Everest Basecamp Trek via Gokyo Lakes and Cho la pass-18 Days
Over View
The Everest Base Camp Via Gokyo Lakes and Chola Pass is one of the beautiful trek which takes us majestic Khumbu region with stunning view. If you want to push your boundaries, want to looking for really adventurous and lifetime memory, you can choose this trek.
We reach the Gokyo valley on the base of Gokyo Ri 5357m with mesmerizing view of Gokyo Lakes in high Himalayas of Everest region. This trek rewards you stunning view of Mt Everest(8848m),Mt Cho Oyu(8201m),Makalu(8485m),Mt Lhotse(8516m), Amadablam(6812m), Thamserku(6608m),Island Peak(6160m), Taboche(6495m),Cholatse(6440m), Baruntse(7162m) and many beautiful mountains.
The Everest Base Camp via Gokyo lakes and Chola Pass is is ideal trek for one who really wants something really challenging and looking for off the beaten trail in Himalayan Region of Nepal.
Highlights of Everest Base Camp Trekking via Chola Pass and Gokyo Lakes
- Cultural UNESCO world heritage tour in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur.
- Scenic 40m flight to Tenzing -Hillary Airport, Lukla.
- Exploration of Namche Bazaar-The Sherpa town of Khumbu region.
- Exploration of Sagarmatha National Park and museum.
- Wonderful view of very long Khumbu Glaciers.
- Trek through the heart of Sherpa Community.
- Stunning mountain view and exploring Sherpa culture and tradition.
- Exploration of Gokyo Lakes and its pristine beauty.
- Gorgeous view of World's Highest mountain Mt. Everest(8848m)
- To achieve lifetime unforgettable Himalayan adventurous journey.
Details Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu Airport, A representative of Himalayan Encyclopedia will wait outside of the airport with your name signage to welcome you beautiful country Nepal. He/She will take you to the hotel. in the Evening, you can explore touristic city Thamel. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Accommodation : Hotel
Accommodation : Tea House
Meals :Breakfast
Day 03: Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding
Today we will take wonderful flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport Lukla. The scenic flight will take you about 40 minutes.
After reaching Lukla, we will walk down to Phakding(2650m) through Dudh Koshi valley. We will pass through beautiful Cheplung Village(2690m) with wonderful view of Mt. Khumbilla(5761m),a sacred mountain which is never climbed. We walk up and down on the side of Dudh Koshi river to reach Phakding. Overnight in Phakding
Maximum Altitude: 2800m/9187ft
Hiking: 3-4 hrs
Travel Distance: 8 km
Accommodation : Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar
After having breakfast at Phakding, We will walk towards Namche Bazaar(3440m). We walk through pine forest and reach the valley of Chaurikharkha. We cross Dudh Koshi river and reach to beautiful Monjo village. After couple of minutes walking, We reach to Sagarmatha National Park Entrance gate. We will get Entrance ticket of National park and descend down to Jorsalle village. This will be last village before Namche Bazaar. We walk along side of Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi river. A steep climb up from the last suspension bridge through pine forest, another 2 hours reach to the beautiful Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Maximum Altitude :3440m/11284ft
Travel Distance: 11 km
Hiking: 5-6 hours
Accommodation : Tea House
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 05: Acclimatization day at Namche
Today is the rest day at Namche Bazaar. Although there are several things to do in Namche Bazaar, we go morning hike to the Everest View Hotel (3880m). On the way to Everest View Hotel, We will visit Sagarmatha National Park Museum. On the way we will have magnificent view of Lhotse(8516m), Amadablam(6812m),Khantega(6761m),Thamserku(6612m),Taboche(6495m),Cholatse(644om) and many other beautiful mountains. We will have tea/coffee at Everest View hotel with the view of Everest(8848m).
If you are interested in the day hike we can walk down to Khumjung Village(3790m). We can visit Khumjung Hillary School and Khunde Hospital established by Sir Edmund Hillary. We can visit Buddhist Monastery, where Yeti's head has been kept safely. We can explore Sherpa settlement, Sherpa lifestyles, meet local people in Khumjung village. After that we can walk down to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Maximum Altitude :3440m/11284ft
Hiking: 3-4 hours(to Everest view hotel/Acclimatization hiking)
Travel Distance: 8 km
Accommodation : Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Phortse
After having breakfast we will proceed to Kyanjuma(3600m). The trail is not very diificult till Kyanjuma. We rewards maginificent view of Mt Everest(8848m),Mt Lhotse(8516m), Amadablam(6812m), Thamserku(6608m),Island Peak(6160m), Taboche(6495m),Cholatse(6440m), Baruntse(7162m) and many beautiful mountains.
After couple of minutes walking from Kyanjuma the trail intersects in two section. One goes to Gokyo lakes and another goes to Everest Base Camp. We follow the Gokyo route to reach Mongla Danda. From Mongla Danda, We descend down to beautiful Phortse village. Overnight in Phortse.
Maximum Altitude : 3680m/12074ft
Hiking: 5-6 hrs
Travel Distance: 6 km
Accommodation : Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 07: Phortse Village to Machhermo
From Phortse we climb uphill to Machhermo. We walk through rhododendron forest. We continue our walking to reach Dole(4110m). We will see Chhorten just before reaching Luza village. We will walk along side of the Dudh Koshi river. Overnight in Machhermo.
Maximum Altitude :4470m/14666ft
Hiking: 4-5 hrs.
Travel Distance: 10km
Accommodation : Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 08: Machhermo to Gokyo
We climb through Dudh Koshi valley with wonderful view of Khantega(6782m),Thamserkuu(6608m) and Cho Oyu(8201m) mountains. We walk down to river bank through the Ngombala Glacier. We see the first lake which is believed to be the foot print of Buddhist Priest. Overnight in Gokyo.
Maximum Altitude :4800m/15749ft
Hiking: 7 km
Travel Distance: 4-5 hrs.
Accommodation : Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 09: Gokyo Valley:Accilimatization Day-Optional hike to Gokyo Ri
In the morning, We will hike to Gokyo Ri with fantastic view of glorious mountains. We see four of 8 highest mountains of Nepal-Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu. We reach to fourth lake named Thanak Tsho and we trek back along the third lake. If we have energy, We can hike upto fifth lake named Ngozumb Tsho. We will see the fascinating view of Ngozumba glacier, the longest glacier of Khumbu region. Overnight in Gokyo
Maximum Altitude :5357m/17576ft
Hiking: 3-4 hrs.
Travel Distance: 2 km
Accommodation : Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Gokyo to Thagnak
We can climb Gokyo Ri if we didn't hike yesterday. Climbing to Gokyo Ri takes about 3-4 hours and the trail is uphill. We have glorious view of mountains from the top. We trek along the Ngazumpa glacier to the mountain side. Today is not a long hike, We can take rest in the afternoon.
Maximum Altitude :4750m/15585ft
Hiking: 4-5 hrs.
Travel Distance: 4 km
Accommodation : Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11: Thagnak to Chola pass to Dzongla
Today we start our trek early in the morning as we are going to climb Chola Pass. Today is going to be the tough day. The path is vertical with icy rocks, We need to be careful while walking. The view from Chola Pass is really fascinating. After the Chola Pass, the trail descends towards Dzonglha(4830m) passing through pine forest. We will have wonderful view of Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Amadablam, Lobuche and Pheriche village. We reach to Dzongla(4830m) for our overnight stay.
Maximum Altitude :5367m/17609ft
Hiking: 7-8 hrs.
Travel Distance: 7 km
Accommodation : Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12 :Dzongla to Lobuche
Today we will walk to Lobuche(5030m). After Chola Pass the trail is gently up and down. The trip rewards us mesmerizing view of Ama dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse,P umori, Changatse and so on. Lobuche is a small village and second last stop to the Everest Basecamp. We will have great view of Nuptse(7861m) in front of Lobuche. Overnight in Lobuche.
Maximum Altitude :4940m/16208ft
Hiking: 2-3 hrs
Travel Distance: 6 km
Accommodation : Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13: Lobuche to Gorakshep,visit The Everest Basecamp
Today is the most important and most awaited day of our trekking because we are reaching to the Everest Base Camp today. For you this will be the most nearest point of Everest you could ever been to Mt Everest without being the climber. Early morning, We will have the breakfast and start our trek to Gorakshep. Gorakshep is the highest human settlement place and last stop to the Everest Base Camp Trek . During the trek to Lobuche, We will rewards with the glorious view of Changri, Pumori, Lingrentse, Khumbutse,Nuptse and so many other mountains. When we reach to Khumbu Glacier, the trail will be half to Gorakshep. The view of Khumbu Glacier from the top is breathtaking.
After reaching Gorakshep, We will have quick break and continue our trip to the Everest Base Camp. We pass through rocky dunes, moraine and streams before reaching the Everest Base Camp. The walk is strenuous due to thin air in the atmosphere. When we reach to the Everest Base Camp, We take photos and videos for the life time memory. We get back to the same trail to the Gorakshep. Overnight in Gorakshep.
Maximum Altitude : 5364m/17599ft
Hiking: 6-7 hours
Travel Distance: 13 km
Accommodation : Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 14 : Gorak Shep to Kalapatthar then pheriche
Our day today starts early morning hiking to the Kalapatthar as we have chances of sun rising over Mount Everest and surrounding mountains. We might face cold temperature(-10 to -15) and chilled winds while walking. Upon reaching kalapatthar(5545m), We get 360 view of mountains and beautiful view of Mount Everest. We take pictures and return back to Gorakshep to have breakfast.
After having breakfast, We walk down to Pheriche. Descending down we will feel better. Pheriche is a small village popular to climber. There is a small mountain sickness hospital which treats the high altitude sickness patient. Overnight in Pheriche
Maximum Altitude :5545m/18193ft
Hiking: 7-8 hours
Travel Distance: 16 km
Accommodation : Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 15: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Today we will trek all the way to Namche Bazaar(3440m). Today's trek is easier but longest. We walk on the bank of Dudh Koshi river through the rhododendron and juniper trees. We may have chances to see colorful Pheasant and mountain goats. We reach to Tengboche from Debuche and walk downhill all the way to Phungithanka. We climb uphill to reach Kyanjuma(3600m) and steady downhill flat to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Maximum Altitude :3440m/11284 ft
Hiking: 7-8 hours
Travel Distance: 20km
Accommodation : Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 16 : Namche Bazaar to Lukla
The trail is descends steeply downwards until we reach to Jorsalle. We need to walk carefully while walking downhill as the rocky terrain. The trail becomes easier after passing Monjo. We will walk up and down of Cheplung and Benkhar village to reach Phakding. From Phakding we walk uphill to Cheplung village. Another an hour from Cheplung, We will reach to Lukla. After reaching Lukla, We can recall the memory of last 2 weeks trip. We can enjoy, take rest, and go around to Lukla Bazaar. Overnight in Lukla
Maximum Altitude :2860m
Hiking: 7-8 hours
Travel Distance:19 km
Accommodation :
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 17 : Fly to Kathmandu
Your adventure journey come to end today. We catch early morning flight to Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, We can take rest or go for shopping. If we have time, We can explore historical Kathmandu city. In the evening, you can go for shopping and enjoy. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Maximum Altitude :1350m/4429ft
Flight: 40 minutes
Accommodation : Tea House
Meals : Breakfast
Day 18: Final Departure
Your wonderful journey to Nepal come to an end today. A representative of Himalayan Encyclopedia will drop to you at the airport, about 3 hours before your flight. We say Good Bye for this time and hope to see you in Nepal again for next adventure.
COST INCLUDES
- Round trip flight to Kathmandu- Lukla
- All ground transportation in a private vehicle
- 2 nights accommodation in 3 star category hotel in Kathmandu with BB plan.
- 14 nights Tea Houses(on a twin sharing basis) during the trek.
- Daily meals(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek.
- National Park Permit
- Rural Municipality Permit
- A Government Licensed, English speaking Trekking Guide.
- Porters to carry your baggage(1 porter for 2 clients)
- All the cost for food, accommodation, salary, accidental insurance for Guide and Porter.
- Duffel Bag, Sleeping bag and Down Jacket during the trek.
- Everest Base Camp Trekking Route Map
- First Aid Kit.
COST EXCLUDES
- International Airfare
- Meals in Kathmandu
- Visa Cost
- Travel Insurance
- All soft drinks including water
- Snacks and all types of refreshment items.
- Laundry, Telephone expenses, Electricity charges, Wi Fi, Hot Shower
- Personal trekking gears
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early or late departure to the trek or early return from the trek.
- Additional cost incurred due to cause beyond our control such as landslides, weather condition, illness, strikes, changes of government policies etc.
- Tips to the Guide and Porter
1.How high is Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Ri and Chola Pass ?
The starting point of Everest Base Camp Trek Lukla is 2860m/9383ft and Everest Base Camp is-5364m/17598ft
The elevation of Gokyo is lakes is 4700m-5000m
The elevation of Gokyo Ri is 5357m
The elevation of Chola Pass is 5420m
2.How fit do I need to be to go trekking to base camp of Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Ri and Chola Pass ?
Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Ri and Chola Pass is not an easy trek. An average fitness is required to complete all this trek.
3.Where am I sleeping at night ?
You will sleep at the Tea houses having basic facilities.
4.Which is the best season to Trekking in Everest Base camp, Gokyo Ri & Chola Pass ?
March-May
September-December
- How easy or difficult Everest Basecamp Trek, Gokyo Ri & Chola Pass ?
Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Ri and Chola Pass is moderate to strenuous trek.
6.Is drinking water easily available during the trek ? Is it safe ?
We can find mineral water in the Tea Houses which is 100% safe to drink. If you are using tap water for Drinking, You can use water purification tablets.
7.How do we Travel from Kathmandu to Lukla?
If you are flying from Kathmandu, We have to go Tribhuvan International Airport, domestic terminal which takes about 20 minutes from Thamel. If you are flying from Ramechhap, We have to drive about 4 hours to Manthali.
8.What food do we get in mountain?
We normally get local hygienic and fresh foods. Although there will be different varieties of Chinese, Continental, Indian foods. Your Guide will help you to choose the foods.
9.What happens if I get sick in the mountain?
Having minor health issue is normal in mountains. You may have common cold, minor headache which is common in mountain. But if you have serious high altitude sickness, we have to come back. In worst case helicopter evacuation will be done.
10. what kind of accommodation we can get during the trek ?
The Tea House in the mountain will be basic. Although we can find room having attach bathroom, in some areas. you have to inform in an advance if you want more facilities room.
