Trip Information:
The Everest Base Camp – Cho La Pass – Gokyo Trek is an exhilarating and comprehensive trekking route in the Everest region that combines the classic trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC) with the spectacular Gokyo Lakes and the challenging high-altitude Cho La Pass (5,420m) crossing.
This trek offers a unique opportunity to experience two different sides of the Everest region — the bustling Sherpa trail to EBC and the tranquil, less-crowded Gokyo valley. The route covers breathtaking landscapes, including glacier-fed lakes, soaring Himalayan peaks, and rugged mountain passes.
Starting from Lukla, trekkers pass through Sherpa cultural hubs like Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Lobuche, then cross the Cho La Pass to reach the stunning Gokyo Lakes and the village of Gokyo. The trek ends with spectacular panoramic views from Gokyo Ri (5,357m), one of the best viewpoints in the Everest region.
Highlights:
- Trek to the iconic Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and explore the surrounding glacier
- Cross the challenging Cho La Pass (5,420m), one of the classic high passes in Nepal
- Visit the serene and stunning Gokyo Lakes — some of the highest freshwater lakes in the world
- Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu
- Experience vibrant Sherpa culture in Namche Bazaar and other traditional villages
- View spectacular peaks such as Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and more
- Explore less crowded trails offering solitude and pristine natural beauty
- Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
- Transfer to your hotel in the city.
- Free time to relax or explore Thamel, the tourist hub.
- Evening briefing about the trek.
- Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.
- Take a 35-minute flight to Lukla, the trek’s starting point.
- Trek 3-4 hours along the Dudh Koshi River, passing Sherpa villages.
- Enjoy scenic views during the gradual descent to Phakding.
- Trekking Time: 3-4 hours.
- Overnight: Teahouse in Phakding
- Take a 35-minute flight to Lukla, the trek’s starting point.
- Trek 3-4 hours along the Dudh Koshi River, passing Sherpa villages.
- Enjoy scenic views during the gradual descent to Phakding.
- Trekking Time: 3-4 hours.
- Overnight: Teahouse in Phakding
- Acclimatization day to adjust to the altitude.
- Explore Namche or hike to Everest View Hotel for views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
- Visit the Sherpa Culture Museum or Hillary School.
- Overnight: Teahouse in Namche Bazaar.
- Trek with panoramic views of Everest and Himalayan peaks.
- Pass through rhododendron forests and descend to the Dudh Koshi River.
- Steep climb to Tengboche; visit the iconic Tengboche Monastery.
- Trekking Time: 5 hours.
- Overnight: Teahouse in Tengboche.
- Descend through forests to Deboche and cross the Imja Khola River.
- Gradual ascent to Pangboche village, then continue to Dingboche’s wide valley.
- Enjoy views of majestic peaks surrounding the valley.
- Trekking Time: 5.5 hours.
- Overnight: Teahouse in Dingboche.
- Acclimatization day to prepare for higher altitudes.
- Explore Dingboche or take an optional hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,100 meters).
- Enjoy stunning views of Lobuche East, Ama Dablam, and Makalu.
- Overnight: Teahouse in Dingboche.
- Ascend through high-altitude terrain, passing Thukla Pass’s climber memorials.
- Continue along the glacial moraine with views of Nuptse and other peaks.
- Arrive at Lobuche.
- Trekking Time: 5 hours.
- Overnight: Teahouse in Lobuche.
- Trek across the Khumbu Glacier to reach Everest Base Camp.
- Explore the base camp and marvel at the icefall and mountain scenery.
- Return to Gorak Shep for the night.
- Trekking Time: 7-8 hours.
- Overnight: Teahouse in Gorak Shep.
- Early morning hike to Kala Patthar for sunrise views of Everest and surrounding peaks.
- Descend and continue trekking to Dzongla, a small settlement below Cho La Pass.
- Trekking Time: 6-7 hours.
- Overnight: Teahouse in Dzongla.
- Cross the challenging Cho La Pass with a steep climb over ice and rock.
- Enjoy stunning views of surrounding peaks from the pass.
- Carefully descend to Thangna.
- Trekking Time: 7-8 hours.
- Overnight: Teahouse in Thangna.
- Trek along the Ngozumpa Glacier, one of the largest in the Himalayas.
- Arrive at the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, surrounded by towering peaks.
- Enjoy the serene beauty of the area.
- Trekking Time: 4 hours.
- Overnight: Teahouse in Gokyo.
- Early ascent of Gokyo Ri for breathtaking views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Gokyo Lakes.
- Descend and trek to Machhermo.
- Trekking Time: 7-8 hours.
- Overnight: Teahouse in Machhermo.
- Descend along the Dudh Koshi River through Sherpa villages.
- Return to the lively town of Namche Bazaar.
- Trekking Time: 5-6 hours.
- Overnight: Teahouse in Namche Bazaar.
- Descend through forests and cross suspension bridges to Lukla.
- Celebrate trek completion with your team.
- Trekking Time: 6-7 hours.
- Overnight: Teahouse in Lukla.
- Take a 30-minute early morning flight back to Kathmandu.
- Free time to relax, shop, or explore the city.
- Flight Duration: 30 minutes.
- Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
- Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): Ancient stupa with panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley.
- Pashupatinath Temple: Sacred Hindu temple complex by the Bagmati River.
- Boudhanath Stupa: One of the largest stupas and a key Buddhist pilgrimage site.
- Kathmandu Durbar Square: Historical heart of Kathmandu.
- Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for departure.