About This Trek / Tour
The Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass Trek is considered by many seasoned trekkers to offer even more dramatic scenery than the classic EBC route. The journey takes you to the stunning turquoise Gokyo Lakes — a sacred chain of six glacial lakes at over 4,700m — and across the exhilarating Cho La Pass (5,420m) to connect with the Everest Base Camp trail.
Gokyo Ri (5,360m) above the third lake delivers one of the Himalayas' most rewarding viewpoints — a 360° panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu simultaneously, reflecting in the turquoise lake below. This is the stuff of legendary mountain photography.
Cho La Pass note: The pass is glacier-covered and requires crampons or micro-spikes in some seasons. We provide these as part of the group equipment kit.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival and briefing.
35-min scenic flight. Trek to Phakding (2,610m). 3 hours.
Iconic Hillary Bridge crossing. Steep ascent to Namche (3,440m). 6 hours.
Hike to Everest View Hotel. Explore Namche market and Sherpa Museum.
Branch left onto the Gokyo trail. Trek through Mong La pass to Dole (4,200m). 6 hours.
Short but high ascent through beautiful high-altitude valley to Machhermo (4,470m). 4 hours.
Arrive at the third and largest Gokyo Lake (4,790m). Afternoon walk to the lake shore. 4 hours.
Sunrise ascent of Gokyo Ri (5,360m). Panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. Return to Gokyo. Rest afternoon.
Head east across the Ngozumpa Glacier (largest in Nepal) to camp below Cho La Pass. 5 hours.
Early start. Cross the glaciated Cho La (5,420m) — the most demanding day of the trek. Descend to Dzongla (4,830m). 7 hours.
Trek the Khumbu moraine to Gorak Shep (5,164m), gateway to EBC. 5 hours.
Hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and return. Optional Kala Patthar sunset. 6 hours.
Pre-dawn Kala Patthar (5,545m). Long descent to Namche (3,440m). 8 hours.
Final trekking day to Lukla. Farewell dinner. 6 hours.
Morning flight. Afternoon free in Kathmandu.
Transfer to airport. End of trek.
What's Included
- All airport transfers in Kathmandu
- Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu flights
- 2 nights Kathmandu hotel (3-star, B&B)
- 13 nights teahouse accommodation
- All trek meals (B, L & D)
- Sagarmatha National Park permit
- TIMS card
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- One porter per two trekkers
- Group crampons/micro-spikes for Cho La crossing
- Guide & porter insurance, food & accommodation
- First-aid kit & oximeter
Not Included
- Nepal visa
- International flights
- Travel & rescue insurance
- Personal trekking gear
- Beverages & personal snacks
- Hot showers & charging on trail
- Tips for guide & porter
Practical Travel Tips
Cho La Timing: The pass is best crossed in morning (before 11am) to avoid afternoon snowfall and poor visibility. Our itinerary is designed with this in mind.
Photography: The reflection of Cho Oyu in the third Gokyo Lake at dawn is one of the Himalayas' iconic images. Bring a tripod and patience!
Fitness: This route is more demanding than the standard EBC trek due to the Cho La crossing on glacial terrain. Prior trekking experience at altitude strongly recommended.