Gokyo Chola Pass via EBC Trek - 18 Days

Once your flight lands at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will greet you and escort you to the hotel. They will also inform you of the timing and location of the meet and greet session. After that, you’ll have the entire day for yourself. So, make the most of the leisure time, get some rest, take a walk, read some books, and get rid of the jet lag.

In the evening, you’ll be attending a brief meeting with your trekking guide and the rest of the group. The trekking guide will provide you all the details regarding the trek. After the session, you’ll be sitting with the rest of the group members for the welcome dinner.

Highlights

• Pick up at the Tribhuvan International Airport
• Transfer to the prearranged hotel via a private transportation
• A brief meeting with the trekking guide
• Meet and greet session with the rest of the group
• Enjoy the welcome dinner with cultural program

Special Note

Attending the meeting is mandatory! It is because your trekking guide will provide loads of crucial information about Gokyo Chola Pass via EBC Trek. In the session, he will discuss the itinerary, flight schedules, accommodations, day-to-day lifestyle, difficulty, altitude sickness, food, culture, etc.

If you have any concerns or queries regarding the trek, make sure to ask as many questions as you want and be informed about it. In addition to that, make the meet and greet session as interactive as possible and get along with the other members of the group as well.

Since you’ll have an early flight to Lukla the next morning, we recommend packing your bags and readying your gear before bedtime. It helps to avoid the last-minute rush in the morning.

You’ll begin the day with an exhilarating flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Tenzing Hillary Airport at Lukla is one of the world’s most extreme airstrips. The 40-minutes flight over the Himalayas will truly be an experience of a lifetime. On a clear day, you'll marvel at the spectacular view of the high hills and snow-capped mountains right outside your window.

Upon landing at Lukla, you will meet the rest of the staff and porters at the village. Then, you’ll begin the adventure on a fairly comfortable and easy walk towards the village of Cheplung. From the village, you’ll get the first glimpse of the Himalayas with a distant sight of Mt. Khumbila. Furthermore, you’ll continue the walk on a gradual path alongside the Dudh Koshi River until you reach Phakding.

Highlights

• A thrilling flight from Kathmandu to the world’s most extreme airstrip at Lukla
• Majestic view of the mountains and surrounding terrains
• Walk past several traditional villages
• Gradual hike at the shore of Dudh Koshi River

Special Note

Bear in mind, the flight to Lukla is highly dependent on the weather. Since the Himalayas weather is unpredictable, the flight to this small airstrip is frequently delayed or canceled.

On this day, you will be traversing through the rustic Sherpa villages, dense pine forest, and occasional yak pastures to reach Namche Bazaar. After breakfast, you’ll depart from Phakding and then walk through the narrow path on the bank of Dudh Koshi River. You’ll travel across several traditional settlements, including Benkar and Chumoa, and cross a few suspension bridges to arrive at the entrance gate of Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo.

Once you enter the national park, you’ll follow the trail upwards to the village of Jorsalle. Furthermore, you’ll continue the walk on a beautiful trail decorated with the view of Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, Everest, and Nuptse unfolds on the backdrop.

From Jorsalle, the trail climbs steeply towards the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar. At an elevation of 3,440 meters, this village is one of the most commercial hubs of the Khumbu region. It has an array of colorful markets, fancy restaurants, coffee shops, cages, and trekking stores. From the village, you’ll get to marvel at the close-up glimpse of Kongde-Ri and Thamserku.

Highlights

• Travel across a few suspension bridges
• Enter Sagarmatha National Park
• Savor the view of Thamserku, Kusum Kanguru, Everest, and Nuptse
• Take a walk around the bustling streets of Namche Bazaar.

This day marks your first acclimatization day in Gokyo Chola Pass via EBC Trek. On this day, you’ll take a much-needed day-off at Namche Bazaar to acclimatize with the increasing elevation and reduce the possibilities of altitude sickness.

To keep your feet moving, you’ll go for a short hike to the village of Khumjung. In the village, you’ll visit a local school built by Sir Edmund Hillary and an ancient monastery. On your way back from Khumjung, you’ll also visit the Everest View Hotel, one of the world’s highest luxury hotels. From the balcony of the hotel, you can enjoy the panoramic views of Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Everest, Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Taboche, and Kwangde.

Highlights

• A much-needed rest day to acclimatize to high altitude
• Take a short hike to the village of Khumjung
• Visit the ancient monastery of Khumjung and a local school built by Sir Edmund Hillary
• Take a tour to Everest View Hotel, the world’s highest luxurious hotel
• Enjoy the breathtaking glimpses of the Himalayas, including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam

After a good rest, you’ll get the ground running again! You’ll start the day by walking on a relatively gradual trail along the dense forest. Traversing through the hillside directly above the Dudh Koshi River, you’ll enjoy the marvelous view of the mountains on your way to Phungithanga.

Upon reaching Phungithanga, the trail abruptly turns into an extremely steep uphill. Along the way, you’ll walk past a water-powered prayer wheel. You’ll continue the walk under the shades of dense rhododendron forest until you reach Tengboche.

At 3,860 meters, Tengboche is a small settlement scattered in a grassy saddle directly under a massive crescent-shaped ridge. From the village, you’ll get an exceptional view of some of the highest mountains, including Ama Dablam, Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse. It is also home to the largest Buddhist gompa of the Khumbu region.

Highlights

• Traverse through the dense rhododendron forest
• Visit Tengboche Monastery — Khumbu’s largest gompa
• Relish the stunning view of Ama Dablam, Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse

After a hearty breakfast at Tengboche, you’ll head northwards and cross a small suspension bridge. You’ll then continue the walk on a relatively narrow route. In an intersection, you’ll take a lower path towards the western bank of Imja Khola and head towards Orsho.

The route on this day passes rhododendron, birch and conifer trees. You’ll continue the gradual walk across a few Sherpa settlements, well-decorated chortens, and mani walls before reaching the overnight destination at the Dingboche village.

Dingboche is the highest Sherpa village in the entire Khumbu region at an elevation of 4,410 meters. Stone walls enclose the entire settlement, protecting the fields from the animals. You’ll get to relish the close-up view of Ama Dablam from the village.

Highlights

• Cross over a few suspension bridges
• Traverse through the trail adorned with chortens and mani walls
• Enjoy the close-up view of Ama Dablam

Another much-needed rest day at Dingboche! To adjust your body with the increasing elevation and decreasing air pressure, it is significant to have an acclimatization day in this village. On this day, you’ll go for a short hike to the summit of a nearby hill to keep up with the momentum.

You’ll be heading towards the northern ridge of Dingboche and climbing about 400 meters to the summit of Nangkartshang Peak. From the village of Dingboche, it takes around two hours to reach the top of the peak. The summit of Nangkartshang Peak, located at 5,083 meters, is one of the best viewpoints in the Everest region to witness Ama Dablam, Makalu, Lhotse, Kantega, and Cho Oyu.

Highlights

• A free day to rest and acclimatize with the increasing elevation
• Hike up to the summit of Nangkartshang Peak
• Enjoy the magnificent sight of Ama Dablam, Makalu, Lhotse, Kantega, and Cho Oyu

Once you depart from Dingboche, you’ll gradually climb towards the valley of Pheriche. Walking along the yak pastures and high alpine scrubs, you’ll reach the Trekkers Aid Post at the Pheriche. You’ll enjoy the breathtaking sight of Ama Dablam, Taboche, and Cholatse soaring directly above the valley.

Furthermore, you’ll continue the walk as the trail becomes a bit more strenuous. You’ll climb a steep path over the moraine of Khumbu Glacier. Once you climb the ridge, you’ll reach the summit of Thukla Pass. The top of the pass adorns colorful prayer flags and stone shrines dedicated to the climbers who lost their lives. You’ll cross the pass and continue the walk through the rocky terrains and grassy valley to reach Lobuche’s teahouse settlement.

Lobuche lies in a narrow meadow tucked between the massive Lobuche Peak and Khumbu Glacier. From the settlement, you’ll get to marvel at the magnificent sight of Taboche and Nuptse. Later in the evening, you’ll go for a short hike to a nearby hill to look at the pristine Khumbu Glacier.

Highlights

• Cross over the memorial park of Thukla Pass
• Enjoy the sight of  Ama Dablam, Taboche, and Cholatse along the way
• Get a close glimpse of Nuptse and Taboche from Lobuche
• Take a glance at the marvelous Khumbu Glacier

Remarkable day on Gokyo Chola Pass via EBC Trek! Early morning after breakfast, you’ll depart from Lobuche and walk along the rough and rocky path. The way to Gorak Shep has a few gradual switchbacks over the glacial path. En-route to the Everest region’s last settlement, you’ll also get to enjoy the marvelous view of Pumori, Nuptse, and other surrounding mountains.

Upon arriving at Gorak Shep, you’ll leave your daypack at the teahouse and get the ground running on a rocky trail towards Everest Base Camp. On your way to the base of the world’s highest mountain, you’ll come across a few small streams and glacial moraine.

Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, you’ll relish a close-up view of Pumori, Nuptse, Khubutse, and the Khumbu Icefall. After spending a wonderful time at the base camp of Mount Everest, you’ll retrace your route to Gorak Shep.

Highlights

• Walk along the glacial path
• Hike to the Everest Base Camp
• Stand at the base of the world’s highest mountain
• Savor the astonishing sight of Nuptse, Pumori, Khumbu Icefall, and Khumbutse

This day is another significant highlight of Gokyo Chola Pass via EBC Trek. On this day, you’ll hike to the world’s most popular viewpoint, Kala Patthar. You’ll begin the journey early at dawn and climb the strenuous trail towards the viewpoint. Kala Pathar is the highest elevation point of the Gokyo Chola Pass via EBC Trek at 5,643 meters. While the distance from Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar is not so much, the steep and rocky path makes it quite challenging.

Once you reach the summit of Kala Patthar, you’ll witness one of the most spectacular sunrises gleaming over the Himalayas. You’ll also get to savor the 360-degree panorama of Mt. Everest, Mt. Pumori, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Lhotse, Lingtren, Khumbetse, and so forth. After spending the most memorable time at Kala Patthar, you’ll hit the trail and descend to Gorak Shep.

At Gorak Shep, you’ll pack all your belongings and retrace your route back to Lobuche. You’ll be walking along the gradual switchbacks on a considerably rocky path over the glacial moraine. Upon reaching Lobuche, you’ll get to enjoy the wonderful sight of Taboche and Nuptse.

Highlights

• Hike to the world’s most popular vantage point at Kala Patthar
• Witness the most spectacular sunrises gleaming over the Himalayas
• Enjoy the panoramic view of some of the highest mountains in the world from Kala Patthar

Special Note

Keep in mind that you’ll begin the hike to Kala Patthar early before the first light. It is advisable that you carry a torch or a headlamp to keep track of the route. Make sure to wear warm jackets, a beanie, and a pair of gloves to stay protected from the cold.

After breakfast, you’ll take an alternative route to the classic Everest Base Camp Trek and head towards Lobuche Kharka. The trail from Lobuche to Lobuche Kharka boasts an impressive sight of the majestic Avi Peak. The route on this day is fairly comfortable and easy to walk. As you continue the walk further from the Lobuche Kharka, you’ll reach the shore of the icy blue lake of Chola Tsho. Directly above the lake, you’ll get to marvel at the vertical face of Cholatse and Taboche.

From here, you’ll be gradual descending on a route surrounded by the arid landscape. After a while, you’ll reach a small stream. Upon crossing the stream, the trail gradually leads upward until you reach the overnight destination at Dzongla. Compared to the last few days, the walk on this day is considerably comfortable and short. It only takes about four hours to reach Dzongla from Lobuche.

Highlights

• Relatively comfortable and short walk
• Enjoy the occasional sight of mountains, including Cholatse, Taboche, Lobuche West, and Avi Peak
• Take a glance at the pristine view of icy blue Chola Tsho Lake

This day is one of the most challenging days of the trek. On this day, you’ll be navigating Cho La Pass at the elevation of 5,367 meters above sea level. You’ll begin the day early! Once you depart from Dzongla, you’ll cross a narrow stream and walk uphill on a steep glacial path. The icy slopes of Cho La Glacier are quite steep and slippery. Therefore, it is advisable to wear crampons or spikes and carry a trekking pole for a proper grip.

Upon reaching the top of Cho La Pass, you’ll marvel at Cho La Glacier, Ama Dablam, and Cholatse. After spending a decent time at the summit of the pass, you’ll descend a challenging section towards Thagnak. Make sure to stay cautious while descending the vertical section as the path here is quite narrow and slippery. Once you reach the village of Thagnak, the trail leads to a gradual uphill towards Dragnag.

From Dragnag, you’ll be walking along the gradual switchbacks until you reach Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in the Himalaya. Here, you’ll be walking over the glacial path of Ngozumpa Glacier. Be careful while walking over this section! Bear in mind that there are plenty of crevasses on this glacial route. Upon crossing the glacier, you’ll reach Gokyo Valley at the shore of pristine Gokyo Tsho.

Highlights

• Navigate Cho La Pass, one of the high passes of Everest region
• Enjoy the breathtaking sight of Cho La Glacier, Ama Dablam, and Cholatse
• Traverse through the icy slopes of Cho La Glacier
• Cross over the glacial path of Ngozumpa Glacier
• Stand at the shore of the pristine lake of Gokyo Tsho

After a strenuous day crossing Cho Lo Pass, you’ll have a much-needed leisure day at Gokyo Valley. However, you will not spend the entire day in the valley. Instead, you’ll go for a hike to another famous viewpoint of the Everest region at Gokyo Ri.

You’ll start the hike early in the morning and climb the steep uphill! While scaling this hilltop does not require any technical climb or mountaineering skills, it is quite a challenge as the route is rock-strewn, rough, and steep. Once you reach the top of Gokyo Ri at 5,357 meters, you’ll enjoy the breathtaking sight of Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Valley, Ngozumpa Glacier, and the surrounding mountains, including Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Mt. Everest.

After enjoying the sight from the summit of Gokyo Ri, you’ll make your way back to Gokyo Valley. You’ll spend the rest of the day strolling around the valley and relaxing at the shore of Gokyo Tsho.

Highlights

• Hike to the viewpoint of Gokyo Ri at an elevation of 5,357 meters
• Marvel at the glorious view of Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Valley, Ngozumpa Glacier, and the surrounding mountains, including Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Mt. Everest from the top of Gokyo Ri
• Explore the Gokyo Valley
• Relax at the bank of Gokyo Tsho

After spending a couple of nights, it’s time to depart from Gokyo Valley and head towards Dole. You’ll begin the walk from the shore of Gokyo Tsho, the third lake.

After walking a little ahead from the third lake, you’ll reach the second lake, Taboche Tsho and the first lake, Longpongo. As you walk past these pristine lakes of Gokyo, you’ll encounter a challenging path over the terminal moraine of Ngozumpa Glacier.

After crossing the moraine, the trail gradually descends towards the riverbank of Dudh Koshi River. Walking on a route decorated by beautiful landscapes and mountains alongside the river, you’ll reach the village of Macchermo. You’ll continue the walk alongside Dudh Koshi River towards the hamlet of Lhabarma and Luza. You’ll get to enjoy the distant view of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku. You’ll then make a steep descent from a small ridge to reach Dole.

Highlights

• Visit the second and first lakes of Gokyo
• Traverse through the terminal moraine of Ngozumpa Glacier
• Walk past a few Sherpa villages, including Macchermo, Lhabarma, and Luza
• Relish the distant view of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku

After breakfast, you’ll continue the walk on a gradual path towards Phortse Thanga. Upon reaching the village, you’ll climb over the hill to reach Mong La. The small hilltop of Mong La stands at the confluence point of two massive canyons. The hilltop offers an excellent panorama of the surrounding landscapes and mountains.

From Mong La, the trail descends steeply towards the intersection of Sanasa. Here, the route meets the trail of the classic Everest Base Camp Trek. Furthermore, you’ll follow the gradual route downhill until you reach Namche Bazaar. Upon reaching the village, you’ll get to savor the close-up view of Kongde-Ri and Thamserku. In the evening, you can take a walk around the vibrant streets of Namche Bazaar.

Highlights

• Enjoy the excellent panorama from the hilltop of Mong La
• Explore Namche Bazaar
• Savor the view of Kongde-Ri and Thamserku from Namche Bazaar

After breakfast, you’ll depart from Namche Bazaar and descend steeply towards the bank of Dudh Koshi River. This section might be considerably challenging, especially for people with weak knees. Along the way, you’ll cross over the high suspension over the Dudh Koshi River. Upon crossing the bridge, the trail becomes significantly pleasant and comfortable.

You’ll be walking under the shades of pine and rhododendron forest alongside the Dudh Koshi River. En-route to Lukla, you’ll also get to see the distant sight of a few towering mountains. As you continue the walk, you’ll reach the small settlement of Phakding.

You’ll cross another steel suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River and head gradually upwards to Lukla. On the way, you’ll travel across several chortens, monasteries, and mani walls. Upon reaching Lukla, you’ll gather up with the entire team members and celebrate the Gokyo Chola Pass Trek’s success.

Highlights

• Cross a few suspension bridges over raging Dudh Koshi River
• Travel through an easy path surrounded by rhododendron and pine trees.
• Celebrate the success of your trek with dedicated staffs in Lukla

Right after breakfast, you’ll part ways with all the local staff and porters in Lukla and catch a flight back to Kathmandu. The 40-minute flight from Lukla to Kathmandu offers a sensational sight of the Himalayas. You’ll take a final look at the snow-capped mountains and bid them farewell from a distance.

Once you arrive at the capital city, the representative of Nepal Social Treks will receive you at the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to the hotel. Upon reaching the hotel, you’ll have the entire day to yourself. So, it is up to you to decide whether you want to take some rest at the hotel or take a walk around the streets of Thamel.

If you’d like to buy some gifts or souvenirs for family and friends, you can do it around the shops of Thamel. Later in the evening, the representative of Nepal Social Treks will receive you at the hotel and take you for the farewell dinner.

Highlights

• Breathtaking 40-minutes flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
• Witness the magnificent sight of the Himalayas and surrounding landscapes
• Take a walk around the vibrant Thamel and buy some gifts and souvenirs
• Farewell dinner in the evening

Departure day! On this day, your exhilarating adventure of Gokyo Chola Pass via EBC Trek will end as you make your final preparations and packing. Depending upon your flight schedule, one of the representatives of Nepal Social Treks will receive you at the hotel. Once you’re all set to go, he’ll drive you to the Tribhuvan International Airport on private transport for final departure.

Special Note

It is advisable to inspect the entire room at the hotel before you check out of your room. Make sure you’ve packed all your belongings and haven’t left anything behind in the room. We also recommend you to pack your bags a day prior to the final departure. It allows you to have enough time to pack your bags and avoid the last-minute hassle.