Gokyo Ri, EBC and Chola Pass Trek
Overview
The Cho La Pass and Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek epitomizes the quintessential Himalayan adventure, blending challenging mountain passes with iconic destinations. Crossing the formidable Cho La Pass at 5,420 meters (17,782 feet) is a thrilling feat, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks including Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The trek to Everest Base Camp itself is a dream fulfilled for many, as it takes trekkers to the heart of the world’s highest mountain, providing an immersive experience amidst the towering Himalayan giants. Along the trail, adventurers traverse diverse landscapes, from lush forests and picturesque valleys to rugged terrain and glacial moraines. Encounters with Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries, and prayer-flag adorned trails enrich the cultural experience, offering insights into the unique way of life in the Everest region. Whether marveling at the tranquil Gokyo Lakes or embracing the warmth of Sherpa hospitality, the Cho La Pass and EBC trek is a journey of a lifetime, where every step brings closer to the majestic allure of the Himalayas.
Short Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 2: Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu and preparation for trekking.
Day 3: Fly to Lukla and same day trek to Phakding.
Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar.
Day 5: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar.
Day 6: Namche Bazaar to Phortse Thanga.
Day 7: Phortse Thanga to Machermo.
Day 8: Machermo to Gokyo.
Day 9: Gokyo Ri and same day to Thaknak.
Day 10: Thaknak to Dzongla via Cho La Pass.
Day 11: Dzongla to Lobuche.
Day 12: Lobuche to Gorak Shep.
Day 13: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar and Dengboche.
Day 14: Dengboche to Tengboche.
Day 15: Tengboche to Namche Bazaar.
Day 16: Namche Bazaar to Lukla.
Day 17: Lukla to Kathmandu.
Day 18: Kathmandu Leisure Day.
Day 19: Departure from Kathmandu.
Detail Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,593ft)
- Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.
- Evening: Trip briefing and preparation.
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
- Explore Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, and Pashupatinath.
- Trek preparation and gear check.
Day 3: Fly to Lukla (2,860m / 9,383ft) and Trek to Phakding (2,652m / 8,700ft)
- Fly to Lukla and begin trekking to Phakding.
- Overnight in Phakding.
Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,286ft)
- Continue trekking along the Dudh Koshi River.
- Arrival in Namche Bazaar.
Day 5: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
- Rest and acclimatize in Namche Bazaar.
- Optional hike to Everest View Hotel.
Day 6: Namche Bazaar to Phortse Thanga
- Altitude: Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft), Phortse Thanga (3,680m/12,073ft)
- Trek from Namche Bazaar to Phortse Thanga.
- Enjoy the scenic views along the way.
- Overnight stay in Phortse Thanga.
Day 7: Phortse Thanga to Machermo
- Altitude: Phortse Thanga (3,680m/12,073ft), Machermo (4,470m/14,665ft)
- Trek from Phortse Thanga to Machermo.
- Ascend through rhododendron forests.
- Enjoy views of the surrounding mountains.
- Overnight stay in Machermo.
Day 8: Machermo to Gokyo
- Altitude: Machermo (4,470m/14,665ft), Gokyo (4,750m/15,584ft)
- Trek from Machermo to Gokyo.
- Reach the beautiful Gokyo Lakes.
- Explore the area and relax.
- Overnight stay in Gokyo.
Day 9: Climb Gokyo Ri and same day to Thaknak
- Altitude: Gokyo Ri (5,357m/17,575ft), Thaknak (4,750m/15,584ft)
- Trek from Gokyo to Thaknak.
- Cross the Ngozumpa Glacier.
- Enjoy views of Cho Oyu.
- Overnight stay in Thaknak.
Day 10: Thaknak to Dzongla via Cho La Pass
- Altitude: Thaknak (4,750m/15,584ft), Dzongla (4,830m/15,846ft), Cho La Pass (5,420m/17,782ft)
- Cross the challenging Cho La Pass.
- Descend to Dzongla.
- Enjoy panoramic views of surrounding peaks.
- Overnight stay in Dzongla.
Day 11: Dzongla to Lobuche
- Altitude: Dzongla (4,830m/15,846ft), Lobuche (4,910m/16,109ft)
- Trek from Dzongla to Lobuche.
- Continue through rugged terrain.
- Reach Lobuche village.
- Overnight stay in Lobuche.
Day 12: Lobuche to Gorak Shep
- Altitude: Lobuche (4,910m/16,109ft), Gorak Shep (5,164m/16,942ft)
- Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep.
- Visit Everest Base Camp.
- Explore the area.
- Overnight stay in Gorak Shep.
Day 13: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar and Dengboche
- Altitude: Gorak Shep (5,164m/16,942ft), Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft), Dengboche (4,410m/14,468ft)
- Hike to Kala Patthar for sunrise views.
- Descend to Gorak Shep and have breakfast.
- Trek back to Dengboche.
- Overnight stay in Dengboche.
Day 14: Dengboche to Tengboche
- Altitude: Dengboche (4,410m/14,468ft), Tengboche (3,860m/12,664ft)
- Trek from Dengboche to Tengboche.
- Visit Tengboche Monastery.
- Enjoy the scenic beauty.
- Overnight stay in Tengboche.
Day 15: Tengboche to Namche Bazaar
- Altitude: Tengboche (3,860m/12,664ft), Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft)
- Trek from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar.
- Descend through forests and rhododendron trails.
- Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.
Day 16: Namche Bazaar to Lukla
- Altitude: Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft), Lukla (2,860m/9,383ft)
- Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla.
- Descend through the Dudh Koshi Valley.
- Overnight stay in Lukla.
Day 17: Lukla to Kathmandu
- Altitude: Lukla (2,860m/9,383ft), Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft)
- Fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla.
- Transfer to your hotel.
- Rest and relaxation.
- Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Day 18: Leisure Day in Kathmandu
- Free day in Kathmandu for shopping, sightseeing, or relaxation.
Day 19: Departure
- Transfer to the airport for departure or onward journey.
This itinerary provides a comprehensive trekking experience, covering major highlights of the Everest region, including Gokyo Lakes, Cho La Pass, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and Tengboche Monastery. Adjustments can be made based on your preferences and trekking pace.