| Trip code | GCPEBCT-10 |
| Package name | Gokyo Cho la pass with Everest Base Camp Trek |
| Duration | 18 Days |
| Max. elevation | 5550 Meter |
| Level | MODERATE |
| Transportation | Private vehicle and domestic flight as per itinerary |
| Accomodation | Three-star hotel in Kathmandu; and tea house lodges during the trek |
| Starts at | Kathmandu |
| Ends at | Kathmandu |
| Trip route | Kathmandu-Lukla-Namche-Machherma-Gokyo lake-Thaknak-Dzongla-ebc-Kalapathar-Pheriche-Namche-Kathmandu |
| Cost | USD 1,695 per person |
Everest Base Camp with Chola Pass tour begins with your arrival at Kathmandu international airport terminal. You will be welcomed by our staff and be transferred to your respective hotels in the hub of Kathmandu around the fascinating area of Thamel. After relaxing and having refreshments you will be briefed about the hotels, Nepali culture, and mostly about the trek to Everest Base Camp with the Cho-la pass. At night, you will be offered a warm welcome dinner in a typical Nepalese restaurant. After dinner, you may enjoy the folk cultural program and authentic Nepali cuisine.
In the morning, after breakfast, you can prepare your trekking gear and bags for the coming trek. You will be briefed about the trek by your guide who will also help you to plan and assist in making the packing list. After the preparation is done, you can go sightseeing around the world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley. You can choose to visit the Courtyards of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan Durbar square. You may also visit Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swoyambhunath.
Early in the morning after breakfast, you will leave towards Lukla from the domestic flight. The flight is one of those that is unforgettable since the landmass below changes drastically from green to snow-covered white. After the 35-minute flight lands in Lukla, you will see views of Everest and other surrounding mountain ranges. You can then begin the trek towards Phakding. The trail heads downhill and then passes through several nice Sherpa traditional villages. Overnight stay at Phakding village by the glacial river Dudh Kosi.
After breakfast, you will begin your trek through the beautiful alpine woodland of pines and rhododendron trees. Throughout the trail, you will get views of snowcapped peaks on the backdrop. After following a river upstream crossing several bridges you will enter the Sagarmatha National Park through Monjo. Sagarmatha national park is a national park situated at the highest elevation in Nepal. After crossing the last high bridge you will hike uphill and reach Namche Bazaar which is a lovely town village. The specialty of Namche is perhaps the availability of modern facilities like Climbing/Trekking shops, Cyber Cafes, post office, ATM, etc which makes it easier for the trekker to communicate. One of the most dominant views is of the Kwangde peaks towards the south.
This day has been set aside for acclimatization. Since there is a drastic change in the elevation, you might succumb to altitude sickness. Thus to avoid it, resting at Namche Bazaar is vital. On this day you can visit the nearest museum at Namche with information about the Khumbu region. The different cultures, histories, flora, and fauna of the Namche region will definitely keep you busy on this day. You can hike further up to see the views of the mountains like Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kangtenga, Kwangde, Khumbi-la along with the wonderful Mt. Everest and Lhotse towards the North. Stay overnight at Namche.
On this day, you will take the trail towards Kyangima near Shanasa. Along the path, you might spot the colorful Danphe pheasant (Impeyan Pheasant) which is the national bird of Nepal. If you are lucky enough you might even spot the elusive musk deer, Himalayan Thar (mountain goat) as well. The route then heads north with a slow climb to the ridge at Mong 3,973 meters. Eventually, you take a sharp descend and follow your way alongside Dudh Kosi at Phortse Thangka. The walk then continues to ascend through a patch of rhododendron forest. You will then enter a forest with juniper and conifers trees towards Tongba village at 3,950m and Gyele 3,960m. After reaching Dole you can spot the mesmeric views of Khumbila and Tawache at 6,542m.
You will begin your day by following the trail towards Machherma. You will walk along the valley on a modern trail towards Lhabarma Kharka which sits at an elevation of 4325m. Eventually, you will head up to Luza and then cross a ridge from where you will see the views of Machherma. You can hike uphill for panoramic views of Mt. Cho Oyo and the Ngozumba glacier.
On this day, you will head towards the wonderful Gokyo Lake. On the trail, you will walk across Pangka at 4545m. After the rocky climb, you will pass the first lake on the way and then the second lake. Then you will reach the third lake which is Dudh Pokhari. You will then stop at the bank of Gokyo which has a summer settlement. It offers a mesmerizing view of the emerald Gokyo Lake and the mountain ranges surrounding it.
This is a rest day at Gokyo since your body will have been tired after the challenging long trek. Also, it is best to acclimatize your body against possible altitude sickness. You will hike your way up to the Gokyo Ri which is a sight that is not to be missed at all. From the Gokyo Ri, you will get mind-boggling views of Mt. Cho Oyo, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Cholatse, Gyachung, and more peaks that are considered the highest in the world.
In the morning, after breakfast, you will head towards Thaknak, leaving behind the mesmerizing Gokyo. You will get closer to the Chugyuma/ Chola-la pass which is close to the Nha Village. You will stay overnight at Thaknak.
Early in the morning at dawn, you will begin your hike to Chola-La pass. The trail takes a long ascend and leads to a rocky moraine. It is a challenging day since you will have to walk on the heavy snow and ice. Upon reaching the cross, you will pass through up-close views of Nirekha, Taboche, and Cholatse. After enjoying the views, you will then take a hard climb and then descend to Dzong-la which is a small valley. Stay overnight at Dzong-la.
From Dzongla you will set out towards Lobuche. The pleasant walk takes you to Thugla which is located midway from the Pheriche valley, Dingboche, and Chola pass. You need to stay overnight at Lobuche in order to reach Everest Base Camp the next day.
Early in the mooring after breakfast, you can head towards Gorakshep. The views of Mt. Pumori, Khumbutse, and Mt. Everest will be clearly visible ahead of you along the trail. After around 2 hours you will reach Gorakshep then walk on moraine and icy trails to reach the 4-5 nice lodges. After this, you will not find any lodge facilities in the trail ahead. Eventually, you will continue towards the moraine overlooking the Khumbu icefall and then head to Everest Base Camp. The incredible views of the Base Camp will certainly keep your enthusiasm high. After that, you will head back to Gorakshep.
After having the exquisite views of the mountain ranges from Everest Base Camp, you will set out to amplify the experience by hiking towards Kalapatthar. Kalapatthar which is the highest point of the adventure is a hilltop on a black rocky ridge of a hill. Kalapatthar stands at 5545 m and offers panoramic views of Ama Dablam, Mt. Cho Oyo, Cholatse, and Taboche in all directions. After the awesome feeling of getting up close to the mountains, you will head towards Gorakhshep and continue towards Pheriche valley. Pheriche is a temporary settlement with more than 20 lodges and teahouses. Stay overnight at the lodge.
On this day you will be heading towards Namche Bazar from Thyangboche. You will take a long and pleasant walk on the downhill trail to enter Thyangboche after Shomare. After that, you will pass Pangboche village with an hour of the climb towards Thyangboche. You will walk along tree lines and rich green vegetation and then hike downhill short steep climb near Namche. Eventually, you will reach Namche Bazaar. Here you can get all the facilities required for communication and refreshment.
On this day, you will head back to Lukla from Monjo near the Sagarmatha National Park exit. Along the path, you will be surrounded by the scenery as the mountains will eventually get distant from you. Eventually, after a short uphill climb, you will reach Lukla where you will stop overnight. You can enjoy some local meals and drinks along with your Nepali friends.
On this day, you will fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla as you bid farewell to the Khumbu region. The 35 minute Flight will take you across the snow-blanketed Himalayas from the Tenzing Hillary Airport and then eventually to the green hills of Kathmandu valley. You can take a rest in the evening or can go souvenir shopping around Thamel. You might even enter the pubs in the area to get a taste of the nightlife in Kathmandu.
You will be bidding farewell to lovely Nepal after the wonderful Everest Base camp with the Chola Pass trek. You will be dropped off at the Tribhuvan International Airport by our staff. As you head home you will reminisce the pleasing time that you spent in the landscapes of Nepal.