Highlights
Moderate To Fairly Hard, 5550m
Hotel/ Guest House
BLD from guesthouse
Private Car/ Van/ Bus/ Flight
March-May, Oct - November
- Gokyo Lakes & Gokyo Ri (5,367m): high-altitude glacier lakes and breathtaking view of the Everest.
- The Thrilling Cho La Pass (5,368m): connecting the Gokyo Valley to Everest Base Camp.
- Stand at Kala Patthar (5,550m): viewpoint for an unforgettable Everest sunrise.
- Sherpa Culture & Monasteries and Buddhist culture by visiting Tengboche Monastery.
Gokyo Chola Pass Trekking Overview
The Gokyo Chola Pass Trekking is an extraordinary, high-altitude journey designed for adventurers seeking to experience the raw grandeur of the Everest region. This trek masterfully combines the iconic landmarks of the Khumbu valley with the tranquil, turquoise waters of the sacred Gokyo Lakes and the thrilling, glacial traverse of the Cho La Pass (5,368m).
By choosing this loop, you avoid retracing your steps and instead enjoy a complete circuit that offers two unparalleled panoramic viewpoints: Gokyo Ri (5,367m) and Kala Patthar (5,550m). From these Everest view points, you will stand face to face with four of the world’s fourteen highest peaks: Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Along the way, the deep rooted Sherpa culture, ancient monasteries, and legendary Himalayan hospitality turn a challenging trek into a profound life experience.
Gokyo Chola Pass Trekking guides & Porters
Your safety and experience are our top priorities. At Alpine Asian Treks, we provide highly experienced, government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guides who have spent decades navigating the Everest region. Your guide carries a basic medical kit, monitors your oxygen levels, and coordinates all lodge bookings.
We provide one dedicated porter for every two trekkers to carry your main luggage (up to 12.5 kg per person). Our porters are paid fair wages, fully insured against accidents according to state laws, and treated with deep respect as essential members of our mountain family.
Trekking Equipment: For more details click here
Altitude Mountain Sickness: For more details click here
Clean and quiet hotel in Kathmandu: Green Eco Resort
Outline Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02 Kathmandu Guided Sightseeing
Day 03 Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding 2,640m
Day 04 Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440m
Day 05 Acclimatization & Explore Day
Day 07 Trek to Machhermo 4,410m
Day 08 Trek to Gokyo Village 4,760m
Day 09 Hike to Gokyo Ri 5367m, Trek to Thangnak 4,670m
Day 10 Cross Cho La Pass 5368m, Trek to Dzongla 4,830m
Day 11 Trek to Lobuche 4,940m
Day 12 Trek to Gorakshep 5163m & Everest Base Camp 5,364m
Day 13 Hike to Kala Patthar, Trek to Lobuche 5,550m
Day 14 Trek to Tengboche Monastery 3800m
Day 15 Trek back to Monjo
Day 16 Trek back to Lukla
Day 17 Fly back to Kathmandu
Day 18 Final Departure Home
Day to Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu & Welcome Dinner
Welcome to Nepal! A representative from Alpine Asian Treks will greet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu via a comfortable private vehicle. Spend the afternoon resting or exploring the local streets. In the evening, join us for a warm welcome dinner featuring authentic Nepali cuisine.
Kathmandu UNESCO Heritage Sightseeing
After breakfast, drive a guided tour of Kathmandu's most iconic historical sites. You will visit the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the massive Buddhist stupas of Boudhanath and Swayambhunath (The Monkey Temple), and the ancient architecture of Patan Durbar Square. Your city tour guide will help pack your day with rich history before a final evening gear check with your trekking guide. Return to hotel and meet the trekking guide pack for tomorrow.
Scenic Flight to Lukla & Hikes to Phakding
Altitude: 2,640m | 4 Hours Walking
An early morning your guide pick you up from your hotel and transfer domestic airport for your spectacular 45-minute mountain flight to Lukla (Tenzing-Hillary Airport). After meeting your porters and enjoying the breakfast, the trek officially begins. Walk along an easy, downhill trail winding through lush green valleys, crossing suspension bridges, and passing stone Mani walls until you reach the village of Phakding.
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Altitude: 3,440m | 5 - 6 Hours Walking
Following the Dudh Koshi River northward, the trail crosses several high suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. Register your permit at the Sagarmatha National Park office and hike to Monjo for lunch. The final leg of today's trek is a long, steady uphill climb that rewards you with your first distant glimpse of Mt. Everest before reaching the vibrant mountain amphitheater of Namche Bazaar.
Acclimatization Day & Exploration of Khumjung
Today is a scheduled rest day, but staying active helps your body adapt. We hike up to Syangboche 3800m for an expansive mountain panorama. From there, we descend into the traditional Sherpa village of Khumjung to visit the historic school built by Sir Edmund Hillary. Return to Namche for your overnight stay.
Trek to Dole via Mung Danda
Altitude: 4,110m | 5 -6 Hrs Walking
The trail leaves the main Everest track and climbs steadily up to Mung Danda (3,900m), offering stunning, wide views of Ama Dablam and Thamserku. From there, descend into the deep valley to Phortse Tenga before making a final 3-hour uphill push through rhododendron and pine forests to reach the quiet alpine settlement of Dole.
Trek to Machhermo
Altitude: 4,410m | 5-6 Hrs Walking
Today features a shorter, more scenic climb as we rise above the tree line. The trail passes through summer pastures and temporary yak herding shelters. As you cross the 4,000m mark, the thin air requires a slow, measured pace. Take your time, enjoy the views of Mt. Cho Oyu, and settle into Machhermo by afternoon.
Trek to the Sacred Gokyo Lakes
Altitude: 4,760m | 5 Hours Walking
A truly magical trekking day. The trail climbs a ridge to reveal the first of the deep blue Gokyo Lakes. Follow the rocky moraine past the second lake, arriving finally at the third lake (Dudh Pokhari), on whose banks sits the peaceful village of Gokyo. Spend your afternoon relaxing by the crystal-clear waters under the shadow of Mt. Cho Oyu.
Sunrise at Gokyo Ri & Trek to Thangnak
Gokyo Ri Altitude: 5,367m | 8-9 Hrs.
Wake up at 5:00 AM for a steep 1-hour climb up Gokyo Ri. Watch a golden sunrise illuminate Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and the massive Ngozumpa Glacier the largest glacier in the Himalayas. Head back down to the lodge for a hearty breakfast, then cross the flat glacier trail to the small hamlet of Thangnak 4670m to prepare for tomorrow's pass.
Cross the Mighty Cho La Pass to Dzongla
Altitude: 5,368m / 4,830m | 8-9 Hrs
Today is your grand alpine challenge! We start before dawn to conquer the steep, rocky terrain leading up the Cho La Pass. Negotiating the slippery ice on the glacial crossing requires caution and steady footing. At the top, you are rewarded with unparalleled views of Ama Dablam and Cholatse. Carefully descend the steep rock faces to the village of Dzongla (Tshola).
Trek to Lobuche
Altitude: 4,940m | 5-6 hrs
Compared to yesterday, today's trail is much shorter and gentler. Trace the grassy hillsides alongside the roaring river moraine, joining back up with the classic Everest Base Camp route. Towering Himalayan walls rise directly beside you as you march easily toward the high-altitude outpost of Lobuche.
Trek to Gorakshep & Hike to Everest Base Camp
Altitude: 5,364m | 6 - 7 Hours Total
The trail winds through rough rocky fields alongside the Khumbu Glacier to Gorakshep 5163m, the final lodge settlement on the route. After a quick lunch, we push onward for 2 to 3 hours over rocky terrain to reach Everest Base Camp, Celebrate standing at the base of the world's highest peak before heading back to Gorakshep for a well-deserved rest.
Climb Kala Patthar & Trek back to Lobuche
Kalapatter: 5,550m / 4,940m | 7-8 Hrs
Another early morning push leads up the dark scree slope of Kala Patthar (5,550m), the highest point of our journey. From here, you will view the ultimate close-up panoramic shot of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse as the sun climbs over the peaks. Descend to the lodge for a warm breakfast, pack up, and head down to Lobuche 4200m.
Descend to Tengboche Monastery
Altitude: 3,880m | 5 Hrs Walking
Enjoy breathing richer air as the trail drops rapidly into lower altitudes. We head down past Pheriche and trace the beautiful hillsides down to Tengboche. Check into your lodge and spend the afternoon visiting the famous Tengboche Monastery, where you can watch the monks pray and receive a blessing from the resident Rinpoche.
Trek back to Monjo
We drop down a steep trail through rhododendron forests to the bottom of the valley, cross the river, and climb back up toward Namche Bazaar. After a quick lunch break in Namche, continue descending the steep hill down to the Dudh Koshi River valley, leaving the high national park entry to rest overnight in Monjo.
Return to Lukla & Farewell Celebration
Altitude: 2,860m | 5 Hrs
Your final day on the mountain trail! Walk back through the familiar paths of Phakding, making a final gentle uphill climb into Lukla. In the evening, celebrate the successful journey with your hard-working guides and porters. It is a wonderful local tradition to share a farewell dinner, sing folk songs, and thank your crew for their incredible support.
Morning Flight to Kathmandu & Free Afternoon
Board an early morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. Watch the vast mountains turn into lush green valleys from your window seat. Upon landing, a private vehicle will transfer you back to your city hotel. Enjoy a free afternoon for souvenir shopping, visiting Thamel, or enjoying a relaxing massage.
Final Departure Home
Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel. Our driver will pick you up in a private vehicle and transfer you safely to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight back home, carrying lifetime memories of the Everest Himalayas with you.
Whats Included?
Accommodation
- Local guest hosue accommodations in trekking on twin sharing (bathroom outside)
- Three night hotel in Katmandu on BB twin sharing.
Meals
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner whilst on the trek from local guest house menu.
Transportation
- Domestic flight to Lukla and return including guide.
- Arrival and departure transfer from Nepal airport.
Other
- One day guided sight seeing in Katmandu by car/ van.
- Applicable trekking fees (National park fee) and local government entrance fee.
- English speaking trekking Guide and Porters (one porter per two persons is provided to carry the clients personal effects)
- Duffle bag, sleeping bag and trekking pole in trekking
- Basic medical kit with trekking guide.
- Insurance for the trekking staff. (insurance as per state law)
- All the government tax and our (AATE) service charges.
Whats not Included?
Not Included
- International flights and Nepal entry Visa.
- Personal trekking equipment
- If any Extra Accommodation, meal and sightseeing in Kathmandu.
- Your travel insurance (for travel, cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss of life, theft of or damage to personal effects).
- Tips and gratuities (crew frequently receives some recognition for good service)
- Costs arising from unforeseen events outside the control of AATE.
- Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, mineral water, monuments entrance fees, postage, laundry, video, camera, phone, etc.
- All other services not included in the “cost includes" section above.
Travel Infos
Best Trekking Seasons
Spring (March to May): Warm days, beautiful blooming rhododendrons, and clear morning views.
Autumn (September to November): The absolute best time. The air is crisp, and the views of Mt. Everest are crystal clear.
Fitness & Altitude Safety
Fitness: This is a strenuous trek. You can start cardio training (running, cycling, or hiking) 6 to 8 weeks before arriving.
Acclimatization: Our itinerary includes rest days in Namche Bazaar. Walk slowly, drink 3-4 liters of water daily, and avoid alcohol to prevent altitude sickness.
Insurance: You must buy travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking up to 5,000 meters and emergency helicopter evacuation.
Your Packing Checklist
Our porters will carry your main duffle bag (up to 12.5 kg@2). You will carry a light daypack for your daily essentials.
Clothing: Moisture-wicking base layers, fleece jacket, waterproof outer shell, and a warm down jacket.
Footwear: Sturdy, broken-in waterproof hiking boots, camp shoes for evenings, and 4 pairs of warm wool socks.
Head & Hands: Warm beanie, sun hat, UV sunglasses, and windproof gloves.
Gear: Headlamp (for early morning hikes), high-SPF sunscreen, water purification tablets/filter, and a power bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
This trek is classified as strenuous to challenging. It requires crossing the Cho La Pass at 5,368m and reaching altitudes of 5,550m at Kala Patthar. You should be in excellent physical condition, have good cardiovascular stamina, and have previous hiking experience.
Weather in the mountains changes rapidly, and flights to or from Lukla can occasionally face delays. We recommend adding 1 buffer days at the end of your trip before your international flight home to account for any unexpected weather delays.
Our itinerary is specially built for safe, gradual acclimatization, incorporating essential rest days in Namche Bazaar and gradual altitude jumps. Your guide will monitor your health daily. Staying well-hydrated (drinking 3-4 liters of water daily), walking at a slow pace, and avoiding alcohol are crucial steps to staying safe.
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