EBC Trek via Gokyo Cho La Pass

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in a private tourist vehicle. Once you're settled at the hotel, we will schedule a trip briefing at the hotel lobby or restaurant.

Your EBC Trek via Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass begins with a bus ride from Kathmandu to Ramechaap and scenic 45-minute flight to Lukla, offering stunning views of the Himalayas. Upon landing at Tenzing-Hillary Airport, a member of our experienced Sherpa team will greet you and begin the trek to Phakding. You'll descend to the Kusum River and follow the eastern bank of the Dudh Koshi River to reach Phakding. It’s important to walk at a steady pace to allow your body to acclimatize to the altitude. After a short hike, you’ll arrive in Phakding and spend the night at a local Sherpa-run teahouse.

On the way to Namche, you'll pass through beautiful Sherpa villages, including Bengkar, Monjo, and Jorsale. The trail between Phakding and Namche features several ascents. As you cross the Dudh Koshi River near Bengkar, enjoy views of snow-capped peaks like Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, and others. After passing through a few villages, you'll reach the checkpoint at the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, where your permits for the Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Ri and Cho La Pass will be checked. From here, you'll cross a suspension bridge and continue uphill to Namche Bazaar, where you'll be rewarded with stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Taweche.

Take time to rest and acclimatize in Namche before continuing your EBC Trek via Gokyo Ri and Cho La Pass. Namche Bazaar, a busy town in the Khumbu region, offers amenities like bakeries, restaurants, ATMs, and Internet cafes. You can visit viewpoints such as Thame or Khunde, or explore the area, including the Tourist Visitor Center to learn about Everest climbers, Sherpa culture, and customs. A hike to the Everest View Hotel offers stunning views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, Thamserku, and more. After exploring, return to Namche for the evening, passing by a museum, gallery, and several Sherpa villages.

After a day of acclimatization in Namche, continue your Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass. To reach Dole, pass through the scenic villages of Syangboche, Sanasa, and Phortse Thanga. Begin your day early to enjoy stunning views of Taboche, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kongde Ri. After descending through Khumjung, you'll reach the junction where the Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp trails meet. From here, follow a rocky path that ascends steeply to Phortse Thanga. Continue along the Dudh Koshi River, through rhododendron forests, and tackle a short climb before reaching Dole. In Dole, you can explore ruined stupas and meadows enclosed by stone walls.

Using the EBC Trek via Gokyo Cho La Pass Map, you'll travel from Dole to Machhermo, passing through diverse landscapes. The trail ascends a ridge and passes through Lhabarma and Luza, where you'll encounter temporary settlements. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of Kantega, Cho Oyu, Thamserku, and the Ngozumpa Glacier, as well as the deep Dudh Koshi valley. After navigating the winding trail, you'll reach Machhermo, where a stream fed by Kyajo Ri and Phari Lapche begins. This area is also known for some of the first reported Yeti sightings.

Today, you'll begin your trek to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Cho La Pass by climbing a ridge offering stunning views of Mount Cho Oyu. After passing through Phangkha, you'll descend to the riverbank and see the final moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Climbing the moraine, you'll head towards the first lake, Longpongo, crossing an iron bridge over a stream. After seeing Lama's Footprints on a stone, you'll reach the second lake, Taboche Tsho, followed by the third lake, Dudh Pokhari. The sparkling blue water of Dudh Pokhari will encourage you to continue to the nearby Gokyo villages.

On the second acclimatization day of the EBC Trek via Gokyo Ri and Cho La Pass, you can take short hikes to help your body adjust. If the weather is clear, consider hiking to Gokyo Ri for stunning views of the Khumbu region. From the top, you'll see Mount Everest and several other peaks, including Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu. Alternatively, you can hike 3 kilometers north to visit the fourth lake, Thonak Tsho, or, depending on your fitness, continue to the fifth lake, Ngozumpa Tsho, where you'll enjoy spectacular views of the longest glacier in the Himalayas.

After a day of acclimatization in Gokyo Village, you'll resume your Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass, heading toward Dragnag. Along the way, you'll cross the Ngozumpa Glacier. Though the trek is relatively short with only a moderate elevation gain, it features several ups and downs and offers stunning views along the eastern edge of the glacial moraine. As you approach the yak grazing area, you'll be greeted by close-up views of Tawache and Cholatse peaks. Dragnag, peacefully located beside the Ngozumpa Glacier, is an ideal base for crossing the Cho La High Pass.

After an overnight stay in Thangnag, you'll begin the ascent to Cho La Pass the next morning, navigating challenging terrain and glacier moraines. If snow-covered, the climb can be particularly difficult and hazardous. After a few hours of trekking, you'll reach the summit of Cho La Pass, where you'll enjoy stunning views of Cho La Lake and Mt. Cholatse. The descent is steep and slippery, requiring caution. Despite the difficulty, the scenery on this section of the Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo and Cho La Pass is spectacular. After approximately seven hours of hiking, you'll reach Dzongla, your stop for the night.

After leaving Dzongla, you'll follow the descending moraine past Chola Lake toward Lobuche. The trail gently winds past a small glacial lake, offering views of Cholatse, Taboche, and the Chola Glacier. As you approach Ama Dablam, you'll follow the Khumbu Glacier, passing memorials to climbers who lost their lives in the region. Compared to the previous day, the trek to Lobuche is more gradual and enjoyable. You'll follow the Imja Khola and reach Lobuche in about four hours.

Today is a special day as you reach Everest Base Camp. After leaving your belongings in Gorakshep, you’ll begin the final ascent. Standing at Base Camp brings a deep sense of accomplishment—reaching this point requires endurance and determination. From here, you'll enjoy stunning views of the Khumbu Glacier. Take time to capture photos as lasting memories. After soaking in the scenery, you’ll return to Gorakshep for the night.

Today features one of the most remarkable moments of the Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Ri and Cho La Pass. You’ll start early to hike up to Kala Patthar and witness the golden sunrise over Mount Everest and surrounding peaks. Though the climb from Gorakshep is challenging, the breathtaking views make it worthwhile. From the summit, you'll enjoy panoramic sights of Nuptse, Pumori, Chagatse, and Lhotse—unlike anything you've seen before. After spending some time at the viewpoint, you’ll return to Gorakshep for breakfast, then continue on to Pheriche for the night.

The trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar on the EBC route via Gokyo Ri and Cho La Pass offers stunning natural scenery. As you descend through Pangboche and Tengboche, you'll pass Buddhist monasteries and reflect on the memories, challenges, and fulfillment of the journey. The trail follows the Imja River, offering sweeping mountain views and the chance to spot wildlife such as pheasants, musk deer, and mountain goats. You’ll pass through the picturesque villages of Shomare, Pangboche, Tengboche, and Phungi Thanga, with colorful prayer flags and chortens lining the way. After a steady descent, you’ll arrive at Namche Bazaar.

After breakfast, you'll cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge and descend a challenging trail through several mountain villages. Most of your EBC Trek via Gokyo Ri and Cho La Pass takes place in the Dudh Koshi River Valley. The rocky terrain requires slow, careful steps and good balance. As you pass through rhododendron forests and open meadows, you'll catch glimpses of distant snow-covered peaks. The roar of the Dudh Koshi River fades as you move through scenic villages that reflect mountain life. Upon reaching Lukla, you'll check into a hotel to rest and prepare for departure. Your journey through the Khumbu region concludes here—an achievement worth celebrating.

Today, you’ll take a scenic 45-minute mountain flight from Lukla back to Ramechhap and then bus ride back to Kathmandu. If weather permits, you’ll arrive in the capital by morning. During the flight, you’ll likely reflect on your journey through Gokyo Cho La Pass to Everest Base Camp and look forward to reuniting with loved ones. Once in Kathmandu, take time to explore the city or shop for souvenirs. In the evening, celebrate the successful completion of your trek.

Today marks your final day in Nepal. Before heading to Tribhuvan International Airport, take advantage of any last-minute shopping or sightseeing around the cultural hub of the Kathmandu Valley. We will drop you at the airport three hours before your scheduled departure.