Gokyo Chola pass and Everest Base Camp

"Trekking in the amazing. Gokyo Ri 5357m, Lakes Gokyo, Chola pass . and Everest base campLakes region as diverse as glacial"

Trip Introduction

Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes, recognized for the series of beautiful turquoise lakes in the Gokyo valley and the famous Cho La Pass, takes us through the landmarks of the Khumbu region in the company of majestically soaring mountains, friendly Sherpas, colorful monasteries, the Namche Bazaar, the Sagarmatha National Park, and, of course, to the base of the mighty Everest. The trek in advancing to the base of the world's tallest mountain maps out spectacular vistas from such celebrated viewpoints like Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar. The trek also awards us with great views of the Khumbu Icefall. Trekking to the Everest Base Camp through Gokyo Lakes, in a nutshell, will be a lifetime experience with the enthralling sights of Mt. Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Nuptse, Amadablam, Pumori, and Tengboche Monastery - the largest monastery in the Khumbu region of Nepal.

Highlights

Stand at the shores of a chain of six turquoise, glacial-fed lakes
Hike along Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in the Himalaya
Avoid the Everest crowds, but enjoy the selection of great views
Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) for spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu
Return via Renjo La pass (5,340 m), over one of Nepal's most beautiful passes
Trek through the Sherpa town of Khumjung, home of a ‘real’ yeti skull
From 'Scoundrel's viewpoint' near the fifth lake, peer over a wasteland of rock and ice that is the vast Ngozumpa Glacier

As well as trekking to the six glacial-fed Gokyo Lakes, trekkers can include a climb to the top of Gokyo Ri, which is at the same altitude as Everest Base Camp. From the summit, you will enjoy spectacular views of Everest and other very high mountains and glaciers.

Trekking this route provides a lot of variety: views of the bright turquoise high-altitude lakes, Ngozumpa glacier (the largest glacier in the Himalayas), and views across to Everest as well as other 8,000 meter-plus mountains from the top of Gokyo Ri (Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu).

Interested in doing this trek? Get in touch with one of our local Nepal specialists who can organize this trek for you with an experienced licensed guide.

Best Season

As with most treks in Nepal, the best times to do it are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). In these months the weather is likely to be clear, and daytime temperatures warm. The Khumbu region, however, is known to be particularly cold and dry, and many trekkers develop the ‘Khumbu cough’ due to the dry dust.

It is usually possible to trek in the summer/monsoon and winter seasons, but greater preparation for difficult conditions is required, and you may not get clear views.

For more information, check out our article on the best time to visit Nepal.

Getting There & Away

As the first part of the trek follows the same route at the Everest Base Camp trek, the most common way of getting onto the trail is to fly to the small airport at Lukla. This is a stunning experience in itself. Numerous flights are made daily from Kathmandu, in small fixed-wing airplanes, taking around 30 minutes. However, bad weather frequently closes the airport, so it’s wise to prepare for delays if flying to Lukla and to keep a day or two as buffer days.

The alternative to flying to Lukla is to trek overland from outside Kathmandu, the “pioneers’ route” that was taken by expeditioners to Everest in the 1950s. This connects to the trailhead at Jiri, which passes beneath Lukla. Taking this option significantly lengthens the trek, adding about an extra seven days. It also requires crossing several passes, including one of over 3,500 meters. This is not the ‘easy’ option of getting onto the Gokyo Lakes trail, but it is adventurous and will help with acclimatization.

The Gokyo Lakes trek is in-and-out, meaning that you retrace your route back once you’ve finished.

Brief Itinerary

Below, you'll find our itinerary from trekking from Lukla to Gokyo and back to Lukla. (Extra days can be added if trekking to Jiri/Lukla if visiting more lakes.)

Day 01 – Arrival and transfer to hotel in Kathmandu/welcome dinner (NNGTA)

Day 02 – Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley day (B)

Day 03 – Flight to Lukla (2800m) & trek to Phakding (2640m) (B, L, D)

Day 04 – Trek to Namche Bazar (3440m) (B, L, D)

Day 05 – Acclimatization day/exploring around Namche Bazar (B, L, D)

Day 06 – Trek to Phortse Tanga (3600m) (B, L, D)

Day 07 – Trek to Machhermo (4410m) (B, L, D)

Day 08 – Trek to Gokyo (4750m) (B, L, D)

Day 09 – Exploring around Gokyo, trek to Gokyo Ri (5360m), back to hotel (B, L, D)

Day 10 – Trek to Thangna (4765m) (B, L, D)

Day 11 – Trek to to Dzongla (4840m) via Cho La Pass (5420m) (B, L, D)

Day 12 – Trek to Lobuche (4930m) (B, L, D)

Day 13 – Trek to Gorak Shep (5190m), side trip to Everest Base Camp (5365m) (B, L, D)

Day 14 – Ascent of Kala Patthar (5545m) and trek to Lobuche (4930m) (B, L, D)

Day 15 – Trek to Tengboche (3870m) (B, L, D)

Day 16 – Trek to Namche Bazar (3440m

Day 17 – Trek to Lukla (2800m) (B, L, D)

Day 18 – Fly to Kathmandu /Hotel (B)

Day 19 – Sightseeing day around Kathmandu/good bye dinner (B, D)

Day 20 – Transport to airport, flight back home (B)

No of Guests	Price ( With GSG )	Price ( With ESG)
1 pax	USD	USD 2121
2 pax	USD	USD 1705
3 pax	USD	USD 1662
4 pax	USD	USD 1674
5 pax	USD	USD 1654
6 pax	USD	USD 1544
7 pax	USD	USD 1591
8 pax	USD	USD 1589
9 pax	USD	USD 1587
10 pax	USD	USD 1558
11 pax	USD	USD 1559
12 pax	USD	USD 1537

* All Price is Per Person Price

Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
4 night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
Teahouse accommodation during the Everest base camp 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
Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Lukla -Kathmandu)
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 bag/duffel bag, t-shirt and trekking map are yours to take
All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
All government and local taxes

Cost Excludes:

• 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

Note: Contact us for pricing information and some more trekking.

EXTEND YOUR HOLIDAY

The program will be followed by sightseeing, Village tour, Rafting, Hiking, Horse ridding and the Mountain flight on the interest of the clients.
#Note: Contact to us for the price of trekking and other more information

How difficult is the Gokyo-Chola pass-Everest Base Camp Trek?

No ropes needed and no ice picks needed. There is no vertical climbing involved. The ground is rough, rocky and gravel strewn. Most of the trek involves long paths that go up and then down. People with weak ankles should take caution. Depending on the time of year you go there can also be snow and ice in the trails. There are some boulders that need climbing, but you can also walk around many. The Khumbu Glacier can be tricky to walk on due to potholes, rocks and unsettled ground. Use caution or seek the expertise of a guide.

How fit do I need to be to go trekking to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo?

A certain level of fitness is required. For trekking to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo, you’ll need to consider the enough amount of days for trekking. Most days include 4-7 hours of slow hiking. Altitude is the biggest problem . Going slowly is essential to avoid sickness. Do read about altitude sickness in Everest region. Many people from all walks of life, ages and fitness levels have trekked to Everest Base Camp. In the peak season there’s nothing much to worry about in terms of cold or extreme weather. “Generally speaking, the slower you trek, the easier it is.”

What if I am a solo traveler? Is there a supplemental for singles?

No problem. Many of our customers are traveling solo. It may also be an option to join a small group or another solo traveler, let us know if this interest you. Yes, there is a supplemental cost if you are traveling alone, please contact us to find out more.

When should I go to Everest Base Camp Trek via gokyo chola pass?

October to November is the start of the dry season and is the most popular time to visit Nepal as the monsoon has recently finished, leaving a green and lush countryside, fresh and clean air, and clear views of the Himalayan. From December to February the temperature is very cold but visibility is still good. With fewer tourists on the trails, this can be the preferred time to visit. However, the cold can make high altitude treks more strenuous than normal. Some treks will be closed due to snow. March to May is the second most popular time to visit. The weather is warmer and the visibility is still good, though not as crystal clear as between October to November. Nepal’s flowers, however, come alive at this time of year. June to September is the monsoon season. While you can still trek during this time, the options are limited due to the rains and heat.

What kind of Gear do I need?

Essential Items: -Warm Jacket -Waterproof jacket or poncho -Mid-weight fleece or sweater -2-3 Hiking shirts -1-2 pair Hiking pants -2-3 Non-hiking shirts -1 Long-sleeve shirt -1-2 Pairs non-hiking pants, shorts or skirts -2-3 Pairs warm socks -Warm hat -Sun hat -Long underwear (for high altitude) -Gloves (for high altitude) -Towel (preferably quick dry) -Day pack -Hiking shoes -Sandals -Sunglasses -Water bladder or bottle -Headlamp or flashlight -Sun screen -Lip balm -Personal medications -Camera Non-Essential Items: -Sleeping bag (can rent in Kathmandu) -Trekking poles (can buy or rent in Kathmandu) -Rain pants For more information Contact us.

Do I need to purchase my own travel insurance?

Yes. Most trips run smoothly, but once in awhile something unexpected can happen, that’s why we highly recommend and to join one of our trips you must have travel insurance. Please see our travel insurance section for more information.

Will I get altitude sickness on the Trek?

It is possible. There is no way to tell beforehand how you will be affected by the altitude. It is usually only above 3500 meters when people start to feel symptoms. Please see our page on altitude sickness for detailed information.

Will I have access to the internet?

Yes some of the place you will be able to use Internet if there in not any technical probem. eg; Lukla, Namche Bazzar, Pheriche and Gorakshep.

Can I charge my camera batteries on the trek?

Yes you can charge batteries but you’ll be charged by the hour and you’ll have to bring your own charger. Charges vary between 100 and 300 rupees per hour.

Will my mobile phone work on this trek?

Cell phones work at most of the places on Everest region trek, depending on your mobile provider. There are also phone services almost everywhere we go if you need to reach home.

What is the accommodation like?

We can tailor the accommodation to meet your requests. While in Kathmandu we generally stay in very nice 3-4 star hotels. During the treks, we will be staying in local guesthouses along the trail. The guesthouses vary, but overall are clean, charming and meet all of your needs.