Gokyo Chola Pass EBC Trek

Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp Trek Highlights

• See the spectacular views of Mt. Everest from Gokyo Ri
• Feel lost in the glistening views of the glacial lakes in Gokyo Valley
• Feeling of contentment after walking to the Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar
• Blissful time walking through off the beaten trails full of lush vegetation in the Gokyo valley
• 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 to 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 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 5 am. It’s a tough day with the top of the pass being at over 5,300 m. 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! If you think trekking is not for you. but you still want to see gokyo chola pass and EBC, consider doing a Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour.

Gokyo Chola Pass EBC Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

• Accommodation: Hotel

We will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel.  You will also get a briefing from us regarding your trek.  The rest of your day is free to explore the city.

Day 2: Kathmandu to Lukla (Flight) to Phakding

• Flight time: 35 to 40 minutes
• Trek time: 3 to 4 hours
• Accommodation: Tea House

Flying into Lukla is spectacular!  The surrounding mountains and the airstrip below makes it feel like an impossible task for the pilot. But these are experienced guys who have done this hundreds of times!  

After your trek team collects your bags, and perhaps after a cup of hot tea, set off to hike to Phakding a couple of hours away. Here is your first overnight stop in the Himalayas! 

Day 3: Phakding to Namche

• Trek time: 5 to 6 hours
• Accommodation: Tea House

Today we enter the Sagarmatha National Park and rhododendron forests and have the challenge of walking over suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River.  I

f you haven’t been on suspension bridges (except the one you crossed the day before) it can be a bit daunting at first.  But you will get used to it.  On arrival in Namche, you will understand why this is the hub for many climbers and trekkers – it is a very vibrant town as a result of this!

Day 4: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazar

• Trek time: 5 to 6 hours
• Accommodation: Tea House

Acclimatization never means rest!  The best way to get your body used to the high altitude is to remain active.  So why not head out to see some of the surrounding sights.  Khumjung village is known mainly for its ancient (although restored after the 2015 earthquake) monastery and its connection with Sir Edmund Hillary.  Khunde Hospital and Khumjung School were both set up by Sir Edmund as thanks to the Sherpa people in the area. 

And of course, what you came for, Mt Everest is in full view from the Everest View Hotel.  Hike on over for a cup of coffee and a spectacular view of Everest from their terrace. 

Day 5: Namche Bazaar to Dole

• Trek time: 6 hours
• Accommodation: Tea House

After breakfast starts hiking up the Dudh Koshi Valley before descending into pine and rhododendron forests where the trail divides. 

On the way pass many Buddhist stupas and waterfalls and be awed by the views of Thamserku, Everest, Ama Dablam, and more.  We turn left at the fork in the trail to head towards Gokyo Lakes and onwards till we reach the village of Dole. 

Day 6: Dole to Machhermo

• Trek time: 3 to 4 hours
• Accommodation: Tea House

This beautiful scenic trail is a steep climb taking you through scrub juniper.  Leaving Dole there is an uphill gradient for around half an hour then a more gentle uphill the rest of the way. 

The Dudh Koshi River lies far below. Hiking on towards the tiny teahouse settlement of Machhermo the trail comes to a ridge above the village with stunning views of Thamserku.  

Day 7: Machhermo to Gokyo (Afternoon hike to Gokyo Ri)

• Trek time: 7 to 8 hours
• Accommodation: Tea House

Leaving Machhermo the trail today is not too strenuous, with only one or two short steep sections. The trail descends to the Dudh Koshi River before a steep climb to the Ngozumpa Glacier and the first Gokyo lake.

While the first lake is small, the second lake is quite long and runs parallel to the hiking trail. At the 3^rd lake, we find some teahouses where we stop for lunch.   

After lunch, we climb up to Gokyo Ri which takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. The viewpoint at Gokyo Ri is a high 5,357 meters, with a great panorama of mountains above and lakes and glaciers below – particularly beautiful at sunset.

Day 8: Gokyo to Thagnak (Morning hike to Gokyo 4th Lake)

• Trek time: 4 hours
• Accommodation: Tea House

A short hike takes us to the 4^th Gokyo lake or rather to a viewpoint above the lake.  Trekking on, cross glacier and rocky terrain to reach Thagnak, which has very few teahouses and from where everyone is planning to cross the Chola Pass the next day.  

Day 9: Thagnak to Cho Dzongla via Chola Pass

• Trek time: 8 hours
• Accommodation: Tea House

Today it’s an early start from around 3 am in order to climb the Chola Pass (5,330m). This pass connects the main Everest Base Camp trail with the Gokyo region. Since you are trekking over a glacier at some points, crampons are a must for this pass. 

This tough day ends at Cho Dzongla village for some much-needed rest and a good dinner.  Naturally, the views on this route make up for the long day. 

Day 10:  Dzongla to Lobuche

• Trek time: 2 to 3 hours
• Accommodation: Tea House

Today is a pretty easy and short day with a flat trail.  You also won’t see many trekkers until you reach the main trail near Lobuche.

Day 11: Lobuche to Gorakshep (Afternoon hike to Kala Patthar)

• Trek time: 8 hours
• Accommodation: Tea House

Today we follow the Khumbu Glacier until we reach Gorakshep.  This is in fact the nearest village to Everest Base Camp.  In the afternoon there is a hike up to Kalapatthar, which has the best views of Everest than even EBC.  Kala Patthar translates into ‘black rock’ and is the highest we can hike in Nepal without transferring our trekking permit into a climbing one. 

The close-up views of Everest are out of this world, as to are the views of Nuptse and Changtse. The best times to hike up here are perhaps sunset and sunrise – but at any time the views are spectacular. 

After climbing Kala Patthar returns to Gorakshep for the night.

Day 12: Gorakshep to Pheriche (Morning hike to EBC)

• Trek time: 8 hours
• Accommodation: Tea House

TOn leaving Gorakshep we hike along the Khumbu Glacier to Everest Base Camp, passing many fluttering prayer flags on the way. This is approximately a 4 hour round trip.  We will return to Gorakshep for breakfast before setting out for Pheriche, approximately 4 hours away. 

Here there is the Himalayan Rescue Association Clinic which focuses on altitude sickness for trekkers and climbers as well as other issues among the local population. They also conduct classes on altitude sickness and help porters who require any medical treatment.

Day 13: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

• Trek time: 2 to 3 hours
• Accommodation: Tea House

Although this is a long day of hiking, as you descend in altitude the walking seems a little easier.  You will also notice the rising temperature, which is pretty welcome after the earlier colder days.  Forests and greenery have returned giving this trail a different look from what has gone before.  

On reaching Namche a comfortable hotel and delicious dinner are waiting! 

Day 14: Namche Bazaar to Lukla

• Trek time: 2 to 3 hours
• Accommodation: Tea House

After breakfast, we set to say goodbye to the Sherpas at Namche and follow the Dudh Koshi River to Lukla where we overnighted wait for the flight back to Kathmandu.

Day 2: Kathmandu to Lukla (Flight) to Phakding

• Flight time: 35 to 40 minutes
• Accommodation: Hotel

Once again the flight is spectacular – filled with mountain and farmland views until finally, we reach the city of Kathmandu.  We will escort you to your hotel and givOnce again the flight is spectacular – filled with mountain and farmland views until finally, we reach the city of Kathmandu. 

We will escort you to your hotel and give you the tips you want on how to spend the rest of your day you tips if you want on how to spend the rest of your day.

Day 16: Departure

We will drop you at the airport for your onward journey and hope you come back again! 

Includes

Gokyo Chola Pass EBC Trek Map

Related Trip in Everest Region

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