Introduction: Gokyo Cho La Pass Trekking via Everest Base Camp: 2024/2025
Gokyo Cho La Pass Trekking via Everest Base Camp route serves as one of the finest adventures in the Gokyo Valley region. This route is for adventurers who seek raw, natural beauty and scenic diversity combined with unique cultures and traditions. Join this trek for some of the most stunning views of the Himalayas. This trek has varying landscapes; beautiful valleys, deep gorges, majestic glaciers, and glacial rivers. The villages have maintained the allure of tradition and culture for ages. Furthermore, take on the challenging and formidable Cho La Pass (5,420m). Lay eyes on the Ngozumba glacier – the largest in the Himalayas. Explore Gokyo village, one of the highest settlements in the world.
Suitable for the daredevil and trekkers who seek a challenge, Gokyo Cho La Pass Trekking Route has various gifts in store for the explorers. We start with the cultural and historical heritage of the Kathmandu Valley, then we depart to the Himalayas. The trek starts with a scenic flight over rolling hills leading to the lofty Himalayas. We follow serpentine rivers and trek through the settlements en route to the Namche Bazaar.
The route is sprinkled with prayer flags, prayer wheels, and Mani stones. Enjoy the rhododendron forest, ancient monasteries, suspension bridges, and views of the Himalayas at various points along the route.
Next, we will arrive at Namche Bazaar and the Cho La Pass Trekking Route. This bustling hub of the Khumbu region serves as the trading center. It is a favorite acclimatization place for Everest climbers and trekkers alike. The trek continues to higher altitudes up to the ancient monasteries in Tengboche, Dingboche before moving on to the iconic Everest Base Camp.
Trekkers then return to Lobuche before going to Thangnag. After Thangnag we will start the challenging Cho La Pass. Witness the marvelous mountain scenery from the pass. Immerse yourself in the unique culture and tradition of the Sherpa community. This culture is influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. Follow the footsteps of legendary climbers as you trek through various stopovers along the trail. After conquering the challenging pass, you shall traverse through the unique settlements of Gokyo, Dole, Machhermo, and others before passing through Namche again. Afterward, it’s back to Lukla where we will depart for Kathmandu announcing the end of this challenging trek.
Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek trail has a carefully crafted itinerary to provide you with proper acclimatization, safety, and the best expedition. Due to the strenuous nature of this trek, trekkers need to have above-average physical fitness and endurance. Join hands with Nepal Trekking Planner for professional service, an experienced guide, amazing porters, a carefully planned itinerary, reasonable price, and quality service above and beyond the standards set by regulating agencies in Nepal. If you are a daredevil seeking an authentic trekking adventure choose Gokyo Cho La Pass Route.
Gokyo Cho La Pass Trekking via EBC Altitude and Distance Coverage
Day | Activity | Altitude (m/ft) | Distance (km/miles) | Duration (hours) | Altitude Gain (m/ft) | Altitude Drop (m/ft) |
1 | Arrival in Kathmandu | 1,350 m / 4,430 ft | - | - | - | - |
2 | Full day in Kathmandu | 1,350 m / 4,430 ft | - | - | - | - |
3 | Flight to Lukla & trek to Phakding | 2,860 m/9,383 ft 2,610 m / 8,563 ft | 9 km / 5.6 miles | 3-4 hrs | +50 m / 164 ft | -250 m / 820 ft |
4 | Trek to Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m / 11,286 ft | 11 km / 6.8 miles | 5-6 hrs | +830 m / 2,723 ft | -0 m / 0 ft |
5 | Rest day at Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m / 11,286 ft | - | - | - | - |
6 | Trek to Tengboche | 3,860 m / 12,664 ft | 9.2 km / 5.7 miles | 4-5 hrs | +420 m / 1,378 ft | -0 m / 0 ft |
7 | Trek to Dingboche | 4,350 m / 14,272 ft | 10.5 km / 6.5 miles | 4-5 hrs | +490 m / 1,608 ft | -0 m / 0 ft |
8 | Rest day in Dingboche | 4,350 m / 14,272 ft | - | - | - | - |
9 | Trek to Lobuche | 4,940 m / 16,210 ft | 8.5 km / 5.3 miles | 4-5 hrs | +590 m / 1,938 ft | -0 m / 0 ft |
10 | Trek to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp | 5,164 m / 16,860 ft,5,364 m/17,598 ft | 15 km / 9.3 miles | 5-7 hrs | +424 m / 1,391 ft | -0 m / 0 ft |
11 | Trek to Kala Pattar and Dzonglha | 5,545 m/18,192 ft, 4,130 m/13,550 ft | 14 km / 8.7 miles | 6-8 hrs | +200 m / 656 ft | -734 m / 2,408 ft |
12 | Trek to Thangnak via Chola Pass | 4,700 m / 15,420 ft,5,420 m/17,782 ft | 10.8 km / 6.7 miles | 6-7 hrs | +590 m / 1,938 ft | -720 m / 2,362 ft |
13 | Trek to Gokyo | 4,750 m / 15,584 ft | 3.5 km / 2.2 miles | 4-5 hrs | +50 m / 164 ft | -0 m / 0 ft |
14 | Full day in Gokyo | 4,750 m / 15,584 ft | - | - | - | - |
15 | Trek to Dole | 4,200 m / 13,780 ft | 11 km / 6.8 miles | 4-5 hrs | +0 m / 0 ft | -550 m / 1,804 ft |
16 | Trek to Namche | 3,440 m / 11,286 ft | 7.5 km / 4.7 miles | 4-5 hrs | +0 m / 0 ft | -760 m / 2,493 ft |
17 | Trek to Lukla | 2,860 m / 9,383 ft | 19 km / 11.8 miles | 5-6 hrs | +420 m / 1,378 ft | -1,000 m / 3,281 ft |
18 | Flight back to Kathmandu | 1,350 m / 4,430 ft | - | - | - | - |
19 | Final departure | - | - | - | - | - |
Climate and Weather during Gokyo Cho La Pass Trekking
The climate in the Himalayas is unpredictable, and after 3500 meters, we never know what's going to happen with the weather, so it's recommended to stay ready for the snow, rain, and windy climate. During the morning and night time the weather are freezing cold and its better to get dressed in thick layers.
March to May and September to November are great times for trekking around the trail of Gokyo Cho La Pass and other areas in the Everest region. During this period, the weather is often clear, and the views during the morning are considered the best. During the day, it gets a bit windy. It is recommended to wear windproof layers during the day.
Best Season and months for trekking to Gokyo Cho La Pass
Spring :March to May, during the springtime, is a lovely time as the flowers bloom and the mountains come alive and are ready to welcome the winter. The trail is sometimes covered with snow after Dingboche (4,400m), and the morning is good with views of snow-capped mountains.
- Morning temperatures can range from 0 to 5 degrees Celsius.
- Daytime temperatures can range from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius.
- Nighttime temperatures can range from -15 to 3 degrees Celsius.
Autumn: Mid-September to December during the autumn/fall season is a perfect time, as the days are crystal clear from morning until mid-afternoon. It feels colder, and the temperature is freezing in the morning and night in the shade; during the daytime, it can be windy after 12.00–1.00 pm, above 3800 meters.
- Morning temperatures can range from 0 to 3 degrees Celsius.
- Daytime temperatures can range from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius.
- Nighttime temperatures can vary from -18 to 3 degrees Celsius.
The temperature drops with the rise in altitude.
Note: The Himalayan climates keep changing instantly, so the days can get cloudy, and there can be some chances of encountering snowfall around higher elevations in the morning and nighttime above 4400 meters.
Local Culture and Religion in the trail of Gokyo Cho La Pass combined with Everest Base Camp trek
As trekkers trek along the villages and the trekking trail of Everest, they can encounter the mani walls and the inscriptions on the walls. There, we have to walk through the left to show respect for the culture. Most villages have a Buddhist monastery, prayer walls, and religious monuments of Stupas (domes) with rows of spinning prayer wheels.
The native tribe of Everest are the Mongolian peoples of Nepal, like sherpas, gurungs, rai, magar, and tamangs. Among them, the majority belong to the sherpas in the Everest region. Sherpa migrated around the high Himalayas of Nepal around the Mid-East and Far Eastern Himalayas, ranging from Eastern parts of Tibet.
The locals of Everest were farmers and livestock herders, salt traders, and incense stick sellers. The locals follow Buddhism and have big festivals like Mani Rimdu, Lhosar, and Tiji festivals.
Washing and Toilet facilities at Gokyo and Everest region
Toilets are mainly the Western-style commodes at the tea houses. Toilets are outside your room and shared on a shared basis for the floor. At the trekking trail on the way towards Phakding, there is a single public toilet, and on the way to Namche, there is a single toilet. So, trekkers can go towards the nearest guest houses and tea houses, but peeing can be done near the bushes or somewhere safe.
All guest houses offer hot showers at an additional charge, and the lodges and tea houses offer solar shower bucket showers and gas geyser showers. Every lodge has some washing facility that includes laundry.
Please note
- There may need to be more hot water for all the trekkers at high altitudes.
- Limit the use of hot water unless the water is solar-heated for ecological reasons.
- You should not throw toilet paper in the toilet. Instead, use a rubbish bin.
- Carry toilet papers, soap bars, and sanitizers as they are not placed in the toilets.
Is Travel Insurance required for Gokyo Cho la Pass trek?
Trekking Planner Nepal strongly advises and recommends all clients to purchas a insurance policy against unforeseen circumstances that might arise or occur during your Himalayan holidays, where Travel and Medical Insurance should obtain through World Nomads Travel Insurance for your upcoming holiday in Nepal Himalayan destinations.
Clients on booking can go for acquiring Travel and Medical Insurance. Insurance is not compulsory for any tour and trek. Insurance policy helps for covering personal injury, death, medical expenses, and repatriation expenses in any means of transportation on emergency evacuation such as helicopter rescue, air ambulance, and adequate cover for baggage.
Things to consider when trekking to gokyo cho la pass
- All our hike, trekking, and tour programs with accommodations and foods are set in respective places according to the itinerary.
- Walks can be longer or shorter, depending on the fitness of the clients.
- The availability of vehicles on time, flight delays, cancellations, unfavorable weather, and road or trail conditions can lead to trek delays.
- Trekking Planner Nepal requests that clients, upon booking, acquire travel and medical insurance for any tour or trek.
- Your selected tour destination may differ from the program itineraries in this situation.
- In rare cases, we might even have to reroute or cancel the trips as per the political, riot, bad weather, broken road or trail condition, and porter's situation and condition.
- The company can cancel the trips due to unavoidable conditions beyond our control.
- In natural conditions, please bear with us; we will try our best to adjust the itinerary as best as possible for your convenience.
Can Trekkers get Altitude Sickness during Gokyo Cho La Pass Trekking
Altitude Sickness can affect anyone. At high altitudes, the decrease in atmospheric pressure makes breathing difficult due to less oxygen. Mainly, it happens above 3300m (10,000ft). Signs and symptoms are as follows:
- Headache/Dizziness.
- Nausea/vomiting.
- tiredness/fatigue.
- Sleepy but can’t sleep.
- Loss of appetite.
Prevention for this is to dress warmly as per weather conditions, drink plenty of water, eat well, and walk slowly. It is a good idea to climb higher than you sleep. Keep hydrated and make sure you avoid alcohol.
Important Note:
- This trip departs every day of the year.
- This trip is fully customizable. We can customize the trip as per your need, please contact us.
- This trip is available on both a Fixed Departure and a Private Group Basis.
- This trip can be booked privately if you’re traveling solo or privately or with family.
- Have a big group? We can help as per your needs.
- We can help you make it fit your budget.
- we accept online payment.
Why Trekking Planner Nepal for Gokyo Cho La Pass Trekking?
So Trekking Planner Nepal presents the Gokyo Cho La Pass package, which has all-inclusive and no hidden cost except the excluded cost. In this package, Trekking Planner Nepal covers everything when the payment is made for the booking - permits for Everest Region, accommodation, maps for, itinerary and everything, including the guide and porters for is covered.
Traveling and hiking in Nepal with Nepal Trekking Planner means that after paying the booking cost for the Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek 2024/2025, everything is covered, which is included in the Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek itinerary.
Check the itinerary, maps, and suggested gear lists carefully before starting the trek. Always check what the package covers when you pay for the Gokyo Cho La Pass Trekking, and check all the things included and excluded. We are available 24/7 for any queries regarding trekking in Nepal.
Outline itinerary for Gokyo Cho La Pass Trekking: 19 Days
Day 1:Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2:Full day in Kathmandu
Day 3:Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding
Day 4:Trek to Namche Bazaar
Day 5:Rest day at Namche Bazaar
Day 6:Trek to Tengboche
Day 7:Trek to Dingboche
Day 8:Rest day Dingboche
Day 9:Trek to Lobuche
Day 10:Trek to Gorakshep walk and Everest Base Camp
Day 11:Trek to Kala Pattar walk and to Dzonglha
Day 12:Trek to Thangan walk via Chola pass
Day 13:Trek to Gokyo
Day 14:Full day in Gokyo
Day 15:Trek to Dole
Day 16:Trek to Namche
Day 17:Trek to Lukla
Day 18:Fly back to Kathmandu
Day 19:Final departure