Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Valley and Cho la Pass

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  • Trip Duration 18 Days
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty Moderate
  • Trip Cost Contact Us
  • Trip Style Trekking
  • Transportation Private Vehicle / Aeroplane
  • Meals Breakfast in Kathmandu and all meals during the trek
  • Accommodation Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and lodge/teahouses during the trek
  • Group-Size 1-16 people
  • Max-Altitude 5,554m/18,192ft
  • Arrival at Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Departure from Kathmandu, Nepal
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Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Valley and Cho La Pass

Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Valley and Cho La Pass is a moderately difficult high mountain trek for the adventurous which is Situated in the Sagarmatha National Park, Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Valley and Cho La Pass encompasses Mount Everest in the Khumbu Region 8,848m. (29,029 ft.), Lhotse (8,516m.), Makalu (8,463m.), Cho-Oyu (8,201m.), Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Tawache, Thamserku, and many more incredible mountains.

Everest, as the highest peak in the world, is the soul of the Himalayas.  Everest Base Camp and the surrounding area is the main attraction of Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Valley and Cho La Pass.  You will also visit Gokyo Valley and breathtaking Gokyo Lake which are among the most beautiful in the world. You will see firsthand the culture of Nepal.  You will experience the Sherpa people whose lives are steeped in Buddhism, visit the renowned Tengboche Monastery and explore Namche Bazaar and other villages and special places.

Sagarmatha National Park is the highest national park in the world; UNESCO declared the park a world heritage site in 1979.  Lake Gokyo was declared wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention in 2007.

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 01:KATHMANDU: ARRIVAL DAY
  • Day 02:KATHMANDU: SIGHTSEEING AND TREK PREPERATION
  • Day 03:KATHMANDU TO LUKLA FLIGHT AND TREK TO PHAKDING
  • Day 04:Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,438m/11,280 ft.): 11km, 5 - 6 hours
  • Day 05:Acclimatization Day - Namche Bazaar: (3,440m/11,284ft)
  • Day 06:Namche Bazaar to Dhole (4200m/13,779ft.): 10 km, 6-7 hours trek
  • Day 07:Dhole to Machhermo (4,470m/ 14,663ft.): 10km, 4-5 hours
  • Day 08:Machhermo to Gokyo (4,800 m/15,744 ft.): 7km, 4-5 hours
  • Day 09:Gokyo Valley: Acclimatization Day
  • Day 10:Gokyo to Thagnak (4750 m/15,580 ft.): 4km, 4 - 5 hours
  • Day 11:Thagnak to Cho La pass (5,367m/17,604 ft) to Dzongla (15, 939 ft.): 7km, 7 - 8 hours
  • Day 12:Dzongla to Lobuche (4940 m/16,207 ft.): 6km, 2 - 3 hours
  • Day 13:Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,170 m/16,961ft), visit Everest Base Camp (5,364 m/17,594 ft): 13km, 6-7 hours
  • Day 14:Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft) to Pherice (4,288m/14,070ft): 16km, 7-8 hours
  • Day 15:Pheriche to Namche Bazaar: 20km, 6 - 7 hours
  • Day 16:Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft): 19km, 6 - 7 hours
  • Day 17:LUKLA TO KATHMANDU
  • Day 18:Final departure

Cost Includes:

  • Airport / Hotel pick up & drop off by private tourist vehicle.
  • Meals: Breakfast in Kathmandu. All meals during the trek. 
  • Hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast.
  • Teahouses during the trek.
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
  • All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary.
  • Local, licensed, proficient English-speaking guide.
  • The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests).
  • Food, accommodation, salary, transportation, insurance, equipment, and medicine for our staff.
  • Sagarmatha National Park permits ACAP and TIMS permits for trekking.
  • Down Jacket and sleeping bag by Tourist Saga Tourism (which must be returned after the trek).
  • Complimentary snacks (cookies, fresh fruits) on the trek.
  • Farewell dinner in typical Nepali Restaurant with cultural dance.
  • All Nepali government taxes, vat, tourist service charges.
  • Official expenses.
  • Note: You can spend as much time as you like in the mountains. The above itinerary is a guideline.  If you want to stay longer, we can be flexible and arrange that for you. Please also note that after the formal start your trip we cannot refund any amount.

Cost Excludes:

  • Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu (Requires approximately USD or equivalent currency $15 to $25 per person per day)
  • Travel insurance which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation (compulsory).
  • Nepal entry visa; you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. See above for information.
  • Mineral water, alcoholic, and cold drinks.
  • Personal trekking equipment.
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, shower, etc.)
  • Tips for guide, porter (Tipping is expected).
  • Any other expenses which are not mentioned on ‘Cost Includes' section.
  • Day 01: KATHMANDU: ARRIVAL DAY

    Altitude: 1,350m/4,428ft:

    A hearty welcome to Kathmandu, the Nepalese capital and cultural hub. We’ll be waiting with a warm greeting at the airport and will transfer you to your hotel by private tourist car. In the early evening, you will be introduced to your guide and briefed about the trek.

    • Day 02: KATHMANDU: SIGHTSEEING AND TREK PREPERATION

      After breakfast, we will go on a cultural tour to some of the most historic and architectural attractions in Kathmandu valley which are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. We visit the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath), historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and Hindu divine temple of Pashupatinath. In the evening, you will be introduced to fellow participants, and we will briefly discuss the trip.

      • Day 03: KATHMANDU TO LUKLA FLIGHT AND TREK TO PHAKDING

        Altitude: 2,800m/9,184ft (Lukla) & 2,652m/8,698ft (Phakding). Walking Distance: 8km (3-4 hours) Flight time: 30 min.
        Your big moment is finally here and we wish you good luck with each step to view the highest mountain in the world. After a short morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, you will be introduced to your porters. These men are the unsung heroes of Nepal. They will carry your luggage all the way to Base Camp and back.
        The walk from Lukla to Phakding is easy. We will probably stop for our first mountain lunch in Chaurikharka village depending on our hunger and time of our arrival in Lukla. We will descend towards Dudh Koshi Ghat, 2,530 (8,300ft). The trail follows the bank of the Dudh Koshi River until we arrive at our overnight village, Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft). Enjoy your free time in Phakding, a very popular shopping village.

        • Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,438m/11,280 ft.): 11km, 5 - 6 hours

          Altitude: 3,440m/11,283ft Walking Distance: 11km (6-7 hours)
          Today is the day of suspension bridges along the Dudh koshi River. After breakfast, we will hit the trekking road to Namche Bazaar, the biggest Sherpa Village in Nepal. Our trail will take us over the Dudh Kkoshi River via a long suspension bridge and then through a beautiful pine forest to Monjo. Soon thereafter, we will approach the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park (the world’s highest National Park) for a brief permit check. Then we will descend to the Dudh Kosi River (Spotting Mani Stones along the way) on route to Jorsale. We will stop for a well deserved lunch here, before we start the uphill to Namche Bazaar. Our path along the riverbank is flanked by two crossings, one of which is the Hillary Suspension Bridge. It is quite a steep uphill to Namche Bazaar where we will stay overnight.

          • Day 05: Acclimatization Day - Namche Bazaar: (3,440m/11,284ft)

            Altitude: 3,440m/11,283ft
            Today will be spent resting and allowing our bodies to acclimatize to the altitude. Namche Bazaar is well known as the gateway to Mt. Everest and is the main village of the Khumbu region. You will find Government Offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, and a colorful market. Our guides can take you to explore the real charm of Namche Bazaar. Hiking to Sagarmatha National Park rewards trekkers with a sunrise view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kongde.
            There is an optional two hour trip to the Everest View Point. From here, we can decide if we want to walk another three hours uphill to explore the beautiful Khumjung village (Mt. Hillary School) which will help with acclimatization. For those of you who do not want to walk to the Everest View Point and to the Khumjung Village, you will have time to explore Namche Bazaar and can check out the Sherpa Museum for an overview of the Sherpa culture. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

            • Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Dhole (4200m/13,779ft.): 10 km, 6-7 hours trek

              We start our day on the Everest highway for about an hour. Then our trail starts GOING uphill along the left-hand side of the Dudh Kosi Valley. We will visit Mong, the birthplace of Lama Sange Dorje who is believed to have introduced Buddhism to the Khumbu region of Nepal. From there, the trail goes downhill, at times steeply; there is a chance we will see mountain goats along the way. Next, the trail descends for a couple of hundred meters until we are close to the Dudh Koshi River. Again we will head uphill through pine forest. This part of the trek is quite difficult. We will reach the village of Dhole in the afternoon. Overnight in Dhole.

              • Day 07: Dhole to Machhermo (4,470m/ 14,663ft.): 10km, 4-5 hours

                Today, the hike will be short compared to the first days. From Dhole it is an uphill climb to Machhermo. Before the village of Luza, you will see a Chhorten which is a symbolic stupa. Throughout today’s journey we will be walking alongside the Dudh Koshi River. The trail will end at Machhermo which is in a high valley with views of beautiful Mt. Cho-Oyu. We will have lunch and overnight in Machhermo.

                • Day 08: Machhermo to Gokyo (4,800 m/15,744 ft.): 7km, 4-5 hours

                  We start today with excellent views of high Himalayan mountains including Cho-Oyu (8,186m.) and Mt. Kangtega (6,782m). This beautiful valley widens as we hike up the left hand side of it. We will slightly descend to the riverbank before climbing onto the terminal moraine of the Ngazumpa Glacier on a steep trail. Upon crossing an iron bridge over a stream, the trail levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo, at 4,690 meters. As the trail more or less flattens out, the second lake will be in front of us. A little further past the second lake, we will reach the third lake; these two lakes are linked by a surging stream. Gokyo, a small village stands on the right hand side of the third lake. After lunch, we will explore the third lake, Dudh Pokhari. Overnight in Gokyo.

                  • Day 09: Gokyo Valley: Acclimatization Day

                    Today we will explore the beautiful valley. If weather is clear early in the morning, we can climb Gokyo Ri (5,360m). From there, the morning sun on Everest, which towers over all the surrounding peaks, is magnificent. This is a very popular peak where we can enjoy breathtaking views of some of the highest mountains in the world including Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Makulu. Climbing to the top of Gokyo Ri is demanding; it is steep and takes about 2-3 hours to reach the top. The scenery of Gokyo village, on the edge of the third lake overlooked by Cholatse and the largest Nogzumpa Glacier, is also magnificent. It is surrounded by panoramic mountains - Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest and Pumori. Another option for acclimatization is to walk 3 km north of Gokyo to enjoy the serene beauty of the fourth lake, Thonak Tsho and continue to the 5th lake, Ngozumba Tsho. Overnight in Gokyo Valley.

                    • Day 10: Gokyo to Thagnak (4750 m/15,580 ft.): 4km, 4 - 5 hours

                      After breakfast, we will trek to Ngazumpa Glacier. We must be careful if there is snow on the trail. The hike to Thagnak is short. We will have plenty of time in the afternoon to prepare for tomorrow’s hike to Cho La Pass. Overnight in Thagnak.

                      • Day 11: Thagnak to Cho La pass (5,367m/17,604 ft) to Dzongla (15, 939 ft.): 7km, 7 - 8 hours

                        Today’s trek is one of the highlights of this trip. We will start early in the morning with the help of our head lamps. For the first hour, the trail goes gradually uphill. After we reach Phadi, it becomes steeper and narrower. We must be careful in this region. Some areas will be slippery due to ice and others may have rock falls. Our minds may wander due to the effects of very high altitude and the magnificent beauty of the trail. It’s a good idea to walk slowly, take deep breaths and stay with the group members. By 9 o’clock we will be at the top of Cho La where we can take photos for a short time. Ama Dablam presides over a range of mountains on the south even as Cholatse soars to the west, Lobuche East and Baruntse rises sharply to our right. After crossing the pass, we will feel more relaxed as we enter in a new valley surrounded by higher mountains. The trail goes downhill, at times steeply; again we will tread cautiously. Finally we will finish our long day at Dzongla.

                        • Day 12: Dzongla to Lobuche (4940 m/16,207 ft.): 6km, 2 - 3 hours

                          Today is a kind of rest day because it is only a short walk from here to Lobuche. We will walk on a gradual downhill for the first hour. The rest of the trail is more or less rocky and flat. This is the Everest Valley. In front of us is Pumary and Lobuche; to the right hand side is Lhotse, Nuptse and many more. We can rest in Lobuche after lunch. We will prepare for tomorrow which is our final destination in this trek.

                          • Day 13: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,170 m/16,961ft), visit Everest Base Camp (5,364 m/17,594 ft): 13km, 6-7 hours

                            Altitude: 5,180m/16,994ft (Gorekshep) & 5,364m/17,598 (EBC) Walking distance: 15km (6-8 hours)
                            Finally our dream comes true!! Our big and long day starts early in the morning with an easy trek from Lobuche to Gorek Shep. Gorek Shep, situated at an altitude of more than 5,000m, is the last settlement in this trek. We will stop for a lunch break here. After lunch and a rest, we will trek slowly to our destination. We will approach the Khumbu Glacier and icefall, located on the slopes of Mt. Everest. Our goal will be fulfilled as soon as we reach Base Camp. During the spring climbing season, you might meet climbers who will attempt to scale the summit of Mt. Everest. Just before sunset, we will return and walk all the way back to Gorekshep for some much needed rest and relaxation. If you would like to walk up Kala Patthar to view the sunset please let us know. Weather permitting, we can arrange for the hike.

                            • Day 14: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft) to Pherice (4,288m/14,070ft): 16km, 7-8 hours

                              Altitude: 5,545m/18,192ft (Kala Patthar) & 4,320m/14,173ft (Pheriche) Walking distance: 11-12km (5-6 hours)
                              We prepare for an early morning departure to Kala Patthar (which means black rock), amid pre-dawn darkness and super cold temperatures (5°C to -14° C) for an amazing and glorious view of Mt. Everest. The day’s first light will illuminate spectacular views of Nuptse, Pumary and Lhotse mountains. This is the central attraction of your journey. You will have time to capture these amazing moments of Everest and its neighboring peaks. After the sunrise, we will return to Gorek Shep and enjoy a lovely warm breakfast before we start our trek back, slowly but surely to Pheriche. Overnight in Pheriche.

                              • Day 15: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar: 20km, 6 - 7 hours

                                Altitude: 3,440m/11,284ft: Walking distance: 13-15km (7-8 hours)
                                The walk from Pheriche to Namche is a long but easy walk. Most of today’s trek will be heading down, but we will need to climb before we reach Tengboche. From Tengboche, the trail will go all the way down to the river where we will cross a bridge and reach Phunke Tenga. From here we will walk uphill for about an hour to the Everest highway. Then we will walk back, nice and easy, to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar for a good rest and relaxation.

                                • Day 16: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft): 19km, 6 - 7 hours

                                  Altitude: 2,800m/9,184ft (Lukla): Walking distance: 19 km (6-7 hours)
                                  After breakfast, we will trek towards the Hillary Suspension Bridge and pass through several local villages. As the trail descends steeply, you will notice more greenery and forests along the Dudh Koshi River. From Phakding, the trail ascends slightly to Lukla. Finally, we made it! Well done to your great achievement and teamwork. You have accomplished a physical feat of which others may only dream. Tonight, is our last night in a teahouse and in the mountains. We will organize a farewell dinner party for our trekking crew.

                                  • Day 17: LUKLA TO KATHMANDU

                                    Altitude: 1,350m/4,428ft Flight time: 30 min morning.
                                    After an early morning flight to Kathmandu, Zam Zam Treking will take you to your hotel where you can enjoy a hot shower, a rest and some afternoon souvenir shopping. If you want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, you can arrange it with your guide. There will be a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of our journey. Overnight in Kathmandu.

                                    • Day 18: Final departure

                                      Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! We wish you all the best!! We can exchange emails and photos with travel companions and Zam Zam Trekking P. LTD. A representative from Zam Zam Trekking will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight.

                                      Departure Detail

                                      Trip Note

                                      You are most welcome to create your own itinerary list. Please note that, if possible, we always suggest that you plan one or two extra days in your trip.

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