Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC Trek

Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC Trek is a more adventurous trek to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes and a demanding Cho La Pass that avoids the regular busy route. The trek follows a different and quieter route compared to the regular Everest Base Camp Trek and explores most of the valleys higher up in Khumbu. Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass Trek also offers more stunning views and time to acclimatize for the altitude than the regular Everest Base Camp Trek.

The return route to Lukla follows the same route as of regular Everest Base Camp Trek, thus making sure that Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass Trek misses nothing from the regular Everest Base Camp Trek. It all begins with an exciting flight to Lukla and after a rest day at the famous Namche Bazaar, the trek enters the Gokyo valley. In the valley, a day is spent at Machermo (4440 meters) for acclimatization.

According to the legends, Machermo is the place where the mythical creature, Yeti was last seen. After acclimatization, the trail again heads onward to the valley and gets to the beautiful Gokyo lakes. A couple of hours of uphill hiking from the Gokyo Lake takes one to Gokyo-Ri (5360 meters), one of the best viewpoints in the whole Khumbu region. Gokyo-Ri offers marvelous panoramic views of Everest (8848 meters), Lhotse (8516 meters), Cho Oyu (8201 meters), and many more peaks from the Khumbu region.

Adding to the stunning scenery is the longest glacier in the country, the Ngozumpa Glacier, making the views from Gokyo-Ri an absolute beauty of nature for the eyes. From Gokyo, the route returns down to the valley and heads towards another valley to get to the bottom of Cho La Pass (5330 meters). One has to cross the Cho La Pass to get into the main valley to the Everest Base Camp.

The route follows to head towards the valley and joins the traditional trekking route to the Everest Base Camp at Lobuche (4900 meters). The return route to Lukla descends into the main valley through the major settlements of Pheriche (4200 meters), Pangboche (3900 meters), and Namche (3440 meters), ending Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass Trek at Lukla.

Lukla Flight Information.

Kathmandu Airport and the runways are shared by both domestic and international flights. Can be quite busy in the high tourism seasons, where Lukla flights will be in the peak time. To avoid the busy air traffic and landing on the runways can be a problem.

Completing the flights and making sure all travelers are in Lukla and Outing from Lukla on time. The Lukla Flight operates from Manthali (Ramechhap) Airport during the peak season. The months of October and November are in the autumn season and the months of March to May are in the Spring season Lukla flights operate from Manthali (Ramechhap Airport).

During this period (October and November in the autumn season and March to May in the Spring season) there is no flight available KTM – LUKLA and LUKLA – KTM.

 During peak tourism season, October and November in the Autumn season and March to May in the Spring season Lukla flights operate only from Manthali (Ramechhap Airport).  

Scenic Flight to Lukla Airport Full Information read here. 


Gokyo Lakes Chola Pass EBC Trek Itinerary,

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1350 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 (4410 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.

Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC Trek Detail Itinerary

DAY
  • 1

    A representative from Visit Himalaya Treks with the company’s display board will greet you outside the arrival terminal and transfer you to your Hotel. 

    Altitude 1350 m
    Meals Breakfast
    Accommodation Hotel
  • 2

    A full day guided tour to several of historical and spiritual attractions enlisted under the World Heritage Sites. The trek leader will meet the group for a meeting and provide a detailed briefing on the trek. All the required information regarding the trek would be provided. 

    Altitude 1350 m
    Meals Breakfast
    Accommodation Hotel
  • 3

    An early morning scenic flight to Lukla (35 minutes) is followed by a leisurely breakfast at Lukla. We meet up with our crew and after a brief introduction and a quick sorting of our daypack and the main bags, our adventure starts. The trail gradually drops into the Dudh Koshi Valley and passes through the lovely Sherpa villages of Chauri Kharka, Cheplung, then undulates through villages of Thado Koshi, Ghat, and finally arrives at Phakding. First views of Kusum Kanguru (6367 meters) can be viewed at Thado Koshi just before a small climb at Thado Koshi. During the day and in most of the other days on the trek, we follow the Dudh Koshi river and pass through couple of suspension bridges and several mani walls, mani stone, chorten, stupas and prayer flags with snow capped mountains in the background. (3 hours) 

    Altitude 2610 m
    Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation Tea House / Lodge
  • 4

    During the day, we follow the Dudh Koshi River and cross the river several times on the suspension bridges. Views of Thamserku (6623 meters) and the holy mountain Khumbila or Khumbu Yül-Lha (5761 meters) shows themselves for the first time as we trek through small villages of Tok Tok, Ghat, Benkar and Monjo. The trail keeps undulating for the whole morning and enters into the Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. The path drops down to Jorsalle and steadily follows the river for a while until the start of steep climb with a dramatic suspension bridge (situated at more than 50 meters above the river) joining the two different valley. First glimpse of Everest (8848 meters) with the Lohtse face infront of it can be enjoyed on the midway of the climb through the pine forests, on the way to Namche Bazaar. This famous town in the lap of the Himalayas also offers the best views of the Kongde Range. (6 hours) 

    Altitude 3440 m
    Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation Tea House / Lodge
  • 5

    A walk to the twin village of Khunde (3840 meters) and Khumjung (3780 meters) through the Syangboche Airport (3720 meters) is considered as one of the interesting days of the trek. With the benefit of gain in altitude, this day trip also offers a chance to visit a hospital and school started by Sir Edmund Hillary himself. Breathtaking views of Mount Everest (8848 meters), Lohtse (8516 meters) and Ama Dablam (6812 meters) are also an added incentive for the day hike. (6 hours) 

    Altitude 3840 m
    Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation Tea House / Lodge
  • 6

    The trek continues on a well maintained path in the morning with towering mountains on almost every direction. After passing a couple of teahouses at Kyangjuma, the path climbs to a different valley leaving the traditional Everest Trail and crosses Mong La and drops down to Phortse Tenga. With the disappearing views of Taboche peak (6501 meters) and Chola Tse (6440 meters), the trail slowly climbs and reaches Dole. (5-6 hours approximately) 

    Altitude 4200 m
    Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation Tea House / Lodge
  • 7

    Leaving the tree line behind, a brief climb starts the day and a gradual climb follows for the rest of day. The trail passes through a couple of tea shops at Luza and finally reaches Machhermo with Cho Oyu (8201 meters) appearing to the north. (4 hours approximately) 

    Altitude 4440 m
    Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation Tea House / Lodge
  • 8

    A climb to the ridge above Machhermo rewards with view of Everest and the trail into the valley for the next few days. Lecture on altitude at the nearby health post is an option for the afternoon. According to legends, Machhermo was the last place of sightings of the mythical creature of the Himalayas, the Yeti. 

    Altitude 4440 m
    Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation Tea House / Lodge
  • 9

    The trail moves up into the valley on a easy terrain and starts getting steeper near the lakes of the Gokyo Valley. After passing two smaller lakes, the trail leads to the third lake commonly known as the Gokyo Lake with Cho Oyo (8201 meters) towering in the background. (4 hours approximately) 

    Altitude 4790 m
    Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation Tea House / Lodge
  • 10

    A walk further into the valley on an easier terrain leads to the fourth and fifth lakes of the valley. These lakes are considered to be sacred and holy to the people of the Khumbu region. 

    Altitude 5000 m
    Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation Tea House / Lodge
  • 11

    An early morning climb to Gokyo Ri (3 hours approximately) offers stunning views of Cho Oyo (8201 meters), Makalu (8463 meters), Lhotse (8516 meters) and Everest (884 8meters); four of the top ten highest point on the planet. Apart from these many more mountains of the Khumbu region can be enjoyed from Gokyo Ri, making it a popular viewpoint in the region. Breakfast at Gokyo is followed with a return to the first lake and then the trail crosses the longest glacier of Nepal, Ngozumpa Glacier. Dragnag is located under a huge rock face, across the Ngozumpa Glacier. (3 hours approximately) 

    Altitude 5360 m
    Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation Tea House / Lodge
  • 12

    Another early start to the day leads to a steep climb to the top of the pass. A steep drop follows a brief walk on the glacier into a new valley with Cho La Tse (6440 meters) towering to the southeast and Ama Dablam (6812 meters) appearing towards east. The terrain starts to get easier and finally reaches Dzong Lha. The day is the toughest and the longest day of the trek and the most basic accommodation of the whole trek at Dzong Lha do not help either. (7-8 hours approximately) 

    Altitude 5330 m
    Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation Tea House / Lodge
  • 13

    The trail undulates in the morning but slowly starts to get gradually later in the day. The terrain feels easier compared to the previous day and joins the traditional Everest trail near the end of the days trek. Once on the main trail, a short gradual climb leads to Lobuche. (4 hours approximately) 

    Altitude 4910 m
    Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation Tea House / Lodge
  • 14

    An early start leads us into the undulating trail and into the Khumbu Glacier for a while. After getting out of the glacier, the path leads to Gorakhshep (5180 meters). After a brief stop and lunch, the trail again enters the Khumbu Glacier and undulates all the way up to Everest Base Camp (5364 meters). At Base Camp, one can enjoy the close up views of Nuptse (7861 meters), Pumori (7161 meters), Lingtren (6713 meters), Khumbutse (6636 meters), Changtse (7543 meters) and Lho La (6026 meters). We return to Gorakhshep through the same route on the glacier. (6-7 hours) 

    Altitude 5364 m
    Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation Tea House / Lodge
  • 15

    A steep climb to Kala Pattar (5545 meters) (2 hours) is rewarded with the proper view of the southwest face of Everest. Kala Pattar is also the highest point of the trek. After returning to Gorakhshep, we return to Lobuche via same route. (3 hours) 

    Altitude 5545 m
    Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation Tea House / Lodge
  • 16

    Staying on the main Everest trail, the trail gradually goes down and reaches Thukla Pass (4830 meters). The pass is filled with memorials dedicated to the mountaineers perished in the Khumbu region. From the pass, the path drops down to Thukla and then continues to drop gradually all the way to Dingboche. (5 hours) 

    Altitude 4410 m
    Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation Tea House / Lodge
  • 17

    The path drops and then climbs out of a valley in the morning and follows the Dudh Koshi River gradually on a leveled terrain, through the villages of Pangboche and Somare. The path finally returns to go through the forests and a gradual climb leads to Tengboche. Tengboche is famous for the Tengboche Monastery, the biggest and the most important monastery of the region. Tengboche also offers stunning panoramic views of Everest with the Lohtse face, Ama Dablam (6812 meters), Kang Tega (6782 meters) and the Kongde Range. (6 hours approximately) 

    Altitude 3860 m
    Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation Tea House / Lodge
  • 18

    A steep drop through the Rhododendron forest leads to Phunki Tenga and after crossing a river at Phunki Tenga, a steep climb passing through the small villages of Lausasa and Sanasa, finally takes us to Kyangjuma. A gentle walk from Kyangjuma with views of the valleys for the next day leads to Namche Bazaar. (5 hours approximately) 

    Altitude 3440 m
    Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation Tea House / Lodge
  • 19

    We trek back to Lukla via same route taken before and end the trek at Lukla. We also bid farewell to our support crew and formally end their trek for them as well. (6-7 hours) 

    Altitude 2810 m
    Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation Tea House / Lodge
  • 20

    A 25 minute flight to Kathmandu and a whole free day at Kathmandu.

    Altitude 1335 m
    Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation Tea House / Lodge
  • 21

    A leisure day in Kathmandu which can used for an early morning mountain flights to Everest or can extended into further more tours to Chitwan, Lumbini etc. (This is also spare day in case of cancellation of flights) 

    Altitude 1335 m
    Meals Breakfast
    Accommodation No
  • 22

    A representative from Visit Himalaya Treks Pvt. Ltd. will check your flight tickets and transfer you to the airport before two hours from your flight with a hope of seeing you again in the future.

    Altitude 1350 m
    Meals Breakfast
    Accommodation No

Cost Includes

    • Arrivals and departure transport by car (We will collect you from the Kathmandu international airport) and transfer to Hotel.
    • A full day sightseeing in Kathmandu with a city guide and necessary transport.
    • 4 nights accommodation (2 persons per room) in Kathmandu in a 3* standard Hotel with breakfast.
    • Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu airfare including airport taxes.
    • Accommodation and all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) while on trek in normal teahouses.
    • Salary, insurance, food, and accommodation for guides and porters.
    • A porter to carry your luggage on treks (Per person 15-kilogram luggage).
    • National Park entry fee and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS).
    • First Aid Kit.
    • Service charges and Government taxes.

Cost Excludes

    • Nepal entry Visa Fee.
    • Personal Travel Insurance (Compulsory).
    • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
    • Entry fee at the sightseeing sites.
    • Personal expenses like beverages (mineral water, alcohol, soft drinks), telephone bills, laundry, bar bills, personal tips, etc.

Cost & Date

Start Dates are your arrival date in Nepal and End Dates are the returning date from Nepal.

The set departure dates listed are specially quoted and specified for group joining option. Let us know if the set departure dates are not suitable for you- another dates which are suitable for you can certainly be added by us.

Upcoming Trip Departure

  • Guaranteed - Trip is Guaranteed to run
  • Available - Trip is available to run if minimum group size is filled
  • Limited - Only few space available
  • Booking Closed - Maximum group size is filled

Check Available Dates

Trip Start Date Trip End Date Price Status Book

Looking for a personalized experience? We organize a privately guided trip designed to fit your taste and interest. Please fill out the form below to get started.

Reviews ( 12 Reviews For This Package )

Susanne Schwarz, From Switzerland

Breathtaking Adventure - Trekking Khumbu Region

In May, we were a group of 8 people exploring the Kumbuh region. We were extremely well taken care of by Visit Himalaya Treks from the day of our arrival until our departure, we were warmly accompanied.

At the airport, Raj welcomed us warmly with flowers and took us to our hotel in Thamel - Kathmandu. Everything was already prepared for us there and Raj briefed us about the upcoming days.

Our guide, Ngima, accompanied us with great professionalism on our Trek to Gokyo Ri, Chola Pass, Everest Base Camp, Kala Pattar.

We felt very comfortable because he always impressed us with his smile, his Nepali 5-Minutes and his kindness. 🙏 With his inner calmness and motivation, he gave us a tremendous sense of security. He always had a solution for everything. Together with the service guides, Ramesh and Tipak, we were perfectly taken care of in every aspect

Similarly, our supporters Mick, Lhakpa, Ngima, and Santos were always on the go with a smile. We felt like a big family, and we will always keep this incredible trip in our hearts. ❤️

We express our gratitude to Himal and his team for their perfect organization, and we highly recommend Visit Himalaya Treks.

For us, there is certainly no other organization for Himalayan travel.
धन्यवाद
Dhanyabad! Apr 2023
Susanne Schwarz from Switzerland

Annelise Elisabeth Mettler, Agnes Kalin And Isabelle Zuger, Switzerland

Amazing - Unbeatable- Without Words, You Have To Experience It Yourself.

ONE MORE UNBEATABLE TREK WITH VISIT HIMALAYA TREKS🙏

We three swiss women enjoyed the Khumbu Trekking (Gokyo Lakes Chola Pass EBC Trek)  in April 2023 to the fullest. Well prepared with tips and tricks from Raj, with the very best support and guidance from Krishna, and the extremely helpful and upbeat su-porters Kaji man and Ram Bahadur, we were able to fully enjoy nature, culture and the beauty of the Himalayas. In the evening we had fun playing Skybo and Uno with our team, although there was always a lot of laughter and joking 🤣😂.

Thank you very much for this unforgettable time, it is firmly anchored in our hearts 🥰 Dhanyabaad to Visit Himalaya Treks, to Krishna, to Kaji man and Ram Bahadur🙏😊

Do yourself a favor and book through Visit Himalaya Treks, a small but unbeatable company, that can make dreams come true 👍🥾🇳🇵😊🙏
Annelise Elisabeth Mettler, Agnes Kalin and Isabelle Zuger from Switzerland.
Apr 2023 • Friends

Agnes Kalin, Switzerland

The Best Time We Could Ever Think Of Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass EBC Trek

I can’t say what was my favorite on our trip... I just was perfect!!!

from the beginning.... at the airport we were awaited from Annelies and Raj, and during the whole three weeks, we were accompanied and cared to be the people at any time. Our guide Krishna cared during the trekking perfectly and all over, there was no need he wouldn’t take care off. He was just great helpful and careful. We felt all the time safe and looked very well after. We became lots of information about the Mountains and also about the local living.


PERFECT!


Our Gide Krishna as well as our Porters Kaj Man and Ram Bahadur cared always the best about us an we had a perfect time together. Our Time in Nepal was just the best we could wish for and we will always remember! Thanks, SOOO much for every minute with and around You.
We will always recommend Visit Himalaya Treks to anybody who is planning to trek in Nepal.
No better than you did to us could happen.
Thank You, thank you very Mach.
Apr 2023.

Randy, Alan, Laura And Tom, From - Canada

Excellent trekking company!

I recently completed a 20-day trek to the Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri and Ama Dablam base camp. There were four of us in our group from Canada and the US. Himal met us at the airport in Kathmandu and from that point forward we received exceptional care from this company. Our group was provided with a guide, assistant guide and two porters. We immediately formed a friendship with our group from Visit Himalaya Treks.

The guides, Ishwar and Nima, were very knowledgeable and caring of our health and wellness. All our questions were answered and we felt incredibly safe and supported through the entire trek. When we were at Gokyo Village it was determined that we would have to alter our route and not go through the Chola Pass as initially planned. Our guides came up with an alternate route that took us to Ama Dablam base came. This route change was not a let down, and we were able to have Ama Dablam base camp almost completely to ourselves.

Our porters were wonderful. Their smiles never left their faces and we often arrived to find them laughing, singing or dancing. What a delight to have both of them on this adventure.

All our tea houses were clean and full of atmosphere. The food on the trek can be repetitive but that is absolutely no fault of anyone. On the final night of our trek, our guides and porters presented us with a cake. What a perfect way to end the trek.

This is my second trek with Visit Himalaya Treks. I have nothing but positive things to say about this company. All staff cares deeply about their client’s time in Nepal and want to see to it that things go smoothly and the trip is enjoyable. Any questions or concerns are immediately answered.
Thanks again to everyone at Visit Himalaya Treks! May -2019. Alan & Rady from Canada.

Priya And Balwan Singh, From - Copenhagen, Denmark

Visit Himalaya highly recommendable!

This is my second trip with Visit Himalaya Treks. I can highly recommend using Himal and his team. Everything runs smoothly and is well organized, and you feel safe travelling with them. Both trip have had excellent guides and porters. This time we hiked for 17 days (Gokyo Lake Chola Pass Everest Base Camp) - and it was amazing! Can't wait to go back again, and surely, I will use Visit Himalaya again! March – 2018.

FAQs

We always try to be flexible to design the trip itinerary for our client’s needs. However, if you are not convinced as our suggested itinerary then off-course you are always welcome to customize or change the trip itinerary.

Holiday should never be about making it to the final point quickly. Along your trek, we can add days at your request with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation, and food.

An average physical fitness should be maintained prior to booking a trek. Any sort of illness or recent medical problems should be mentioned while booking a trip. Most of our itineraries are prepared to give you maximum time to acclimatize and pace-setting on the treks would be done according to your convenience. If you are having regular medication then tell us before the trip started which would be better for us to give you the physical feedback.

Our main concern is your safety. We never compromised on your safety during the Trekking and all our guides are properly trained and well equipped to take care of our client's safety even in remote areas as well.

There would be always back support in case of an emergency situation like severe high-altitude sickness or accident (which is least expected), you will be sent to the nearest hospital, if possible, otherwise rescued by a helicopter and sent you to the hospital as soon as possible. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred for the use of such emergency services, please make sure that your travel insurance covers both- medical and emergency evacuation costs.

It is not a problem at all because in a mountain most of the tea houses/lodges serve vegetarian food as well and our guide will take care at the time of cooking and on a camping trek, our cook and staffs will care all about the food section.

Most of the lodges in the mountains are basic like a guest house or tea house style. In a few major settlements Lodges are upgraded, where are the possibilities we provide you with the best accommodation! Also, it depends upon the service packages. 

Lately, most of the teahouses have electricity supply even with solar panels. So, charging your gadgets is not a problem at all. But charging your battery you should have to pay an additional fee (US$ 1 to 3 approx. per hour.), in order to get your gadgets to be charged.

Now a day’s most of the major village has a cell phone network connection. However, in a remote area where cell phone does not work, and even if there is not any other communication access then we send satellite phone along with our guide so you can easily be in touch with your family.

Yes, either you can store at the same hotel as you stayed or we can store your goods with us safely in our office free of cost.

The luggage must not exceed up to 20 kilograms. A trekking helper (porter) carries the baggage of fewer than 20 kilograms. This bag can be received at the end of each day’s trek and you should carry the rest of the weight as a day bag with all your money and valuables inside it.

This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 25 to USD 900 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide. However, we recommend you to spend a minimum of 10% of your total trip cost for tipping the entire local staff.

Best Selling Trip

$ 2000 / Person
BOOK NOW
22 Days Nepal
TRIP OVERVIEW
Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC Trek
Altitude 5545 m
Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC Trek
Region Everest Region
Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC Trek
Difficulty Demanding
Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC Trek
Group size 1+ Peoples
Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass EBC Trek
Best Season October - December in Autumn Season * March - May Spring Season

QUICK INQUIRY