Gokyo to EBC Trek | Cho La Pass & Gokyo Lakes Adventure

Gokyo to Everest Base Camp Trek via Cho La Pass

The Gokyo to Everest Base Camp Trek, crossing the Cho La Pass, is widely considered the ultimate trek in the Khumbu region. It offers a spectacular circular route that avoids returning the same way, maximizing your exposure to the Himalayas. The journey begins with the classic flight to Lukla and the hike up to Namche Bazaar. From there, the trail diverges towards the tranquil Gokyo Valley, home to a series of stunning turquoise glacial lakes. Ascending Gokyo Ri provides one of the finest panoramic views in the world, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. The adventure intensifies as you cross the icy Cho La Pass (5,420m) to reach the main Everest trail. You will then visit the legendary Everest Base Camp and climb Kala Patthar (5,545m) for the classic, close-up sunrise view of Mount Everest before descending via Tengboche.

Gokyo to Everest Base Camp Trek via Cho La Pass

Signature Experiences

Expedition Highlights

Marvel at the breathtaking turquoise waters of the Gokyo Lakes system.

Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357m) and Kala Patthar (5,545m) for incredible panoramic views of Mt. Everest.

Cross the challenging and thrilling Cho La Pass (5,420m) over an icy glacier.

Stand at the iconic Everest Base Camp (5,364m) at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall.

Experience the rich Sherpa culture in villages like Namche Bazaar and Khumjung.

Trail Logs & Itinerary

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,545m

Welcome to Nepal! Transfer to your hotel. Evening trek briefing and preparation.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,545m

A thrilling 35-minute flight to Lukla (2,860m). Begin trekking to Phakding along the Dudh Kosi river. We embark on a scenic journey today, taking either a spectacular domestic flight or a drive along winding mountain roads, passing lush terraced fields, fast-flowing rivers, and traditional hillside villages. The changing scenery guides us closer to the starting point of our trek in the heart of the Himalayas.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,545m

Cross suspension bridges and ascend steeply through pine forests to reach Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Everest.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,545m

Hike up to the Everest View Hotel for acclimatization and panoramic views. Visit the Sherpa Culture Museum.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,545m

Leave the main EBC trail and ascend steadily towards the Gokyo Valley, passing through birch and rhododendron forests to Dole.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,545m

A shorter day hiking through alpine meadows with excellent views of Cho Oyu and Thamserku, arriving at Machhermo.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,545m

Walk along the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Pass the first and second Gokyo lakes to reach the village of Gokyo on the shores of the third lake.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,545m

Early morning climb to Gokyo Ri for sunrise over Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. Descend and trek across the Ngozumpa Glacier to Thagnak. Today is the ultimate challenge. We wake up under a freezing, starlit sky and begin our ascent, using ropes, crampons, and ice axes as we navigate steep snow and ice slopes. Reaching the summit rewards us with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the world's highest peaks, a moment of pure triumph.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,545m

Short trek to Thagnak to position for Cho La Pass crossing.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,545m

A tough, long day. Ascend steeply over loose scree and a glacier to cross Cho La Pass (5,420m). Descend carefully to Dzongla.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,545m

A relatively easy, scenic walk contouring along the valley side, rejoining the main EBC trail at Lobuche.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,545m

Trek alongside the Khumbu Glacier to EBC. Enjoy the incredible surroundings before returning to Gorak Shep for the night.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,545m

Early morning hike up Kala Patthar for the best close-up view of Everest. Descend to Gorak Shep and continue down to Pheriche.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,545m

Descend through Pangboche and Tengboche, visiting the famous Tengboche Monastery, before arriving back in Namche.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,545m

The final day of walking. Descend back to Lukla, crossing familiar suspension bridges. Celebrate the trek's completion.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,545m

Early flight back to Kathmandu. Transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,545m

Extra day in case of flight delays from Lukla. Enjoy Kathmandu sightseeing or shopping.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,545m

Transfer to the airport for your journey home.

Gokyo to Everest Base Camp Trek via Cho La Pass

Inclusions

Airport pick-up and drop-off in a private vehicle.
Standard teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek.
All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek.
An experienced, English-speaking, and government-licensed trekking guide.
Porter service (1 porter for every 2 trekkers).
All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (TIMS, National Park Fees).
A comprehensive medical kit carried by the guide.
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu to celebrate the successful trek.

Exclusions

International flight airfare.
Nepal entry visa fee (obtainable on arrival at Kathmandu airport).
Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory).
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters).
Tips for guide and porters (customary but not mandatory).

Frequently Asked Questions

What permits do I need for the Everest region?

You need two main permits: the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit and the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. Both are arranged on the trail by our guide, and the fees are included in your package.

How do we handle flight delays or cancellations at Lukla Airport?

Lukla Airport operates on visual flight rules, meaning flights are regularly delayed or cancelled due to fog or high winds. We include buffer days in our itineraries. In case of extended delays, we can coordinate helicopter flights (subject to availability and extra charges, often covered by travel insurance).

What is the highest altitude reached in the Everest region?

For standard Everest Base Camp treks, the highest point is Kala Patthar at 5,545 meters (18,192 ft), which offers the best views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. Acclimatization is key to enjoying this trek safely.

What are teahouses like in the Khumbu (Everest) region?

Teahouses in the Everest region are relatively well-established. Most offer shared rooms, heated communal dining areas, and menus featuring traditional Dal Bhat, soups, noodles, and pancakes. Hot showers and device charging are available for a small fee.

Is internet and Wi-Fi available on the Everest trail?

Yes, cellular data (Ncell/NTC) works up to Tengboche/Dingboche. Beyond that, you can purchase prepaid Wi-Fi cards from 'Everest Link' which work at most teahouses along the trail, though speeds can vary.

How much cash should I bring on the Everest trek?

While Namche Bazaar has ATMs, they are frequently out of cash. We recommend carrying around 2,000 to 3,000 Nepalese Rupees (approx. $15–$25 USD) per day in cash to pay for extras like Wi-Fi, battery charging, hot showers, snacks, and tipping guides/porters.

Do I need comprehensive altitude travel insurance?

Absolutely. Your travel insurance policy must cover trekking up to 6,000 meters and include emergency helicopter evacuation. Evacuations from the remote Khumbu region can cost upwards of $5,000 USD.