The Everest Base Camp via Chola Pass and Gokyo Trek is a more challenging and adventurous variation of the classic Everest Base Camp trek. It combines the stunning Gokyo Valley with the iconic Everest Base Camp, and includes crossing the Cho La Pass.
The trek starts with a flight to Lukla, followed by a hike through picturesque Sherpa villages and lush landscapes to reach the Gokyo Valley. The Gokyo Ri viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views of Everest and other Himalayan peaks reflected in the Gokyo Lakes.
After enjoying the Gokyo region, you’ll cross the challenging Cho La Pass, which involves ascending steeply and navigating icy sections. This pass connects the Gokyo Valley to the Everest region and provides an alternative way to reach Everest Base Camp.
Upon reaching Everest Base Camp, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the iconic site where climbers prepare for their summit attempts. The trek offers spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other surrounding peaks.
This trek takes around 15-16 days to complete, and it’s recommended for experienced trekkers who are comfortable with high altitudes and challenging terrain. Proper acclimatization, physical fitness, and preparation are essential for a successful and safe journey.
Please note that all itineraries are indicative and will be tailored for each individual trekking group.
Itineraries may change during the trek as a function of weather forecast and health & fitness of group members.
Safety first!
Day 1: Flight to Lukla (2840m) Lukla – Phakding (2610m)
4-5h. A pleasant walk through pine forests alongside the river will bring us to Phakding, the first stop of our journey. Comfortable lodges and cozy tea houses offer a wide range of refreshments and food options.
Day 2: Phakding (2610m) – Namche Bazar (3500m)
5-6h. With nearly 1000m of altitude gain, today is one of the most physical days of the trek. The altitude is still relatively low and the path guides us in and out the pine trees shadows, crossing several suspended bridges, among which the famous Hillary bridge.
Day 3: Rest day in Namche Bazar (3500m)
Rest days are designed for acclimatisation. Furthermore, Namche offers the opportunity to gather your last supplies before heading higher up the mountain. Snacks, ATMs, maps, equipment, souvenirs – everything is available here, even an Irish pub (I suggest celebratory drinks on the way down – stay healthy on the way up!). Activities available during the rest day include
- Everest view hotel – with a 1h30 hike, we can get the first view of Everest while sipping warm tea
- Khunde Village – 1h30 hike to visit a traditional Nepali settlement.
- Just rest your legs!
Day 4: Namche Bazar (3500m) to Tengboche (3860m)
3-4h. A short walking day allows for some free time to visit the Tengboche monastery, the largest Gumpa in the Khumbu region. The surrounding Himalayas are the perfect theatre for an immersive experience into Sherpa culture and Buddhist traditions.
Day 5: Tengboche (3860m) – Dingboche (4410m)
5-6h. A long day of walk and the altitude will begin to be felt. This is also the first night sleeping over 4000m, drink warm fluids and stay warm. Let yourself be charmed by the rural stone walls and the magnificent Amadablam.
Day 6. Rest day in Dingboche (4410m)
The purpose of the rest day is to allow the body to acclimatise to the altitude. If you are feeling healthy and want to explore the region, Chhukung village offers an immersful walk into the mountain range (5-6h)
Day 7. Dingboche (4410m) – Lobuche (4940m)
4-5h. We are now in the valley that leads up to the Everest Base camp. On our right lies the enormous Khumbo glacier and in front of us we can observe Lobuche peak (6119m)
Day 8. Lobuche (4,940m) – Everest Base Camp EBC (5364m) – Gorakshep (5170m)
6-7h. A long day of walking with little altitude gain, but the thin air is the main challenge. Gorakshep is the highest sleeping place in our trek. Make sure to drink hot liquids and rest.
Day 9. Trek to Kalapattar (5,555m) – Dzongla (4860m)
6-7h. Kalapattar is one of the most magnificent viewpoints of the entire Sagarmatha National Park. We will trek there at dawn and witness the sunrise over the summit of Mt. Everest. Afterwards our trail will take us back to Gorakshep where we will collect our bags and make our way to Dzongla.
Day 10. Dzongla (4860m) – Dragnag (4700m) trough Cho La pass (5420m)
6-7h. Cho La is one of the three high passes in the Everest region. It is a challenging day and very steep slopes await us. After the pass, we enter in the Gokyo valley.
Day 11. Dragnag (4700m) – Gokyo (4790m)
1.5-2h. We will trek to Gokyo crossing the Ngozumbpa glacier. There we will have a break at the teahouse and drop our bags. There are three options today:
- Visit Cho You base camp (5200m). Walking along the Ngozumba glacier will bring us amazing views of the mountain lakes and surrounding mountain ranges. The road is long and will take approximately 6h.
- A steep climb to Gokyo Ri will provide a stunning view of Everest. However, this hike is only 2h and the view will be similar the next day from Renjola pass.
- Rest your legs and enjoy Gokyo Lake!
Day 12. Gokyo (4800m) to Lungden (4380m) via Renjo La pass (5360m)
6-7h. Renjo La pass is challenging, but by this time we should be well acclimatized to the altitude. The view of Mount Everest, Lothse and Makalu is breath-taking
Day 13. Lungden (4380m) to Thame (3800m)
3-4h. A short day of walk takes us below the 4000m threshold. Thame is a traditional village where many local mountaineer legends were born.
Day 14. Thame (3800m) – Phakding (2600m)
6-7h. A long day of descent takes us past Namche Bazar and down to Phakding. The temperature rises again and the trek is coming to an end.
Day 15. Phakding (2600m) – Lukla (2840m)
2-3h. Walk to Lukla and take the flight back to Kathmandu. Depending on time of the flight, we might need to start very early from Phakding. Congratulations! You have visited the Everest Base Camp and crossed two Himalayan High Passes!
Prices may vary depending on nr of participants, nr of days, season and special requests – please contact us to prepare the budget of your dream trek!
Trekking + Kathmandu Culture Package 19 Days 18 Nights – Starting from 2’400 USD
Standard Trekking Package 15 Days – Starting from 2’100 USD
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- Ground transportation during the trek
- Flights to and from Lukla
- 3 meals a day & accommodation during trek
- Tea & coffee breaks, hot water for drinking and at night
- Guide, insurance, food & lodging
- Trekking Permits & National Park entry
Excluded are:
- Bottled drinks: to disincentivise pollution in the mountains, we do not support the use of PET bottles during the trek. This includes bottled mineral water. Hot water is included for drinking (best option in the mountains) as well as purification tablets for low altitude refreshing water. Overall, the water quality in the mountains is good.
- Wifi, showers, trek snacks (suggest to get them in KTM before the trek), travel insurance, visa, international flight, personal expenses (souvenirs tips etc)
Kathmandu culture Package 4 days 3 nights – Starting from 300 USD
- Transport and Accomodation in KTM
- Hotel 3 nights
- Welcome and farewell dinner
- Private vehicle and driver
- Entry fees and guided tours in Kathmandu valley including but not limited to:
- Pashupatinath Hindu temple
- Swayambunath the Monkey temple
- Bouddanath the largest buddhist stupa in the world
Exluded:
Souvenirs, personal expenses, meals (except welcome and farewell)
Difficulty 
Duration 
Region
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