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Duration
17 Days
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Difficulty
Challenging
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Max Elevation
5,550m
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Group Size
1-10 Person
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Accommodation
Tea House or Lodge
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Start/End
Kathmandu/ Kathmandu
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Destination
Khumbu Region
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Best Season
Sep-Nov and Feb-April
Gokyo Chola Pass Trek is the adventurous trek that lies into Khumbu (Everest) region that blends the Everest base camp with the Gokyo valley and the great Chola Pass at the height of 5,420m. The trekking track offers the splendid views of various Himalayan peaks such as Mt. Everest (8,848.86m), Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Mt. Pumori and so forth. Apart from the natural beauty and rich and unique culture of the Sherpa populaces, the swanky forest scenes, forth sides snowy landscapes are certain to provide the delightful pleasure and lifetime memory to the trekkers. Gokyo valley offers the sight of the glaciers, mountains, lakes etc. that is known as the Far-Flung Himalayan Valley. During the trek, if it falls in April, travelers can also get the chance to enjoy the religious festivals of the Sherpa People performed in the monasteries. The key high points of this trek are the mountain panoramas, Sacrosanct Lakes of Gokyo valley, beautiful Rivers & glaciers, and the crossing Chola Pass.
Gokyo Chola Pass Trekking trip instigates with a charming flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. From Lukla, the trekking starts laterally the Dudh Koshi River valley. Passing through the lush forest of rhododendron, Sagarmatha National Park, high passes, cascades, Sherpa villages, you can hike to Kala Pattar, the perfect Belvedere for the vista of Mt. Everest as well as other giant peaks. Sagarmatha national park, the UNESCO itemized heritage site is the very rich area for various types of flora and fauna and wildlife such as snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan Thar etc. The wholehearted welcoming and the social conduct of the Sherpas enhance additional delight to the tourists. The suitable time to go for the Gokyo Chola Pass Trek is from March to May and September to December.
Trip Highlights
- Experience the thrilling mountain flight to and from Lukla, one of the most scenic air routes in the world.
- Explore the vibrant Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar, the cultural and trading heart of the Everest region.
- Visit the peaceful spiritual center of Tengboche Monastery, surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan peaks.
- Witness the stunning turquoise beauty of the sacred Gokyo Lakes, the highest freshwater lake system in the world.
- Climb Gokyo Ri for one of the best panoramic views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu.
- Cross the adventurous and challenging Cho La Pass (5,420m), a true Himalayan high-pass experience.
- Stand at the legendary Everest Base Camp and feel the excitement of the world’s highest expedition route.
- Hike up to Kala Patthar for the closest and most dramatic sunrise view of Mount Everest.
- Walk through the protected landscapes of Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in biodiversity.
- Enjoy unforgettable views of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest (8,848.86m), throughout the journey.
- Discover authentic Sherpa culture, traditional villages, prayer flags, mani walls, and Himalayan hospitality.
- Trek across diverse landscapes—from lush rhododendron forests and glacial valleys to high alpine terrain and dramatic mountain passes—making this adventure one of the most complete Everest trekking experiences.
Gokyo Chola Pass Trek ~ Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival day in Kathmandu
- Max altitude : 1,350m
- Drive distance: 5.8 km
- Duration: 15 minutes
- Accommodation: Standard Three Star Hotel
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal Royal Tourism will be there to assist you. A private tourist car will be at your disposal for transfer to the hotel. You may take a rest or come over to see us to get more details on the Gokyo Chola Pass Trekking via EBC Itinerary plan.
Day 2
Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2840m) then Trek to Phakding
- Maximum Altitude: 2,610 m
- Flight Duration: Approximately 35-40 minutes
- Trek Duration: 3-4 hours
- Trek Distance: 6.2 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea house
Your Gokyo Cho La Pass Trekking via EBC adventure will commence with a 30 to 40 minutes flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. This stunning flight provides an amazing view of the Annapurna and Langtang Himalayan ranges. Starting from Lukla, you will soon cross a couple of suspension bridges and walk along the river Thado Koshi. By incorporating a gentle hour of descent you will be arriving at a little hamlet named Chheplung with a view of Mt. Khumbila (5,761 m), the holy mountain that has never been scaled. This trip will become more familiar and comfortable as you proceed. The trek from Chheplung to Phakding is a descent section where you can view Pemacholing and Rimishung Monastery.
Day 3
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
- Maximum Altitude: 3,440 m
- Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
- Trek Distance: 4 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea house
After Breakfast in Phakding you will be able to experience a mixture of up and down walking on your Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek via EBC Route and also encounter several river crossings, plus from the Bengkar village a spectacular view of Mt. Thamserku (6,608 m) can be recreated in your memory. On the way to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, a Monjo Village you will go through, and after a few thick woods and rough paths, you will be able to enter the park itself. Once your permit registration is complete, you can then get inside the forest. Your first glimpse of Mount Everest from this forest will be possible. After passing the village of Jorsale you will be heading to Namche Bazaar through the crossing of Hillary Suspension Bridge. Here you can take in the stunning scenery of the Himalayas including the peaks of Everest, Lhotse, and Tawache.
Day 4
Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazzar
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Tea House
You may rest and acclimatize in Namche before resuming your EBC route with Gokyo Chola Pass. The town of Namche Bazaar is the commercial center of the Khumbu region. It offers various facilities such as bakeries, restaurants, ATMs, and Internet cafes. Before touring the town, you could make a very quick stop at a viewpoint like Thame or Khunde. To discover more about Everest climbers, Sherpa people, and their traditions, dive into the Tourist Visitor Center. The Everest View Hotel is also a trek’s distance away. One can see several mountains from here, including Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho-Oyu, Thamserku, and many others. After spending some time wandering the area, you will be heading back to Namche for the night. On the way, it is possible to see a museum, a gallery, and a few Sherpa villages.
Day 5
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
- Maximum Altitude: 3,867m
- Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
- Trek Distance: 9.2 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Tea house
You will be leaving Namche after breakfast for your EBC Trek with Gokyo Cho La Pass Route heading to Tangboche. From the path going to Tangboche, one can see Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Ama Dablam, and Mt. Thamserku. Losing sight of the fauna will not be an option since you come across musk deer, Himalayan Thar, and bright-colored pheasants, besides the smooth and occasionally zigzagging path. After passing through a pine grove, you will cross a bridge over the Dudh Koshi River that is covered with prayer flags. Eventually after hiking, you arrive at Phungi Thanga, a small village with a few teahouses and an army outpost nearby the alpine forest. Besides that, you will be able to go to the Tengboche monastery and see the monks performing a religious ritual.
Day 6
Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche
- Maximum Altitude: 4,410m
- Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
- Trek Distance: 12 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea House
Tengbohe at sunrise provides an unforgettable view of the mountains surrounding it, including peaks such as Kangtega range, Thamserku, Amadablam, Taboche, Kwangde, Tengboche, Lhotse, and Nuptse, among others. The EBC with Gokyo Chola Pass Trek will commence with a hike to Imja Khola today that is going to descend to the riverbed through birch and rhododendron forests. Your route to the Pangboche, where a beautiful view of the Himalayas will be given to you, first, you will be visiting a Buddhist nunnery in Deboche, and then you will continue your way by passing a few chortens to get there. Going from Pangboche that is high to the dry and rocky Shomare, you can hardly tell that there is vegetation there without looking closely. Before reaching Dingboche, a cold and windy town where you will stay overnight, you may see Mt. Pumori’s coronal crest from Orsho.
Day 7
Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
- Maximum Altitude: 4,410m
- Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea House
Due to the altitude being even higher, today is your second day of acclimatization according to the EBC trek itinerary of 14 days. You will take in the grand panorama, however, you will have to recuperate so that you are able to finalize your trek. You can either spend a day in Dingboche with visits to the nearby villages of Chhukung and Imja or rest for the upcoming hike. There are different ways to choose the short hikes. Both Nagarjun Hill (2,128m), and Chhukung Ri (5,546m) are such possibilities. From the peak of Nagarjun Hill, one can view different mountains such as Mt. Makalu, Mt. Lobuche, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, etc.
Day 8
Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche
- Maximum Altitude: 4,940m
- Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
- Trek Distance: 8.4 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea House
The initial stage of the Gokyo Chola Pass via EBC Trekking will be your ascent to Duglha through the Khumbu Khola valley. The valley starts to become smaller as you approach closer to Dusa. There are a lot of large stones, and the mountains are steep, which are right next to the path that is difficult. In addition to his, there are many monuments with praying flags and stones in memory of the climbers who have lost their lives on Mount Everest. Moreover, the path from Gokyo Lakes to Cho-La Pass will be located afterward. It is also possible to see peaks such as Khumbuste (6,636 m), Lingtren (6,749 m), and Pumori (7,161 m). Walking on the hilly terrain might make you tired when you are traveling to Lobuche. There are only a few tea houses in Lobuche for the overnight stay.
Day 9
Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep then to Everest Base Camp, back to Gorakshep
- Altitude: Gorekshep – 5,180m , EBC – 5,364 m
- Trek Duration: 7 – 9 hrs
- Trek Distance: 15 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea House
After having your breakfast at Lobuche, the day will be spent walking to Gorakshep. The day when you get to base camp will be the greatest day of the trip among the 17 Days Gokyo Cho La Pass via EBC Trek Itinerary. The walk will take 2 to 3 hours. You will have your lunch at Gorakshep. A journey to Mount Everest Base Camp will be your post-lunch activity. Going to Everest Base Camp from Gorakshep would take you about 3 to 4 hours. It is the living hell at Everest Base Camp. World-class views of Nuptse, Khumbuste, and Pumori peaks can be admired from the base camp. After enjoying the scenery, you will return to Gorakshep where you are going to stay the night.
Day 10
Trek from Gorakshep to Kalapatthar (5555m) then Dzongla
- Altitude: 4,830m
- Trek Duration: 7 – 8 hrs.
- Trek Distance: 11.5 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea House
The Gokyo Chola Pass Trekking via EBC Journey has reached its halfway point on the first day with a sunrise walk from Kalapatthar to Gorakshep. You will find a perfect spot to rest on the ground when you will get to Kalapatthar after an extensive walk. You can let your eyes drink an astonishing view of the Himalayas from Kalapattar. No matter which direction you look from the peak of Kalapattar, you will see beautiful mountain peaks like Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumo Ri, Ama Dablam, Khangtenga, Lobuche Peak, Everest Base Camp, Khumbu glacier, and Icefalls framed by a clear 360-degree sky. You will take home with you a variety of snapshots and memories that will last a lifetime. Heading back to Gorakshep, you will pack your bags and prepare to return to Lobuche the way you came. The path to Dzongla will be very attractive.
Day 11
Trek from Dzongla to Thagnak via Cho La Pass (5367m)
- Altitude: 4,750m
- Trek Duration: 7 – 8 hrs.
- Trek Distance: 9.4 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea House
Wake up at the crack of dawn to marvel at Cholatse’s majestic summit. What started with a stroll through Dzongla and a drop to a basin followed by passing through spur woods is now the most grueling part of the Gokyo Cho La Pass Trekking via EBC Itinerary. A trip along the beautiful path will give you such a joy that it will be tough for you to keep your eyes on the trail alone when you will be advancing up the slope again. Jagged rocks make the walk much more arduous and lead to the winding Bergschrund trails. From the summit, you can visualize the entire circle of peaks around you that are framed by prayer flags flapping in the wind. The descent to Thagnak is not very difficult unless the rocks are coated in ice, which would make the journey hazardous and difficult. That is where you will spend the night.
Day 12
Trek from Thagnak to Gokyo
- Altitude: 4,700m
- Trek Duration: 3-4 hrs.
- Trek Distance: 2.7 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea House
Without unexpected delays, the small village is left blazing early in the morning to continue from EBC Trek with Gokyo Chola Pass Route through Nepal’s longest glacier, the Ngozumpa Glacier. When you reach the other side of the glacier, which is the direction you are heading, you may be able to spot the 2nd Gokyo lake, one of the six lakes in the series. It is by the edge of this second lake that you will most likely find the small settlement of Gokyo, while the third lake may be located further beyond.
Day 13
Trek from Gokyo to Dhole
- Altitude: 4,200m
- Trek Duration: 7-8 hrs.
- Trek Distance: 18 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea House
Your Gokyo Chola Pass Trekking via EBC Route will descend from Gokyo and after crossing the Ngozumpa Glacier you will arrive at the Dudh Koshi River. The short walk goes along the first and second lakes. On the way you can see the beautiful peaks of Cholatse, Taboche, and others. When you get to Machhermo, where views of Cho Oyu, Kangtega, and Thamserku are stunning, you will be going down gradually. The path to Dole, your overnight place, goes after the village of Luza and Lhafarma.
Day 14
Trek from Dhole to Namche Bazaar
- Altitude: 3,440m
- Trek Duration: 5-6 hrs.
- Trek Distance: 12 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea House
Your Gokyo Cho La Pass Trekking via EBC journey for today starts off from Dole and finishes at Namche Bazaar. Your trek goes downhill, you can spot that the flora and fauna are more varied in the area. On the steep drop Phortse Thanga is reached, next Mong La and a moderate descent to Namche. Saying goodbye to the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Khumbila, Taboche, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Everest, and Tengboche, the evening will be spent at a tea house in Namche.
Day 15
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Phakding (2610m) and then to Lukla
- Maximum Altitude: 2,860 m
- Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
- Trek Distance: 16 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea House
The path winds downhill along a ridge, passing through pine forests until you reach a high suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi, hikers must be extremely slow, careful, and steady while negotiating the steep rocky terrain. They should have a walk across an open field and a rhododendron forest while enjoying the far-away views of snow-covered mountains. After passing beautiful villages such as Jorsalle, Monjo, Phakding, and Chheplung, Lukla will finally be reached. One night stay in a teahouse in Lukla.
Day 16
Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
- Maximum Altitude: 1,350 m
- Flight Duration: 35 – 40 Minutes
- Meal: Breakfast and Lunch
- Accommodation: 3 star level Standard Hotel
Today you will take leave of Everest region. Therefore, wrap the day up with a tour around the local Lukla area. Your EBC Trek with Gokyo Chola Pass Itinerary ends when you have a tasty breakfast in Lukla and catch an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Just like a landing, a takeoff is also a magnificent event. There are many ways to spend the remaining time of the day, such as going out, resting, or partying.
Day 17
Final Departure
The departure from the hotel to the airport in a private tourist car is scheduled three hours ahead of the flight’s scheduled departure time. By picking different curricula you may have an option to extend your trip. Have a safe flight. See you soon
Trip Cost Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Airport Pick-up and Drop-off by Private car
- Standard Three star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (includes bed and breakfast).
- (Breakfast Lunch and Dinner) Three times meal throughout the trip.
- Accommodation (Mountain Tea house Lodge)
- Experienced trekking Guide and porter according to your group size.
- Ktm-Lukla-Ktm by flight
- Sagarmatha National Park TIMS and entry permit.
- Lodging and food, salary, insurance, transportation and equipment for porters.
- Trekking Duffel bag & sleeping bag.
- Our Company Hiking T-shirt
- Certificate of trekking completion.
- All the government taxes.
Cost Excludes
- Any other expenses (including hot and cold drinks, mineral water, alcoholic drinks, cigarettes, toiletries, and any other personal expenses).
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for guide and porter (optional but expected).
Trip Photo/Video Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
The Gokyo Chola Pass Trek is a challenging high-altitude trek in the Everest region. It combines the serene Gokyo Lakes, the adventurous Cho La Pass (5,420m), and the classic Everest Base Camp trail.
This is a strenuous trek due to high altitude, long walking hours (6–8 hours/day), and the challenging Cho La Pass. It requires good physical fitness and previous trekking experience is highly recommended.
The highest point is Kala Patthar (5,545m) which offers panoramic views of Mount Everest and other peaks.
You will need:
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Sagarmatha National Park Permit
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Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
Nepal Royal Tourism Holidays arrange these.
Yes, since the trek goes above 5,000m. Proper acclimatization, hydration, and pacing are crucial. Your itinerary should include rest days.
You’ll stay in tea houses/lodges along the route. They are basic but comfortable, with twin sharing rooms, hot meals, and common toilets.
Most tea houses offer a variety of meals such as dal bhat, pasta, noodles, fried rice, momo, soups, and sometimes limited Western dishes. Vegetarian options are widely available.
yes, but limited. Wi-Fi and device charging are available at most tea houses for an extra cost. Connectivity is slow and unreliable in higher areas.
While not mandatory, a guide enhances your experience, ensures safety, and helps with navigation. A porter can carry your heavy bag so you can enjoy the trek more comfortably.
Yes. Your insurance must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation (helicopter rescue).
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