Everest Base Camp – Cho-La Pass – Gokyo Trek

Overview

Out of all trekking destinations in Nepal, if any of them push the boundaries with both adventure and challenges, it’s Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek. It makes the trekkers explore many hidden places, enjoy the scenic views, and capture a perfect shot of Mt. Everest. The trek is slightly more difficult than others, but you’ll have an exciting journey with the Sherpa Walk Adventure. There’ll be a trekking guide and porter accompanying you throughout the journey, which makes the trip a little easier and better right from Lukla. Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass and Gokyo are situated in Khumbu village in north-eastern Nepal. While Everest Base Camp is perched on the foot of Mt. Everest, Gokyo Valley sits on the base of Gokyo Ri at 5,357 meters. The base camp lies on the main EBC trail while Gokyo makes its way through the Cho La Pass, one of the toughest walks of the entire hike. It’s pretty incredible, though, with breathtaking scenery of glistening mountains like Ama Dablam, Mt. Everest, Nuptse, and Gokyo Ri. The small village of Gokyo is situated on the eastern shore of Dudh Pokhari, the third Gokyo Lake. All buildings and houses in the valley are used for the accommodation of trekkers. There are six main lakes in Gokyo, including Thonak, which feeds on the melting glaciers. Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Trek via Cho La Pass is lauded for its unparalleled beauty, geological wonders, local grandeur, and impressive views. The hike is quite incredible, with breathtaking scenery of glistening mountains like Ama Dablam, Mt. Everest Nuptse, and Gokyo Ri. Its historical landmarks with medieval monasteries, Mani walls, and prayer wheels provide an insight into the local culture of the Himalayan people. This helps them better understand the customs and traditions of inhabitants in the Everest region, which primarily includes Sherpa and Tibetan. Over the years, people of different castes have migrated to the region, so you may even encounter Brahmin, Chhetri, Sherpa, and Rai. Tengboche monastery is one of the most significant tourist attractions of Khumbu, where most trekkers stop by and take a visit. Everest Base Camp lies in the south of Khumbu at 5,364 meters altitude. It’s about 144 km away from Kathmandu, with the actual trek starting from Lukla. The trail running from this small Sherpa town passes through several villages, including Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. There are multiple times when the trail crosses suspension bridges over Dudh Koshi River and climbs the steep hill. It runs alongside a terrace farm and over the rugged trails with sharp rocks to arrive at Everest Base Camp. The trek gets extremely difficult from the base camp with terminal moraines and ice sheets. The trail to Gokyo walks through Cho La Pass at 5,420 Meters, crossing the Ngozumpa glacier in the east. This mountain pass joins two villages of Thangnak and Dzonglha, which are by mountains and lofty hills. From here, the trail ascends upward from the jagged and rocky terrain passing Thangnak. The trek to the first Gokyo Lake from the village takes 2-3 hours, and trekking further will take you to the second lake of Gokyo. The third Gokyo Lake lies near the Gokyo Valley and comes with a stunning view of Gokyo Ri. The fourth and fifth Gokyo Lake lies beyond Gokyo villages walking over rugged terrain with loose rocks and boulders. After arriving at the last lake, you’ll get a spectacular view of tranquil lakes, diverse landscapes, sheer glaciers, and breathtaking mountains. Trekkers will also climb Gokyo Ri before trekking back to Lukla with the crew of Sherpa Walk Adventure.

Itinerary

• Day 01: Kathmandu to Lukla and trek to Phakding
• Day 02: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
• Day 03: Acclimatization day at Namche
• Day 04: Trek to Tengboche (3,790m)
• Day 05: Trek to Dingboche (4,350m)
• Day 06: Day trip to Chhukung Valley and back to Dingboche
• Day 07: Trek to Lobuche (4,950m)
• Day 08: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,360m) and return to Gorakshep
• Day 09: Early morning hike to Kalapathar, then trek to Dzonglha (4,830m)
• Day 10: Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m) and descend to Thagnak (4,695m)
• Day 11: Trek to Gokyo (4,800m) and visit the Fifth Lake, return to Gokyo
• Day 12: Early morning climb to Gokyo Ri, then trek down to Dole (4,200m)
• Day 13: Trek to Namche Bazaar
• Day 14: Trek down to Lukla
• Day 15: Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel

What is Included

• Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) with a cup of hot drink (Tea/Coffee).
• Fresh fruit every evening after dinner.
• Trekking Lodge (Tea House) accommodations throughout the trek.
• All necessary paperwork: Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit & Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fees.
• Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight including airport transfer (High season flights to and from Lukla are operated from Ramechhap airport, 4–5 hours east of Kathmandu).
• A highly experienced, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English-speaking, well-trained, government-licensed guide, with all salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance covered.
• Strong, helpful porters with proper equipment (1 porter = two people), including salary, food, drinks, accommodation and insurance.
• Comprehensive medical supplies (first aid kit available with guide).
• Arrangement of emergency helicopter service (paid by your travel insurance company).
• Government taxes and official expenses.
• Sherpa Walk Adventure T-shirt, cap and duffel bag.
• Everest Base Camp, Chola Pass, Gokyo route map.
• Oximeter to check pulse, oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (useful for monitoring Altitude Mountain Sickness symptoms).
• Assistant guide for groups above 6+ people.

What is Excluded

• Airport pick up and drop for international flight arrival and departure.
• Meals and hotel accommodation in Kathmandu.
• Nepal entry visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport ($50 USD for 30 days visa).
• International airfare.
• Travel and medical insurance (recommended).
• Personal expenses.
• Use of sleeping bag, down jacket and walking poles (if you don’t have your own; to be returned after trip). Maintenance and washing charge: $10 USD per item.
• Microspikes and gaiters required for this trek (can be rented for $15 USD).
• All alcoholic and non-alcoholic hot and cold drinks.
• Desserts and sweet items such as chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
• Battery charging and hot showers during the trek at tea houses.
• Tips for the guide and porter (tipping is expected).
• Excess baggage charges for more than 15kg on Lukla flights.

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