Gokyo, Cho La and Everest Base Camp Trek
The Gokyo, Cho La and Everest Base Camp trek links the two great valleys of the Khumbu in one 17-day loop. Walk from Namche Bazaar up the quiet Gokyo valley to the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 m), cross the Ngozumpa Glacier and the high, glaciated Cho La (about 5,420 m), then continue to Lobuche, Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar (5,545 m) before returning through Pheriche and Namche.
Graded challenging for the pass and the altitude, it suits fit trekkers who want more than the standard EBC route. Lukla flights, permits, a licensed guide, porters, teahouses and all meals on the trek are included.
Trip highlights
- Gokyo Lakes and the Ngozumpa Glacier
- Sunrise from Gokyo Ri (5,357 m)
- Crossing Cho La (about 5,420 m)
- Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar (5,545 m)
- Namche Bazaar, Sherpa villages and monasteries
Short itinerary
View detailed itinerary- Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) 1,400 m
- Day 2 Fly to Lukla (2,860 m), trek to Phakding (2,610 m) 2,860 m
- Day 3 Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) 3,440 m
- Day 4 Acclimatisation day in Namche 3,880 m
- Day 5 Trek to Dole (4,040 m) 4,040 m
- Day 6 Trek to Machhermo (4,470 m) 4,470 m
- Day 7 Trek to Gokyo (4,790 m) 4,790 m
- Day 8 Gokyo Ri (5,357 m), trek to Thagnak (4,700 m) 5,357 m
- Day 9 Cross Cho La (about 5,420 m) to Dzongla (4,830 m) 5,420 m
- Day 10 Trek to Lobuche (4,940 m) 4,940 m
- Day 11 Trek to Gorak Shep (5,164 m) and Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) 5,364 m
- Day 12 Kala Patthar (5,545 m), trek to Pheriche (4,240 m) 5,545 m
- Day 13 Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) 3,440 m
- Day 14 Trek to Lukla (2,860 m) 2,860 m
- Day 15 Fly to Kathmandu 1,400 m
- Day 16 Spare day in Kathmandu 1,400 m
- Day 17 Departure from Kathmandu 1,400 m
Gokyo, Cho La and Everest Base Camp Trek overview
Quick answer: this trek takes 17 days from Kathmandu, crossing Cho La (about 5,420 m) between Gokyo and the Everest Base Camp trail, reaching 5,545 m at Kala Patthar. It costs from US$1,790 per person and is graded challenging.
Most trekkers walk up and down the same valley to Everest Base Camp. This route makes a loop: up the Gokyo valley, over Cho La, and down the main EBC trail. You see both the Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp, acclimatise naturally on the way, and enjoy two of the best viewpoints in the region, Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar. It is less demanding than the full Three Passes trek, with one high pass instead of three.
At a glance
| Trip fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 17 days (14 days of trekking) |
| High points | Gokyo Ri 5,357 m; Cho La about 5,420 m; Kala Patthar 5,545 m |
| Grade | Challenging |
| Start and finish | Lukla, by flight from Kathmandu or Ramechhap |
| Permits | Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee |
| Best time | October–November, April–May |
| Cost | From US$1,790 per person |
About Cho La
Cho La is a steep, rocky pass with a short glacier crossing near the top. In autumn and spring it is usually passable with care, but ice and fresh snow can make it slippery, and microspikes are often needed. Our guides check conditions and will reroute via Phortse if the pass is unsafe.
Day-by-day itinerary
What’s included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles
- 3 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Return flights Kathmandu (or Ramechhap) – Lukla, with transfers
- Sagarmatha National Park permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek (13 nights)
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek
- Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide trained in first aid
- Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers) with their wages, food, lodging and insurance
- All government and local taxes
Not included
- International flights to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance covering trekking to 5,600 m and helicopter evacuation (compulsory)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trek
- Extra nights caused by early return, flight delays, landslides or cancellations
- Helicopter evacuation or charter
- Personal equipment and expenses
- Tips for your guide and porters
Useful info
Fitness and preparation
You need good fitness and ideally previous trekking experience. The Cho La day is long and steep, with rough ground and a short glacier crossing. Train for three months with long hill walks, stairs and cardio.
Altitude sickness
The highest point is 5,545 m at Kala Patthar, with nights at 5,164 m in Gorak Shep. Most people feel the altitude a little: a mild headache, poor sleep, less appetite. Go slowly, drink 3–4 litres a day, skip the beer until you are back down, and tell your guide straight away if you feel worse. Going down is the cure that always works. Ask your doctor before you travel whether altitude medication makes sense for you.
Weather and temperatures
Autumn is clear and cold; nights at Gokyo, Dzongla and Gorak Shep are −10°C to −15°C. Fresh snow or ice on Cho La can make the crossing slower; microspikes are often needed.
Domestic flights and baggage
Lukla flights are weather-dependent; in peak season many flights use Ramechhap. The spare day in Kathmandu covers most delays.
Permits
The Sagarmatha National Park permit and the Khumbu municipality fee are included.
Money, charging and Wi-Fi
Carry Nepali rupees for drinks, snacks, showers and charging, and get them in the city; mountain ATMs are rare and unreliable. Wi-Fi is available in many lodges for a small fee. A power bank is worth packing.
Drinking water
Buy boiled or filtered water at lodges or use purification tablets or a filter with a refillable bottle, instead of buying plastic bottles.
Travel insurance
You need travel insurance that covers trekking to 5,600 m, medical care and helicopter rescue. We ask for your policy details before you arrive.
Visa
You can usually get a Nepal visa on arrival at the airport or apply online in advance. Check that your passport is valid for at least six months, and pack a few passport photos for permits.
Packing list
Clothing
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Fleece jacket or mid-layer
- Warm down jacket (can be borrowed from us)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers
- Trekking trousers and shirts
- Warm hat, sun hat and buff
- Liner gloves and insulated gloves
- Trekking socks
Footwear
- Broken-in waterproof trekking boots
- Camp shoes or sandals for the lodges
Equipment
- Sleeping bag rated to about −15°C (can be borrowed from us)
- Daypack of 25–35 litres with rain cover
- Trekking poles
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Water bottles and purification tablets
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Power bank and charging cables
- Microspikes for Cho La (ask us before departure)
- Category 3–4 sunglasses
Personal items
- High-factor sunscreen and lip balm
- Personal first-aid kit and medication
- Toiletries, quick-dry towel and wet wipes
- Snacks such as energy bars and nuts
- Passport, insurance details and copies
Add-ons & trip options
Choose add-ons and quantities on the booking form.
More trip options, quoted on request:
- Renjo La to make the Three Passes route.
- Extra day at Gokyo for the fifth lake.
- Helicopter return from Gorak Shep.
Frequently asked questions
17 days from Kathmandu.
About 5,420 m.
Challenging, mainly because of the Cho La crossing and altitude.
From US$1,790 per person.
Often yes; we advise before you travel.
Yes, because of the pass, but the loop gives better acclimatisation and more variety.
We reroute via Phortse to rejoin the EBC trail.
October–November and April–May.
Yes, to make the full Three Passes route.
Yes, a licensed guide is required.