Cho La Pass Trek with Gokyo & Everest Base Camp Overview
The Cho La Pass Trek with Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp is an amazing 18 days trip that takes you deep into the heart of the Everest region. It’s not just about reaching Everest Base Camp, it’s about enjoying beautiful mountain views, crossing the high and exciting Cho La Pass, and exploring peaceful places like the Gokyo Lakes.
The adventure starts with a short flight to Lukla, followed by a gentle walk to Phakding. You will slowly climb through green valleys and small Sherpa villages, reaching Namche Bazaar, a lively town where you will rest and get used to the altitude. From there, you will head toward quieter paths, passing Dole and Machhermo, and entering the peaceful Gokyo Valley, famous for its beautiful blue lakes and views of giant Himalayan peaks.
You will hike up to Gokyo Ri (5,360m), a stunning viewpoint where you can see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Then comes one of the highlights crossing the Cho La Pass (5,420m). It’s high and sometimes snowy, but it’s also thrilling and unforgettable. After the pass, you will join the main Everest trail, stopping at Dzongla and Lobuche, and finally arriving at Everest Base Camp (5,364m), right below the world’s tallest mountain.
Before heading back, you will also hike to Kala Patthar, the best spot to see Everest up close. Then the trail takes you through beautiful villages like Pheriche and Tengboche, known for their stunning mountain views and peaceful monasteries. You will walk back through Monjo and Lukla, where a flight will bring you back to Kathmandu, tired but filled with pride and amazing memories.
This trek is a perfect mix of scenery, challenge, and culture, carefully planned to help you adjust to the altitude while enjoying every part of the journey. It’s a great choice if you want to experience the very best of the Everest region in one unforgettable adventure.
What is the Cho La Pass Trek to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes?
The Cho La Pass Trek to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes is a beautiful and adventurous journey in the Everest region of Nepal. It combines two amazing routes into one exciting experience. You will walk through the quiet and stunning Gokyo Valley, known for its clear blue lakes and the viewpoint at Gokyo Ri, which gives you wide views of the Himalayas. From there, you will cross the Cho La Pass (5,420 meters), a tough but rewarding part of the trail, and continue on to Everest Base Camp.
Along the way, you will visit Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, see old monasteries, and enjoy close-up views of famous mountains like Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Cho Oyu.
Why is the Cho La Pass Trek via Gokyo and Everest Base Camp considered unique?
The Cho La Pass Trek via Gokyo and Everest Base Camp is special because it gives you more than just the usual Everest trail. It takes you through Gokyo Valley, a quiet and less crowded route with amazing blue lakes, wide mountain views from Gokyo Ri, and Nepal’s biggest glacier, the Ngozumpa Glacier. Then you cross the high and icy Cho La Pass, which adds a real sense of adventure and challenge.
What makes this trek really stand out is that you get to visit both Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp in one trip. You will see different landscapes, explore remote Sherpa villages, visit ancient monasteries, and enjoy local culture and hospitality along the way. If you want a trek that’s full of variety, beauty, and excitement then this one has it all.
How difficult is the Cho La Pass Trek to Gokyo and Everest Base Camp?
The Cho La Pass Trek to Gokyo and Everest Base Camp is tough, but worth it. It is usually best for people who are fairly fit and have done some trekking before. The biggest challenge is the high altitude, you will be walking for several days above 4,000 meters, and the Cho La Pass, at 5,420 meters, can be steep, icy, and hard to cross. Some days involve 6 to 8 hours of walking on rocky and uneven trails, and the weather can change quickly, especially near the pass.
That said, many people complete this trek without needing any climbing experience. If you give yourself enough time to adjust to the altitude, follow a steady pace, and stay positive, it’s definitely doable. Training before your trip like hiking uphill or doing cardio can really help. For those who enjoy a challenge and want to see some of the most stunning views in the Everest region, this trek is absolutely worth it.
What is the highest altitude reached on the Cho La Pass Trek?
The highest point on the Cho La Pass Trek is Cho La Pass itself, which stands at 5,420 meters (17,782 feet) above sea level. This pass connects the Gokyo Valley with the Everest Base Camp trail and is one of the most exciting and toughest parts of the trek.
Crossing Cho La means hiking up steep, rocky paths and sometimes walking over snow or ice, especially in colder months. Some trekkers use microspikes or crampons for extra grip. Because of the high altitude, it’s really important to acclimatize properly and be physically prepared. While it’s a challenge, reaching the top of Cho La Pass is incredibly rewarding, with amazing views and a real sense of achievement.
