strenuous
Accommodation: Teahouses
Region: Everest
Arrival On: Lukla
Departure From: Lukla
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Trip Duration
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Highlights

  • Gokyo Lakes: Crystal-clear alpine lakes with incredible mountain views.
  • Gokyo Ri: Panoramic vistas of Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu from the summit.
  • Cho La Pass: A thrilling high-altitude crossing connecting Gokyo and Everest Base Camp.
  • Everest Base Camp: The ultimate destination at the foot of the world's tallest mountain.
  • Scenic : Glaciers and Icefalls You’ll see the Khumbu Glacier and the surrounding icefalls, which are impressive and majestic from above.
  • Himalayan Views: Spectacular views of Everest, Makalu, and more.
  • Sherpa Culture: Visit charming villages like Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, experiencing the rich heritage of the Sherpa people.
  • Wildlife & Nature: Trek through Sagarmatha National Park, home to unique wildlife and beautiful landscapes.

Overview

The Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek (EBC)  is a thrilling, technically challenging adventure for those seeking more excitement. It offers incredible views and tests your endurance while providing a rich historical and cultural experience.

The history of the Everest region is intertwined with the Sherpa people and mountaineering legends. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s 1953 ascent of Mount Everest brought global attention to the area. Their achievement paved the way for future trekkers and climbers. The trek passes through Sherpa villages, such as Khumjung, where Hillary founded the Khumjung Hillary School in the 1960s to support the Sherpa community.

This trek includes classic Everest sights, like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, Gorak Shep, and Everest Base Camp. It also takes you to the stunning Gokyo Lakes via the high-altitude Cho La Pass (5,330m). Some days involve 8-9 hours of trekking, while others are 5-6 hours.

You’ll fly into and out of Lukla, the historic gateway to the Everest region. Acclimatization takes place in Namche Bazaar, a hub for trekkers and traders. From there, a short, steep hike to Syangboche provides your first close-up view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku.

The trail winds through Rhododendron forests, past waterfalls, high pastures, chortens, and prayer flags. These landmarks hold spiritual significance for the local people. The Gokyo Lakes, with their clear turquoise water, are another highlight of the trek.

The steep climb to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) offers stunning views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu. It also helps you acclimatize for the tough crossing of Cho La Pass, which has icy stretches at over 5,300m. Starting early, around 4-5 a.m., ensures you cross before the winds pick up.

Afterward, the trek continues to Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp, and Kalapatthar (Everest View Point), offering some of the world’s most iconic mountain views. This trek offers a sense of personal achievement, stunning views, and unforgettable memories. If the trek seems too challenging, consider the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour to experience Gokyo Cho La Pass and Everest Base Camp from above.

Detail Itinerary

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel. You’ll have the opportunity to explore iconic sites such as Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath Stupa before preparing for your trek. After a thorough briefing and gear check, you’ll fly to Lukla the following day to begin your unforgettable Everest adventure.

From Kathmandu, you’ll take a thrilling flight to Lukla, known for its dramatic runway and stunning mountain views. After landing, you’ll begin your trek to Phakding, a charming village nestled in the Dudh Koshi Valley. The trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and mountains, providing a gentle introduction to the adventure ahead.

  Elevation Gain : 1470m/4822.835ft
  Elevation Loss : 170m/557.743ft
  Trekking Distance : 8 Km
  Trekking Duration : 3 to 4 hours
  Fly Time : 35 to 40 minutes

From Phakding, the trail ascends through dense forests and crosses several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. As you climb, you’ll pass through small Sherpa villages, such as Monjo, before entering the Sagarmatha National Park. After a steady climb, you’ll reach Namche Bazaar, the bustling gateway to the Everest region, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Everest and Lhotse.

  Elevation Gain : 790m/2591.86ft
  Trekking Distance : 9 km
  Trekking Duration : 5-6 Hours

Rest day for acclimatization before heading to higher terrain, morning after breakfast with options for hike to Everest View Hotel or walk on top of Namche, where you can catch super landscapes scenery with Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Amadablam with series of high peaks, here enjoy visiting National Park Museum which provides you much information of Khumbu region, Sherpa history-culture-flora and fauna including detail on mountaineering.

From Namche Bazaar, the trail continues upward, passing through Khumjung and Kundasang villages. As you trek higher, the landscape becomes more rugged, with breathtaking views of Ama Dablam and Thamserku. The trail gradually ascends to Dole, a small settlement known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The steady climb helps with acclimatization as you make your way into the serene Gokyo Valley.

  Trekking Distance : 11 km
  Trekking Duration : 5-6 hours

From Dole, the trail continues upwards through a barren landscape with spectacular views of Cho Oyu and Thamserku. The path gradually climbs, passing through Lhabarma and Luza villages. As you ascend, the altitude increases, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. You’ll reach Machhermo, a small village nestled in the Gokyo Valley, known for its dramatic mountain scenery and a great place to rest and acclimatize before heading further into the high Himalayas.

  Trekking Distance : 7 km
  Trekking Duration : 3-4 hours

From Machhermo, the trail leads you higher into the Gokyo Valley, passing through rocky terrain with stunning views of Cho Oyu and the surrounding peaks. After a steady ascent, you’ll reach Gokyo, a serene village set alongside the turquoise Gokyo Lakes. In the afternoon, you can hike up to Gokyo Ri for an unforgettable panoramic view of the surrounding Himalayas, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. This is one of the best vantage points in the region, offering breathtaking vistas of the world’s highest peaks.

  Trekking Distance : 7 km
  Trekking Duration : 7-8 hours

From Gokyo, the trail leads to the stunning 4th Gokyo Lake, offering a peaceful and picturesque landscape. In the morning, you’ll hike to this serene lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and glaciers, providing a tranquil atmosphere. After exploring the lake, you’ll continue your trek to Thagnak, a small settlement nestled in the Gokyo Valley, where you can rest and prepare for the challenging ascent to Cho La Pass. The day’s journey offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and the expansive Gokyo Valley.

  Trekking Distance : 6 km
  Trekking Duration : 3-4 hours

From Thagnak, you’ll begin the challenging ascent to Cho La Pass (5,420m), one of the highest and most demanding sections of the trek. The trail climbs through rocky terrain and snowfields, offering incredible views of surrounding peaks like Cho Oyu and Makalu. After crossing the pass, you’ll descend to the village of Dzongla, where you can rest and take in the stunning mountain scenery. The crossing of Cho La Pass is a highlight of the trek, offering a true Himalayan adventure.

  Trekking Distance : 8 km
  Trekking Duration : 7-8 hours

From Dzongla, the trail continues with a steady climb through rugged terrain, passing beautiful alpine landscapes. As you trek, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Pumori, Nuptse, and Lhotse. The path leads you towards Lobuche, a small settlement located at the foot of the towering peaks. This is an important stop on the trek, as you prepare for the final push to Everest Base Camp. The high-altitude environment offers spectacular views, making the journey to Lobuche a memorable part of your adventure.

  Trekking Distance : 4 km
  Trekking Duration : 2-3 hours

From Lobuche, the trail ascends gradually towards Gorakshep, the last village before Everest Base Camp. The route offers breathtaking views of Pumori, Nuptse, and Lhotse. Upon reaching Gorakshep, you’ll have a brief rest before embarking on an afternoon hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m), one of the best viewpoints for Mount Everest. The hike to Kala Patthar rewards you with panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and the surrounding peaks, providing an unforgettable experience and an excellent opportunity for photography.

  Trekking Distance : 4 km
  Trekking Duration : 7-8 hours

From Gorakshep, you’ll begin the morning with a memorable hike to Everest Base Camp (EBC), the ultimate destination for trekkers in the region. The path takes you through rocky terrain and the Khumbu Icefall, offering stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. After spending time at EBC, you’ll retrace your steps back to Gorakshep and descend to Pheriche, a peaceful village where you can rest and begin acclimatizing for the return journey. The trek down offers a chance to reflect on the unforgettable experience of reaching the base of the world’s highest peak.

  Trekking Distance : 8 km
  Trekking Duration : 6-7 hours

From Pheriche, the trail descends through the peaceful Pangboche village, with stunning views of Ama Dablam and other surrounding peaks. As you continue, the path leads through Tengboche, where you can visit the famous Tengboche Monastery. The route then takes you down to the bustling town of Namche Bazaar, where you’ll have the chance to relax, enjoy local culture, and celebrate the completion of your Everest adventure. The descent offers a refreshing change of scenery as you make your way back to lower altitudes.

  Trekking Distance : 12 km
  Trekking Duration : 6-7 hours

From Namche Bazaar, we bid farewell to the Sherpas in Namche and follow the path along the Dudh Koshi River back to Lukla. This small town is renowned for its high-altitude airstrip, often considered one of the most thrilling airports in the world. Located at 2,860 meters (9,383 feet), Lukla serves as the gateway back to Kathmandu, offering a dramatic transition from the rugged mountain trails to the bustling capital. After arriving in Lukla, we’ll overnight and await our flight back to Kathmandu, reflecting on the incredible journey through the Everest region.

  Trekking Distance : 18 Km
  Trekking Duration : 5-6 hours

From Lukla, you’ll take a thrilling flight back to Kathmandu, offering one last view of the majestic Himalayan peaks. The short but scenic flight is a memorable way to wrap up your Everest adventure, with the dramatic landing at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport marking the end of your trek. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll have time to relax and reflect on your incredible journey through the Everest region.

  Fly Time : 30-40 Min

Last day in Nepal after a wonderful experience and adventure on Gokyo Chola Pass trek with great service of Lasso Adventure, and as per your international flight then transfer to Kathmandu international airport for homeward bound or to your respective destinations.

Equipment

In addition to making trekking more enjoyable, having the appropriate gear guarantees your safety and readiness for a range of situations. Regardless of skill level, every hiker has to invest in high-quality equipment and understand how to utilize it properly. A delightful journey can differ from a difficult ordeal depending on the level of planning and equipment used. Please make your selections of the necessary equipment from the list below.

  Clothing

  • Down Or Fiber Filled Waterproof Jacket And Trousers
  • Fleece Jacket Or Pullover
  • Warm Cotton Trousers
  • Shirts And T-Shirts
  • Lightweight Cotton Long Pants
  • Sun Hat Or Scarf
  • Woolen Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Raincoat

  Footwear

  • Trekking Boot
  • Thick Socks
  • Light Socks
  • Camp Shoes
  • Sandals

  Other Equipments

  • Sleeping Bag(4seasons)
  • Down Jacket
  • Daypack
  • Water Bottle
  • Sun Cream, Sunglasses

  Optional

  • Insect Repellent
  • Laundry Soap
  • Plasters
  • Cards And Personal Medical Kit
  • Toilet Articles
  • Pocketknife
  • Binoculars
  • Notebook & Pen
  • Towel
  • Camera
  • Toilet Roll
  • Sewing Kit
  • Film

FAQs

The Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp Trek is a challenging and scenic trek in the Everest region of Nepal. It combines trekking to the stunning Gokyo Lakes, crossing the high-altitude Chola Pass, and reaching the iconic Everest Base Camp, offering incredible mountain views and cultural experiences.

The highest point of the trek is Kala Patthar at 5,545 meters (18,192 feet), offering breathtaking views of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks.

Accommodation during the trek is typically in tea houses, which provide basic lodging and meals. The choice of menu is often limited but usually includes both local and Western cuisine options.

Yes, the trek is physically demanding and requires good fitness. The Chola Pass is particularly challenging due to its high altitude and steep terrain. Proper acclimatization is crucial to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

Most teahouses offer Wi-Fi for a fee, but the connection may be slow or unreliable in higher regions. It's best to be prepared for limited connectivity during the trek.

While prior trekking experience is helpful, the trek is accessible to those with moderate fitness levels and a spirit of adventure. It's important to be prepared for high altitudes and changing weather conditions.

You'll need a Sagarmatha National Park Permit and a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card to enter the Everest region.

Yes, altitude sickness is a concern when trekking above 3,000 meters (9,843 feet). Acclimatization is key, and the trek includes rest days at Namche Bazaar and Gokyo to help reduce the risk.

The best times for this trek are during the pre-monsoon season (March to May) and post-monsoon season (September to November), when the weather is stable and clear for trekking.

Accommodation is mostly in tea houses or lodges along the trail. These basic but comfortable lodgings provide meals and a place to sleep, though facilities may become more basic as you ascend to higher altitudes.

While it is possible to trek independently, it is highly recommended to go with a guide and porter for safety, navigation, and to help carry your gear, especially in remote regions. Trekking with a guide ensures you stay on the right track and have support in case of emergencies.

Packing essentials include layered clothing, warm gear, good trekking boots, a sleeping bag, a first-aid kit, sunglasses, and sun protection. A detailed packing list is recommended for high-altitude treks.

If you have any more specific questions or need further details, feel free to ask!

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