Everest Basecamp Trek via Gyokyo Lake and Cho La Pass

Go Nepal, Kathmandu Nepal

  • 18 days
  • Treking & Hiking
  • Minimum 2 Person

$1770 / Per Person

Package Details

If connecting with nature as well as conquering altitude is important to you, the Everest Basecamp Trekking via Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass is for you. This is one of the best options for hikers seeking the best trekking experience in Everest Base Camp. The Everest base trek through the Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass, recognized by the series of beautiful turquoise lakes of the Gokyo Valley and the famous Cho La Pass, takes us through the Khumbu region in the company of majestic mountains, friendly Sherpas, colorful monasteries of Namche Bazaar, the Sagarmatha National Park, and, of course, the base of the mighty Everest. It's simply unbeatable and makes this detour (west of Everest) more picturesque, serene, challenging and worthy of your time and your efforts.

The walk to the base of the world's highest mountain maps provides breathtaking views of famous landmarks like Gokyo RI and Kala Patthar. The walk also provides us with excellent views of the Khumbu Icefall. Stroll through Gokyo Lakes to Everest Base Camp. In short, it will be an unforgettable experience with breathtaking views of Mt. Cho Oyu Monastery, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Nuptse, Amadablam, Pumori, and Tengboche: Nepal's largest monastery. The Gokyo Lakes Trek to Everest Base Camp is ideal for hikers who want to take on more difficult challenges that some people do not dare to attempt.

Some Trips Highlight:

1. The challenging altitude: Mt. Everest Base Camp (5,364m), Kala Patthar (5,550m),  and Chola Pass (5,420m).

2. Sacred Gokyo Lakes (Longponga Tsho, Taujung Tsho, Gokyo Tsho, Thonak Tsho, Ngozumba Tsho and so on.

3. A series of six emerald-green, freshwater lakes on the moraine beside Ngozumpa Glacier. 

4. Sunrise view over jaw-dropping mountain vista (including the highest Mt. Everest) from Kala Patthar

5. Opportunity to view 4 of the 10 highest peaks in the world.

6. The Khumbu Glacier (world’s highest glacier) and Ngozumpa Glacier (the longest glacier the Himalayas)

7. The company of majestic mountains, the friendly Sherpas, the colourful monasteries of the Namche Bazaar,

8. The Sagarmatha National Park and, of course, even the base of the mighty Everest.

 

Detail Itineries

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft)

Upon arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by a representative of  Go Nepal who will drive you to the hotel. After check-in, you can rest and refresh yourself for the time being. In the evening, welcome dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant, where you can enjoy authentic Nepalese cuisine. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2 : Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek Preparation

Today, after breakfast, we begin our tour to some of the most historical and spiritual attractions of Kathmandu, which are also classified as UNESCO World Heritage. We visit the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath) and the Buddhist Sanctuary (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world. At the evening, we will introduce you to the other participants and discusses our trip to the Everest Basecamp for the next day. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3 : Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding (2,651m/8,700ft): 8km, 3 - 4 hours trek

During the 40-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (9186 feet), we take an advantage of one of the most beautiful air routes in the world, which culminates on a hill surrounded by high peaks. In Lukla, the starting point of our hike, we meet the other crew members and begin to prepare our belongings and make arrangements with them. From Lukla, we start trekking. After an hour of progressive descent, we will be in a village Cheplung from where we can see the Mountain Khumbila (18900 feet), a sacred mountain that has never been climbed. From Cheplung, we descend gradually to Phakding and spend the night over there.

Day 4 : Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,438m/11,280 ft): 11km, 5 - 6 hours

Walking through a beautiful pine forest, we follow the path towards the north of the Benkar Valley. Then we cross the Dudh Koshi River and continue to Chumoa towards Monjo, the entrance to Everest National Park. After crossing a suspension bridge, we crossed the village of Jorsale and lead through the rivers Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi. A steep climb takes us to the heart of Sherpa Village: Namche Bazaar. An hour interspace to Namche Bazaar, weather permitting, we can see the view of the Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse. We will spend the night at Namche Bazaar.

Day 5 : Acclimatization Day - Namche Bazaar: (3,440m/11,284ft)

There are many things to do in Namche Bazaar where we can spend a day acclimatizing here. Namche Bazaar is the main center of the Khumbu area and includes government offices, ATMs, cybercafés, local shops, restaurants and a colorful market. Our guides can take us to discover the true charm of the Namche Bazaar. Hiking at Sagarmatha National Park rewards with a view of the sunrise as well as view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kongde etc. If we are interested in a day hike, we will walk to the village of Khumjung (12401 feet), a beautiful village with a Sherpa colony. While exploring Namche Bazar, we observe the traditional Sherpa life, Khumjung Hillary School, and enjoy the flora and fauna found at this altitude. We will spend the night at Namche Bazaar.

Day 6 : Namche Bazaar to Phortse Thanga (3,680m/12,073ft): 6km, 5-6 hours

We climb the hill of Khumjung and descend to the east of the village by the wide valley that leads to the Dudh Koshi from where the road turns to the north. There are two trails and our guide will choose the best option to follow. There is a chorten at the top of the ridge at 3973m which descends from the Mt. Khumbila (5761 m). We visit Mohang, the birthplace of the reincarnated Lama of the Tibetan Monastery in Rongbuk, which allegedly introduced Buddhism into the Khumbu region of Nepal. The trail descends on a series of steep slopes down a sandy slope to Dush Koshi. We will spend the night at Phortse Tanga, near the river.

Day 7 : Phortse Thanga to Machhermo (4,470m/ 14,663ft): 10km, 4-5 hours

From Phortse Thanga, it's a difficult climb to Machhermo. Than we walk along a path of rhododendrons forest and crossed a waterfall before reaching the village of Tongba. We continue our hike up and through the villages of Dole, Labarma and Luza before arriving at Machhermo. There is a Chhorten just before the village of Luza. Throughout today's trip, we will walk along the Dudh Koshi River. Night in Machhermo.

Day 8 : Machhermo to Gokyo (4,800 m/15,744 ft): 7km, 4-5 hours

Today we start climbing a ridge for an excellent view of the Kangtaiga Valley and Cho Oyu (8153 m). The valley widens now as the trail crosses Phangkha, where an avalanche in 1995 killed 40 people. Then, we will go down to the edge of the river before climbing the moraine terminal of the Ngazumpa glacier by a steep path. Crossing an iron bridge over a stream, the trail rises as you follow the valley and pass the first lake, called Longpongo, at 4690m. At this point, we have the opportunity to observe the footsteps of a lama on a stone. Seeing the second lake, Taboche Tsho, we will be hypnotized by the shining sheet of turquoise blue water that shines in the sun. Shortly before the second lake, we reached the third lake, both connected by an updraft. The village of Gokyo is located next to the third lake and Cho-Oyu Mountain as a backdrop and offers amazing spectacular views. After lunch, we explore the third lake, Dudh Pokhari. Night in Gokyo.

Day 9 : Gokyo Valley: Acclimatization Day - Optional Hike to Gokyo Ri (5357 m/17,570 ft): 2km, 3 - 4 hours

In the morning, we will walk to Gokyo Ri, a small summit on the city of Gokyo, to enjoy fantastic views of the entire Khumbu region. As we ascend, the view becomes even more fantastic and we can see four of the seven highest peaks of Nepal, Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. After reaching the fourth lake, Thonak Tsho we can enjoy the serene beauty of the lake, after which we head back to the third lake. We can do an additional hike to the fifth lake, Ngozumba Tsho, weather permitting and depending on our physical conditions. From here, the view of the Ngozumba Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas, is fascinating. Night in Gokyo.

Day 10 : Gokyo to Thagnak (4750 m/15,580 ft): 4km, 4 - 5 hours

If we had not climbed the Ri Gokyo the day before, we can do it today. Going up to the top of Gokyo Ri is demanding because it is steep and takes between 3 and 4 hours to reach the summit. But the landscape of the village of Gokyo, on the edge of the third lake overlooking Cholatse and the vast Nogzumpa Glacier, is magnificent. We are surrounded by scenic mountains like Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Changtse and Pumori. The view of the sun's rays embracing Everest, which rises above all the surrounding peaks, is astonishing. We walk along the Ngazumpa glacier to the mountain on the other side. Then, it crosses the edge of this mountain and then winds towards Thagnak. It will be a short walk today with a relaxing afternoon that will prepare us for long days of hiking and altitude gain to come. Night in Thagnak.

Day 11 : Thagnak to Cho La pass (5,367m/17,604 ft) to Dzongla (15, 939 ft): 7km, 7 - 8 hours

Today will be one of the most difficult days of the trip. The passage of Cho La is not difficult in itself, but it is steep and involves a glacier crossing on the east side. We must be careful because the road is vertical and the ice-covered rocks can cause problems to make the road slippery. The Phedi Trail crosses a ravine and a rocky trail. Walking along a frozen lake, we reach the top of the neck decorated with prayer flags. The pyramid Ama Dablam presides in the south a mountain range, even when Cholatse rises to the west and Lobuche East and Baruntse rise to our right. We must cross cracks before reaching the village of Dzongla. The village offers breathtaking views of Cholatse, Ama Dablam, the Lobuche Mountains and the village of Pheriche, which is well below.

Day 12 : Dzongla to Lobuche (4940 m/16,207 ft): 6km, 2 - 3 hours

It will be a very short walk, so we have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the beauty around us. We descend from Dzongla and walk on a grassy path while admiring the view of Lobuche Peak. The trail crosses the wide riverbed before reaching Lobuche. We can spend the rest of the day resting, which will help us prepare for the long journey of the next day. Night in Lobuche.

Day 13 : Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,170 m/16,961ft), visit Everest Base Camp (5,364 m/17,594 ft): 13km, 6-7 hours

We take the road to reach Everest Base Camp through the vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we find the memorials of the highlanders of the Indian army. The road from here can be misleading; therefore, it is important that we follow our Sherpa leader diligently. Walking is painful because of the lack of air in the heights. We cross rock dunes, moraines and streams before arriving at Everest base camp. Upon arriving at Everest base camp, we see mountaineering tents stand up in bright colors against the monotony of gray environments (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the visible mountains from the base camp. We return to Gorak Shep for a good rest. Overnight in Gorak Shep.

However, the view of the sunset from Kala Patthar is more beautiful than the sunrise. It is therefore recommended to visit Kala Patthar today at sunset. When the sun's rays are placed on the snow-capped mountains, the resulting landscape is amazing. Therefore, for hikers who wish to continue with Kala Patthar instead of the next day, inform your guide and he / she will coordinate accordingly.

Day 14 : Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft) to Pherice (4,288m/14,070ft): 16km, 7-8 hours

We are preparing for an early start, in the middle of dark dawn and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 ° C). In addition, there is always the possibility of cold winds that are quite common. Familiar’s summits such as Lingtren, Khumbutse and Changtse rise to the east when Everest begins to reveal itself. But, arriving in Kala Patthar, we can see a 360-degree shot and a great view of Mt. Everest. We can take pictures here and enjoy the beautiful mountain panorama and then head back to Lobuche for a good night's sleep. Night in Lobuche.

Participants visiting Everest Base Camp today will have an early breakfast to start early, as the Everest Base Camp walk is longer than Kala Patthar's. After their return to Gorak Shep, both groups will have lunch together. It takes the afternoon to go down to Pheriche for a good night's sleep.

Day 15 : Pheriche to Namche Bazaar: 20km, 6 - 7 hours

We walk on the slope covered with rhododendrons and junipers trees. After crossing the scalloped bridge carrying the prayer flag on the Dudh Koshi River, our trail runs along the Dudh Koshi gorge and descends rapidly through the pine forests. In the forest, there are colorful pheasants and mountain goats. The road finally reaches Sansa from where we can admire the views of the Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Nuptse mountains. We also walk through the winding paths and a forest before reaching the Namche Bazaar. We will spend the night at Namche Bazaar.

Day 16 : Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860m/9,186ft): 19km, 6 - 7 hours

The path descends steeply, so we must walk carefully while our trembling legs continually struggle against the rocky terrain. After crossing bridges over the fast flow of Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the path becomes flatter and more natural. After our arrival in Lukla, we stretch our legs and recall the experiences of the last days. Overnight in Lukla.

Day 17 : Fly to Kathmandu

We fly early back to Kathmandu after our long trek. Once we land in Kathmandu, we can take a hard long break. If you want to explore other parts of Kathmandu, you can do it today. Our guides can help you with the purchase of souvenirs and help for other sightseeing if you need to. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate the success of our trip. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 18 : Final departure

Your adventure in Nepal ends today. There is nothing to do but exchange e-mails with your fellow travelers and organize your photos. A representative of Go Nepal will drive you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your planned flight. On the way back, you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal. We wave a good bye until we meet again.

Includes/Excludes

Cost Includes


Ø  Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle

Ø  3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast

Ø  Entrance fee during the sightseeing in Kathmandu

Ø  Teahouse accommodation during the trek

Ø  All meals during the trek

Ø  Welcome and farewell dinners

Ø  All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary

Ø  Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Lukla -Kathmandu)

Ø  An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)

Ø  Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)

Ø  Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation

Ø  Down jacket and sleeping bag  (to be returned after trip completion)

Ø  All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)

Ø  Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)

Ø  All government and local taxes

 Cost Not Includes


Ø  Nepal visa fee (bring small denomination cash USD and two passport photographs )

Ø  International Airfare

Ø  Travel & Health Insurance – Emergency Helicopter Rescue Insurance (Most recommended)

Ø  Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu.

Ø  Any alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, boiled & mineral water, beverages etc during the trek.

Ø  Tipping for related staffs

Ø  Hot shower, battery charges (available in trek with extra cost or free in some lodges).

Ø  Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary

Ø  Any other cost, which is not mentioned in cost includes items as above.

Ø  Tips for Guide, Porter and Driver.

Useful Information

1. Trekking is possible all year, but the best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).

2. The Cho La High Pass necessitates some technical skills, but with proper fitness and acclimatization, you'll be fine.

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