In this article, we are going to discuss Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lake Trek in detail.
Nepal is a beautiful country with many trekking destinations through the foothills of the Himalayas. Among the incredible trekking routes in Nepal, the Everest Base Camp trek is the most famous. However, this trek gets quite crowded and can be unfavorable for those who love a quiet adventure.
Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lake Trek are ideal for those trekkers who want to trek remote landscapes of the region. This outstanding trek is one of the most challenging treks in the country that take you on a complete journey of the Everest region. Trekkers will climb high elevation passes and serene Gokyo lakes during this adventurous trek.
Moreover, trails pass through rhododendron, pines, and oaks trees. You can observe majestic views of Mt. Everest, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Pumori, and other Himalayan mountains. Similarly, the cultural exploration of the Sherpa community and their Tibetan influenced heritage and lifestyle is another highlight of the trek.
Furthermore, thousands of trekkers flock to the Everest region every year to take this exciting adventure. Likewise, this incredible trek package is available at a reasonable cost. Read further for a detailed description of Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lake Trek and other related information in detail.
Significant Highlights of the Trip
- Exploring the majestic atmosphere of Everest base camp on foot of the world’s highest mountain
- Awe-inspiring views of snow-capped mountain views including Mount Everest, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Pumori, and others
- Gorgeous sunrise views from various viewpoints along the trail
- Climbing Gokyo Ri, Kala Pathar, and crossing spectacular Cho La Pass
- Exploring Tibetan influenced culture, heritage, and lifestyle of Sherpa people
- Tasting delicious local cuisine
- Spotting rare and endangered flora and fauna including Himalayan Tahr, snow leopards, and others
About The Route
Everest Base Camp Cho La pass and Gokyo Lake trek starts from Kathmandu with a scenic mountain flight to Lukla. After arriving at Lukla, we will start our trek to Phakding where you will stay for the night. The trail then leads you to the famous Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar where you will acclimatize.
Apparently, Namche is a beautiful town with many cafes, restaurants, hotels, and others. We will trek to Tengboche where you can observe beautiful views of snow-capped mountains and the spiritual Tengboche monastery. Dingboche is our next stop on our trail where you acclimatize for the second time along the trek.
Moreover, you can acclimatize by taking a small hike to Chhukung. Dingboche trail then leads you to Lobuche. From Lobuche, you will head towards Gorak Shep and hike to the majestic Everest base camp. Gorak Shep is the original base camp of Mount Everest.
Following day you will trek to Kala Patthar, and the view of beautiful Himalayan sunrise and Mount Everest will spellbind you. We will then trek to Dzongla. From Dzongla, you will trek to Thagnag and cross the majestic Cho-La Pass and stay overnight. Also, the trekkers will then trek to the village and head towards Gokyo, and visit Fifth lake.
You can also climb Gokyo Ri from where you can view snow-capped mountains and take incredible pictures. We then head towards Dole where you can stay overnight. From Dole, you can trek to Namche Bazaar and Lukla before returning back to Kathmandu on a scenic flight back to Kathmandu.
Best Time For Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lake Trek
Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass and Gokyo Trek are ideal in two peak seasons of Autumn and Spring. These seasons have stable weather conditions and moderate temperatures.
Spring
Wildflowers like rhododendron bloom all over hills and lush green trees. The unobstructed views of mountain peaks on a clear sky are the highlight of this trek. In sum, the daytime temperatures range from 15 degrees to 20 degrees while nighttime remains chilly.
Autumn
Autumn Season in September to November is one of the best times for Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lake Trek. The packed trails, and stable weather and climate, and temperature will spellbind you. The flowers will have already bloomed making the trails beautiful to walk in.
Also, the clear blue sky and unobstructed views of snow-capped mountains is another aspect of this trek in the Autumn season. This favorable condition and perfect weather that is neither too cold nor too hot makes it perfect for trekking. Also, the sunny days with 5 degrees to 20 degrees are common in Autumn.
Winter Season and Monsoon season is the off-season for trekking and touring in the Everest region. Also, it will get colder as you move along trails in winters. December to February fall under this season. Similarly, the less crowded trails and peaceful walks are highlights of trekking in the offseason. But the treks can get challenging as heavy snowfall, canceled flights, and slippery trails are quite common. In fact, the temperature in high altitude regions can drop below zero degrees.
Monsoon Season also brings heavy rainfall, slippery routes, and avalanches and landslides along trails. June to August is monsoon season in Nepal. However, there is green vegetation blooming on these routes. Furthermore, the weather and temperature are not favorable for trekking so you should check your weather forecast before starting the trek.
Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Lake Trek Difficulties
Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Lake Trek comes with a unique set of challenges along the journey. Trekking in high altitudes means thrilling adventures. Likewise, it is a moderate level trek but if you have not trekked in a high altitude region before, you might find it difficult.
Challenging route
This trek moves up and down along a steep path. Trekking for 7 to 8 hours is a taxing task. Trekkers need to have good stamina, a basic level of fitness, and a positive attitude to complete this trek. Moreover, physical training including cardiovascular activities like jogging, cycling, swimming, meditation, hiking is essential at least two weeks before the start of this trek.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is a major problem in high altitude treks with elevations above 3500m. Regular acclimatization will help you immensely along the trek. Headache, Dizziness, Nausea, insomnia, Shortness of breath, etc are some of the major symptoms of altitude sickness.
Your guide will provide you with proper guidance in case you get altitude sickness. Also, hydration along the trek is essential throughout the trek as dehydration is a major cause of altitude sickness along the trek. You should walk gradually and not treat this trek as a race.
Unpredictable weather
Unpredictable weather is another difficulty along this high altitude trek in the Everest region. In addition, Winter and Monsoon are off-seasons along the trek. The wet season brings heavy rainfall in the region along with slippery trails, landslides, and avalanches. And the snow-covered paths during Winter make the trek even more challenging. Also, as you move higher along trails, you will get colder conditions.
Besides that, the accommodations get crowded at peak seasons. It is quite hard to get a room in peak seasons and you might have to share your room with fellow trekkers. Thus, you should book rooms in advance.
Trips you may like:
- Classic Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek
- Thyangboche Monastery and Sherpa Land Trekking
- Arun Valley and Milke Danda Trekking
Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lake Trek Cost
This incredible trek is available at anywhere between $1200-$1600. It also changes based on your itinerary, meal, accommodation, and facilities you take during the trek. Trekkers can also reduce costs by managing their personal expenses.
Detailed Itinerary – Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lake Trek
Day 01: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding
Flight Duration: 30 to 35 minutes
Maximum Altitude: 2860 m
Trek Distance: 6.2 km
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lake Trek itinerary begin by flying from Kathmandu to Lukla. The scenic adventure flight takes around 30 to 35 minutes to complete. Our staff representative will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the Tribhuvan International airport.
The scenic flight provides you with mesmerizing views of snow-capped mountains and lush green valleys. We will land at a short and narrow runway of Lukla airport. It is a thrilling adventure. Phakding is the next destination along the trail that takes around 4 to 5 hours to walk.
You will then descend beautiful rhododendron forests and settlements of the Sherpa community. The trails also lead you to many mani stones, chortens, prayer flags, and others alongside the Kusum Kanguru and Dudh Koshi River. We will arrive at Phakding and stay overnight at a teahouse.
Day 02: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Maximum Altitude: 3440 m
Trek Distance: 9.4 km
Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
After having breakfast, you will start our trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar. It takes around 6 to 7 hours to walk to complete this trek from Phakding covering a distance of 9.4 km. You will then cross a suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River. And we then take a zigzag trail through pine forests.
We will then trail along Ghatte Khola and pass through settlements of Toktok, Bengkar, and Chhamuwa. You will then enter the beautiful landscapes of Sagarmatha National park. A descend after crossing the Dudh Koshi River, we will arrive at a lush green forest. This up and downhill trek passes through several bridges and forests.
A suspension bridge and make a steep ascend in the trails to arrive at Namche Bazaar. It is the commercial hub of the Khumbu region with many cafes, hotels, restaurants, bars, and others. You will stay overnight at a teahouse in Namche Bazaar.
Day 03: Acclimatization day at Namche
After having breakfast, we will start our acclimatization tour. Acclimatization is essential for adapting to high altitude conditions by going on small hikes and exploring the surrounding region. A hike to Everest View Hotel provides you with the best views of snow-capped mountains including Mount Everest, Thamserku, Ama Dalam, and Lhotse, and others.
You can also hike to Hillary school, Khumjung valley, and Khunde hospital. We return to Namche Bazaar after exploring the region for some time. Thereafter, we will stay overnight at a teahouse in Namche Bazaar.
Day 04: Trek from Namche to Tengboche
Maximum Altitude: 3860 m
Trek Distance: 9.2 km
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
After having breakfast, we continue our trek to the beautiful Tengboche. We trek for around 5 to 6 hours walking covering a distance of 9.2 km to arrive at Namche Bazaar. Thereafter, we then cross a ridge and descend in trails that lead towards the Dudh Koshi River.
There is a suspension bridge that you need to cross and that then leads you to a steep uphill climb through rhododendron forests. You can observe snow-capped mountain views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and others.
Tengboche is a spiritual hub of the region including the Tengboche monastery at an altitude of 3860 m. This ancient monastery is also the largest in the Khumbu region. Also, the beautiful views of the entire Mahalangur Himalayan range are quite enchanting. You will stay overnight at a teahouse in Tengboche.
Day 05: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche
Maximum Altitude: 4410 m above
Trek Distance: 9 km
Trek Duration: 3 to 4.5 hours walk
We will then head towards Dingboche after having breakfast. Tengboche monastery provides you with beautiful views of snow-capped mountains and you can experience spiritual morning prayers. We trace down the stone steps and descend towards rhododendron forests. We will cross a small wooden bridge over the Imja River.
After ascending to Somare, we will cross a bridge and make a steep climb along the banks of the Imja River. After a trek of a few hours, we arrive at Dingboche (4410 m), from where you can observe various mountain peaks including Island peak, peak 38, and others. You will spend the night at a teahouse in Dingboche.
Day 06: Acclimatization day at Dingboche. Hike to Chhukung
Maximum Altitude: 5550 m above
Hike Distance: 5.3 km
Trekkers will acclimatize for the second time in the Everest base camp trek in Dingboche. Acclimatization is essential after crossing an elevation of 4000 m to prevent altitude sickness among trekkers. We then hike to Chhukung which is just a few hours away covering a distance of 5.3 km.
You will also need to take steep climbs to arrive at Chhukung. We can also trek to Chhukung Ri (5550 m). The trekkers can observe beautiful views of Everest, Makalu, and other snow-capped mountains. We will rest for the night at a teahouse in Dingboche.
Day 07: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche
Maximum Altitude: 4940 m
Trek Distance: 10.7 km
Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
After acclimatizing at Dingboche, we will start early on our trek to Lobuche. It takes around 6 to 7-hours to arrive at Dingboche as we cover a distance of 10.7 km. An uphill climb later, we will arrive at the settlements of Dusa and Palrung Kharka. The majestic views of Cholatse, Taboche, and others from Pheriche trail junction will enchant you.
You will continue your trek until you arrive at Dugla where there are many prayer flags. The trekkers will pass through Khumbu Glaciers to arrive at Lobuche (4940 m). There are many memorials in memory of climbers who have perished in their journey of climbing Mount Everest. You will stay overnight at a teahouse in Lobuche.
Day 08: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep; Hiking to Everest base camp; Back to Gorak Shep
Maximum Altitude (Gorakshep): 5164 m
Trek Duration (Gorakshep): 4 to 5 hours
Trek Distance: 15 km
Maximum Altitude (Everest Base Camp): 5364 m above
Hike Duration (Everest Base Camp): 2.5 to 3 hours
Our trek journey starts with a hike to Gorak Shep from Lobuche and then a trek to the Everest Base Camp. Firstly, you will trek early in the morning to Gorak Shep which takes around 4 to 5 hours to complete.
We will trek along a narrow trail along mountain walls and then ascend the rocky paths to arrive at Lobuche Pass. The trail then leads you to Changri Shar Glacier moraine which you cross to arrive at Gorakshep (5164 m).
You can check-in to your hotel in Gorak Shep and then hike up to Everest Base Camp which takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. The new moraine route takes you on an uphill climb before you arrive at EBC (5364 m). You can take incredible pictures of majestic landscapes before trekking back to Gorak Shep. You will spend overnight at a teahouse in Gorakshep.
Day 09: Early morning trek to Kala Patthar for the sunrise view then trek to Dzongla
Maximum Altitude: 5643 m
Trek Distance: 1.2 km
Trek Duration (Kala Patthar): 2 to 3 hours
Distance: 10 km
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hour
Trekkers will hike up to Kala Patthar (5643 m) early in the morning to observe the beautiful sunrise overlooking snow-capped mountains. The close-up view of Mount Everest is one of the highlights of Kalapathar.
Trekkers can take incredible pictures and return to Gorak Shep. You will start your return trek towards Dzongla on a 5 to 6 hours walk trek covering around 10 km. We will climb uphill till we arrive at Dzongla (4830 m). You will spend the night at a teahouse in Dzongla.
Day 10: Trek down to Tagnag via Cho La pass
Maximum Altitude: 4650 m
Trek Duration: 7 to 8 hours
You will trek towards Tagnag from Dzongla via Cho-La Pass on this day which takes around 7 to 8 hours. You will start trekking on flat land and then make a steep ascent to arrive at the snowy trails of Cho-La Pass along the Cho-La glaciers.
Cho-La Pass (5420 m) is one of the most challenging mountain passes along the trail. You descend on the trail to arrive at Phedi. We then trek downhill and reach Tagnag(4650 m). You will spend the night at a teahouse in Thaknak.
Day 11: Trek to Gokyo, and then visit Fifth Gokyo lake
Maximum Altitude: 4790 m
Trek Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
After having breakfast, we start our trek towards Gokyo and explore Fifth Lake. You can start your 2.5 to 3 hours trek from Tagnag walking the glacier route. This trek passes through flat land alongside the Dudh Koshi River.
He trails then reach the fourth lake where you can make a slight ascent and reach Fifth Lake. The view of Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu is quite wonderful from the viewpoint. Then after, you can trek back to Gokyo (4790 m) where you stay overnight at a teahouse.
Day 12: Early morning climb up to Gokyo Ri then trek down to Dole
Maximum Altitude (Gokyo Ri): 5360 m
Trek Duration (Gokyo Ri): 4 to 5 hours
Maximum Altitude: 4200 m above
Trek Duration (Dole): 5 to 6 hours
You will start your climb of Gokyo Ri (5360 m) early as it takes around 4 to 5 hours to walk from Gokyo. The trail passes through a steep climb in the rugged uneven paths. Moreover, the scenic views of snow-capped mountains including Lhotse, Makalu, etc. we will trek back to Gokyo and trek around 5 to 6 hours to arrive at Dole.
In short, the trail passes through Ngozumpa glacier to arrive at Tanjung Tsho. you will make a decent and pass through moraines and rocky paths to reach Phangnga. You will follow the ridge and descend till Machhermo and walk downhill till Dole (4200 m) and stay overnight.
Day 13: Trek from Dole to Namche Bazaar
Maximum Altitude: 3440 m
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
You will trek from Dole to Namche Bazaar. You will then descend past houses along trails made of stones till you arrive at Tongba. The trail then continues on an uphill climb to Mong La.
You will descend and reach Namche Bazar (3440 m). There are various cafes and restaurants around town. Thereafter, you will stay overnight at a teahouse in Namche Bazaar.
Day 14: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Maximum Altitude: 2860 m
Trek Distance: 17.7 km
Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
You will start our trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla which takes around 6 to 7 hours. The Namche Bazaar to Lukla has a total distance of 17.7 km. You will then trek out to Phakding along an up and down walk.
There are incredible suspension bridges and forests along trails. A gentle descending trail leads you to Phakding before ascending to Lukla (2860 m). Afterward, you will spend the night at a teahouse in Lukla.
Day 15: Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to the Hotel.
Maximum Altitude: 1400 m
Flight Distance: 136.17 km
Flight Duration: 30 to 35 minutes
Our Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lake Trek comes to an official end as we take a scenic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. This flight provides you majestic views of snow-capped mountains and green valleys. Our staff representative will pick you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.
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