How long is the Gokyo Cho La Pass trek?

The trek typically takes around 14 to 18 days, depending on your itinerary and pace.

What is the best time to do the Gokyo Cho La Pass trek?

The best time for this trek is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is clear, and the mountain views are at their best.

Do I need a permit for the Gokyo Cho La Pass trek?

Yes, you will need two permits: the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card.

How difficult is the Gokyo Cho La Pass trek?

The trek is considered challenging due to the high altitude and the crossing of Cho La Pass. It is suitable for trekkers with prior trekking experience and good physical fitness.

What is the maximum altitude of the trek?

The highest point is Cho La Pass at 5,420 meters (17,782 feet), and the trek also includes a visit to Gokyo Ri at 5,357 meters (17,575 feet).

Are there tea houses along the route?

Yes, there are tea houses providing accommodation and meals along the trail, though the facilities become more basic as you ascend.

Is altitude sickness a concern on this trek?

Yes, altitude sickness can be a risk due to the high elevation. It’s essential to acclimatize properly and ascend gradually.

Gokyo Cho-La Pass Trek – Himalayan Dynamic Adventure

Maximum Altitude
5643 m
Accomodation
Hotel/Lodge/Tea House
Transportation
Flight/Private Vehicle
Best Season
Autumn and Spring
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Arrival City
Kathmandu

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

The Gokyo Cho-La Pass Everest trek is a thrilling 17-day adventure that offers an incredible blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and high-altitude trekking. This journey takes you through the heart of the Khumbu region, providing stunning views of Everest, crossing the challenging Cho-La Pass, and exploring the vibrant Sherpa villages along the way. Perfect for adventurers seeking a mix of excitement and tranquility, the trek promises breathtaking landscapes, from the shimmering Gokyo Lakes to the iconic Everest Base Camp.

Trip Highlights

Scenic Flight to Lukla – Enjoy a thrilling mountain flight to one of the world’s most famous airports.
Stunning Gokyo Ri Summit – Marvel at panoramic views of Everest, Cho-Oyu, and other towering peaks.
Cross the Cho-La Pass – Challenge yourself with this high-altitude mountain pass for an unforgettable adventure.
Visit Everest Base Camp – Stand at the foot of the world’s highest mountain and witness the mountaineering camps.
Rich Sherpa Culture – Explore vibrant villages like Namche Bazaar and visit ancient Buddhist monasteries.

Day 1 :

Arrive Kathmandu

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you are suppose to complete all the custom formalities and meet our representative outside who will be welcoming you in our traditional way with flower garland. The representative then will transferred you to hotel where you can have rest or visit around and get refreshed.

Day 2 :

Sightseeing Kathmandu

After breakfast, we will visit World Heritage Sites: Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, and Boudhanath. In the evening, we met the entire flight team and our tour guides for the preparation of the Trek. After having dinner, we will drop you at the hotel where you will spend your second night.

Day 3 :

Fly Lukla – overnight Phakding (4 hrs/2640)

Early morning, we take a short yet stunning flight to Lukla along with all the crew members. After the landing, all the crews are introduced to porters who lend their hands to carry the trekking equipments and other start our trek to Phakding (2610m), passing through typical Sherpa Village along with Dudh Koshi River. We stay overnight at tea house Phakding.

Day 4 :

Trek Phakding to Namche (7 hrs/3445m)

After breakfast we will start our long trek to Namche bazaar, the biggest town in Khumbu Valley. The route of Namche bazaar is slightly longer and more challenging than the trail from Lukla to Phakding. About half-way up the ascent to the bazaar, a gap in the trees allows us to spy Everest for the first time. If the weather is clear, the top and the southwest ridge will be visible behind the long Lhotse-Nuptse ridge and others more places where you can enjoy your day.

Day 5 :

Rest Day at Namche

The town of Namche bazaar is the obvious place for the rest day. It’s important for body to have rest on such extreme atmospheric environment to avoid the mental and physical stress. But, the best way to acclimatize to altitude is not to sit around doing nothing you can involve gentle physical activity so besides gentle walk to explore Namche is a good idea. It’s a gentle walk in a forested area, without any significant climbs and leaving you a plenty of time for some last minute shopping in Namche and you can also visit to the Buddhist monastery located just above the town.

Day 6 :

Treking via Khmjung, Kundo, Monla Hile (6hrs/3971m)

Bazaar offers beautiful views of Mt. Everest and Khumjung. After reaching Dole we can see the marvelous views of snowcapped mountains and also spotted deer, Himalayan Tars and birds and mainly the national bird of Nepal.

Day 7 :

Trek monla to Machama(6hrs)

From Dole it is uphill to Machherma. We will walk along a rhododendron forest and cross a waterfall before reaching the village of Tongba. We continue our climb through the villages of Labarma and Luza before reaching Machhermo. There is a Chhorten right in front of the village of Luza. During today's journey we will walk alongside the river DudhKoshi.

Day 8 :

Trek machama to Gokya

The path climbs gently from the village to a ridge that offers the first view of the north side of Cho-Oyo and further views of Kangtega and Thamserku. Before TabocheTsho, a path leads to the glacier - and the Cho La. An exhausting half-hour hike beyond the lake leads to the summer village of Gokyo, which sits on the side of the moraine and overwhelming DudhPokhari.

Day 9 :

Trek climb Gokyori and trek to Thonak(6hrs/50425)

Well head towards the wonderful Gokyo Ri in the morning which lies at a height of 5,357 meters above sea level.There are wonderful views of the upper Gokyo valley, the massive Ngazumpa Glacier and an incredible panoramic view of all the Khumbu Himalayas, such as Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu (8481m), Cho-Oyu (8153m) and Gychung Kang (7922m). We move towards Thaknak for overnight stay.

Day 10 :

Cross Chola-Pass 5330m and descend to Dzongla(4930m/7hrs)

After spending nigh at Thaknak we head towards Cho-la Pass in the early in the morning. The path leading to the pass is not so difficult but it is steep and we have to cross ice trips on the eastern side. We trek steadily up from Phedi via side of frozen lake to reach the top of the pass which is decorated with player flags.

Day 11 :

Dzongla to Lobuche-4hrs

The path goes down Dzongla towards the bridge and, crossing it, we cross through a grass path. Along the path, we can enjoy the fantastic view of the Lobuche Peak that eventually extends through the ridge. The spectacular view of AmaDablam, Kangtega, Thamserku and Taboche can also be seen along the trail. From here on, the path curves in several places along the river to reach the village of Lubusz. Lobuche marks as our accommodation for this night.

Day 12 :

Lobuche to Gorkship and EBC(….) and back to Gorakship(8 hrs)

After spending night at Lobuche we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the vast Gorak Shep. We pass through the rock dunes, reefs and streams before reaching Everest Base Camp. When you arrive at Everest Camp, we see mountaineering tents that are brightly colored in contrast to the monotony of a gray ocean (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are mountains that we can see from the base campground. We go back to Gorak Shep to spend a good night.

Day 13 :

Climb up to Kalapathar and back down Porsche-4240m/7hrs

This will be one of the most difficult days of hard work. Most of the morning is spent on climbing Kala Patthar. The demand for ascent is high, but the climbers have the most spectacular panoramic view of the mountains such as Mount Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, Chagatse, Lhotse and countless other mountains. We quickly descended to Gorak Shep and head to Pheriche overnight.

Day 14 :

Phorche to Namche 7hrs

We descend through the hills covered by rhododendrons and juniper trees. After crossing the bridge decorated with the prayer flag on the Dodh Kuchi River, our trail follows the Kuchi Dormitory that descends quickly through the pine forests. In the forest, we may encounter colorful gradients and mountain goats. The road eventually reaches Sansa where we can enjoy views of the Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Nuptse mountains. We also pass winding paths through a forest before reaching Namche Bazaar.

Day 15 :

Namche to Lukla

Starting day with breakfast we will have a continuous walk to Phakding. Following Dudh Koshi River and the suspension bridges, crossing over the pine and rhododendron forest, and up and down we finally reach Lukla. This is the final day of our trek so we will be enjoying our last dinner together celebrating the success of the trip. We will be staying our last night together at tea house in Lukla.

Day 16 :

Lukla to ktm

To fly back to Kathmandu, we will have an early flight which is about 35 to 40 minutes. After landing at Kathmandu airport our representatives will be there to receive you and they will be transferring you back to hotel room. You can have rest in your room or else can explore the shops and restaurants nearby

Day 17 :

Fly back to Home country

Your adventure in Nepal ends today. A representative from the Adventure Steps Nepal will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before the time of the flight. On your way home, you will have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.