Max. Elevation
Gokyo Ri, Cho La Pass & Everest Base Camp Trek
Overview
Gokyo Lakes, Cho La Pass & Everest Base Camp Trek
The Gokyo Ri, Cho La Pass and Everest Base Camp Trek – 17 Days is a remarkable journey through the heart of Nepal’s Everest region, bringing together high mountain passes, turquoise glacial lakes, traditional Sherpa villages, and some of the most spectacular Himalayan views.
Starting with the classic Everest trail, the trek follows the Dudh Koshi River through pine forests, suspension bridges, and traditional mountain settlements before reaching Namche Bazaar, the vibrant centre of Sherpa culture. As the trail climbs higher, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with magnificent views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
One of the major highlights is reaching Everest Base Camp at approximately 5,364 m, followed by an early-morning hike to Kala Patthar at approximately 5,545 m. From this famous viewpoint, you can enjoy an incredible panorama of Mount Everest and the vast Khumbu Glacier.
The adventure continues across Cho La Pass at approximately 5,420 m, a demanding high-altitude crossing that leads into the beautiful Gokyo Valley. Here, a series of turquoise lakes rests beneath snow-covered mountains and rugged glacial terrain. The ascent to Gokyo Ri at approximately 5,357 m rewards you with sweeping views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the immense Ngozumpa Glacier.
Combining challenging trekking, rich Sherpa culture, and extraordinary mountain scenery, this 17-day journey offers much more than a standard Everest Base Camp trek. It is an excellent choice for adventurous trekkers who want to experience Everest Base Camp and the quieter beauty of Gokyo Valley in one unforgettable Himalayan expedition.
Itinerary
Expand AllUpon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our local team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Later, we meet for a trek briefing to discuss the route, equipment, altitude, weather conditions, and other important details for the journey ahead. If you arrive early, the rest of the day is free to relax or explore the streets of Thamel.
- Transport: Private vehicle
- Final altitude: Approx. 1,350 m
- Meals: Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Our Himalayan journey begins with a flight to Lukla. Depending on seasonal flight arrangements, the flight may operate directly from Kathmandu or from Ramechhap Airport after an early drive from Kathmandu.
After landing in Lukla, we meet our porter team and begin walking into the Khumbu Valley. The first day is relatively gentle, following a trail through Sherpa villages, mani walls, suspension bridges, and forests above the Dudh Koshi River. We reach Phakding in the afternoon and spend our first night in the mountains.
- Trekking: Approx. 3–4 hours
- Final altitude: 2,610 m
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge in Phakding
Today we follow the Dudh Koshi River deeper into the Everest region. The trail crosses several suspension bridges and passes through villages before entering Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo.
After crossing the famous high suspension bridge, we begin the long uphill climb toward Namche Bazaar. On a clear day, we may catch our first distant view of Mount Everest along the way. Namche Bazaar sits naturally in the mountainside and has been an important trading center of the Khumbu for generations.
- Trekking: Approx. 6–7 hours
- Final altitude: 3,440 m
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge in Namche Bazaar
We spend another night in Namche to allow our bodies to adjust gradually to the altitude. Instead of resting all day, we take an acclimatization walk toward Everest View Hotel, Khumjung, or Kunde. Weather permitting, the trail offers our first clear views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and other peaks of the Khumbu. We return to Namche in the afternoon and prepare for the higher mountains ahead.
- Walking: Approx. 4–5 hours
- Final altitude: 3,440 m
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge in Namche Bazaar
Leaving Namche, we follow a beautiful hillside trail with views toward Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. The trail gradually descends to the Dudh Koshi River before climbing through rhododendron and pine forest toward Tengboche. Tengboche is home to one of the most important monasteries in the Khumbu. Its location, surrounded by high Himalayan peaks, makes it one of the memorable stops on the Everest trail.
- Trekking: Approx. 5–6 hours
- Final altitude: 3,860 m
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge in Tengboche
We descend through forest toward Deboche before crossing the river and continuing through Pangboche. As we move higher, the landscape becomes more open and alpine. Ama Dablam remains close throughout much of the day, while the mountains around the upper Khumbu begin to dominate the horizon. We gradually reach Dingboche, a traditional high-altitude settlement surrounded by stone-walled fields.
- Trekking: Approx. 5–6 hours
- Final altitude: 4,410 m
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge in Dingboche
We spend another night at Dingboche before continuing toward Everest Base Camp. Depending on weather and the condition of the group, we make an acclimatization hike above the village, gaining altitude during the day before returning to sleep lower. From higher ground, there are beautiful views toward Ama Dablam, Makalu, Island Peak, and the surrounding mountains. This extra day helps prepare the body for the higher elevations ahead.
- Walking: Approx. 4–5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge in Dingboche
Leaving Dingboche, we walk across the broad valley toward Thukla. From Thukla, the trail climbs more steeply toward the memorials dedicated to climbers who lost their lives on Everest and other Himalayan mountains. Beyond the memorials, the trail becomes gentler as we continue through a rugged high-altitude landscape toward Lobuche. By now, we are surrounded almost entirely by rock, glacier, and high mountain walls.
- Trekking: Approx. 5–6 hours
- Final altitude: Approx. 4,910 m
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge in Lobuche
Today we reach the first major goal of our journey: Everest Base Camp. We leave Lobuche and follow the rocky trail beside the Khumbu Glacier toward Gorak Shep, the final settlement on the Everest Base Camp route.
After a short rest and lunch, we continue across glacial moraine toward Base Camp. The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, with Nuptse, Pumori, the Khumbu Glacier, and the surrounding Himalayan peaks filling the horizon. We eventually reach Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m. After spending time here, we return to Gorak Shep for the night.
- Trekking: Approx. 7–8 hours
- Highest point: Everest Base Camp, 5,364 m
- Final altitude: Approx. 5,164 m
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge in Gorak Shep
We wake early and begin climbing toward Kala Patthar. The ascent is steep, but the reward is one of the finest mountain views of the entire journey. Everest rises behind Nuptse, while Pumori and the Khumbu Glacier dominate the surrounding landscape. After reaching approximately 5,545 m, we spend some time taking in the panorama before returning to Gorak Shep for breakfast.
We then descend past Lobuche and leave the main Everest Base Camp trail behind, turning toward the quieter route to Dzongla. From this point, the journey changes character as we prepare to cross Cho La Pass.
- Trekking: Approx. 7–8 hours
- Highest point: Kala Patthar, 5,545 m
- Final altitude: Approx. 4,830 m
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge in Dzongla
Today is one of the longest and most demanding days of the journey. We leave Dzongla early and gradually climb through rocky terrain toward Cho La Pass.
The route can include snow, ice, loose rocks, and steep sections depending on recent weather and trail conditions. We move carefully and steadily under the guidance of our trekking team. Reaching Cho La Pass at 5,420 m is one of the great moments of the trek. From the pass, we begin a careful descent toward the quieter valley on the Gokyo side, eventually reaching Thagnak for a well-earned rest.
- Trekking: Approx. 7–9 hours
- Highest point: Cho La Pass, 5,420 m
- Final altitude: Approx. 4,700 m
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge in Thagnak
After the long Cho La crossing, today's walk is shorter but takes us through another remarkable Himalayan landscape. We cross the rough moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in Nepal. The route winds between rocks, ice, and glacial terrain before finally reaching the other side of the valley.
As we approach Gokyo, the landscape suddenly opens and the turquoise waters of the Gokyo Lakes appear beneath the surrounding mountains. We spend the night in the peaceful settlement of Gokyo beside the lake.
- Trekking: Approx. 3–4 hours
- Final altitude: Approx. 4,750 m
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge in Gokyo
We start early for the climb to Gokyo Ri at 5,357 m. The trail climbs steeply above the lake, and with every step the view becomes wider. From the top, the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and Ngozumpa Glacier lie below us, while Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu rise across the Himalayan skyline.It is a fitting final high point of the journey after Everest Base Camp and Cho La Pass. We descend back to Gokyo, have breakfast, and then begin the long journey down the Gokyo Valley toward Dole.
- Trekking: Approx. 6–7 hours
- Highest point: Gokyo Ri, 5,357 m
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge in Dole
Today we continue descending through the Gokyo Valley. The barren high-altitude landscape gradually gives way to juniper, rhododendron, and pine forest as we return to lower elevations. We pass small settlements and yak pastures before eventually rejoining the main Everest trail. By afternoon, we arrive back in Namche Bazaar, where warmer air, bakeries, cafés, and busy streets feel very different after several days in the high mountains.
- Trekking: Approx. 5–6 hours
- Final altitude: 3,440 m
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge in Namche Bazaar
Our final day on the trail begins with a long descent from Namche. We cross familiar suspension bridges and pass through Monjo, Phakding, and other villages along the Dudh Koshi River. The air becomes warmer as we descend, and the green landscape feels almost completely different from the glaciers and rocky terrain we left behind.
The final section climbs gradually toward Lukla, where we spend our last evening with the trekking team.m It is time to look back on a journey that brought together Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Cho La Pass, and Gokyo Lakes in one complete Himalayan experience.
- Trekking: Approx. 6–7 hours
- Final altitude: 2,860 m
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge in Lukla
Weather permitting, we take an early flight from Lukla. Depending on seasonal flight arrangements, we may fly directly to Kathmandu or land at Ramechhap Airport and continue to Kathmandu by road. After arriving at the hotel, the rest of the day is free to relax, explore Thamel, enjoy a good meal, or do some last-minute shopping. Flight schedules in Lukla are always dependent on weather and visibility, so delays can occasionally occur.
- Transport: Flight and private/shared road transfer as required
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Your journey through the Everest region comes to an end today. Depending on your international flight time, you will have some free time in Kathmandu before our representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure.
You leave Nepal with memories of Sherpa villages, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, the crossing of Cho La, the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, and some of the highest mountains on Earth.
- Transport: Private airport transfer
- Meals: Breakfast
Note:
If you have a private group and prefer a personalized experience, we can organize a custom trip tailored to your requirements and group size, running it any day you choose.
Plan a Private TripIncluded & Excluded
Included Points
Airport Transfers : Airport pick-up on arrival and transfer to your hotel, plus final airport transfer on departure day.
Accommodation in Kathmandu : 3 nights in a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast.
Welcome Dinner : One welcome dinner in Kathmandu with the Alpinist Club team.
Trekking Permits : All required trekking permits and entry fees for the Everest region as included in the program.
Domestic Flights : Kathmandu/Ramechhap–Lukla and Lukla–Kathmandu/Ramechhap flights according to the itinerary and seasonal flight operation.
Trekking Accommodation : Twin-sharing accommodation in mountain lodges and tea houses throughout the trek.
Meals During the Trek : Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking days, including tea or coffee with meals as specified in the program.
Trekking Guide : Experienced, government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide throughout the trek.
Assistant Guide : Assistant guide provided according to group size.
Porter : One porter shared between two trekkers.
Member Luggage : Porter service for up to approximately 15 kg of personal trekking luggage per person.
Staff Salary & Expenses : Guide and porter wages, meals, accommodation, insurance, equipment and other necessary staff expenses.
Staff Insurance : Insurance coverage for all Nepalese trekking staff involved in the journey.
Excluded Points
International Flights : International airfare to and from Nepal.
Nepal Visa : Nepal entry visa fee and any visa extension costs.
Travel Insurance : Personal travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking, medical treatment, accidents, trip cancellation and emergency helicopter evacuation.
Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu : Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu unless specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
Extra Hotel Nights : Additional accommodation in Kathmandu, Lukla, Ramechhap or elsewhere due to early arrival, late departure, flight delays, bad weather, illness or early return from the trek.
Personal Expenses : Telephone calls, laundry, snacks, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and other personal purchases. Internet and Wi-Fi charges, Phone, camera and other electronic-device charging fees during the trek.
Personal Trekking Equipment : Personal clothing, trekking boots, backpack, trekking poles, sunglasses, gloves and other personal trekking equipment.
Toiletries : Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toilet paper, tissues and other personal hygiene items.
Emergency Evacuation : Helicopter rescue, medical evacuation, hospital treatment and related emergency expenses.
Tips : Tips for guides, assistant guides, porters and other staff.
Additional Services : Any services, activities or expenses not specifically mentioned in the Cost Includes section.
Trip Information
Trekking Guide and Support Team
An experienced, English-speaking Nepalese trekking guide will lead your journey through the Everest region. Assistant guides may be provided depending on the group size, while porters carry the main luggage, with one porter shared between every two trekkers.
Your guide will manage the daily trekking schedule, monitor trail and weather conditions, and provide guidance on altitude acclimatization. The itinerary may be adjusted if weather, trail conditions, or a participant's health makes continuing unsafe.
Read MoreDifficulty Level
Challenging – Suitable for Physically Fit Trekkers
This trek is ideal for adventurous hikers with good physical fitness and preferably previous high-altitude trekking experience. Expect approximately 5–8 hours of walking on most trekking days, with some longer stages.
The route includes steep ascents and descents, rocky trails, glacier-side terrain, and the crossing of Cho La Pass at approximately 5,420 m. Reaching Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m and hiking to Kala Patthar at approximately 5,545 m add to the physical demands.
Regular cardio exercise, strength training, and practice hikes before departure are recommended. You will carry a daypack with your daily essentials, while porters transport your main luggage.
Best Time to Trek
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are generally the best seasons for this trek. These periods often offer favourable trekking conditions and excellent Himalayan views.
Winter brings colder temperatures and a greater chance of snow and ice. During the monsoon, rain, cloud cover, and trail conditions may affect the journey. Cho La Pass is particularly sensitive to snow, ice, and changing weather, so safe crossing conditions cannot be guaranteed.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Kathmandu is generally provided in a standard hotel, usually in a twin-sharing or double room. During the trek, you will stay in local teahouses or mountain lodges.
Rooms are simple and may have twin beds and basic furnishings. Facilities become more basic at higher elevations, and toilets and showers may be shared. Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging facilities may be available for an additional fee, depending on the lodge.
Single rooms may be available on request, subject to availability and any applicable supplement.
Meals and Drinking Water
During the trek, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided according to your confirmed package. Meals are usually served in local teahouses and lodges, with options such as dal bhat, noodles, rice, potatoes, vegetables, soups, eggs, bread, and pancakes.
- Breakfast: Eggs, toast, chapati, Tibetan bread, porridge, or pancakes with tea or coffee.
- Lunch: A main meal selected from the available lodge menu.
- Dinner: Soup, a main course, and fruit where available.
Food options vary by location. Please inform Alpinist Club in advance about allergies or dietary requirements, as choices may be limited in remote villages.
Carry a reusable water bottle and use a suitable water filter or purification treatment. Your guide can advise you on safe drinking-water sources and refill options. Additional drinks, snacks, bottled water, and items outside the included meal plan are generally at your own expense.
Transportation and Lukla Flights
Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu are arranged by private vehicle or minibus, according to the confirmed package.
The trek begins and ends with flights to and from Lukla. Flight schedules depend on the season, weather, and operational arrangements. Some flights may operate from Ramechhap Airport rather than Kathmandu, requiring an approximately 4–5-hour road journey.
Flights to Lukla can be delayed or cancelled due to weather. We recommend allowing extra time in your international travel schedule. Additional accommodation, transport, meals, or alternative arrangements caused by delays may incur extra costs unless included in your package.
Group Size
The standard group size is 2–8 participants, allowing for a more personal trekking experience and flexibility along the route. Private departures may also be available on request.
Guide and porter arrangements will depend on the final group size and confirmed package. Any changes to the standard group arrangement should be agreed upon before departure.
Equipment and Luggage
Participants must bring their personal trekking equipment. Alpinist Club can provide a detailed packing list to help you prepare for cold temperatures, high altitude, and changing weather.
Essential equipment includes:
- Broken-in trekking boots and comfortable trekking socks.
- Thermal base layers, fleece, and a warm insulated jacket.
- Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers.
- Warm gloves, a hat, and a sun hat.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm.
- A daypack, reusable water bottle, and water-purification supplies.
- Headlamp, trekking poles, personal medication, and basic toiletries.
Porters carry the main luggage, while you carry your daypack. The standard luggage allowance for this trek should be confirmed with Alpinist Club before departure. A storage facility may be available at your Kathmandu hotel for luggage you do not need during the trek.
Altitude Safety and Travel Insurance
The trek reaches elevations above 5,000 m, where altitude sickness and rapidly changing weather can pose serious risks. Follow your guide's instructions, maintain a steady pace, and report symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, or unusual breathlessness immediately.
Your guide may recommend stopping the ascent or descending if symptoms develop. A portable hyperbaric chamber may be carried where appropriate, but it does not replace descent or medical care.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Your policy should specifically cover high-altitude trekking, emergency medical treatment, helicopter evacuation, and the maximum elevation of your itinerary. Check the policy carefully before departure.
Permits and Travel Documents
You must carry a valid passport and any documents required to enter Nepal. Visa requirements depend on your nationality and current immigration regulations.
Applicable permits and entry permissions are required for trekking in the Everest region. Alpinist Club will confirm the permits needed for your itinerary and arrange those included in your package.
Keep your passport details, insurance information, emergency contacts, and essential medication accessible throughout the trip.
Responsible Trekking
We encourage responsible travel and respect for the Himalayan environment and local communities. Please follow local customs, ask permission before photographing people, avoid unnecessary plastic waste, and dispose of rubbish responsibly.
Respect monasteries, prayer flags, mani walls, and local traditions. Supporting local lodges and businesses also helps communities benefit from tourism.
Important Information
Mountain weather, trail conditions, altitude, and domestic flight operations can affect the itinerary. Your guide may adjust the schedule when necessary for safety, and reaching every planned destination cannot be guaranteed in adverse conditions.
Before booking, please review the detailed itinerary, package inclusions and exclusions, luggage allowance, insurance requirements, and policies for flight delays with Alpinist Club.
Less MoreGears List
Trip Map
Trip Gallery
FAQ's
Expand AllThis is a challenging high-altitude trek. The route includes long walking days, several nights above 4,000 m, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Cho La Pass and Gokyo Ri. Good physical fitness and previous multi-day trekking experience are strongly recommended.
The highest point is Kala Patthar at approximately 5,545 m. The trek also reaches Cho La Pass at 5,420 m, Gokyo Ri at 5,357 m, and Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m.
Yes. This itinerary first follows the classic Everest Base Camp route. After visiting Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, the trail turns toward Dzongla, crosses Cho La Pass, and continues to Gokyo Lakes.
Technical climbing experience is normally not required. However, Cho La is a serious high-altitude pass and may have snow, ice, loose rocks and steep sections. Your guide will assess the conditions before attempting the crossing.
Weather and snow conditions can sometimes make Cho La unsafe. In this situation, your guide will adjust the itinerary and choose the safest possible alternative. Mountain safety always comes before completing the planned route.
Most days involve approximately 5–7 hours of trekking. Longer days, such as the Cho La Pass crossing or Everest Base Camp section, may take 7–9 hours depending on the group, weather and trail conditions.
A very fit beginner with good preparation may be able to complete the trek, but it is not the easiest choice for a first Himalayan trek. Previous trekking experience and good endurance are strongly recommended.
The best seasons are generally spring from March to May and autumn from September to November. These periods usually offer more stable weather and better mountain visibility.
During the trek, accommodation is provided in local mountain lodges or tea houses. Facilities are comfortable at lower elevations but become simpler in higher places such as Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Dzongla and Thagnak
Yes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included during the trekking portion according to the package. Tea houses serve meals such as dal bhat, noodles, fried rice, pasta, soups, potatoes, eggs and other local and international dishes.
Yes. This trek spends several days above 4,000 m, so altitude must be taken seriously. The itinerary includes acclimatization days, and your guide will monitor the group. Any symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness or unusual tiredness should be reported immediately.
Yes. Travel insurance is essential. Your policy should cover high-altitude trekking to at least 5,500 m, emergency medical treatment and helicopter evacuation in Nepal.
Flights to and from Lukla depend heavily on weather and visibility. Delays or cancellations are possible. We recommend keeping at least one flexible day between the end of your trek and your international departure.
The trek requires the necessary Everest-region trekking and protected-area permits. Alpinist Club arranges the required permits when they are included in your package.
Yes. Porter support is provided according to the package. Normally, one porter carries the main luggage for two trekkers, with a recommended maximum of approximately 15 kg per trekker.
Yes. Sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented in Kathmandu if required. Please let us know before the trek so the correct equipment can be arranged.
Yes. Water is available at lodges along the route. We recommend carrying a reusable bottle and using purification tablets or another suitable purification method.
Yes. The trek can be organized as a private journey for individuals, couples, families or groups. The itinerary can also be adjusted depending on your available dates and previous trekking experience.
Yes. Charging facilities are available in most lodges, although an additional fee may be charged, especially at higher elevations. Carrying a power bank is recommended.
Wi-Fi or mobile internet is available in many villages, but connections may be slow or unavailable at higher elevations or during bad weather.
This route offers much more variety. You experience the classic Everest Base Camp trail, climb Kala Patthar, cross the challenging Cho La Pass, visit the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and climb Gokyo Ri. It combines two of the most beautiful areas of the Khumbu in one complete Himalayan journey.