The Gokyo Chola Pass EBC Trek is a mesmerizing adventure that takes you through the heart of the Khumbu region in Nepal, offering breathtaking views of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest. This trek is a combination of two popular routes, the Gokyo Lakes Trek and the Everest Base Camp Trek, with the added challenge of crossing the formidable Chola Pass.
The trek begins with a thrilling flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a small mountain airstrip that serves as the gateway to the Everest region. From Lukla, you will embark on a picturesque trail that winds its way through charming Sherpa villages, lush forests, and suspension bridges, gradually gaining altitude. The first major stop is Namche Bazaar, a vibrant trading hub and acclimatization point, where you can immerse yourself in the Sherpa culture and enjoy stunning mountain views.
Continuing the trek, you will venture into the enchanting Gokyo Valley, known for its pristine turquoise lakes. The trail takes you alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier, offering an awe-inspiring experience. Gokyo Ri, a nearby viewpoint, presents a panoramic spectacle of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the entire Gokyo Valley. You will also explore the Gokyo Lakes, including the stunning Gokyo 4th Lake, nestled amidst the towering peaks.
After the Gokyo Valley, the trek takes a challenging turn as you navigate the high mountain pass of Cho La (Chola Pass). This section requires careful trekking skills as you cross icy terrain and steep slopes. However, the effort is rewarded with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and glacial landscapes. Once you conquer the pass, you descend to the village of Lobuche, preparing for the final push towards Everest Base Camp.
The trail to Everest Base Camp is an exhilarating experience as you tread on the same paths that legendary mountaineers have traversed. Passing through Gorakshep, the last settlement before Base Camp, you will hike to the iconic Kala Patthar viewpoint, offering unrivaled views of Everest and the surrounding Himalayan giants. Finally, you fulfill the ultimate goal by reaching Everest Base Camp, an awe-inspiring location where climbers gather to embark on their journey to conquer the world’s highest peak.
The return journey takes you back through picturesque landscapes, Sherpa villages, and tranquil forests. You will retrace your steps to Namche Bazaar, Lukla, and eventually fly back to Kathmandu, where you can reflect on the extraordinary achievement and the memories created throughout the trek.
The Gokyo Chola Pass EBC Trek is a physically demanding adventure that requires a good level of fitness and previous trekking experience. However, the rewards are immeasurable, with stunning natural beauty, cultural encounters, and a deep sense of accomplishment as you stand in the presence of the mighty Everest. It is an unforgettable journey that will leave you with lifelong memories and a profound appreciation for the Himalayan wonders.
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the vibrant streets of Kathmandu and preparing for the trek.
Duration: 30 minutes flight and 3 hours trekking
In the morning, you will take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, which offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. After landing in Lukla, you will begin your trek towards Phakding, a small village located at an altitude of 2651 meters. The trek takes about 3 hours, and along the way, you will pass through beautiful forests and charming Sherpa villages.
Duration: 5-6 hours
Today’s trek takes you from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, the bustling trading hub of the Khumbu region. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River and involves several suspension bridges. After a challenging ascent, you will reach Namche Bazaar at an altitude of 3438 meters. This is an important acclimatization stop, and you will spend the night here.
To acclimatize properly and avoid altitude sickness, you will spend an extra day in Namche Bazaar. You can explore the town, visit the local market, and hike to higher altitudes to help your body adjust to the changing conditions. Optionally, you can also visit the nearby Everest View Hotel for stunning panoramic views of Mount Everest and its neighboring peaks.
Duration: 5-6 hours trek
Leaving Namche Bazaar, the trail continues uphill through rhododendron forests, offering beautiful views of the Khumbu Valley and surrounding mountains. You will pass by small Sherpa settlements and yak pastures before reaching Dole, situated at an altitude of 3680 meters. The trek takes around 6 hours.
Duration: 4-5 hours trek
Today’s trek takes you through a scenic route as you ascend towards Machhermo. The trail passes through lush forests, crosses several streams, and offers glimpses of stunning mountain vistas. After around 4 hours of trekking, you will reach Machhermo, a small village nestled in the heart of the Himalayas at an altitude of 3870 meters.
Duration: 6-7 hours
From Machhermo, you will make your way towards the mesmerizing Gokyo Valley. The trail leads you alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in the Himalayas. After approximately 4 hours of trekking, you will reach the village of Gokyo, situated at an elevation of 4800 meters. In the afternoon, you can embark on a hike to Gokyo Ri, a viewpoint that offers stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan giants, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Duration: 5 hours trek
In the morning, you will hike to the mesmerizing Gokyo 4th Lake, located at an altitude of 5367 meters. The turquoise-colored lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks creates a surreal setting. After enjoying the scenery, you will descend back to Gokyo and then continue your trek to Thagnak. The trail is relatively easy and takes around 4 hours to complete.
Duration: 7- 8 hours trek
Today’s trek is challenging as you cross the high mountain pass of Cho La (Chola Pass) at an elevation of 5420 meters. The ascent is steep, and the pass can be snowy and icy, requiring careful navigation. From the top of the pass, you will be rewarded with incredible views before descending to Cho Dzongla, situated at 4843 meters.
Duration: 3-4 hours trek
After a hearty breakfast in Cho Dzongla, you will continue your trek towards Lobuche. The trail takes you through rocky terrain and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks. After approximately 3 hours, you will arrive at Lobuche, located at an altitude of 4940 meters.
Duration: 7-8 hours
From Lobuche, you will trek towards Gorakshep, the final stop before Everest Base Camp.
The trail is challenging, crossing rocky moraines and the Khumbu Icefall. Upon reaching Everest Base Camp, situated at 5364 meters, you can celebrate your achievement and enjoy the unique atmosphere. Afterward, you will descend to Gorekhshep. Overnight stay at Gorekhshep.
Duration: 7-8 hours Trek
Today is the highlight of the trek as you hike to Kalapattar in the morning. The trail is challenging, a famous vantage point offering unparalleled views of Mount Everest and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Upon reaching Kalapattar , situated at 5364 meters, you can celebrate your achievement and enjoy the unique atmosphere. Afterward, you will descend to Pheriche, located at 4200 meters, for a well-deserved rest. Overnight stay at Pheriche.
Duration: 6-7 hour Trek
From Pheriche, you will retrace your steps and trek back to Namche Bazaar. The trail descends gradually, and you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes and Sherpa culture along the way. After around 7 hours of trekking, you will reach Namche Bazaar, where you can relax and reminisce about your journey.
Duration: 7-8 hours Trek
Leaving Namche Bazaar, you will continue your descent towards Lukla. The trail passes through dense forests, crosses suspension bridges, and offers the final glimpses of the magnificent mountains. After approximately 8 hours, you will arrive in Lukla, where you can celebrate the completion of your trek with your fellow trekkers and the friendly local Sherpa community.
Duration: 35 minutes flight
In the morning, you will take a scenic flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day relaxing, exploring Kathmandu, or indulging in some souvenir shopping.
On the last day of your trek, our representative will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. You can return home with unforgettable memories and a sense of achievement after completing the Gokyo Chola Pass EBC Trek.
For this trek there will be one leader, assistant leader (10 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters for carrying luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter). This arrangement ensures that should anybody in the group get sick, the trip can still go ahead as planned. We can run the trek for groups of any size but we after years of experience we have found a maximum of twelve people to be the optimum size for a successful trip. However, if you’d like to book this trip for a larger group then that can be arranged too.
We will be accommodated in Hotel arts, Kailash kutee hotel or Similar in Kathmandu and teahouses during the trek. All accommodations are on twin-shared basis. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional USD 270. Corporate Adventure treks rooms with attached washrooms; however, teahouses in some places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.
During our trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.). Breakfast and dinner will be served from the teahouse or from a lodge menu where we spend the night whereas lunch will be served on the way to the next destination. All meals will be provided during trekking while only breakfast will be available in Kathmandu. There will also be welcome and farewell dinners for guests.
The airport is built on a narrow plateau, over a steep cliff. Navigating the plane along the short and narrow runway is difficult when strong winds whip across the mountains. Surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the world, the weather here is unpredictable and changes frequently. It would be clear and sunny one minute, and the next moment the clouds will appear and everything will turn hazy. Flights operate only when the weather is stable and visibility clear.
The chances of your Lukla flight getting canceled cannot be ruled out. If this happens your EBC Trek may get extended by a day or two. So come prepared and keep buffer days so that you may not miss your international flight.
If there is a long delay due to bad weather, we will try to secure a space for you on a helicopter flight. The cost for the heli flight [USD 500 one way per person] is not included in the trip price and should be borne by you.
Due to congestion at the Kathmandu airport during high season (Spring- March, April, autumn – October, November), flights to and from Lukla now operates from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap. The airport lies 132km (4hrs 30mins drive) from Kathmandu.
However, airline companies operate their first and last flights directly from Kathmandu and Lukla (KTM-LUKLA-KTM). If you book your trip early, we can try to secure a place for you on the direct flight to or from Lukla. It will be easier and more comfortable to fly directly from Kathmandu to Lukla and vice versa, instead of making that additional journey to Ramechhap.
Helicopter Flights to Everest Region will operate from Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.
Remember you will be trekking to the world’s highest trekking destination, Everest Base Camp which lies well above 5000 meters beyond the sea level. Here there is less oxygen in the atmosphere which will make breathing a bit difficult.
To let your body get used to the thin air, you need to walk slowly, steadily, and keep your body hydrated. If you try to hasten and walk fast to reach your destination in less time, chances are you may suffer from AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness.
AMS symptoms like dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, etc., are seen at elevations above 2000 meters. Usually, these symptoms occur once you reach Namche or beyond Namche.
Taking Diamox and a good night’s rest may work for mild cases. Drinking plenty of fluids (water, tea, soup, etc.) and keeping your body hydrated will also help to keep the sickness at bay. One should take the necessary precautions to ensure that the condition does not worsen. But if the symptoms worsen, one may have to return to a lower elevation and get medical help.
There are clinics at Lukla, Namche, and Pheriche which offer basic care for minor ailments. In the worst-case scenario, an air evacuation will be arranged, where the patient will be flown to Kathmandu to receive medical aid. AMS, if untreated or ignored can take your life.
On a high altitude trek like the trek to EBC, acclimatization is very important. Your body needs time to get used to thin air which can be done by resting at a lower altitude before reaching a higher level of elevation.
As opposed to popular belief, you don’t need a lot of complicated gear and equipment for an Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp Trek. Here’s a basic checklist of the most essential items that you should not forget to bring with you during your EBC Trek:
A sturdy pair of trekking boots with good ankle support
Rucksack or daypack (30 liters) with a waterproof cover
Trekking pants and waterproof trousers
T-shirts or shirts
Down jacket
Wind/ waterproof light jacket
Fleece jumper or jacket
Inner Thermal (top and trouser)
4-6 pair of socks and underwear
Sunglasses, sun hat, woolen cap or balaclava
Inner and outer gloves
Headlamp, power bank, and extra batteries
Sun protection cream, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer
Towel, flip-flop or rubber sandal, toiletries
Water bottle and water purification tablets
Sleeping bag and sleeping bag liner
These are only some of the essential items. Check a more detailed packing list for trekking. Most of the trekking equipment are available on hire in Kathmandu. You can keep your baggage light by only packing the most essential items and renting or buying the rest in Kathmandu. Shops in Thamel offer branded as well locally made gear and equipment.
For Gokyo Chola pass Everest Base Camp Trek, you need a good travel insurance policy that offers you coverage for all activities and altitudes included in your itinerary. The highest altitude you reach is 5,550 meters and your travel insurance should offer you suitable coverage up to this elevation.
Though we take your safety as our number one priority, we cannot rule out mishaps and emergencies that may occur at this altitude. There is less oxygen in the environment and trekkers usually suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness, which could prove to be fatal if not treated on time. Walking on a treacherous mountain environment also exposes you to physical injuries. Therefore make sure that your insurance covers the cost of all injuries and emergencies that you can possibly face during this trekking adventure. Your insurance policy should especially cover the cost of helicopter evacuation and hospitalization in case of an accident or medical emergency as these happen to be quite expensive. Check for vaccination requirements as some travel insurance policies makes it mandatory to immunize yourself before you leave your country.
Before you decide on a policy, be mindful and don’t forget to read the fine print. It would be advantageous for you also to choose a company that offers insurance cover on both domestic as well as international flight cancellations and lost or stolen baggage.
