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Gokyo Lakes, Cho La Pass and Everest Base Camp trekking circuit in Nepal
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Everest Region

Everest Cho La Pass Trek – Gokyo & Everest Base Camp (21 Days)

Duration21 Days
DifficultyModerate - Strenuous
Maximum altitude5,545 m
Best seasonSeptember to May (operator dates; winter crossing conditional)
Package price $2,400.00

Tour Overview

Everest Region / Gokyo & Cho La Circuit

Everest Cho La Pass Trek – 21 Days

Journey from the blue Gokyo Lakes across Cho La Pass to Everest Base Camp and the celebrated sunrise viewpoint of Kala Patthar.

This classic high-altitude circuit combines Sherpa villages, lakes, glaciers and Himalayan panoramas. From Lukla, trek via Namche Bazaar into the Gokyo valley, ascend Gokyo Ri, cross Cho La towards Dzongla, then continue to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar before returning through Tengboche to Lukla.

Duration21 days
Price per personUSD 2,400
Maximum altitude5,545 mKala Patthar
DifficultyModerate – Strenuous

Highlights of the journey

Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri

Walk between high Himalayan lakes and climb Gokyo Ri for magnificent views towards Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu.

Ngozumpa Glacier and Cho La

Explore dramatic glacier landscapes before the challenging high-pass crossing into the Everest Base Camp valley.

Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar

Visit the Everest Base Camp area and reach the 5,545 m Kala Patthar viewpoint for broad mountain panoramas.

Sherpa culture and monasteries

Travel through Namche, Khumjung, Khunde and Tengboche with visits to local landmarks mentioned in the programme.

The circuit at a glance

Days Route
1–2 Kathmandu arrival, briefing, sightseeing and preparation
3–6 Lukla flight; Phakding, Monjo, Namche and acclimatization
7–11 Phortse Tenga, Dole, Machhermo, Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri
12–16 Thangna, Cho La Pass, Dzongla, Lobuche, Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar
17–21 Dingboche, Tengboche, Namche, Lukla, Kathmandu and departure

Accommodation and meals

The programme lists three nights in a deluxe Kathmandu hotel on a twin-sharing basis, with breakfast, and the best available local teahouses/lodges along the trekking route. The name of the Kathmandu hotel is not specified.

Trekking days include breakfast, lunch and dinner as listed. Day 1 includes dinner, Day 2 breakfast, Day 20 breakfast and farewell dinner, and Day 21 breakfast. Flights between Kathmandu and Lukla are included according to the supplied programme.

Season and trail conditions: The supplied season is September to May. Cho La can be snowbound or dangerous in winter; the more reliable trekking windows are generally autumn and spring. The crossing must depend on conditions and the guide’s judgment. Weather may also disrupt Lukla flights.

Trip Specifications

Starting Point Kathmandu, Nepal
Ending Point Kathmandu, Nepal
Meals Package Day 1 D; Day 2 B; trekking Days 3–19 B/L/D; Day 20 B/D; Day 21 B
Transportation Domestic flights Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu; airport/local transfers; trekking on foot
Accommodation 3 nights deluxe Kathmandu hotel (twin share); best available teahouses on trek

Travel Itinerary

21 Days
1
Arrive in Kathmandu (1,338 m) and transfer to your deluxe hotel. Meet the trekking team for the scheduled 6:00 PM briefing, review the journey ahead and enjoy a welcome dinner.
Meals D
Accommodation Deluxe hotel in Kathmandu (twin sharing)
Altitude 1,338 m (Kathmandu)
Driving Airport–hotel transfer; duration varies
Important Notes
Welcome briefing scheduled for 6 PM in the supplied programme.
2
After breakfast, take a half-day sightseeing programme visiting Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath. Keep the afternoon free to organize equipment, check luggage and prepare for your journey into the Everest region.
Meals B
Accommodation Deluxe hotel in Kathmandu (twin sharing)
Altitude 1,338 m (Kathmandu)
Driving Local sightseeing transfers; times vary
Important Notes
Admission/monument fees are not confirmed as included.
3
Transfer to the airport after breakfast for the scheduled flight to Lukla (2,810 m; approximately 32 minutes as listed). Begin the trek through the Dudh Koshi valley to Phakding (2,640 m), passing Sherpa settlements and mountain landscapes.
Meals B/L/D
Accommodation Teahouse / lodge in Phakding
Altitude 2,640 m (Phakding); Lukla 2,810 m
Walking Approximately 3 hours
Driving Domestic flight / airport transfers
Important Notes
Flight operations, departure airport and timing depend on weather and airline schedules.
4
Follow the valley trail on a short walk to Monjo. After lunch, explore the village and surrounding area, including local monasteries, the school and riverside surroundings, subject to access and time.
Meals B/L/D
Accommodation Teahouse / lodge in Monjo
Walking Approximately 3 hours
Important Notes
The source lists Monjo altitude as 200 m, which appears erroneous; confirm the overnight altitude before publication.
5
Pass the Sagarmatha National Park entrance and continue along the Dudh Koshi river valley, via Jorsalle and suspension bridges. Climb through pine forests towards Namche Bazaar (3,440 m). The ascent offers a first glimpse of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and neighbouring peaks when skies are clear.
Meals B/L/D
Accommodation Teahouse / lodge in Namche Bazaar
Altitude 3,440 m (Namche Bazaar)
Walking Approximately 3 hours (source estimate)
Important Notes
Actual walking time can exceed the source estimate according to trail and group pace.
6
Spend an acclimatization day based in Namche. Hike up towards Everest View Hotel (3,880 m) for panoramic mountain scenery, then explore Khumjung and Khunde. Highlights listed include the Hillary School, monasteries and Khunde Hospital. Return to Namche for the night.
Meals B/L/D
Accommodation Teahouse / lodge in Namche Bazaar
Altitude 3,440 m overnight; 3,880 m (Everest View Hotel)
Important Notes
Acclimatization hike; elevation gain followed by a return to Namche.
7
Depart Namche and follow the upper trail towards Gokyo. Pass memorial chortens and Kenjuma, then leave the main Everest Base Camp route near Sanasa. Ascend towards Mong La and descend to Phortse Tenga by the Dudh Koshi river, with wide mountain and valley views.
Meals B/L/D
Accommodation Teahouse / lodge in Phortse Tenga
Altitude 3,700 m (Phortse Tenga)
Walking Approximately 5 hours
Important Notes
Source spells the stop Photse Tanga; standardized to Phortse Tenga.
8
Climb from Phortse Tenga through rhododendron and pine forests above the Dudh Koshi valley. Reach Dole (4,210 m) and, after lunch, take a gentle acclimatization walk towards a nearby ridge if conditions and energy permit.
Meals B/L/D
Accommodation Teahouse / lodge in Dole
Altitude 4,210 m (Dole)
Walking Approximately 3 hours
Important Notes
Continue monitoring acclimatization as the overnight altitude increases.
9
Walk gradually uphill through summer pastures and the settlement of Luza, passing yak-grazing areas and small teahouses. Continue to Machhermo (4,440 m). The afternoon includes an optional easy ridge walk; the original programme also mentions a visit to the local medical/porter shelter facilities, subject to availability.
Meals B/L/D
Accommodation Teahouse / lodge in Machhermo
Altitude 4,440 m (Machhermo)
Walking Approximately 4 hours
Important Notes
Source spelling Maharmo / Macchermo standardized to Machhermo.
10
Continue up the Gokyo valley, passing the first and second lakes before arriving at Gokyo beside its beautiful lake (4,750 m). Enjoy views toward Cho Oyu and Gokyo Ri on approach. Spend the afternoon exploring the lakeside and resting.
Meals B/L/D
Accommodation Teahouse / lodge in Gokyo
Altitude 4,750 m (Gokyo)
Walking Approximately 5 hours
Important Notes
Source describes the route past the first and second Gokyo lakes.
11
Begin early for the climb of Gokyo Ri (5,366 m as supplied). In clear weather, admire the panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu, alongside Ama Dablam, Gokyo Lake and glacier scenery. Descend to Gokyo for lunch, followed by an optional walk towards the Fifth Lake or time to relax.
Meals B/L/D
Accommodation Teahouse / lodge in Gokyo
Altitude 5,366 m (Gokyo Ri; source value); 4,750 m overnight
Important Notes
Day 11 meals and lodging are inferred from the surrounding Gokyo-based itinerary and trek meal inclusion; confirm with operator.
12
Leave Gokyo on a shorter trekking day, descend towards the glacier and carefully cross the Ngozumpa Glacier moraine area with your guide. Continue towards Thangna (also called Dragnag; 4,700 m) for a teahouse stay and an afternoon of rest.
Meals B/L/D
Accommodation Teahouse / lodge in Thangna / Dragnag
Altitude 4,700 m (Thangna)
Walking Approximately 3 hours
Important Notes
Route over moraine may vary with changing glacier conditions.
13
Set off early for the demanding Cho La crossing. Climb towards the high pass (listed as 5,300 m in the supplied itinerary), negotiate steep or icy sections only when conditions permit, then descend through the valley towards Dzongla (4,843 m) for the night.
Meals B/L/D
Accommodation Teahouse / lodge in Dzongla
Altitude 5,300 m (Cho La Pass; source value); 4,843 m (Dzongla)
Walking Approximately 7 hours (source estimate)
Important Notes
Cho La is a demanding high pass with snow/ice exposure. The stated pass altitude needs confirmation; crossing is contingent on weather, guide assessment and suitable equipment.
14
Follow the scenic trail through high mountain terrain towards Lobuche (4,930 m), with views across the Pheriche valley and surrounding peaks including Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lobuche, Cholatse and Tawoche. After arrival, rest or take a short acclimatization walk towards viewpoints over the Khumbu Glacier.
Meals B/L/D
Accommodation Teahouse / lodge in Lobuche
Altitude 4,930 m (Lobuche)
Walking Approximately 3 hours
15
Trek alongside the Khumbu Glacier towards Gorak Shep (5,170 m), enjoying views of Pumori and Nuptse. After lunch, continue on foot to Everest Base Camp (5,350 m as listed), allow time for photographs and mountain scenery, and return to Gorak Shep to sleep.
Meals B/L/D
Accommodation Teahouse / lodge in Gorak Shep
Altitude 5,170 m overnight; 5,350 m (Everest Base Camp, source value)
Walking Approximately 3 hours to Gorak Shep + 4 hours EBC round trip
Important Notes
Everest Base Camp visit depends on prevailing trail and weather conditions.
16
Start before dawn to ascend Kala Patthar (5,545 m), the maximum stated elevation on the trek. Take in sunrise views over Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Pumori. Return to Gorak Shep for breakfast, then descend through the valley towards Dingboche (4,350 m) for an overnight stay.
Meals B/L/D
Accommodation Teahouse / lodge in Dingboche
Altitude 5,545 m (Kala Patthar); 4,350 m overnight
Walking Approximately 6–7 hours (source estimate)
Important Notes
Long high-altitude day; confirm whether the listed 6–7 hours includes the Kala Patthar ascent and full descent.
17
Descend the Imja valley and follow the riverside trail with views towards Island Peak. Pass Pangboche and Deboche before climbing through forest to historic Tengboche Monastery (3,880 m as listed). Visit the monastery in the evening if open and permitted.
Meals B/L/D
Accommodation Teahouse / lodge in Tengboche
Altitude 3,880 m (Tengboche, source value)
Walking Approximately 4 hours
Important Notes
Monastery access depends on opening times and local arrangements.
18
Return to Namche Bazaar, following the descent from Tengboche and uphill sections back to the main Khumbu village hub. Take time to rest and enjoy the lively mountain-town atmosphere after the high-altitude circuit.
Meals B/L/D
Accommodation Teahouse / lodge in Namche Bazaar
Altitude 3,440 m (Namche Bazaar)
Walking Approximately 5 hours
Important Notes
Source lists 440 m on Day 18, inconsistent with Day 5 (3,440 m); Day 5 value retained.
19
Descend through the Dudh Koshi valley, crossing bridges and passing villages on the way back to Lukla. Spend the final evening in the Everest region with the trekking team.
Meals B/L/D
Accommodation Teahouse / lodge in Lukla
Altitude 2,810 m (Lukla)
Walking Approximately 7 hours
20
Take the return flight from Lukla to Kathmandu according to the flight programme. Transfer to your deluxe hotel; the afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, enjoy the farewell dinner noted in the itinerary.
Meals B/D
Accommodation Deluxe hotel in Kathmandu (twin sharing)
Altitude 1,338 m (Kathmandu)
Driving Domestic flight / airport transfers
Important Notes
Flight route and schedule are subject to weather and seasonal operational arrangements.
21
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward departure. The 21-day Gokyo–Cho La Pass–Everest Base Camp trekking itinerary concludes.
Meals B
Altitude 1,338 m (Kathmandu)
Driving Hotel–airport transfer; duration varies

What's Included & Excluded

Services Included
  • Three nights deluxe hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast on a twin-sharing basis.
  • Best available teahouse/lodge accommodation throughout the Everest trekking itinerary.
  • Transportation and transfers listed in the supplied itinerary.
  • Scheduled return domestic flights Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu as listed (subject to airline and weather arrangements).
  • Trekking guide during the mountain trek.
  • Required trekking porter support (porter-to-guest ratio not specified).
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner during trekking days as indicated in the itinerary.
Services Excluded
Package price $2,400.00

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