15 Days 14 Nights
Daily Tour
12 people
English, Nepali
The Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek is a complete 15-day Everest loop adventure that combines Everest Base Camp, the high Cho La Pass, and the beautiful Gokyo Lakes into one journey. This route is designed for trekkers who want more than the classic base camp experience.
Instead of returning along the same trail, this Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek follows a scenic circular route through the Khumbu region. It blends the traditional Everest Base Camp trail with the quieter and more remote Gokyo Valley, creating a more diverse trekking experience.
The journey starts with a mountain flight to Lukla and continues through iconic Sherpa villages such as Namche Bazaar and Tengboche before reaching Everest Base Camp and the famous Kala Patthar viewpoint. From here, the trail moves beyond the standard route and crosses the challenging Cho La Pass (5,368m), connecting the Everest Base Camp trail with the Gokyo region.
After the pass, the landscape changes into wide glacier valleys and peaceful alpine lakes. Trekkers explore the Gokyo Lakes and hike to Gokyo Ri, one of the best panoramic viewpoints in the Himalayas, offering views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu.
This 15 day Everest Base Camp Gokyo loop trek offers glacier crossings, high mountain passes, turquoise lakes, and deep cultural encounters with the Sherpa community.
It is one of the best options for trekkers seeking a complete Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes experience within a limited timeframe.
The Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek is one of the best Everest region trekking experiences for travelers looking for adventure, mountain scenery, and a complete Himalayan journey. Unlike the standard Everest Base Camp Trek, this route follows a scenic circular trail that combines Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Cho La Pass, Gokyo Lakes, and Gokyo Ri in one unforgettable adventure.
This trek offers a perfect mix of high mountain passes, glacier landscapes, turquoise lakes, Sherpa culture, and panoramic Himalayan views. Trekkers can experience both the famous Everest Base Camp trail and the peaceful Gokyo Valley without returning along the same route. The crossing of Cho La Pass (5,368m) adds extra adventure and makes the journey more exciting and rewarding.
The Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek is ideal for trekkers who want a more diverse and scenic alternative to the classic Everest Base Camp Trek. With breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the Ngozumpa Glacier, this trek delivers one of the most complete trekking experiences in Nepal.
This 15-day Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek takes you on a full Himalayan adventure, combining the iconic Everest Base Camp with the remote Gokyo Valley and the thrilling Cho La Pass. Every day is carefully planned to balance adventure with proper acclimatization.
The journey starts with a spectacular flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. From the airstrip, you descend gently to Phakding, walking along the Dudh Koshi River and passing small Sherpa settlements that give a first taste of the Khumbu culture.
From Phakding, the trail climbs steadily to Namche Bazaar, the vibrant hub of the region. Here, you take a rest day to acclimatize, explore the local markets, and soak in panoramic Himalayan views.
Continuing the trek, you pass through rhododendron forests and arrive at Tengboche, home to the famous monastery perched against the towering peaks. From Tengboche, the trail heads to Dingboche, where another acclimatization day prepares you for the higher altitudes ahead.
The landscape becomes truly alpine as you trek to Lobuche, then on to Gorak Shep, the final stop before Everest Base Camp. A short hike from Gorak Shep brings you to Everest Base Camp (5,364m), where the Khumbu Glacier and the surrounding peaks create an unforgettable panorama. Returning to Gorak Shep for the night, you wake early the next morning for a hike to Kala Patthar (5,550m), offering one of the closest and most breathtaking views of Mount Everest.
After experiencing Everest Base Camp, the trek takes an adventurous turn. You leave the main trail and head toward Dzongla, from where you tackle the challenging Cho La Pass (5,368m). Crossing the pass is a highlight of the trek, with stunning glacier views and sweeping mountain landscapes. The descent leads to Dragnag, connecting you to the tranquil Gokyo region.
In Gokyo, you explore the turquoise lakes and hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) at sunrise, which provides one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu. From Gokyo, the trail winds down through Dole before rejoining the main path at Namche Bazaar.
The trek concludes with a gradual descent to Lukla and a scenic flight back to Kathmandu, completing a circular route that combines the classic Everest Base Camp trail with the remote and serene Gokyo Valley. This 15-day journey is perfect for trekkers seeking a mix of adventure, culture, and unmatched Himalayan scenery.
This itinerary provides a short outline of the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek route. You can find a more detailed day-by-day itinerary below with additional information about trekking hours, altitude, accommodation, acclimatization, and daily trekking experiences.
The Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek is a physically demanding high-altitude trek that requires good endurance and preparation. While it does not involve technical climbing, the challenge comes from sustained walking at elevation and crossing a Himalayan pass above 5,000 meters.
Trekkers should be prepared for:
• Extended trekking days on varied terrain
• High altitude conditions above 5,000m
• Steep climbs and descents on mountain trails
• Rocky and icy sections while crossing Cho La Pass
• Changing mountain weather
The most challenging part of the trek is the crossing of Cho La Pass (5,368m), which involves glacier terrain and a steady ascent before descending into the Gokyo Valley.
With proper acclimatization days included at Namche and Dingboche, this 15 day Everest Base Camp Gokyo loop trek is achievable for fit trekkers who are comfortable walking 5 to 7 hours per day.
Previous trekking experience is useful, but strong fitness, determination, and gradual altitude adaptation are more important for successfully completing this Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes adventure.
Cho La Pass (5,368m / 17,611 ft) is one of the most exciting highlights of the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek. The pass connects the Everest Base Camp trail with the beautiful Gokyo Valley, creating a scenic circular trekking route through the Everest region.
The crossing from Dzongla to Dragnag is physically demanding and includes steep climbs, rocky trails, glacier sections, and high-altitude terrain. Although challenging, the route rewards trekkers with spectacular Himalayan views, dramatic glacier landscapes, and a more remote trekking experience compared to the classic Everest Base Camp trail.
Crossing Cho La Pass does not require technical climbing skills, but good fitness and proper acclimatization are essential. With acclimatization days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, most fit trekkers can complete the pass safely during the spring and autumn trekking seasons.
For many trekkers, Cho La Pass becomes the most adventurous and memorable part of the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes journey, offering a perfect combination of challenge, scenery, and high Himalayan adventure.
Gokyo Lakes is one of the most beautiful places in the Everest region. The lakes are famous for their bright turquoise color and peaceful mountain scenery. After crossing Cho La Pass, the trail reaches the quiet Gokyo Valley, which feels less crowded than the main Everest Base Camp route.
The Gokyo area is surrounded by snowy mountains, glaciers, and traditional Sherpa villages. Trekkers can enjoy peaceful walking trails and amazing Himalayan landscapes throughout the journey.
One of the main highlights is the hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m), a popular viewpoint above the lakes. From the top, trekkers can see Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the massive Ngozumpa Glacier.
The Gokyo Lakes section makes the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek more scenic, relaxing, and memorable for trekkers looking for a complete Everest trekking experience.
If you are looking for a shorter trek focused mainly on the Gokyo Valley, we also offer a separate Gokyo Lake Trek package. This trek is specially designed for travelers who want to explore the beautiful Gokyo Lakes and hike to Gokyo Ri without crossing Cho La Pass or visiting Everest Base Camp.
The best time for Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek is spring and autumn season. In these months, weather is clear, sky is blue, and mountains look very beautiful.
Spring (March to May):
This is a very good time. Flowers bloom on the way, and temperature is not too cold. Cho La Pass is also more stable.
Autumn (September to November):
This is the best trekking season. The weather is clear, no rain, and perfect mountain views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu.
In winter, it is very cold and snowy, so Cho La Pass can be difficult. In monsoon (June to August), there is rain and clouds, so views are not clear.
So, most trekkers choose spring or autumn for safe and best Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek experience.
During the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek, accommodation is in simple tea houses run by local Sherpa families. Rooms are usually twin-sharing with basic beds, blankets, and shared bathrooms. Facilities become more basic as you go higher, but they are clean and comfortable enough for resting after a long trekking day.
Food on the trek is freshly prepared in tea houses. The most common meal is dal bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables), which gives good energy for trekking. You can also find items like noodles, soups, potatoes, eggs, pancakes, and tea or coffee. At higher altitudes, food options become more limited, but warm meals are always available.
This trekking route is designed to keep you well-fed and well-rested, helping you maintain energy for high passes like Cho La Pass (5,368m) and viewpoints like Gokyo Ri (5,357m).
Altitude sickness is a common challenge during the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek because the trail goes above 5,000 meters. It happens when your body does not get enough oxygen at high altitude. Some common symptoms are headache, dizziness, tiredness, and loss of appetite.
To stay safe, trekkers should walk slowly, drink plenty of water, and take proper rest during acclimatization days in places like Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. These rest days help your body adjust to high altitude conditions.
For a natural local remedy, Nepalese trekkers often drink garlic soup (Lahsun ko jhol) and ginger tea. These help improve warmth, digestion, and breathing at high altitude. Staying hydrated and eating light food like soup and rice is also very helpful.
If symptoms become serious, it is important to go to a lower altitude immediately. Proper acclimatization, good guidance, and a slow trekking pace make the journey safe and enjoyable.
To do the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek, trekkers need two main permits. The first is the Sagarmatha National Park Permit, which allows entry into the Everest region. The second is the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit, which is required for trekking inside the Khumbu valley.
The permit cost is simple and affordable. The Sagarmatha National Park Permit costs around NPR 3,000 per person, and the Khumbu local permit costs around NPR 2,000 to 3,000 per person depending on where it is issued. So, the total permit cost is usually around NPR 5,000–6,000 per trekker.
Travel insurance is also very important for this trek. Because this route goes above 5,000 meters and crosses Cho La Pass, your insurance must include high-altitude trekking coverage and emergency helicopter rescue. This is very helpful in case of altitude sickness or any emergency situation in the mountains.
Here is a simple and important packing list for the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek. This helps you prepare better for high altitude trekking in Nepal.
This is a short overview packing list to help you understand what you need for the trek. We also have a separate detailed packing list Post with full information and a PDF download option for easy preparation.
The Cho La Pass Trek is a challenging high-altitude trek in Nepal. It involves long walking days, steep climbs, glacier sections, and crossing a high mountain pass above 5,000m. Good fitness and acclimatization are important.
The trek usually takes around 15 days, depending on the itinerary, walking pace, and acclimatization days.
Cho La Pass is not technically dangerous, but it is physically demanding. The main challenges are altitude, weather changes, snow, and icy trails.
Cho La Pass is at an altitude of 5,368 meters (17,611 feet) above sea level.
Beginners can do this trek if they are physically fit and well-prepared. Prior trekking experience is helpful, but not mandatory.
Everest Base Camp is more popular, but Gokyo Lakes offers quieter trails and better panoramic mountain views. The combined Cho La Pass trek gives you both experiences.
Yes, crampons may be needed in winter or early spring when the pass is icy. Your guide will advise based on conditions.
The best time is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when weather is stable and views are clear.
Yes, altitude sickness can happen above 3,000m. Proper acclimatization, slow walking, and hydration help reduce the risk.
Temperatures at Cho La Pass can drop below -10°C to -20°C depending on the season, especially in the early morning.
Solo trekking is possible in some areas, but it is strongly recommended to go with a licensed guide for safety, especially for Cho La Pass crossing.
Yes, WiFi is available in some teahouses, especially in Namche Bazaar and lower villages, but it may be slow and unreliable at higher altitudes.
The cost varies depending on service level, group size, and inclusions, but generally it ranges from USD 1400 $ - 1800 $ budget to premium trekking packages.
You need the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit which cost total NPR 5000 - 6000.
On average, trekkers walk 5 to 7 hours per day. Some days like Cho La Pass crossing can take 8 to 9 hours depending on conditions.
Incredible Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Gokyo Trek with a Trusted Local Operator