Jiri Gokyo Ri Chola and Kalapathar

Jiri Gokyo Chola and Kalapathar trek starts from a city called Jiri, where the landscape resembles that of Zurich-Switzerland. After Jiri we follow the historic trail, which was once followed by Thenjig Norgey Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary on their way for the very first Everest expedition ever. We twist our path from Namche bazaar.

Gokyo Lake, also known as the oligotrophic lake is situated at the altitude of 4700m-5000m above sea level. It is the highest lakes of freshwater with six other lakes among which Phonak is one of the largest lakes. Located in the northeastern region of Nepal, Gokyo Lake lies in Khumjung village of Solukhumbu district. This lake is sacred for both Hindus and Buddhists. It is one of the most popular treks among others.

Region
Nepal
Duration
25 days
Level
hard
Max Altitude
5643 m.
Daily Activity
Daily activities
Season
March, April, May, September, October, and November
Starting From
$ 2425
This Cost Nepal New Generation Trek more then 4 People
Brief Introduction

Gokyo Lake, also known as the oligotrophic lake is situated at the altitude of 4700m-5000m above sea level. It is the highest lakes of freshwater with six other lakes among which Phonak is one of the largest lakes. Located in the northeastern region of Nepal, Gokyo Lake lies in Khumjung village of Solukhumbu district. This lake is sacred for both Hindus and Buddhists. It is one of the most popular treks among others.

Gokyo Lake Chola Pass Trekking through Jiri is the best option for Everest Trekkers following the footsteps of the old approach route followed by the Everest expedition from the 1950's to 70's. For the nature lover, Jiri Gokyo Chola Pass Trek provides a good opportunity to see the densely populated middle hills and the high altitude splendor of the Khumbu, or Everest region. In 1952 two renowned figures Sir Edmund Hillary and Mr. Tensing Sherpa had taken the same route to Mt. Everest. The trek provides an insight into the many traditional aspects of the lives of the different ethnic groups of the area. Some of the ethnic group of this area is Tamang, Kami, Brahmins, Kshetri and Sherpa. When we enter Sagarmatha National Park which is an exceptional area, we can view dramatic mountains, glaciers and deep valleys; dominated by Mount Everest (8848m), the highest peak in the world. Several rare species, such as the snow leopard and the lesser panda are found in this park. The presence of the Sherpa’s with their unique culture, adds further interest to the trekker who wants to learn the culture of the Sherpa.

The portion of the trekking begins from Jiri to Lukla which is often less crowded and it is much better trekking countryside. Jiri Gokyo trek explores around the breathtaking Gokyo valley which is located adjacent of the Khumbu along with diverse Everest Base Camp where we will have some magnificent view of highest peaks, from the west to east as Cho you (8,153m), Gyachung Kang (7,922m), Everest, Lhotse (8,501m) and further way Makalu stands throughout. This trek gives you the grand tour of the famous Dudh Koshi River. This is a strenuous trek leading to Gokyo Lake and over the Cho La at 5,430m making a circuit of Tawache (6,367m.) and Cholatse (6,440m).

The trekking route is one of the tourist attractions of this circuit. The challenge during the Cho La Pass trek is the hike across Cho La Pass (5,420m), which covers both the Gokyo Lake and the Everest Base Camp area (EBC). During Cho La Pass trek there is some short and interesting ascent of Gokyo RI, Chukkung RI and Kalapatthar for the classic views of icefalls and glaciers of Mahalangur Himalayan range.

March, April, May, September, October, and November is the best season for this trek. Jiri Gokyo valley Everest base camp trekking is one of the longest and challenging trekking trails in Everest region.  Jiri Gokyo Lake Chola expedition offers you different species of wildlife throughout the forest such as deer and rhododendron. Breathtaking mountain vistas are complemented by visits to Sherpa villages, homes and monasteries offering you an insight into the quiet but, culturally vibrant Sherpa way of life. We pass through other villages like Khumbu, Khunde, and Khumjung. We will encounter friendly people with picturesque villages, great variety of cultures and traditions, colorful festivals and monasteries. The story of the Yeti is still a mystery in the world from the Khumbu region. It offers an ample chance to explore the beautiful forest, farming country sides, several monasteries, enjoy unique culture and golden chance to chase your dreams of marvelous mountains along with the greatest Mt. Everest itself. The unforgettable happiness is waiting for your journey in this Jiri Gokyo Lake Chola pass trekking

I'm so happy I choose Satori Adventure to my trekking to EBC. Everything was so well organised. They were waiting for me at the airport, took me the hotel, i always got proper information what is the next checkpoint. They arranged everything. On the hike they were taking care of us (especially the altitude sickness topic) so we felt ourself in 100% safe. We were served maximally. Our flight was cancel from Lukla to Kathmandu (cloudy weather), but with the Satori help they arranged me helicopter flight to take me down. I can't imagine how i could arrange it without their help (I organised several trip for me, but here in Nepal it's harder). They provided sleeping bag, duffel bag ... everything was perfect. Thanks Satori!

Itinerary

Seeking for a real adventure? Our travel itinerary is based on years of trekking expertise, ensuring that you have a fun and safe vacation. However, like with all such risky excursions, there may be instances where we must change the schedule, possibly without much notice. While we make every attempt to stick to the timetable, we humbly ask for your patience and flexibility if unforeseen circumstances like weather or unforeseen natural events come into play. You may be sure that our knowledgeable guides will adjust as needed to make your tour as enjoyable as possible.

Schedule for each day
Days: 1 Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400 m)  
Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying an Nepal New Generation Trek signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Note: If you happen to arrive after 4 pm you would be briefed about the trip by our guide, this will be the pre-trip meeting for you, so please make sure that you ask all the questions. But if you arrive earlier than 4 pm, your pre-trip meeting would be on that very day at our office. During the meeting, we will introduce your trek leader/guide. For the meeting, please make sure you bring the passport, three copies of passport-size photos and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. During this meeting, please clear the due balance, if any, and sign the legally binding trip form as well as the non-liability disclaimer. Overnight at a hotel. No meals included.
Days: 2 Guided Sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley  
After a hearty breakfast, at 8.30 am your sightseeing trip will start. You will have a private vehicle and a professional tour guide at your disposal. Today we will visit some heritages listed below: Boudhanath Stupa: Boudhananath is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. It was built in the 5th century with four pairs of eyes of Lord Buddha in four cardinal directions keeping an eternal watch over the people and their doings. You will find Buddhist pilgrims from Tibet going round the stupa spinning the prayer wheels.
Days: 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Jiri (184km) • Altitude – 2370 meters • Special – View of local life and street vendors • Time – 6 hours drive • Activity – Travelling in bus  
Jiri is a historic start point of trekking to Everest. It takes 6 hours to get to Jiri from Kathmandu. We will take bus or Jeep and along the road, it will be nice to see local life, street vendors and real Nepal on your first day journey to Jiri Gokyo ebc trek.
Days: 4: Start trek from Jiri to Deurali (2200m); via Shivalaya • Altitude – 2200 meters • Special – Culture and Tradition of local village • Time – 8 hours • Activity – Walking through Jungle  
Very few people trek from Jiri these days, but trekking from jiri to Shivalaya makes a real understanding of Nepal. Cultural and traditional aspect of Jiri EBC Gokyo trek lies far and wide in 2nd day trek from Jiri to Shivalaya. Jiri to Shivalaya will take around 8 hours on foot. Although there are road along the route of jiri to Shivalaya, we will take a fancy trekking route along the village through the jungle and with beauty of nature.
Days: 5: Deurali to Sete (2645m) • Altitude – 2645 meters • Special – Traditional houses and historic trail • Time – 4/5 hours • Activity – Walking along the village and river valley  
Deurali is a best view point for the valley view of Bhandar. You can also see Everest from a nearby view point at Deurali. Traditional houses and historic trail of Everest base camp trekking trail can be witnessed in this destination of Everest base camp Gokyo valley trek from jiri. Memorial point Deyurali is an astonishing place to spend a night. Sete village on the edge of Lamjura pass, however the walk along the village, river valley and lunch by the river at Kinja bazzar is inspiring.
Days: 6: Sete to Junbesi (2675m) • Altitude – 2675 meters • Special – Exploration of animals and vegetation • Time – 6 hours • Activity – Walking over Lamjura pass  
Trekking over Lamjura pass standing at 3500 meters above the sea level is an overwhelming moment in Jiri Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek. Trekking through the forest with domestic animals grazing field and walking along the village of legendary Sherpa towards, junbesi village is not just a trekking experience but also a way of learning while trekking in Nepal. Sete to Junbesi is a beginning uphill and easy downhill trek over Lamjura pass. The trek itself will take around 6 hours, today.
Days: 7: Junbesi to Nunthala (2440m) • Altitude – 2440 meters • Special – View of mountains and greenery • Time – 8 hours • Activity – Walking along the village  
Trekking along the village of Everest region with mixed scenery of White Mountains and green hill in route of Jiri Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek will reflect the culture of low land of Everest region. Junbesi to Nunthala is 8 hours walk with less forest more villages
Days: 8: Nunthala to Kharikhola (2020m) • Altitude – 2020 meters • Special – Buddhist monastery, local school and the Himalayan town • Time – 7 hours hike • Activity – Walking nearly off the beaten trail  
Along the jungle of lower Everest region, you will follow a trail nearly off the beaten in famous Everest base camp trekking. This Jiri Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek is not new for sure, but the amount of trekkers you meet on the trail will amaze you and keeps your peace. 7 hours hike from Nunathala will take us to Kharikhola village in comparatively flat terrain. Buddhist Monastery, local school and the Himalayan town will surely flourish your trekking day.
Days: 9: Kharikhola to Surkhe (2700m); 8 hours hiking • Altitude – 2700 meters • Special – View of mountains from Namche • Time – 8 hours hike • Activity – Trekking  
A day before you get onto the traffic of Everest base camp trekking trail. Kharikhola to Surkey will give your insight of dense forest. Approaching view of mountains from Namche and Mera la will surely make you stronger. Take handful of peace on this day. From tomorrow, as you start trekking from Surkey, in a couple of hours you will mix in the herd of trekkers flying in Everest base camp trekking route.
Days: 10: Trek from Surke to Phakding (2646m); 6 hours trek • Altitude – 2646 meters • Special – View of snow-capped mountains • Time – 6 hours trek • Activity – Trekking  
Surkey to Phakding takes you near to the mountains you have been watching for few days during your jiri Gokyo Everest basecamp trek. Phakding village is by the river we have been crossing for multiple times in lower part of Everest trail. We will see plane and helicopters going and coming to and from Lukla airport. But we do not trek via Lukla airport, as we are flying out of Lukla on the way back to Kathmandu. This village being near to the river coming from Everest base camp has glacier water. You can get to the river while staying at Phakding or you can choose to go to nearest suspension bridge to get a easy view of the river and the village
Days: 11: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m) • Altitude – 3440 meters • Special – Namche village, monasteries and mountains • Time – 5/6 hours hike • Activity – Walking along with passing suspension bridges  
After breakfast at Phakding we start our trekking to Namche bazar. We will pass 6 suspension bridges and cross the river and rivulets numerous times. We pass through the forest and villages during the trekking to Namche. We will check in to the Sagarmatha national park premises today. The view of mt Thamsherku from monjo looks nicer before entering the national park of Everest trekking trail. Our lunch will be at either Mojo or Jor sale village. There is no any tea houses in between jor sale and Namche, so batter to eat at jorsalle at the worst. Once we get to Namche village, it is amazing destination of Everest base camp trekking. It has fancy stores to local bars famous as “Bhatti”. You can walk around the village and visit a local monastery at Namche.
Days: 12: Namche Bazaar Acclimatization day and exploring around, either Khumjung village or Everest view Hotel • Altitude – 3880 meters • Special – Khumjung village/Everest view Hotel • Time – Around 1/2 hour hike • Activity – short hike  
The main aim of today’s hike is to acclimatize your body at this altitude above 10000ft. saying so we do hike higher and sleep lower. For this reason, today we will trek around the village of Namche, visit Sagarmatha national park, Namche view point, national park museum at the beginning of the acclimatization. After this we will continue hiking to Everest view hotel. At this star hotel in Everest trekking trail, we will have a cup of tea and trek around the village of Khumjung. Khumjung village is famous for its local monastery with Yeti Scalp. This village has school built by Hillary foundation; we will have a walk around this school and trek down to Namche for the night.
Days: 13: Namche Bazaar to Dole (4200m) • Altitude – 4200 meters • Special – Panoramic view of Everest and Amadablam • Time – 6 hours hike • Activity – Trekking along the Gokyo river through rhododendron forest  
Namche is semi modern town of Everest Himalaya. Here you can buy most of the trekking gears and souvenirs. Namche will be a last chance to prepare for your jiri Gokyo Everest base camp trek. It takes 6 hours to get to Dole from Namche Bazar. Walking along the trail of Everest base camp trekking route in the beginning will be beautiful with panorama view of Everest and Amadablam. But right after splitting from Kyangjuma village the trail will be with less trekkers and trekking along the Gokyo river through the forest of Rhododendron will be a nice trekking experience.
Days: 14: Dole to Machhermo (4470m) • Altitude – 4470 meters • Special – View of Mt. Thamsherku and Kangtega • Time – 4 hours hike • Activity – Trekking  
Dole is a stopover trekking to Gokyo & has great view of Mt Thamsherku and kangtega. After climbing 10 minutes, off of the Dole village will give mesmerizing view of mt Cho yu as well. However you can enjoy the river valley view from your accommodation in Dole. Dole to Machhermo is 4 hours walk. You might feel why short walk? It is because we care your safety. And as per the high altitude is concerned; it is not recommended to trek more than 500 meters a day. Dole to Machhermo is a beautiful walk from prospective of scenery and the Mountain View.
Days: 15: Machhermo to Gokyo (4790m); 4 hours hiking • Altitude – 4790 meters • Special – Gokyo lake • Time – 4 hours • Activity – Trekking along the river valley  
First lake of Gokyo will come on sight, today. Trekking along the river valley and beautiful panorama all around will surely make your heart flourished. With saying that, walk in the no tree line zone will gives amazing view of the mountains and awesome landscape. Today you will spend night by the 3rd lake of Gokyo and you will see 3 lakes of Gokyo among 6 of them. Also the view of Mt Choyu right after climbing up of Machhermo village is awesome. Gokyo side of this Jiri Gokyo Everest base camp trek will surely help you to enjoy nature at your best before you get to awaited destination of Everest base camp. Gokyo ri standing at 5360 meters above the sea level will acclimatize your body, completely. Climbing Chola pass or trekking to Everest base camp will not be an issue with this itinerary. In the afternoon, after getting to Gokyo village; if you are interested, we can trek to 5th lake of Gokyo.
Days: 16: Gokyo to Gokyo Peak (5483m) and trek to Thagnag (4750m) • Altitude – 5483/4750 meters • Special – Sunrise and view of Everest along with surrounding mountains • Time – 6/7 hours • Activity – Passing along the blue glacier  
In the morning, we will trek up to the top of Gokyo ri for sunrise. The timeline and schedule can be customized as per your interest, however. After capturing the great view of Everest and the surrounding mountain from the top of Gokyo ri we will hike back to Gokyo village and trek towards tangnak, today. It takes approx. 4 hours to get to Thangnak village from Gokyo village. We will have to pass along the blue glacier today. This is glacier is also called Nagjumba glacier.
Days: 17: Thagnag to Dozongla (4710m), crossing Cho-La pass (5300m) • Altitude – 5300/4710 meters • Special – Getting top of Chola Pass and view of tall mountains • Time – 8/10 hours hike • Activity – Trekking  
Thangnak is the base camp of Cho la pass. Your acclimatized body from Gokyo ri climb, will surely help you for climbing to the top of Chola pass. Chola pass is one of the technical pass among famous 3 high pass trek in Everest, but 15 days of trekking in Nepal and your habituated body will make it easy climb and you will be inspired with the view of mountains. From the top of Chola pass we will see mt Makalu, 5th tallest mountain of world. To get to Zongla, on the other side of Chola pass; it takes 8 to 10 hours of hiking. After crossing the Chola pass we will get to Khumbu valley from Gokyo valley. Mt amadablam will look different from this side of Everest region, but it is more than awesome view. To get the best view, we will start climbing early today. Early Start towards chola pass not only give us a beautiful view but also help us to climb off of the icy part before it starts melting.
Days: 18: Dozongla to Lobuche (4910m) • Altitude – 4910 meters • Special – View of Pheriche village • Time – 5 hours hike • Activity – Trekking  
Trek from Zongla to Lobuche is short and amazing. We will trek by Chola Lake and the view of Pheriche village is more than stunning. 5 hours of hiking to Lobuche will be in between Lobuche peak and Taboche peak. This is a river valley, the river originating from Chola pass. Also the view of Amadablam will look unreal where the landscape is breathtakingly beautiful. However, you might lose your peace after getting back to the trail of Everest base camp route. Everest base camp route will meet at Lobuche
Days: 19: Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5365m), then back to Gorakshep (5180m) • Altitude – 5365/5180 meters • Special – Gorakshep village and view of mountains • Time – 4/5 hours trek • Activity – Trekking  
Trekking to Everest base camp start after breakfast at Lobuche village, if we get in the right time we will also have lunch at Gorakshep before trekking to Everest base camp. Trekking is long for this day but it has break in between. We will check in the hotel at Gorakshep village, might have lunch at the village and go to base camp. Walk today is mostly on the rocky trail on the glacier of chumbu at the beginning and khmbu later. Khumbu glacier is one longest glacier of the world with its length more than 2 kilometers. Even before getting to the Gorakshep village we will have great view of Everest base camp from far. View of Everest glacier and the surrounding mountains looks amazing way earlier than the village of Gorakshep. Mt pumori near to Kalapatthar hill looks Giant Mountain whereas tiny top of Mt Everest reappears today. Apart from the view during the trekking, we will have different experience of thin air from the beginning of the days hike from Lobuche. But once we get to the village of Gorakshep, slight headache is normal and the air will be thin unrealistically. Trekking to Everest base camp from Gorakshep is on the top of Khumbu glacier. The view of the infinity glacier is overwhelming. Everest base camp looks closer from one ridge but still take more than 2 hours to get there. Once you get to the base camp of Everest, the silence of the place is unspoken. If you are trekking to Everest base camp in the peak season of trekking in Nepal then, the base camp region might be crowded but it has wide space if enjoy the nature. Base camp of Everest is never tiring to anyone but the altitude might affect everybody. So make sure you are okay, stay at the base camp as long as you want but make sure health is in your favor. After spending time at the Everest base camp; we will trek back to Gorakshep village. Trekking to Everest base camp to Gorakshep is on the rocky trail for 2.5 hours.
Days: 20: Hiking up Kalapatthar (5545 meters) then trek back down to Pangboche Village (4000meters) • Altitude – 5545/4000 meters • Special – Panoramic view of mountains • Time – 7/8 hours trek • Activity –  
From the top of Kalapatthar the view is different than from the top of Gokyo ri. Also Kalapatthar top will be the highest altitude of entire jiri Gokyo Everest base camp trek. From Kalapatthar both sunrise and sunset is outstanding. Kalapatthar is 10 kilometer away from the Mount Everest. You can see Everest base camp, Khumbu icefall, Khumbu glacier, Pumori glacier, Chumbu glacier, Nuptse icefall and never ending range of khumbu himalaya range. After hiking to the summit of Kalapatthar we will trek down to Pangboche village. here the view of Mt Amadablam changes and so is the view of Mount Everest. Everest hides behind huge Nuptse. Nuptse is 4th highest mountain of world, it is massive and beautiful.
Days: 21: Trek back to Namche Bazaar (3440m). • Altitude – 3440 meters • Special – Exploration of monastery • Time – 7 hours hike • Activity – Trekking  
Pangboche has oldest monastery of the region where mysterious monk used to meditate in this land and hand and head of Yeti who used to help him meditating; can be seen in the monastery. After a short visit to the monastery, we will trek back to Namche bazar. Namche is 7 hours away from Pangboche. Trail is mostly downhill.
Days: 22: Trek back to Lukla (2800m). • Altitude – 2880 meters • Special – View of mountains and greenery • Time – 4/5 hours trek • Activity – Trekking through jungle  
The same trail till Benkar and we will walk through a jungle before getting to Lukla. Airstrip of Lukla is awesome. We trek out of Sagarmatha national park and end our trekking at Lukla, a Himalayan town. You can celebrate your jiri Gokyo ebc trek finish line at Lukla. Interestingly there are pubs and mountain clubs at Lukla bazzar
Days: 23: Fly back to Kathmandu • Altitude –1380 meters • Special – View of mountains and greenery • Time – 25 minutes • Activity – Flying in plane  
A short and scenic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu will be 25 minutes. We will fly out of the small runway of Lukla and fly alongside the mountains of Nepal. Small plane will land in Kathmandu; trekking guide will assist you to get to your hotel. Trekking trip with Nepalgram ends here with 21 days jiri Gokyo Everest base camp cho la pass trek but our future adventure together, always waits.
Days: 24: Free Day in Kathmandu  
Day in Kathmandu at leisure Take time for your last shopping or sightseeing. Farewell dinner together with the guide. # Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Days: 25: Fly back to Kathmandu  
In the morning, we fly back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free for you to do your own thing. As the trip has finally come to an end, you may do some souvenir shopping as a memory. Later, pack your bags to return to their respective destinations. Overnight in a hotel
Reservation & Date
Monday
01 Jan 2024
Tuesday
31 Dec 2024
$75 Off
$2425
$2500
10 Seats
Available
Inclusion/ Exclusion

Inclusion/Exclusion Description

Services Included
  • Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
  • 4 night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Teahouse accommodation during the Jiri to Gokyo Trek
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the Trek
  • Welcome and farewell dinners
  • All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
  • Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private vehicle
  • Entrance fees for sightseeing/monument visits as per the itinerary
  • An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
  • Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
  • Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation
  • Nepal New Generation Trek trekking and Duffel bags, T-shirt and trekking map are included
  • All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
  • Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
  • All government and local taxes
Services Excluded
  • Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
  • Tips for guides and porters
  • Domestic flights ( Lukla -Kathmandu) $ 180 perperson
Frequently Asked Questions

The answers to your questions regarding the Nepal New Generation Trek, what this trip entails, and what is needed can be found in the following frequently asked questions. If your question isn't addressed there, don't hesitate to contact us.

Gokyo Chola Kalapatthar from jiri is one of the longest but versatile treks, since the trek starts from 2000 meter or 6560 feet and climbs all the way to highest altitude of 5545 meter or 1888 feet altitude during our 22 days trekking, beautiful, panoramic region. We started our trekking after driving in a tourist bus to the historic town of Jiri.