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Everest Base Camp Gokyo Trek via Cho-La Pass is a wonderful combination that allows trekkers to enjoy both scenic sides of the high Khumbu region in the close shadow of towering Mt. Everest. One of the most popular trekking adventures in Nepal is the Everest Base Camp trek. Few groups seldom venture to take the high route over Cho-La Pass to reach the beautiful and very scenic Gokyo Valley with its turquoise-colored glacial lakes.
Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek via Cho-La Pass will be a great adventure holiday where you will be walking on a quiet mountain path to cross the high Cho-La Pass. After completing the trek to Everest Base Camp and the highest spot Kalapathar rocky hilltop, enjoy a breathtaking panorama of giant peaks with Mt. Everest at its closest distance.
High Route Adventure has designed the itinerary with flexible rest days for proper acclimatization. All travelers booked with us can enjoy the fabulous adventure to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Valley Trek, crossing Cho-La Pass. Our program is slightly different from other companies, visiting Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar on the first part of the adventure. This makes it more accessible to climb over Cho-La Pass to reach scenic Gokyo Valley, a beautiful destination enclosed by high snow peaks.
The Everest Gokyo Cho-La Pass Trek — the original spelling is Tsho-La, meaning “a pass with an icy pond” — is generally called Cho-La for simplicity among foreign travelers. Likewise, Mt. Everest is called Sagarmatha in Nepal, while the Sherpa people know it as Chomolungma in the Tibetan language, as Everest straddles the border between Nepal and Tibet/China.
To begin this wonderful adventure, take a swift panoramic short flight from Kathmandu to the Sherpa town of Lukla, with a unique airstrip enclosed by high green hills and snowy mountains. The airport in Lukla is named Tenzing-Hillary Airport, a tribute to the first conquerors of Mt. Everest.
From Lukla, the trek starts with easy gradual walks through several Sherpa farm villages, following the Dudh Kosi River to reach Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Entering the park leads into beautiful woodlands of rhododendrons and pine trees, with a scenic uphill climb to reach the famous Namche Bazaar.
At Namche Bazaar, trekkers enjoy a free day for acclimatization before heading to higher destinations. This vibrant Sherpa hub offers short hikes to viewpoints and a fascinating museum displaying information on the Khumbu and Everest region.
After a relaxing time in Namche — where a colorful Saturday market is held weekly, giving the place its name “Bazaar” — the journey continues along a scenic trail to picturesque Tengboche and its impressive monastery.
From Dingboche, the trail heads towards Everest Base Camp via Lobuche and Gorakshep, temporary settlements with basic lodges for trekkers. The path leads across moraine and glacier terrain to reach the famous Everest Base Camp, near the massive Khumbu Icefall and glaciers.
During the spring climbing season, this area is filled with colorful expedition tents. The views of surrounding peaks are incredible, with the summit of Mt. Everest visible above.
The final push to Kalapathar (5,643 m / 18,514 ft) offers the closest panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Pumori. After completing the Everest Base Camp section, the trek heads towards Dzongla, the base for Cho-La Pass.
The early morning crossing of Cho-La Pass is one of the most challenging days of the trek. The pass is decorated with rock cairns and Buddhist prayer flags, offering breathtaking views of Cholatse, Lobuche, Nirekha, and even Cho-Oyu in the north.
From here, descend into Gokyo Valley, near the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Nepal Himalaya.
Tengboche is surrounded by high snow peaks with spectacular views of Mt. Everest and Ama Dablam, set within serene alpine forests. Visitors can explore the monastery, and in autumn, witness the famous Mani Rimdu Festival.
From Tengboche, the route leaves the tree line and enters the high mountain wilderness. The walk leads to Pangboche village, then to Dingboche in the scenic Imjatse Valley, where trekkers enjoy another acclimatization day to explore stunning viewpoints.
At Gokyo, enjoy a rest day to explore the crystal-clear Gokyo Lakes and surrounding Himalayan scenery. A hike to the summit of Gokyo Ri rewards trekkers with a 360° view of four of the world’s highest mountains — Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho-Oyu — along with the turquoise Gokyo Lakes below.
The adventure concludes with a descent to Lukla, followed by a scenic flight back to Kathmandu — ending a truly unforgettable Everest Base Camp Gokyo Trek via Cho-La Pass.
Lower-altitude alternatives include the Everest Panorama Trek and the standard Everest Base Camp Trek without the Cho-La Pass crossing.
There has been confusion regarding Kalapathar’s height. Earlier estimates placed it between 5,545 m and 5,550 m. Research by Dr. Luis A. Ruedas (Portland State University, 2006) measured it at 5,643 m / 18,514 ft. A 2008 follow-up confirmed 5,644.5 m.
There are two base camps for Mt. Everest:
The Everest Base Camp Gokyo Trek via Cho-La Pass is a high-altitude adventure that combines the beauty of two iconic destinations — Everest Base Camp and the turquoise Gokyo Lakes. To make the most of this challenging yet rewarding journey, choosing the right season is essential.
Spring is one of the best times for this trek. The weather is generally stable, skies are clear, and temperatures are pleasant for high-altitude hiking. This is also the blooming season for rhododendrons and other alpine flowers, adding vibrant colors to the trails. The visibility is excellent, offering crystal-clear views of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and other Himalayan giants.
Highlights of Spring Trek:
Autumn is another prime time for the Everest Gokyo Cho-La Pass trek. After the monsoon rains, the air becomes crisp and dust-free, providing incredible panoramic views. Days are sunny with mild temperatures, while nights are cool to cold at higher elevations. This season is also the most popular among trekkers, so you’ll meet adventurers from around the world.
Highlights of Autumn Trek:
Winter offers stunning views but comes with harsh cold and heavy snowfall, especially around Cho-La Pass. Only experienced trekkers with proper gear should attempt this route in winter. Trails are quiet, giving a peaceful trekking experience for those who can handle the cold.
Highlights of Winter Trek:
Monsoon brings heavy rainfall, making trails slippery and increasing the risk of landslides in lower regions. Cloud cover often hides mountain views, and crossing Cho-La Pass becomes more dangerous. This is the least recommended season for the trek.
| Permit Name | Why Needed | Where to Get It | Cost (Foreign Nationals) |
|---|
| Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit | Grants entry to Sagarmatha National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site) | Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu or Park Gate in Monjo | NPR 3,000 (~USD 25) |
| Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit | Required for trekking in the Khumbu region, including Namche, Gokyo, and EBC | Lukla or Monjo checkpoint | NPR 2,000 (~USD 18) |
| Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (only if starting from Jiri or Salleri) | Access to Gaurishankar Conservation Area before entering the Khumbu | Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu |
Note: Highroute Adventure will arrange all the required permits when you book the package with us and the cost of the permit will also included in the package.
At highroute adventure our 17 Days Everest Base Camp Gokyo Trek Via Cho-la Pass package starts from $ 1535 USD Per Person. The more you are in a group the more you can get discount in the trekking package. You can also make a advance booking for the 2027 at the cost of the year 2026. For those who are looking for the luxury Everest base camp trek they can contact us. You can also customize the itinerary based on your interest and preference. Lets see the cost according to the group size:
| Number of People | Price Per Person |
|---|
| 1 – 1 | $1,768 USD |
| 2 – 5 | $1,594 USD |
| 6 – 12 | $1,535 USD |
On arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal International Airport, received by our High Route Adventure staff and guide with a warm welcome, then transfer to your hotel with a short drive in the heart of Kathmandu city around Thamel, the most happening and interesting place to be.
At the hotel, after checking in to your nice rooms for refreshing rest after jet-lag, then meet our guide with other members of Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek via Cho-La Pass for a briefing with other useful information regarding your time in Nepal and treks.
Evening welcome dinner in a nice authentic Nepalese restaurant with a Folk Cultural program to entertain as you enjoy typical Nepalese meals. Rest of the night rest and preparation for the next early morning flight to Lukla for the trek to Everest base camp and Gokyo valley.
Early departure from the hotel after breakfast, where our guide and staff Transfer to Kathmandu domestic air-terminal, after checking in with security formalities then board in a small aircraft of respective airlines, either Twin Otter or Dornier types of aero-plane for a sweeping short scenic flight to Lukla.
During air enjoy a super panorama of the Himalayan mountain range with Mt. Everest and beautiful Nepalese country landscapes. As the plane hits the runway to a parking area at Lukla airstrip. The airport named after Tenzing and Hillary to make the first ascent on top of Mt. Everest on May 29th, 1953.
From Lukla airport after baggage clearance and carried by our strong porters, the start the trek through lively Lukla town and its shops, stores, and fancy restaurants heading short downhill, and then on a gradual winding path past Sherpa farm villages to reach Phakding for an overnight stop in a nice cozy lodge with large dining hall, located next to Dudh Kosi glacial river.
One of the long days to reach the famous Namche Bazaar, where altitude picks up to above 3,000 m onwards. The morning after nice breakfast walk for few hours till lunch at Jorsalle village, where walk follows gradually up to cross over a suspension bridge above Dudh Kosi River, to reach lovely Monjo village facing views of Kongde, Thamserku and Khumbila the holy and patron mountain of Khumbu Sherpa. Enter Sagarmatha National Park, where your guide will pay for the entrance tickets of the park. As you reach Jorsalle for a lunch stop in a nice lodge restaurant after a refreshing break walks into a lovely cool forest lined with tall rhododendron, oaks, magnolia, pines, and fir trees following a river bed to reach the last bridge before Namche Bazaar.
From the bridge a long winding uphill climb facing views of surrounding peaks, with Mt. Everest in a clear fine day, as the walk continues for another few hours to reach colorful Namche Bazaar, a large village nearly a size of a town with many good facilities for travelers with banks, post-office, well-stocked shops and restaurants with fresh bakeries.
At Namche check into a nice lodge for two overnight stops with the warm hospitality of the Sherpa landlord, and relax with warm refreshment overlooking views of Kongde peaks.
A perfect height and location for a rest day to support acclimatization, before heading higher ground, the best way to get acclimatize is to climb up and rest or sleep at a low altitude. At Namche, after leisure breakfast, one can take a short hike to follow scenic and cultural places around and beyond Namche Bazaar.
Options for Hike and short walks Namche Rest Day:
Short distance walk above Namche to a museum at Sagarmatha National Park headquarter. Offers grand views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Amadablam with other adjoining peaks. The museum with full information on Sherpa culture and custom, landscapes, flora, and fauna with the history of the Mt. Everest mountaineering expedition.
Hike to Everest View Hotel, the highest deluxe hotel in the world at 3,880 m high offers views of Everest and Amadablam, for energetic people can hike to Khumjung and Khunde villages. Located on a glacial valley where you can have lunch at Khumjung or Khunde and return to Namche overnight.
Another scenic day walks in the morning to Tengboche and its famed monastery, leaving Namche Bazaar after breakfast, where the route takes you on a nice winding trail with glorious views of Mt. Everest and majestic Amadablam with adjoining peaks. As the walk leads within the beautiful forest with down to Imjatse River at a small called Phunge-Tenga. A favorite lunch stop for all trekkers on route Tengboche, having simple hot lunch, the afternoon climb into serene woods of rhododendron, pines and fir trees to reach the overnight stop in Tengboche, a scenic spot with an impressive Buddhist monastery.
At Tengboche check into a nice lodge, with time for a tour of the monastery and observe monks on prayer ritual, where mountaineers visit to get blessed by the high priest for a successful and safe climb.
Morning enjoys the views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse with Amadablam and other peaks that surround this beautiful place Tengboche. The walk starts downhill into lovely tree lines to reach a strong metal bridge, above the deep gorge of Imjatse River, as walk heads uphill behind tree lines to Pangboche the last permanent village on route base camp and Gokyo valley.
The other places beyond are temporary settlements to cater to the needs of travelers with several lodges and restaurants, as the adventure continues towards Imjatse valley where overnight halt at Dingboche located, a nice place with many good lodges with views of Island Peak and Amadablam north face.
Another spare and rest days for acclimatization, as well as for side trip to the high hill of Nakarjung above Dingboche and Imjatse valley, where you can gain more heights for acclimatization, offer grandeur views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar with towering Island peak with Amadablam, includes world 5th highest
Mt. Makalu in the east direction. Another hike is to Chukung at the end of the valley of 5-6 hours round trip where interested and energetic people can enjoy the full day hike both ways.
After pleasant stops at Dingboche, our adventure heads closer to our first major highlights Everest base camp, morning a short steep climb to a ridge above Dingboche, and then on easy gradual uphill to reach a small place in Thugla.
Possible lunch stop with close views of Amadablam and Cholatse peaks, this is where Pheriche, Dingboche route joins with the trail to Everest base camp and Lobuche. Having a refreshing lunch stop, an hour or less steep climb to Thugla small pass at 4, 780 m high, this is the spot with many stone memorials of unfortunate climbers on an expedition to major mountains and Everest.
From here a slow easy walk, but the altitude gain makes it makes the trek longer with few stops till Lobuche is reached for afternoon tea and an overnight stop in a nice cozy lodge.
Today’s adventure leads to our first target at Everest base camp, an early morning start with slow and steady walks with short steep up to reach a place where the route to Everest base camp and Glass Pyramid a metrology station located. Interested people can visit tall glass pyramid and acquire information about the movement of glaciers, and the change of climate around the Himalaya region.
After an interesting short visit, head back on the main trail as a walk follows above Khumbu glacier with a view of mighty Everest and the lofty peak of Pumori, and then reach Gorakshep, a small settlement with few lodges located beneath Kalapathar and to Everest base camp. Gorakshep was an earlier Everest base camp in the 1950s to late 1970s. After a rest, continue to walk towards the east on a vague path within moraine and glaciers to reach right in the heart of Mt. Everest at base camp.
Enjoy, marvelous stupendous scenery looking around giant peaks with a close view of Khumbu Ice-Fall and glaciers, after a great experience standing beneath the world's highest peaks, then back to Gorakshep for an overnight stop.
Early morning to catch the best panorama of surrounding high mountains and for a sunrise that reflects on snow peaks. A strenuous climb of two hours to reach the highest spot of the adventure, facing grand views of towering giant peaks with Mt. Everest at a close distance from where you stand.
After achieving our major target Everest base camp and climb of Kalapathar, descend to Gorakshep for breakfast, and then continue to walk back to Lobuche. From Lobuche an easy pleasant walk near Thugla, where our route diverts from the main Everest base camp trail to reach a small hidden valley at Dzongla for an overnight stop, after a lovely scenic morning. Dzongla is located at the base of Cho-la pass with a few simple lodges. Cho-la passes the forms a barrier between east and west of the Khumbu area.
Our longest and hardest day of the adventure, with an early morning start with an easy walk for short while to reach at the bottom of Cho-La, and then climb begins on rocky slopes close to Cholatse peak, as route leads to more steep slopes on a rugged path to reach on top of Cho-la pass, marked with prayer flags and stones piles, the pass offers incredible views of surrounding peaks of Cholatse, Nirekha, Lobuche east and west peaks with Cho-Oyu.
Enjoying a great feat of the journey, then descend with care on a moraine with rocks to reach North-West side of Khumbu within Gokyo valley at Thagnak, a small settlement with some lodge.
This morning a gentle short scenic walk to the main Gokyo third lakes, a leisure walk beneath Ngozumba glacier, then reach the first and second lakes to reach Gokyo third lake, where many good lodges are located close to the crystal clear glacial lake with awesome views of Mt. Cho-Oyu towards the north. Enjoy the afternoon, walking around the lake or just relax and marvel at the beautiful scenery that surrounds you.
Early morning before breakfast, last big climb to reach on top Gokyo-Ri, where you can overlook views of the world's four highest peaks namely, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho-Oyu with an array of lesser peaks. The view includes Gokyo valley and its beautiful turquoise-colored lakes with Ngozumba the longest glaciers of Nepal Himalaya that feeds the Dudh Kosi River further downstream.
After a marvelous moment around the high valley of Gokyo and glacial lakes descend to the lower valley on the downhill to Dole for last overnight around the Gokyo area.
From Dole short descend to Phortse Tenga, with a climb to Mong Hill a place with small lodge and shops, offer grand views of the snow mountain range, enjoy a short rest then continue downhill to reach on the main trail near Shanasa village, from here on the nice pleasant wide path to Namche Bazaar for a possible lunch stop.
From Namche downhill to Dudh Kosi River valley, and back into green tree lines to reach Sagarmatha National Park and at Monjo village for an overnight stop.
Our last day walk of the journey starts with an easy descend with a short up then crosses a long bridge to follow the Dudh Kosi River till Phakding village. From Phakding, a nice pleasant trek with few ups and down to Ghat and Tade-Kosi, and then with last climb for an hour to reach at Lukla for final overnight stop around Everest and Khumbu. Afternoon free at leisure to explore around interesting Lukla town.
Early morning short walk to Tenzing and Hillary airport, as a time for your flight board in a small aircraft for a short scenic flight to Kathmandu, during air enjoy a panorama of the Himalayan peaks with Everest. On reaching Kathmandu airport, transfer back to your hotel, with time in the afternoon for individual activities and a shopping spree.
Last day in Nepal, a country of great bio-diversity of cultures and landscapes with Himalayan wonders, as per your international flight time transfer to airport for final flight departure homeward bound, after a great mesmerizing experience and adventure on Gokyo Everest base camp trek via Cho-La Pass.
High Route Adventure provides trekkers on the Everest Base Camp Gokyo Trek via Cho-La Pass with three nutritious meals a day. These meals are served at comfortable tea houses and lodges along the trekking route and include a variety of traditional Nepalese dishes like dal bhat, vegetable curries, soups, and some western options. This thoughtful meal plan helps trekkers stay energized and well-nourished throughout the challenging journey across high mountain passes and scenic valleys.
However, beverages such as bottled water, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks are not included in the meal package. Trekkers who wish to enjoy these drinks will need to purchase them separately at the lodges or tea houses along the trail. It is advisable to carry your own water purification method to stay hydrated during the trek, and to bring snacks like energy bars or nuts for longer trekking days.
High Route Adventure will arrange accommodation in tea houses along the Everest Base Camp Gokyo Trek via Cho-La Pass. Rooms are provided on a sharing basis to ensure a comfortable and social trekking experience. Most tea houses offer facilities such as Wi-Fi, hot showers, and electricity; however, these services are usually available for an additional fee, which trekkers need to pay on their own.
If you prefer more privacy, you can upgrade to a single room at many tea houses. Please note that single rooms come with extra costs and must be requested in advance before booking your trek with High Route Adventure. This ensures that your accommodation preferences are arranged smoothly for your journey.
The Everest Base Camp Gokyo Trek via Cho-La Pass is considered a challenging trek in the Everest region. It combines two iconic routes—Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Valley—while crossing the high-altitude Cho-La Pass at 5,420 meters. This adds both adventure and difficulty, making it best suited for trekkers with good fitness levels and some prior trekking experience.
This trek tests not only your physical strength but also your mental toughness. You’ll need determination to keep moving through long climbs, cold mornings, and challenging terrain.
The Everest Base Camp Gokyo Trek via Cho-La Pass is considered a challenging trek in the Everest region. It combines two iconic routes—Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Valley—while crossing the high-altitude Cho-La Pass at 5,420 meters. This adds both adventure and difficulty, making it best suited for trekkers with good fitness levels and some prior trekking experience.
This trek tests not only your physical strength but also your mental toughness. You’ll need determination to keep moving through long climbs, cold mornings, and challenging terrain.
At High Route Adventure, we arrange experienced trekking guides and porters to support our trekkers throughout the Everest Base Camp Gokyo Trek via Cho-La Pass. Our porters carry a maximum weight of 20 kg, which is usually shared between two trekkers to ensure their safety and comfort.
Please make sure your main luggage does not exceed 10 kg to keep the load manageable for the porter and to make your trek smoother and more enjoyable. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the best support for a successful and memorable trekking experience.
Travel insurance is mandatory for trekking to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo and Cho-La Pass. It protects you from unexpected events like accidents, illness, or evacuation in remote high-altitude areas. Without proper insurance, medical emergencies can become costly and complicated.
Your travel insurance policy should cover:
High Route Adventure arranges the flight tickets for all trekkers traveling to Lukla for the Everest Base Camp Gokyo Trek via Cho-La Pass. During the peak season, flights to Lukla operate from Manthali Airport instead of Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport. To make this convenient, we provide transportation from Kathmandu to Manthali Airport for all trekkers.
In the off-season, there are direct flights available from Kathmandu to Lukla, making travel simpler and quicker. Our team coordinates all flight arrangements to ensure a smooth start to your trekking adventure.
Choosing the right trekking company can make all the difference on your Everest Base Camp Gokyo Trek via Cho-La Pass. High Route Adventure offers reliable services, expert guides, and full support to ensure your journey is safe, comfortable, and unforgettable. Here’s why you should choose us:
Preparing well for the Everest Base Camp Gokyo Trek via Cho-La Pass is key to having a safe and enjoyable journey. This trek involves high altitudes, varying weather, and challenging terrain, so packing the right gear and clothing is essential. Use this carefully prepared packing list to make sure you have everything you need for a comfortable and successful adventure in the Himalayas.
Note: Trekker can rent the gear items at Thamel rental shops at affordable price.
