Genuine Reviews on :

Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek

  Everest Region Trek , Nepal

4 Reviews

Duration

17 Days

Tour-Type

Trekking/Hiking

Group size

1+

Accommodation

Tea House/Lodge/Camping

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Max.Altitude

5357m

Best Season

Through Out the Year

Departure From

Kathmandu

Hightlight

  • The Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek is a popular trekking route in the Everest region of Nepal. It is a challenging trek that takes you through diverse landscapes, traditional villages, and stunning mountain views. Here are some of the highlights of the Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek:
  • Gokyo Lakes: The Gokyo Lakes are a series of six glacial lakes that are situated at an altitude of 4,700-5,000 meters. The lakes are known for their crystal clear water and stunning turquoise color, which makes them a popular destination for trekkers. The trek offers breathtaking views of the Gokyo Lakes and the surrounding mountain ranges.
  • Cho La Pass: The Cho La Pass is a high mountain pass at an altitude of 5,420 meters. The pass offers stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges, including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. Crossing the Cho La Pass is one of the highlights of the trek, but it is a challenging and steep climb.
  • Kala Patthar: Kala Patthar is a small peak at an altitude of 5,545 meters. It is one of the best viewpoints in the region and offers panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. The trek takes you to the top of Kala Patthar, where you can enjoy the sunrise and sunset views.
  • Traditional Sherpa Villages: The trek takes you through traditional Sherpa villages, where you can experience the local culture and way of life. You’ll pass through Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital, and other small villages like Dole, Machhermo, and Gokyo.
  • Everest Base Camp: The trek also takes you to Everest Base Camp, which is at an altitude of 5,364 meters. This is the starting point for climbers who attempt to summit Mt. Everest. The trek offers stunning views of the Khumbu Icefall and the surrounding mountain ranges.

Overview

Do you want to have a different experience from Everest Base Camp trek? Do you want to add some challenge in your Everest region trek? If ‘yes’, Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass trek is the ultimate package. This trek takes you to the base camp of Mount Everest. Besides, you can also visit the heavenly Gokyo Lakes Valley and cross Cho La Pass. Cho La Pass (5,420 m) is one of the three high passes of Khumbu region.

Gokyo Valley is popular for Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Village and Gokyo Ri (5,357 m). Gokyo Lakes are a group of six turquoise watered lakes interconnected naturally. Other 19 glacial lakes of various sizes and shapes are also connected to this network. Gokyo Village is one of the largest settlement areas of the valley. It is popular for the friendly Sherpa people, their lifestyle, culture, tradition and cuisines served at the best hospitality. You can visit the village and talk with the people to get first-hand experience about their community.

Sagarmatha National Park and the Sherpa socio-cultural aspects are the usual rewards of Everest Base Camp trek. Hike to Everest View Hotel is another prize of Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass trek. Ancient monasteries, chortens and mani walls are also common features of this region. These Tibetan Buddhist shrines are highly decorated by colorful prayer flags and wheels. The feasts and festivals celebrated on regular intervals are also other beauties of Everest region trek.

How is Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass trek different from Everest Base Camp trek?

Both the treks are the variants of Everest region trekking. The trekkers can have the lifelong experiences of natural and cultural wonders of this region. The snow capped peaks, lush forests plus flora and fauna are the natural aspects. The man made landmarks found in Everest region fall under cultural characteristics. The monasteries, chortens and mani walls built in every village have further beautified them. Similarly, Everest View Hotel is another significant man made site worthy of visiting.

Everest Base Camp trek takes you to the base camp of the base camp of the world’s highest peak. You follow the traditional routes along Sagarmatha National Park. You go past the Sherpa ethnic villages of this region. Apart from, Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass trek is a little deviation from EBC trek. It takes you to Chhukung Valley and Gokyo Valley away from the Dudh Koshi River Valley. Crossing Cho La Pass (5,420 m) is an adventurous trekking in Nepal.

While doing EBC trek, you get to visit two vantage points of Everest region. Everest View Hotel and Kalapatthar are the viewpoints you reach in this trek. Everest View Hotel is the highest altitude hotel in the world. Kalapatthar is the world’s highest place you can climb without special permit. Gokyo Cho La Pass trek takes you to other two more vantage points. Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) rewards you with the best view of the Great Himalayas, Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Valley. You can also have the view of four eight-thousanders of Everest and Makalu region.

Cho La Pass is one of the three high passes of Everest Three High Passes trek. The scenery from Gokyo Ri and Cho La Pass are almost the same. Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Makalu (8,481 m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8,188 m) and many more are seen from here.

Is Cho La Pass trek difficult?

Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass trek combines a high Himalayan pass above 5,000 m. Cho La Pass (5,420 m) is one of the three high passes of Khumbu region. This high pass adds up to the difficulty of this trek. The final section of the pass is almost always covered with the thick layer of the snow. The snow makes the trail more slippery to walk along. More than that, in winter, you should use the climbing gears to cross it.

The traditional trekking trail of EBC trek is well maintained and defined. So, it is not much difficult to reach the base camp of Mount Everest throughout the year. Gokyo Cho La Pass trek becomes a little challenging due to the high pass. Moreover, you have to walk for about 6/7 hours per day above 3,000 m. As soon as you walk above 2,500 m, there is always a chance for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). You need to be more cautious for avoiding such health hazards.

How to do Cho La Pass trek?

To begin Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass trek, you must fly from Kathmandu to Lukla. It takes around 30 minutes to reach Lukla, the gateway to Everest Base Camp trek. Then, you move further to Phakding, Namche, Tengboche and Dingboche. By leaving the usual EBC trekking trail, you divert towards Chhukung Valley. Then, following the rugged trail and enjoying the glorious Himalayan views, you enter into Gokyo Lakes Valley. You spend a day in this valley to climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) and Gokyo Lakes.

Next, you trek to Lobuche and then move towards Gorakshep to spend a night. On the first day, you visit Everest Base Camp (5,364 m). The following morning, you hike to Kalapatthar, the best vantage point. Afterwards, you descend to Namche, Lukla and then fly back to Kathmandu. The flight to and from Lukla gives you the best aerial view of the Everest region. The snow-covered mountains, lush valleys, dense forests and high altitude villages are also seen.

Alternative Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek Route

Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass trek is designed to help you experience something different. It is to equip EBC trek with more interesting things to make it more memorable. It guides you through the Dudh Koshi Valley, Chhukung Valley and Gokyo Valley respectively. You have a choice to visit Gokyo Valley after completing the Everest Base Camp trek. For this, you reach EBC by walking through the regular track. After relishing the breathtaking view of the Mountain Giants, you trek down towards Gorakshep.

Then, you climb down to Dzongla and then Thangna via Cho La Pass (5,420 m). From Thangna, you walk up to Gokyo Valley to spend a day there. After visiting the Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri, you climb down towards Dole, Namche and Lukla. In the end, you fly back to Kathmandu by leaving Everest region behind.

The Best Time for Gokyo Cho La Pass trek

You can do Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass trek in all the seasons. However, if it snows heavily, the trail across Cho La Pass remains blocked. It is almost impossible to clear 8/10 feet thick snow layers. The best time for Everest Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass trek is spring and autumn. In these seasons, the days are fine with clear skies. While crossing the high pass, you can have the best vistas of the mountains and landscapes.

Although the weather is not predictable in summer, the visibility is clear. You can have the best rewards of the natural and cultural beauties from the vantage points. Gokyo Ri, Cho La Pass, Everest View Hotel and Kalapatthar are the remarkable view points of Everest region. Doing this trek in winter is quite difficult. The temperature of this high Himalayan place goes far below zero. The heavy snowfalls obstruct the journey by blocking the Nepal trekking trails. If you visit this region in spring, the rhododendron flowers embellish the entire Sagarmatha National Park.

Itinerary

Upon your arrival time, a representative from Nepal Trekking Routes will reach Kathmandu International Airport [TIA] to welcome and receive you. You will then be escorted to your hotel where you can refresh and relax and in the evening a welcome dinner program will be organized at a Nepali restaurant. Overnight in Kathmandu.

After enjoying morning breakfast, you will be picked by your guide from the hotel and take around Kathmandu for sightseeing. You will visit world heritage monuments such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Swoyambunat and Bouddhanath. In the evening, our trekking guide will conduct a briefing about the trekking program before dinner. Overnight at Kathmandu.

Wake up early today to catch a mountain flight to Lukla, the gateway to Mt. Everest. Unload your rucksacks and star trekking towards Phakding. Enroute you will pass through pine and oak forests with occasional chirping sound of birds. Overnight in Phakding.

Have a warm breakfast and take in the crispy air. The trail leaving Phakding parallels the Dudkhosi River alongside the forested hills. Crossing of the suspension bridge over the confluence of Bhotekoshi and Dudhkoshi allows for a first glimpse of Everest and other peaks. The last segment is fairly uphill trek till you reach Namche Bazar.  Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Today is an acclimatization day. You will spend exploring and learning about the sights and sounds of Namche Bazaar. Or alternatively you can hike up to Everest View Hotel, one of world’s highest hotels to capture an amazing panorama of Mahalangur Himalayan ranges including Everest, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Choaltse and so forth. Afterwards return to Namche and spend evening in cozy Namche cafes or pubs. Overnight in Namche.

We climb the Khumjung hill and descend to the east of the village down the broad valley leading to the Dudh Koshi from where the route turns north. There are two trails and our guide will choose the best option for us to follow. There is a chorten on the ridge top at 3973 m which descends from Mt. Khumbila (5761 m). We visit Mongla, the birthplace of the re-incarnated Lama of Rongbuk Monastery of Tibet who is believed to have introduced Buddhism in the Khumbu region of Nepal. The trail descends in a series of steep switchbacks down a sandy slope to the Dush Koshi. We stay overnight in Phortse Tanga, near the river.

From Phortse Thanga it is an uphill climb to Machhermo. We walk on a trail alongside a rhododendron forest and pass through a waterfall before reaching Tongba Village. We continue our uphill trek and pass through Dhole, Labarma and Luza villages before reaching Machhermo. There is a Chhorten right before the Luza village. Throughout today’s journey we will be walking alongside the Dudh Koshi River. Overnight in Machhermo.

We begin today by climbing a ridge for an excellent view down the valley to Kangtaiga and also up towards Cho Oyu (8153 m). The valley now widens as the trail passes through Phangkha, where an avalanche in 1995 killed 40 people. We then descend to the riverbank before climbing onto the terminal moraine of the Ngazumpa Glacier on a steep trail. Upon crossing an iron bridge over a stream, the trail levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo, at 4690 m. At this juncture, we get a chance to observe lama footprints on a stone. At the sight of the second lake, Taboche Tsho, we become mesmerized by the shimmering turquoise blue sheet of water sparkling in the sun. Little ahead of the second lake, we reach the third lake, the two linked by a surging stream. Gokyo village stands by the third lake and Cho-Oyu Mountain as a backdrop sets an amazing spectacular sight here. After lunch, we explore around the third lake, Dudh Pokhari. Overnight in Gokyo.

We will hike to Gokyo Ri, a small peak above Gokyo village, in the morning and savor the fantastic views of the entire Khumbu region.  As we ascend, the views become even more fantastic and we can see four of the seven highest peaks of Nepal, Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. Reaching the fourth lake, Thonak Tsho we take pleasure in the lake’s serene beauty after which we trek back along the retracing trail to the third lake. We may take an additional hike up to the fifth lake, Ngozumba Tsho if time permits and depending on our physical conditions. From here, the view of Ngozumba glacier, the longest glacier of the Himalayas, is so fascinating. Overnight in Gokyo.

If we did not climb the Gokyo Ri the previous day, we can do that today. Climbing to the top of Gokyo Ri is demanding as it is steep and takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach the top. But the scenery of Gokyo village, on the edge of third lake overlooked by Cholatse and the broad Nogzumpa Glacier, is magnificent. We are surrounded by panoramic mountains like Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Changtse, and Pumori. The sight of sunrays kissing Everest which towers over all the surrounding peaks is astounding. We trek through the Ngazumpa Glacier to the mountain on the other side. Next, traverse along the edge of that mountain and then meander into Thagnak. It will be a short hike today with an afternoon of rest which will prepare us for long hiking days and elevation gain to come.

Today is one of the challenging day for this trek. Your trekking guide give you wake up call around 4 am and take you to the cho la pass. Chola  pass is one of the popular mountain pass in Everest region. You need to be at the pass around sunrise time which make you view the best view. After pass you will slowly down to Dzongla for overnight. If you want to stay in Dzongla continue to walk to Lobuche for overnight

This will be a very short trek so we have a lot time to relax and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. We climb down from Dzongla and walk through a grassy trail while enjoying the view of Lobuche Peak. The trail curves through the wide river bed before reaching Lobuche. We can spend the rest of day taking a rest which will help us prepare for the next day’s long trek. Overnight in Lobuche.

This is most probably the best section of trekking on this trip. The trail is a bit rocky and challenging as you walk parallele to Khumbu glaciers on your right. The final section involves negotiating your way through big rocks and boulders. Gorakshep is the last village before Everest base camp. Overnight in Gorakshep.

Rise up early, very early in the morning, around 4 am. You will start your trekking in the moonlight as you attempt to scale to the top of Kalapathar. All this effort is required to reach to the top of Kalapathar just at dawn, when the sunlight hits Mt. Everest and what lay infront you is the most stunning and magnificent views of sunrise on Mt. Everest. You will have plenty of time taking clicks before you return to Gorakshep. Have your lunch at Gorakshep and return to Pheriche. Overnight in Pheriche.

 

Retrace your step back to Namche. This is an easy walk, filled with ups and downs. Overnight in Namche.

You will continue to retrace your steps back to Lukla today enjoying the beautiful views of Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku and Choaltse. Overnight in Lukla.

Catch an early morning flight back to Kathmandu. Once in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Time to go home and tell your friends and family of the fun and adventure had on your trek in Nepal. Or, you could extend your trip. We can arrange many other tours and trips for you, such as: Chitwan Jungle Safari, River Rafting Adventure, Scenic Flight, Cycling or even another trek in a different region. Nepal Trekking Routes would be both pleased and honored to be at your service

Inclusion/Exclusion

  • Airport pick-up and drop off service ,
  • Trekking Guide and Trekking porter(Two participant 1 porter, Porter carry Max 25 Kg ) Solo travel need to pay extra porter salary
  • Round trip flight fare for Kathmandu-Lukla -Kathmandu
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,  accommodation during the trekking
  • Deluxe hotel  in Kathmandu (BB) plan  (Three nights only )
  • Sleeping bags, down jackets, duffel bags and trekking sticks (if required)
  • Trekking permit of National park,
  • TIMS(Trekking Information Management System )
  • Insurance and equipment for the trekking staffs
  • First aid kit
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with cultural program in typical Traditional Nepali restaurant
  • Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel Insurance Company
  • Personal expenses
  • Heritage entry fee during the sightseeing in Kathmandu and other
  • Drinks, beverages, hot shower, extra accommodation in Kathmandu
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Tips for guide and porter
  • Extra Meals & hotel accommodation in Kathmandu other than mentioned in Itinerary

Fixed Departure

trip dates Days availability Price space left

FAQ's

For many the reasons, we recommend you to do Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass trek. First of all, it is more interesting than Everest Base Camp trek. Along with the opportunity to reach the base camp of Mount Everest, you get to cross a high Himalayan pass.

Next, you can visit some best viewpoints of Everest region. Gokyo Ri (5,357m) and Cho La Pass (5,420m) show you the enchanting view of 4 eight-thousanders and other peaks. Similarly, the natural network of the six glacial lakes of the Gokyo Valley are something you shouldn’t miss while in Everest region.

Yes, of course. But, you need to be physically fit, in a habit of regular walking and mentally strong. Even if you are a beginner, you can do it by following the instructions given by the team leader.

And if you have the previous climbing or trekking experience in the Himalayas, you can cover it very easily. Sometimes, you may have to use the climbing gears like rope, ice axes,  crampons and hand lines as well.

No, you can’t! Mt. Nuptse (7,861m) blocks the Everest Summit to see from the base camp. Nonetheless, you can see it from other parts of Everest region because it.  This is because of the geographical structure of the Everest Massif. Kalapatthar (5,550m) is the place that shows you Mt. Everest and other peaks very close.

There are many viewpoints serving with the picturesque view of the snowy peaks and amazing landscapes on Everest region. Among them, Kala Patthar (Black Rock: 5,550m) is the best vantage point where you can reach without any permit.

Located on the south ridge of Mt. Pumori, it is a must-reach-place to have the magnificent view of the Everest Summit. This place helps you shoot the photos and videos by keeping Mt. Everest on the backdrop. These photos and videos are the testimonials that you have once been to the highest place on earth

The Guinness Book of World Records 2004 shows that Everest View Hotel is the highest placed hotel in the world. Set up and run by a Japanese traveller, Takashi Miyahara in 1971, it is located at 13,000 feet in the Sagarmatha National Park territory.

You can have the 360-degree panoramic view of the snowcapped peaks of the Everest region. Most of the trekkers hike to Everest View Hotel during the acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. This hike gives you the jaw-dropping vistas of the Great Himalayas.

If the trip gets canceled, you will be fully refunded but if you cannot make it, you will receive a refund but how much you will get back depends on how many days before the trip you inform about your cancellation. For complete details, please refer to our Cancellation Policy.

If you occasionally participate in physical activities such as running, exercising, hiking, or any other organized sports, you are probably fit enough to hike to the Everest Base Camp. Then again, you will have a ton of fun if you prepare yourself for the hike in advance.

There is no has to in this trip! You can or cannot have prior experience to hike to the foothill of the world’s tallest peak.

It depends greatly on your comfort level and enjoyment on the trail. But, worry not, as you will be given a packing list before your trip to exclude extra weight.

For this trip, you will need the winter clothes but don’t bring any heavy jackets or boots. Also, refrain from using cotton materials as they tend to soak up water pretty quickly. Here’s a great example of what you should pack, either clothing or equipment, during the Everest Region trekking.

You will need a TIMS card and a Sagarmatha National Park entrance to get to your destination. But, worry not as our guides will take care of all those technical stuffs.

Participants must be at least 12 years old at the least and at the max, well, there is no such thing as maximum age for participation. But, you should be able to carry your own backpack and walk over strenuous paths.

Most of the times you won’t have to worry about that as we will take a day or two off to acclimatize with the climate. If ever, you get signs of Altitude Sickness we’ll use Diamox. If the symptoms persist, you will be taken back to the lower regions.

Tips are a standard practice all around the globe, but there is no such thing as a fixed amount for tips.

Yes! There’s internet access in some of the parts of the Khumbu Region but, internet speed is very slow here. There are internet café’s in Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, and even at Gorak Shep. However, as the altitude rises, the connection gets slower and slower.

Reviews

Traveller’s reviews

5 4 reviews
Pre-trip Info
Meals
Staffs
Transportation
Accommodation
Value for Money
User Image
Mateusz Krawczyk
Ireland
553 days ago

Everything was perfect. Before I arrived Shailesh called me and answered all my questions and addressed all my concerns. . The guide, Mr rijal was extremely knowledgeable and made sure I knew exactly where we would be going each day. Even the weather was great which was a surprise considering it was the middle of the monsoon season. I could not recommend Nepal trekking routes enough and I will definitely book another tour with them in the future.

User Image
Eldred Schilder
South Africa
534 days ago

Gokyo Chola Pass Trek is one of the most adventurous treks in Nepal. It takes you to the remote valleys of the Khumbu region, crossing several high passes and visiting beautiful Gokyo Lakes. During this trek, you will experience spectacular views of Mount Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Nupse. You will also get to explore the high altitude Buddhist monasteries of Tengboche and Gokyo. The trek starts from Lukla which is a short flight from Kathmandu. From Lukla, you will trek to Namche Bazaar and then to Dole. From here, you will ascend to Machhermo and Gokyo where you can take a rest day and explore the area. You will then ascend to the Gokyo Ri for amazing views of the Himalayas. After that, you will cross the Cho La Pass and then descend to Thangnak and Dzongla. From here, you will ascend to the Cho La Pass and then descend to Thangnak and Dzongla. You will then continue your trek to Lobuche and Everest Base Camp before crossing the Kongma La Pass and descending to Chh

User Image
Tyna Bo
Swizerland
908 days ago

Gokyo Chola Pass Trek is an exciting and challenging trek in the Everest Region of Nepal. It is a popular trekking route among trekkers, with stunning views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, the worlds highest mountain. The trek starts from Lukla and goes up to Gokyo Ri, the highest point of the trek at 5360 meters. The trekking route passes through the beautiful Gokyo Valley, the Ngozumpa Glacier and the high Chaola Pass. The Gokyo Chaola Pass Trek is an ideal choice for those looking for a challenging trek in a remote, wild and beautiful area of Nepal. The trail is both physically and technically demanding and requires a good level of fitness. It is highly recommended to hire a local guide or porter for this trek as the route is not wellmarked and the high altitudes can be dangerous. During the trek, there are a number of stops to explore the local culture, villages, and monasteries. The trek also provides a unique opportunity to witness the incredible beauty of the Himalayas, with amazing views of Mt. Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu and Ama Dablam

User Image
Patricia
Australia
1249 days ago

We recently did Gokyo chola pass trek with Nepal Trekking Routes is one of the best service providers for Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek. They have very experienced and friendly guides and porters who make sure that you have a great time in the Himalayas. The food served by them is very good and the accommodation is comfortable. They are also very knowledgeable about the local areas, which makes the trek even more interesting. The trek route is very scenic and you get to see some amazing views of the Himalayas. I would highly recommend Nepal Trekking Routes if you are looking to do Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek.

$1745 /person

Quick Enquiry

* Your personal information is always secured with us

    You may also like