Experience the ultimate himalayan adventure journey to the Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek, a captivating adventure that takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Everest/ Khumbu regions. This trek seamlessly combines the iconic Everest Base Camp with the stunning beauty of Gokyo Valley and the exhilarating challenge of crossing Cho La Pass at 5,420 meters. Prepare to be awe-struck by panoramic views of towering Himalayan giants, including Mount Everest (8,848m), Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Kanchenjunga, Nuptse, and Pumori, all contributing to an experience you’ll never forget.
The Gokyo Cho La Pass EBC trek kicks off with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, where the real journey begins. From Lukla, you’ll trek through the picturesque Dudh Koshi River valley, journeying past lush rhododendron and pine forests. Experience the charm of traditional Sherpa villages and iconic landmarks such as Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Dole, Machhermo, Gokyo, Dragnag, Cho La Pass, Dzongla, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp (EBC), and the remarkable Kala Patthar.
The trail navigates through Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site renowned for its diverse wildlife, including elusive snow leopards, rare red pandas, and Himalayan Thar. At Kala Patthar, you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled views of Everest, Ama Dablam (6,856m), Kantega (6,809m), Kwangde (6,194m), Nuptse (7,879m), and Lhotse (8,511m), providing some of the most spectacular vistas available to trekkers.
Gokyo Valley, with its serene glacial lakes and the impressive Ngozumpa Glacier—the longest in the region at 38 kilometers—offers dramatic mountain views and rugged terrain that heighten the trekking experience. After conquering Cho La Pass, you’ll descend to witness the grandeur of the Khumbu Glacier and the highest trekkable area, EBC, before taking in the vintage views from Kala Patthar.
Rather than retracing your steps back to Lukla through Pheriche, Pangboche, and Namche, you have the unique option of a direct helicopter flight from the Kala Patthar viewpoint. Witness the sunrise casting golden rays over Everest and its surrounding peaks before a swift return to Kathmandu.
This trek masterfully combines natural splendor, rich cultural experiences, and the thrill of high-altitude trekking, promising a lifetime of unforgettable memories and adventures. Ideal trekking seasons are from mid-March to May and from September to mid-December, ensuring the best conditions for your Himalayan journey.
Gokyo Cho La Pass EBC Trek: Clockwise vs. Anti-Clockwise
Clockwise Route: Start your trek in Namche Bazaar, then journey to Gokyo, cross the challenging Cho La Pass, and finally reach Everest Base Camp. This route helps with acclimatization by allowing you to explore the Gokyo Lakes first, which can ease altitude adjustment before tackling the pass and Everest Base Camp. After reaching Everest Base Camp, you can take a direct helicopter flight back to Kathmandu, offering a scenic and efficient return.
Anti-Clockwise Route: Begin your adventure at Everest Base Camp, traverse the Cho La Pass, and then explore the Gokyo Lakes. This direction offers a gradual ascent after visiting Everest Base Camp, which can aid in acclimatization as you head towards the Gokyo Valley. Once you’ve enjoyed the breathtaking views from Gokyo Ri and explored the Gokyo Valley, you can return to Kathmandu with a direct helicopter flight from Gokyo, ensuring a quick and comfortable end to your trek.
Key Landmarks on the EBC Gokyo Cho La Pass Route:
- Namche Bazaar: A vibrant Sherpa town with lively markets and stunning mountain views, serving as the gateway to the Everest region.
- Dole: A charming village offering scenic views and a peaceful rest stop.
- Machhermo: A key stop on the trek with impressive mountain scenery.
- Lobuche: Known for its dramatic landscape and proximity to high-altitude paths.
- Gorak Shep: The last stop before Everest Base Camp, famous for its views and historical significance.
- Kala Patthar: Offers breathtaking sunrise views of Mount Everest and other surrounding peaks.
- Everest Base Camp: The ultimate destination at the base of the world’s highest peak.
- Cho La Pass: A challenging high-altitude pass at 5,420 meters (17,782 feet), offering stunning views and a demanding ascent. It connects Lobuche and Cholatse mountains and links the Gokyo Lakes to the Everest Base Camp trek.
- Dragnag/Thangnak: A picturesque village near the Ngozumpa Glacier, perfect for a restful stop.
- Gokyo Ri: A top viewpoint providing magnificent vistas of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and the Gokyo Lakes.
- Gokyo Valley: Renowned for its beautiful glacial lakes and serene landscapes.
- Gokyo Lake: One of the fresh water, turquoise lakes in the Gokyo Valley, ideal for reflection and photography.
Cho La Pass Details:
At 5,420 meters (17,782 feet), Cho La Pass is a prominent high-altitude crossing in the Khumbu/Everest region. Nestled between the Lobuche and Cholatse peaks, it features icy ascents and challenging conditions. The pass connects the Gokyo Lakes to the Everest Base Camp trek and is typically snow-covered for about nine months of the year. Due to its icy terrain, crampons are often necessary, and trekkers should exercise caution on unstable glacier edges. Key overnight stops include Dzongla (4,830 meters) and Dragnag/Thangnak (4,750 meters).
From Cho La Pass, enjoy panoramic views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Lobuche, and the Ngozumpa Glacier, one of the longest glaciers in the region. The vista extends into the Gokyo Valley, showcasing sparkling turquoise lakes against a backdrop of snow and rock.
Moderate Trek
USD $1400 - 1700
