Your Nepalese trekking team may include:

Trekking Guide / Leader

The trekking guide leads the group and is responsible for the daily organization, safety decisions, communication with lodges and management of the trekking team.

Assistant Guide

For larger groups, an assistant guide supports the group and helps the leader manage trekkers at different walking speeds.

Porter

Porters carry the main trekking luggage. Normally, one porter is shared between two trekkers.

A typical team for four trekkers may include:

• 1 Trekking Guide
• 1 Assistant Guide
• 2 Porters

The exact number of guides, assistant guides and porters depends on the final group size and trekking conditions.

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Trekking Luggage

For lodge-based trekking, each trekker should keep their porter luggage to a maximum of approximately 15 kg.

You will carry your own daypack containing the items needed during the day, such as:

• Water bottle
• Warm layer
• Waterproof jacket
• Sun protection
• Camera or phone
• Personal medication
• Snacks
• Passport and important documents

The main duffel bag is carried by the porter. Our trekking staff are provided with appropriate insurance and equipment according to their responsibilities and the route.

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Flights to Lukla

Lukla flights are highly dependent on weather, visibility and airport operations.

Depending on seasonal air traffic arrangements, flights may operate directly between Kathmandu and Lukla or from Ramechhap/Manthali Airport.

If flights operate from Ramechhap, an early road transfer from Kathmandu is required.

Flight delays and cancellations are possible because of cloud, wind and poor visibility. If a flight is cancelled, it will normally be rescheduled for the next available opportunity.

For this reason, we strongly recommend keeping at least one flexible day between the end of your trek and your international departure.

Any additional accommodation, meals or transportation caused by flight delays should be considered when planning your trip.

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Accommodation in Kathmandu

In Kathmandu, accommodation is provided in a comfortable hotel on a twin-sharing basis.

Depending on availability, we normally use hotels such as:

Hotel Himalayan Suite

Located close to Thamel, the hotel provides comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, Wi-Fi and other facilities suitable for resting before and after the trek.

Sampada Garden Resort

Located within convenient reach of central Kathmandu, Sampada Garden provides comfortable rooms, Wi-Fi, private bathrooms and a peaceful environment away from the busiest streets.

If these hotels are unavailable, accommodation of a similar standard will be arranged.

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Meals in Kathmandu

Breakfast is included according to the itinerary.

A welcome dinner may be arranged at the beginning of the trip, giving the group an opportunity to meet the trekking team and discuss the journey ahead.

Kathmandu has a wide variety of restaurants serving Nepali, Tibetan, Indian, Asian and international food.

Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu are generally not included unless specifically mentioned in your package.

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Accommodation During the Trek

During the trek, accommodation is provided in local mountain lodges or tea houses.

Rooms are generally twin-sharing.

Facilities are better at lower elevations such as Lukla, Phakding and Namche Bazaar. Attached bathrooms may be available in some lodges in places such as Lukla, Phakding, Namche, Dingboche, Dole and Gokyo, depending on availability.

As we move higher toward Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Dzongla and Thagnak, accommodation becomes simpler. Rooms normally have basic beds and blankets, while toilets may be shared.

At high altitude, comfort is more limited because everything must be transported into the mountains.

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Meals During the Trek

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided during the trekking portion of the journey.

Meals are prepared by the lodge kitchens and served in the dining room.

A typical menu may include:

Breakfast

Eggs, porridge, toast, Tibetan bread, chapati, pancakes, potatoes, tea or coffee.

Lunch

Dal bhat, noodles, fried rice, pasta, potatoes, soup, momos, sandwiches or other available lodge meals.

Dinner

Soup followed by dal bhat, pasta, noodles, rice, potatoes, vegetables or another main course.

Vegetarian food is widely available throughout the Everest region.

At higher elevations, menus become more limited and fresh ingredients may be less available.

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Drinking Water

Safe hydration is very important at altitude.

We recommend carrying at least one reusable water bottle or hydration system.

Water can normally be obtained from lodges and treated using purification tablets or another suitable purification method.

We encourage trekkers to refill bottles rather than buying large numbers of single-use plastic bottles.

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Physical Level

This is a challenging high-altitude trek.

The route includes:

• Everest Base Camp – 5,364 m
• Kala Patthar – approximately 5,545
• Cho La Pass – 5,420 m
• Gokyo Ri – 5,357 m

Most trekking days involve approximately 5–7 hours of walking, while the Cho La Pass crossing and some of the higher days can take longer.

The terrain includes steep trails, rocky moraine, glacier terrain and potentially snow or ice around Cho La.

Technical mountaineering experience is normally not required, but trekkers should have good fitness, strong endurance and preferably previous multi-day trekking experience.

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Preparation for the Trek

Good physical preparation will make the journey much more enjoyable.

We recommend beginning training several months before departure.

Useful preparation includes:

• Regular hiking
• Stair climbing
• Running or jogging
• Cycling
• Swimming
• Strength training
• Long weekend walks carrying a daypack

Try to build gradually toward 4–6 hours of continuous walking. Training cannot completely prepare the body for altitude, so proper acclimatization during the trek remains essential.

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Medical Check Before the Trek

Anyone joining a high-altitude trek should be in reasonably good health.

If you have an existing heart, lung or other medical condition, or if you have concerns about trekking at altitude, consult your doctor before travelling.

Tell your doctor that the journey reaches above 5,500 m and involves several consecutive days at high altitude.

A dental check can also be useful before a long mountain journey, particularly if you have existing dental problems.

Always bring enough of your regular medication for the complete journey, with some extra in case of delays.

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Altitude and Acute Mountain Sickness

This journey spends several days above 4,000 m, so altitude must be taken seriously.

Common early symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Unusual tiredness
• Poor sleep
• Dizziness

Symptoms must always be reported to your guide. The most important rule is not to continue ascending when altitude symptoms are becoming worse.

Our itinerary includes acclimatization days and gradual altitude gain, but every person responds differently to altitude. Medication such as acetazolamide (Diamox) can be useful for prevention or treatment in some situations, but it should be discussed with a doctor before the trip rather than taken without medical advice.

Severe altitude illness can be life-threatening. If symptoms suggest serious AMS, HAPE or HACE, descent and medical assistance may be necessary.

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Cho La Pass – 5,420 m

Cho La is the most demanding section of this journey.

Conditions vary depending on snowfall, temperature and recent weather. The route can include rocky terrain, frozen surfaces, snow and ice.

An early start is normally required.

Depending on conditions, trekking poles and microspikes or suitable traction equipment may be useful.

The guide will assess the route before crossing. If weather, snow or ice makes Cho La unsafe, the guide has the authority to change the itinerary.

Reaching the pass is important, but safety always comes first.

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Group Size

Our normal group size for this trek is approximately 1–10 participants.

Keeping groups relatively small allows guides to monitor trekkers more carefully, particularly during high-altitude sections such as Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar and Cho La.

Private departures can also be organized for individuals, couples, families or private groups.

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Trekking Permits

The Everest region requires official trekking and protected-area permits.

Required permits for this program are arranged by Alpinist Club when included in your package.

These normally include the relevant requirements for Sagarmatha National Park and the Khumbu/Everest region.

Always carry your passport or a copy of the required identification because permits may be checked along the trail.

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Personal Trekking Equipment

Personal clothing and trekking equipment are normally the responsibility of each participant.

A complete equipment list will be provided before departure.

Important items normally include:

• Trekking boots
• Warm base layers
• Fleece or insulated jacket
• Down jacket
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Headlamp
• Trekking poles
• Daypack
• Water bottle
• Sleeping bag
• Personal medication

High-quality sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented in Kathmandu if required. Any rented equipment must be returned in good condition.

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Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is essential for this trek.

Your insurance should specifically cover:

• High-altitude trekking to at least 5,500 m
• Emergency helicopter evacuation
• Medical treatment
• Hospital expenses
• Trip cancellation or interruption
• Lost or delayed baggage where possible

Do not assume that a normal travel-insurance policy automatically covers trekking above 5,000 m. Check the altitude limit carefully before purchasing your policy.

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Emergency Evacuation

If a trekker becomes seriously ill or injured, the guide will assess the situation and arrange the safest available response.

Depending on the location and weather, this may involve walking or carrying the person to a lower altitude, local medical assistance, or helicopter evacuation.

Helicopter evacuation in Nepal can be expensive, which is why appropriate travel insurance is compulsory.

Weather may also affect how quickly an evacuation can take place.

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Safety During the Trek

Safety is one of the main priorities throughout the journey.

Our guide monitors:

• Trekker health
• Altitude symptoms
• Weather forecasts
• Trail conditions
• Cho La Pass conditions
• Daily walking pace
• Group progress

A group first-aid kit and pulse oximeter are carried during the trek.  However, mountain travel can never be completely risk-free. Weather, altitude, landslides, snow, flight delays and individual health can all affect the original plan. The itinerary should therefore be considered flexible.

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Electricity, Charging and Wi-Fi

Electricity is available in most Everest-region lodges.

At lower elevations, charging may be included or relatively inexpensive. At higher elevations, lodges normally charge separately for battery charging.

Wi-Fi or mobile internet is available in many settlements, but connections can be slow or unavailable because of weather or local network conditions.

We recommend carrying a power bank for phones, cameras and other small electronic devices.

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Money During the Trek

ATMs are available in Namche Bazaar, but they should not be relied upon as your only source of money.

Carry enough Nepalese rupees for personal expenses such as:

• Hot showers
• Charging
• Wi-Fi
• Snacks
• Drinks
• Souvenirs
• Tips

Prices generally become higher as altitude increases because supplies are transported by porter, yak or helicopter.

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Best Season

The best periods for this trek are generally:

Spring – March to May

Spring brings warmer temperatures, longer days and good mountain conditions.

Autumn – September to November

Autumn normally offers stable weather and clear mountain views.

Cho La may still hold snow or ice during either season, so actual crossing conditions depend on the weather immediately before the trek.

Winter crossings can be considerably more difficult because of snow, ice and very low temperatures.

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Tipping

Tipping is customary in Nepal's trekking industry but should always reflect your satisfaction with the service provided.

At the end of the trek, clients normally contribute collectively toward tips for guides, assistant guides and porters.

Tips are not normally included in the trip cost unless clearly stated.

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Responsible Trekking

The Everest region is both a mountain environment and home to local Sherpa communities.

We ask all participants to help protect it by:

• Using reusable water bottles
• Avoiding unnecessary single-use plastic
• Carrying personal rubbish until it can be disposed of properly
• Respecting monasteries, mani walls and religious sites
• Asking permission before photographing local people
• Following lodge and village customs
• Staying on established trails where possible

Small actions make a real difference in protecting the mountains for future visitors and local communities.

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Important Note

High-altitude trekking is affected by weather, trail conditions, flight schedules, group health and other circumstances beyond our control.

The guide may change walking times, overnight locations or parts of the itinerary when necessary for safety.

The purpose of the journey is to experience Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Cho La Pass, Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri in one complete Himalayan trek, but no individual destination is more important than the safety of the group.

1. How difficult is the Gokyo Ri, Cho La Pass & Everest Base Camp Trek? :

This 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.

2. What is the highest point of the trek? :

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.

3. Do we visit Everest Base Camp before Gokyo Lakes? :

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.

4. Do I need climbing experience to cross Cho La Pass? : 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.

5. What happens if Cho La Pass is unsafe? :

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.

6. How many hours do we walk each day? :

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.

7. Is this trek suitable for beginners? :

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.

8. What is the best season for this trek? :

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.

9. What kind of accommodation is available? :

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

10. Are meals included during the trek? : 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.

11. Is altitude sickness a concern? : 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.

12. Do I need travel insurance? : 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.

13. What happens if the Lukla flight is delayed or cancelled? :

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.

14. What permits are required? :

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.

15. Are porters provided? :

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.

16. Can I rent a sleeping bag and down jacket in Nepal? :

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.

17. Is drinking water available during the trek? :

Yes. Water is available at lodges along the route. We recommend carrying a reusable bottle and using purification tablets or another suitable purification method.

18. Can this trek be organized privately? :

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.

19. Can I charge my phone or camera during the trek? :

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.

20. Is Wi-Fi available during the trek? :

Wi-Fi or mobile internet is available in many villages, but connections may be slow or unavailable at higher elevations or during bad weather.

21. Why choose this route instead of the classic Everest Base Camp Trek? :

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.