Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo and Chola Pass

5 Dec 2018 12 min to read

Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo and Cho La Pass: Complete Guide

The Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo and Cho La Pass is one of the best loop routes in the Khumbu region. Instead of walking up and down the same valley, you climb into the quiet Gokyo Valley, cross the high Cho La Pass (also spelled Chola), and join the classic trail to Everest Base Camp. In one trip you see turquoise glacial lakes, the huge Ngozumpa Glacier, Sherpa villages and four of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks.

The trek starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860 m). You climb to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa trading hub, and spend a day acclimatizing. From there you leave the main trail and follow the Gokyo Valley through Dole and Machhermo to the Gokyo Lakes at about 4,790 m. Most trekkers climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) for a sunrise view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu.

The hardest day comes next: crossing Cho La Pass (5,420 m). Beyond it you reach Dzongla and Lobuche, then continue to Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m). The return goes via Pheriche, Pangboche, Tengboche and Namche Bazaar.

Trek at a glance

• Duration: 15 to 18 days (16 days in the sample itinerary below)
• Highest points: Kala Patthar (5,545 m; some maps show 5,644 m) and Cho La Pass (5,420 m)
• Highest sleeping point: Gorak Shep (5,164 m)
• Difficulty: Strenuous. No technical climbing is needed, but the days are long, the altitude is high and the pass can be icy.
• Best seasons: March to May and late September to November
• Permits: Sagarmatha National Park permit and Khumbu local (rural municipality) permit
• Best for: Fit, well-prepared trekkers who want fewer crowds and more variety than the standard route

In this guide

1. Why choose the Gokyo and Cho La route
2. 16-day itinerary
3. Gokyo Valley and Gokyo Ri
4. Cho La Pass difficulty and safety
5. Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar
6. Return via Pangboche and Tengboche
7. Best time to go, month by month
8. Practical tips
9. FAQs

Why choose the Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo and Cho La Pass?

• See Everest from multiple viewpoints — enjoy different perspectives of Everest throughout the trek rather than following only the classic route.
• Explore the beautiful Gokyo Lakes — visit the turquoise glacial lakes surrounded by high Himalayan peaks.
• Cross the challenging Cho La Pass — reach around 5,420 m (17,782 ft) and experience one of the major high passes in the Everest region.
• Climb Gokyo Ri — enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and surrounding peaks.
• Visit Everest Base Camp — reach 5,364 m (17,598 ft) and experience the famous base camp of the world’s highest mountain.
• Hike to Kala Patthar — climb to approximately 5,545 m (18,192 ft) for an iconic close-up view of Everest and the Khumbu mountains.
• Experience more of the Everest region — combine the Gokyo Valley, high-altitude pass, Khumbu Valley, and Everest Base Camp in one journey.
• Enjoy varied landscapes — the route passes through forests, Sherpa villages, glacial valleys, high mountain terrain, lakes, and rocky passes.
• Experience Sherpa culture — spend time in traditional villages such as Namche Bazaar, Gokyo, and the communities of the Khumbu region.
• Take a less straightforward route to EBC — the Gokyo–Cho La route adds a more adventurous dimension compared with the standard Everest Base Camp trail.
• Challenge yourself at high altitude — the trek combines several demanding sections and is suitable for trekkers looking for a more challenging Everest adventure.
• Combine three major highlights — Gokyo Lakes + Cho La Pass + Everest Base Camp make this a comprehensive Everest-region trekking experience.

The trade-off is extra days, extra cost, and one demanding pass crossing. If you have less time, see our Shortest 6-day Everest view trek or Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return from Gorakshep.

Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo and Cho La Pass itinerary (16 days)

This is a sample plan. Your operator may adjust it for weather and how well the group is acclimatizing.

Add one or two spare days at the end. Lukla flights are often delayed by weather.

Gokyo Valley and Gokyo Ri

After Namche Bazaar, the trail turns north into the Gokyo Valley. Villages are fewer, the views open up, and the trail runs beside the Dudh Koshi River, then along the edge of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas.

The Gokyo Lakes are a chain of glacial lakes. The third lake, Dudh Pokhari, is the largest and the most photographed, and it reflects the surrounding peaks on calm mornings. You sleep beside it in the village of Gokyo.

The climb to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) takes about 3 to 4 hours from the village. It is steep but not technical. From the top you see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu, plus the lakes and glacier below. Start before dawn for the best light and the calmest wind.

Cho La Pass difficulty and safety

Cho La Pass (5,420 m) is the hardest day of the Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo and Cho La Pass. Expect 7 to 9 hours of walking from Thangnak to Dzongla.

• Terrain: Rocky, loose slopes on the western side, then a glacier section near the top that is often icy.
• Weather: Snow or wind can make the crossing much harder, so leave early, usually before sunrise.
• Views: From the top you see Cholatse, Taboche and Ama Dablam. Everest is not visible from the pass itself.
• Descent: The east side drops steeply to Dzongla. Take care on loose rock.

Safety tips for Cho La

• Carry micro spikes or crampons in icy conditions, and use trekking poles.
• Cross with a licensed guide, especially in early spring or late autumn.
• Do not attempt the crossing if you have worsening altitude symptoms.
• Ask your guide about recent snowfall before you leave Thangnak.

Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar

From Dzongla, the trail joins the main route near Lobuche, and the trek becomes more crowded. You continue to Gorak Shep (5,164 m), then walk to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m). You see the Khumbu Icefall, the Khumbu Glacier, and the walls of Nuptse. You cannot see the summit of Everest from the base camp itself.

The classic view comes the next morning from Kala Patthar (5,545 m), a black rocky ridge above Gorak Shep. At sunrise, Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse glow orange above the glacier. Start before dawn and wear your warmest layers.

Return via Pangboche and Tengboche

After Kala Patthar, the trail goes down to Pheriche, then on to Pangboche and Tengboche. This is the greenest part of the trek, and it gives some of the best views of Ama Dablam.

• Pangboche (about 3,930 m): A traditional Sherpa village of stone houses and prayer flags. It has one of the oldest monasteries in the Khumbu.
• Tengboche (about 3,860 m): A ridge-top village in rhododendron and pine forest. It has the largest monastery in the Khumbu and views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku. If you arrive in the afternoon, you can watch the monks’ prayer ceremony. Dress modestly and remove your shoes inside. Photography inside the main hall is usually not allowed.

From Tengboche the trail drops to the Dudh Koshi River and climbs back to Namche Bazaar. Then it’s a long day to Lukla for your flight to Kathmandu.

Best time for the Gokyo and Cho La trek

March–May and late September–November are best for the Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo and Cho La Pass. Temperatures vary by year and altitude, so check the forecast with your operator before you go.

Practical tips for the Gokyo and Cho La trek

1. Give yourself enough days. 16 to 18 days is realistic. Extra days help acclimatization and cover weather delays.
2. Acclimatize properly. Follow “climb high, sleep low.” Rest at Namche and Gokyo, and add a night if you feel the altitude.
3. Know the signs of altitude sickness. Persistent headache, nausea, dizziness and poor sleep are warnings. Never ascend with worsening symptoms.
4. Walk slowly. The local saying “bistari, bistari” means “slowly, slowly.”
5. Stay hydrated. Drink 3 to 4 litres a day, and use purification tablets instead of buying plastic bottles.
6. Pack in layers. Bring a base layer, fleece, down jacket and waterproof shell. Nights above 4,000 m are well below freezing.
7. Bring the right gear. Broken-in waterproof boots, trekking poles, a four-season sleeping bag, sunglasses, sunscreen and a headlamp. Add microspikes for Cho La.
8. Get travel insurance. It should cover helicopter evacuation and trekking up to at least 6,000 m.
9. Sort your permits. You need the Sagarmatha National Park permit and the Khumbu local permit. Rules change, so confirm the current requirements with your agency.
10. Carry cash. ATMs are rare and unreliable above Namche. Bring small Nepali rupee notes for tea, charging, hot showers and Wi-Fi.
11. Expect Lukla flight delays. Keep two or three spare days before your international flight.
12. Eat simple and warm. Dal bhat gives lasting energy. Avoid meat at altitude because it is often carried up unrefrigerated.
13. Hire a guide or porter. A licensed guide helps with navigation, acclimatization decisions and the Cho La crossing. A porter supports local jobs and lightens your load.
14. Train before you go. Build stamina with hiking, stair climbing and cardio for 6 to 8 weeks.
15. Respect local culture. Walk clockwise around mani stones and prayer walls, ask before photographing people, and carry out your rubbish.

Frequently Asked Questions: Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo and Cho La Pass

1. How many days does the trek take?
Most itineraries take 15 to 18 days, including acclimatization days. Add a spare day or two for Lukla flight delays.

2. How difficult is the Gokyo and Cho La Pass trek?
It is strenuous. No technical climbing is needed, but the days are long, the altitude is high and the pass can be icy.

3. How hard is the Cho La Pass crossing?
It is the hardest day of the trek, taking 7 to 9 hours from Thangnak to Dzongla. Expect rocky slopes and an icy glacier section near the top.

4. How high is Cho La Pass?
About 5,420 m (17,782 ft). It is the highest point on the route apart from Kala Patthar (5,545 m).

5. Is Cho La Pass dangerous?
It is manageable in good weather with a guide, but it can be risky after snowfall. Start early and turn back if conditions look unsafe.

6. What is the best time to do this trek?
March to May and late September to November. These months have the clearest skies and the most stable weather.

7. Can I do the Cho La Pass in winter or monsoon?
It’s not recommended. Winter brings heavy snow and extreme cold, and the monsoon brings rain, cloud and slippery trails.

8. Which is better, Gokyo Ri or Kala Patthar?
They offer different views. Gokyo Ri shows four 8,000 m peaks and the lakes, and Kala Patthar gives the classic close-up of Everest. This route gives you both.

9. Do I need a guide for Cho La Pass?
It is strongly recommended. A guide helps with route-finding, weather decisions and safety on the icy section.

10. What permits do I need?
A Sagarmatha National Park permit and a Khumbu local (rural municipality) permit. Your agency can arrange both.

11. Is this trek better than the standard Everest Base Camp trek?
It is quieter and more varied, with lakes, a high pass and a loop route. It also takes longer, costs more and is harder.

12. How do I avoid altitude sickness?
Walk slowly, rest at Namche Bazaar and Gokyo, and drink 3 to 4 litres of water a day. Never ascend with worsening symptoms.

13. What gear do I need for Cho La Pass?
Waterproof boots, trekking poles, warm layers, a four-season sleeping bag and a headlamp. Add microspikes for icy conditions.

14. Can beginners do this trek?
Fit first-time trekkers can do it, but the standard Everest Base Camp trek is an easier start. This route suits people with some multi-day trekking experience.

15. Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Choose a policy that covers trekking up to at least 6,000 m and helicopter evacuation.

Conclusion

The Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo and Cho La Pass combines the Gokyo Lakes, a high Himalayan pass and Everest Base Camp in a single loop. It is tougher and longer than the standard route, but it rewards you with quieter trails, more variety, and unforgettable views.

Ready to plan it? Contact Safe Holiday Adventure for a customized itinerary, permits and an experienced guide. You can also explore:

• Everest Base Camp to Gokyo Trek
• Trek to Gokyo and way back by helicopter
• Trekking to Everest Base Camp without Taking a Flight
• Everest Base Camp Trek
• Affordable Gokyo Trek
• Budget Everest Base Camp Trek

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