Big Sky Treks and Expeditions Nepal: Everest Base Camp and Cho-La pass Trekking route

Everest Base Camp and Gokyo ri trekking route follows next to the Mt Everest trail of Gokyo Lake Valley then other rest of hiking journey includes regular base camp way.

The entire trek leads through the heartland of the Sherpa people who are the original inhalant of the highland. Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp Trek passes numerous picturesque typical Sherpa villages and many colorful gompas. Gokyo Cho La Pass Everest Base camp trekking is also known as Everest Circuit trek, thus it is one of the most famous and adventurous treks in the Everest region. Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp Trek will take you to climb up one of the best panoramic view point Gokyo Ri atop (5350m).

The first day of the Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp trek starts 35 minute a short mountain flight to Lukla then follows to Namche Bazzar through by crossing Dudh Koshi (milky) River valley. It follows the route via high pass of Cho La Pass at 5330 meters into the Base Camp of Mount Everest. Along the way of Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp trek you will be passing grazing settlement of Yak to reach the Gokyo lakes and we climb the Gokyo Ri peak for the Panoramic views. You will get an opportunity observe the stunning scenery of Mt. Everest, Makalu and Cho Oyo (8021m) Mt Everest 8848 m and many more other surrounding peaks. After the pass you will drop to the other side of Khumbu valley which take you to explore from Kala Patthar (5545m) ascent and probably the best views of Mt Everest.

Fact about Everest Base camp and gokyo ri trekking route

Starting from : Kathmandu

Ending at : Kathmandu

Grade :Difficulties

Highest access of the trek :5545m (Kalapathar top )

Culture encounter :Sherpas

Trekking type : Teahouse

Himalayan sights : Everest (8848m), Mt Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Nuptse (7855 m), Mt. Pumori (7161m), Mt. Changtse (7550m), Mt. Lingtren (6679m), Mt. Amadablam (6856 m), Mt. Thamserku (6723m), Mt. Kantega( 6685m), Mt.Kusum Kangaru (6367m), Mt.Kongde (6011m), Mt. Khumbila (5761 m) , Mt. Twache peak (6367m), Mt. Cholatse (6335m), Island peak (6179m), Lobuche peak (6145m), Pokalde peak (5806m), Honku south peak (6119 m)

Most Attraction of the trek : Close Mountain View, Villages and local people

Best Season : September to November , March to May

Meal : breakfast, lunch, & Dinner)

Activities : Trekking

Transportation : By car and Plane

Accommodation : Teahouse

Per day Walking : 5 to 7 hours per day

Itinerary type : Fixed / Customized

Everest Base camp and gokyo ri trekking route program

Day 1: Arrive in kathmandu and transfer to the hotel by van

Day 2: Rest day In kathmandu or sightseeing In Kathmandu Valley

Day 3: Fly to Lukla Trek to Phakding (2640m).

Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m).

Day 5: Rest day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization./explore around Khumjung Village

Day 6 :Trek to Tengboche (3867m).

Day 7: Trek to Dingboche (4343m).

Day 8: Rest at Dingboche for acclimatization. On this day it is possible to make side trip towards Chhukung (4730m).

Day 9: Trek to Lobuche Village(4840m).

Day 10: Trek to Gorakshep (5321m.) to Everest Base Camp (5486m.) to Gorakshep.

Day 11: Trek to Kala Pathar (5545m) and trek Dzongla (4843 M)

Day 12: Early morning wake up and start the trek for chola pass (5420m) and trek to Thanga

Day 13 : Trek to gokyo lake ( 4750M) and explore to gokyo Ri

Day 14: Trek to Dole (4040m)

Day 15: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m).

Day 16: Trek to Lukla ( 2800m)

Day 17: Fly to Kathmandu

Day 18: Leisure day in Kathmandu

Day 19: Fly to home

Detail itinerary for Everest Base camp , chola pass and gokyo ri trekking route

Day 1 : Arrive in kathmandu (1400 M)

Arrive in Kathmandu airport and we will meet and transferred to hotel. Evening time explore Thamel yourself and overnight at hotel in Kathmandu

Day 2: Kathmandu Valley Tour, Trek Preparation (1400 M)

Take a morning tour of Kathmandu city after breakfast, and see all the main sights of the Kathmandu Valley, including the Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), and Durbar Square. and discuss about the trekking for any final checks of your trekking equipment and clothing (sleeping bags, jacket, boots etc.)

Day 3 :Day 3: Fly to Lukla (2860 m) 30 min & Trek to Phakding (2610 m)
Trekking distance 8 kms – Approximately 3 Hours walk

Early in the morning transfer to domestic airport to board a flight to Lukla (2860 m) and which takes about 30 minutes. The flight to Lukla will be one of the scenic lifetime experiences as you fly over the majestic rocky spiky mountain.

Note: because of the weather condition there is high chances of cancelling the flight schedule and sometimes need to wait for long hours. Upon arrival at Lukla start trekking until we reach to Phakding. The trail to Phakding lets you discover the green landscape with a scenic view of Kusum Kang Karu Mountain; beautiful Chaurikharka village on the bank of the Dudh Kosi River is another highlights. Walking about 3 hours up and down we reach to Phakding in the afternoon. Today is our first day of trekking and we don't walk much. If you are interested you can explore the village and Monastery in the evening.

Day 4: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m)
Trekking distance 10.5km approximately 6 Hours walks.

After breakfast start trekking through a beautiful pine forest that leads us along the Dudh Koshi River and Hillary Suspension Bridge to reach to Monjo and starting point of Sagarmatha National Park. Here we stop at check post of TIMS & National Park permit. The trail passes through the Dudh Koshi, Bhote Koshi River, Jorsale village, Large Dovan and cross one of the highest bridge over the Dudh Kosi River of Everest region and reach to Chautara from where we can see the first glimpse of the Mt. Everest. Further walking about one hour steep up we reach to Namche bazar. Namche bazar is one of the trading points for Sherpa people. It is also ideal market for visitors to purchase traditional crafts. If you missed any trekking gears don't worry you can buy some trekking gears over here as well. Every Saturday there would be local street market, do not miss if you are there on Saturday.

Day 5: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar

Today is the schedule for acclimatization. However, we do not spend worth less at the lodge. It is highly suggested to climb up and stay overnight at low altitude so our body can adjust the high altitude climate. In the morning visit near by attraction; Sherpa Culture Museum and Everest photo Gallery, which is just 15-minute walking distance from Namche Bazar. From the museum you can have the spectacular picturesque Mountain View and take some photographs. Then start trekking to Everest view hotel passing through Syangboche Airport (3700m), which is situated at the highest altitude, takes about 2 hours. We climb further to reach Mt. Everest View Hotel for great panoramic views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Tawache, Kusum Kangkaru, Thamserku, Kongde and many more. Enjoy the spectacular view of mountains including Mt. Everest from the nearest destination then trek back to Namche Bazar.

Day 6: Namche bazar to Tengboche (3870m)
Trekking Distance 10 kms – Approximately 6 Hours walk

Take breakfast early in the morning and start trekking from Namche bazar to Tengboche. On the way trekking trail offers the spectacular majestic views of mountains and natural beauties. The trail passes through Kayanuma, Sansa and descends about 300m and reach to Dudh Koshi suspension Bridge. After crossing the River the trail is steep up ascend about 500m and we reach on the hilltop called the Tengboche village. Tengboche is a wonderful place for scenic views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse and Mt. Ama Dablam and It has the biggest Buddhist monastery (3870m) called Tengboche Monastery. The structure of monastery for the first time was built I in 19 23 AD. In 1934, it was destroyed by earthquake and rebuilt. It was destroyed by fire again in 1989 and rebuilt with the help of volunteers and the provision of foreign aid. Explore the village, local people and the Tengboche monastery in the evening.

Day 7: Tengboche to Dingboche (4530 m)
Trekking distance 11kms – Approximately 6 Hours walk

Early in the morning if you are interested visit the Tengboche monastery for pray, ceremony in the principle and popularity of Monastery in Everest region. Try to be there before 7:30am, observe the monks praying and you can also involve therefore pray. After breakfast trek from Tengboche to Dingboche, also known as Summer Valley, which will take approximately 6 hours. At first we trek via Debuche, cross bridge over Imja Khola and trek along the beautiful green fields, protected lands & the village of Pangboche (3900m). The trail is step up for entire day to reach to Dingboche. The village of Somare (4010m) and Orsho are on the way and offer the excellent view of Mt. Ama Dablam along the trail. We descend to the river and follow the steep up trail to reach the Dingboche via north face of the Pheriche village. Trekking about 3 hours from Pangboche we reach to the Dingboche village.

Day 8: Acclimatization day in Dingboche (4530 m), Hike to Chhukung (4730m) or Nangkartshang Peak (5100 m)

Option 1

Again it is necessary to take the day rest and acclimatize before go higher altitude, we spend our rest day in Dingboche. After breakfast with spectacular sunrise view over the mountain and admiring Ama Dablam to the South, Mt. Lotse and numerous other peaks. We hike to Chhukung which takes about 3-4 hours to explore the spectacular mountain, we can see the three out of six highest mountain in the world from the viewpoint, which are Mt. Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Makalu (8485m) and Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m) as well as you will you will see the peak of Cholatse (6440m) and Taboche (6542m) to the west. Then we back to Dingboche & rest in the evening.

Option 2

Nangkartshang Peak is a spectacular viewpoint in the Khumbu. The peak is above Dingboche after breakfast we start to hike up to Nangkartshang Peak around 2 Hours with beautiful mountain view and back to Dingboche and rest in evening

Day 9: Dingboche to Lobuche (4910m)
Trekking distance 12kms / Approximately 6 hours

Trek to Lobuche via Khumbu Khola valley & Duglha (4530m) (also known as Thukla) that leads to the white Chorten on the top of the ridge. Then further continue through Dusa(4530m), Palrung Kharka and you will see the Chola peak and at the bottom Chola Lake (4590m) on the left hand side. At the top of the ridge we will find a collection of stones with prayer flags, memorials of several famous mountaineers such as memorial of US citizen mountaineer Scott Fisher and Nepali citizen 10 times Everest submitter Nepali mountain guide Babu Chiri Sharpa who perished on a mission to submit Mt. Everest. Along the way as the trail further continue to the Khumbu Glacier moraine, you witness a great view of Mt. Pumori (7161m), Khumbutse, Khumbu peak, Nuptse, Baruche, Lola peak and beautiful views of Himalayas. As we pass the Khumbu glacier moraine you might feel a little out of breath due to high altitude.

Day 10: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5180m) Hike to Everest Base, Camp (5364m) & back to Gorak Shep
Trekking distance 15Kms / Approximately 8 Hours

Trekking to Gorak Shep passes through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier with the witness of north ridge of Mt Everest, Mt. Pumori, Mahalangur and Mt. Nuptse and surrounding peaks. Trekking after approximately 3 hours from Lobuche, we will reach at Gorak Shep. Take Lunch at Gorakshep and have rest for a while. Gorakshep is the last place where you stay . From Gorak Shep continue trekking to reach Everest Base Camp, which is one of the ultimate destinations of our trekking and will take approximately another 3 hours. On the way we pass through the large icefall and glacier and after walking one and half hour we see the first glimpse of Mt. Everest. Hiking through the trail with several ups and downs in the high altitude, we explore the lovely and vibrant beautiful views of Snowcapped Mountains and icefall glacier. When we reach to EBC we will enjoy the natural magnificence of Khumbu Glacier and icefall, people staying in the tented camp and some of enthusiastic mountain climber doing the preparation for Everest expedition. We will spend some time at the base camp enjoying the Himalayan beauty and capturing the majestic views in our cameras. Then trek back to Gorakshep. Get ready for tomorrow as we wake up early in the morning for sunrise views from Kala Patthar.

Day 11: Hike up to Kala Pattar (5545m) for sunrise, descend to Gorak Shep & Dzongla (4843 m)
Trekking distance 13 Kms / Approximately 7 Hours

Today is the toughest day for us of entire trekking. We wake up at 4am in the morning and start hike to Kalapathar for spectacular sunrise view and massif of mountains. It will take 2-3 hours to reach to Kala Patthar from Gorakshep. A long but truly an exciting and adventurous hiking will finally land us in Kala Patthar & explore majestic views of mountains such as Mt. Everest (8848m), Mt. Pumori (7161m), Lola peak, Khumbutse peak (6640m), Baruche (7129m), Nuptse (7861m), Ama Dablam (6856m), Kangtega (6685m), Thamserku (6608m), Lotse (8516) and it’s range, and last one on the far right hand corner is the Tibetan ranges. We will enjoy the panoramic views of Himalayas and capture the moments in our cameras. This moment is one of the unforgettable alive memories for the rest of our lifetime. Remember you might feel very cold and lack of oxygen, water bottle might get frozen, mobile and camera might not work. Do not forget to get thick warm clothes and protective equipment such warm cap and gloves. We don't stay at Kala Patthar for long as it is freezing weather. We spend about half an hour and capture all the memories in our camera as photo and video then descend back to Gorek Shep, breakfast and then trek to Dzongla via Lobuche We can enjoy the magnificent views of Thamserku, Ama Dablam and Kangtega on the way ahead.

Day 12: Hike up to Cho La pass (5420 m) and trek down to Thangna (4650 m)
Trekking distance 13 Kms / Approximately 7 Hours

This day at first we walk on the flagstone path for some time passing through arid valley. Then we ascend in the steep path to Chola pass in the icy trails along Chola glacier. After we reach Chola pass we descend down on another side through the stony path until we reach Phedi. From there we climb down up to Thangna. It is a small village with few lodges and tea shops. You can catch a glimpse of Machhermo peak and some others.

Day 13 : Thangna to Gokyo Lake (4750 m )
Trekking distance 8 Kms / Approximately 4 Hours

We walk along the glacier route until we reach first Lake of Gokyo. The trek is easier over flat path following Dudh Koshi River up to Gokyo. It is a windy valley and situated near the third lake. At Gokyo you are stunned by the natural beauty of Dudh Pokhari Lake.

Day 14 : Trek to gokyo lake (4750 m ) and explore to gokyo Ri

An early start this morning for the ascent of Gokyo Ri (5360m), a small peak above Gokyo village. where from the Mt. Everest (8,848m), Mt Cho Oyu (8,153m), Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu and other peaks are visible. As we climb the views become even more fantastic and from the top we can see four of the seven highest peaks in the Nepal Himalaya: We return to Gokyo for lunch. After Lunch we will explore the lake

Day 15 : Gokyo lake to Dole ( 4040 m )
Trekking distance 8 Kms / Approximately 7 Hours

The way from Gokyo to dole is an easy downhill walk along the Dudh Koshi River that emerges out of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Passing by the second and then the first Gokyo Lakes, we come to a small gushing stream over an iron bridge. We see the hamlet of Phangka ahead. Cholatse and Taboche peaks rear up on the right of us. The trail descends below Phangka, and across a level terrace on the slope to climb a rib on the far side of the hill side. Upon reaching the Chorten at the edge, we see great views of Thamserku , Cho Oyu, and Kangtega. We slowly walk down to sprawling village of Machhermo. Again, through the charming hamlet of Luza and Lhafarma we reach Dole.

Day 16 Dole to Namche Bazaar
Trekking distance 13 Kms / Approximately 6 Hours

After breakfast trek from Dole to Monjo village, which will take approximately 6 hours. From Dole the trail drops sharply down to the Dudh Kosi River after long walk reach to Phortse Thanga. We ascend steep up to Mongla Hill (3973m) for about one and half hour. From Mongla Hill offers you the excellent views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kusum Kangkaru, Kongde Ri and Taboche peak. At Mongla Hill enjoy the leisurely lunch exploring the panoramic mountain views. Descent to the Sanasa and trek to Namche bazaar

Day 17 : Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Trekking distance 15 Kms / Approximately 8 Hours

Finally we return to Lukla where the trek began, which will seem like a lifetime ago. Enjoying time to reflect on the trek as a group and the personal achievement of all those who took part. Also giving you time to explore the town.

Day 18: Fly back Lukla to Kathmandu (1310m) 35 min flight

Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu will take 30 minutes of amazing scenic mountain flight lands you in the domestic terminal of the airport. Up on arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel and in the afternoon enjoys as leisure. Remember there is high chance of cancelling flight because of the weather condition. We do have some evidence trekkers had to stay for 3 days because of the weather condition. So be prepared and make one leisure day in Kathmandu so that you can be safe.

Day 19: Leisure day in Kathmandu

It's also spare day in case of bad weather in Lukla. Remember, there are high chances of cancelling flights because of weather condition in Lukla. You have option to stroll around the local tourist market in Kathmandu to observe the living style of local people in Kathmandu valley. You can observe the traditional houses, arts and crafts, local people selling clothes, fruits and vegetable around Indrachook and Ashanon located on the North Part of the Kathmandu Durbar Square.