Gokyo Cho-la Pass Trek

based on 4 reviews

Highlights

  • A scenic 30 minutes morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
  • An adventurous venture in the Everest region, home of Sherpa, the highest mountain in the world
  •  Follow a less crowded trekking route and explore the gorgeous Gokyo valley
  • Trek to the alpine Gokyo Lakes, exploring the Sherpa villages and rhododendron forests wet land around Machhermo
  • A beautiful, neat and clean Sagarmatha National Park with a chance to come across diverse flora and fauna
  • Get to see the way of life and culture of the villagers while spending nights there
  • Two acclimatization days in beautiful villages- Namche Bazaar & Gokyo village with beautiful Lake
  • Visit ancient monasteries and stupas while trekking and spend some more time at Tengboche Monestery
  • Great opportunity to see the biggest glacier in Nepal, called Ngozumpa glacier
  • Hike to Gokyo Ri, majestic mountain views including Mount Makalu, Choyu and explore the stunning Gokyo Lakes
  • Gorgeous mountain landscapes throughout the trekking route and some wet land area

Gokyo Cho-la Pass trek is one of the most adventurous trekking routes in the Khumbu Region. It sums up the entire Solukhumbu district with Gokyo Lake, Gokyo RI and Cho- la pass being the major destinations.

Gokyo Cho-la pass trek starts with a short and praiseworthy flight from Kathmandu to Lukla airport. The flight gives you glimpses of many mountains and their scenic beauty. From Lukla to the famous settlement of Sherpa Namche bazaar also known as the gateway to Mt. Everest, then we head towards Gokyo lake and climb up to one of the viewpoints, Gokyo-RI (5480m). Panorama of Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu and Cho- Oyo from the top of Gokyo RI is fascinating. Then crossing Cho-la pass (5330m) and reaching Kalapatthar (5545m), an up-close view of Mt. Everest will surely feel like trek worth a lifetime.

Gokyo Cho-la pass trek is the combination of Everest base camp trek, which adds more adventure to it by the routes via Gokyo lake, the high passes of Cho-la. The culture, tradition, and hospitality of Sherpa people make the trek even more fascinating. The route majorly lies within Sagarmatha national park. It is a place to be for nature lovers of the beauty of flora and fauna as well as black and white color of the world’s tallest mountains. The trek is a 20-day trek. March to May and September to December are the suitable seasons for the trek.

This trek covers five important places, namely Gokyo lake, Gokyo RI, Cho La Pass, Kalapathar and Everest Base Camp. The trek is adventurous and we can get close to Buddhist culture. There are many options for additional exploration and high-altitude walking, including the crossing of Cho La, at 5,330m)-high pass into Khumbu and a hike to Gokyo RI (5357m). Nepal Pioneer Treks & Expedition is glad to operate this tour for you to make it your lifetime experience.

Itinerary
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Due to the bad weather of domestic flights from Kathmandu to  Lukla and after the trek from Lukla to Kathmandu delayed sometimes by a few hours or canceled for a day or more. It could happen even in best trekking season also as you know how climate changes effecting in the world and especially Himalayan Region of Nepal. Perhaps we always recommend you to add supplement nights in Kathmandu after your trek if possible. If everything goes well, you can enjoy other activities like sightseeing, White water rafting, wildlife activities, shopping, as you wish for those extra days. However, if you want a helicopter rescue instade of flight cancellation from Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu we can organize according to your request.

Upon on your arrival at the Tribhuban International Airport, one of our staff will be there to warm greeting you with beautiful garland that is our respect and the culture to welcome to the new stranger. After welcoming you our staff will transfer to you to the hotel. After your long journey on a plane, you may get tired, so be fresh and take a bit rest, then our manager will come to meet you to the hotel and talk about the plan of your trip details.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 1300m

Today, our manager will come to meet you at the hotel at 10.00 AM.  He will brief about the trip in detail, introduce with the guide and provide you all the documents. You will be free in the afternoon and manage your time for trek preparation. Our guide will meet you at your hotel at six O’ clock in the evening then take you for well come dinner. After having dinner, drop you to the hotel and stay over night.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Max. Altitude: 1300m

Fly  from Kathmandu to Lukla. You should be ready early in the morning to fly to Lukla. It’s a 45 minutes scenic fly to Lukla. Lukla is the most critical airport. Once you arrived in Lukla have breakfast,  then start your trek. Lukla is the gateway to do the Everest Base Camp Trekking. Today you have a short day trek approximately three hour trek. You can enjoy the scenery and some of the peaks. You can pass some villages like as Chheplung, Thadokoshi, Ghat and you will be arriving at Phakding then stay overnight there.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 2610m

Trek to Namchebazar. Namche Bazaar is the biggest town on this trip. You should have a breakfast in Phakding. After breakfast you should start your trek to Namche Bazaar. The trail much harder than the last day. At the beginning of the day you should cross the bridge, then passages some little towns. While you are walking on the trail you can enjoy the mountain views of Thamserku and Kusumkangaru. You can see the Dodhkoshi river and the scenery. Monju is a nice place where we should check our trekking permit. After 10 minutes walk you should cross the bridge again and reach at Jorsalle. You might stop for lunch there. After you have lunch, you should have a big climb to Namche Bazaar. You will see the Hilary bridge, double suspension bridge and then get to Topdanda. There is a very nice view point. You can see the Everest at the first time if the weather is clear and there is no cloud. Next  one and half hour walk you will reach at Namche Bazaar then stay overnight at hotel.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 3440m

Rest day at Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is the best place to explore the day. The acclimatization day you should ascend about three, four hundred meters then back to the hotel. Namche bazaar is the main center of the Solukhumbu region. Our guide takes you to the Everest view point to see all the mountain views. It takes about two hours walk, then you can back via Khumjung village, visit Hillary school. If you have more time to explore the day, you can visit the Sherpa Museum then stay overnight at Namche Bazaar.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 3440m

Trek to Dole. Today you plan to go to the Dole, it takes about five to six hour walk. First quite steep to get to the top of Namchebazaar, then very nice and gentle walk to Kyanjuma. You can enjoy the magnificent views of all the major peaks including Amadablam. After Kyanjuma to leave the trail to the Everest Base Camp then you should climb steep to the Mongla Dannda. The trail drops to the Forche Thanga then after gradually climb up to Dole. You should walk through the Rhododendron forest sometimes. Stay overnight at Dole.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 4200m

Trek to Machermo. The day walks just about three hours like a rest day. The trail very much gradual climb. You may visit to the HRA office if you want. The Doctor will brief you about the altitude sickness. You do not need to worry about the sickness, sometimes they make the tourist afraid. Stay overnight at Machermo.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 4470m

Trek to Gokyo. This is the most important day you book the trip for. It takes about four to five hours walk to reach the Gokyo. Gokyo Vally trek is a very nice because of the lakes in high altitude places. There are several lakes  around and the plenty of hotels to stay. The trail more gradual to reach to Gokyo. You can see the magnificent view of Choyu over eight thousand meter height. Enjoy the view of Gokyo and stay overnight at hotel.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 4790m

Rest day at Gokyo. Today you need the rest. It means the acclimatization. You should hike to the Gokyo RI, takes about three hours to get to the top. The incredible views, you feel really the different world from the top. You can see the views of over eight thousand meters mountain views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and the Choyu just in front of you. Take all the views of mountain, Gokyo valley and the lovely view of Gokyo lake, then back to the Gokyo , have lunch then after looking around the lakes and the surrounding hills. Stay overnight at Gokyo.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 4790m

Trek to Thagnak. Today, you have very short and easy trek just about three hours walk. The trail climbs up in the beginning, then drop down a bit and walk on Glacier. You should be careful while you walk on the glacier. Enjoy the incredible view of Choyu, stay overnight at Thagnak.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 4700m

Trek to Chola, Zongla then Lobuche. Today you have a hard day and must be tired after seven eight hour walk. You should  start early in the morning around four five o’clock. The trail climbs up in the beginning, then drop down a bit afterwards you should be climb until the top of Chola. You should be careful while you take near to the top because of the narrow trail, rocky and it may fall down the stones. After getting to the top of Chola take photographs with your friends and your fellow guide and porters. You should drop down from the top until to Zongla enjoying the magnificent views of Amadoblam, Nuptche, Everest, Makalu and other several surrounding peaks then enjoy the lunch at Zongla. After that you should manage enough time to reach at Lobuche. The trail nice and easy to get to Lobuche, takes about three hours and stay overnight at Lobuche.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 4830m

Trek to Gorak Shep. The trail continues to Gorak Shep at 5160m. It takes approximately three hours gradual climb. Once you arrive at Gorak Shep, you should prepare to go to the Everest Base Camp. The trail more likely rocks, narrow and sometimes windy as well. Today will fulfill your dream. You had very hard time to come to Nepal not only that you dream to do the Everest Base Camp once in your lifetime. Take photograph with the group and your friends, then back the same way to Gorakhshep and stay overnight at Gorak Shep.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 5364m

Today hike to Kalapathar (Black Rock) at 5545m early in the morning then trek back to Pheriche. Kalapathar is like a small peak offers the best view of Everest without climbing it. The view of Everest is pretty close from the Kalapathar, take some photograph, it must  memorable, then back down to Gorekhshep have breakfast the trek back down until to Pheriche and stay overnight there.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 4240m

Trek to Namchebazaar. Today you feel much better when you descent already from the Everest Base Camp. You have to back the same way passing through the Pangboche, Tengboche, Fungethanga, Lausasa and Kyanjuma. You may see some wild animal and birds if you are lucky. Himalayan Thar, Blue Ship and Musk Deer can see around. The national bird of Nepal Lhophophoras (Danphe) also can see near to the Namchebazaar. You can explore sometimes in Namchebazaar again if you arrive earlier and  manage your time then stay overnight at Namchebazaar.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 3440m

Trek back to Lukla. Today is your last day trek. You should walk all the way to Lukla mostly the downhill, passes so many country sites and villages like Jorsalle, Monju, Banker, Phakding, Ghat and some more towns. You had a last night in the mountain, get to gather with your friends and stay overnight at Lukla.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 2840m

Fly back from Lukla to Kathmandu. Most of the time you have a  morning flight so you should be prepared to go to the airport on time. You should have very nice and 45 minutes scenic flight to Kathmandu. Our guide still with you to drop you to the hotel in Kathmandu. Our manager will meet you in the evening then take you for the farewell dinner and drop you to the hotel, stay overnight in Kathmandu.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 1300m

Departure for home. Today our driver will drop you to the International Airport for the final departure. Wish you have a nice and safe journey back home.

    Customize Your Trip
    Includes/Excludes
    Includes
    • Two nights accommodation in Kathmandu with twin sharing at tourist standard hotel (Bed and Breakfast)
    • All Ground and air transportation. Pick up and drop.
    • Full board meal 3 times a day (B+L+D) during the trek days including tea & coffee (served in a cup).
    • English speaking trekking guide who has been authorized by the Nepal government and necessary number of porters (According to the group size) with their insurance, salary, accommodation, and meals.
    • Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu with Cultural show. (Ethnic music and dance)
    • All the necessary official documents, TIMS Permit, Trekking Permit, etc.
    • Sleeping bags and down jackets if necessary.
    • First Aid kit.
    • Trekking Route map.
    • Insurance of Guide and Porters.
    • All required local and government tax.
    Excludes
    • Nepal Visa fee and International flight.
    • Meal except for Breakfast in Kathmandu.
    • All personal expenses such as bar bills, water, extra tea/coffee, snacks, battery re-charge, laundry service, etc.
    • Personal clothing and gears.
    • Tips to guide and porters.
    • Cost raised by flight cancellation, emergency rescue charges, landslide, weather, political unrest, illness, re-routing etc which are not under our control.
    • Monument entrance fees.
    Price and Availability
    Date AvailabilityPrice 
    Start DateDec 30, 2024End DateJan 15, 2025StatusAvailablePriceUS$1500
    Additional Information

    Gokyo Cho-La pass trek best time

    When deciding on the best time to visit the Everest region for the Gokyo Cho-La pass trek, it is important to consider your personal preferences and the type of weather you prefer. The most popular time to trek is during the spring months of March to May, when the weather is generally clear and dry, with warm days and cool nights. The rhododendron forests are also in full bloom during this time, creating beautiful scenery. 

    Another suitable time to trek to Everest is in the autumn months of September to November. Autumn also has stable weather conditions with crystal clear views and a low chance of precipitation. The climate remains pleasant, neither too hot nor too cold. Also, autumn is the festival season, so you may get a chance to be part of some of the biggest celebrations in the country. 

    Gokyo Cho-La pass trek accommodation

    Our accommodation during the trek is basic lodges along the trail. Trekkers spend nights in twin-shared rooms. The package cost covers basic accommodation, so please do not have high expection. You will get a clean,neat and comfortable room at the end of the day to have a good night's sleep. 

    If you want to upgrade your accommodation, then let us know in advance. The Everest Gokyo Cho-La pass trek trail also has luxury lodges with great services and many modern amenities. 

    The washroom in the basic lodge is usually shared. It can be a squat toilet or a western-style one. Single rooms will cost you additional money, and you have to request them at the time of booking. The services offered in the lodges are pretty basic. 

    Meals

    Food is generally available along the entire route of the Gokyo Cho-La pass trek and is typically provided by the tea houses or lodges where you stay overnight. Most lodges offer a set menu of Nepali and Tibetan dishes, as well as some western options such as pasta and sandwiches. Prices for meals are generally reasonable but can vary depending on the specific location and type of dish.

    The biggest Sherpa village offers a wide range of menu that includes pizza, bakery items, burgers, steak, curries, rice, porridge, soups, etc. The tea shops along the trail sell snacks and beverages, so carry some Nepali cash to buy. You can carry bars and snacks to munch while trekking. 

    Group/private joining

    Both group and private treks have their pros and cons, and the right choice for you will depend on your personal preferences and budget. Group treks tend to be more affordable, but you may have less control over the itinerary and may have to compromise on certain aspects of the trip. Private treks tend to be more expensive, but you'll have more control over the itinerary and can tailor the trip to your specific needs and preferences.

    Group treks: Group treks are organized by trekking companies and typically include a group of travelers who are led by a guide and supported by a team of porters. These treks are a good option for people who are comfortable traveling with a group and want the convenience of having everything arranged for them.

    Private treks: Private treks are tailored to the individual or group and can be customized to meet your specific needs and preferences. These treks are a good option for people who want more control over their itinerary and who may have specific interests or requirements.

    Child Policy

    Many parents do the Everest panorama trek with their children. You just have to be prepared well and follow a perfect itinerary that allows your kid to adjust and enjoy the venture. Our Everest panorama trek itinerary is perfect to join with kids. Moreover, we also provide an assistant guide and other services to make sure the trek goes smoothly. For more information, kindly contact us. 

    Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is crucial to join the Gokyo Cho-La pass trek. We ask our guests to buy travel insurance that covers emergency air evacuation to provide instant medical assistance during the trek. Not only this, but travel insurance will also come in handy in case you lose your luggage, face flight cancellation, or for medical coverage. 

    There is no good hospital in the Everest region, and any big injury or sickness may require air evacuation to a hospital in Kathmandu. Without travel insurance, it gets tough for us to provide air evacuation to you on time.

    FAQs

    • We can do but it is risk in winter. So, I suggest Spring and the Autumn are the best season.

    • There is a chance the lake will be frozen in early April and late December. It may not sometimes. It depends on how much snow falls. But in winter definitely it always frozen lake. We advise you to check the weather and talk with us for accurate information.

    • It is better to trek with a guide for a hassle-free and safe trek. However, you can do the Gokyo lake trek on your own. But you should not take that much risk to do Chola Pass without guide. Our company has the best reliable guides that will support you during the trek.

    • The Gokyo Chola Pass trek is 17 days long. But you can extend it if you want to explore more.You can add a helicopter return at the end of the trek to make it shorter.

    Client Reviews
    TripadvisorWrite a review
    • P
      Phonebe XAustraliaNov 04, 2018

      Lifetime memory

      Oct 2018 • Friends

      When my colleague’s wife referred Eaklal, she said “Our guide was amazing… he made all the difference”, and this is exactly how I would describe Eaklal now.

      My Everest Base Camp trip was booked 9 months in advance, and Eaklal has been so patient with my questions and gave me lots good advice. I did this trip in Oct, even in this busiest month, everything went smoothly from day 1. You feel like your experience has always been put on the top of list. We flew in and out of Lukla with only a few hours delay, which was actually “on time” over there, while there were a lot of people wait many days to catch the flight, had to walk extra hours to catch their group, had to travel by car to other place then hike 4 days to Namche. Of course there was always incident in peak season, we got pushed to another small tea house in Tengboche when there was a larger group took over all rooms in the one we booked. There was only 5 lodges, it does happen sometimes. I was prepared for a dark and cold night but Eaklal didn’t take the arrangement and look out for another solution straight away. He found us a better accommodation pretty quick and it wasn’t far. The trip was very well organized, I didn’t have to worry about anything but walk. The part Eaklal made a huge difference and I couldn’t thank him enough for, was his support during the whole trek. The Himalaya cold caught me on day 2 before the high altitudes, I went through all symptoms I could ever get from a cold throughout the whole trek and many times thought about giving up. Eaklal has been very supportive all the time. He checked on me regularly to make sure I’m ok, slow down the pace to accommodate my energy level, gave me good advice to help me feel better, encouraged me to step a little further everyday. My whole trek was made of these tiny little steps. Just a little more every day, then I got there :) Our base camp day was planned perfectly, we went up to base camp with less wind, less people, and had plenty time to take photos with no one stand in your background. On our way back, we met at least 50+ people heading to the base camp along the way, you can imagine the queue and how the photo will look like. Eaklal is a person with genuine love to the mountain, bring you to experience the most beautiful side of mountain, achieve your dream, it was an absolutely amazing trip and a lifetime memory.

      Eaklal, now I can call you a friend, I would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone wants to travel Nepal, and definitely will be back :) Thank you!

      TrustPilot
    • J
      Julia FUnited KingdomJan 28, 2018

      Everest base camp/Gokyo lakes trek

      Oct 2017 • Solo

      My trek to Everest base camp in October 2017, began with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla airport, although i had a plane ticket, there wasn't a seat available, Binod worked hard to ensure that I could still get to Lukla that day, after many phone calls he got me on a helicopter flight, with five other people who had also been unable to get a seat on the plane dispite having tickets, the flight was amazing, the scenery breathtaking.
      I met my guide Jhamak at lukla, and we began our trek, Jhamak was kind, very patient and easy going with a good knowledge of the Everest region, he made sure that everything ran smoothly during our trek, and took good care of me, and we became friends. Unfortunately eight days into the trek when I reached Lobuche which is nearly 5000 meters I had developed a chest infection after having had a sore throat a few days before, and had to be airlifted back to Kathmandu, as I was too weak to walk.
      Binod met me at the hospital and helped me sort out my insurance claim, and any other problems that occurred, as this was a stressful time.
      Dispite the frustration of not completing the trek, I loved every minute, and had eight fantastic days trekking with Jhamak, during which i made many friends.
      I can't wait to go back to Nepal and go trekking again, i would definitely recommend Nepal pioneer treks if you are thinking of planning a trek in Nepal.

      Google
    Price from:US$1550US$1700(Per Person)
    Show Group Prices
      
    1 paxUS$1700
    2 - 5 paxUS$1650
    6 - 10 paxUS$1600
    11 - 15 paxUS$1550
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    Trip Facts
    • Duration17 Days
    • Difficulty Level Strenuous
    • Max. Altitude 5550m
    • Pickup Point Kathmandu
    • Minimum Age 10
    • Best Time To Visit All Four Season
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