E v e r e s t B a s e C a m p – G o k y o - R i V i a C h o L a P a s s T r e k
Stunning views, challenging trails, Gokyo Lakes, Cho La Pass adventure.
Region
everest
Duration
19 Days
Walk
5 - 7 Hrs
Elevation
5545m
Best Season
Spring/Autumn
Accommodation
Hotel + Lodge + Tent
Price
$2,095 USD
Trip Overview
The Gokyo-Ri via Cho La Pass Trek is a challenging and rewarding journey for seasoned trekkers, combining the iconic Everest Base Camp with the serene beauty of Gokyo. After exploring Kathmandu, the adventure begins with a flight to Lukla, followed by a trek along the Dudh Kosi River through rhododendron and magnolia forests. Rest days in Namche Bazaar provide time to acclimatize while enjoying the vibrant Sherpa culture and stunning Himalayan vistas.
The trail diverges toward Gokyo, a tranquil village known for its sacred lakes and the nearby Gokyo-Ri viewpoint, offering panoramas even more breathtaking than those at Everest Base Camp. Crossing the high-altitude Cho La Pass is a challenging highlight, leading you toward Everest Base Camp and the ultimate reward—a sunrise ascent of Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for unparalleled views of Everest and the Khumbu Glacier. This trek is perfect for adventurers seeking solitude, culture, and unforgettable alpine landscapes.
Itinerary
- Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu: Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be greeted by an ITrekNepal representative who will escort you to your hotel for rest and recovery.
- Day 2Kathmandu: Optional morning walk in Gundu Valley to experience local village life, followed by a guided tour of World Heritage sites in Bhaktapur. Trek permits will be prepared, and you will have a traditional Nepali welcome dinner with your trek guide in the evening.
- Day 3Kathmandu to Phakding (2610m): Early morning flight to Lukla (30 minutes), meeting porters, and trekking north to Phakding via Chablung and Ghat, crossing the Tharo Kosi river.
- Day 4Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3420m): Trek through the Dudh Kosi river valley, crossing suspension bridges and passing rhododendron forests, entering Sagarmatha National Park, and ascending to Namche Bazaar.
- Day 5Namche Bazaar / Acclimatization: Acclimatization hike to Thame village (3750m), passing Phurte, Thamo, and Somde, with views of Teng Kangpoche and Kwangde peaks.
- Day 6Namche Bazaar to Dole (4090m): Climb through rhododendron and juniper forests, passing Tongba and enjoying views of Khumbila and Tawachee.
- Day 7Dole to Machhermo (4410m): Steep ascent through scrub junipers to Lhabarma and Luza, following the valley high above the river to Machhermo.
- Day 8Machhermo to Gokyo (4750m): Climb past Pangka, a large cave, and glacial lakes, reaching Gokyo, a settlement by Dudh Pokhari lake.
- Day 9Gokyo: Optional climb to Gokyo Ri (5357m) for panoramic views of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and surrounding peaks.
- Day 10Gokyo to Thangna (4700m): Short trek across a glacier, navigating seasonal trail changes and ice lakes.
- Day 11Thangna to Cho La Pass (5350m) and Zhongla (4800m): Early start to cross the high pass, with spectacular views of peaks on both Gokyo and Everest sides.
- Day 12Zhongla to Lobuche (4930m): Leisurely trek with views of the Khumbu valley, reaching Lobuche for rest after the challenging pass.
- Day 13Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5160m): Trek along glacial moraines, passing Pumori and reaching Gorak Shep for a visit to Everest Base Camp.
- Day 14Gorak Shep to Lobuche: Early morning climb to Kala Pattar (5545m) for views of Everest’s south face, then return to Gorak Shep and descend to Lobuche.
- Day 15Lobuche to Tengboche (4360m): Retrace steps to Dughla, climb the upper trail, descend the Imja valley, and visit the famous Sherpa monastery at Tengboche.
- Day 16Tengboche to Monjo: Steep descent to Dudh Kosi river, ascent to Namche, and descent through the valley, crossing suspension bridges to Monjo.
- Day 17Monjo to Lukla: Easy downhill trek along the Dudh Kosi river with a final climb to Lukla for an overnight stay.
- Day 18Lukla to Kathmandu: Morning flight to Kathmandu with time for shopping, sightseeing, or relaxation at your hotel.
- Day 19Kathmandu: Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Note: Itinerary may change due to weather or unforeseen events.
Cost Includes
- Airport pick-up and drop-off services
- Four nights of hotel accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Licensed and trained trekking guides
- Porters for carrying goods and supplies
- All accommodation during the trek
- All meals and hot beverages while trekking
- Transportation to and from the trailhead
- All necessary documents and permits for trekking (if applicable)
- National Park or Conservation Area entry permit
- Equipment including sleeping bags, tents, and mattresses
- Cooking equipment (if needed)
- Camp-site charges (if applicable)
- Insurance, medication, and equipment for staff
- Coordination of Quick Rescue service (costs covered by your insurance plan)
Cost Excludes
- International airfare
- Travel and trekking insurance
- Excess baggage charges for luggage over 16kg and hand baggage over 5kg on domestic flights
- Visa application fees
- Airport departure tax
- Rescue service charges
- Beverages (cold and alcoholic)
- Personal expenses
- Permit and liaison officer fees (if applicable)
- Lunches and dinners not included during trekking