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.
| Durations days | 18 days |
| Max. elevation | 5,643 m / 18513 ft (Kala Patthar) |
| Trek Start/Finish | Lukla/Lukla |
| Difficulty | challenging |
| Accommodation | Teahouse |
Gokyo Chola Pass EBC Trek Map
Gokyo Chola pass EBC Trek Video Video
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 makeup for it in terms of personal achievement and a unique album of glorious photographs!
| Days | Itinerary | Altitude | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu | 1400 m / 4593 ft | |
| Day 2 | Kathmandu to Lukla Flight and Trek to Phakding | 2651 m / 8697 ft 3 | 5 min + 3 hr |
| Day 3 | Phakding to Namche | 3440 m / 11286 ft | 5 - 6 thr |
| Day 4 | Acclimatization Day in Namche | 3700 m / 12139 ft | 5 hr |
| Day 5 | Namche Bazaar to Dole | 3680 m / 12073 ft | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 6 | Dole to Machhermo | 4470 m / 14665 ft | 3 - 4 hr |
| Day 7 | Machhermo to Gokyo | 4800 m / 15748 ft | 4 hr |
| Day 8 | Gokyo to Thagnak (Gokyo Ri in the morning) | 5367 m / 17608 ft | 4 hr |
| Day 9 | Thagnak to Cho Dzongla via CholaPass | 4843m / 15889 ft | 7 - 8 hr |
| Day 10 | Dzongla to Lobuche | 4940 m / 16207 ft | 2 - 3 hr |
| Day 11 | Lobuche to Gorakshep ( Everest Base Camp during the day) | 5368 m / 17611 ft | 7 - 8 hr |
| Day 12 | Gorakshep to Pheriche (Kalapathar in the morning) | 4200 m / 13779 ft | 7 - 8 hr |
| Day 13 | Pheriche to Namche Bazaar | 3440 m / 11286 ft | 7 hr |
| Day 14 | Namche Bazaar to Lukla | 2860 m / 9383 ft | 7 - 8 hr |
| Day 15 | Lukla to Kathmandu Flight | 1400 m / 4593 ft | 40 min |
| Day 16 | Departure |
