Everest - Cho-La Pass - Gokyo Trek: Gokyo and Cho la pass Trek

Everest- Cho-La pass-Gokyo trek is the best way to get the most out of the beauty of the Everest region. It is a strenuous trek that takes you not only to the Everest Base Camp. It also takes you to Gokyo valley. You will also cross a mountain pass- Cho-La Pass during the trek.

During this trip, you will go to Namche Bazaar and Tengboche. In these places, you can interact with the locals as well. You can also visit the Tengboche Monastery in Tengboche. You can be a part of the celebration of the festival called Mani Rimdu in this monastery if you trek here in the autumn season. So, this trek gives you a chance to learn the culture of the Everest region.

Along the way to Everest Base Camp, you can see various towering mountains from villages like Lobuche, Dingboche, and Gorak Shep. You can catch the closest views of 4 out of the 8 tallest mountains in the world during the Everest-Cho-La pass- Gokyo trek. These mountains include Cho Oyu (8201m), Makalu (8463m), Lhotse (8516 m) and Everest (8850m).

After you trek back from Everest Base Camp, you will head out to the gorgeous valley of Gokyo. This settlement is home to Gokyo Lakes, which are the highest freshwater lake system in the world. You will also scale Gokyo Ri, which is a small mountain that gives you spectacular sunrise amidst the mountains in the Everest region.

You will also cross the Cho-La pass on your way down from the Everest Base Camp. While crossing the Co-La pass (5420 meters), you will walk along the Cho La glacier.

In this trek, you will get to experience everything that the Everest region has to offer for a trekker. It gives you a chance to view the spectacular mountains, cross a mountain pass, get in touch with the culture of Tibetan Buddhism, and explore one of the most gorgeous valleys in Nepal i.e. Gokyo.

Everest – Cho-La Pass – Gokyo Trek Highlights

A scenic 35-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and back.
Visit the capital of Sherpas- Namche Bazaar
A trek to the highest freshwater lake system in the world- Gokyo lakes
A trip to Tengboche Monastery- the largest monastery in the Everest region.
Breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Tawache and others
A trek inside Sagarmatha National Park- a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site
Splendid views of the sunrise from Kala Patthar
Crossing the Chola Pass
Wonderful views of the mountains from Gokyo Ri.
Visit some picturesque villages like Phakding, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep.
Learn about the culture of Tibetan Buddhism by interaction with guides, porters, and locals.

Best Time for Everest- Cho-La Pass- Gokyo Trek

Spring and Autumn are the best seasons to complete the Everest-Cho-La Pass, Gokyo trek. The months of March, April, and May mark the spring season. On the other hand, autumn falls in the months of September, October, and November.

Spring season has moderate temperature. The amount of precipitation is quite low in spring. You will also have a very little harsh wind blowing in the Everest region during the spring season You can catch some awesome views of the rhododendron forests in Spring.

A maximum number of trekkers complete the Everest-Cho-La Pass in the autumn season. Autumn starts after the end of the monsoon period in Nepal. So, the temperature for trekking is close to perfect in the autumn season. The views of the mountains are equally good in the autumn. Therefore, autumn sees the largest influx of trekkers to the Everest region.

Everest- Cho-La Pass- Gokyo Trek Difficulty

Everest-Cho-La Pass is ranked as a moderately difficult trek. The high altitude you will reach during your trek along with the number of days makes it a moderately difficult trek.

The highest point you will reach during the Everest-Cho-La Pass trek is 5545 meters at Kala Patthar. The total number of trekking days is 15 days. You will be walking for an average of 5-6 hours during your trek.

So, it is mandatory for you to train for this trek. You need to train for around 3-4 months prior to coming of this trek.

You can spend an hour in the morning in jogging, running, swimming or cycling. You can also hit the gym to increase your strength and endurance needed for this trek.

Completing a hike or a short trek before attempting this trek will be extremely useful. These short hikes will give you a very good idea as to whether your body has adapted to trekking for long hours.

Outline Itinerary

Detail Itinerary

Cost Included

Cost Excluded

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to your inn.

Day 02: Half day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu

Day 03: Flight to Lukla from Kathmandu and trek to Phakding (2700 meters) (Tea House)

Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar Trek (3440 meters) (Tea House)

Day 05: Acclimatization day in Namche (3440 meters) (Tea House)

Day 06: Trek to Tengboche. (3860 meters) 5 hours. (Tea House)

Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche (4350 meters) 5.30 hours. (Tea House)

Day 08: Acclimatization at Dinboche. (Tea House)

Day 09: Dingboche to Lobuche (4910 meters) 5 hours. (Tea House)

Day 10: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5365 meters) then back to Gorak Shep (5180 meters). (Tea House)

Day 11: Hike up to Kalapattar (5555 meters) and trek back to Dzongla (4620m.) (Tea House)

Day 12: Dzongla to Thangna (4650 m.) (Tea House)

Day 13: Thangna to Gokyo (4750m.) (Tea House)

Day 14: Rest day at Gokyo (Tea House)

Day 15: Climb Gokyo Ri (5483m.) and trek to Machhermo (4410m.) (Tea House)

Day 16: Machhermo to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) (Tea House)

Day 17: Namche to Lukla (Tea House)

Day 18: Morning flight back to Kathmandu. 30 minutes.

Day 19: Final Departure

If you want to extend your trip, please feel free to choose from our DAY TOURS, NEPAL TOURS or Jungle Safaris. here are some trip extensions that might interest you.

Extended Trips

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to your inn.

Our representatives will meet you outside the Tribhuvan International airport terminal. They will then help you to transfer to your hotel. Our guide will give you all the relevant information about the hotel you will be staying and trekking related information.

Day 02: Half day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu

You will head out for the cultural tour of Kathmandu valley after having breakfast at your hotel. You will tour various UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar. All of these temples have great cultural as well as religious significance in Kathmandu.

Day 03: Flight to Lukla from Kathmandu and trek to Phakding (2700 meters)

You will take an early morning flight to Lukla (2800m). The flight is only 35 minutes long. When the weather is clear, you can see some wonderful views of the Himalayas during the flight. After landing in Lukla, you will start your trek. The trail from Lukla first descends to Tharo Koshi. It is also known as Kusum Kangru Khola (river). You can cross the river over a suspension bridge. Then you will trek uphill and reach to Phakding (2700 meters) after trekking for a total of 3-4 hours.

Overnight at Phakding.

Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 meters)

The trek from Phakding follows Dudh Koshi River. As you trek further, you will get to Zamphuti, which is a wonderful location to view Thamserku peak. You will walk for a couple of hours and reach the entrance to Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park at Monjo. The national park was established in 1976. It encompasses an area of 1148 sq km. You will walk for a few hours from Phakding and reach Namche Bazaar (3440 meters) after trekking for 5-6 hours. You will cover a total of 10 kilometers during this day’s trek.

Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar

Day 05: Acclimatization day in Namche (3440 meters)

You will spend this day acclimatizing in Namche Bazaar (3441 meters). However, you won’t spend the day idly. You can buy some trekking gear in Namche in case you need some. You also have the option of hiking in Namche to get some views of the outstanding mountains such as Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Lhotse etc. You can also go to HIllary school in Khumjung. You can also visit Khunde Hospital if you want to. You will stroll around these places for 3-4 hours.

Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar

Day 06: Trek to Tengboche. (3860 meters) 5 hours.

From Namche Bazaar, you will walk along a ridge. Then, you will descend to Dudh Koshi River at Phunkithanka. The trail to Tengboche(3860) after crossing a bridge at Dudh Koshi river is a steep one. After trekking for 10 kilometers from Namche, you will reach Tengboche in 5-6 hours. Tengboche is home to the largest monastery in Khumbu region known as Tengboche monastery. The monastery has panoramic views of mountains of the Everest region like Tawache, Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Lhotse etc.

Overnight stay in Tengboche.

Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche (4350 meters) 5.30 hours.

The starting point of your trek from Tengboche descends to Debuche. Then, you will come across a suspension bridge over Imja Khola. The trek from Imja Khola is uphill up to Pangboche. You will also trek alongside thousands of Mani stones. You will continue along an uphill trail to Dingboche (4350 meters), which is an exquisite Sherpa village. The trek from Tengboche to Dingboche covers a total of 8 kilometers. It will take you about 3-4 hours to complete this day’s trek.

Overnight stay in Tengboche.

Day 08: Acclimatization at Dingboche.

Dingboche is the first place during your trek where you cross the elevation of 4000 meters. So you need to acclimatize to the altitude of Dingboche(4350 meters). So you will spend a day here to get adjusted to the altitude of this place. You will take a good day’s rest before embarking upon your trek to Lobuche.

Overnight stay in Dingboche.

Day 09: Dingboche to Lobuche (4910 meters) 5 hours.

The path from Dingboche to Lobuche(4910 meters) takes you along the lateral moraine of Khumbu Glacier. Along the way, you will also encounter some stone memorials, which are placed as a gesture of peace to climbers who lost their lives while trying to scale the various mountains in the Everest region. You will continue along the trekking trail and eventually reach Lobuche in 3-4 hours after trekking 7 kilometers. Lobuche is located at an altitude of 4910 meters. It lies at the foot of the giant Lobuche peak.

Overnight stay in Lobuche.

Day 10: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5365 meters) then back to Gorak Shep (5180 meters).

This day’s trek will be quite strenuous. You will trek along the Khumbu Glacier and eventually reach the Everest Base Camp (5365 meters). Everest Base Camp is located at an altitude of 5365 meters. This is the closest you can get to Mt. Everest without a mountaineering permit. The Base Camp offers the best view of Khumbu Icefall. After spending some quality time here, you will return to Gorak Shep for your overnight stay. You will cover around 15 kilometers this day which will take you close to 8 hours.

Overnight stay in Gorak Shep.

Day 11: Hike up to Kala Patthar (5555 meters) and trek back to Dzongla (4620m.)

You will hike up to Kala Pattar early in the morning. Kala Patthar is a small peak that stands 5555 meters tall. The trek from Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar is quite challenging. However, you will be rewarded with some of the most beautiful views of the mountains from Kala Patthar. You will be able to get the best views of Everest from here. You will also get to see other towering mountains like Nuptse, Pumori, Chagatse, Lhotse amongst others from here. After enjoying the sunrise at Kala Patthar, you will descend to Gorak Shep. From Gorak Shep, you will head out to Dzongla. You will trek for 7-8 hours this day covering a distance of 15 kilometers

Overnight stay in Dzongla.

Day 12: Dzongla to Thangna (4650 m.)

At the beginning of your trail, you will walk along flat stone path for some time. You will later come across a parched valley. From there, the path to Chola pass is quite steep. The trail along the Chola glacier is quite icy. You will descend down from Chola pass on a different path to Phedi. You will then climb down to Thangna (4350 meters) in 5-6 hours trekking for a total of 8 kilometers. Thangna is a small village where you can find a handful of tea shops and lodges. The village offers you some wonderful views of Machhermo peak and many more.

Overnight stay in Thangna.

Day 13: Thangna to Gokyo (4750m.)

You will walk along a glacial route to get to Dudh Koshi river. The trek from Dudh Koshi river up to Gokyo (4750 meters) is a flat one and therefore quite easy. You will cover 8 kilometers today. Trekking time will be 5-6 hours. Gokyo valley is quite windy. Your lodge will be situated near the third lake. The natural beauty of Dudh Pokhari Lake that you get from Gokyo is simply stunning.

Overnight stay in Gokyo.

Day 14: Rest day at Gokyo

You will explore the Gokyo valley this day. Gokyo is a trade center in the Everest region. It is one of the highest settlements in the Everest region and in the world. The main inhabitants of Gokyo are the Sherpa people. Gokyo is located quite close to the biggest glacier in Nepal- the Ngozumpa glacier. Strolling around Gokyo valley will last for 1-2 hours. You will cover around 1 kilometer exploring the Gokyo valley.

Overnight stay in Gokyo.

Day 15: Climb Gokyo Ri (5483m.) and trek to Machhermo (4410m.)

Early morning this day, you will climb Gokyo Ri- a peak that towers over the Gokyo lake. The peak is located to the northern side of the Lake. Gokyo Ri located at an altitude of 5483 meters. Gokyo Ri is a wonderful point to see various beautiful peaks in the Everest region like Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. After spending some time here, you will descend back to Gokyo. From Gokyo, you will trek along the Dudh Koshi River. Along the way, you can large yak pastures. You will eventually reach Machhermo (4410 meters) after trekking 8 kilometers. Today’s hike will be 5-6 hours long.

Overnight stay in Thangna.

Day 16: Machhermo to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.)

Your hike this day will be mostly downhill. You will trek for 6-7 hours covering 10.8 kilometers. Firstly, you will descend down to Phortse Tenga. Then you will trek along forests that are full of rhododendron, pine, and local incense. There is a steep uphill to Monglo. From Monglo, you will trek gently to Khumjung. The path from Khumjung to Namche (3440 meters) is firstly quite flat and then a slow descent.

Day 17: Namche to Lukla

The trek from Namche (3441 meters) to Lukla is the last day of your Everest - Cho-La Pass – Gokyo Trek. You will trek most downhill covering a total distance of around 18 km. In terms of the distance you cover, this is the longest you will trek. But trekking downhill makes the trek quite easy. The total trek this day lasts around 6-7 hours.

Overnight stay in Namche.

Day 18: Morning flight back to Kathmandu. 35 minutes.

You will head out to Kathmandu in the scheduled time. In case of bad weather or technical difficulties, there might be a bit of delay in your flight. The 35 minutes flight to Kathmandu will be your last chance to catch the glimpses of the mountains in the Everest region.

Day 19: Final Departure

We will transfer you to the international airport for your flight back home. Make sure that you have your confirmed air ticket with you along with other necessary travel documents. We could also arrange another tour for you in Nepal if you are interested.

Everest – Cho-La Pass – Gokyo Trek - 19 Days

Everest – Cho-La Pass – Gokyo Trek Highlights

Best Time for Everest- Cho-La Pass- Gokyo Trek