Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake & Chola Pass | Chola Pass Trek| Trekking In Everest Region

Trip Facts
Accommodation:	Standard to Deluxe Hotel's Option in Kathmandu & Tea Houses During Trek
Grade:	Challenging
Max Altitude:	5,420 m/17,785 ft
Transportation:	Private Vehicle/Flight
Meals:	As Mentioned in the Itinerary
Duration :	18 Nights / 19 Days
Group Size:	1 to 15 People

Highlights of The Trek

Enjoy World's Adventurous Flight to Tenzing Hillary Lukla Airport
Trek to the World's Inspirational Khumbu, Everest Region and enjoy Sherpa Culture
Visit to the World's Highest Freshwater Lakes, Gokyo Lakes at 4,700 m to 5,000 m.
Witness the best view from Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) of Gokyo Valley, Mt. Everest and walk into the High Pass of Cho La Pass at 5,420 m
Step into Everest Base Camp (5,360 m) and Kalapatthar (5,545 m)
Witness closely World's tallest Mt. Everest (8,848 m) and neighbors from Kalapatthar
Visit Sacred Tengboche Monastery, Khumjung Monastery and Pengboche Monastery
Witness Purported Yeti Scalp in Khumjung Monastery
Visit Khumjung School and Hospital made by Sir Edmund Hillary
Enjoy being in the busting and old salt trade route, Namche Bazaar
Visit Sacred Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu
Pay Homage to living goddess, Kumari in Kathmandu Durbar Square
Enjoy Nepali Food, Hospitality and Culture

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/ 4,430 ft)

Day 02: Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu

Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2,880 m/9,450 ft)- 35 minutes and trek to Phakding (2,650 m/8,695 ft)-4 Hours

Day 04: Trek to Namche (3,450 m/11,320 ft)-6 Hours

Day 05: Day at Namche Bazaar for Acclimatization

Day 06: Trek to Phortse Thanga (3,680 m/12,075 ft)-5-6 Hours

Day 07: Trek to Machhermo (4,470 m/14,665 ft)-4-5 Hours

Day 08: Trek to Gokyo (4,800 m/15,750 ft)- 4-5 Hours

Day 09: Gokyo Valley: Acclimatization Day - Optional Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m/17,575 ft)- 4 Hours

Day 10: Trek to Thagnak (4,750 m/15,585 ft)- 5 Hours

Day 11: Trek to Dzongla (4,830 m/15,850 ft) via Cho La Pass (5,420 m/17,785 ft) -7 Hours

Day 12: Trek to Lobuche (4,910 m/ 16,110 ft)-2 - 3 Hours

Day 13: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,360 m/17,585 ft) & Return to Gorakshep (5,160 m/16,930 ft)-8 Hours

Day 14: Trek to Kalapatthar (5,545 m/18,195 ft) and descend down to Pheriche (4,288 m/14,070 ft)-8 Hours

Day 15: Trek back to Namche Bazaar (6 Hours)

Day 16: Trek back to Lukla (7 Hours)

Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu

Day 18: Reserve Day in Kathmandu

Day 19: Departure from Kathmandu

Overview

Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake and Chola Pass is one of the challenging and Off the Beaten Treks in the Everest Region. We trek into Everest Region through beautiful Sherpa Villages, Monasteries, fresh water Lakes, landscapes while admiring the world's giant mountains over 8,000 m and other peaks. During our trek via Gokyo Lake, we leave the main trail beyond Namche and walk into the real wilderness and quiet trail to Gokyo Lake. Gokyo Lakes are the set of 6 lakes elevated from 4,700 m to 5,000 m. We visit Gokyo Lakes and from Fifth Goyko Lake, we admire the view of Ngozumpa Glacier which is the largest glacier. Duirng this trek, we will witness the great peaks of Mt. Everest, Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Amadablam, Nuptse, Pumori, Thamserku among many other peaks.The view from Gokyo Ri and Kalapatthar of Mt. Everest and its neighbors are something you need to see in the lifetime.

EBC Trek with Gokyo Lake starts with the city tour in Kathmandu and a lovely Nepalese Dinner with cultural programs. 35 minutes morning flight, which is considered as the most adventurous flight of world takes us to Lukla at 2,860 m where we prepare for the trek with our support team. After, we continue our easy day of trek to Phakding. The next stop Namche Bazaar amazes every trekker with its beauty and is a Tourist Hub. This trek combines Everest Base Camp trek with a visit to Magnificent Gokyo Lake. After crossing Cho La Pass (5,420 m) from Gokyo, we get into stunning Khumbu Valley where Everest Base Camp lies. And we continue via Lobuche to the Everest Base Camp (5,380 m) and to Kalapatthar (5,545 m).

NOTE ON LUKLA FLIGHT:
Due to the congestion in Kathmandu International Airport, Nepal Government has issued notice of flight operation to Lukla Airport from Ramechhap Manthali Airport until further notice to avoid Airport Traffic in Kathmandu. Lukla Flights from Ramechhap (Both ways) will operate from March to May and September to November every year. In other months, Lukla flights will operate from Kathmandu Airport itself. Please write us for the latest updates. Ramechhap Manthali Airport is 136 kms from Kathmandu and can be reached in around 4 hours. Alternatively, we can arrange Helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla if you do not want to drive.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/ 4,430 ft)

Once you arrive at Kathmandu International Airport, our representative from Alpine Holidays will receive you after you collect your baggage and exit the main terminal building. Then we will drive to the hotel. Check-in and rest. In the evening, Our trek manager along with trek guide will brief you about the trek and check your equipment. Later on, we will take you to the Nepalese Restaurant to introduce you with Nepalese food habits and culture.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: D

Activity Duration:

Day 02: Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu

This day, our city tour guide takes you for sightseeing of Kathmandu valley to see few monuments. First, we drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square and pay homage to living Goddess, Kumari and walk around the square. Then we drive to Pashupatinath Temple which is a Hindu Temple for Lord Shiva at the bank of Holy Bagmati River. Then we end our day by visiting Boudhanath Stupa which is the biggest Stupa of Asia. In the evening, you can buy or hire equipment at Thamel if you need.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2,880 m/9,450 ft)- 35 minutes and trek to Phakding (2,650 m/8,695 ft)-4 Hours

After early breakfast, we drive to the domestic terminal to take a 35 minutes flight to Lukla. Lukla is a gateway to Everest Region. After landing at Tenzing Hillary Airport, we will manage our loads among the porters and start our trek to Phakding. This is the first day of our trek which is the easiest flat trail takes you to the beautiful village of Phakding.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Phakding.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 04: Trek to Namche (3,450 m/11,320 ft)-6 Hours

We follow the level path along the bank of river and climb towards the Dudh Koshi valley. We will pass villages of Benkar, Monjo and Jorsele. There is a beautiful waterfall at Benkar. We trek though so many ups and downs, forests and passing by the view of Mt. Thamserku. After a short climb, we will have lunch at Jorsele. Soon, we will be at V shaped valley where Dudh Koshi (on left) and Bhote Koshi (on right) meet. After crossing the high suspension bridge over Bhote Koshi, we make a steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. Just 30 minutes below the Namche Bazaar, we see the Mt. Everest for the first time.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Namche.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 05: Day at Namche Bazaar for Acclimatization

This day, we will be staying at Namche Bazaar to get acclimatize and have an excursion to Everest View Lodge (3,800 m) at Syangboche. We also visit Khumjung Village (3,790 m) to see Khumjung School and Hospital founded by Sir Edmund Hillary. In Khumjung Monastery, we will witness the purported Yeti Scalp. After returning back to Namche, we may walk around the bazaar area.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Namche.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 06: Trek to Phortse Thanga (3,680 m/12,075 ft)-5-6 Hours

This day, we climb to the Khumjung Hill and descend to the east of the village. We visit Mohang, the birthplace of reincarnated Lama of Rongbuk Monastery in Tibet who brought Buddhism in Khumbu Region. We descend down to Dudkoshi River for overnight.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Phortse Thanga.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 07: Trek to Machhermo (4,470 m/14,665 ft)-4-5 Hours

We uphill climb to Machhermo by passing rhododendron forest and a water fall before Tongba Village. We walk uphill and pass through Dole, other villages and Chorten alongside the Dudh Koshi River. After Dole, our trail goes through scenic ridge which gives us views of Cho Oyu, Thamserku and Kantega mountains. After we arrive at Kharka and trek in a level path on a sloping area to Luza. From Luza, we see Machermo and descend down for our overnight.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Macchermo.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 08: Trek to Gokyo (4,800 m/15,750 ft)- 4-5 Hours

We follow the uphill trail to the top of the ridge from where we see Cho Oyu, other mountains along with Ngozamba Glacier. On the right side, we see Cholatse and Tawetse. Our trail descends to Pangka. We continue our descend to the river bank before we climb the terminal moraine of Ngozamba Glacier. When we pass the Mani wall, we arrive at Gokyo leaving behind small first, second lake and third one is Dudh Pokhari. From Gokyo, we see Mt. Cho Oyu at its best reflected in the Lake.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Gokyo.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 09: Gokyo Valley: Acclimatization Day - Optional Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m/17,575 ft)- 4 Hours

This is our second night at Gokyo. This day, we hike to Gokyo Ri to get the panoramic view of Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Makalu (8,481), and Mt. Cho Oyo (8,153 m) along with other peaks and the Nepal’s largest glacier, Ngozumpa Glacier. The view from summit is as from Kalapatthar. We also visit fourth and fifth lakes of Gokyo before we settle down for overnight. From fifth lake, we see the Cho Oyu Base Camp.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Gokyo.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 10: Trek to Thagnak (4,750 m/15,585 ft)- 5 Hours

If we did not climb the Gokyo Ri the previous day, we can do that today. Climbing to the top of Gokyo Ri is demanding as it is steep and takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach the top. But the scenery of Gokyo village, on the edge of third lake overlooked by Cholatse and the broad Nogzumpa Glacier, is magnificent. We are surrounded by panoramic mountains like Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Changtse, and Pumori. The sight of Sun rays over Everest which towers over all the surrounding peaks is astounding. We trek through the Ngazumpa Glacier to the mountain on the other side. Next, traverse along the edge of that mountain and then meander into Thagnak. It will be a short hike today with an afternoon of rest which will prepare us for long hiking days and elevation gain to come.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Thagnak.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 11: Trek to Dzongla (4,830 m/15,850 ft) via Cho La Pass (5,420 m/17,785 ft) -7 Hours

Today is going to be one of the challenging days of the trip. The Cho La Pass is not itself difficult, but it is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the Eastern Side. We need to be careful as the trail is vertical and the rocks glazed by ice may cause trouble by making the trail slippery. The trail from Phedi climbs through a ravine and a rocky trail. While trekking through the side of a frozen lake, we reach at the top of the pass decorated with prayer flags. The pyramidal Ama Dablam presides over a range of mountains on the South even as Cholatse soars to the west and Lobuche East and Baruntse rises sharply to our right. We need to pass through some crevasses before we reach Dzongla Village. The village provides great views of Cholatse, Ama Dablam, Lobuche Mountains along with the Pheriche Village far below.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Dzongla.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 12: Trek to Lobuche (4,910 m/ 16,110 ft)-2 - 3 Hours

This will be a very short trek so we have a lot time to relax and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. We climb down from Dzongla and walk through a grassy trail while enjoying the view of Lobuche Peak. The trail curves through the wide river bed before reaching Lobuche. We can spend the rest of day taking a rest which will help us prepare for the next day’s long trek. Evening,we enjoy Sunset at Nuptse peak.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea/House in Lobhuche.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 13: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,360 m/17,585 ft) & Return to Gorakshep (5,160 m/16,930 ft)-8 Hours

This will be the most challenging yet rewarding day of the trek. To go to the Everest beyond Lobuche, the trail follows through besides the Khumbu Glacier. From a high point here, the rubble-covered hill of Kalapatthar in the front of Mt. Mount Everest can be seen at its pass a lake of often frozen. And continue to witness the Everest Base Camp of world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest. After spending few times, we return back to Gorakshep.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Gorekshep.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 14: Trek to Kalapatthar (5,545 m/18,195 ft) and descend down to Pheriche (4,288 m/14,070 ft)-8 Hours

Early morning, we make steep ascend to Kalapatthar also called Black Hill. This might be the most challenging but the trekkers get the most magnificent panoramic views of the mountains, Mt. Everest (8,848 m), the highest point in the earth towers directly ahead and all the sides loom the giants, Nuptse, Pumori, Chantse, Lhotse and countless other peaks. Afterward, we descend to Pheriche.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Pheriche.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 15: Trek back to Namche Bazaar (6 Hours)

From Dingboche, we trek down to Pangboche. The we cross a bridge over Imja Khola. As soon as we reach Debuche, we make ascend for an hour to get to Tengboche . We may spend some time at the Monastery and descent down to the River at Phunki for lunch. After lunch and rest, we ascend up for around 2 and half hours passing by small villages to another side of the valley. We continue along the side of mountain to get to the Namche Bazaar.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Namche.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 16: Trek back to Lukla (7 Hours)

After we leave Namche Bazaar, we make steep descend until the bridge and cross Bhote Koshi River. Our way follows ups and downs, forest and rocky trails. We will have our lunch at Benkar or Phakding. After lunch, we continue gradual and gentle uphill trail to Lukla. This is our last day of the trek. After much deserving long shower, you may consider treating trekking crews in Lukla.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Lukla.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu

After early breakfast at Lukla, we fly back to Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, you can rest whole day unless you have any plan. In the evening, we will host farewell dinner to mark the great success of your Trek.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B D

Activity Duration:

Day 18: Reserve Day in Kathmandu

Lukla flight highly depends on weather. So, we keep one day extra if incase flight to/from Lukla get cancelled because of weather. If the flight happens as planned, we may do some extra sightseeing in Kathmandu.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 19: Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast, we will drop you to the airport before 3 hours of your flight time.

Accomodation:

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Cost Info

Cost Includes:

Garland welcome, arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu with office representative.
4 nights in Kathmandu with breakfast inclusive of taxes and service charges.
11 Nights/12 Day All inclusive treks in Everest Region with breakfast, lunch and dinner and tea/coffee each time in meals in local tea houses/lodges.
Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu or Ramechhap/Lukla/Ramechhap flight with necessary transfers.
Meals as indicated in the Itinerary.
English Speaking Trek Guide with a reliable team of porters (2:1 Ratio) and additional Sherpa as per the group size.
First Aid Kit and Duffel Bag.
Kathmandu full day sightseeing with English Speaking Tour Guide with all applicable entrance fees.
Welcome and Farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
Everest National Park Permits and Trekkers Information Management System, TIMS Fees.
Local Village Municipality Entry Fees.
Insurance for Guide, porters and Sherpa with their meals, accommodation and daily allowances.
Bottle Drinking water in vehicle for sightseeing drives and transfers.
All drives, sightseeing and transfers by Deluxe Vehicle as per the group size.
24/7 hours Assistance.

Cost Excludes:

International Airfare to/from Kathmandu.
Nepal Visa fees on Arrival at airport (USD 50/- for 30 Days).
Meals other than breakfast in Kathmandu except welcome and farewell dinners.
Bottle drinking water, hot beverages, charges for hot shower, mobile/camera charges during the trek.
Personal nature of expenses like tips, bar bills, laundry and personal expenses.
Cost may arise of natural calamities, flight cancellation, illness, hospitalization, tour cancellation, blockade etc.
Cost for Emergency Helicopter Evacuation Charges in case of emergency.
Other than in our include section.

Route Map:

Reviews for the Trip

Recommend you trust your Nepalese vacation to Alpine Holidays!

(5/5)

"My wife and I spent 4 weeks traveling and trekking through Nepal. With so much to see and do, I'm not sure how we would've managed without Gopi and the rest of the crew at Alpine Holidays. Everything was perfectly arranged, from the meals, transportation, trekking, and more. They were so knowledgeable about traveling in the mountains - we learned a lot! They are also just a really good group of people. We sincerely hope to travel with them again, and recommend you trust your Nepalese vacation to Alpine Holidays!"

Review By: Tyler and Julie

Address: United States of America