TREKKING

Everest Base Camp Trek via Chola Pass

Breathtaking adventure Circular trek via the Gokyo Lakes, crossing the Cho La Pass and eventually the base camp of Everest.

Trip Grade

Strenuous

Duration

15 Days

Daily Activity

4-7 hours

Country

Nepal

Season

spring /Autonm

Group Size

2-12 pax

Max Altitude

5545m

Transportation

Helicopter/private vehicle

ACCOMMODATION

Local Lodges

Trip Type

Trekking

OVERVIEW


The ultimate circular Khumbu journey — connecting two legendary valleys, crossing a glaciated high pass, and standing at the foot of the world's highest mountain. Two iconic destinations. One extraordinary adventure.

Where Two Great Valleys Meet

The Gokyo Lakes & Everest Base Camp Trek is the definitive circular Khumbu expedition — a rare journey that weaves through the quieter, pristine Gokyo Valley, crosses the formidable Cho La Pass cloaked in glacial ice, and joins the legendary trail to Everest Base Camp. This is not simply an EBC trek with an added detour. It is a complete, immersive circuit through the heart of Sherpa culture, glacial wilderness, and Himalayan grandeur — one that offers two of Nepal's most breathtaking viewpoints, the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, the world's longest glacial system, and the iconic Base Camp used by every great Everest expedition. All at once. A once-in-a-lifetime experience packed into a single unforgettable loop.

Six Moments That Define This Trek
 
4,790m Gokyo Lakes
A string of sacred turquoise glacial lakes nestled below towering peaks — serene, otherworldly, and far less crowded than the main EBC trail.
 
5,357m Gokyo Ri Summit
One of the finest panoramic viewpoints in the Himalayas — a 360° vista of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu rising above a carpet of glaciers.
 
5,420m Cho La Pass
A dramatic, glaciated high mountain pass that connects the Gokyo Valley to the Khumbu — the defining challenge and greatest thrill of this circular route.
 
5,364m Everest Base Camp
Stand at the legendary launching point of every great Everest expedition — surrounded by the Khumbu Icefall and the silence of the world's highest ambitions.
 
5,545m Kala Patthar
The iconic rocky summit above Gorak Shep — the closest trekkers can get to Everest's summit pyramid, with an unobstructed view like no other.
 
Ongoing Ngozumpa Glacier
The longest glacier in the Himalayas — a vast, ancient river of ice stretching across the valley floor beneath the Gokyo peaks, raw and awe-inspiring.
Gokyo + EBC vs. Standard EBC Route
Standard EBC Route
One valley — the main Khumbu corridor throughout
No glacial lakes — misses the serene Gokyo basin entirely
Same trail up and back — retraces the same path on return
Crowded high-season trail with heavy teahouse traffic
One major viewpoint: Kala Patthar
Misses the Ngozumpa Glacier experience
 
Gokyo + EBC Combination
Two distinct, breathtaking valleys in a single circular loop
Sacred Gokyo Lakes — some of the highest in the world
True circuit — every day brings a new landscape, never backtracking
Gokyo Valley remains quieter and wilder with raw Himalayan beauty
Two iconic viewpoints: Gokyo Ri + Kala Patthar
Walk the length of the Ngozumpa, the Himalaya's longest glacier
 
Four Reasons This Is a Lifetime Experience
 
Two Valleys, One Journey
No other classic Nepal trek connects both the serene Gokyo Valley and the iconic Khumbu Valley in a single continuous circuit. You get the best of both worlds — twice the wilderness, twice the wonder.
 
Everest from Every Angle
View Everest up close from Base Camp, in full panoramic glory from Kala Patthar, and in dramatic aerial perspective from Gokyo Ri across the glacier. Three unforgettable vantage points of the world's highest peak.
 
A True High-Altitude Crossing
The Cho La Pass at 5,420m is the heart of the adventure — a genuine glaciated crossing that delivers a profound sense of achievement and connects the two great valleys in a single exhilarating day.
 
Deep Sherpa Culture
From the Namche Bazaar market to monastery villages, Buddhist stupas, and the warmth of local teahouses, this trek moves through the living homeland of the legendary Sherpa people at a pace that allows genuine connection.
 
The Circular Trail
Lukla
2,860m
 
1
Namche
3,440m
 
2
Gokyo
4,790m
 
3
Gokyo Ri
5,357m
 
4
Cho La Pass
5,420m
 
5
Base Camp
5,364m
 
6
Kala Patthar
5,545m
 
Two sacred valleys. One glaciated crossing. Three faces of Everest. This is not just a trek — it is the Khumbu at its most complete, most wild, and most deeply human."

Pricing transparency and Lukla flight information for the Gokyo EBC trek

Pricing transparency
Why our price is slightly higher — and what it covers

You may notice our trek price sits a little above what some local operators advertise. This is intentional and transparent. Our package includes a proportional share of helicopter transport to and from Lukla — pre-arranged and built directly into your trek cost, so there are no surprise bills if the mountains demand an evacuation.

Our promise: We would rather be upfront about what is included than surprise you with an emergency bill at 5,000 metres. The small price difference buys you something genuinely valuable — the ability to focus entirely on your adventure.

Everest Base Camp Trek via Chola Pass

Trip Highlight

  • Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Summit
  • Cho La Pass and Everest Base Camp
  • Kala Patthar and  Ngozumpa Glacier
  • Two Valleys, One Journey
  • Everest from Every Angle
  • A True High-Altitude Crossing 
  • Deep Sherpa Culture 
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ITINERARY


  • DAY
    1

    Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft) and transfer to hotel

  • DAY
    2

    Casual day for shopping and sightseeing around Kathmandu and trek preparation

  • DAY
    3

    Fly to Lukla (2,826m, 30 -40 minutes ) on shared helicopter then start trekking to Phakding (2,610m, 3 to 4 hours)

  • DAY
    4

    Phakding to Namche Bazar (3,444m, 5 to 6 hours)

  • DAY
    5

    Namche Bazaar – Acclimatization Day. Optional hike to Everest View Hotel (3,865m) to take the first peek of Mt Everest (2 to 3 hours)

  • DAY
    6

    Namche Bazaar to Dole (4,040m, 5 to 6 hours)

  • DAY
    7

    Dole to Machhermo (4,470m, 3 to 4 hours)

  • DAY
    8

    Machhermo to Gokyo (4,750m, 3 to 4 hours)

  • DAY
    9

    Gokyo – Acclimatization Day and hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) in the early morning for a sunrise (3 hours),

  • DAY
    10

    Gokyo to Thangnak (4,700m, 3 to 4 hours)

  • DAY
    11

    Thangnak via Cho La Pass (5,420m) to Dzongla (4,840m, 8 to 9 hours)

  • DAY
    12

    Dzongla to Lobuche (4,920m, 4 to 5 hours)

  • DAY
    13

    Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,160m, 3 to 4 hours), then to Everest Base Camp (5,365m) and back to Gorakshep (3 to 4 hours)

  • DAY
    14

    Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m) for a great view of Mt Everest and back to Pheriche (4,200m, 6 to 8 hours)

  • DAY
    15

    Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,444m, 6 to 7 hours)

  • DAY
    16

    Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,826m, 6 to 7 hours)

  • DAY
    17

    Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel

  • DAY
    18

    Reserved day in Kathmandu in case of bad weather for flight

  • DAY
    19

    Transfer to airport for international departure

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INCLUDES


  • All (international and domestic) airport transfers
  • Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a 4-5 star category hotel for 3 nights in Kathmandu; including breakfast (private room accommodation can be organized at an extra cost)
  • Twin-sharing guest house accommodation while on the trek.
  • All meals while on the trek. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea, Coffee, Hot beverage)
  • 2 ltrs of boiled water at night throughout the trek .
  • English speaking government-licensed Sherpa trekking guide & assistant guide (4 trekkers=1 assistant guide)
  • Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for every 2 clients)
  • Permits for Sagarmatha/Everest National Park and Rural Municipality entry fees
  • Domestic airfare too and from Kathmandu as per itinerary
  • Adventure Sherpa Tracks’s adventure duffel bag for the trek
  • All administrative expenses and government taxes
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EXCLUDES


  • International airfare
  • Nepal visa fees
  • Meals (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu
  • Personal Trekking equipment
  • Any type of personal expenses, such as alcoholic beverages and drinks, phone charge and laundry.
  • Rescue & travel insurance, accident or health emergency, evacuation, loss, theft or damage to baggage and personal effects.
  • Tips & Gratuities to porter and guide.
  • Any other item not listed in the "Price Includes" section
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MAPS


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GALLERY


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REVIEWS


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    GEARS AND EQUIPMENT


    The main emphasis while trekking is on keeping warm and dry while still being lightweight. You should bring a rucksack or backpack for the gear required during the day. Your pack should contain items such as warm clothes, a jacket, a camera, water bottles, a personal first aid kit, and snacks. The weight limit is 5kg. A porter will carry the rest of your personal equipment packed in a duffel or kit bag. The weight limit for your duffel bag is 15 kg however it is different in the case of peak climbing and expedition.

    A Note on Packing 

    For your international flights, we recommend that you pack all your equipment in your two duffle bags or suitcase. Do not simply pack your backpack (since the straps can be damaged by the baggage handling machines). It is important to lock these bags for their trip. Depending on the airport, you may be able to put your travel locks on after TSA has searched the bags. If not, Lock the bags with Zip Ties. If the TSA cuts off the zip-tie to search your bag, they will replace it. You will still need the travel locks to lock your bags in the hotel and during the trek. Generally, you will take one duffel on the trek , and leave one in the hotel in Kathmandu with your belongings for your time in the city. Your trek in duffel will only be accessible in the evenings (with items such as changes of clothing, sleeping bag), and your day pack will hold vitals such as water, layering, blister kit, and camera.

    FOOTWEAR

     

    • Hiking Boots with ankle support. Make sure they are comfortable and you have worn them in before arriving in Nepal.
    • Camp Shoes or Tennis Shoes
    • Thick, warm wool and day hiking  socks
    • Camp Sandle
    • Gaiters (Optional )
    • Plastic bag to carry spare shoe

             CLOTHING

    • Lightweight Trekking pants
    • Synthetic T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts
    • Synthetic hiking pants, Zip-off pants
    • Trekking trousers
    • T-shirts – Lightweight, quick-drying
    • Long-sleeved shirt
    • Fleece jacket with wind-Stopper (With wood)
    • Down vest and/or jacket
    • Rain jacket or poncho (Gore-tex or equivalent)
    • Rain pants (Gore-tex or equivalent)
    • Down jacket medium weight
    • Fleece or wool pants
    • Synthetic Underwear
    • Women sports bras, synthetic(for women)
    • Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
    • Long sleeve tops or shirts (not cotton).
    • Microfleece.
    • Mid to heavyweight fleece or synthetic/ Primaloft

         HEAD  & GLOVES

    • Fleece gloves.
    • Warms mittens and/or gloves.
    • Wool or fleece hat.
    • Sun hat
    • Warm hat wool or synthetic that covers your ears
    • Bandana or scarf (eg. Buff Headwear).
    • Head torch. Bring extra batteries.
    • Sunglasses with UV Protection

         ACCESSORIES

    • Lightweight Sleeping bag
    • Trekking poles
    • Basic First Aid Kit
    • Daypack (Ruck Sack):  Recommended size is around 30 litres. You need to have enough space to carry water
      bottles, camera, snacks, and extra clothing. The pack should have a good waist belt. It is also a good
      idea to bring a rain cover to keep the contents dry
    • Fleece or silk liner for your sleeping bag
    • Stuff sacks for keeping your gear dry and organized (Optional )
    • Thermo-rest sleeping (optional)
    • Water bottles
    • Small wash towel
    • Sunscreen and lip salve
    • Water purification tablets (Pristine, Biox Aqua or Aqua Mira).
    • Favorite snack food.(Optional)
    • Books and cards etc.(Optional)
    • Camera with spare batteries and memory cards.(Optional)
    • Insurance certificate.
    • Earplugs (optional).
    • Hand sanitizer
    • Any personal medications

    TOILETERS

    • Quick-drying towel (medium-sized)
    • Soap (preferably biodegradable)
    • Tooth brush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
    • Deodorants
    • Face and body moisturizer
    • Nail clippers
    • A small mirror (optional)
    • Tissue paper/ toilet roll
    • Anti-bacterial Hand wash etc ….

    Conclusion:

    As the weather condition is unpredictable in the Himalayan region, you need to be prepared at all times. A day can start sunny with clear skies and later become cold and windy at the high altitudes.

    Sometimes, it can rain and snow during the trekking period.  You need to remember that for a successful trekking journey, your physical comfort must be the first priority.

    Note:

    Please note that these items listed above will vary according to the season, trek duration. Please remember that your luggage will be carried by the porter, but you need to carry a daypack on your own. We also suggest you pack only necessary items to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum.

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    FAQ


    • 1

      How hard is Everest Base Camp Trek via Chola Pass

      Comparatively Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass is harder than the EBC classical route. One must read and acquire important information, consult and prepare better with a strong mind set to take up the challenge. This trek is more technically advanced than some of the other treks in the Everest region – thus it is more adventurous. With little technical skills and a good physical fitness and acclimatization, you’ll have nothing to worry about on the trek. Sometimes trekkers simply tend to get overwhelmed by hearing from others about the difficulties and various challenges of this trek. Our expert travel consultants will guide you for better counseling and preparation to take up this challenge.

    • 2

      What is the best time to do the Everest Base Camp Trek via Chola Pass ?

      Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo lakes and Cho La Pass is best done in pre-monsoon season i.e. from March to May and post-monsoon season i.e. from late September to December. It is also possible to do this trek in February and early September but the trek is best preferred during the above months.

    • 3

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