Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass

Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass
At a Glance
  • Duration16 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Max. Altitude 5,545 m/18,129 ft
  • Group Size 2-12
  • Trip Style Trek
  • Best Season Spring & Autumn
Highlights
  • Trek to the world-famous Everest Base Camp, the lap of the highest mountain in the world
  • Spend nights in iconic villages, such as Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Gorak Shep, and Gokyo village
  • Hike to Hotel Everest View and Nagarjuna Hill during acclimatization
  • Trek through rhododendron and pine forests, remote villages, and moraines
  • Cross numerous suspension bridges over Dudh Koshi river an
  • Witness stunning mountain panoramas from Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri
  • Cross the challenging Cho La pass and navigate via the Ngozumpa glacier, the biggest glacier in Nepal
  • Explore the holy Gokyo Lakes
  • Visit ancient monasteries along the trail and get the see the lifestyle of the locals
  • Witness diverse landscapes and breathtaking mountain vistas throughout the trek
  • Take thrilling flights in and out of Lukla airport

Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo lakes and Cho La pass is a difficult trek in the Khumbu region. The trail is a bit technically advanced in some sections, so the overall journey is more adventurous. You will follow the standard Everest Base Camp trail, later switch to Dzongla (4,830 m/15,846 ft), and hike to Beautiful Gokyo Valley, crossing the Cho La pass (5,420 m/17,782 ft).

The Everest Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass trek is for trekkers who are either physically strong or have previous trekking experience. It is a 16-day trekking adventure in Nepal that takes you to Mount Everest Base Camp and the high-altitude holy Gokyo Lakes. You will explore iconic places like Lukla (2,846 m/9,337 ft), Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,290 ft), Tengboche (3,860 m/12,660 ft), Gorak Shep (5,164 m/16,942 ft) , and Gokyo village (4,750 m/15,584 ft).

The beautiful rhododendrons, magnolia, and pine forests decorate the initial part of the trail. Whereas the barren hills, frozen streams, moraines, and snow-capped peaks dominate the upper section of the trail. We have the most affordable Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo lakes and Cho La pass cost, which allows you to join this lifetime trek without any worry about making a hole in your pocket.

What to expect during the Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo lakes and Cho La pass?

On this trek, you will trek beyond the mainstream Everest trail. Cho La Pass connects the EBC trail with Gokyo Valley. You will trek via the Ngozumpa glacier, the biggest glacier in Nepal, and ascend to Gokyo village, situated at the third Gokyo lake, Dudh Pokhari. You will also trek to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m/17,575 ft) to witness a jaw-dropping mountain panorama and hike to the 4th and 5th Gokyo lakes.

The journey lets you explore the lifestyle of locals in the Himalayas. Sherpas are one of the major communities of the Khumbu region. You will get to know their beliefs and traditions. The locals are welcoming and offer heartwarming hospitality. Visit ancient stupas, chortens, and monasteries, including Tengboche and Pangboche, along the way. These little but meaningful encounters will make the Everest Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass trek a very immersive experience.

We have two acclimatization days in our itinerary that will provide you ample time to rest and spend time with the villagers. Hotel Everest View (3,962 m/13,000 ft ), Nagarjuna Hill (5,100 m/16,732 ft), Kala Patthar (5,545 m/18,192 ft), Cho La pass (5,420 m/17,782 ft), and Gokyo Ri (5,357 m/17,575 ft) all are viewpoint that presents breathtaking mountain vistas.

Likewise, the mountain views are phenomenal on this trip. You will witness some of the unbelievable scenery and hike to several viewpoints. Everest (8,849 m/29,032 ft)), Lhotse (8,516 m/27,940 ft), Cho Oyu (8,188 m/26,864 ft), Makalu (8,463 m/27,766 ft), Kanchenjunga (8,586 m/28,169 ft), Nuptse (7,861 m/25,791 ft), Mt. Ama Dablam (6,812 m/22,349 ft), etc, are some of the mountains you will see during the trek.

This is what your typical day looks like on the Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass trek

Everest Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass trek is all about exploring the remote corners of the Khumbu region and enjoying the beauty of the Himalayas. Your day begins with a warm, delicious breakfast and then a short trail briefing by the team leader. We will say goodbye to the lodge owners and trek to the next village.

Average walking hours is 6, however, some days include up to 8 hours of walking. There will be interactions with locals and fellow trekkers. We will have lunch en route and gradually ascend, admiring the tranquility and beauty of our surroundings. It is better if we do light stretches at the end of the day to make sure our muscles do not get stiff.

Is the Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo lakes via Cho La pass right for you?

The Everest Gokyo Cho La pass is a demanding trek in the Khumbu region. It is much more difficult than the normal EBC trek. We recommend this trek to individuals who have previous high-altitude experience and know the mountainous terrain.

If you have already done some treks before and want to level up your game, then we highly recommend Everest Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass trek to you. You can book this trek for the 2023 fall and 2024 spring/fall at the best price with us.

Perks of trekking with us, Bespoke Excursion in Nepal

We Bespoke Excursion makes trekking in Nepal hassle-free and safe for foreign travelers. Our team is dedicated to curating lifetime experiences in the Himalayas, making sure every aspect of the journey is well taken care of. With our many years of trekking expertise, knowledge about the trails, and trained mountain guides, we assure you a fantastic Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo lakes and Cho La pass experience.

  • Trek with friendly and professional individuals
  • Flexible itinerary that you can customize anytime
  • Top-notch service and heart-touching hospitality
  • Best Everest Base Camp trek cost with native guides and porters
  • 24/7 support system
  • Complimentary welcome and farewell dinners and airport transfers as per the itinerary
  • No hidden cost or policy

Itinerary

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Meet the team of Bespoke Excursion upon landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport. After a quick welcome session, they will escort you to the hotel in Thamel. We use a private car. Get freshen up and have some food. We’ll meet later in the day to prepare for the trek. Meet with your mountain leader and pack the duffel bags. You will have time to do last-minute shopping too.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Welcome dinner

    We will fly to Lukla either from Kathmandu Airport or Ramechhap Airport. The flight will be short and beautiful. Once we land at Lukla, we will meet with porters and begin trekking following forested downhill via small villages. On the way, we will also cross many suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. The trail offers views of Kongde Ri and Kusum Kangguru.

    • Trek distance: 6.2 km/3.8 miles
    • Altitude: 2,846 m/9,337 ft
    • Duration: 35 minutes flight & 3 hours trek
    • Accommodation: Lodge
    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

      From Phakding, we will continue trekking through rhododendron forests and reach Toktok. From here, the trail goes past Bengkar village and crosses two bridges on the way to Monjo. Here, register the permits and follow the further trail inside the Sagarmatha National Park. Enjoy the greenery and ascend on a steep trail to reach Namche Bazaar.

      • Trek distance: 7.4 km/4.6 miles
      • Altitude: 3,440 m/11,290 ft
      • Duration: 6 hours
      • Accommodation: Lodge
      • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

        We will have a rest day in Namche Bazaar. Spend the morning hiking to the Hotel Everest View, from where we will witness views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Nuptse. We can continue the hike to Khumjung monastery or return to Namche Bazaar to spend the remaining day. Visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and Everest Photo Gallery. Rest and enjoy your time.

        • Altitude: 3,962 m/13,000 ft
        • Duration: 4-5 hours
        • Accommodation: Lodge
        • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

          Our next village to spend the night is Deboche. We'll trek past Tengboche, which houses the biggest monastery in the Khumbu region, Tengboche monastery, and also offers excellent views of Ama Dablam and Everest. The trail from Namche Bazaar drops to Phungi Thanga and ascends through lush forests, crossing a suspension bridge to reach Tengboche village. Further, we will descend following the lush forested path to reach Deboche.

          • Trek distance: 15 km/9.3 miles
          • Altitude: 3,320 m/10,892 ft
          • Duration: 6-7 hours
          • Accommodation: Lodge
          • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

            From Deboche village, the trail goes through dense forests where we may get to see musk deer, blue sheep, and monal. Following a downhill trail, we will reach Imja Khola. Crossing it, we will ascend to Pangboche village. In Pangboche, we will visit an ancient monastery that houses the skull of Yeti (as per the locals). Further, the trail goes past small settlements like Shomare and Orsho to Dingboche village.

            • Trek distance: 13 km/8 miles
            • Altitude: 4,410 m/14,470 ft
            • Duration: 4-5 hours
            • Accommodation: Lodge
            • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

              Today, we have our second acclimatization day in Dingboche village. We will hike to Nagarjuna Hill or Chhukum as we wish. The hike will present us with breathtaking views of mountains like Cholatse, Ama Dablam, Everest, Island Peak, Cho Oyu, etc. After the hike, we will return to Dingboche and spend the remaining day exploring the village and resting.

              • Altitude: 5,100 m/16,732 ft
              • Duration: 4-5 hours
              • Accommodation: Lodge
              • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

                The trail ascends from Dingboche and follows a steep route that leads to the top of a ridge. Enjoying striking mountain panorama and barren hills, we will trek past chortens and prayer flags to Thukla. The trail continues from here to Dughla Pass. We then pass by memorial chortens and reach Lobuche village. In this part of the trail mountains like Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Pumori are seen.

                • Trek distance: 8.5 km/5.2 miles
                • Altitude: 4,940 m/16,210 ft
                • Duration: 5-6 hours
                • Accommodation: Lodge
                • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

                  From Lobuche, the trail first ascends to Gorak Shep. It is the last settlement before EBC. Following a steep, rugged route, we will trek along the Khumbu Glacier and reach Gorak Shep. From here, we will continue trekking to Everest Base Camp. The trail is full of sand, boulders, and streams. We will spend some time at the base camp and return to Gorak Shep for an overnight stay.

                  • Trek distance: 15 km/9.32 miles
                  • Altitude: 5,364 m/17,598 ft
                  • Duration: 8 hours
                  • Accommodation: Lodge
                  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

                    Today, early in the morning, hike to Kala Patthar. A viewpoint that offers a jaw-dropping view of Everest and surrounding mountains. After the hike, we will return to Gorak Shep. From here, follow the same trail back to Lobuche village. From Lobuche, we will trek on a different route to reach Dzongla to spend the night.

                    • Trek distance: 9.6 km/6 miles
                    • Altitude: 5,545 m/18,192 ft
                    • Duration: 6 hours
                    • Accommodation: Lodge
                    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

                      We have the Cho La pass to conquer on this day. The day begins super early, and we will follow the guidance of our team leader to reach the top of the pass safely. The trail will be isolated and steep. After tough uphill walking, we will get rewarded with heavenly mountain views from the top of the pass. From here, the trail descends to Thangnak.

                      • Trek distance: 9.38 km/5.8 miles
                      • Altitude: 5,420 m/17,782 ft
                      • Duration: 7-8 hours
                      • Accommodation: Lodge
                      • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

                        We will trek to the beautiful Gokyo Valley today. From Thangnak, continue trekking on steep, uneven paths. Soon, we will come across the Ngozumpa Glacier. It is the largest glacier in Nepal. The trail navigates via a glacier and goes past the first and second Gokyo lakes to the third lake, where Gokyo village is situated. It is a short trekking day, so we will also hike to Gokyo Ri later in the day and may explore the fourth and fifth lakes.

                        • Trek distance: 3.7 km/2.3 miles
                        • Altitude: 4,750 m/15,584 ft
                        • Duration: 6 hours
                        • Accommodation: Lodge
                        • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

                          We will trek back to Namche Bazaar on this day. It is a long descent from Gokyo village. Following a rocky trail, we will walk along the Dudh Koshi River and reach Machhermo. From here, the trail steeply ascends to a ridge and descends to Luza, crossing a bridge. We will further trek via lush forests and pass by Dole and small villages to reach Namche Bazaar. In the later part of the trail, we will also walk through lush rhododendron forests.

                          • Distance: 25 km/15 miles
                          • Altitude: 3,440 m/11,290 ft
                          • Duration: 9-10 hours
                          • Accommodation: Lodge
                          • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

                            From Namche Bazaar, we will trek back to Lukla. It is the same trail as before. We will begin trekking early and enjoy our last day of trekking. The trail ascends and descends via dense forests and villages, crossing numerous suspension bridges.

                            • Trek distance: 13.6 km/8.3 miles
                            • Altitude: 2,846 m/9,337 ft
                            • Duration: 8 hours
                            • Accommodation: Lodge
                            • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

                              We will fly back to Kathmandu early in the morning. You will get the rest of the free time in Kathmandu to explore and shop. In the late evening, you will meet with your team for the last time for a farewell dinner and wrap up the trip.

                              • Altitude: 1,400 m/4,593 ft
                              • Duration: 35 minutes flight
                              • Accommodation: Hotel
                              • Meals: Breakfast and farewell dinner

                                Our team will drop you at the Tribhuvan International Airport as per the flight departure time. Double-check the room before leaving.

                                • Meals: Breakfast only
                                  Cost Details
                                  Includes
                                  • All airport pick-up and drop-off services are complimentary.
                                  • A complimentary welcome dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant.
                                  • The two nights stay in Kathmandu, with breakfast (twin sharing).
                                  • Domestic flights from Kathmandu or Ramechhap to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu or Ramechhap.
                                  • All necessary trekking permits, like the Sagarmatha National Park entrance fees and local government entrance fees.
                                  • During the mountain season, three meals per day are consumed: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
                                  • All accommodations during the mountain.
                                  • Fresh fruits such as apples, bananas, pomegranates, when and if available.
                                  • Complimentary duffel bag or agency T-shirt (for your trekking stuff, if needed).
                                  • Government-approved, first-aid trained (with a medical kit), an English-speaking professional local guide, and of the 2 guests 1 porter
                                  • First-aid kit.
                                  • Staff insurance, a well-paid salary, meals, accommodations, equipment, transportation, etc.
                                  • If necessary, rescue arrangements will be made.
                                  • Certificate of achievement, if needed.
                                  • Agency service charge and government tax, or VAT.
                                  Excludes
                                  • International airfare and Nepal visa fee.
                                  • Lunch and dinner in the city, or Kathmandu.
                                  • Personal insurance, trekking gear, personal expenses, items lost or stolen, and so on.
                                  • Temple and monastery entrance fees.
                                  • Personal guide and porter.
                                  • Sightseeing costs (temples, monasteries entrance fees, etc.)
                                  • All drinks, chocolate bars, desserts, laundry, hot showers, battery charges, wifi, etc.
                                  • Tipping to staff.
                                  • Extra nights on the mountain and city, which are not maintained.

                                  Useful Information

                                  Difficulty

                                  • Trek distance: Everest Gokyo Cho La pass trek, you will cover approximately 146 kilometers (90 miles). You will trek 5 to 7 hours a day, covering around 9 to 11 kilometers (5.5 to 7 miles) each day.
                                  • Difficulty level and terrain: The Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo lakes and Cho La pass is a challenging trip. You will trek for numerous days via remote villages, following rugged and steep mountainous trails. The terrain is quite varied, ranging from dense forests and rocky gorges to glaciers and moraines. Likewise, crossing the Cho La pass is also very difficult.
                                  • Altitude sickness: Everyone has to deal with altitude sickness while trekking in the Himalayas because of thin air and low oxygen levels. However, not everyone suffers from altitude sickness. Stick to the measures to avoid early symptoms like headache, loss of appetite, difficulty in breathing, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, etc, and you will be finer.
                                  • Preventive measures: Drink plenty of water. You have to keep yourself hydrated. Do not consume alcohol or smoke, as it will dehydrate your body. Likewise, maintain a pace throughout the day. Have plenty of nutritious food and rest. Inform your guide if you see any symptoms that we have mentioned above.
                                  • Previous trekking experience: Previous trekking experience is needed for the Everest Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass trek. For example, if you have done the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, Mardi Himal trek, or Langtang Valley trek before, you can join the Everest Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass trek. It is better to do 2-3 moderate treks before joining this one.
                                  • Trek preparation: Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo lakes via Cho La pass preparation includes building your stamina, endurance, and core strength. Engage yourself in different activities like strength training, swimming, hiking, cycling, running, jogging, yoga, etc.

                                  The best time to do the Everest base camp trek in Nepal

                                  The best time to trek to Everest Base Camp and cross the Cho La Pass is the spring and autumn seasons.

                                  • Spring: Spring goes from March to May. It is the season of flowers, stable weather, moderate climate, and clear mountain views. Trekking in the Khumbu region in the spring season will make the journey very enchanting for you.
                                  • Autumn: September to November are the months of autumn season. This season is very much loved by the trekkers. The Everest trail sees a huge flow of trekkers from around the globe. The climate is pleasant, with great visibility and clear days. The weather is stable, and festivity hits the air.
                                  • Summer/Monsoon and Winter: Summer/monsoon (June to August) and winter (December to February) is not a time for trekking to Cho La Pass or Gokyo lakes. The lower part of the trail is highly affected by rain. There is no clear view, and unpredictable weather makes trekking very challenging. Most of the trail is also not in good condition. Similarly, extreme cold in winter makes trekking even more demanding.

                                  Accommodation and Meals

                                  The accommodation during the Everest Gokyo Cho La pass trek is lodges. We will book standard lodges along the trail, where you will get a comfortable space to spend the night and mingle with other trekkers.

                                  • Rooms: The rooms will be based on twin-sharing, so if you need a single room, let us know while booking. There is not much in the room. It is simple and clean, with cozy beds and fresh blankets. You can also upgrade to luxury lodges if you wish. It is not available throughout the Everest Gokyo Cho La pass trail, so adjustments are needed in some places.
                                  • Washroom: Many places have flush toilets, but as the elevation rises, there are high chances of squat toilets. Pack all the toiletry essentials like hand soap, toilet paper, etc. Do not rely on lodges for these things.
                                  • Hot shower: You need to pay a few bucks to get a hot shower facility in the lodges. Because of limited resources and the cold, water is freezing all the time. In some villages, you amy not get hot water to take a shower at all as well. Pack body wipes to keep yourself fresh.
                                  • Charging: The lodges owners usually make separate charging areas where you can pay USD 2 to USD 3 to charge your devices. You have to for each pin point you take. Spare batteries and power banks will be very useful.
                                  • WiFi: Everest region has better WiFi and network, but the connection do not remain stable all the time. Up to Namche Bazaar, you can buy WiFi to use the internet. From here onwards, cellular networks will be efficient. Do note that you will not get any network for multiple days.
                                  • Breakfast: For breakfast, we usually have paratha, porridge, or toast with eggs, sausages, jam, butter, etc. Oatmeals, muesli, fruits, sandwiches, and bakery items are also available. The food variety is huge up to Namche Bazaar.
                                  • Lunch and dinner: For heavy meals, you can pick from dal bhat, thukpa, roti tarkari, burgers, pizza, pasta, momo, mashed potatoes, chillies, and a variety of other dishes. Stick to veg items as much as possible above Namche Bazaar.
                                  • Drinking water and beverages: Lemon tea, black tea, milk tea, green tea, black coffee, milk coffee, latte, hot lemon, ginger honey tea, and many other varieties of soft drinks are available in the lodges. Likewise, you can get boiled drinking water at minimal cost to refill your water bottle.

                                  Additional Information

                                  • Travel insurance: For the Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo lakes and Cho La pass, you have to get travel insurance that covers emergency air evacuation and medical bills. It is mandatory to have travel insurance with these coverages to join us on the trek to EBC and Gokyo lakes. Make sure to check the clauses of the policy nicely before you buy the insurance.
                                  • Passport and visa: Your passport is needed to obtain trek permits. It should be valid for at least six months from the day you enter Nepal. Likewise, you also have to obtain a Nepali travel visa. It is available at the Nepalese Embassy or Consulate Office in your country. You can also obtain a travel visa upon arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Stay updated with the Nepal immigration site.
                                  • Money exchange: You can use ATMs in Kathmandu to withdraw Nepali cash to use during the trek. There are also many banks and money exchange centers in Thamel, where you will be staying in the hotel. Make sure to check the current rate before exchanging your money.
                                  • Tips: To tip your trek guide and porter, you can use Nepali cash. There is no fixed number to tip. Many trekkers either tip 10% of the package cost or collect USD 100 from each member of the group to tip collectively. Likewise, you should also tip guards at hotels and restaurants, drivers, and your tour guide.
                                  • Luggage: Keep your main luggage (duffel bag) for the trek under 10 kg. It is carried by the porters. Likewise, the backpack you will carry during the trek should not exceed the 5 kg mark. An increase in weight will cost you extra money.
                                  • Personal expense: Apart from the Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo lakes and Cho La pass cost, you will see additional expenses during the trek like shopping, tips, travel insurance, international flight fare, etc. So, make a budget and keep some emergency funds aside.

                                  FAQs

                                  • Everest Base Camp is the lap of the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest. Gokyo Lakes are a series of high-altitude glacial lakes located west of Everest Base Camp in the Gokyo Valley.

                                  • The most difficult part of the Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo lakes and Cho La pass is crossing the pass. Cho La pass is 5,420 meters (17,782 ft) above sea level. The high altitude challenges and steep, rocky trail make it quite tough to cross this pass.

                                  • You can do the Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo lakes and Cho La pass at USD 1,650 per person to USD 1,950 per person. The cost may increase if you combine luxury lodges, helicopter flights, or other services in the package.

                                  • Yes, a beginner can join the Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass trek. However, the participant must be aware of the trail, climate, and remoteness of the region. Likewise, he/she should be physically fit because it is a challenging trek.

                                  • The Everest Gokyo Lake and Cho La pass trek is one of the challenging treks in the Khumbu region. This trek is for experienced trekkers or individuals with good fitness. The trekking is offbeat and has the bare minimum facilities once you are above Lobuche village.

                                  • The Everest Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass trek is a 16-day program. You will spend 13 days traveling in the mountains. You can customize the itinerary as per your requirements.

                                  • Yes, you need a guide for the Everest Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass trek. During this trek, you will trek on glaciers and cross a high mountain pass that demands professional guidance. For your safety and better trekking experience, we recommend trekking with a guide.

                                  • Yes, you can see Everest from Gokyo Ri. The view is mesmerizing and one of the best panoramas of Mount Everest.

                                  • The Gokyo lakes trek is one of the shortest treks. In this trek package, you do not trek to EBC or cross Cho La pass. You can complete this trek in approximately 12 days.

                                  • There are four Gokyo lakes, and among them, the fourth one, Thonak Cho, is the deepest one at 62.4 meters.

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