Gokyo To EBC via Chola

The Gokyo to Everest Base Camp trek via Cho La Pass is a spectacular high mountain adventure that combines dramatic landscapes with cultural richness. Starting in the tranquil Gokyo Valley, adventurers encounter pristine glacial lakes reflecting the towering Himalayas in breathtaking clarity.

A climb to Gokyo Ri unveils extensive vistas of four of the world’s highest mountains and they are Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu touching the sky. Likewise, Your journey then leads across the challenging Cho La Pass (5,368m), a thrilling ascent through icy trails and rugged alpine terrain. After crossing the pass, the trail connects with the classic Everest Base Camp route, passing through remote Sherpa villages like Dzongla and Lobuche.

Standing at Everest Base Camp 5,364 meters is a dream fulfilled for many, providing a close-up view of the legendary Khumbu Icefall. A pre dawn climb to Kala Patthar (5,545m) peak presents an unforgettable sunrise over Mount Everest.

Along the way, you’ll encounter ancient monasteries, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and the enduring spirit of the Himalayan people. Less crowded than the traditional EBC trek, this route has a more secluded and rewarding experience. Ideal for adventurous trekkers seeking both scenic beauty and physical challenge, this journey through Nepal’s highest landscapes is truly unforgettable.

Gokyo To EBC via Chola Pass Itinerary details

Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu Airport, Pick-Up and Hotel Transfer.

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, our airport representative will greet you personally and escort you via private vehicle to your hotel nestled in the heart of the Kathmandu Valley. After a warm welcome drink and a short introduction, you’ll check into your room. We’ll also take this opportunity to go over your upcoming trekking plans in detail. If time and energy permit, feel free to take a leisurely stroll around the vibrant city to discover its rich culture, bustling markets, and timeless architecture.

Day 02 Scenic Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding village (2,820m), 4 hours

Early in the morning, you’ll board a spectacular 35 minutes a scenic mountain flight to Lukla airport (2,860m), the gateway to the Everest region. Surrounded by dramatic Himalayan landscapes, Lukla sets the tone for the adventure ahead. After a breakfast, you’ll begin our trek heading northward along the Dudh Koshi River. It meanders past small Sherpa settlements and suspension bridges before reaching Phakding, a serene village where we’ll spend the night in a cozy mountain lodge.

Day 03Phakding to Namche Bazaar trek (3,440m/11,283 Feet), 5 hours

Today’s trek is both scenic and immersive right after departing from Phakding. You’ll follow a lush trail lined with pine forests and cross multiple suspension bridges over the glacial Dudh Koshi River. Along the way, we pass through charming villages such as Monjo and Jorsalle, gaining our first glimpses into traditional Sherpa culture. Your final ascent to Namche Bazaar, the bustling capital of the Khumbu region, is steep yet rewarding, offering your first astonishing views of Mount Everest and surrounding giants.

Day 04Rest day or Trek to Khumjung village (3,780m/12,361 Feet), 2 hours

After breakfast, we embark on a short but scenic hike through Syangboche hill top. Its a home to the iconic Everest View Hotel which is one of the highest altitude luxury hotels in the world. Here, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of Everest, Lhotse, and the elegant Ama Dablam. We then continue to Khumjung, a picturesque Sherpa village known for its stone houses and spiritual significance. Don’t miss the Khumjung Monastery, which intriguingly claims to house a relic believed to be a Yeti scalp.

Day 05Trek to Dole (4,038m/13,248 Feet), 6 hours

Today’s journey leads deeper into the majestic Himalayas. Departing Khumjung, the trail climbs gradually through enchanting rhododendron and birch forests, with frequent sightings of wildlife and panoramic mountain views. We pass small yak herding settlements and pristine alpine landscapes as we ascend to Dole, a tranquil village perched on a ridge. With its peaceful surroundings and few but welcoming lodges, Dole offers the perfect setting for rest and acclimatization before continuing toward higher elevations.

Day 06 Trek to Machermo Lodges (4,450m/14,596 Feet), 3 hours.

Your trek to Machermo lodges today is a short yet rewarding journey through dramatic alpine landscapes and untouched Himalayan terrain. You will ascends gently through high mountain yak pastures that has sweeping views of the snow-draped Cho Oyu and even distant glimpses of Mount Everest. Along the way, pristine mountain streams and glacial valleys create postcard-worthy scenery. Nestled in a quiet valley, Machermo is a peaceful hamlet and a perfect spot for rest and acclimatization before reaching higher altitudes.

Day 07Machermo to Gokyo Lodges (4,750m/15,580 Feet), 4 hours.

As the trek continues to Gokyo, the landscape transforms into a high altitude wonderland. It meanders past yak grazing meadows, frozen rivers, and scattered stone huts, all set against a backdrop of towering Himalayan peaks. As you approach Gokyo lakes, a surreal panorama unfolds of the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, shimmering like jewels beneath Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang. These sacred lakes are revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, and their spiritual aura offers trekkers a serene and magical atmosphere for exploration and reflection.

Day 08Hike to Gokyo Peak, and continue to Thagnak Lodges (4,720m/15,482 Feet), 3+3 hours

Rising early, we ascend Gokyo Ri (5,357m/17,571 Feet), a famed Himalayan viewpoint that offers one of the most breathtaking panoramas in Nepal. From the summit, trekkers are rewarded with sweeping 360° views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu—four of the world’s tallest peaks in one glorious skyline. After soaking in the majestic views, we descend back to Gokyo Lodges and continue eastward across the rugged terrain of the Ngozumpa Glacier, eventually arriving at Thagnak, a quiet village with basic lodges where a tranquil place to relax and prepare for the challenging pass ahead.

Day 09 Thagnak to Cho La (5,368m/17,607 Feet). Descend to Dzonglha (4,830m/15,842 Feet), 6 hours.

Crossing the Cho La pass at 5,368 meters, is one of the most exhilarating segments of this entire journey. Your climb is steep and physically demanding, but every step is rewarded with jaw-dropping views of icy peaks, dramatic glaciers, and deep valleys. To cross the Cho La Pass is often snow-covered and may require cautious footwork, especially in slippery conditions. After reaching the summit, the trail descends sharply to Dzonglha, a secluded mountain village surrounded by jagged peaks. With a few cozy lodges, Dzonglha offers a quiet haven to unwind and acclimate before continuing toward the Everest Base Camp route.

Day 10Trek to Gorak shep (5,151m/16895 Feet), 4 hours. Hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364m), 4 hours.

Leaving Dzongla, we trek towards Lobuche, following a picturesque trail that unveils breathtaking views of the Khumbu Glacier and the surrounding Himalayan giants. From Lobuche, we gradually ascend to Gorak Shep, the final settlement before reaching the legendary Everest Base Camp. Gorak Shep, though remote, offers simple lodges for rest and acclimatization.

Later in the day, the thrilling journey to Everest Base Camp (EBC) at 5,364 meters begins. This iconic trail winds along the rugged edges of the Khumbu Glacier, showcasing jaw-dropping views of Everest and nearby peaks. Upon reaching the base camp, trekkers are greeted by a lively scene of colorful prayer flags, expedition tents, and the spirit of mountaineering adventure. Standing here at the base of the world’s highest mountain is a unique experience and an absolute must for serious trekking enthusiasts.

Day 11Hike to Kala Pattar Peak (5,545m/18,188 Feet), 3 hours. Return to Pheriche (4,371m/14,341 feet), 5 hours.

Before dawn, we begin the steep ascent to Kala Patthar, one of the best vantage points in the Everest region for sunrise. Though the climb is demanding, the reward is exceptional and unobstructed sunrise views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and other towering peaks, bathed in golden morning light.

Often called the mountain Black Rock (Kala Patthar) is revered among trekkers for providing the closest panoramic view of Mount Everest without technical climbing. After taking in the epic scenery and snapping memorable photos, we descend to Gorak Shep for breakfast and then retrace our steps along the Khumbu Valley.

Retracing from Gorakshep Lodge to Pheriche Village is a rewarding descent through the heart of the Khumbu, where the towering peaks gradually give way to lush valleys. As you journey down, the air thickens with the earthy scent of pine, and the serene beauty of Pheriche’s charming village is a peaceful retreat after the rigorous trek to Everest’s base camp.

Day 12 Trek to Tengboche Monastery (3,870m/12,694 Feet), 5 hours.

From Pheriche, you’ll descent continues as we make our way toward Tengboche, one of the most spiritually significant locations in the region. Cross the Imja Khola River and then climbs gently through rhododendron forests before arriving at the hilltop village of Tengboche. You can visit the popular Tengboche monastery in the afternoon at 4pm to watch how Monks perform thier daily Puja.

Likewise, framed by the dramatic backdrop of Ama Dablam and Everest, the iconic Tengboche Monastery presents a tranquil space for reflection and is home to daily Buddhist rituals. Accommodations here are modest but welcoming, adding to the charm of this sacred site.

Day 13Tengboche to Jorsale village (2,950m/9,676 Feet), 6 hours

Continuing our descent, we pass through lush woodlands, rhododendron groves, and over multiple suspension bridges as we follow the trail alongside the roaring Dudh Koshi River. The trek offers quiet encounters with local life and nature before reaching Jorsale, a small riverside village with cozy lodges where trekkers can relax and reflect on their high-altitude adventure.

Day 14Jorsale to Lukla Airport Lodge, 5 hours

Its a final day of your trekking that leads us from Jorsale to Lukla, retracing the familiar path via Phakding. While the journey is mostly downhill, a few short uphill climbs remind us of the effort behind every panoramic reward. Along the way, you’ll have one last opportunity to soak in the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Everest region. In Lukla, where most treks begin and end, you’ll enjoy your final night evening in the mountains before the return flight.

Day 15 Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu.

After breakfast, we board a scenic 45 minutes flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, gliding above the foothills and valleys of the Himalayas. Upon arrival, a private transfer takes you back to your hotel. Once settled in, enjoy a hot shower and rest.

Since Lukla Airport is nestled in the heart of the high Himalayas, weather conditions can change rapidly, often leading to flight delays or cancellations. We recommend including a few buffer days in your itinerary to accommodate any unexpected changes and ensure a smooth trekking experience in Nepal.

Day 16 UNESCO Heritage Sites Tour in Kathmandu. Good bye Kathmandu

After breakfast, enjoy a final half-day cultural tour with a professional Tour guide to explore historical landmarks such as Kathmandu Durbar Square and the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple). In the evening, we’ll provide a transfer to the international airport for your departure flight. As you bid farewell to Nepal, you’ll take with you unforgettable memories of the Everest region’s natural beauty and cultural depth.

Best time for Gokyo To EBC via Chola Trek in Nepal

According to Gokyo Treks Nepal, the best months to trek to Everest High Passes are during the pre-monsoon season (February, March, April, and May) and the post-monsoon season (late September, October, November, and December). While it is possible to undertake the trek in February or early September, the periods mentioned above are highly preferred for optimal weather conditions and better visibility.