Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp Trek

You will begin the Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp Trek with a scenic flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla. Our representative will transfer you to the domestic terminal of the Tribhuvan International Airport. It is a short flight but offers spectacular aerial views of diverse landscapes and the Himalayas. Please note that the flight may be rerouted to Manthali Airport in Ramechhap during peak season due to heavy air traffic. In such a case, you must first drive to Ramechhap from the capital city.

Once you reach Lukla, you will first meet with the trekking crew and organize your gear. Then, your trekking adventure begins. At the beginning of the Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp Trek via Cho La Pass route, you will gently descend past small Sherpa settlements along the Dudh Koshi Valley. You will pass through settlements such as Chheplung, Thado Kosi, Ghat, and Chhuthawa. Along the way, you will also pass by prayer wheels, mani stones, and small teahouses. After descending for a short while, the path gradually starts to ascend. The trail winds through the forests of rhododendrons and pines. Similarly, you will cross suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River.

As it is the first day of the trek, the walk is relatively shorter. It allows you to enjoy peaceful trekking while adjusting to the altitude. You will trek through the peaceful river valley while enjoying the scenery. Following the trail, you will reach today’s destination, Phakding. Phakding is a charming, quiet settlement that sits along the banks of the Dudh Koshi River. You can spend the evening resting, exploring the nearby monasteries, and the surrounding area. Stay overnight at Phakding.

Day 2 starts with a hearty breakfast in the serene atmosphere of Phakding. Then, you will join the Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp Trekking trail. It goes along the scenic valley of the Dudh Koshi River, taking you deeper into the Khumbu region. You will also gradually gain altitude. There are several suspension bridges decorated with colorful prayer flags along the route. The trekking trail takes you through traditional Sherpa villages such as Toktok, Benkar, and Monjo. From Monjo, you will officially enter the Sagarmatha National Park. There is a checkpoint at the park’s entrance, where you must show the trekking permits.

After entering the national park, you will reach Jorsalle village. It is the last settlement before Namche Bazaar. The trail begins to follow the river from here. After a while, you will cross the iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge. The bridge is one of the famous landmarks of the Everest region, spanning over the Dudh Koshi River.

Crossing the swaying bridge over the raging river is a thrilling experience and also marks the start of the steep ascent towards the Namche Bazaar. You will hike on the winding trail through dense forests. While the climb is demanding, you may catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest at a distance. The trail then opens up, revealing Namche Bazaar. It will be your stop for the next two nights.

Namche Bazaar is also famously known as the “Sherpa Capital” and the trading hub of the Khumbu region. It is also an important acclimatization stop during the Everest treks. You will also make an acclimatization stop here today for your Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp adventure.

It is important to stay active to adapt to the high altitude. Thus, you will take a side hike to the Everest View Hotel after breakfast. At an altitude of 3,880 m, the Everest View Hotel is one of the world’s highest hotels. It is also a popular spot that offers panoramic views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse. From Namche Bazaar, the hike is moderately challenging. You will head northeast, passing by small Sherpa villages and terrace fields. The trail winds through rhododendron and pine forests. You will come across small streams and stone steps on your way to the hotel.

The Hotel Everest View sits on a ridge and offers sweeping views of the Khumbu peaks. The hotel also serves gourmet meals, so you can enjoy lunch here. After enjoying the views and lunch, you will descend to Namche Bazaar. With the spare time, you can explore around the town, wandering the vibrant markets and narrow alleys, or visiting the Sherpa Cultural Museum. You can also rest and prepare for the next day’s climb to higher altitudes.

After breakfast at Dole, you will resume your steady climb to the upper Gokyo Valley following the Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp Trekking trail. The further you go, the more open and alpine the landscape becomes. You will follow the hillside above the Dudh Koshi River.

Along the way, you will come across small yak pastries and scattered stone huts used by local herders. Due to the high altitude, you will see only a few trees. Shrubs, grass, and rocky terrain mostly dominate the open alpine landscape. You will also get a clear view of Mount Cho Oyu and the pyramid shape of Ama Dablam.

Moving forward, you will trek on rugged terrain, passing by small settlements of Lhabarma and Luza. The view of the traditional houses against the alpine background looks striking. However, the higher you go, the thinner the air becomes. It makes the elevation more noticeable, and you have to maintain a slow and steady pace.

Trekking through the high alpine meadows and rocky slopes, you may come across yaks grazing leisurely on the green pastures. After trekking for a while, you will reach Machhermo, a small village which will be your overnight stop. Machhermo is located beside a glacial stream right beneath the towering mountains. There is a Himalayan Rescue Association aid post in the village, which treats mild altitude sickness. Enjoy the quiet atmosphere and let your body acclimate for the night.

On this day, you will begin your climb to the Upper Gokyo Valley. You will leave Machhermo and begin ascending into the Everest region, deeper and higher. The alpine meadow gives way to more glacial terrain. You will trek along a route that follows the valley floor, alongside streams. The surrounding glaciers feed these streams. As you navigate your way through the valley floor, you can get a sweeping view of several peaks, including the world’s sixth-highest mountain, Cho Oyu. You will trek through more rugged, rocky alpine terrain.

Gradually climbing uphill on the Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp Trekking trail, you will come across the emerald jewels of the Everest region, the Gokyo Lakes. The area feels more remote and quieter than the lower Khumbu region, and the terrain becomes rockier.

You will come across the first Gokyo Lake, Longpongo, followed by the second lake, Taboche Tsho. You will trek along the lakeshore, enjoying the beautiful view of the mountains and their reflections on the lake. After a while, you will come across the largest and most famous Gokyo Lake, Dudh Pokhari. Following the trail, you will finally reach the Gokyo village.

Gokyo village sits on the shore of Dudh Pokhari and offers views of Nepal’s largest glacier, the Ngozumpa Glacier. Just as you get close to the Gokyo village, the trail steepens, and lodges and colorful prayer flags come into view. You will stay at the village for the next two nights.

Today is an exciting day, and you will ascend to one of the popular viewpoints of the Everest region, the Gokyo Ri. The day starts early, as the morning weather is calm and clear. You will start the trek on a dirt path near the third Gokyo Lake, Dudh Pokhari. The trail winds through the village, passing by colorful prayer flags, mani walls, stone cairns, and lodges. You will trek on the northern trail along the base of a ridge. At the start of the hike, you will gently climb uphill on a rocky and gravelly terrain. Small stone cairns mark the trail. Similarly, you will come across tiny alpine shrubs and tiny streams.

After trekking for a while, you will start climbing over the Ngozumpa Glacier moraines. The terrain also becomes rocky and uneven, and you will trek on loose scree and moraine ridges. You can see the Ngozumpa Glacier to the north of the trail. Likewise, you can also see the Gokyo Lakes far below.

Trekking on the trail requires careful footing and pacing. For the final ascent, the trail takes a sharp turn along a narrow rocky ridge. The zigzag path and narrow sections with drop-offs on either side, loose rocks, and scree will test you. The thin air and high altitude also make the ascent demanding.

Scattered stone cairns and colorful fluttering prayer flags mark the summit of the Gokyo Ri. It is a small, flat area that offers a sweeping view of the Himalayan panorama. You can get a clear view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse to the east. To the north, you can see Cho Oyu, and to the south, you can enjoy the view of Makalu, Baruntse, and Cholatse. Below, you can see the entire turquoise lake series and the Ngozumpa Glacier. You will have time to explore around and enjoy the scenery. Then, you will return to Gokyo village and stay there for the night.

You will leave the beautiful Gokyo village today on a well-marked trail along the Gokyo Lakes. Trekking on the rocky terrain, you will descend slightly along the moraine ridges. You can see the Ngozumpa Glacier on your right, stretching northward. The Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp Trekking trail is uneven and rugged, with loose stones and small boulders.

Occasionally, you will come across small glacier-fed streams. As the terrain is mostly alpine, you will mostly come across alpine shrubs and moss patches. After the initial descent, there are gentle ups and downs along the way. You will cross minor valleys and wooden plank bridges over glacial streams. There are small cairns along the trail.

Leaving behind the Gokyo Lakes and Ngozumpa Glacier, you can get a view of distant peaks like Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang. The trek today is moderate. Nothing too demanding that will test you physically or mentally. Getting closer to Thangnak, the trail becomes rockier.

You will also notice large boulders and occasional scree slopes. Then, you will reach Thagnak, a small settlement which will be your stop for the night. Thagnak is located below Gokyo. From here, you can get clear views of the Ngozumpa Glacier and the surrounding peaks. It is a perfect place to rest and acclimatize before the Cho La Pass crossing tomorrow.

On this day, you will finally cross the most anticipated high pass, the Cho La Pass. You will start with a gentle ascent through alpine vegetation and rocky moraines early in the morning. The trail gradually goes uphill towards the base of the Cho La Pass. Similarly, you will trek on loose scree and small boulder fields while passing by small glacial streams. Stone cairns mark the path, and as you go higher, you can see Mount Cholatse and Taboche dominating the horizon.

After trekking for a while, the trail begins to ascend steeply in the last stretch of 400-500 m (1,312–1,640 ft). The high altitude, steep ascent, and rough terrain make the climb to the pass more demanding. Similarly, the trails are winding, and you must also trek on rough glacial terrain.

In the morning, the surface may be icy and require careful footing. Reaching the top of the pass is an exhilarating and deeply rewarding moment. Prayer flags and cairns decorate the pass top, which reflects the spirituality of the locals.

A mesmerizing mountain view unfolds before you. The Cho La Pass top offers incredible panoramic views of Ama Dablam, Makalu, Lhotse, Cholatse, and other distant peaks. Likewise, you can get sweeping views of the Khumbu Glacier valley.

Descending from the Cho La Pass is equally demanding as climbing uphill. The downhill trail is also steep and rocky. The loose scree and glacial debris make the path slippery, so you have to be cautious while making careful footing. It is also the most technical part of the day.

You will descend from the pass towards Dzongla. As you move forward, the rocky moraine gives way to a wider alpine valley. The trail also becomes less steep and more stable. Following the trail, you will reach the small settlement of Dzongla. It is one of the most notable stops on the Everest Three Passes route. The settlement is located right below the towering walls of Cholatse and Taboche. After the challenging crossing of the Cho La Pass, you will rest at a teahouse in Dzongla for the night.

After breakfast at Dzongla, today you will join the trail that connects to the Everest Base Camp trekking trail. You will start with a gradual uphill ascent over grassy alpine terrain and rocky ground. The spectacular view of Cholatse and Taboche keeps you company.

You will leave the valley floor and gradually ascend towards a small ridge. There are no steep sections, but you must make a steady ascent. Upon reaching the ridge, you will get your first clear views of the Khumbu Valley and wide glacial terrain stretching toward Lobuche. From here, the terrain becomes more barren. You will navigate your way through scattered rocks and moraine debris.

Once you cross the ridge, the trail follows a gentle path across open alpine terrain. Then, you will trek along the lateral moraines of the Khumbu Glacier, one of the most famous glaciers and a key landmark in the Everest region. There are several ups and downs along the way.

Similarly, you will cross several glacial streams and rocky landscapes. After trekking for a while, you will join the main Everest Base Camp route that connects with Lobuche and Gorakshep. The trail also widens and becomes busier as many trekkers pass through this section. For the final section of today’s trek, you will gradually climb across glacial moraine terrain to reach Lobuche. There is a small cluster of lodges at Lobuche village that sits beside the Khumbu Glacier. You will stay here for the night.

The highly awaited day is here. Today, you will climb up to the iconic Everest Base Camp. You will start the day early, following the trail to the northeast toward the Khumbu Glacier. The trail to EBC ascends slightly across rocky moraine terrain. Walking along the edge of the Khumbu Glacier, you can get a clear view of the Nuptse, Pumori, and the Khumbu Icefall.

There is no vegetation except for occasional moss and alpine shrubs. There are some steep sections, and the route takes you through glacial moraines and rocky terrain. After trekking for about 1.5 to 2 hours from Lobuche, you will reach the last moraine ridge.

As you go higher, the view of the surrounding peaks comes closer. You will continue trekking past small cairns and prayer flags on rugged terrain until you reach the Everest Base Camp. The base camp is located at the foot of Mount Everest and close to the Khumbu Icefall.

You can see the vistas of Nuptse, Pumori, and part of Lhotse. Mount Everest is also visible, but its summit is mostly hidden behind the towering wall of Nuptse. Similarly, you can see the beautiful Khumbu Glacier, Khumbu Icefall, and surrounding ice formations. You will spend some time exploring around the base camp, enjoying the view, and taking photos.

From the Everest Base Camp, you will retrace your steps and head towards Gorakshep. You will mostly descend on the rocky moraine trail, which is relatively easier than climbing uphill. However, the rugged terrain and high altitude make the descent slow. Gorakshep is a small settlement with a cluster of lodges. You will rest here for the night and prepare for another exciting day.

It is another early day on the 12th day of the Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp Trek journey. You will start your hike to Kalapatthar before sunrise with headlamps lighting the path. Right from the start, the trail to the iconic viewpoint ascends steeply.

The winding trail ascends along a dusty ridge, over loose stones and moraine terrain. The high altitude and steep slope make the trek both demanding and thrilling. Along the way, you will start to gain a gorgeous view of the Himalayan peaks. Then, you will make a steady climb over boulders to reach the summit of Kalapatthar.

The Kalapatthar viewpoint offers one of the best close-up views of Mount Everest. Unlike from Everest Base Camp, from here you can get a clear view of the world’s tallest mountain. Likewise, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of Nupte, Lhotse, and Pumori. You can also see the massive Khumbu Glacier and parts of Everest Base Camp.

Watch the clear, golden sunrise over the towering Himalayan peaks. You can explore around, take photographs, or simply enjoy the views. Then, you will retrace your steps to Gorakshep. From Gorakshep, you will begin your descent along the Khumbu Glacier moraine to Lobuche.

After retracing your steps to Lobuche, you will climb downhill toward Thukla. Along the way, you will come across a memorial site dedicated to mountaineers who have lost their lives on Everest or the surrounding peaks. The trekking trail descends steeply from the memorial site to Thukla. Then, you will follow the route on a broad glacial valley floor. You will notice the terrain becoming more open and grassy.

Then, you will arrive at Pheriche. You can stay at Pheriche for the night. Or, you can trek a little further to Pangboche if you have time and energy. Pangboche is one of the oldest Sherpa villages and home to Pangboche Monastery. You can stay overnight at Pangboche.

If you stayed overnight at Pheriche, you would descend along the wide valley floor toward Pangboche. If you start from Pangboche, you will directly join the main Everest Base Camp Trekking trail. You will descend through alpine meadows and forests of rhododendron.

On your way, you will come across the famous Tengboche village, known for the Tengboche Monastery. The monastery is the spiritual center of the Everest region. You can get a clear view of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse from here.

From Tengboche, the Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp Trekking trail begins to descend steeply. The landscape also changes from the alpine meadows to dense forests of pine and rhododendron. It takes you to Phunki Tenga, a village that sits beside the Dudh Koshi River.

Along the way, you will trek on stone steps and cross suspension bridges to Phunki Tenga. You will cross a river and begin your ascent to Namche Bazaar. The trail ascends steadily for about two hours. You will pass by several small settlements and through forests. There are also prayer wheels, mani walls, and prayer flags on the way to Namche Bazaar. You will stay overnight at Namche.

Today is the final trekking day on the Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary. You will make a long descent from Namche Bazaar to Lukla. As you leave Namche, you will get a final view of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The trekking route passes through the familiar rhododendron and pine forests. You can also get a clear view of the Dudh Koshi River valley.

Similarly, you will once again cross the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. Crossing the bridge, you will arrive at Phakding. From Phakding, you will follow the Dudh Koshi River valley. You will once again pass by small Sherpa settlements like Ghat and Chheplung. There are gentle uphill and downhill climbing sections through pine forests. For the final stretch, you will make a steady ascent to Lukla. It is a long trekking day, and you will spend the night in Lukla.

You will take an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu or to Manthali Airport in Ramechhap. The flights are usually in the morning as the weather is most stable and calmer. The flight offers one last aerial view of the snow-covered Himalayan peaks, deep valleys, hills, glaciers, rivers, and diverse landscapes.

Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, our staff will assist you with your transfer to your hotel. During peak season, the flight may be redirected to Manthali Airport. Then, you will drive from Ramechhap to Kathmandu. The trek journey comes to an end once you reach Kathmandu.