Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake and Cho la Pass Trek

Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake and Cho la Pass Trek Brief Insight

Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake and Cho la Pass Trek is the Combination of a large part of the classic Everest Base Camp trek route. It includes the relatively unexplored wonders of the Everest region and takes you around the wonderful valley known as Khumbu.

The sparkling azure Gokyo Lake along the Gokyo valley lies within Khumbu. Gokyo village is one of the untarnished treasures of Nepal. This trek will bring you over the winding path between forgotten valleys, winding around tranquil lakes and traditional villages. Enjoy the breathtaking adventure through spectacular scenery along the trails and Gokyo Lakes and ultimately the base camp of Mt. Everest. 

The Gokyo-Everest Base Camp Trek offers you the rare chance to discover the miraculous hidden Gokyo valley in Khumbu. You will be brought to confront with the jewels of the Gokyo Lakes: Gokyo Ri, and the Fifth Lake – the grandeur of which overlooks a stunning view of majestic Everest. Gokyo Valley Trekking comprises of the unbeaten and splendid path to Everest Base Camp.

Gokyo Valley is a treasure of the gorgeous Gokyo Lake trekking, the famous Cho La pass, the large Ngojumba Glacier, the Dudh Koshi River the viewpoints of Gokyo Ri, Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp itself. This trek features the mountains and glaciers that create diverse landscapes and panorama.

It is dominated by the high peaks corresponding deeply-incised valleys. Sagarmatha National Park has a valley with the world’s highest human settlements, ecologically characteristic flora and fauna. The national park has been enlisted in the world heritage sites in UNESCO. You will also get the ideal opportunity to explore the rich Sherpa culture. 

Throughout the Gokyo Lake Trekking, you will be passing by so many enchanting views and all these have set Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo a different status among the courageous souls.

You will come across many suspension bridges and colorful Buddhist prayer flags that decorate the whole valley. The lifestyle of the inhabitants of the Gokyo valley has not been influenced by any modernization. It still remains authentic and unspoiled. 

Gokyo Trek, also known as Gokyo Lake Trekking is an eventful trek with a continuous exploration of underlying beauties with the Himalayas.

Other than the classic treks, ample opportunities await you to peek into soaring mountains while residing in the lap of the world’s highest peaks. Experience this in the Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo Lake & Cho La Pass, a journey that offers unparalleled vistas and breathtaking moments.

This trek reaches high altitudes quite quickly. Therefore, it is important to take the suggested acclimatization days. You also need to be aware of signs of altitude sickness and its precautions so that you can avoid any serious mishaps. For more information please refer to the health and safety section.

Everest Marathon is also held in this region every year on 29th May. Everest Base Camp TrekEverest View TrekGokyo Lake TrekChola Pass Trek & Everest Helicopter Tour are the best selling packages in 2019 by MFN Group.

Outline Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (Altitude: 1,300m/4,264 ft)

Highlights: Thamel bazaar, restaurants and bars.

Activities: Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed by our tour operator and be transferred to your hotel in Thamel in a private vehicle as per the agreed package services. After checking in at the hotel, you can either take a rest or hang around in the city.

Accommodation: Hotel Holy Himalaya or similar category

Day 02: Kathmandu to Lukla Scenic Flight and short trek to Phakding.(Altitude: 2,652m/8,700ft. Time Travel: 3 to 4 hrs Walk)

Difficulty: Easy. Flats and Downhill. A well-developed path.

Activities: After our breakfast in the Hotel, we will catch a flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. It is an adventurous scenic 45-minute flight where you’ll get to see breathtaking green hills and snow-capped mountains.

After reaching Lukla, we will move towards Phakding where we are going to spend our overnight. It is a 3-4 hours walk following the thick rhododendron,magnolia trees, and pine forests. You can take a side trip to a nearby monastery after reaching Phakding. Dinner and overnight at Phakding

Accommodation: Basic Tea House

Day 03: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (Altitude: 3,440m/11,283ft Time Travel: 5 to 6 hrs Walk)

Difficulty: Moderate. Easy uphill and downhill, a well-developed path.

Activities: We will start our trek after early morning breakfast in our Lodge. Passing through multiple crossings over Dudh Koshi River and a pleasant walk over short uphill and downhill we will reach Toktak and Benkar valley.

You can see a spectacular view of Mt. Thamserku from the Benkar village. We will have to check our permits once we reach Sagarmatha National Park. After that, we will continue our trek and reach Namche Bazaar which is the gateway of Mt. Everest and the main trading center of Khumbu region. Overnight and dinner at a tea house.

Accommodation: Basic Tea House

Day 04: Rest day for acclimatization at Namche Bazaar

Difficulty: Moderate, flat and uphill

Activities: This is the first day of acclimatization. Adjust your body well to the climate and the altitude. Go for short trekking to the Everest Viewpoint.

Make sure you have your cameras ready to capture the exquisite view of Mt. Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Nuptse (7879m), Ama Dablam (6856m), Thamserku (6623m), etc. Explore Namche Bazaar and the Sherpa museum, Hillary School and Buddhist Monastery. Overnight and Dinner at the lodge.

Accommodation: Basic Tea House

Day 05: Trek to Dhole.(Altitude: 4200m/ 13779ft. Time Travel: 5 to 6 hrs Walk)

Difficulty: Moderate, flat and uphill

Activities: We will slightly climb up to Namche Bazaar and walk through Kyangjuma village from where you will get to see the same splendid views of the mountains as the previous day.

The trail today follows plant and animal vegetation. After reaching Mongola dada we will descend in steep bends trail to Phortse Thanga (3680m). From Phortse Thanga the trial is steep through rhododendron and juniper forests until we reach Dhole. Overnight at Dhole.

Accommodation: Basic Tea House

Day 06: Trek to Machharmo (Altitude: 4470 m/ 14665 ft. Time Travel: 4 to 5 hrs Walk)

Difficulty: Moderate, flat and uphill

Activities: Breakfast at the Lodge and we will continue our trekking. At the starting, we will steadily climb up through a scenic ridge above Dole.

The trail climbs through Lhabarma at 4220m to Luza at 4360m. You will pass through the steep path and small thorny bushes as the altitude increases and get to see yaks grazing in the pasture.

Following the hillside path above thundering Dudh Koshi that passes through some small hamlets and through sandy spurs, we will reach Machhermo. Overnight at Machhermo.

Accommodation: Basic Tea House

Day 07: Trek to Gokyo (Altitude: 4790 m/ 15715 ft. Time Travel: 5 to 6 hrs Walk)

Difficulty: Moderate, flat and uphill

Activities: On our seventh day, we will climb through a ridge Chorten. You can see a splendid view of the valley and the Himalayas from the Chorten.

After a gentle walk form Chorten, we will reach Pangka (4480m). Then we will climb up to Ngozamba Glacier through a terminal moraine. You will get a chance to observe the Lama footprints on a stone after passing Longpongo at 4690m which is the first lake.

You will be awestruck by the sparkling water dazzling in the sun once you get the sight of the second lake. Walking a bit further we will reach the third lake where Gokyo village stands by. From here, you will get to see a spectacular view of Mt. Cho-Oyu. Overnight at Gokyo.

Accommodation: Basic Tea House

Day 08: Rest Day at Gokyo, hike to Gokyo Ri, Fifth Lake and its surroundings

Difficulty: Moderate, and uphill

Activities: Today we will take a rest at the Gokyo valley and climb Gokyo Ri, from where you will get the sight of the incredible panoramic view of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu.

You will also get to see the grand view of six lakes from Gokyo Ri. After exploring for a while, we will return back to our Lodge in Gokyo. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.

Accommodation: Basic Tea House

Day 09: Trek to Thangnak. (Altitude: 4750m/15580ft. Time Travel: 5 to 6 hrs walk)

Difficulty: Moderate, and uphill

Activities: Early morning after breakfast at the lodge, we will continue our trek to Thangnak. The scenery from the trial of Gokyo village on the border of the third lake that affords a view by Cholatse and the broad Ngozumpa Glacier is exhilarating.

The feeling of being surrounded by panoramic mountains like Kusum Kanguru, Kangtega, Thamserku, K 43, Cholatse, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Pumori etc is surreal. The memories will be caged in your heart forever. After walking down for a few hours, we will reach Thaknak for overnight.

Accommodation: Basic Tea House

Day 10: Trek to Dzongla via Chola Pass. (Altitude: 4,850m/15908ft Time Travel: 6 to 7 hrs walk)

Difficulty: Difficult, and uphill

Activities: Today our destination for overnight in Dzongla. We will pass through a steep path and a glacier that traverse on the eastern side. The trail is vertical and the rocks are glassy by ice that makes the trail slippery and creates inconvenience for the trekkers.

Therefore, be careful while walking. Climbing through the ravine and rocky trail from Phedi, we start gaining height. the view before us gets dreamlike. Rest of the way follows the side of a frozen lake, the top decorated with prayer flags and sights of Kyajo RI, Tengkangpoche, Numbur, Kangchung etc.

Ama Dablam leads the range of mountains on the south, Cholatse on the west and Lobuche East and Baruntse to our right. Passing through some crevasses, we reach Dzongla. Dinner and overnight at lodge.

Accommodation: Basic Tea House

Day 11: Treks to Lobuche from Dzongla (Altitude: 4900m Time Travel 3-4 Hour)

Difficulty: Difficult, and uphill

Activities: Glancing at the majestic view of Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Lobuche peak throughout the trial and passing through Pheriche village far below, we reach Lobuche for overnight.

Accommodation: Basic Tea House

Day 12: Day trip to Everest Base Camp and explore its wonderful surrounding. (Altitude: 5,160m/16,929ft Time Travel: 5-6 hours)

Difficulty: Difficult, Flat, and uphill

Activities: On our twelfth day from Lobuche, we take a day trip to Everest Base Camp. We will infiltrate the Gokyo trail. After reaching Thangma Riju we find 360-degree vistas of snowy mountains, Changri Glacier, glimpse of Kalapatthar and reach Gorak Shep.

Then we take the trail to Everest Base Camp via Gorak Shep Lake. we will explore the Everest Base Camp. Take pictures in the Base Camp. Moving further, we come through the Indian army mountaineers’ memorials. Then we descend to Gorakshep for overnight.

Accommodation: Basic Tea House

Day 13: Gorakshep to Kalapatthar to Pheriche Trek. (Altitude: 5545m/ 18187ft. to 4320m/14170ft. Time Travel: 6 to 7 hrs walk)

Difficulty: Moderate, Downhill, and uphill

Activities: We start early in the morning and trek to Kalapatthar to witness the incredible view of sunrise shining on Mt. Everest. We can pause to catch our breath at several outstanding viewpoints to snap pictures on our way to Kalapatthar.

Climbing through the rocky outcrop near the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags, we reach the top.  Wandering from one mighty massif to another, we take pictures as much as we can of the panoramic view of the Himalayas and creating memories that will last for a lifetime. Then we will return to Gorak Shep, have breakfast and descend to Pheriche for another overnight.

Accommodation: Basic Tea House

Day 14: Treks from Pheriche to Namche Trek. (Altitude: 3440m/11,284ft. Time Travel: 5 to 6 hrs walk)

Difficulty: Moderate, Downhill, and uphill

Activities: After having breakfast at the Lodge, we will trek downhill to Namche Bazaar. The trial follows the same Rhododendron, plant and animal vegetation including wildflowers and some most scenic mountain natural beauty which you will remember for the rest of your life.

You will see the background view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Cholatse, etc. and we reach Namche. Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge.

Accommodation: Basic Tea House

Day 15: Namche to Lukla via Phakding Trek (Altitude: 2,800m/9,184ft. Time Travel: 4 to 5 hrs walk)

Difficulty: Moderate, Downhill, and uphill

Activities: Today is our last day of the trek. We will descend to Lukla after our breakfast at the Lodge. The trial becomes easier after we cross the suspension bridge following through the banks of Dukh Koshi river.

Walk slowly under control as your legs will shake continuously while walking through the rocky terrain. We will walk through Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries decorated by colorful prayer flags around.

Take some rest after reaching Lukla and get freshen up. This is the final night you will be spending in a mountainous region. Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge.

Accommodation: Basic Tea House

Day 16: Fly Back to Kathmandu. (Altitude: 1,300m/4,264 ft. Time Travel: 30 to 40 minutes flight)

Activities: Today we will take a return 40 minutes flight to Kathmandu from Lukla. Enjoy the dramatic views of the hills and mountains from above while you’re in flight.

After reaching the airport in Kathmandu, our private vehicle will transfer you to your hotel. Take rest or roam around the Thamel area for shopping in the evening.

We have arranged a traditional Nepali farewell dinner for you. The dinner is followed by a cultural performance. Enjoy your last night at Kathmandu.

Accommodation: Hotel Holy Himalaya or same category

Day 17: Departure for your onward Journey

What is included in Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake and Cho la Pass Trek

  • Pickup and drop at Airport
  • Hotel stay in Kathmandu  (2 nights) as per itinerary
  • Full Board Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trekking period
  • Air fair for Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu
  • Best available accommodations during the trek
  • A government license holder guide
  • Porter to carry your baggage (1  Porter= 2 hikers)
  • Food, drinks, accommodation, insurance, salary, equipment, transportation and local tax
  • for guides and porters
  • Ground Transportation Charge as per itinerary
  • TIMS card(Trekker’s Information Management System)
  • First Aid Kit
  • Entry Fees wherever required
  • Trekking maps
  • Trekking Permits needed for Restricted Area Trekking
  • All government taxes and service charges
  • Certificate of Appreciation
  • Farewell dinner prior to departure

What is Excluded

  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Travel insurance
  • Nepal Entry Visa Fee
  • International Airfare and Airport Departure Tax
  • Tips for trekking staffs
  • Drinks (hot/soft/cold) and liquors
  • Personal shopping and laundry, Personal trekking equipment, Gifts, and souvenirs
  • All items not listed in Cost included the section

Notes: Costs are prone to change in itinerary. So costs will be recalculated if the trekking days get modified.

Trip Map

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