Gokyo Chola Pass Trek - 18 Days

This day is specially categorized for last-minute trek preparation like rechecking your gear and team meeting before heading to Everest. In the morning after breakfast, our team officials will meet you for a small meeting regarding the trip and what to expect during this 18-day Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek. After the meeting, you will have a whole day of leisure. We can arrange a Kathmandu Day Tour if you like to discover the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in a private vehicle. Overnight stay at Kathmandu.

The journey to Everest officially begins with a thrilling flight to Lukla from Kathmandu or Ramechhap. During Peak Trekking season, you will be transferred to Ramechhap Airport to catch the flight to Lukla. It is due to air traffic at Tribhuvan International Airport. Take an exhilarating scenic flight to Lukla (2,845 m), one of the most thrilling airport landings in the world. Begin your trek through lush pine forests, crossing several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. Pass through charming Sherpa villages and Buddhist prayer stones before reaching Phakding. The village of Phakding will be the first Sherpa Village you will stay during this trip.

Leave Phakding after breakfast around 7 am. You will hike to Namche Bazaar, a famous Sherpa Town and a Gateway to Mt. Everest. First, follow the trail along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing multiple high-suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Bridge. Enter the Sagarmatha National Park, from Monjo where permit cards will be checked, and also you may spot Himalayan wildlife like musk deer and Himalayan monals. The village of Jhorsale will arrive by walking for a few hours from Monjo. After a steep ascent, arrive at the bustling Sherpa hub, Namche Bazaar. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.

Today is the first rest day of this trip before climbing further up into the high altitude. Today you will hike to Everest View Hotel or Khumjung Village just to make sure you are moving your body for acclimatization. Acclimatization is essential for high-altitude trekking. Hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880m) for breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Visit the Sherpa Museum to learn about the rich mountaineering history. Whereas, hiking to Khumjung Village is more like exploring local farmlands, monasteries, and villages. If you do not like to do both of these hikes, stroll around Namche Bazaar and find out the lifestyle of local people. We recommend you do some hiking rather than staying in bed during the acclimatization.

After a day of acclimatization at Namche, your body is good to go in the high Himalayas. After breakfast around 7, the walk begins towards the northeast. Along the way admire the views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Khangtekha, Lhotse, and others. Trek through rhododendrons and pine forests, passing prayer wheels and mani stones. Moreover, the route continues through the Trasinga descends to Dudh Koshi River, and crosses over the suspension bridge to arrive at Phunge Thanga. From Phunge Thanga, it will take another 2-3 hours to arrive at Tengboche. Tengboche is home to the Tengboche Monastery, the largest monastery in the region, offering stunning Everest views.

The trek from Tengboche (3,860m) to Dingboche (4,410m) is a breathtaking journey through the heart of the Khumbu region, offering mesmerizing views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Everest. The trail begins with a descent through lush rhododendron forests before crossing the Imja Khola River via a suspension bridge. As you ascend towards Pangboche, one of the oldest Sherpa villages, you can visit the historic Pangboche Monastery and soak in the region's spiritual ambiance. From here, the landscape dramatically changes, transitioning into high-altitude pastures and rugged alpine terrain. The final stretch to Dingboche, often called the “Summer Valley” of Khumbu, offers panoramic mountain views and a more open, windswept setting. Dingboche serves as a crucial acclimatization stop for trekkers heading towards Everest Base Camp or Island Peak, featuring cozy teahouses, bakeries, and breathtaking vistas of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak. Overnight stay at Dingboche.

The next rest day or acclimatization day during this trip. While acclimatizing at Dingboche during your trk, you can explore the village, visit its Buddhist monastery, and enjoy the peaceful Sherpa culture. A short hike to Nagarjun Hill or Chukhung Ri offers a great opportunity to gain altitude without overexerting yourself, while providing stunning views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Makalu. Take time for photography, capturing the breathtaking landscapes, and interact with fellow trekkers to share stories and tips. Additionally, this is the perfect time to rest, hydrate, and eat well to ensure you're prepared for the higher elevations ahead. Engaging in light yoga or meditation can help relax both your mind and body as you acclimatize to the altitude.

The trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910m) is a breathtaking yet challenging journey through rugged alpine terrain. As you leave Dingboche, the trail gently ascends past windswept meadows with stunning views of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Taboche. After a short break at Thukla (4,620m), a steep climb leads to the Thukla Pass Memorial, a humbling site filled with prayer flags and stone cairns honoring fallen climbers. From here, the path follows the Khumbu Glacier’s dramatic moraine, offering surreal ice formations and towering peaks like Pumori and Nuptse. The final stretch to Lobuche, a remote high-altitude stop, feels almost otherworldly, surrounded by sheer rock and snow. Though demanding due to the altitude, this section of the trek is deeply rewarding, bringing you closer to Everest Base Camp and the heart of the Himalayas. Overnight stay at Lobuche.

The trek from Lobuche (4,910m) to Gorakshep (5,164m) follows the Khumbu Glacier’s rugged moraine, offering epic views of Pumori, Nuptse, and Everest’s western face. After a 3-hour trek, you reach Gorakshep, the last outpost before EBC. Dropping your bags, you set off on a 2-hour hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364m), navigating rocky glacial terrain with breathtaking sights of the Khumbu Icefall and surrounding peaks. At EBC, prayer flags flutter, and climbers' tents dot the landscape, marking the gateway to the world’s highest summit. After soaking in the achievement, you trek back to Gorakshep, resting before the Kala Patthar sunrise climb the next morning.

The hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m) is a highlight of this trek, offering some of the most iconic panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Pumori. The trek starts early in the morning from Gorakshep and involves a 2-hour ascent on a rocky trail. As you reach the summit, you’re rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise over Everest, with stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and the Khumbu Glacier below. It's a powerful and unforgettable moment for trekkers.

After soaking in the views, the trek continues as you descend back to Gorakshep and begin your journey towards Dzong La (4,830m). The route takes you through rocky, rugged terrain and involves a steep descent, crossing the Khumbu Glacier moraine. After a few hours of trekking, you reach Dzong La, a small and peaceful settlement nestled in the mountains, with spectacular views of Ama Dablam and other surrounding peaks. This marks the start of the route towards Chola Pass and the Gokyo Lakes, making Dzong La a perfect stop for acclimatization and rest.

You will start the day early morning to cross the challenging Pass of Cho La. Not to forget to paxk some light breakfast or snacks to garb during the hike. The trek from Dzongla to Thagnak via Cho La Pass (5,420m) is a thrilling high-altitude adventure. The day kicks off with a steep ascent over rocky terrain, leading to the icy, glacier-covered Cho La Pass, where stunning views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, and Lobuche East await. The crossing can be tricky, especially with ice underfoot, but the raw Himalayan beauty makes every step worth it. The descent is steep and technical, navigating a glacier and loose moraine before easing into rugged trails. Finally, you arrive at Thagnak (4,700m), a peaceful stop near the vast Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest in Nepal. Tough, exhilarating, and breathtaking—this is trekking at its best!

The trek from Thagnak (4,700m) to Gokyo Lake (4,790m) is a thrilling 3–4-hour journey across the vast Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal’s largest. The challenging trail, with loose rocks and shifting moraines, rewards trekkers with breathtaking views of Cho Oyu (8,188m) and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. After navigating the glacier, the trail descends to the stunning Gokyo Lake (Dudh Pokhari), a turquoise glacial gem beside Gokyo Village, a perfect spot to rest before the sunrise ascent to Gokyo Ri (5,357m). Starting early, walking carefully, and staying hydrated ensure a safe and unforgettable trek through this high-altitude paradise.

You will start the day early to reach the Gokyo Ri. May be packed breakfast would be an ideal option to fuel yourself during the trek. The hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) from Gokyo (4,800m) takes around 3–4 hours, offering increasingly stunning views of Everest, Makalu, and Cho Oyu as you climb. The summit rewards you with one of the best panoramic vistas in the Everest region, with the shimmering Gokyo Lakes below and towering peaks surrounding you. After soaking in the views, descend back to Gokyo before trekking to Maccherma (4,470m), a peaceful village about 4–5 hours away. The trail takes you through alpine meadows and rocky terrain, with scenic views of Thamserku and Kangtega. Maccherma is a perfect spot for acclimatization before continuing your adventure.

As usual, start your day around 7 am after the breakfast at Maccherma. The trek from Machhermo (4,470m) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) is a beautiful yet long descent, taking around 6-7 hours through some of the most stunning landscapes in the Everest region. Leaving Machhermo, the trail winds down through Dole and Phortse Tenga, where the barren high-altitude terrain gradually gives way to lush rhododendron and juniper forests. Along the way, you’ll cross swaying suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, with breathtaking views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtega keeping you company. A short but steep climb from Mong La reconnects with the Everest Base Camp trail, leading to the lively town of Namche Bazaar. Known as the "Gateway to Everest," Namche is the perfect place to unwind after days in the remote Himalayas, offering cozy teahouses, delicious bakeries, and the last chance to soak in the vibrant Sherpa culture before heading further down the trail.

Your last breakfast at Namche Bazar and you will return to Lukla. The trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla is a scenic and peaceful descent marking the end of your Everest Base Camp journey. The trail takes you through villages like Monjo and Jorsalle, with several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. As you descend, the landscape shifts to lush greenery and valley views, passing through Chheplung and Phakding before reaching Lukla. It’s an easy day to reflect on your adventure before catching a flight back to Kathmandu.

Flying back to Kathmandu or Ramechhap from Lukla is the final leg of an unforgettable Gokyo Chola Pass Trek. Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport, known for its short runway and thrilling takeoff, offers daily flights to both destinations, depending on the season and weather conditions. During the peak trekking months, most flights operate between Lukla and Ramechhap (Manthali Airport) due to air traffic congestion in Kathmandu. The 30-minute flight to Ramechhap is followed by a 4–5-hour drive to Kathmandu. In the off-season, direct Lukla-Kathmandu flights are available, offering a breathtaking aerial view of the Everest region and the rolling hills of Nepal. Since the weather in Lukla is unpredictable, it’s wise to keep a buffer day in your itinerary for possible delays. Regardless of the route, this flight marks the end of an epic trekking journey, leaving you with incredible memories of the Himalayas.

After an eventful adventure to the Everest Region, your trip comes to an end. It was an epic venture with Overland Trek Nepal. It’s time to fly back home until next time. According to your flight schedule, our staff from Overland Trek Nepal will escort you to Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu. Until Next trip to Nepal, we bid farewell and wish you a safe flight back home.