Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek - 18 Days

Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek
Trip Facts
  • Trip Duration18 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Maximum Altitude 5420m
  • Activity Trekking
  • Starts/Ends Kathmandu / Kathmandu
  • Best Season February to May & September to Mid- December
Highlights
  • Gokyo Lakes: This trek takes you to the beautiful Gokyo Lakes, which are a series of turquoise lakes surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The lakes are considered sacred by the local Sherpa people and are a major highlight of the trek.
  • Cho La Pass: Crossing the Cho La Pass (5,420m) is a challenging but rewarding part of the trek. The pass offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a great place for photos.
  • Everest Base Camp:The Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek takes you to Everest Base Camp. 
  • Traditional Sherpa Villages: The trek takes you through traditional Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche, where you can experience Sherpa culture and hospitality.
  • Khumbu Glacier: The trek takes you along the Khumbu Glacier, which is one of the largest glaciers in the world. The glacier is a stunning sight and offers a unique trekking experience.
  • Himalayan Wildlife: The Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek is a great opportunity to spot Himalayan wildlife like musk deer, Himalayan tahr, and snow leopards.

The Gokyo Cho La Pass trip is the ideal combination of exciting activities, such as a visit to the Everest Base Camp, a crossing of the adventurous Cho La Pass, and taking a look at the mystical and beautiful blue waters of the Gokyo Lakes. This trek is ideal choice for those with a strong sense of adventure and a desire to experience the unspoiled beauty of Nepal's Everest area. The dramatic Himalayan backdrop of Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse, and Everest, along with exploring the lifestyle of the ethnic Sherpas and visits to monasteries and gompas, makes this a great all-in-one package that we highly suggest to adventurers.

The Gokyo and its summit, Gokyo Ri, are additional highlights of the Gokyo Cho La Pass hike. The Gokyo region is home to the stunningly beautiful lakes of Gokyo, which sparkle and shine in the sunlight. Many tourists are attracted by the narrative and legend of the Yeti and the spectacular flora and fauna in the Sagarmatha National Park.

Moon Himalaya Adventure will ensure that your Gokyo Cho La Pass trek is well-acclimatized and well-planned to include all of the best sights in the Khumbu region. Trekking in Nepal is a great way to experience the country's beautiful mountains, varied landscapes, and welcoming culture.

ItineraryDay to Day Itinerary
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Upon your arrival in Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), a representative from Moon Himalaya Adventure will welcome you and assist in the transfer to hotel. In the evening you will have dinner with our guides where you will introduced to each other and talk about the trip.

  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Max Altitude:1310m

On the second day after having breakfast our guide will brief you about the Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek and the gear you need. If uou forgot or don't have the appropriate gear you can buy or rent the items required. If you want then you can visit the world heritage sites (Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bouddhanath, Pashupatinath, Swoyambhunath) but you have to pay entry fees on your own.

  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Max Altitude:1310m

An early morning flight to Lukla marks the initial step of the Lobuche peak climb. Once you've arrived in Lukla, you'll begin your hike to Phakding. You'll be making your way along a stone-paved path to Phakding. You will be passing through villages of Chheplung (2660m) and Ghat (2592m) before reaching Phakding. Phakding is a beautiful village with plenty of hotels and stores.

 

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Max Altitude:2850m
  • Duration:30 minutes’ flight & trek 3-4 hrs

Today you will begin your hike along the bank of the Dudhkhosi River and pass through Monjo(2835m), Larja Dobhan (2830 m) and finally to Namche Bazaar. Walking up and downhill will get you to Monjo. You'll need to show your permits at the Monjo checkpoint before entering Sagarmatha National Park. Monjo, a sherpa settlement, provides stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains. You will be crossing suspension bridges and take in the breathtaking scenery en route to Namche. After today's walk, you'll finally arrive in Namche Bazaar. You will get a great view of the mountains from Namche Bazar, one of the beautiful place in the Khumbu region.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Max Altitude:3440m
  • Duration:6-7 hrs

The most needed acclimatization day in Namche even if you feel healthy and fit. You will hike up to the Everest view point on this day. Magnificent panoramic views of Mountains like Mount Everest (8,848.86m), Lhotse (8,516m), Nuptse (7,861m), Ama Dablam (6,812m), Kangtega (6,782m), Thamserku (6,623m), Kwangde (6,011m) and others can be seen from Everest view point.

Acclimatization is done so that your body can adapt to a new environment. Also, it helps you to prevent altitude sickness.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Max Altitude:3440m

The route that leads to Dole today has many steep ascents and descents. Before arriving in Phortse Tenga, we will first ascend to the Mong La Pass, at an altitude of 3,957 meters. The trail winds its way steeply up through a rhododendron and pine trees from Phortse Tenga to Dole. As you continue your hike, you'll get better views of both Mount Amadablam (6,812m) and Mount Khumbila (5,761m). After that, we head uphill toward Dole. Incredibly beautiful scenery awaits as you get closer to Dole.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Max Altitude:4200m
  • Duration:5/6 hrs

Today we will see several prayer flags and small shrines along the trail on our way to Lhabarma (4330 m). Stunning views of Cho Oyu (8,201 m), Kantega (6,782 m), and Thamserku (6,623m) can be seen from Lhabarma. During summer, you can see yaks grazing on the picturesque pastures. Taking in the beautiful scenery we will pass through Luja Valley (4360m) on our way to Machhermo.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Max Altitude:4470m
  • Duration:6/7 hrs

Today the trail ascends a crest that offers a stunning view of the Kangtega Valley and Cho-Oyu(8201m). From Machhermo, we will walk to reach Phanga which has an area dedicated to the people who lost their lives in the landslides. We will continue to traverse through the messy Ngozumpa Glacier moraines. Little ahead, you will witness a sequence of Gokyo lakes with unsurpassed beauty. The vibrant color combination of lakes and the Himalayas is beyond description. We stay overnight at Gokyo Village.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Max Altitude:4790m
  • Duration:5/6 hrs

We will start our trek to Thangnak which is also called Dranag through glaciers and rocky terrain. We will make our way through Gokyo Ri to see the best view of Gokyo Lake and the surrounding mountains. We will pass through Ngozumpa Glacier on our way to Thangnak. As we trek, we take in the stunning scenery of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and beautiful valleys, including the majestic Cho Oyu and Gokyo Ri. We travel on till we reach Thangnak. The location at this peaceful inn is ideal for making the ascent to the top of the Cho-La Pass.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Max Altitude:5400m
  • Duration:4/5 hrs

Today crossing the Cho La Pass (5420m), the second pass of our trek, and making the long descent to Dzongla requires an early start to prevent any unanticipated events that may arise during the middle of the day. To reach the pass, we will first climb up the valley and across a hill and an old lateral moraine. Views of the Rolwaling Valley to the west and Ama Dablam to the southeast are spectacular from the top. From here, you'll need to descend across a little glacier. As we make our way back down, we are rewarded with even better views of Ama Dablam and Cholatse.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Max Altitude:5420m
  • Duration:6/7 hours

Stunning panoramas of Mount Pumori and its surroundings await us today as we make our way to Lobuche. The hike from Dzongla to Lobuche is less challenging and takes less time because of the shorter distance. We can see the spectacular views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lobuche, and other peaks. Sunset over Nuptse as seen from Lobuche is a sight to behold.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Max Altitude:4910 m
  • Duration:5/6 hrs

Today we will make an early start. Gorakhshep will be our lunchtime stop. The trek to base camp, where you can see the stunning Khumbu glacier and Khumbu Icefall, continues after lunch at Gorak shep. Furthermore, the surrounding snow-capped mountains are breathtaking. After a while at base camp, you'll head back down to Gorak Shep and check into your lodge.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Max Altitude:5364m
  • Duration:6/7 hrs

Reaching the Everest base camp is not the end of the trek. In the early morning you will hike up to Kala Patthar (5545m), the highest point of the trek to see the beautiful sunrise view over the majestic Himalayas. The best panoramic view of the Himalayas is observed from this viewpoint. After seeing the splendid scenic view of Himalaya you will descend back to Gorakh Shep for your breakfast and after that, you will continue your trek to Pheriche. The most notable ascent for the day is Pheriche Pass. Great views of rivers and Mountains can be seen on your way to Pheriche.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Max Altitude:5140m
  • Duration:6/7 hrs

The route to Tengboche is easy with beautiful views on its way. Tengboche can be less called Village as it is surrounded by guest houses. Tengboche Monastery is one of the largest monasteries in the Khumbu region and is a very important sacred place. Evening rituals are performed by the Monks in Tengboche Monastery. Everyone can take part in the prayer however you are not allowed to take photos and videos.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Duration:3/4 hrs

You can enjoy a beautiful sunrise view from tengboche along with having your breakfast at the side. After having breakfast and packing our bags we will descend down to Monjo after spending some time at Namche.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Duration:3/4 hrs

You will start your trek a little early. As you make your way back to Lukla, you'll reminisce on what you've come so far since the first day of the trek. In the evening, you can celebrate your accomplishment with a little party at Lukla.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Duration:6/7 hrs

Finally, the last day of the trek, your final breakfast of the trek at Khumbu region. Catching the scenic flight from lukla you will return to Kathmandu, capital city of Nepal. Upon your arrival at Kathmandu our guides will transfer you to a hotel from the domestic airport.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Duration:35 minutes flight

According to your flight schedule representative from Moon Himalaya Adventure will drop you at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for final departure.

    Cost DetailsWhat's Included
    • Airport pick up and drop in private vehicle.
    • Three-night hotel in Kathmandu.
    • Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and from Lukla to Kathmandu for client.
    • Three meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trekking.
    • Accommodation during the trekking.
    • Sagarmatha National Park entry fee.
    • Pasang Lhamu Gaupalika entry fee.
    • Trekkers’ Information Management system (TIMS) card.
    • Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and from Lukla to Kathmandu for guide.
    • English speaking government license holder Trekking guide.
      (For 1 to 4 clients there will be 1 guide and above 5 clients we provide assistant guide)
    • For 2 clients there will be 1 Porter.
      (The baggage of 1 client should be 10 to 12 kg only)
    • Food, accommodation, salary and Trekking insurance for Guide and porter.
    • First aid kit.
    • All necessary government taxes.
    • Certificate of accomplishment of trek.
    • Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by client Travel insurance company.
    What's Excluded
    • Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport – Kathmandu). You will require 2 passport size photos.
    • Your Travel insurance (compulsory).
    • Food (lunch and dinner) while you are in Kathmandu.
    • Hotel in Kathmandu that goes beyond the scheduled program.
    • Your personal expenses and entrance fees while you do the tour in Kathmandu.
    • Entry fees in Monastries, temples, Museum.
    • Your personal expenses, shopping, donation to monasteries and school, wifi, laundry etc
    • All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
    • Sweet things like chocolate bars.
    • Internet, Hot shower and battery charge during the trek.
    • International airfare and airport departure tax.
    Useful InformationGood to Know

    Weather: The weather is unpredictable in the Himalayas so we recommend you be prepared and pack the gear for rain, snow, and wind.

    Flight Schedule: During the Peak tourist season the regular flight of Lukla takes place from Ramechhap which is around 3 hrs drive from Kathmandu.

    Medical History: Please let us know if you have any medical history that might bring complications in your Gokyo Cho La Pass trek such as knee or leg sprain, fractures, major surgeries, or other serious health concerns.

    Medication: Please inform us about the medicine that you use daily so that our guide can timely remind you about your medicines.

    Best time to trek: Every season has a different thing to offer however the best time to trek the Gokyo Cho La Pass trek is from September to Mid - December and from February to May. During these months, the weather is generally dry and the skies are clear, offering stunning mountain views.

    Altitude Sickness: Altitude sickness can be a concern on this trek due to the high elevation. Moon Himalaya Adventure prepares the itinerary with proper time to acclimatize however if you find any symptoms of AMS such as Difficulty sleeping, Dizziness or light-headedness, Fatigue, Headache, Loss of appetite, Nausea or vomiting, Shortness of breath with exertion then please inform you guide as soon as possible.

    FAQsGokyo Cho La Pass Trek - 18 Days FAQs

    • The Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek usually takes 18 days to complete, including your arrival and departure time.

    • The Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek is considered to be a moderately challenging trek that requires a good level of fitness and proper acclimatization. The trek involves long days of walking, steep ascents and descents, and high altitude conditions.

    • The best time to do the Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek is during the month of February to May and September to Mid - December, when the weather is clear and dry. However, trekkers should be prepared for cold temperatures and the possibility of snowfall in the higher altitudes.

    • Yes, it is mandatory to have a guide for the Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek.

    • You will find Tea houses or lodges along the trekking route that offers basic facilities like a bed, shared bathroom, and hot showers (for an additional cost).

    • Yes, you will require Sagarmatha National Park entry permit, Pasang Lhamu rural municipality entry permit and Trekkers Information Management system (TIMS) card to do Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek.

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