Who hasn't heard about the iconic and challenging Everest Base Camp Trek?
But do you know there is an alternative route to Everest Base Camp along with the stunning view and unforgettable experience of Gokyo Lakes and the high Cho-La Pass?
Yes, Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass is one of the most challenging treks to Everest Base Camp, with a length of approximately 108 km. It is an adventure through the Khumbu Region, which combines with the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Valley. Gokyo Valley is a remote Himalayan valley that presents you with some stunning views of the mountains and glaciers. If you embark on the trek during April, you will be able to experience the Dumje Festival along with the Mani Rimdu dance. This is one of the major highlights of the culture of the Sherpa and Buddhist people.
Everest Base Camp Chola Pass The Gokyo Trekking Trip comprises a perfect blend of natural and cultural heritage. Throughout the journey, the trail passes through the lush green forest, rhododendron and pine trees, the Dudh Koshi Valley, Sagarmatha National Park, Chola Pass, cascading waterfalls, and sherpa villages like Phakding, Namche Bazar, and Tengboche. Diverse flora and fauna, along with wildlife and rocky structures like Kala Pathhar, are the further attractions of this trek.
The trek further presents you with breathtaking mountain vistas, diverse landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and the opportunity to challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone.
Day 01
The trekking journey for the Everest Gokyo Chola Pass Trek will begin with your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. The representatives of Pure Adventure Nepal will welcome you and help you transfer to the hotel. You will move there in your private vehicle. In your spare time, you will spend your day exploring the streets of Kathmandu. In the evening, you will have a welcome dinner, and you will discuss your trip with fellow trekkers.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
Day 02
On the second day of your trek, you will head to Phakding. It is the scenic gateway to the Everest region. The trekking journey will take you through lush forests, quaint villages, and a glimpse of traditional Sherpa villages. After a 4-hour trek, you will arrive at Phakding and rest for the night there.
Day 03
With an early morning breakfast from Phakding, you will head towards Namche Bazar. On the way, you will explore the rhododendron forests and lush green pine trees. You cannot forget the breathtaking views of the Himalayas. You will gradually ascend towards Namche Bazar, which is the gateway to Everest. Namche Bazar is a settlement in Sherpa village, which is your acclimatization spot.
Day 04
This is the rest day for you to adjust to the higher altitude. Namche Bazar is a Sherpa village, so you can visit the nearby Sherpa Museum to further explore the traditions and culture of this area. Moreover, you can hike to the Everest View Hotel for vistas of mountains including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse.
Day 05
On the following day, you will wake up and move towards Dole. You will follow the Dudh Koshi River as you ascend towards the yak pastures. Dole is a small village with an enchanting panorama of the surrounding villages. As you reach Dole village, you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and rest there for the day after having the traditional dinner.
Day 06
Well, now you will have your final ascent to Gokyo Valley. This 5-hour trek will begin with a view of the spectacular Gokyo Ri Pass. This turquoise Gokyo Lake will present you with a panorama of Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu. Along the way, you will be able to explore the towering peaks and glaciers. As soon as you reach Machhermo, you can spend your night there.
Day 07
The seventh day of the Everest Gokyo Chola Pass Trek will start from Machhermo, which will offer you some spectacular views of the Gokyo Ri. You will pass by Gokyo Lake and marvel at the mountain range. Rest there for the night and prepare for the trek the next day.
Day 08
Leaving Machhermo, the trail today will lead you to Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri. The trail has only a few steep sections and will gradually descend to the Dudh Koshi River before you eventually climb up to Ngozumpa Glacier and Gokyo Lake. The first lake is small; however, the second lake is quite long and stretches along the trail. Crossing the third lake, you will find a teahouse where you can sit for a bit. After a fulfilling lunch, you will climb to Gokyo Ri, which takes around 3 hours. The viewpoint of the Gokyo Ri will present some scenic views of the mountains and glaciers that are below.
Day 09
Early in the morning, have your breakfast at the teahouse and plan to prepare for the 4th lake exploration. This is a short hike that will take you to the 4th Gokyo Lake. Well, it is more of a viewpoint above the lake. Once you cross the glacier and the rocky terrain, you will reach Thangnak. There are very few teahouses where you plan to spend your entire night.
Day 10
Today is the start of climbing the Chola Pass. This pass connects the main Everest Base Camp Trail with the Gokyo region. Since you will be trekking over the glacier, you will require crampons. This is the tough day that will end in Cho Dzongla village for the rest. The efforts will be made up of the views throughout the route.
Day 11
This is a pretty easy and short day trek with a flat trail. You will be crossing the Lobuche River and following the trail through glacial moraine landscapes. After this, you will reach Lobuche, which is a small village imposing the Khumbu Glacier. You will be spending your night there.
Day 12
Now, you will be following the Khumbu Glacier until you reach Gorakshep. This is the nearest village to the iconic Everest Base Camp. This is the final ascent of the camp, where you will see the Khumbu Icefall as well. After you spend some time there, you will descend to Gorak Shep and have a well-deserved rest.
Day 13
You will have an early morning hike to Kalapathhar, as you would not want to miss the sunrise. From there, you can even witness the yellow rays of the sun through Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. After this, you will descend gradually to Gorak Shep and head towards Dingboche. This village will offer you various monasteries and Sherpa culture. You can have your lunch there and rest for the day.
Day 14
Today, you will have two choices, either head to Kenjma or Namche Bazar. Kenjma is a local village with a trail of rhododendron forests and yak pastures. Whereas, the Namche Bazar trail is mostly downhill with a view of the Dudh Koshi River. You can get to the Tibetan market and explore the Sherpa products there.
Day 15
The trail through a number of suspension bridges will lead you towards the village of Monju. You will cross through the Dudh Koshi River Valley and move through the terraced farmland. After you reach Monju, you can see rhododendron trees and various farming areas. You will stay overnight at Monju.
Day 16
This is the final day of trekking, which will take you through the rolling hills and give you a glimpse of the Himalayas. You will arrive at Lulka, which is the gateway to Everest. Now, you can enjoy the final stretch and celebrate your accomplishment of the trek.
Day 17
Saying goodbye to this beautiful place could be tough, as you will be bidding your final farewell to the Everest Region today. You will have a flight back to Kathmandu today. Don't forget to get your window seat to have an aerial view of the Himalayas. Alternatively, you can drive to Ramechap and get to Kathmandu from there. After reaching Kathmandu, get to your hotel room and reflect on your journey.
Day 18
This is the day when you will depart from Kathmandu after an unforgettable adventure. Our representatives from Pure Adventure will drop you off at the airport, and then you can take your flight to head back.
Didn’t find what you were looking for?
So why not plan your own trip. It takes only 2 minutes.
Waterproof jackets and pants
Sweaters and down jackets
Lightweight trousers
Hiking shirts- long-sleeved
Hooded raincoat and Fleece jacket
Innerwears
Lightweight and heavyweight winter gloves
Sun hat or scarf; Money belt; Cotton headscarf, bandana
Winter hat or insulating hat
Headlights and extra batteries
Face and body wipes
Sunscreen and sunglasses with UV protection
Money
Watch
Cell phone and camera
Medium-drying towels
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Washing kits, talcum powder, and toilet paper
Degradable soap and shampoo
Deodorant floss, nail clippers, and mirror
First aid kit
Passport-sized photos and passport photocopies
Binoculars
Personal medications
1 swiss type knife
Sleeping bags and sheets,
Rucksack, backpack, and a small day pack
Water bottle
Water purification tablet solution
Trekking Boots
A pair of sports shoes
Heavy wool and light socks
The best time for the Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the skies are clear and the weather is mild.
The Everest Base Camp Gokyo Cho La Pass is considered a challenging trek because of the high altitude and weather conditions. Therefore, you need to have good physical fitness and proper preparation.
You will require a Khumbu National Park Permit and a Trekkers Information Management System card.
On average, you can expect to pay around USD 2000 to USD 4000. However, this cost can be altered as per the length of the trek, the service you choose, and the type of accommodation.
Yes, it is highly recommended to have a guide and porter during the trek because they can help you with navigation and safety. However, it is not considered mandatory.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)