Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp Trek Highlights

You get to see the spectacular views of Mt. Everest from Gokyo Ri, a famous spot which offers a different perspective of the mountainscape.
You can feel lost in the glistening views of the 5 glacial lakes in Gokyo Valley.
You will get a feeling of contentment after walking to the Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar (5545 meters).
You will have a blissful time walking through off-the-beaten trails full of lush vegetation in the Gokyo valley.
You will surely feel adrenaline rush during the electrifying Lukla flight.

The Gokyo Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp Trek is more technically advanced than some of the other treks in the area – and therefore more adventurous! It encompasses all the ‘usual’ sights in the area, such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, Gorak Shep, and Everest Base Camp, but also includes a visit to the Gokyo Lakes by crossing the high altitude Cho La Pass (5,330m). There are some long days of 8 to 9 hours but the majority are 5 to 6 hours in length. This is a stunning trek for those with stamina and a sense of adventure.

Flying in and out of Lukla ensures the maximum amount of time is spent in the mountains. However, acclimatization is a must and this is done in the famous Namche Bazaar, from where it is possible to take a short, but steep walk to Syangboche for your first close-up of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku. On this excursion you can also visit Khumjung Village and the Khumjung Hillary School, started by Sir Edmund Hillary to give back to the Sherpa people.

This trek takes you through Rhododendron and pine forests, across a waterfall and through high pasturelands, past chortens and fluttering prayer flags. Coming close to the Ngozumpa Glacier trekkers are awarded for making the narrow and steep climb when they reach three of the Gokyo Lakes with their turquoise, clear water.

A highlight of this trek is the steep climb up Gokyo Ri (5,357m) to view Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and Makalu. This climb provides you with both stunning mountain views and acts as an acclimatization for the long day ahead to cross the Cho La Pass. In order to cross the pass before the winds set in, it is necessary to start the day very early, around 4 or 5am. It’s a tough day with the top of the pass being at over 5,300m. Part of the trail is over ice, making it a real once in a lifetime achievement!

This feeling of achievement continues as the trekking route goes on to Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar, also known as Everest View Point.

This trek certainly has its challenges such as long and strenuous walking days but the rewards more than make up for it in terms of personal achievement and a unique album of glorious photographs!

Outline Itinerary

INCLUDES AND EXCLUDES

Faqs

Days	Itinerary	Altitude	Time
Day 1	Kathmandu to Lukla (Flight) to Phakding	2651 m	3 - 4 hr
Day 2	Phakding to Namche Bazaar	3438 m	5 - 6 hr
Day 3	Acclimatization day	3700 m	5 hr
Day 4	Namche Bazaar to Dole	3680 m	5 - 6 hr
Day 5	Dole to Machhermo	4470 m	3 - 4 hr
Day 6	Machhermo to Gokyo	4800 m	4 hr
Day 7	Gokyo to Thagnak (Morning hike to Gokyo Ri)	5367 m	4 hr
Day 8	Thagnak to Dzongla via Cho La Pass	4843m	7 - 8 hr
Day 9	Dzongla to Lobuche	4940 m	2 - 3 hr
Day 10	Lobuche to Gorakshep (Day trip to EBC)	5368 m	7 - 8 hr
Day 11	Gorakshep to Pheriche (Morning trip to Kalapatthar)	4200 m	7 - 8 hr
Day 12	Pheriche to Namche Bazaar	3440 m	7 hr
Day 13	Namche Bazaar to Lukla	2860 m	7 - 8 hr
Day 14	Lukla to Kathmandu (Flight)	1380 m	40 min

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FAQs

Is it safe to drink the water in Annapurna

No. You cannot drink the water from the tap or streams in Annapurna. Mineral water is not available on the trail. It is expensive to buy (perhaps 10 times more than in Kathmandu). You can use a water purifier or SteriPen.

Am I likely to get altitude sickness on my trek?

Be aware. Elevation on this trek will exceed 3,500m. The possibilities of getting altitude sickness generally start at this elevation. But in order to avoid this, as much as possible, we have designed the itinerary in such a way that it will give you enough time to acclimatize.

Am I at risk and how can I avoid altitude sickness?

There is no knowing who will suffer from altitude sickness. It does not follow that the younger and fitter people will not get altitude sickness where the older and less fit will. It is not related to (general) fitness or age. Talk to your doctor at home. There are prescription medications which help avoid the onset of altitude sickness. But above all, go slowly, listen to your body, be aware of any changes, and listen to your guide if he feels you are showing symptoms (which you might not notice).

What happens if there is need for emergency evacuation while I am trekking?

We will collect your travel insurance policies and details before the trek so that in case of an emergency we can coordinate with your insurance company and the helicopter providers for evacuation.

What about simple medical treatment on the trek?

First aid. On every trek we will carry a first aid kit. We also recommend you carry your own. Here is a checklist recommended by Karen Anderson of things you should bring. Vaccinations are not compulsory in Nepal but to be on the safe side we recommend you comply, where possible, with this list provided by again by Karen Anderson (medical doctor in New Zealand and friend and client of Magical Nepal).

Do I need to buy travel insurance before I come to Nepal?

Yes. Magical Nepal only provides insurance for our own staff. We recommend you buy insurance in your country. Note: Insurance should cover you for the altitudes you are trekking at (not all do). We recommend World Nomads.

Will I need to bring my own sleeping bag or not?

Yes, bring your own or you can rent it or buy it in Kathmandu. Renting a sleeping bag in Kathmandu will cost you $1 or $2 per day. To buy a new sleeping bag in Kathmandu expect to pay around $150 to $200 for one of medium quality.

Will I need to use crampons on this trek?

No. The trails are well marked. Unless you go in mid-winter you will not need crampons. Instead of crampons, carry micro spikes which are not technical, lightweight to carry, cheaper and fit any shoe size.

What happens if I forget to bring something with me from home?

If you forget something it might be extremely hard to find here. Please check here for an exhaustive packing list for (general) trekking in Nepal. If you are not a frequent hiker, you can rent most of the trekking gear in Nepal when you arrive.

Will we be using tents and mattresses on the trek?

No. There are teahouses along the trek. We will not need tents or mattresses.

Where can I leave stuff in Kathmandu when I am trekking?

Anything you don’t want to take on the trek with you can be stored at your hotel or in our office. We suggest you ensure your bag is lockable.

Who will be my guide?

We use local guides. On each trek our guides have been to the relevant areas numerous times. All are experienced, knowledgeable, flexible and authorized licensed guides with the Government of Nepal.

Will I need a porter for my trek?

Preferable. If you use a porter it has double benefit: you can fully enjoy your trek without carrying a heavy bag, and its improves the income of the local community.

How much can a porter carry?

20kg. On average a porter can carry 22kg including their own backpack. So, they can carry up to 18kg of your gear and equipment. We provide backpacks for porters.

Are your staff insured in case of accidents etc.?

Yes. At Magical Nepal we make sure all our staff are well insured.

I hear incidents when porters do not have proper shoes etc. Is this true?

At Magical Nepal we ensure all our guides and porters have proper gear, are well equipped and protected. This is for their own wellbeing and for the wellbeing of our clients.