magnificent mountains in everest himalayas, ngozumba glacier, and gokyo lakes view from gokyo ri on everest base camp and gokyo lakes trek.
  • placeholder
    Nepal
  • mountain
    Strenuous
  • trekking
    Lodge to Lodge Trek
  • car
    Private Transport+Plane
  • cutlery
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • tent-handmade-outlined-symbol
    Lodge To Lodge
  • group
    Group Size: 1-16 Pax
  • altitude
    5545m.

Highlights of Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek

  • Witness Himalayan grandeur of mountains including the Mt. Everest (8848m) from Kalapatthar viewpoint
  • Relish the views of Khumbu Icefall and Glacier from the Everest Base Camp
  • Cross the Cho La Pass (5420m), one of the highest passes in Nepal
  • Explore the enchanting Gokyo lakes
  • Climb Gokyo Ri (5360m) to stand audience to the panorama of mountains including the Mt. Everest (8848m) and Cho Oyu (8188m)
  • Traverse the Sagarmatha National Park and the glorious Sherpa culture in the premise of the park
  • Visit ancient Tibetan-Buddhist monasteries including Tengboche Monastery

About Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek

The Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek via Cho La Pass is in the Solukhumbu Everest Region. During this Trek, you visit the world's highest mountain base camp, two different viewpoints (Gokyo Ri and Kalapatthar) to see eye-captivating mountain views, and tranquil Gokyo lakes with the adventure experience of crossing Cho La Pass (5420m).

It is a combined Trekking package between two different routes: Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes. You can see four high mountains above eight thousand meters. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho-Oyu are four of the eight mountains Nepal has. Beautiful glacial lakes, landscapes, valleys, flora, and fauna add prettiness to this Cho La Pass Adventure Trek.

Trekking to the Gokyo Lakes with Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass after visiting the base camp begins with a regular EBC trail for a few days up to the bottom of Mt.Everest and Kalapatthar and then goes to Zongla for Cho La. During this Adventure, you can also see two giant glaciers, Khumbu and Ngozumpa. You will make a circle during this Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek, which means you only need to trek back on the same route except for the last day from Namche to Lukla.

Once you leave the regular Base Camp route and take a right toward Cho La, the trail will be quieter and have much fewer trekkers. You spend a night in Zongla before going to cross Cho La. It would be best if you started early in the morning to go over the pass to avoid the wind and reach the next destination on time. You get Thangnak for lunch after the Cho La. You can either stay in this place or trek to Gokyo in the afternoon after lunch. It takes another two hours to reach Gokyo from Dragnak and cross the colossal glacier Ngozumpa.

You can visit the 5th Lake,  or Gokyo Ri in the morning on the next day. If you have one day in Gokyo, visit Gokyo Ri because it offers magnificent mountain views, probably the best of the Everest Himalayas, lakes, and glaciers. Visiting the 5th lake is a full-day excursion, so we recommend taking snacks from the lodge before heading on. You can see the whole body of Mt.Everest from this place, so if you have some extra days, visiting 5th Lake can be worthwhile.

The lodges are close to the 3rd lake, but the 4th and 5th are toward the north. You will pass the 1st and 2nd lakes while walking downward to Dole after Gokyo. You see ruddy shelducks around these lakes. Today, you walk through Fanga, Machchhermo, and Luza before you arrive at Dole to stay.

After Dole, You descend for around an hour through rhododendron and pine forests. There are some beautiful ice climbing sites where people climb during the winter. You can also see musk deer inside this forest while descending to Phungki-Tenga. After Phungki-Tenga, the trail goes upward for about an hour and a half to Mong Danda. There are Himalayan Thars (wild Himalayan goats) around the walking path. You can see celestial views of Mt.Thamserku, Khangteka, and Amadablam from this hill, and then start descending towards Sanasa, where the Everest Base Camp trail joins back. Today, you reach Namche Bazaar and Lukla the following day before taking a flight to Kathmandu.

Frolic Adventure managers are well-known about the Trek and update you about any changes in the route, so you can always get factual information before you book your Cho La Pass Adventure Trek. We are a legally authorized trekking operator from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), providing government license holders with English-speaking guides and helpful, friendly assistance.

What to expect from the Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes Trek via Cho La Pass


Trekkers on Cho La Pass during Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek

  • You will be walking through different Himalayan valleys, such as Dudhkoshi River Valley, Khumbu Valley, Imja Valley, and Gokyo Valley, with mind-blowing mountain views most of the time.
  • The natural beauties such as Rivers, waterfalls, and vegetation from the Sagarmatha National Park (a natural UNESCO world heritage site) graced the EBC Gokyo Trekking route.
  • The Sherpas are world-famous for mountain climbing. With great hospitality, you can see their lifestyle, activities, culture, and tradition.
  • Unreal mountain views from vantage viewpoints such as Hotel Everest View, Tengboche Hill, Nangkar-Tshang Hill, Kalapatthar, and Gokyo Ri make you feel like you are in absolute heaven while doing the EBC Gokyo Trek via Choa La Pass.
  • Step to the foot of the world's tallest mountain and reach very close to the famous Khumbu Icefall.
  • Explore balmy Gokyo Lakes and glacial ponds, and cross giant glaciers with the moonwalk feeling.
  • See wildlife like Himalayan Thar, musk deer, Himalayan pika, and birds like mountain hawks, ravens, Tibetan snowcocks, golden Brahminy ducks, Himalayan Monal, and many more.
  • Visit the ancient Religious Buddhist monastery and join regular offerings with the monks.
  • Meet the Everest climbers in the Sring.

Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes Trek via Cho La Pass: Who can go on this Trek?

The 'Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek via Cho La Pass' is a challenging mountain trek. It could have similar difficulties as the Base Camp Trek most of the time, but this high Pass makes it more adventurous and difficult. If you are a regular hiker and have visited places higher than 4000 meters above sea level several times, It should not be a problem. However, if you are a first-time trekker, we suggest short treks in Nepal or other Himalayas before going on the Cho La Pass Trek.

Altitude and thin oxygen in the air make breathing difficult while walking in the high Himalayan region. There is ice on the trail near the Cho La pass, and even a bunch of it sometimes heaps up. It is strenuous to walk around the top of this hill.

Going over the Cho La Pass from the Gokyo side to the Base Camp

You might have seen different trekking itineraries for the Everest Gokyo Trek through Cho La Pass and need clarification about which are the better routes. For your clearance, visiting the Base Camp first and going to the Gokyo Lakes later is a more accessible itinerary because you will have less climbing. If you go over the pass from Zongla, you feel like climbing only a little, but starting to rise from Thangnak is tiring uphill for many hours. But if you will have knee problems from a long downhill walk, crossing from the Gkyo side is recommended.

Also, starting early in the morning with a flashlight to cross Cho La from Thangnak would be best. If you first go for the pass from Zongla after the Base Camp, you can start with daylight. Although you have to start earlier than the other regular Trekking days,

How do I Prepare for Adventure Trekking and the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes?

Most everyone who dreams about Adventure Trekking in the Himalayas can complete the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes, but they need some hiking and altitude practice. You can often hike somewhere in nature where the trails are up and down hills and visit some of the high elevations above 4000 meters by doing some short treks. Those who do not have hills and mountains for hiking and Trekking in their country can do indoor practices with high atmospheric pressure, such as running and jogging.

Hill hikes, weight lifting, running, and jogging exercises make your muscles strong and flexible to walk in the high Himalayan region. In the Everest Himalayan Region, prepare to carry a few kilograms of daypack for 6-7 hours of walking daily for 15–16 days.

Besides the physical preparation, you must mentally prepare to Trek to Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes via Cho La Pass. Be ready to face any difficulties during the trip, such as changing weather during the Trek, what to do if the Lukla flight has been canceled, staying in basic lodges with no showers every day, and altitude sickness.

Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trekking Map


Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek Map with altitude details

We have made a 19-day Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trekking Map, which starts from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure home. You will meet our airport representative at the Kathmandu international airport on the first day, who will take you to the hotel. According to our Trekking Map of Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes, you will have a full-day Kathmandu Day Tour on the second day. After visiting Kathmandu's cultural heritage sites, you return to the hotel and prepare for the Trek.

Throughout our 19-day trekking map, you fly to Lukla on the third day and trek for 14 days in the mountains, including some altitude practice rests in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. While completing this counter-clockwise (anti-clockwise) Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek Map, you visit several viewpoints like Syangboche Hill (Hotel Everest View), Tengboche Hill, Nangkar-Tshang Hill, Kala Patthar, and Gokyo Ri, including the Everest Base Camp and pristine Gokyo Lakes.

After finishing our Trekking Map of Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes via Cho La Pass, you will love the Trek.

Note: It is not compulsory to stay with this Map because it is designed with some extra days carefully planned for the Lukla flight and weather. We can make a suitable Trekking itinerary for you according to your time and stamina.

Book Everest Base Camp to Gokyo Lakes Trek via Cho La Pass with Frolic Adventure.

After learning about Trekking from Everest Base Camp to Gokyo Lakes via Cho La Pass, you can explore the beauty of this Himalayan region. We are taking bookings for this adventure Everest trip for 2023 and 2024, so you can make your seat safe now.

You can book the trip directly through the 'book this trip' section or contact us page by asking any trip-related questions. We have a special discount for group trekkers to the Everest Gokyo Lakes. and are also ready to make itineraries according to your time frame and physical fitness.

For more details, please check the helpful information and the cost detail sections:

Itinerary

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Our representative will warmly receive you upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. He will escort you to your hotel. After the orientation on the trek and meeting your guide, you can choose to relax or take a stroll around the market to shop for needed trek accessories, gear, or goodies. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Place: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1350m.
  • Mode of Transportation: Private Car/Van/Bus
  • Departure Time: According to the arrival time
Today, you'll embark on a full-day tour of the historic city of Kathmandu. You will visit multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, or Boudhanath. Kathmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal. Hence, you will find people of various cultures and faiths. The tour's highlight remains visiting the age-old temples, historical palaces, and archaeological sites. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Place: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1350m.
  • Mode of Transportation: Private Car/Van/Bus
  • Departure Time: 9:00 am
After an early morning breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic 40 min flight to Lukla. Lukla is a small Sherpa town in the Solukhumbu district of Nepal. Because of the availability of a domestic airport, it serves as the gateway to the Everest region. Once at Lukla, you’ll rest briefly and embark on the first day of the trek to the nearby town of Phakding, which is only 6.2km north of Lukla. Overnight stay at Phakding.
  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guest house
  • Place: Phakding
  • Altitude: 2610m.
  • Mode of Transportation: Private Car/Van/Bus + Domestic flight + Walk
  • Departure Time: 6:30 - 9:00 am
Starting from Phakding, you’ll trek through the Jorsalle village towards Dudh Koshi valley. A bit further lies Monjo village which is also the entry point of Sagarmatha National Park. You will witness some of the rarest flora and fauna inside the national park. A bit further inside the park lies Namche Bazaar. The place bustling with locals and tourists is the largest Sherpa town in the entire region. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.
  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guest house
  • Place: Namche Bazaar
  • Altitude: 3440m.
  • Mode of Transportation: Walk
  • Departure Time: 8:00 am
Today, you’ll spend time acclimatizing at Namche Bazaar. You’ll make a short hike to Khumjung and Kunde villages to get used to the altitude. Khumjung is a Sherpa village famous for the ‘Khumjung Hillary School’ and Khumjung Monastery, where the supposed Yeti’s scalp is preserved in a glass box. Kunde is another Sherpa village near Namche. It is known for its hospital, which was established back in 1966. Afterward, you’ll return to Namche. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.
  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guest house
  • Place: Namche Bazaar
  • Altitude: 3440m.
  • Mode of Transportation: Walk
  • Departure Time: 8:00 am
Today, you’ll trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche village. From Namche, you will head upwards through Phunki Tenga village and ascend to Tengboche. Tengboche is one of the most famous Sherpa villages known for the Tengboche Monastery, the largest Buddhist monastery in the region. Tengboche Monastery hosts the annual Mani Rimdu festival and offers beautiful views of Ama Dablam (6856m) from Tengboche. Overnight stay at Tengboche.
  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guest house
  • Place: Tengboche
  • Altitude: 3860m.
  • Mode of Transportation: Walk
  • Departure Time: 8:00 am
From Tengboche, the trail drops until the village of Debuche. You’ll cross the Imja Khola to reach Pangboche. You will encounter thousands of Mani stones (Revered Stones with Buddhist iconography) dominating the landscape here. After a few hours of uphill trek, you’ll reach the Sherpa village of Dingboche. From here, you can get an up-close view of the surrounding peaks, namely; Lhotse (8414m), Island Peak (6189m), and Ama Dablam (6856m). Overnight stay at Dingboche.
  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guest house
  • Place: Dingboche
  • Altitude: 4410m.
  • Mode of Transportation: Walk
  • Departure Time: 8:00 am
Today, you acclimate to the rapidly thinning air and Himalayan biomes at Dingboche. The settlements of Dingboche reflect the rich Sherpa practices via the lifestyle of the locals and the monasteries. The surrounding sites in the village vicinity also offer some of the most mesmerizing Himalayan views available. You rest and adjust your body as you interact with the locals. Overnight stay at Dingboche.
  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guest house
  • Place: Dingboche
  • Altitude: 4410m.
  • Mode of Transportation: Walk
  • Departure Time: 8:00 am
Today, you’ll advance on a short hike to the village of Chhukung. Chhukung is essential for the alpinists heading towards Island Peak (6189m) or Lobuche Peak (6119m). You’ll encounter numerous summer huts prepared especially for keeping livestock during the summer. From Chhukung, you’ll ascend along the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier towards Lobuche village. Overnight stay at Lobuche.
  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guest house
  • Place: Lobuche
  • Altitude: 4910m.
  • Mode of Transportation: Walk
  • Departure Time: 8:00 am
From Lobuche, you’ll go up to the village of Gorakshep. Gorakshep is a semi-permanent settlement before Kalapatthar (5545m) and Everest Base Camp (5364m). The trail goes along the Khumbu glacier. Due to the high altitude, there is less or no vegetation. You’ll make a short hike to Everest Base Camp. After exploring the base camp, you’ll make your way down to Gorakshep for the overnight.
  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guest house
  • Place: Gorakshep
  • Altitude: 5140m.
  • Mode of Transportation: Walk
  • Departure Time: 6:30 - 7:00 am
Today, you’ll start early and make your way toward Kalapatthar. The trail weaves through ice pinnacles and across the crevasses of the Khumbu Glacier towards the top. From the top, you can see Mount Everest (8848m), which is generally not visible from the base camp. You will also get a panorama of the entire valley from the top of Kalapatthar. After a brief layover, you’ll go down to Dzongla village. Overnight stay at Dzongla.
  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guest house
  • Place: Dzongla
  • Altitude: 4830m.
  • Mode of Transportation: Walk
  • Departure Time: 6:00 am
You'll be greeted with the view of Cholatse peak (6335m) in the morning. Trekking west of Dzongla, the trail descends to a basin across the icy landscape. After an hour's trek, you'll begin the climb of Cho La Pass (5420m). As you gain altitude, Cho La Lake and Ama Dablam (6856m) appear in the distance. The final ascent to the Cho La pass in Everest can be tricky as the trail curves around the bergschrund. The top of Cho La Pass offers a scenic view of the surrounding. From here, you'll descend to the village of Dragnag. Overnight stay at Dragnak.
  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guest house
  • Place: Dragnag
  • Altitude: 4700m.
  • Mode of Transportation: Walk
  • Departure Time: 5:00 am
The trail from Dragnag goes past the Ngozumpa glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal. On the other side of the glacier lies Gokyo village. You’ll encounter Dudh Pokhari, the largest lake in the region, with a series of 6 lakes onwards. The lake is magnificent in appearance and offers the top display of the Himalayas in the Everest region. Overnight stay at Gokyo.
  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guest house
  • Place: Gokyo
  • Altitude: 4790m.
  • Mode of Transportation: Walk
  • Departure Time: 7:00 am
The day is specially sanctioned to ascend Gokyo Ri (5360m) and later head to Dole. The hike to the top of Gokyo Ri begins as you run out of the village and hug the steep trail to the top. The top of the peak exhibits a majestic panorama of the snow-clad mountains in the Everest region. Later, you trek to Dhole crossing the Renjo La Pass (5360m). The pass is similarly sublime in its grand display of mountains in the Kongde and Kangchung ranges. Later, you head to Dole. Overnight stay at Dole.
  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guest house
  • Place: Dole
  • Altitude: 4110m.
  • Mode of Transportation: Walk
  • Departure Time: 6:00 am
This day includes a relatively short trek to Namche Bazaar. From Dhole, the trail heads to Tenga and then to Phortse Tenga. Following the Dudh Koshi River, you descend along monasteries and shorten to reach Chipcho. Further ahead from Chipcho, you follow the trail through Khumjung village and reach Namche Bazaar. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.
  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guest house
  • Place: Namche Bazaar
  • Altitude: 3440m.
  • Mode of Transportation: Walk
  • Departure Time: 8:00 am
Today is the final day of the trek. You’ll start descending from Namche and make your way toward Lukla. You’ll walk along the Dudh Koshi River through the Monjo and Phakding villages towards Lukla. Once at Lukla, you can throw a small party and celebrate the Gokyo Chola pass trek completion with your staff and colleagues. Overnight stay at Lukla.
  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guest house
  • Place: Lukla
  • Altitude: 2840m.
  • Mode of Transportation: Walk
  • Departure Time: 8:00 am
Today is the last you’ll see of the serene mountains. Once on the flight, you can catch the last glimpse of the mountains in the Everest region and make your way toward Kathmandu. At Kathmandu, your guide will bring you back to your hotel. You can rest and enjoy the wellness services at the hotel. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
  • Meals: Breakfast+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Place: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1350m.
  • Mode of Transportation: Domestic flight + Private Car/Van/Bus
  • Departure Time: 6:30 - 9:00 am

We’ll drop you off at Tribhuvan International Airport so you can catch your scheduled flight back home. Our representative will take you to the airport, approx. 2 hours early. You can share your trip experience or your next adventure with us on the way.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Mode of Transportation: Private car/van/bus
  • Departure Time: 3 hours earlier from your flight departure

Cost Details

  • All airport transport in Kathmandu (If you have a flight from Ramechhap, it costs extra)
  • 3 nights' accommodation in a standard hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Domestic flight Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu for you and guide
  • Private car/van/bus and tour guide for Kathmandu city tour
  • Your standard meal BLD during the trek with a cup of hot tea/coffee for breakfast
  • Fresh fruit after every dinner in the mountain
  • All necessary papers works, national park entry permits, and Pasang Lhamu entry fees
  • All accommodations in lodges/tea houses during the treks.
  • Sleeping bag, down jacket, and duffel bag (if you do not have any)
  • An experienced, helpful, and friendly guide, porters (1 porter for 2 people).
  • Salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transportation, and insurance for the guide and porter.
  • An arrangement of an emergency helicopter service will be paid for by your travel insurance company.
  • Frolic Adventure invites you to farewell dinner last night.
  • All government taxes (Gst) and Stationery expenses.
  • Kathmandu Day tour entry fees
  • Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan international airport  (Kathmandu). 
  • Your travel insurance (compulsory).
  • Lunch and dinner while you are in Kathmandu.
  • Your personal expenses.
  • All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
  • Sweet things like dessert/chocolate.
  • Hot shower/batteries charge/heater during the trek.
  • International airfare.
  • Tips for the guide, porter & driver. 
  • Any others expenses which are not mentioned in including section.

PRICES & DATES

Trip DatesAvailabilityNotesPrice  
04 Dec, 2024 - 21 Dec, 2024AvailableUS$1499
06 Dec, 2024 - 23 Dec, 2024AvailableUS$1499
08 Dec, 2024 - 25 Dec, 2024AvailableUS$1499
10 Dec, 2024 - 27 Dec, 2024AvailableUS$1499
11 Dec, 2024 - 28 Dec, 2024AvailableUS$1499
13 Dec, 2024 - 30 Dec, 2024AvailableUS$1499
15 Dec, 2024 - 01 Jan, 2025AvailableUS$1499
17 Dec, 2024 - 03 Jan, 2025AvailableUS$1499
18 Dec, 2024 - 04 Jan, 2025AvailableUS$1499
20 Dec, 2024 - 06 Jan, 2025AvailableUS$1499
22 Dec, 2024 - 08 Jan, 2025AvailableUS$1499
24 Dec, 2024 - 10 Jan, 2025AvailableUS$1499
25 Dec, 2024 - 11 Jan, 2025AvailableUS$1499
27 Dec, 2024 - 13 Jan, 2025AvailableUS$1499
29 Dec, 2024 - 15 Jan, 2025AvailableUS$1499
31 Dec, 2024 - 17 Jan, 2025AvailableUS$1499

Useful Info

Gokyo Everest Base Camp: When is the best time to Trek?

Autumn from September to November and spring from March to May are the best times to Trek to Gokyo Everest Base Camp. But the first two weeks of September and the last two weeks of May might have some rainy days.

December in the winter is not wrong to Trek, but the temperature will be freezing. Pack extra warm equipment for the December Cho La Pass trail visit. This month usually has clear weather the whole day from morning to evening in the mountain region of Nepal. January until mid-February is the coldest time, and it starts warming up after mid-February. But it may snow at this time, and it will be challenging to cross Cho La. Although there might be snow sometimes during the beginning of spring,

If you want to see unfrozen Gokyo Lakes, September to December is the best time to visit Gokyo Valley. They freeze in the winter and melt in the late spring. You can meet many Everest climbers and Sherpas during the spring Trek to Gokyo EBC.

Likewise, summer couldn't be better for Trekking in the Nepalese Himalayas and the Base Camp Gokyo Lakes route. There are many rainy days at this time, and there may not be regular flights to fly daily to Lukla. Driving the road to Salleri and Jiri might cause some landslides.

What should I pack for the trek to EBC Gokyo?

Packing Trekking gear for the EBC Gokyo depends on the season when you are planning to visit. Going to Cho La Pass in the spring only needs a few warm clothes compared to autumn and winter. Having enough quality equipment plays a vital role in a successful trip. Check out the things you must pack for this trip here:

  • Head Wear
  • Sun hat
  • Winter hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Body Wear
  • Buff or scarf
  • Thermal layers (1 pair for spring and 2 for autumn and winter)
  • Trekking T-shirts (half and full sleeves)
  • Trekking Trousers (zip-off is recommended)
  • Full-sleeve fleece T-shirt
  • Fleece jacket
  • Windstopers
  • Down jacket
  • Thin inner gloves
  • Windproof winter gloves
  • Windproof trouser
  • Rain Gear
  • Sleeping Gear
  • Sleeping bag
  • Earplugs
  • Fleece booties
  • Fleece trouser
  • Foot Wear
  • Hiking boots (better if you use them several times earlier to be sure if they make blisters or not)
  • Sports shoes for the lodge
  • Water sandals for bathrooms
  • Trekking socks
  • Crampons
  • Gaiters
  • Backpacks
  • Duffel bag (which we provide), or you can use your rucksack.
  • Daypack (for day snacks, rain gear, a light jacket, and valuables)
  • Toiletries
  • Toilet rolls
  • Soap and shampoo
  • Toothbrush and paste
  • Quick-drier, lightweight towel
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Other accessories
  • Multi-plug power socket
  • Battery power bank
  • Extra camera battery
  • Wet napkins
  • Tissues (you might have a running nose in the cold region)
  • A small towel to swab sweat while walking
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
  • Moisturizers and cold cream
  • Lipbalm
  • First-Aid kit
  • Head torch
  • Trekking poles
  • Plastic bags for crappy clothes, socks, and wet things
  • Water bottles (two are recommended if you are drinking normal water without purification)

Everest Gokyo Lakes: Accommodation, Food, and Drinks During the Trek

There are lots of lodges on the Everest and Gokyo Valley Trekking routes. Most guesthouses are average, but you will have a private room with comfortable beds and a clean bed sheet. You also have some luxury lodges in the lower regions for a few days, but they are expensive. Our trekking package adds extra cost to staying in those luxurious places.

You must have food in the same lodge you stay in during the Trek. You have a food menu, so you can choose any main course from the menu. It means you don't need to stay with local foods sometimes, but you can also get local food if you want to try it.

Buying a water bottle is available, but the cost increases as you visit the higher elevations. Although it is better to buy mineral water in two places, Lobuche and Gorakshep, You can drink tap water in most places, but you must use purification tablets or sterilizers before you drink it.

Hot Shower Battery Charging and Internet Service

You will get gas showers in most places, but it will be challenging to get a gas shower when the temperature goes to minus degrees. The lodges provide a hot bucket for bathing if you would like to in some places. However, there are always proper gas showers in the lower areas of the Gokyo Everest base camp tour. You must pay for hot showers in the Himalayas.

There is no electricity when you cross Tengboche on the 4th day of the trek. The lodges use solar power for the lights and battery charging. Battery charging is expensive in higher areas, although you get free charging for this trip's first three and last two days. We recommend bringing a power bank for charging and a few extra camera batteries.

For internet use, you can buy a top-up card from the Everest Link wifi service, which you can buy in the lodges where you stay if you buy NCELL or NTC with internet data from Kathmandu. It is better to use it than buy the Everest Link card. Please kindly check the shower and toilets here.

Respect Religion and culture.

People from the Everest Region follow Buddhism strictly. They do not even like to see anyone killing animals. You can see lots of Tibetan snowcocks. Those birds are considered holy, so do not talk about bad things or jokes like making dinner by killing them. People become angry when they hear such words.

You see many Buddhist monuments like Mane wheels, Rocks with mantras, and other religious monuments along the Everest-Gokyo Lakes trek. Please walk through the left side, keeping them on your right if the trail is okay. You are not allowed to wear shorts when you enter the monastery.

Altitude sickness while Trekking to the EBC Gokyo Lakes

An essential matter while walking in the high Himalayan elevations and the EBC Gokyo Lakes is being careful of altitude sickness. Altitude can be very dangerous if you do not know about the symptoms and problems. However, it is not very dangerous if you are well-acclimatized and stop ascending higher elevations with severe symptoms.

Altitude sickness is caused by low oxygen levels in the high Himalayan territories. It mainly affects the lung and brain as pulmonary Edema and cerebral Edema. Most trekkers suffer from problems with just one of them, but some have both effects.

It is better to have at least two altitude practice rest days during the Everest Gokyo Trek via Cho La Pass to prevent high altitude sickness. We recommend drinking fluids, strolling, and keeping warm during the tour. Do not try to go higher if you have early symptoms, even if you have medicine. It is better to descend to a lower elevation or rest another day at the same place, according to the conditions. Here is a detail about the AMS!

Do not travel with a tight trekking itinerary on Everest or Gokyo Lakes.

'Trekking to the Everest Base and Camp Gokyo Lakes' starts with flying to Lukla from Kathmandu or Ramechhap (Manthali). The weather determines whether you can Pass on a regular schedule or not. It is not just for flying in; it also applies to the flight out after the Trek.

Travel to EBC Gokyo with a tight itinerary. You may need more time to complete the trip or sometimes miss an international flight because of unfavorable weather conditions. We recommend having a few extra days for the journey. If you have no problem with the weather, you can use your free days in Kathmandu for some day tours or hikes. What happens if the flight is delayed or canceled? Please check here!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Chola Pass Trek

Everyone might have questions about the places they plan to visit, especially about the high Himalayan region and Everest Cho La Pass. The questions you see here are beneficial to planning your trek, although there should be more you do not see here. You may ask anything about the trip by contacting us.

How Challenging is the Everest-Gokyo Lakes Trek?

It is a strenuous Trek because the rocky or icy trail of Cho La Pass, the cold temperature, and the high altitudes make the tour difficult.

Do I need crampons for the Trek?

Yes, carrying a pair of crampons with you would be best. You might not need to use it sometimes (especially in the early autumn months), but it is Trekking in winter and spring most of the time.

What happens if the Lukla flight is canceled for a few days?

The best alternative is flying on a helicopter to Surki, and you can also drive to Phaplu or Tham Danda and walk if you have extra days.

If I can't go over the Cho La pass, is there an alternative, more accessible trail to the Gokyo Lakes?

You can trek down to Pangboche and trek to Dole through Phortse village. If you take this more leisurely route, you will need two more days than the Cho La itinerary.

Why should I start very early for the Cho La Pass?

It is a long way to cross Cho La from Zongla or Thangnak, and there are no tea houses between the first two regions. And the next is for safety reasons: it will be windy later in the day and ice melts, so the stones may fall from higher, which can be dangerous.

Can I go over the Renjo La from Gokyo in the same time frame as trekking through Dole?

Yes, you can, but you must walk a long day after crossing Renjo La Pass and reach Thame directly, which may take more than 10 hours.

I am a regular trekker and have visited the higher elevations often. Can I make it faster than the regular Everest-Gokyo Lakes Trek?

Yes, you can walk longer and cut the rest days, but we suggest having acclimatization rest days because you never know the situation in the mountains. If you plan to make this trip quicker, the porter may not follow with the load, so you need to carry your backpack.

If I LIKE SOME PLACES, can I stay a few more days and make it a longer Trek and Amble?

You can if you have plenty of time and want to explore the Everest Region. We can help you make a suitable itinerary for this, or you can even change the plan while you are on the Trek by consulting with the guide.

Where Can I leave the stuff I don't need for the Trek?

You will stay in the same hotel in Kathmandu after completing the Trek, so you can leave them there. You can go to a different one if you change hotels or in our office and return it after the trip.

I don’t want to join a group for the EBC Gokyo Lakes Trek. Can I make the trip privately?

You can do it personally without joining others and making a face.

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