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!
| 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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