EBC Trekking via Gokyo Lake and Chola Pass – 18 Days
Everest Base Camp Trekking via Gokyo Lake and Chola Pass 18 days through the point of Khumbu region with numerous peaks including Mount Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,463 m) and Cho Oyu (8,201 m) is great and adventurous for trekkers on the high Himalayas. Adventurous 18 days trip starts via a flight to Lukla. We cross several mini-settlements, monasteries, flat trails, rhododendron, and pine forest, Sagarmatha national park, and suspension bridges to step Namche Bazaar and enjoy the magnificent view of tall towering mountains, tea shops, glaciers, and three lakes takes to Gokyo Valley. Passing through the Ngozumba glacier (the largest glacier in the Khumbu region) along experiencing ice fall and the sound of ice cracks, we move forward to cross the high Chola pass. After that, facing an icy and slippery route with a view of stunning mountains, we reach Everest base camp. Magical Kalapathar is also another highlight of this trekking destination along with Gokyo Lake and Chola Pass.
Airport Pick up/Drop off in a private vehicle escorted by our office representative
Farewell dinner at a typical Nepalese Restaurant with a cultural dance show
Sightseeing by the tour guide in a private vehicle as per the itinerary
Entrance Fee for monuments during sightseeing in Kathmandu.
2 nights’ accommodation at Tourist Standard Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast on a sharing basis
Accommodation at well and comfortable Mountain Lodge is available en-route during the trek (A few nights during the trek with attached bathroom/toilets)
English speaking, First Aid and Eco-trained local trekking guide, Assistance guide as per the group size, porters (2:1)
All the expenses for guide and porters along with Insurance
Domestic Airfare for the sector: Ramechhap/Lukla/Ramechhap
Sagarmatha National Park Fees and Khumbu Permit
Sleeping Bag and Down Jacket during Trek (upon request)
All government and local taxes as applicable
Cost Excludes:
Nepal Visa
International Airfare
Lunch & evening meals while in Kathmandu (Except welcome/farewell dinner)
Travel Insurance
Cost of personal nature expenses, Beverages (Mineral water or Coca-Cola), cost of extra meals, snacks, phone bills, Internet, WiFi, laundry, etc.
The cost incurred during emergencies, evacuations,
Tips for Guide, porters, driver
* This tour can be fully customized as per your requirement.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Highlighting your arrival hour at Tribhuwan International Airport, our association representatives will be there for your warm welcome with greetings and to shift you towards a fine tourist standard hotel. Forward, we plan for a short meeting to discuss instructions and regulations for the upcoming trek.
Day 2: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Being Kathmandu Valley itself rich in cultural and historical sites, we step out today for sightseeing some major attractions aiming Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swyambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) listed in UNESCO World’s Heritage Site. After inspecting amazing spots holding different facts, we return for our bag packs and arrangements for the upcoming trek and stay in the same hotel.
Day 3: Kathmandu – Ramechhap to Lukla to Phakding
After having an early morning breakfast, we drive around 4 hours to Ramechhapl Airport to catch a flight to Lukla. After (a 30 to 35 minutes) scenic flight over snow-capped mountains, we reach Tenzing Hillary Airport and meet our crew members there. Introduction with them along with arrangements for a walk consumes little time and 3 to 4 hours hike from Lukla reaches Phakding for a stay overnight.
Day 4: Phakding – Namche Bazaar
On the fourth day, triggering our trek forward crossing through a few suspension bridges and small settlements, we step Monjo (Gateway of Sagarmatha National Park). Finally, there, we also meet at the check post and our guide will handle all the formalities at that time you can enjoy the sweet hour at tea shops. From there, we pass a vertical drop crossing suspension bridges along walk uphill to reach Namche Bazaar which offers the first view of Mount Everest to you. This night we stay at Lodge Namche Bazaar.
Day 5: Namche Bazaar: (Acclimatization day)
Focusing on high altitude sickness acclimatization is very important so we have separated this day for proper acclimatization but we stay active for the whole day. We plan to visit nearby Sherpa settlements or hike up to the old Sherpa village in Thame. In the remaining time, Namche Bazaar offers the head office of the national park, Museum, Monasteries, and internet cafes for relaxation. We spend this night at the same hotel in Namche Bazaar.
Day 6: Namche Bazaar – Dole
Today without any delay after having a quick breakfast, our trailheads us towards Sansa passing through mini-settlements, and rhododendron forests with an amazing view of high mountains. Following the Gokyo Valley trial, we step on the stone steps and walk towards Mong. After a small descent, following the bank of the Dudh Koshi River and Sherpa settlements, we hike up to Tenga. Now, leaving the bank and walking through the rhododendron forest offers Dole for staying overnight.
Day 7: Dole – Machherma
Leaving Dole after our morning breakfast, we cross scenic rigid towards the north observing the magnificent view of close peaks to step Luza. Then steep climb takes us to the terminal moraine of Ngozumba glacier (the largest glacier in the Himalayan region). Continuing the trail, passing through rhododendron forests, and enjoying the mountain views, we move towards Machherma. After stepping into Machherma, we spend our night at Lodge.
Day 8: Machherma – Gokyo
Leaving Machherma and climbing up the rigid along following an easy flat walk will slide us to the bottom of the small rocky mountain. From there developing a short climb crossing the bridge, we get to first Gokyo Lake along a continuous walk offers second Gokyo Lake and following the west bank of the glacier takes to the third Gokyo Lake. Focusing time, we spend some hours exploring beautiful lakes and after the short walk, we find lodges to stay overnight in Gokyo.
Day 9: Gokyo Valley: (Acclimatization day)
As we are now height above 4,700 m so before ascending additional height, we have separated this second acclimatization day and we don’t develop our trek forward but we stay active. On this day we spent our day exploring the valley or climbing up to Gokyo RI to view the face of magnificent mountains. Hiking throughout the glacier is also another option for the day and this night we spend the night at the lodge in the same hotel.
Day 10: Gokyo valley – Dragnak
Today quitting Gokyo Valley, we develop our early morning trek forward to cross the Ngozumba glacier before the sun goes stronger because a sunny day melts ice and makes the trail more slippery and difficult to hike forward. After crossing the glacier, we catch its east bank and slightly descend to step Dragnak, and leisure hours can be spent by hiking nearby hills. This night we stay at the lodge in Dragnak.
Day 11: Dragnak – High Chola pass to Dzongla
This day is marvelous, we trek vertical uphill trails crossing through the small stream to reach the bottom of Chola Pass. Struggling through an icy, slippery, and rocky spot in some areas takes you to the top of the Chola pass which offers a stunning view of wonderful Gokyo Lake and many flattering praying flags. After spending some hours on the top and experiencing a little difficulty, we follow the icy and rocky trail to reach Dzongla for a stay overnight.
Day 12: Dzongla – Lobuche
Leaving Dzongla, we step forward catching our trail and crossing Chola up to the junction where the Everest base camp route meets. Continuing trial with great views of mountains and glaciers finally takes us to Lobuche. After stopping there, we hike for a short distance to explore the famous Khumbu glacier and after inspecting the views, we will be back to Lobuche to stay overnight.
Day 13: Lobuche – Everest base camp to Gokarshep
On the thirteenth day of the trip catching the west bank of Khumbu Glacier, we reach the junction point of two famous glaciers of the Khumbu region. Walking forward ignoring the route of Kalapathar offers Everest base camp within some hours and a 360° view throughout high mountains is its best offer from top elevation. We spent some hours there and descend our trek towards Gokarshep after steeping Gokarshep, the remaining time will be spent resting at the lodge.
Day 14: Gokarshep – Kalapathar to Pheriche
Today early morning, we start our hike up to the viewpoint of Kalapathar aiming to reach it before sunrise leaving Gokarshep. We enjoy sunrays striking the mountains and notice that Kalapathar changes its color into golden by morning sunrays as it comes back to its original color slowly. After wasting some hours capturing and viewing wonderful spots, we follow the same route that we had developed earlier till Pheriche, and this night we stay at the lodge in Pheriche.
Day 15: Pheriche – Namche Bazaar
On this day we develop our walk from vertical and flat trails, viewing yak grazing area along crossing the village of Tengboche and Dingboche to step Tengboche. We explore Tengboche monastery for a short time and pass the rhododendron forest with a suspension bridge across the Dudh Koshi River along an upward hike that takes to Kyangjuma crossing Sansa. Finally, after that fair and easy downhill walk offers Namche Bazaar. This night will be spent at Lodge in Namche Bazaar.
Day 16: Namche Bazaar – Lukla
We establish our morning trek downhill towards the bridge at the junction point of Dudh Koshi River and Bhote Koshi River to descend Monjo. As before, the guide takes care of all the exit formalities at the official checkpoint and we start our walk through the bank of the river crossing several suspension bridges and pine forests to reach Phakding after 3 to 4 hours of walk, we step Lukla. This night will be spent at the lodge in Lukla.
Day 17: Lukla – Ramechhap to Kathmandu
This morning is our last moment in the Himalayas. The guide takes care of all the formalities and considerations at the airport and porters are there to handle your bag and luggage. Catching our flight, it holds 30 to 35 minutes to land at Ramechhap Airport. Our private vehicle will be there awaiting your flight to pick you up and drive you back to the hotel in Kathmandu. On this last night of our trip, we host a special dinner in a Nepalese restaurant enjoying ethnic dance and music with Nepalese dishes.
Day 18: Departure day
Last day of our trekking trip, focusing on and managing flight time, you can go for shopping to buy some special gifts for your special one. Our comfortable private vehicle will be there to shift you towards the airport highlighting your flight time our representatigreeteets you with respect and well wishes for your further steps and safe journey.
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Where are Everest base camp, Gokyo Lake, and Chola Pass?
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lake, and Chola Pass, traversing through the breathtaking landscapes of the Everest region in Nepal. This challenging yet rewarding trek offers a chance to experience the world's highest mountain, serene lakes, and remote villages.
Location:
Everest Base Camp: Nestled at the foot of Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain, Everest Base Camp stands at an elevation of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet).
Gokyo Lake: Gokyo Valley, located at an elevation of 4,700 meters (15,419 feet), is home to five turquoise glacial lakes, with Gokyo Ri offering panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu.
Chola Pass: Connecting the Khumbu and Makalu regions, Chola Pass stands at an elevation of 5,420 meters (17,782 feet), offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
What are the required permits for Everest Base Camp Trekking via Gokyo Lake and Chola Pass?
To embark on this trek, you'll need the following permits:
Sagarmatha National Park Permit: This permit is mandatory for entering the Sagarmatha National Park, which covers the entire trekking route.
TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System): Every trekker in Nepal must carry a TIMS Card to track their movement and ensure safety.
Restricted Area Permit (RAP): This permit is required for trekking in the restricted area of the Everest region, including the core conservation zone surrounding Mount Everest.
When is the best time for Everest Base Camp Trekking via Gokyo Lake and Chola Pass?
The most favorable seasons for this trek are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). These periods offer clear skies, mild temperatures, and minimal rainfall. Avoid the monsoon season (June-August) due to muddy trails and the winter months (December-February) due to extreme cold and snow.
What are the highlights of Everest Base Camp Trekking via Gokyo Lake and Chola Pass?
Everest Base Camp: Witness the grandeur of Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, from its base camp.
Gokyo Lake: Explore the serene Gokyo Valley and its five turquoise glacial lakes, offering stunning mountain vistas.
Chola Pass: Conquer the challenging Chola Pass, experiencing the thrill of high-altitude trekking amidst breathtaking scenery.
Cultural Immersion: Interact with the warm and hospitable Sherpa communities, learning about their unique traditions and lifestyles.
How to prepare for Everest Base Camp Trekking via Gokyo Lake and Chola Pass?
Physical Fitness: Train consistently, focusing on cardiovascular endurance and strength training to handle strenuous ascents, high altitudes (up to 5,545 meters/18,192 feet), and varied terrain.
Altitude Acclimatization: Gradually adjust to high altitudes before starting the trek, spending a few days in Kathmandu (1,400 meters) before ascending.
Permits and Insurance: Obtain the necessary permits (Sagarmatha National Park Permit, TIMS Card, Restricted Area Permit) and purchase comprehensive travel insurance.
Gear and Clothing: Pack appropriate attire for high-altitude trekking, including warm clothing, waterproof layers, hiking boots, a backpack, trekking poles, a headlamp, and a first-aid kit.
How difficult is Everest Base Camp Trekking via Gokyo Lake and Chola Pass?
This trek is considered a challenging and demanding adventure, requiring a high level of fitness and experience. It involves strenuous ascents, high altitudes, technical sections, and varied terrain. Physical endurance, mental fortitude, adaptability to diverse conditions, and a willingness to handle potential altitude sickness are essential.
How fit do you need to be for the Everest Base Camp Trekking via Gokyo Lake and Chola Pass?
To tackle this trek, you should be in excellent physical condition. Regular aerobic exercise, such as running, swimming, or cycling, will develop the stamina required for long, uphill treks. Additionally, strength training will prepare your muscles for the demands of the trek.
What should you pack for Everest Base Camp Trekking via Gokyo Lake and Chola Pass?
Here's a basic packing list for this trek:
Warm clothing: Down jacket, fleece layers, woolen socks, beanie, gloves
