Classic
GOKYO CHO LA PASS EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK – 16 DAYS
Combine the beauty of Gokyo Lakes with the thrilling crossing of Cho La, surrounded by glaciers, dramatic peaks, and spectacular high-altitude Himalayan scenery.
Duration
14
Group Size
8
Physical Rating
Level 3
Transport
Flight
Max Altitude
5,360 m/17,585 ft
Best Season
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Accommodation
Tea House & Hotel
Meals
Included
Start/End Point
Kathmandu
Trip Overview
The Gokyo Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp Trek combines the turquoise lakes of the Gokyo Valley with the classic journey to Everest Base Camp. Instead of following the standard trail directly from Namche to Tengboche, this 16-day itinerary enters the quieter western Khumbu through Dole and Machhermo, crosses the Ngozumpa Glacier and then traverses Cho La to join the upper Everest trail. Major highlights include Gokyo village, Gokyo Ri, Cho La, Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. In clear conditions, the journey provides far-reaching views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, Cholatse and other Himalayan peaks. Cho La is a serious high-altitude pass where snow, ice, loose rock and rapidly changing weather may affect the route. This trek is intended for fit and experienced trekkers. Safe completion depends on acclimatization, correct equipment and the guide’s assessment of current conditions.
Trek Highlights
- Explore the turquoise Gokyo Lakes beneath Cho Oyu.
- Climb Gokyo Ri for a broad four-8000-metre panorama in clear weather.
- See the immense Ngozumpa Glacier and cross its rugged moraine.
- Cross Cho La between Thangnak and Dzongla.
- Reach Everest Base Camp beside the Khumbu Glacier.
- Climb Kala Patthar for the classic close-range Everest view.
- Experience both the quieter Gokyo route and the famous upper Khumbu trail.
- Walk through Namche Bazaar and traditional Sherpa settlements.
- Complete a varied circuit with lakes, glaciers, a high pass and Everest landmarks.
What's Included
- Airport arrival and final-departure transfers in Kathmandu.
- Kathmandu hotel accommodation on a bed-and-breakfast basis, as specified in the confirmed quotation.
- Domestic airfare and airport transfers for the Lukla sector according to the final operating airport.
- Teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek.
- Meals during the trek only as specified in the confirmed package.
- Licensed English-speaking trekking guide and agreed porter support.
- Guide and porter wages, meals, accommodation, transport and insurance.
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and applicable Khumbu local permit.
- Necessary ground transport described in the final itinerary.
- Company duffel bag and sleeping bag/down jacket loan when specifically confirmed and required.
- Basic group first-aid kit carried by the trekking team.
- Government taxes and company service charges.
Price Excludes
- International flights and the Nepal entry visa.
- Travel insurance, medical treatment and emergency evacuation or helicopter rescue.
- Meals in Kathmandu except those specifically listed in the confirmed package.
- Meals and drinks during the trek unless included in the confirmed quotation.
- Personal trekking clothing, footwear and equipment.
- Hot showers, battery charging, Wi-Fi, mobile data and other lodge services.
- Bottled drinks, snacks, alcoholic beverages and personal expenses.
- Extra nights, meals, transport or route changes caused by weather, illness, pass closure or flight disruption.
- Helicopter upgrades or alternative transport following flight disruption unless explicitly included.
- Tips for guides, porters, drivers and other staff.
- Anything not specifically listed under “What Is Included.”
Gears & Equipment
Clothing and Footwear
Broken-in waterproof trekking boots with ankle support,
Moisture-wicking base layers,
Fleece and insulated mid-layers,
Warm down jacket,
Waterproof and windproof shell jacket and trousers,
Trekking trousers and thermal leggings,
Warm hat, sun hat and neck gaiter,
Light gloves plus warm insulated gloves,
Warm trekking socks and light camp shoes
Equipment and Personal Items
Microspikes or traction devices when advised for current Cho La conditions,
Trekking poles and gaiters,
Cold-rated sleeping bag,
Daypack with rain cover and duffel bag if porter support is included,
Headlamp with spare batteries for the pre-dawn pass start,
High-quality UV-protection sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm,
Reusable bottles and reliable water purification,
Personal medicines and first-aid essentials,
Passport, permits, insurance certificate and emergency contacts,
Power bank, charging cables, travel adapter and toiletries
Itinerary
Lukla – 2,860 m / 9,383 ft; Phakding – 2,610 m / 8,563 ft | Flight: approximately 30–40 minutes; trek: 3–4 hours
Transfer to the operating airport and fly to Lukla, subject to weather and airport conditions. Meet the trekking crew and descend through Chaurikharka before following the Dudh Koshi to Phakding. Overnight in Phakding.
Namche Bazaar – 3,440 m / 11,286 ft | Trek: approximately 6–7 hours
Follow the Dudh Koshi, cross several suspension bridges and pass Monjo before entering Sagarmatha National Park. Beyond Jorsalle, climb steadily through forest to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Namche Bazaar – 3,440 m / 11,286 ft | Hike: approximately 3–5 hours
Take a guided acclimatization hike toward Syangboche, the Everest View Hotel, Khumjung or another suitable viewpoint. Gain altitude gradually before returning to sleep in Namche. Use the afternoon for rest and preparation. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Dole – approximately 4,040 m / 13,255 ft | Trek: approximately 5–6 hours
Climb above Namche and follow the trail through Kyangjuma toward Mong La. Descend to Phortse Thenga, then climb through forest beside waterfalls to the small settlement of Dole. Overnight in Dole.
Machhermo – approximately 4,470 m / 14,665 ft | Trek: approximately 4–5 hours
Ascend gradually through Luza and open yak-grazing country as the valley widens. The shorter day supports acclimatization before reaching Gokyo. Rest and hydrate after arriving in Machhermo. Overnight in Machhermo.
Gokyo – approximately 4,790 m / 15,715 ft | Trek: approximately 4–5 hours
Climb toward the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier and enter the Gokyo Valley. Pass the first and second lakes before reaching Gokyo village beside Dudh Pokhari. Move slowly at this altitude. Overnight in Gokyo.
Gokyo Ri – approximately 5,357 m / 17,575 ft; Gokyo – 4,790 m / 15,715 ft | Hike: approximately 4–6 hours
Climb Gokyo Ri early if health, weather and trail conditions permit. In clear weather, the summit offers views of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu above the lakes and glacier. Descend to Gokyo and rest or explore near the lakes with your guide. Overnight in Gokyo.
Thangnak/Dragnag – approximately 4,700 m / 15,420 ft | Trek: approximately 3–4 hours
Leave Gokyo and cross the shifting moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. The rough trail can change as the glacier moves, making guide-led navigation important. Reach Thangnak and prepare equipment for Cho La. Overnight in Thangnak.
Cho La – approximately 5,420 m / 17,782 ft; Dzongla – approximately 4,830 m / 15,846 ft | Trek: approximately 7–9 hours
Start before dawn and climb steeply toward Cho La. Rock, snow and ice may require traction devices and careful movement. After crossing the pass, descend beside the glacier and continue over rocky terrain to Dzongla. The pass will be bypassed if conditions are unsafe. Overnight in Dzongla.
Lobuche – approximately 4,910 m / 16,109 ft | Trek: approximately 3–4 hours
Follow a shorter trail beneath Lobuche East, with views toward Cholatse and the upper Khumbu. Join the main Everest Base Camp route near Lobuche and rest for the following day. Overnight in Lobuche.
Gorak Shep – approximately 5,164 m / 16,942 ft; Everest Base Camp – approximately 5,364 m / 17,598 ft | Trek: approximately 7–8 hours
Walk beside the Khumbu Glacier to Gorak Shep, leave unnecessary gear and continue across rocky moraine to Everest Base Camp. Everest’s summit is not prominently visible from base camp, but the Khumbu Icefall and surrounding peaks form a dramatic setting. Return to Gorak Shep. Overnight in Gorak Shep.
Kala Patthar – approximately 5,545 m / 18,192 ft; Pheriche – approximately 4,240 m / 13,911 ft | Trek: approximately 6–8 hours
Begin before dawn for the steep Kala Patthar ascent if health and weather allow. Enjoy the classic panorama of Everest, Nuptse, Pumori and the Khumbu Glacier, then descend to Gorak Shep for breakfast. Continue down to Pheriche. Overnight in Pheriche.
Namche Bazaar – 3,440 m / 11,286 ft | Trek: approximately 6–7 hours
Descend through Pangboche, cross the Imja Khola and continue past Tengboche. Several uphill sections remain before the trail returns to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Lukla – 2,860 m / 9,383 ft | Trek: approximately 6–7 hours
Descend from Namche, cross the Dudh Koshi bridges and follow the familiar trail through Monjo and Phakding. Short climbs lead to Lukla, where the walking portion ends. Overnight in Lukla.
Kathmandu – approximately 1,400 m / 4,593 ft | Flight: approximately 30–40 minutes plus transfers
Fly to Kathmandu or to Ramechhap with onward road transfer, depending on seasonal operations. Mountain flights are subject to weather, visibility and airport conditions. Transfer to your Kathmandu hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu – approximately 1,400 m / 4,593 ft | Airport transfer: approximately 30–60 minutes
After hotel check-out, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your international flight schedule. The package ends with final assistance from the Barunche Treks & Expeditions team.
What Makes This Trip Different?
Sherpa Valleys and Local Mountain Life
The route links Namche with Dole, Machhermo, Gokyo, Thangnak and Dzongla, offering a wider experience of local teahouses and Sherpa settlements beyond the standard Everest Base Camp corridor.
Glacial Lakes, Cho La and Everest Adventure
Turquoise lakes, the Ngozumpa and Khumbu glaciers, a major high pass, Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar combine in one demanding and highly varied journey.
FAQs
It is a very challenging high-altitude trek involving consecutive walking days, glacial moraine, Cho La and several points above 5,000 m.
Yes. It visits Gokyo and Gokyo Ri before crossing Cho La to the Everest Base Camp route.
It is normally crossed as a trekking pass, but snow and ice may require microspikes, careful footwork and guide-managed safety equipment.
No. The guide may turn back or use an alternative route when snow, ice, weather, health or visibility makes the crossing unsafe.
Kala Patthar is approximately 5,545 m. Cho La is approximately 5,420 m, and Gokyo Ri is approximately 5,357 m.
Everest is visible from Gokyo Ri in clear conditions, together with Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu.
It is not ideal as a first multi-day trek. Strong fitness and previous high-altitude trekking experience are recommended.
Choose a policy covering trekking above 5,500 m, Cho La, medical care and emergency helicopter evacuation in Nepal.
The team will seek the next practical option. Extra hotels, transfers or helicopter alternatives may cost more unless included.
Many lodges offer charging and limited connectivity for a fee, but service is unreliable at high altitude.
Yes. Adding a Kathmandu arrival day, contingency day or extra acclimatization day can make the schedule more flexible.
This itinerary crosses only Cho La. The Three Passes Trek also crosses Renjo La and Kongma La and is longer and more demanding.
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