17Days

Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass - 17 Days

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Trip Facts
Duration
17 Days
Trip Grade
Moderate
Country
Nepal
Maximum Altitude
5420M/ 17782Feet
Group Size
12 pax
Starts
From Kathamandu
Ends
To Kathamandu
Activities
Trekking
Best Time
March,April,May,Sepetember,October ,November

The Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass is an adventurous long trek in the Everest region that doesn't follow the classic EBC itinerary and takes you to untouched parts of the region. It is a demanding trek that explores glacier moraines and beautiful Gokyo Valley and crosses Cho La Pass.

If you are looking for a unique Everest Base Camp itinerary and want to explore untouched parts of the Everest region, the Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass is a great option. Because this trek crosses a high altitude pass, previous trekking experience and strong fitness are required.

The trek starts with the Lukla flight and hikes to Namche Bazaar, following the Dudh Koshi River. On the way, you will spend a night in Phakding village and cross the iconic Tenzing Hillary Suspension Bridge. It is the longest suspension bridge you will come across on this trek.

Namche Bazaar is the biggest Sherpa settlement and a tourist hub. Here, you will spend an acclimatization day as well, which involves hiking to the Hotel Everest View. The trail then continues to Tengboche Monastery and descends to the Imja Khola Valley Floor.

Trekking through the Pangboche village, you will hike via terraced fields to Dingboche village. From here, hike to Nangkartshang Peak or Chhukung Valley to acclimatize. The next day, you will walk above the tree line and follow the Khumbu Glacier moraine to Lobuche village.

After Lobuche, Gorak Shep is the last settlement before Everest Base Camp. The trail is steep and rocky, and the high altitude makes walking quite challenging. At EBC, you will enjoy a close view of the Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefall.

To see a closer view of Mount Everest, you will hike to Kala Patthar. The trail then retraces the route back to Lobuche village and follows a different way to Dzongla. You will see Chola Tsho Lake and stunning mountain vistas on the way.

From Dzongla, the trail gradually ascends over rocks and mountain ridges and joins icy trails to Cho La Pass (5,420 m/17,782 ft). Crossing Cho La Pass will be one of the longest days on this trek. The top of the pass will reward us with spectacular mountain scenery.

Spending a night at Thangnak, you will hike to Gokyo village, traversing the Ngozumpa Glacier moraine. The Gokyo village is situated near the third Gokyo Lake. You will pass by the first and second Gokyo Lakes while hiking.

You will go on a side hike to Gokyo Ri and the fourth and fifth Gokyo Lakes later in the day. The following day, you will descend to Dole via Machhermo village. From here, you will trek back to Namche Bazaar and retrace the route to Lukla.

Highlights

  • Experience the famous Lukla flights and stunning aerial views of the Himalayas during the flight
  • Trek through lush rhododendron forests, cross alpine terraces, walk on steep, rocky tracks, and traverse Glacier Moraine
  • Crossing many suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, including the long Tenzing Hillary Suspension Bridge
  • Explore the iconic Namche Bazaar and spend an acclimatization day here
  • Witness diverse landscapes as the climate, vegetation, and environment change while ascending and descending
  • Explore ancient monasteries like Tenboche and Pangboche on the way
  • Get to see the daily lives of the Sherpas and other mountain communities
  • Meet with many like-minded trekkers and make lifelong memories
  • Witness stunning mountain views throughout the journey
  • Reach Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar
  • Traverse the Ngozumpa Glacier moraine and hike to Gokyo Valley
  • Explore beautiful Gokyo Lakes and witness a jaw-dropping mountain view from Gokyo Ri

Why should you do the Gokyo Cho La Pass trek?

  • Thrilling Lukla flight: The Lukla flights are one of the major highlights of trekking in the Everest region. This flight is famous because of its small airport and a very high altitude of 2,846 m/9,337 ft. Flying in and out of Lukla will also present outstanding aerial views of the Himalayas.
  • Adventure trekking: While trekking to EBC and Gokyo Lakes, you will trek through lush rhododendron forests, cross alpine terraces, walk on steep, rocky tracks, and traverse Glacier Moraine. The trail is very adventurous and also includes hanging bridges and crossings.
  • Namche Bazaar: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,290 ft) is the biggest Sherpa village in the Everest region. It is also a tourist hub and has many cafes, restaurants, shops, and museums. You will have access to many modern conveniences here before hiking further into remote corners of the Everest region.
  • Diverse landscapes: The climate drastically changes from Lukla to Everest Base Camp to Cho La Pass. You will traverse from lush hills to alpine meadows to the glacial zone. The change in climate, vegetation, and environment brings change in landscapes.
  • Ancient monasteries: Everest region houses deep cultural heritage and beliefs of the locals. The Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass is not only adventurous but also culturally enriching. You will visit ancient monasteries like Tengboche and Pangboche on the way. Likewise, you will also have many chances to talk to locals about their faiths and traditions.
  • Sherpa community: Sherpas are the natives of the Everest region. They are famous around the world for their strength and resilience. If you have ever wondered how their lifestyle and practices are, this trek will give you a close glimpse.
  • Stunning mountain vistas: The best thing about high-altitude treks are the outstanding mountain vistas, and the EBC Gokyo Cho La Pass trek will not let you down. You will see many incredible mountains on this trek, such as Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Island Peak, Cholatse, Pumori, Kanchenjunga, etc.
  • Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar: Everest Base Camp is the lap of the tallest mountain in the world. Trekking here is a huge achievement. Located 5,364 meters (17,598 ft) above sea level, EBC is the closest you can get to Mount Everest without a climbing permit. Likewise, Kala Patthar (5,545 m/18,192 ft) is a viewpoint from which you can see Mount Everest's closest view.
  • Cross Cho La Pass: Cho La Pass (5,420 m/17,782 ft) is one of the three high passes in the Everest region. Crossing it is very challenging and requires 9 to 10 hours of walking. You need an expert mountain guide who knows the route to safely cross the Cho La Pass. Even though climbing Cho La is demanding, the top of the pass will reward us with jaw-dropping scenery.
  • Travers Ngozumpa Glacier: You will cross Ngozumpa Glacier moraine on the way from Thangnak to Gokyo village. It is the biggest glacier in Nepal. Crossing this glacier is quite iconic and makes your journey even more special.
  • Explore Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri: There are six main Gokyo Lakes. They range from 4,500 meters to 5,000 meters. These lakes are freshwater lakes. The beauty and isolated locations of the lakes attract many trekkers. Likewise, Gokyo Ri (5,357 m/17,575 ft) is a viewpoint near Gokyo village from where you will see a marvelous sunrise and breathtaking mountain panorama.

Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass difficulty

  • Challenging difficulty (Tougher than the standard Everest Base Camp trek)
  • Daily walking hours: 6 hours
  • Suitable for beginners? No

The Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass is one of the most challenging itineraries in the Everest region. This trek is for experienced trekkers with good fitness and previous high-altitude exposure.

There are many factors that make the Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass demanding, but with the right team, completing it is not impossible. Please read below for more information on the difficulties and resolutions for this amazing trek:

  • The never-ending uphill and downhill walking: Many trekkers do not realize how challenging it can be to traverse Himalayan terrain. Imagine walking uphill and downhill constantly. Your knees, back, and core muscles will always be on fire. However, there is a trick to conquer those long ascents and descents. First, you need good stamina and strength. Second, walk slowly and maintain a pace. You do not want to tire yourself in the first 3-4 hours of walking and literally drag yourself in the last few hours.
  • High altitude: High altitude and its effects are no joke. The high altitude begins to kick in once you go above 3,000 meters to 3,500 meters. Every step will become tough, and you will suffer not only physically but also mentally. How do you handle high altitudes? Acclimatization and preserving your energy.
  • Weather risks: You might wonder how weather can make trekking difficult. Unfavorable weather can lead to unclear views, cold/hot climates, and snowfall/rainfall. It can also affect mountain views, Lukla flights, and how you feel, making the trail even more challenging. Spring and autumn seasons have the least weather risks.
  • Long trekking hours: Every day, you will walk at least 6 hours during the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass. It is not easy, especially when you go above the treeline. You must have strong willpower and determination to push yourself to complete the trek.
  • Wilderness and limited services: Please note that trekking in the Himalayas means traveling in remote areas, and remote areas do not have modern conveniences. You will experience a basic mountain lifestyle, stay unconnected to the rest of the world for the majority of the trip, and have simple but quite good food. The services will be limited and costly, but they will allow you to embrace nature.
  • Physical inconveniences: Based on the above information, there are physical and even mental inconveniences during Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass trekking, and conquering them makes this trek unforgettable. You will deal with low oxygen levels, rugged terrain, a very cold climate, potential risk of frostbite, altitude sickness, backache, headache, etc. But do these nuisances keep adventurers away from doing this trek? No. There is no trip in the world without a drawback. You just have to figure out a way to work around it, and we will help you with that.

Preparation for Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo trek

The Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass is more challenging than the general EBC trek, so the physical requirements are higher. Crossing the Cho La Pass is the most difficult part of this trek, and trekkers have to be physically and mentally able to push themselves.

If you think you lack physical and mental fitness for the EBC Gokyo Cho La trek, please follow the below tips:

  • Physical preparation: To gear yourself physically for this trek, you have to exercise to improve your fitness, strength, and endurance. Work out 4 to 5 times a week at least, and make sure to include cardio in your routine. If there are hiking routes near you, consider doing at least 2 to 3 hikes in a month.
  • Long walks: The basic requirement for trekking in the Himalayas is 6 to 7 hours of walking each day. Without a walking habit, it is tough to pull off. So, we highly recommend going on long walks, preferably with a backpack weighing 5 kg.
  • Mental preparation: While you train your body, you will also become mentally strong. In addition to that, trekkers should learn about the EBC and Gokyo Lakes trek routes. Likewise, watch videos of Cho La Pass crossing on YouTube. This will make you aware of what to expect during the trek, and there will be fewer unwanted surprises.

Why should you do the Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass with us?

You need a reliable local team to pull off the Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass. We, Base Camp Trip, specialize in organizing treks in Everest. We will take care of logistics and permits and also provide you with a local guide for the journey.

We will make all the bookings and reservations, which makes the trek hassle-free for you. Likewise, we have the Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass cost. You will get value for your money and time.

Book your seat now and enjoy the best price and service. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass - 17 Days Itinerary

Accommodation: Hotel

We provide complimentary airport pickup, so you do not have to worry about finding a taxi and getting to the hotel. Our team will be there to assist you with the luggage and escort you in a private vehicle.

After a quick check-in at your hotel, you will have a couple of hours to rest and unpack. Later, meet us for a trekking briefing and last-minute shopping. End the day packing your duffel bags and exploring the bustling streets of Thamel.

Max Altitude: 2,846 m/9,337 ft Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinnerDuration: 35 minutes flight & 3 hours trekDistance: 6.2 km/3.8 milesAccommodation: Lodge

Today, we will fly to Lukla. To reach the Ramechhap Airport on time, we will leave Kathmandu at 2:00 AM. It takes 4-5 hours to drive. From Ramechhap Airport, we will fly to Lukla, enjoying the beautiful scenery and mountain views.

From Lukla, we will head down to Phakding village. It will be around 200 meters downhill walking. The trail goes through rhododendron forests and crosses the Dudh Koshi River several times via suspension bridges on the way.

Max Altitude: 3,440 m/11,290 ft Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinnerDuration: 6-7 hoursDistance: 7.4 km/4.6 milesAccommodation: Lodge

The trail continues from Phakding to Namche Bazaar. We will gradually ascend to Monjo village, enjoying the lushness of the lower altitude, beautiful small settlements, and the thrill of suspension bridges.

The permits are registered in this village. After Monjo, we will come across the long Tenzing Hillary Suspension Bridge. The final ascent to Namche Bazaar is steep. The remaining day is free to relax and explore.

Max Altitude: 3,790 m/12,434 ft Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinnerDuration: 4-5 hoursAccommodation: Lodge

Before we gain more altitude, we will take an acclimatization break in Namche Bazaar. It is essential to avoid altitude sickness. We will wake up early in the morning and hike to the Hotel Everest View.

From here, we can continue the hike to Khumjung Monastery and Sir Edmund Hillary School. The hike will reward you with stunning views of mountains like Thamserku, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam.

After the hike, you will return to Namche Bazaar and spend the remaining day resting and exploring this beautiful Sherpa village. There are museums, cafes, restaurants, and many shops around the village to explore.

Max Altitude: 3,860 m/12,660 ft Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinnerDuration: 5-6 hoursDistance: 9.2 km/5.7 milesAccommodation: Lodge

Trekking ahead of Namche Bazaar, we will hike to Tengboche village. The first two hours of the trail follow flat terrain and gradually descend to Phungi Thenga. Here, we will have lunch and then follow an uphill route to Tengboche village.

The highlight of this village is Tengboche Monastery, the biggest monastery in the Everest region and stunning views of Mt. Everest and Mt. Ama Dablam.

Max Altitude: 4,410 m/14,470 ft Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinnerDuration: 6 hoursDistance: 12 km/7.45 milesAccommodation: Lodge

Leaving Tengboche village, we will follow a very scenic route and descend to Deboche village. The trail goes through rhododendron forests and descends until the Imja Khola Valley floor arrives.

From here, we will hike to Pangboche village, where we will explore an ancient monastery. The trail then goes past a few small settlements and terraced fields to Dingboche village.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinnerDuration: 4-5 hoursAccommodation: Lodge

Today is our second acclimatization day in Dingboche village. For the hike, we will visit Nangkartshang Peak or Chhukung Valley. Both options are fantastic and offer breathtaking mountain vistas.

Likewise, we will also witness a gorgeous sunrise. After the hike, we will return to Dingboche village and spend the remaining day resting and exploring the village.

Max Altitude: 4,940 m/16,210 ft Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinnerDuration: 6-7 hoursDistance: 8.5 km/5.2 milesAccommodation: Lodge

From Dingboche village, we will hike above the tree line and pass by alpine pastures. The trail ascends to Dughla Pass and continues to Lobuche village. The scenery is much more barren and rugged than in the last few days.

Max Altitude: 5,364 m/17,598 ft Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinnerDuration: 8 hoursDistance: 15 km/9.32 milesAccommodation: Lodge

Today, we will hike to Everest Base Camp. Following the lateral moraine of Khumbu Glacier, we will ascend to Gorak Shep. We will leave our heavy backpacks here and hike to EBC with a light daypack.

The trail is steep and rocky. We will see many glacial streams on the way. Upon reaching Everest Base Camp, we will spend some time exploring and taking pictures. After that, we will hike to Gorak Shep for the night.

Max Altitude: 4,830 m/15,846 ft Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinnerDuration: 6-7 hoursDistance: 14 km/8.6 milesAccommodation: Lodge

We will start early with a hike to the Kala Patthar viewpoint. The trail is steep, and the high altitude makes every step challenging. However, once we reach the top, a beautiful sunrise and a jaw-dropping view of Mt. Everest and other surrounding mountains will reward us.

After enjoying the views, we will trek back to Lobuche village. From here, the trail turns to Dzongla. We can see a wonderful view of Chola Tsho Lake and tombstones on the way.

Max Altitude: 5,420 m/17,782 ft Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinnerDuration: 7-8 hoursDistance: 9.3 km/5.8 milesAccommodation: Lodge

It is a long day. We will cross the Cho La Pass on this day. Our day starts before the sun rises. Using our headlamps, we will follow the steps of our guide, slowly navigating a tricky route, and ascending to the top of the Cho La Pass.

First, part of the trail climbs over rocks and mountain ridges and switches to icy tracks. Upon reaching the top, a grand mountain panorama will unfold ahead of us. We will take some time to relish the view and hike down to Thagnak to spend the night.

Max Altitude: 4,750 m/15,584 ft Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinnerDuration: 6-7 hoursDistance: 3.7 km/2.3 milesAccommodation: Lodge

We are now trekking in the less busy area of Everest region. From Thagnak, the trail continues to Gokyo Valley. We will walk on steep, rocky tracks and cross the Ngozumpa Glacier moraine on the way.

The trail passes by the first two Gokyo Lakes and takes to the third Gokyo Lake, where Gokyo village is located. We will take a little break and have food. After that, we will hike to Gokyo Ri and explore the fourth and fifth Gokyo Lakes.

Max Altitude: 4,038 m/13,248 ft Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinnerDuration: 5-6 hoursDistance: 14 km/8.6 milesAccommodation: Lodge

Leaving Gokyo village, we will descend following the same trail and recross the Ngozumpa glacier moraine. The trail gradually descends through Machhermo village and takes us to Dole.

Max Altitude: 3,440 m/11,290 ft Duration: 7-8 hoursDistance: 8 km/5 milesAccommodation: Lodge

Leaving Dole, the trail descends and crosses a suspension bridge. We will pass by several villages on the way. Soon, we will pass by an alpine rhododendron and pine forest and descend to Namche Bazaar.

After spending the last few days at high altitudes and adjusting to limited services, coming back to Namche Bazaar will be a great feeling.

Max Altitude: 2,846 m/9,337 ft Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinnerDuration: 7-8 hoursDistance: 13.5 km/8.3 milesAccommodation: Lodge

We will leave Namche Bazaar early in the morning and descend steeply. The trail goes through dense forests and crosses many suspension bridges and small settlements. From Phakding, we will walk uphill to reach Lukla.

Max Altitude: 1,400 m/4,600 ft Meals: Breakfast onlyDuration: 35 minutes flightAccommodation: Hotel

We will begin this day with an adventurous flight back to Kathmandu. The guide will drop you at the hotel. The remaining day is free. Unpack and rest. Later, explore Thamel and do window shopping. We will give you the trek certificate in the late evening.

Meals: Breakfast only

We will drop you off at the international airport for your return flight on time. Please be ready to check out of your hotel on time.

Reach Out Our Experts

Ashok Adhikari
Ashok Adhikari
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Sri Hartaulina
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Trip Cost Details

Includes

  • Airport pick-ups and drop-offs by private four-wheeler.
  • Overnight stay in the 3-star hotel with breakfast in Kathmandu.
  • Two Lukla flights. 
  • Twin-sharing, basic lodge accommodation during trekking.
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner, seasonal fruits, and a cup of tea or coffee during the trek each day.
  • Sagarmatha National Park permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality entrance permit.
  • Base Camp Trip's complimentary duffel bag, trekking pole, map, first-aid kit, pulse oximeter, and satellite phone.
  • Licensed Nepali guide and porter (one porter for two trekkers).
  • Accommodation, food, allowance, and high altitude insurance for the guide and porter.
  • Trip achievement certificate.
  • All government taxes and service charges.

Excludes

  • International flight to/from Kathmandu.
  • Travel insurance (must cover helicopter evacuation and medical bills).
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Trekking clothes and gear.
  • Shopping and souvenirs.
  • Tips for driver, guide, and porter.
  • Bar bills, water bottles, and other beverages.
  • Nepal travel visa fee.
  • Any expenses not mentioned in our cost include section.

Essential Information

The ideal time to trek to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes and cross Cho La Pass

During the Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass, you will travel to high altitudes in the Himalayas, which are known for their unpredictable weather.

Among all four seasons, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to do this trek because the weather is relatively stable in the Himalayas in these two seasons.

We have explained each season below their pros and cons:

Autumn season (September to November)

Autumn is the most famous time for trekking in the Everest region. This post-monsoon season offers clean air, a crisp environment, and a mild climate. The daylight hours are the longest in October, so trekkers get to enjoy the views to the fullest.

The sky remains clear, so the night skies are full of stars. Thanks to fantastic visibility in autumn, the mountain views are crystal clear, and the scenery is breathtaking. The faded colors of autumn add more depth and uniqueness to the scenery.

The weather is very stable in autumn, so there are no delays in the Lukla flights. You may feel hot while trekking, but a gentle breeze will keep you cool. Great landscapes will keep you company throughout the way, and you will cross the Cho La Pass in no time.

Spring season (March to May)

Spring is the second best time of the year to do the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass trekking. After the long winter, spring brings life, color, thrill, and bustle back to the Himalayas.

The weather begins to stabilize with the arrival of March, and the temperature rises. The lower part of the trail sees a burst of vegetation, and colorful flowers, especially rhododendrons (the national flowers of Nepal), decorate the route.

The climate starts to warm up, so you will not be very cold. Because the season is in transition mode, there can be a few occasional rainfalls, but they will not affect your trek. There can be snow on Cho La Pass towards the start of spring, but as the days pass, the snow melts away.

Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass during off seasons: winter and summer/monsoon

Winter (December to February) and summer/monsoon (June to August) are off-season, which means the flow of tourists in the Everest region is very low. It is a great time to do the Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass or any trek if you want to avoid crowds and enjoy lower service costs.

However, the offseasons have unfavorable climates and unstable weather. Clouds or gloomy days can obscure mountain views. Between June and August, rainfall makes the trail slippery, and the climate is very hot and humid.

On a good note, trekkers will enjoy teeming vegetation, no crowds, and heartwarming rainy scenery. Similarly, snow and cold make winter challenging for the Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass trek. Trekking in the winter season is possible if you can endure the cold.

The winter landscape is on another level, but it comes at the cost of freezing temperatures and blizzards. If you are well dressed and packed, trekking to EBC and Gokyo Lakes in winter will be a magical journey.

Altitude sickness

Altitude sickness is the most common challenge faced by trekkers during the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass trekking. It is something every trekker has to deal with. You have to understand how altitude sickness happens to avoid it.

Most trekkers come from sea level and hike to high altitudes. The environment and oxygen levels at sea level are very different from those at high altitudes.

As your body is not used to it, experiencing some effects is expected, which also indicates that your body is trying to adjust to high altitudes. What you can do is ascend slowly, keep yourself hydrated, and maintain your pace.

Everybody is different, and some trekkers may not easily adjust to high altitude even with precautions, so we have added multiple acclimatization days in our Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass itinerary. It will increase your acclimatization chance and help you avoid altitude sickness.

Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass permits and regulations 2025

Two permits are required for the Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass:

  • Sagarmatha National Park entry permit cost: USD 30 per person
  • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality permit cost: USD 20 per person

Trekking without these permits is illegal. Likewise, trekkers must not have plants, vegetation, or any natural wonders during trekking. Similarly, do not throw trash on the trail or disturb the birds and local animals.

Accommodation during the Everest Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass trek

You will spend nights in Sherpa villages during the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass trekking. There are basic and luxury accommodations available. Our package includes basic lodge accommodations.

Trekkers share the bedrooms in most lodges. Single rooms are available in some places but cost extra money. The rooms are small but come with clean bedding and blankets. A sleeping bag is essential for this trek.

Likewise, private washrooms are not available in basic lodges. Trekkers have to use a common washroom. On a good note, Western-style toilets are available in most villages. We recommend that trekkers carry toilet paper and other essentials.

Likewise, you can charge your camera and phones in lodges, but it may cost USD 1 to USD 3 per device. WiFi costs around USD 2 to USD 3, and hot shower charges range between USD 5 to USD 7. Because of limited infrastructure, these services cost extra money and are not covered in our package cost.

What will you eat during Everest Cho La Pass trekking?

Locals transport goods and food ingredients on their backs or mules because there are no roadways, so everything is expensive in the mountains.

In villages like Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, and Tengboche, you will find a variety of food, snacks, desserts, and drinks to savor. The food options are comparatively low in less traveled areas and high altitudes.

Dal bhat, thukpa, and ginger honey tea are known as superfoods for trekkers, and you will have them frequently. In addition to that, you will also have options like momo, noodles, pasta, fried rice, thenduk, chapati, porridge, French fries, steak, toast, eggs, curries, stew, etc.

Travel insurance for the Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass

Travel insurance is a must for the Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass. Foreigners are not allowed to join high-altitude multi-day treks in Nepal without helicopter evacuation coverage.

Therefore, we request our guests to buy travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation in the Himalayas for this trek. If you need help picking the right travel insurance company, kindly contact us.

Guide and porter

We provide a professional, experienced mountain guide and a porter to ensure the safety, satisfaction, and success of the Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass. The guide will share his knowledge about the locals, mountains, and vegetation.

Likewise, he will help you interact with the villagers and motivate you to push yourself. The porter, on the other hand, assists you with carrying your heavy duffel bag. Thanks to the porter, treks like this become achievable.

How much should you tip your guide and porter? Is it necessary?

To be honest, the salaries of guides and porters are not that high, and tips help them a lot. For that, they work very hard and make sure their trekkers have a blast during the trek.

So, we request our guests to kindly tip the guide and porter at the end of their service as a thank-you gesture. You can tip whatever amount you feel okay with. For instance- 20% to 25% of the package is quite a good tip.

Packing list

During the Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass, you will traverse various climates and elevations. From deep valleys and lush hills to glacier moraines and high mountain passes, this trek will expose you to different weather, climates, and environments.

Therefore, you have to be equipped with the necessary clothing, gear, and essentials to survive the journey. Please follow our below list of things while packing for the Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass:

  • Underwear
  • Base layer
  • Thermal layer
  • Trekking shirt & pants
  • Fleece jacket
  • Down jacket
  • Windbreaker/waterproof jacket & pants
  • Dry towel, cotton socks, woolen socks, scarf, gloves, sunhat, and beanie
  • Trekking boots
  • Casual shoes/crocs
  • Daypack
  • Duffel bag
  • Trekking poles
  • Sunglasses
  • Reusable water bottles and water purification tablet
  • Hand sanitizer, GPS, map, pocket torch, traveler knife
  • SPF, lip balm, toothpaste/brush, deodorant, moisturizer, wet wipes, toilet paper, soap/shampoo bar, comb, etc
  • Electoral powder, insect repellent, band-aid, crack bandage, pain reliever spray, antiseptic cream, general medicine, etc
  • Adapter, power bank, charger, spare batteries
  • Travel insurance document, passport, visa, snacks, journal/pen, passport-sized photos, cash

Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass - 17 Days FAQs

It depends on the ice and snow on the pass. You may have to use micro crampons if the pass is covered with snow or ice. Usually, there is no ice or snow on the Cho La Pass in October.

Yes, you can combine helicopter flights in your Everest Base Camp trek with the Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass package. You can add a helicopter flight between Kathmandu and Lukla.

If Lukla's flight gets canceled, we will book a seat for you on the next flight on the same day or the next day. Note that trekkers must cover additional accommodation and meals. Likewise, the second best option is a helicopter flight. It may cost USD 650 to USD 750 per person.

Crossing Cho La Pass is safe if you are guided by an expert guide. The trail to Cho La Pass is steep and ticky and includes glacier walking. You may have to use some climbing gear depending on the pass condition.

You will traverse Ngozumpa Glacier moraine on the way to Gokyo Village. It is the biggest glacier in Nepal.

Once you go above Tengboche village, the network is very erratic. So, it is best to pre-inform your friends and family about your itinerary and explain the network conditions in the region.

What we ensure is that you stay connected with us while trekking through a satellite phone. Our trek guide will carry it. If you have a satellite phone, feel free to bring it.

Yes, you can skip Cho La Pass and still hike to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes on the same trip. We will customize the itinerary as per your request.

The answer to this question depends on your fitness and previous high-altitude experience. You may consider the Three Passes trek if you have done circuit treks before and are in good shape.

However, if you have done a few beginner-friendly treks before and are looking for something more adventurous, EBC with the Gokyo Lakes trek is an excellent option. Note that the Three Passes trek is very challenging.

Swimming in Gokyo Lakes is technically possible but not recommended because the lake is located at a very high altitude, and the water is very cold. It can lead to hypothermia.

You will see many fellow trekkers up to Everest Base Camp. Once you leave the EBC trail and turn to Dzongla, the route gets less busy and almost tranquil.

The Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass is strenuous. It is a long trek and goes above 5,000 meters several times throughout the journey. The trekkers have to navigate steep, offbeat tracks and cross glacier moraine and icy trails. This trek best suits trekkers with strong fitness.

The weather and climate fluctuate greatly during the Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass because of varying altitudes. Nights are colder than daytime. The temperature ranges from 18°C to 5°C. At higher altitudes, the temperature may drop below 0°C.

Legally, foreigners are allowed to trek without a guide in the Everest region. So, if you go for Cho La Pass on your own, no one will stop you. However, considering the challenges and risks of Cho La Pass, we do not recommend a solo trek.

Crossing Cho La Pass is like conquering a 5,000-meter peak. Given the high altitude, steep terrain, and glacial tracks, the challenges are very high. So, please prioritize your safety and not do the EBC Cho La Pass trek without a guide.

A special permit is not required for the Cho La Pass.

Following the standard route, the Gokyo Lakes route splits Namche Bazaar ahead. Instead of hiking to Dingboche village, you will trek to Chhukung Valley. However, during the Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass, you will first hike to EBC and Kala Patthar and descend to Dzongla. From here, you will cross the Cho La Pass, walk down to Thagnak, and continue to Gokyo Lakes.

The Gokyo Lakes are alpine freshwater lakes located between 4,500 meters to 5,000 meters. There are six main lakes. The Gokyo Village is situated near the third Gokyo Lake.

The Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass is not for beginners. Beginner trekkers may try hiking to EBC and Gokyo Lakes without crossing Cho La Pass.

You must be fine walking 6 hours a day on rugged terrain and high altitude for the Cho La Pass trek. You will need strong stamina, endurance, and strength.

Gokyo Lakes are one of the most stunning alpine lakes in Nepal. There are not one, not two, but six Gokyo Lakes beautifully situated between snow-covered mountains.

Likewise, if you combine Gokyo Lakes with your Everest Base Camp trek, you will get to explore the hidden corners of the Everest region.

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