Highlights:
- A challenging trek in the Khumbu region for experienced trekkers
- Start the journey with a thrilling Lukla flight
- Acclimatization hike to the Hotel Everest View and Gokyo Ri
- Explore the stunning Gokyo Lakes and cross the Cho La pass
- Hike to the Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.
- Get to see the daily life of Sherpas and other mountain communities
- Witness diverse landscapes and mountain vistas throughout the trek
- A fantastic trek for anyone looking for something extra and exhilarating experience
Overview
The Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass trek is one of the very adventurous and a bit demanding EBC itineraries!
The Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass trek is an adventurous and difficult trek in the Khumbu region. This 16 days trek combines an excursion to the beautiful Sherpa villages, stunning Gokyo Lakes, crosses the Cho La pass, and explores the Everest Base Camp. During the trek, you will get to witness the most stunning landscapes and mountain views.
The journey is exhilarating and life-changing. You will trek through diverse climatic zones, enjoying varying sceneries and vegetation. The highest point touched during the Everest Gokyo Lake Cho La pass trek is the Kala Patthar. It is situated at 5,545 meters. However, you will go above 5,000 meters many times along the way.\
If you are looking for something more than the usual EBC trek, then we highly recommend the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass trek.
Following this itinerary, you will walk on offbeat and less crowded trails, so trekkers have to be physically fit. This trek is for trekkers with previous high-altitude experience.
What to expect during the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass trek 18 days?
The Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass trek route presents the most breathtaking panoramas of Mt. Everest (8,849 m/29,032 ft). You will see many other mountains like Kanchenjunga (8,586 m/28,169 ft), Lhotse (8,516 m/27,940 ft), Cho Oyu (8,188 m/26,864 ft), Nuptse (7,861 m/25,791 ft), Ama Dablam (6,812 m/22,349 ft), etc.
During the first few days of walking, you will follow the mainstream EBC trail. Enjoy the beauty and bustle of the classic route to the lap of the tallest mountain in the world, Everest Base Camp (5,364 m/17,598 ft). You will then explore Kala Patthar (5,545 m/18,129 ft) and begin traversing the less visited side of the Khumbu region.
Cross the Cho La pass (5,420 m/17,782 ft) and enter the Gokyo Valley. The less crowded, offbeat trails, along with heavenly sceneries take you to the Gokyo village (4,790 m/15,715 ft). You will come across the biggest glacier in Nepal and reach the Gokyo village, exploring the stunning Gokyo Lakes.
The next day, hike to Gokyo Ri (5,480 m/17,979 ft). This viewpoint is very famous for its outstanding sunrise and view of Mt. Everest and other mountains. If you decide to hike to the fourth and fifth Gokyo Lakes, you will go deep into the Gokyo Valley and also come across Mt. Cho Oyu Base Camp.
These areas are isolated, and you may not even see locals that frequently. You will be surrounded by the tranquil and soothing aura of the Himalayas.
Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass Itinerary
The Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass trek starts with the Lukla flight. In two days of walking via rhododendron forests, crossing Dudh Koshi river multiple times on the way, you will reach Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,290 ft). Go on an acclimatization hike to the Hotel Everest View and continue trekking to Tengboche village.
The trail goes through Deboche and Pangboche villages to Dingboche. Here, you will take a second acclimatization break. You will keep following the mainstream EBC trail until you reach Everest Base Camp. From Dingboche onwards, you will walk via the glacier field and pass by Lobuche and Gorak Shep settlements.
On the way, follow the Khumbu Glacier and also walk through its moraines. The final ascent to Everest Base Camp included walking on steep, rocky tracks. The following day, hike to Kala Patthar and retrace the route back to Lobuche village. From here, you will follow a different route to Dzongla. The trail then ascends to the top of the Cho La pass.
Crossing Cho La pass is quite difficult. Further, descend to Longponga (4,720 m). You will walk across the biggest glacier in Nepal, Ngozumpa, and pass by the two stunning lakes before reaching Gokyo village. Hike to Gokyo Ri and the fifth Gokyo Lake before you begin to return trekking on the day 13th. You will follow a less crowded route to Dole.
From Dole, trek to Namche Bazaar. The trail then steeply descends from here to Phakding. Phakding to Lukla is an uphill walk. You will take a short flight back to Kathmandu, which marks the end of Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass trek 16 days.
Who can do the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass trek?
The Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass trek is for experienced trekkers with good physical and mental fitness. This trek is much more challenging and requires daily long walking duration on off-the-beaten trails. We do not recommend this trek to do with kids unless your kids are used to wildness.
Once you are off of the main EBC trail, the region is quite uncounted, and the tourist infrastructure is very limited. If this is your first time trekking in the Himalayas, we recommend considering these packages in the Khumbu region- Everest Base Camp trek, Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return, and luxury Everest Base Camp trek.
EBC with Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass Trek Preparation and Packing:
To prepare for the EBC with Gokyo Lake and Cho La pass trek, you do not have to do much. Long walks and day hikes are enough. You can also incorporate regular exercise focusing on your leg muscles, core strength, and stamina. Activities like swimming, cycling, running, etc will help you increase your stamina. You can also walk or jog on treadmills.
Follow our packing list below and get the trekking clothes and gear as per that. If you are buying new trekking shoes, then get them early and get used to them to avoid any blisters during the trek. Likewise, do not forget to pack any medicines that you may need.
- Base layers (quick dry and moisture-wicking)
- Undergarments
- Trekking shirts, trousers
- Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers
- Down jacket
- Gloves, socks, sunhat, bennie, scarf
- Trekking boots and sandals
- Backpack
- Trekking poles
- Quick dry towel
- Sleeping bag
- Water bottles and water purification tablets
- Sunglass
- Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, facewash, moisturizer, sunscreen, lip balm, toilet paper, wet tissue, comb, etc)
- Personal medication
- Hand sanitizer
- Snacks, adapter, camera, power bank, charger, journal, pen
- Passport, Visa, permits, photos, cash
Explore the Best of the Khumbu Region with Trekking Guide Team Adventure:
We, Trekking Guide Team Adventure, have many trekking packages in the Khumbu region with different difficulty levels. You can pick the one that best suits your fitness. With three acclimatization days in our Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass trek itinerary, trekkers get ample time to go on side hikes and rest and recover.
We do not rush, and therefore, our guests spend quality time in the mountains and with locals. You can customize the itinerary if you want any changes. Because we are a 100% local Nepali trekking company, you will get a very wholesome experience from the start to the end of the trip. All the trip details are handled by our local team.
Likewise, we have a genuine Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass trek cost. Bookings are open for 2024 and 2025 departures. Get in touch with us anytime for any support.
Everest Cho La Pass Lukla Flight content:
In the peak trekking seasons, i.e. spring and autumn, the Lukla flights are operated from Ramechhap Airport instead of Kathmandu Airport. It is because of high air traffic. To drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap Airport, you leave your hotel around 1:00 AM - 2:00 AM. It takes around 4 to 5 hours to drive.