Quick questions? Email Us

Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake and Chola Pass 18Days 17Nights

Everest region, Nepal
5
Group Discount Available $50/- Off From $2300 $2250 / Standard
Best Price Guaranteed No Booking Fees Professional Local Guide
Check Availability
Best time to visit Spring (March to May)Spring (March to May)
Transportation Domestic FlightDomestic Flight
Difficulty ChallengingChallenging
Maximum Altitude 5364m
Duration 18 Days18 Days
Activities TrekkingTrekking

Trip Overview

Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo & Cho La Pass

The Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass is one of the most rewarding and adventurous trekking routes in Nepal. Perfect for seasoned hikers, this trail combines the classic journey to Everest Base Camp with the added beauty of the Gokyo Valley, the challenge of Cho La Pass, and the panoramic summit views from Gokyo Ri.

Unlike the standard EBC trek, this itinerary ventures into less-traveled terrain, offering a quieter, more immersive experience of the Khumbu region. Along the way, trekkers enjoy breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, vibrant Sherpa culture, and unforgettable encounters with some of the tallest peaks on Earth — including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, and Cho Oyu.

Why Choose the Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass Trek?

Gokyo Valley & Gokyo Lakes

The highlight of this route is the enchanting Gokyo Valley, home to six turquoise, glacial-fed lakes that shimmer against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Considered sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists, these lakes provide a peaceful and spiritual trekking experience far away from the busy EBC trail.

Gokyo Ri (5,357m)

From the summit of Gokyo Ri, trekkers witness one of the most spectacular panoramas in the Himalayas. The viewpoint offers clear 360° vistas of four of the world’s highest mountains — Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu — along with the entire Gokyo Valley below. For many, sunrise at Gokyo Ri is the single most memorable moment of their trek.

Cho La Pass (5,420m)

Crossing Cho La Pass is a thrilling and challenging part of the trek. This high mountain pass connects Gokyo Valley to the Everest Base Camp trail, requiring trekkers to ascend steep ridges and cross icy glaciers. The effort is rewarded with dramatic views and the sense of conquering one of the region’s toughest natural barriers.

Highlights of the Trek

  • Discover the world-famous Everest Base Camp (5,364m).

  • Marvel at the pristine Gokyo Lakes and explore the secluded Gokyo Valley.

  • Climb Gokyo Ri for unparalleled views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

  • Cross the adventurous Cho La Pass, one of the most exhilarating challenges in the Khumbu.

  • Ascend Kala Patthar (5,545m) for a close-up view of Everest and the Khumbu Icefall.

  • Immerse yourself in Sherpa culture with visits to traditional villages and monasteries.

  • Explore Namche Bazaar, the lively gateway to the Everest region.

Challenges and Distractions Along the Trail

Like any high-altitude trek, the Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass route comes with challenges that trekkers must prepare for:

  • Altitude Sickness: Acclimatization is critical as elevations regularly exceed 4,500 meters.

  • Demanding Terrain: Trails range from rocky ridges to icy glacier crossings, particularly near Cho La Pass.

  • Unpredictable Weather: Sudden snow, wind, or cloud cover can temporarily hide mountain views.

  • Basic Facilities: Higher-altitude teahouses offer modest amenities, and internet or phone connectivity is limited.

  • Seasonal Crowds: While Gokyo Valley is quieter, sections of the EBC trail can still feel busy during peak trekking months.

Despite these distractions, each challenge contributes to the adventure, making the final arrival at Everest Base Camp all the more rewarding.

Why Trek with Mission Nepal Holidays?

Choosing the right trekking company can make or break your Himalayan adventure. At Mission Nepal Holidays, we go above and beyond to ensure your Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass trek is safe, enriching, and unforgettable.

Experienced Local Guides – Our Sherpa guides are certified, highly knowledgeable, and deeply connected to the Everest region.
Tailor-Made Itineraries – Whether you want a standard trek, a short EBC version, or an extended Gokyo Lakes route, we customize trips to match your fitness and preferences.
Focus on Safety – We prioritize acclimatization, carry proper medical kits, and monitor trekkers daily to minimize altitude-related risks.
Authentic Cultural Experience – Stay in locally run teahouses, interact with Sherpa communities, and visit ancient monasteries along the way.
Responsible Tourism – We are committed to eco-friendly practices and supporting local livelihoods in the Khumbu region.

With Mission Nepal Holidays, you don’t just trek — you experience the Himalayas with a trusted partner who cares about your journey as much as you do.

Itinerary

01 : Arrive in Kathmandu 1400m/4594ft.

We shall be met by a Mission Nepal Holidays representative at Kathmandu’s Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), after which they will drive us to the hotel of our choice. After checking in, we might visit the Mission Nepal office or have a nap. In the evening, a welcome supper with traditional Nepalese cuisine and a brief cultural presentation will take place at a typical Nepalese restaurant.

Accomodation Hotel

02 : Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour

We will embark on a guided tour of some of Kathmandu’s most well-known historical and spiritual sites this morning following breakfast, many of which are also UNESCO World Heritage sites. We visit the famous Swayambhunath “Monkey Temple,” the revered Hindu temple Pashupatinath, the ancient Durbar Square in Kathmandu, and the Buddhist shrine Bouddhanath, which is home to one of the biggest stupas in the world. At midday, after meeting the other participants and having our gear checked by our trekking guide, we discuss our trip plans at the Mission Nepal office.

Accomodation Hotel

03 : Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding 2652m/8699ft.

You will take a plane to Lukla today, where your Everest adventure will begin. At the domestic airport, you will be dropped off in preparation for your early flight to Lukla. We have breathtaking views of the high peaks during the brief trip. You will go to Phakding, a charming settlement on the edge of the Dudh Koshi River Valley in Khumbu, from Lukla. You can get an amazing glimpse of the Kusum Kanguru Peak and other equally scary mountains while walking along this path.

Accomodation Hotel

04 : Phakding to Namche Bazaar 3440m/11283ft.

After passing by a beautiful pine grove, we follow the trail north up the Benkar valley. Monjo, the entry point to Everest National Park, is the destination we get at after traversing the Dudh Koshi River and proceeding beyond Chumoa. Afterwards, we stroll beside the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers after crossing a suspension bridge and the village of Jorsale. Namche Bazaar, the main centre of the Sherpa culture, is reached after a difficult ascent. When we reach Namche Bazaar, if the weather permits, we can view both Mount Everest and Mount Lhotse.

Accomodation Hotel

05 : Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar

Today is the day to become acclimated. The hub of Khumbu’s commerce is Namche Bazaar. Fantastic views of Everest and a number of neighboring Himalayan peaks, including Thamserku, Kongdi RI, and Ama Dablam, are possible from Namche. Here are the Everest Photo Gallery and the Sherpa Culture Museum. You can also ascend to the top of the hamlet, which is the Syangboche Airstrip. From Syangboche, you may get great views of Namche below and, in the distance, the Himalayan hills around the town. Likewise, you can go to the Everest glimpse Hotel, where every window offers a glimpse of the peaks of Everest.

Accomodation Hotel

06 : Namche Bazaar to Phortse Thanga 3680m/12074ft.

After climbing Khumjung hill, we descend the broad valley east of the hamlet and head north towards Dudh Koshi. Our guide decides which of the two trails is best for us to follow. There is a chorten that rises to 3973 meters on the ridge top and comes from Mt. Khumbila (5761 meters). We also travel to Mohang, the birthplace of the Lama from Rongbuk Monastery in Tibet who is said to have brought Buddhism to Nepal’s Khumbu region. The trail descends a sandy hillside over a series of sharp switchbacks to meet the Dudh Koshi river. We spend the night along the river at Phortse Tanga.

Accomodation Hotel

07 : Phortse Thanga to Machhermo 4470m/14666ft.

From Phortse Thanga, the trip continues with an elevation to Machhermo. The path continues along a track that goes past a waterfall and alongside a forest of rhododendron before reaching Tongba Village. After then, the route climbs upward, passing through the communities of Dole, Labarma, and Luza before arriving at Machhermo. We will be able to see a Chhorten right in front of the Luza settlement as we proceed. We will be following the Dudh Koshi River for the duration of this trek.

Accomodation Hotel

08 : Machhermo to Gokyo Lake 4800m/15749ft.

We start the day with a hike to a ridge that provides breathtaking views of the valley below, including Cho Oyu (8153 m) and Kangtaiga. We proceed through Phangkha, where a catastrophic avalanche in 1995 killed forty people, as the valley opens. After that, we head down to the riverside and then climb sharply up the Ngazumpa Glacier’s terminal moraine. The trail flattens and follows the valley beyond Longpongo, the first lake, which is 4690 meters above sea level, after traversing an iron bridge over a creek. Here, we get the chance to view the footprints that lamas have made on a stone. We are enthralled by the sight of the beautiful turquoise blue water reflecting the sun’s rays at the second lake, Taboche Tsho. The third lake is reached after passing the second lake, and it is connected to the latter by a rushing stream. Situated near the third lake, Gokyo town presents a breathtaking view with Cho-Oyu Mountain providing a stunning backdrop. We spend some time exploring the area around the third lake, Dudh Pokhari, after lunch.

Accomodation Hotel

09 : Gokyo Lake: Acclimatization, optional hike to Gokyo RI 5357m/17576ft.

Hiking to Gokyo Ri, a small peak above Gokyo village, we will take in the amazing views of the whole Khumbu region first thing in the morning. We will be able to see four of Nepal’s seven highest peaks, including Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu, as we ascend higher and the views get even more breathtaking. After arriving at the fourth lake, Thonak Tsho, we will have time to enjoy the serene beauty of the body of water before returning to the third. The fifth lake, Ngozumba Tsho, gives a captivating perspective of the Ngozumba glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas. If time and our physical condition allow, we may also climb an extra distance to reach this lake.

Accomodation Hotel

10 : Gokyo to Thagnak 4750m/15585ft.

We can climb Gokyo Ri today if we didn’t do so yesterday. Nevertheless, Gokyo Ri’s high terrain makes it difficult to reach the summit, which could take three to four hours. However, the view of Gokyo hamlet, which is encircled by Cholatse and the enormous Nogzumpa Glacier and sits on the brink of the third lake, is breathtaking. Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Changtse, and Pumori are just a few of the majestic mountains that encircle us. Rising above all the other peaks in the vicinity, Everest is a magnificent sight to behold when the sun sets. After hiking to the opposite peak via the Ngazumpa Glacier, we will follow its perimeter and eventually descend into Thagnak. Our short hike today will help us get ready for the longer hiking days and more altitude gain that lie ahead. We will also have the afternoon to relax.

Accomodation Hotel

11 : Thagnak to Cho La pass to Dzongla 5420m/17783ft.

It looks like this will be one of the hardest days of our journey. While the actual Cho La pass is not particularly challenging, it is steep and necessitates traversing a potentially dangerous glacier on its eastern side. We have to exercise caution because the terrain is steep, and there may be frozen or slippery pebbles. The trek starts in Phedi and climbs through rugged hills and a ravine. We hike along the ice lake’s edge until we reach the top of the pass, where prayer flags of all different colors fly. From here, we get breathtaking views of Cholatse towering to the west, Lobuche East and Baruntse rising sharply to our right, and the pyramid-shaped Ama Dablam ruling over a range of mountains to the south. Before we reach Dzongla Village, there are a few crevasses that we have to cross. The views of Cholatse, Ama Dablam, the Lobuche mountains, and even Pheriche Village, which is visible far below, are stunning from the village.

Accomodation Hotel

12 : Dzongla to Lobuche 4940m/16208ft.

Since today’s hike will be brief, we will have plenty of time to unwind and take in the breathtaking surroundings. After leaving Dzongla, we’ll head down a grassy trail that provides sweeping views of Lobuche Peak. After that, the track passes through a broad riverbed and arrives in Lobuche. We may relax and rejuvenate for the rest of the day, which will help us get ready for the strenuous hike tomorrow.

Accomodation Hotel

13 : Lobuche to Gorak Shep , visit Everest Base Camp 5364m/17599ft.

As we proceed up the Khumbu Glacier’s lateral moraine, we get vistas of numerous summits, including Pumori, Everest, Lingtern, Khumbutse, Nuptse, and Mahalangur. We reach Thangma Riju after a brief hike, where we are rewarded with breathtaking all-around vistas of the Himalayas. Next, we hike up a hard trail to the Changri Glacier’s summit. We arrive in Gorak Shep and find ourselves encircled by the Himalayas. After a short break, we travel to Everest Base Camp along rocky dunes, streams, and moraines. This is the base camp of Everest, the highest mountain in the world. After that, we hike back to Gorak Shep for the night, where we may see the majestic Nuptse, Khumbuste, and Pumori mountains.

Alternatively, as many people think that Kala Patthar’s sunset vista is even more stunning than its sunrise perspective, we can decide to visit the site today rather than the next day.

Accomodation Hotel

14 : Gorakshep to Kalapatthar to Pheriche 5545m/18193ft.

We get ready for an early morning departure in the freezing (-10 to -14 C) darkness. Moreover, chilly winds frequently occur. As Everest starts to reveal itself, well-known peaks like Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse can be seen to the east. But we won’t be able to get 360-degree up-close and stunning views of Mount Everest until we get to Kala Patthar. After taking photos and soaking in the gorgeous mountain view, we head back to Lobuche for a restful night. Spend the night in the Lobuche.

Since the trek to Everest Base Camp is lengthier than the trip to Kala Patthar, those who are visiting the camp today will eat an early breakfast in order to get going. Following their return to Gorak Shep, the two parties will eat lunch together before making their way to Pheriche in the afternoon for a restful night’s sleep.

Accomodation Hotel

15 : Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

We stroll over the slope, encircled by juniper and rhododendron plants. Our trail drops sharply through pine woodlands after crossing the Dudh Koshi River bridge covered in prayer flags. We might come across gorgeous pheasants and mountain goats in the forest. Eventually, the trail leads to Sansa, where Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Nuptse mountains may come into sight. Before arriving at Namche Bazaar, we also travel through a forest and on meandering trails.

Accomodation Hotel

16 : Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

Stung by juniper and rhododendron trees, we stroll down the mountain. Next, our road swiftly descends through pine forests, crossing the Dudh Koshi River over the bridge covered in prayer flags. Gorgeous pheasants and mountain goats could be seen in the woodland. Finally, the path leads to Sansa, from where we may have vistas of the Nuptse, Thamserku, and Ama Dablam mountains. Before arriving at Namche Bazaar, we follow winding trails and pass through a forest.

 

Accomodation Hotel

17 : Namche Bazaar to Lukla 2800m/9184ft.

With juniper and rhododendron trees all around us, we descend the mountainside. Our route drops sharply through pine forests after we cross the Dudh Koshi River over the bridge covered in prayer flags. We may see mountain goats and beautiful pheasants in the forest. We may finally reach Sansa along the trail, where there are vistas of the Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Nuptse mountains. Before arriving at Namche Bazaar, we also travel along winding trails and through a forest.

Accomodation Hotel

18 : Fly Back to Kathmandu

In or18der to guarantee safety, the flights from Lukla to Kathmandu are typically booked for early morning. We shall be on our own for the whole day once we arrive in the capital. Either we go shopping for trinkets to take home, or we just kick back in our hotel room. Following our successful summit of the mountain, we will celebrate with a goodbye supper in the evening.

Accomodation Hotel

19 : Final Departure

Today marks the end of our amazing journey across the Everest region, which included climbing to Mt. Everest’s base camp and traversing high passes. Three hours prior to your scheduled flight, an agent from the company will come to your hotel and take you to the airport.

 

Trip Info

What’s Included in this tour

  • Airport transfers with ground transports in private vehicle
  • Traditional welcome on arrival
  • 03 nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
  • 15 nights’ accommodation with Full Board at Local Lodge in Trekking Route
  • All Transfer and sightseeing in Private A/C Deluxe vehicle as per Pax.
  • TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Fee, Government taxes & office service charge
  • Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea/coffee) during the trek
  • The best twin sharing lodge (in the area) with attached bathroom during the trek
  • One guide (highly experienced, helpful and friendly), porter(s) (1 porter for 2 people/trekkers) and food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance for all staff
  • First aid medical kit
  • Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu Flight Fare
  • Sagarmatha National Park Permit
  • Pasang Lhamu Permit
  • All applicable Hotel Taxas

What's Not included in this tour

  • Travel insurance
  • International airfare
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Cold drinks (coke, water, fanta, dew etc.)
  • Snacks and other personal expenses
  • Nepal entry visa which can be obtained easily at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (Recently taken 2 copies of passport-size photos are needed)
  • Hot shower during the trek
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips and gratuities for trekking staffs and drivers

Cost and Date

Select a departure month Group discount 1-20 pax - $2099
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
September 27, 2025 - September 25, 2025
Save Upto $50 $2300

Enquiry Form

Related Package