Everest Base Camp via Gokyo-Ri -Cho-La Pass Trek

Duration: 18 Days | 3 Reviews

Everest Base Camp via Gokyo-Ri and Cho-La Pass Trek takes you to the isolated core of the Khumbu region. This incredible journey through the mystic Himalaya land takes you to Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo-Ri and Cho La Pass. Trekking on the upper part of the Khumbu region is challenging, but in the company of soaring snow-capped mountains including the almighty Everest, turquoise Gokyo Lakes, Buddhist shrines and monasteries, prayers, wild animals and the warm hospitality of the Sherpas, you will enjoy even the most strenuous of climbs. Setting your foot on the base camp of the tallest mountain in the world is a remarkable life achievement in itself.

In addition to stepping on the Everest Base Camp, we (The Members of Adventure Club Trek) will take you to Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar, two of the most important viewpoints in the Khumbu region, both at a higher altitude than the Everest Base Camp. Everest Base Camp via Gokyo-Ri and Cho La Pass trek explores the highest trek able altitudes of the Khumbu region.

Soak in the views of majestic Himalayan spread including Mt. Cho Oyu, Makalu, Nuptse, Pumori, Lhotse, and Everest. Tengboche Monastery, the biggest monastery in the Khumbu Region, provides you amazing views of Mt. Ama Dablam among other surrounding mountains and a sense of spiritual freedom as well. Buddhist prayers humming sacred prayers, the smell of Himalayan incense and the sound of gongs, all make Tengboche monastery a spot in the high Himalaya, a place to truly relax and let go.

Everest Base Camp via Gokyo-Ri and Cho La Pass is an ideal trek to pick for trekkers looking for a little extra challenge in the Himalaya, especially for those who want to explore more of remote trails in the Khumbu region.

Trip Highlights:

Full tour of the World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley including the three Durbar Squares, Basantapur, Patan, and Bhaktapur.
Around 35 minutes scenic flight from Tribhuvan International Airport(TIA) to Tenzing-Hillary Airport with the views of some of the world’s highest mountains.
Get acquainted with the Sherpa culture and their daily lifestyle.
Acclimatize in Namche Bazaar, the biggest town in the Khumbu Region, also enjoy the amazing view of the majestic Everest from Everest View Hotel.
Explore the Gokyo Village and from there hike up to Gokyo Ri at 5,364m to enjoy the magnificent views of Cho Oyu, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu.
Also explore the fourth hoy lake, Thonak Tsho.
Conquer one of the highest passes in Everest Region Cho-La Pass at 5,367m.
Step foot on Everest Base Camp with views of Pumori, Khumbuste, and Nuptse including the Khumbu Icefall on the backdrop.
Enjoy the best view of Everest from Kala Patthar at 5,545m.

Outline Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m)
Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek Preparation.
Day 03: Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding (2,860m) :8km,3 hours
Day 04: Trek Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,438m):11km, 5-6 hours
Day 05: Acclimatization Day - Namche Bazaar
Day 06: Trek Namche Bazaar to Phortse Thanga (3,680m): 6km, 5 hours
Day 07: Trek Phortse Thanga to Machhermo (4,470m): 8km, 5-6 hours
Day 08: Trek Machhermo to Gokyo (4,800m): 7km, 5 hours
Day 09: Gokyo Valley: Acclimatization Day - Optional Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m)
Day 10: Trek Gokyo to Thagnak (4750 m): 4km, 4-5 hours
Day 11: Trek Thagnak - Cho La pass (5,367m) to Dzongla: 7km,7-8 hours
Day 12: Trek Dzongla to Lobuche (4,950m):5km, 2-3 hours
Day 13: Trek to Gorak Shep (5,170m), visit Everest Base Camp (5,383m):13km,7-8 hours
Day 14: Hike up to Kala Patthar(5,550m), and trek to Pherice (4,288m) :16km, 7-8 hours
Day 15: Trek Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,438m): 20km, 6-7hours
Day 16: Trek Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860m):19km,7 hours
Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu (1,350m)
Day 18: Farewell, Flight Home

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Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m)

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), you will be welcomed by a representative from Adventure Club Trek. After sorting out your custom formalities (visa and so on), you will be transferred to your respective hotel in Adventure Club Trek’s private vehicle. We will give you some time to freshen up at the Hotel. After this, you will attend an orientation about your trek led by the trekking leader over a welcome dinner.

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu
Included Meals: Welcome Dinner
Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek Preparation.

Today, we go on a sightseeing tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the city. We start the program after breakfast. Our first visit is The Sacred Hindu Temple of Pashupatinath. Though non-Hindus are not allowed inside the main premises of the temple, we are allowed to visit the cremation site and surrounding areas. We then head to Boudhanath, considered one of the Largest Stupas in Asia due to the massive mandala that surrounds the main dome. The smell of Himalayan incense and locals doing kora(making clockwise rounds of the stupa) gives you a little insight into Buddhist culture. Our next stop is Swayambhunath also known as the Monkey Temple, located on top of a hill. The stupa is similar to Boudhanath, but here the stupa is surrounded by many temples and shrines. Some of the temples date back to the medieval Lichchhavi period. Our final stop is Kathmandu Durbar square which is a fine example of Newari(an ethnic tribe of Kathmandu Valley)architecture. The premises of the Durbar square house many temples and royal palaces, however, most of the temples and building were destroyed by the 2015 earthquake and are being renovated.

Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 03: Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding (2,860m) :8km,3 hours

Early morning transfer to the domestic airport for about 40 minutes scenic flight to the tiny airstrip at Lukla (2,800m). The flight will be the most thrilling and exciting. After reaching Lukla, we will have tea while our guide sorts out and divide the load baggage to be carried by porters. We begin our trek through the pretty well-off Sherpa village. Crossing several tributary streams on our way with some tantalizing views we settle down at Phakding (2,650m). Since it's a short walk we reach our destination early evening. So you have an option of either roaming around Phakding or just rest at your Hotel rooms.

Overnight at Teahouse in Phakding
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 04: Trek Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,438m):11km, 5-6 hours

After breakfast, we head out to Namche Bazaar following the trail that goes through pine forest alongside the Dudh Kosi River. Crossing many suspension bridges, we enter Sagarmatha National Park through Monjo, the check post where you need to show your Permit and TIMS card. Sagarmatha National Park has a variety of rare species so keep your eyes open! After we have had our lunch at Jorsale, the last village in the way before Namche, we head ahead to cross the valley’s longest bridge, the Hillary Bridge. The bridge marks the start of a 3-hour long strenuous uphill climb to Namche. You can enjoy your first view of Everest from Namche; it is the Everest region’s busiest marketplace.

Overnight at Teahouse in Namche Bazaar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 05: Acclimatization Day - Namche Bazaar

Altitude sickness is a major barrier when trekking at higher altitude. So, for your safety, we take an acclimatization rest in Namche today. But, there are many things you can do here; you are, after all in the heartland of Everest region. You have everything from Internet cafes, restaurants, shops, ATMs, important government offices and trekking gears and souvenir markets here in Namche Bazaar. Oh! and upon a short hike to Sagarmatha National Park, you can enjoy views of Lhotse, Mount Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Kongde and Thamserku over sunrise. We can also take a day hike to the village of Khumjung; it is a lovely Sherpa settlement. We can observe the Kunjung Hillary School, the vegetation and wildlife, Sherpa culture and tradition along the way.

Overnight at Teahouse in Namche Bazaar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 06: Trek Namche Bazaar to Phortse Thanga (3,680m): 6km, 5 hours

We climb the Khumjung hill and descend to the east of the village down the broad valley leading to the Dudh Koshi from where the route turns north. There are two trails, and our guide will choose the best option for us to follow. There is a chorten on the ridge top at 3973 m which descends from Mt. Khumbila (5761 m). We visit Mohang, the birthplace of the re-incarnated Lama of Rongbuk Monastery of Tibet who is believed to have introduced Buddhism in the Khumbu region of Nepal. The trail descends in a series of steep switchbacks down a sandy slope to the Dush Koshi. We stay overnight in Phortse Tanga, near the river.

Overnight at Teahouse in Phortse Thanga
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 07: Trek Phortse Thanga to Machhermo (4,470m): 8km, 5-6 hours

Our goal for today is to reach Machhermo. We start after a filling breakfast in Phortse Thanga, and it is quite an uphill climb today. The trail follows a rhododendron forest, and we come across a magnificent waterfall before arriving at the village of Tongba. The uphill streak continues as we pass through several villages like Dhole, Luza, and Labarma before finally reaching our destination for the day, Machhermo. The chances are that you will hear the Dudh Koshi River swoon all night, as we walked alongside the river all day.

Overnight at Teahouse in Machhermo
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 08: Trek Machhermo to Gokyo (4,800m): 7km, 5 hours

Our today’s trek begins with a climb up a ridge which rewards us with a great view of the valley down Mt. Kang Taiga (6,685m) and Mt. Cho Oyu (8,153m). As the valley widens we come to a small stop at Phangkha. Then, we slowly start descending to the riverbank to begin climbing up onto Ngozumpa Glacier’s terminal moraine via a steep route. Thankfully, the route evens after crossing an iron bridge over a local stream, and we come across our first lake, Longpongo at 4,690m on the way to the Gokyo Valley. At the intersection, you can observe some lama footprints set on a stone. The second lake in the way is Taboche Tsho with water so turquoise blue it looks like liquefied gemstones spread over the foothills of Himalaya, especially when it is shining brightly in the afternoon sun. Not long after crossing the second lake, we come across the third one. In fact, these two lakes are interlinked by a stream. Our destination for the night, Gokyo village is by the third lake, Dudh Pokhari, with Mount Cho-Oyu in the background, a sight you can never forget. Since we will preferably reach Gokyo village by afternoon, we stake the spare time to explore around the third lake, Dudh Pokhari.

Overnight at Teahouse in Gokyo
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 09: Gokyo Valley: Acclimatization Day - Optional Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m)

Today, we hike to Gokyo Ri; it is a small peak that stands above the Gokyo village and makes for an excellent viewpoint. Enjoy the views of four eight-thousanders, Cho Oyu, Mt. Everest, Lhotse and Makalu from Gokyo Ri and the view of Gokyo village at the edge of the third lake with Ngozumpa Glacier and Cholatse. Not to forget the golden hour on Everest!. Afterward, you will also bask in the tranquil serenity of Thonak Tsho, the fourth holy lake. Given the surplus time and your physical condition, we will decide on whether or not to hike to the fifth sacred lake, Ngozumba Tsho from where you can observe the Himalaya’s longest glacier Ngozumpa glacier. Back to Gokyo village for overnight.

Overnight at Teahouse in Gokyo Valley
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Trek Gokyo to Thagnak (4750 m): 4km, 4-5 hours

It’s a much shorter trek today. We trek through the magnificent Ngozumpa Glacier to reach the mountain on the other side. Then, traveling along the mountain’s edge, we gradually enter Thagnak. Since we have already climbed Gokyo Ri, it will be a short hike with ample afternoon rest today. Given that we are aiming for higher altitude tomorrow, today’s short trek will give you the much-needed rest.

Overnight at Teahouse in THagnak
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11: Trek Thagnak - Cho La pass (5,367m) to Dzongla: 7km,7-8 hours

Buckle up for one of the toughest days of Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Ri and Cho La Pass trek; in fact, we are crossing Cho La Pass today. Cho La Pass itself isn’t that difficult; however, it is quite steep, slippery and includes crossing a glacier on the eastern side. The vertical trail gets tricky as the rocks are mostly glazed by ice which makes the trail slippery. To reach the top of the pass, we climb up from Phedi on a rocky trail through a ravine. Passing a frozen lake on the way, we eventually reach to the top of the pass, decorated with Buddhist prayer flags. While elegant Ama Dablam sits over a range of other mountains on the south, Cholatse soars up to the west, and Lobuche to the East, Baruntse rises to our right. We pass through some crevasses before finally arriving at Dzongla Village, our station for the night. Enjoy views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, and Lobuche with Pheriche Village on the horizon below.

Overnight at Teahouse in Dzongla
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: Trek Dzongla to Lobuche (4,950m):5km, 2-3 hours

Compared to the strenuous trek last day, today’s trek is a rather short and a relaxing one. We descend from Dzongla, and then we walk through the meadow like trail all the while enjoying the magnificence of Lobuche peak. The trail then curves from the wide river bed in the way before reaching Lobuche. We take rest today because tomorrow is going to be a challenging day. We will climb the Everest Base Camp tomorrow.

Overnight at Teahouse in Lobuche
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13: Trek to Gorak Shep (5,170m), visit Everest Base Camp (5,383m):13km,7-8 hours

This is THE DAY of Everest Base Camp trek. You reach the Everest Base Camp today. After you’ve had your breakfast, we start our trek on rocky terrains alongside the Khumbu glacier. We’ll make a stop at Gorakshep for lunch before reaching Everest Base Camp. After, lunch we continue on the slow-paced but straightforward 2 and half hours walk glacial walk takes to the Everest Base Camp. We’ll inspect the Khumbu icefall and visit other glacial areas in EBC. The views of magnificent Himalaya make not only the best experience and memories but great videos and photos as well. After taking enough time at the Base camp, we return back to Gorakshep for overnight stay.

Overnight at Teahouse in GorekShep
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 14: Hike up to Kala Patthar(5,550m), and trek to Pherice (4,288m) :16km, 7-8 hours

We start our day early, at 5 am. Have to catch that sunrise on Everest! We hike uphill leading to the summit of Kala Patthar (a big black rock) from where you get the most up-close views of Everest and other surrounding mountains. It is a steady 2 and half hours hike. The trek is harsh and cold, but warm clothing and determination have always made it possible to break the barriers. Once you reach Kala Patthar, you can enjoy unobstructed views of the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest. A 360-degree panoramic spread of mountains like Nuptse (7, 861m/ 25,791 ft.), AmaDablam (6,812 m/ 22,350 ft.), Lobuche (6,119m/20075 ft.) and Everest will mesmerize you. We hike down to Pheriche for Dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight at Teahouse in Phereche
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 15: Trek Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,438m): 20km, 6-7hours

We are now back on the route to Namche Bazaar. We begin our trek from Pheriche crossing the bridge over Khumbukhola slowly trekking down to Orsho. We keep going down on the trail to Pangboche crossing forests and bridges. A short climb to Tengboche for lunch soon leads us to our way down to PhungiTenga. After several turns and crossing ridges above Dudhkoshi River, we finally arrive at Namche. You will experience your final views of Everest and surrounding mountains here.

Overnight at Teahouse in Namche Bazaar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 16: Trek Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860m):19km,7 hours

Trekking back to Lukla from Namche takes about 6 hours. After some ascend and descend and crossing Dudhkoshi River over several suspension bridges, you reach Lukla. This is the point where the trekking officially ends.

Overnight at Teahouse in Lukla
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu (1,350m)

This is an early morning flight back to Kathmandu which takes about 40 minutes, and you will transfer to the hotel. Getting refreshed, you will be invited for the farewell dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant hosted by Adventure Club.

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu
Included Meals: Farewell Dinner
Day 18: Farewell, Flight Home

Adventure Club Trek will manage a farewell drive to the international airport for your final flight departure. Meeting you and serving you will be a wonderful experience for our team. We will make sure to make you enjoyed a wonderful holiday in beautiful Nepal. We hope you will remember us in the years ahead.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Cost Includes

Arrival and departure transfer by private tourist vehicle
Standard twin sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu with Breakfast ( 3 nights)
Best available twin sharing lodge for accommodation during the trek.
Three daily meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
Government licensed, English speaking guides trained in wilderness first aid
Guided city tour in Kathmandu including temples’ / monuments’ entrance fees and private vehicle
Round-trip airfare between Kathmandu and Lukla including airport departure tax
All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary.
Welcome and farewell dinner.
Everest National Park permits and TIMS permit for trekking.
Assistant trekking guides walking with the group to support as necessary (1 assistant guide for 4 trekkers)
Porters to carry your luggage during the trek (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
Staff costs including their salary, accommodation, food, domestic airfare and medicine.
Insurance covering all staff and porters as per state law
Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion)
Complimentary Adventure Club Trek T-shirt, and trekking map
Duffle bag for the trekking.
Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
Travel and rescue arrangement (helicopter evacuation is available if needed - at an additional cost)
All government and local Taxes.

Cost Excludes

Nepal visa (USD 25 for 15 days and USD 40 for 30 days)
Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
International air fares / flights (fares and flights can be arranged upon the request)
Personal expenses (alcoholic drinks, bottled water, cold drinks
Travel Insurance (Essential – Should include emergency evacuation coverage while trekking up to 5500+ meters).
Excess baggage charge(s)
Personal trekking equipment
Tips for guide, porters, and drivers (tipping is expected, but it is not mandatory)

Clients Reviews

EvaN2316
Hungary Published: Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Amazing and unforgettable experience
Rating:
I had an amazing time with this company. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to trek in Nepal. We went to the Gokyo Valley to climb Gokyo Ri then to the Everest Base Camp. Beautiful scenery, stunning mountains and glaciers that I will never forget. Our guide, Birendra (and also his team) always made sure that we were all right and was looking after us, shared his remarkable knowledge of the mountains, and Nepalese customs and culture. I could not have asked for a better guide! The trek was very well organised from the beginning till the end, we stayed in decent guesthouses and the locals were very friendly. Nepal is beautiful and I'd love to go back to visit other regions and if I do I will definitely use the same company. Thank you so much for the unforgettable experience! Namaste!
Balázs N
Switzerland Published: Monday, May 19, 2014

Everest base camp through the most amazing Gokyo Lake
Rating:
It was my first time to trek to Everest base camp through the most amazing Gokyo Lake with Adventure Club trek and its team. I found them very professional and friendly with lots of knowledge about local life, villages, culture and mountains. Our guide Birendra ( also owner of company) and his team took care of us as family members and did not let us feel a way from home, we always have had services in time.
It was a very hard trip for me, because I had got diarrhea in the first dates, because I ate everything together :) I could manage it and made my trip successful, we also climbed Island Peak and it was my great experiences. As i have had incredible time with the team of Adventure club trek and i enjoyed every moment of trek, i would like to highly recommend them.

Geneva, Switzerland
travelwbenefits
Australia Published: Monday, February 24, 2014

Booked a 21 day trek
Rating:
We booked a 21 day trek with Birendra. We contacted a number of trek companies and we were impressed with the comprehensive and speedy responses. The entire process was done via the internet and we found Birendra to be both honest and reliable. We did not do a lot of comparison pricing however the trek represented great value for money and I have no concerns as to the amount we paid. The trek in February was at the end of winter, and one pass was impassable due to ice / snow.
The trekking was wonderful and the porters were excellent. We had an issue with the guide, however Birendra sorted out the issues and was always available and there when needed. Birendra went above and beyond what was expected and his personable and ever helpful approach was much appreciated.

Sydney, Australia

Flight Delay in Kathmandu and Lukla

The unpredictability of the weather in mountain areas directly affects the flights to and from Lukla. The Twin Otter planes that are used for transport from and to Lukla are reasonably reliable in good weather conditions. But, the flights may be delayed or canceled due to technical problems and extreme weather conditions. To ensure you stay on your schedule in case the Twin Otter flight cancels or delays too far, we can charter you a helicopter. While the helicopter can fly at the visibility of 15,000m, the Twin Otters require 5,000m visibility, according to Nepal Civil Aviation rules.

You can pay for the helicopter in US cash, credit cards or traveler’ cheques directly to our Kathmandu office. We provide a receipt for the payment which you can present to claim the amount back from your travel insurance company. Helicopter charges range from a minimum of US$500 to a maximum of US$3500. Also, we recommend you land in Kathmandu a day before we start the trek. You have enough time to buy trekking gears and beat off the jet lag. Having a few days extra left after your trek is also an excellent way to ensure you don’t miss your international flight in case of difficulties during the trek which might lengthen your trip. It also gives you a way to beat the flight cancellation to or from Lukla in case of severe weather.

Note: Your safety is of the utmost concern whilst you are traveling with Adventure Club Trek. We will make every effort possible to follow the original itinerary but we reserve the right to change that itinerary if a segment of it becomes a safety issue. Certain mountain regions are remote, natural disasters can happen, weather conditions can decline and there can be illness or an injury. To avoid dangerous situations we may occasionally have to make changes to the itinerary to ensure everyone’s safety. That having been said, Adventure Club Trek will strive to provide you with the best possible trekking experience and to keep your safety our number one priority. In case, the flight delay/cancellation happens at the start of the trip and it goes so long that it disturbs your onward travel schedule, you are free to choose an alternative trip: such a trek in the Annapurna, Langtang, or any other regions.

Pre-Trip Meeting

Prior to all the treks and expeditions, Adventure Club Trek hosts a pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The primary purpose of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about the forthcoming trek and to introduce other team members. The meeting covers topics as diverse as personal equipment and acclimatization and usually involves a hike and some skills training. Pre-trip meeting is very important in order to have a better preparation of the trekking.

Trip Map

Fixed Departure Dates and Cost

The quoted cost for the Everest Base Camp via Gokyo-Ri and Cho-La Pass Trek is per person but doesn't include International flights. If you are a single person and want to be in a group you can join our fixed departure schedule. If the scheduled dates are not suitable for you, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize our trips to suit your needs. If any individuals/group don't want to join our other group, we can comply with your wishes and requirements. We are ground operators Himalayan destinations and can arrange your trip to suit your dates and choices.