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Gokyo Lake Trek with Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass – 18 Days
The Gokyo Lake Trek with Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass is an 18-day guided trekking route that combines three major highlights of the Everest region: the Gokyo Valley, the high mountain pass of Cho La Pass, and Everest Base Camp.
The trail takes you through the Sherpa villages of the Khumbu, past the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and up to Gokyo Ri before crossing Cho La Pass at 5,420 metres. The route then continues towards Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar before descending through the Khumbu Valley to Lukla.
The trek is fully guided, with accommodation, meals, domestic flights, permits and porter service included in the package.
Highlights of the Gokyo Lake Trek with Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass
- Fully guided trekking package including accommodation, meals, flights and permits
- Visit the Gokyo Valley and its high-altitude lakes
- Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m)
- Cross the challenging Cho La Pass (5,420m)
- Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
- Early morning hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m)
- Explore Sherpa villages such as Namche Bazaar
- Visit Buddhist monasteries and experience Sherpa culture
- Guide and porter support throughout the trekking route
- Private trekking available
18-Day Gokyo Lake and Everest Base Camp Trek – Day-to-Day Outline
| Day | Outline |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu and trek preparation |
| Day 2 | Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding |
| Day 3 | Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar |
| Day 4 | Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar with a hike to Everest View Hotel |
| Day 5 | Trek towards Dole |
| Day 6 | Trek from Dole to Machhermo |
| Day 7 | Trek to Gokyo Lakes |
| Day 8 | Hike to Gokyo Ri and explore the Gokyo Valley |
| Day 9 | Optional exploration of the 5th Gokyo Lake or rest day |
| Day 10 | Trek to Thagnak |
| Day 11 | Cross Cho La Pass and trek towards Dzongla |
| Day 12 | Trek from Dzongla to Lobuche |
| Day 13 | Trek to Everest Base Camp and return to Gorak Shep |
| Day 14 | Sunrise hike to Kala Patthar and descend towards Pheriche |
| Day 15 | Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar |
| Day 16 | Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla |
| Day 17 | Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu |
| Day 18 | Departure from Nepal |
This is a brief overview of the route. See the detailed itinerary below for the full day-by-day programme, walking arrangements and accommodation details.
Gokyo Valley, Gokyo Ri and the High Lakes
The first major section of the trail leaves the more direct route to Everest Base Camp and enters the Gokyo Valley.
The trail passes through Dole and Machhermo before reaching the Gokyo Lakes at approximately 4,790 metres. From Gokyo, you can hike towards Gokyo Ri (5,357m) to see the surrounding Himalayan ranges.
Depending on the itinerary, weather and trail conditions, the Gokyo Valley also provides an opportunity to explore the higher lakes.
Cross Cho La Pass
One of the more challenging sections of the trek is Cho La Pass (5,420m).
The crossing can include steep and rocky terrain, with ice or snow possible at certain times of the year. Pacing and preparation are important, particularly because of the high elevation.
You trek with an experienced guide, while porters carry the main trekking gear.
Cho La to Everest Base Camp
After crossing Cho La Pass, the trail heads towards Dzongla, then Lobuche, before joining the Everest Base Camp trail.
From Lobuche, the route continues to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp at 5,364 metres. The following morning includes an early hike to Kala Patthar at 5,545 metres, followed by the descent towards the lower Khumbu Valley.
This route allows you to experience both the Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp side of the Khumbu rather than following the conventional EBC route in both directions.
Trekking with Guides and Porters
This is a fully guided trek, with an experienced guide accompanying you throughout the journey.
The package follows a 1 porter for 2 trekkers system. For a private trip with a single traveller, the guide can also assist with carrying 10–15kg of trekking gear, according to the arrangements of the trip.
The guide and porter team provides practical support throughout the trek, including trail guidance, assistance on difficult sections and daily trekking arrangements.
Accommodation, Meals and Permits
The package is a comprehensive trekking arrangement covering the main services required during the trek.
It includes accommodation in teahouses or lodges, meals during the trek, domestic flights between Kathmandu and Lukla, trekking permits and national park fees.
The required permits include Sagarmatha National Park and the local rural municipality.
Who Is This Trek For?
The Gokyo Lake Trek with Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass is suitable for trekkers who:
- Want to combine Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp in one journey
- Are prepared for a more challenging route than the standard EBC trek
- Want to cross a high mountain pass at 5,420 metres
- Prefer an all-inclusive guided trekking package
- Want porter support during the trek
- Are comfortable walking several hours a day for consecutive days
- Are prepared and equipped for high-altitude trekking
Previous high-altitude trekking experience can be useful, but physical preparation and proper acclimatisation are important for this route.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gokyo Lake Trek via Cho La Pass to Everest Base Camp?
It is an 18-day Everest region trek combining the Gokyo Valley, Gokyo Ri, Cho La Pass, Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.
How high is Cho La Pass?
Cho La Pass is 5,420 metres above sea level. It is one of the more challenging sections of the trek because of the high elevation and terrain.
How high is Gokyo Ri?
Gokyo Ri is 5,357 metres high and is one of the major viewpoints on the Gokyo section of the trek.
How high is Everest Base Camp?
Everest Base Camp is 5,364 metres above sea level.
What is the height of Kala Patthar?
Kala Patthar is 5,545 metres and is the highest point on this route.
Is this trek suitable for beginners?
This route is more demanding than the regular Everest Base Camp trek because it includes Gokyo Ri and the crossing of Cho La Pass. Beginners who are physically fit may consider the trek, but they should understand the requirements of high-altitude trekking and travel with proper guidance and acclimatisation.
How difficult is Cho La Pass?
Depending on conditions, Cho La Pass can include steep, rocky and icy sections. The crossing also takes place at 5,420 metres, making preparation particularly important. Suitable equipment and an experienced guide are recommended.
What equipment will I need?
You should bring high-altitude trekking boots, warm clothing, a good sleeping bag and other equipment suitable for high-altitude trekking. Depending on seasonal conditions, crampons may be required for icy sections.
Trekking gear can also be rented or purchased in Kathmandu.
Can I take a drone on the trek?
Drone use in the Everest region requires the necessary permits and legal approvals. Drone regulations and permit requirements should be checked before the trek.
What permits do I need?
The trek requires permits for Sagarmatha National Park and the local rural municipality. These are arranged as part of the all-inclusive package.
What does the all-inclusive package cover?
The package covers domestic flights between Kathmandu and Lukla, trekking accommodation, meals during the trek, trekking permits and national park fees, guide and porter services.
Do I need trekking insurance?
Yes. We recommend travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking, medical expenses and emergency evacuation.
Best Time for the Gokyo Lake and Everest Base Camp Trek
The main trekking seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November).
Conditions around Cho La Pass can vary, and whether the crossing can be completed depends on the weather and trail conditions at the time of the trek.
See our guide to the best time for trekking to Everest Base Camp for more information.
Book the Gokyo Lake Trek with Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass
This 18-day trek combines Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri, Cho La Pass, Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar in one journey through the Everest region.
The trek can be arranged as a private trip or scheduled group trek, with flexible dates available for travellers planning their journey around their own schedule.
Email: sales@nepalhiking.com
WhatsApp: +977-9851068290
A 20% pre-payment is required to confirm the booking.
