Everything You Need To Know About The Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp Trek

You have heard about Everest Base Camp, but have you heard about the Gokyo Lakes just West of Mt Everest? The Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek is one of Nepal’s most scenic treks, and here is everything you need to know about this trek to the Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp.

Visit Himalaya Treks organizes this trek in Nepal for many decades! With our expert Sherpa team, the Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek is not much of a challenge, but more of an adventurous and scenic trek through the Himalayas. In this article about everything you need to know about the Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek, we’ll give you valuable information about the trek, permits, weather, local, mountains, and more. Read this blog about the Gokyo Lake with Everest Base Camp trek carefully as it will greatly help you understand this trek before booking!

Table of Content 

1: Overview:
2: What permits are required for the Gokyo Lake Cho La EBC trek?
3: Which are the top seasons for the Gokyo Lake Cho La EBC trek?
4: What is the cost for the Gokyo Lake Cho La EBC trek?
5: Packing list for a perfect Gokyo Lake Cho La EBC trek:
6: Short itinerary of the Gokyo Lake Cho La EBC trek:
7: Which mountains can you see during the Gokyo Lake Cho La EBC trek?
8: Accommodation and food during the Gokyo Lake Cho La EBC trek:
9: Conclusion:

Overview:

The Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek, despite its long designated name, is one of the more scenic and rewarding treks you can book in the Khumbu or Everest region of Nepal. Besides going to the all-popular Everest Base Camp, this trek makes a detour first west to the Lakes of Gokyo. Known as the highest freshwater lakes in the world, the 6 lakes of Gokyo are well worth the visit! In order to reach Gokyo the trekking trail diverts after acclimatizing at Namche Bazaar a famous cross point and rest station on the traditional Everest Base Camp trail. Heading now West instead of North from Namche Bazaar the trail to the Gokyo Lakes follows the Dudh Khosi further upstream. The village of Gokyo itself is located at the largest of the 6 Gokyo Lakes at an altitude of 4,750m/15,584ft. To reach this village you’ll need to pass by smaller lakes leading into the large Gokyo Lake from South to North.

Gokyo Lake:

Gokyo itself is just a dream destination! The village is near the shores of the lake, offering amazing views of the surrounding Himalayas reflecting upon the surface of the lake. Visitors at Gokyo can spend a day exploring, visiting the other nearby lakes, seeing the mighty Ngozumpa Glacier up-close, hiking up to Cho Oyu Base Camp, or taking a trip up to the nearby peak called the Gokyo Ri. At a stunning height of 5,357m/17,575ft, the entire Gokyo Lake comes clear below, and in the distance, you get to see incredible views of some of the highest mountains in the world! Some even say that the 360° view from Gokyo Ri is the best view of the entire Everest region!

Cho La Pass:

The way east to EBC goes via a high-altitude mountain pass called the Cho La Pass 5,420m/17,782ft. This formidable mountain pass connects the Himalayan villages of Dragnak and Dzong Lha. Hence, creating an accessible trail to reach back at Lobuche, a village on the traditional Everest Base Camp trail. The Cho La Pass itself is also used in the other popular Everest Three Passes trek. The views from atop the Cho La Pass are absolutely amazing and make another highlight of the Gokyo Lake Cho La EBC trek. Mainly in view will be Mt Ama Dablam which is located closer to Lobuche. Making the crossing of the Cho La Pass can get challenging with heavy winds cutting in. Visit Himalaya Treks, and makes the cross always in the early morning, at this time of the day the winds will be less and the trail more accessible. A part of the crossing goes over the mighty Ngozumpa Glacier and trekking crampons will have to be used as well!

Everest Base Camp (EBC):

The last part of the Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek goes to the popular Everest Base Camp near the Khumbu Glacier. It’s from Lobuche village that the trail joins up again and a short trek from here over the glacial moraines takes you straight to Gorakshep. The last village before reaching Everest Base Camp at 5,364m/17,598ft. Gorakshep is just a small village and after checking in to the local tea house a hiking trip is organized to visit EBC. The trail is rocky and barren with snow-white Himalayan Mountains and peaks on each side. We follow a large part of the Khumbu Glacier all the way up to Base Camp.

It’s a good 2 and half hours of trekking until reaching a giant rock with the letters Everest Base Camp written on it! Depending on the season there’ll be lots of activity at Base Camp. Mountaineers aiming to summit the highest mountain in the world will be busy preparing and training. In order to reduce the risk of getting AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) we can only stay so long at EBC before returning back to Gorakshep. However, the next day early morning we take a hike up the black hill called Kala Patthar for an unforgettable sunrise view over the Himalayas with Mt Everest close by.

What permits are required for the Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek?

First of all, you’ll need to know that all permits are included if you book the Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek with Visit Himalaya Trek! For any trek in the Everest region, you’ll need two permits. These permits allow you to travel around the entire region including the Gokyo Lakes, the high-altitude passes, and Everest Base Camp.

The two permits you require for the Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek are a Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit and a Sagarmatha National Park Permit. Having these two permits by your side you won’t face any difficulties at the designated permit checkpoint posts. A T.I.M.S or Trekkers Information Management System Card is not required for any trek in the entire Everest region. To obtain these two permits for the Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek you’ll only need your passport details and the payable amount in Nepalese Rupees.

Since the new rule of 2023, you are not allowed to trek anymore without a guide in Nepal, so even if you want to get your permits by yourself you will need a licensed guide to trek in Nepal.

Which are the top seasons for the Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek?
The weather can make or break your trek in the Himalayas! So what are the top reasons for the Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek? Much like any other trek in Nepal the best seasons to book any trek are either during the months March-May, the spring season, or during the months September to November, the fall/autumn season.

Trekking during these top seasons means you’ll have clear and warm weather, fewer winds, and the best overall experience! While you can also trek during the winter season, there are high chances of snow blizzards that can cut your trek short. Similarly, during the monsoon season in Nepal (June to August) you can expect heavy rains causing delays to and from Lukla. Book the Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek during the spring or fall/autumn seasons, you won’t regret it!

What is the cost for the Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek?
So let’s talk budget! What is the cost for the Gokyo Lake Cho La EBC trek actually? While many companies offer different services and competitive rates for the Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek, Visit Himalaya Treks provides an unparalleled service that includes; all accommodation and meals as per the itinerary, guide and porter, a full-day sightseeing in Kathmandu, and a two-way flight ticket Kathmandu to Lukla. The cost for the Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek with Visit Himalaya Treks is only 2000$ USD per person!

Packing list for a perfect Gokyo Lake Cho La EBC trek:
Being fully prepared before you start any trek is just common sense! So, before you depart to Nepal to start your adventure you might want to take a look at our recommendation for a packing list to have the best experience during the Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass trek in Nepal!

To make the Packing list for a perfect Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek a bit clearer we took the liberty of dividing the list into sections; bags, clothes, hygiene, and extras.

Bags you’ll want to bring during the Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek:

• A comfortable backpack, waterproof and with a carry-load of 45-65 L
• A duffel bag, this big bag will be carried by our porters and contains most of your overnight and extra stuff
• A day bag used daily to keep your valuables close such as your wallet, insurance papers, etc.

Clothes you’ll want to bring during the Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek:

Jackets:

• Fleece jacket
• Down jacket
• Waterproof jacket

Clothing:

• Breathable t-shirts
• Trekking trousers (wind resistant)
• Thermal undergarments
• Comfortable underwear
• Hiking socks
• Trekking glover

Footwear:

• Trekking boots
• Trekking crampons
• Pair of sandals

Headwear:

• Wind protecting scarf
• Hat or cap
• UV protecting sunglasses
• Head torch

Hygiene products you’ll want to bring during the Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek:

• A personal med kit
• Water purification tablets or LifeStraw
• Hand sanitizer
• Sunscreen and/or lip balm
• Toiletries
• Bathroom slippers
• Towel
• Sleeping bag

Extras you’ll want to bring during the Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek:

• Trekking Poles
• Water bottle
• Extra batteries
• Portable chargers

Having this packing list checked will give you the best experience during the trek to the Gokyo Lakes and EBC with the Cho La Pass! If you have any other questions about what you should bring to the Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek you can always inquire about our Visit Himalaya team.

Short itinerary of the Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek:

Getting a day-to-day look into the trek will also help you organize and prepare for what’s to come. Take a look at the below short itinerary for the Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek with Visit Himalaya Treks;

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (133500 meters).

Day 02: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation.

Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2810 meters) and trek to Phakding (2610 meters).

Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440 meters).

Day 05: Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar.

Day 06: Trek to Dole (4200 meters).

Day 07: Trek to Machhermo (4440 meters).

Day 08: Acclimatization Day at Machhermo.

Day 09: Trek to Gokyo (4790 meters).

Day 10: Acclimatization Day at Gokyo.

Day 11: Climb Gokyo Ri (5360 meters) and trek to Dragnag (4700 meters).

Day 12: Cross Cho La (5330 meters) and trek to Dzong Lha (4830 meters).

Day 13: Trek to Lobuche (4910 meters).

Day 14: Trek to Gorakshep (5180 meters).

Day 15: Climb Kala Patter (5545 meters) and trek to Lobuche (4910 meters).

Day 16: Trek to Dingboche (4220 meters).

Day 17: Trek to Tengboche (3860 meters).

Day 18: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440 meters).

Day 19: Trek to Lukla (2810 meters).

Day 20: Fly back to Kathmandu.

Day 21: Free day at Kathmandu

Day 22: Departure.

There is another variant of the Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek which first goes via Everest Base Camp and ends with a visit to the Gokyo Lakes. This trail goes in a counter-clockwise direction offering the same trek with a different perspective! To see all the details of this 22-day Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek itinerary please visit Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Gokyo Trek | EBC Chola Pass Gokyo Lakes Trek for more detailed information and to book!

Which mountains can you see during the Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek?

When you go trekking in Nepal, you go to see the mountains! So, which mountains can you see during the Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek? A lot! For the first part of the trek, you’ll be in the central southern region. During the acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar, you’ll make a trip to Syangboche’s Everest View Hotel. From here you’ll get to see your first views of;

Mt Everest (8,849m/29,032ft)

Mt Lhotse (8,516m/27,940ft)

Mt Thamserku (6,608m/21,680ft)

Mt Ama Dablam (6,812m/22,349ft)

For the second part of the trek, you’ll be in the western region. The main vantage point here is Gokyo Ri, (5,357m/17,575ft). Depending on the season and the weather you’ll be able to see views of:

Mt Everest (8,849m/29,032ft)

Mt Makalu (8,481m/27,825ft)

Mt Cho Oyu (8,188m/26,864ft)

Mt Nuptse (7,861m/25,791ft)

Mt Lhotse (8,516m/27,940ft)

Mt Pumori (7,161m/23,494ft)

The Ngozumpa Glacier

During the last part of the trip, you’ll be able to climb up another vantage point called Kala Patthar. This black hill just west of Mt Everest offers amazing views of:

Mt Everest (8,849m/29,032ft)

Mt Nuptse (7,861m/25,791ft)

Mt Changtse (7,543m/24,747ft)

Special about this last vantage point is, that you’ll be able to go there during the sunrise. Just imagine a warm glow of light brightening the up the highest mountains in the world! Naturally, there are many other mountains and peaks you’ll be able to see during the Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek. Book this trip today with Visit Himalaya Treks and see them all up close!

Accommodation and food during the Gokyo Lake Cho La EBC trek:
Very important during any type of trek, is the ability to have a comfortable sleep, and to be able to re-energize yourself with a great meal! Yes, we are talking about what type of accommodation and food you can expect during the Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek.

Accommodation:

During the trek, you’ll be staying at traditional villages. These are called tea houses, guest houses, or even mountain lodges. Being developed every year there are now multiple options for accommodation in the Everest region of Nepal. From low-budget to luxury resorts in almost every place you can choose according to your own budget.

Luxury resorts offer 24hrs hot showers, incredible views, delicious meals, and yes even electric blankets! While more traditional tea houses offer a simple but comfortable two or three-person room with a public bathroom and a common mess hall. At the higher elevations, you won’t find luxury accommodation so if it is within a budget we always recommend spending at least one night at such a place to increase your overall experience of the trek. Traditional tea houses offer charging and Wi-Fi options at a cost. As well as hot water service.

Food:

Meals are included during the Gokyo Cho La Pass EBC Trek if you book with Visit Himalaya Treks! Travelers get to choose between veg and non-veg items. Traditional or international cuisine. At higher elevations, we do recommend not ordering any type of non-veg items as preservation facilities are quite primitive and we cannot guarantee the quality of any meat product.

For options of traditional dishes, there is; rice served with seasonal veg with a spice pickle sauce and lentil soup, Nepalese dumplings called MoMo, or Sherpa stew, and Tibetan flatbread. International options are more dishes like pizza, pasta, pancakes, or even burgers at some places.

Conclusion:

Now you should have everything you need to know about the Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek. You know about the cost, best seasons, the itinerary, permits, packing list, mountains you’ll be able to see, and about accommodation and food. With all this information you’ll be ready for the Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek and well prepared!

Here in short are the highlights for the Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC trek with Visit Himalaya Treks;

• A spectacular 2-way flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
• Visit and overnight at traditional Sherpa villages
• See incredible mountain and glacial views of the Himalayas
• Chances to spot exotic Himalayan wildlife
• Visit old Buddhist Monasteries
• Hike up two popular vantage points (Gokyo Ri & Kala Patthar)
• Visit and explore the world’s highest freshwater lake Gokyo
• Visit and explore Everest Base Camp

Get ready for one of the best treks in Nepal, the Gokyo Cho La Pass EBC trek of 22 days is just a click away!