Cho La Pass (5,420 m), Gokyo Valley, and EBC are all part of a thrilling Himalayan journey that leads to Gokyo Lakes via Everest Base Camp Trek.
One of Nepal’s most breathtaking and fulfilling treks, Gokyo Lakes via Everest Base Camp Trek. Combining two of the most iconic locations in the Everest region, Everest Base Camp and the stunning Gokyo Lakes, this trek is a bucket-list destination for adventure tourists and nature lovers around the world. The trek also has a challenging but not to be forgotten high-altitude Cho La Pass crossing, offering the ultimate immersion into the breathtaking beauty and vibrant Sherpa culture of the Himalayas.
This grand journey typically lasts 16 days, and hence the Gokyo Lakes via Everest Base Camp trek 16 days itinerary is ideal for those trekkers who wish to experience both the conventional Everest route and the Gokyo Valley’s comparatively unexplored grandeur. The Gokyo Lakes via Everest Base Camp journey begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and thereafter ascension through the mythological Khumbu region. You will travel through the picturesque Sherpa villages of Phakding, Monjo, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Pangboche, and Dingboche, each of which offers a distinctive natural and cultural experience.
Once you have acclimated, you will arrive at Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), which is situated beneath the world’s highest peak. Climbing to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) early in the morning provides breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse at sunrise. The route then heads west toward the glacier-covered Cho la pass (5,420 m), which links the Everest and Gokyo valleys. It is a difficult but very rewarding crossing.
The more tranquil, serene face of the Himalayas is revealed in the Gokyo region. The jewel is the string of six stunning glacial-fed Gokyo Lakes, both Hindus’ and Buddhists’ holy places. Hidden behind massive mountains like Cho Oyu and in a remote alpine scenery, the lakes are a beauty to observe. On clear days, you can see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and even the far-off Kanchenjunga from Gokyo Ri (5,357 m), which offers one of the best views in the Everest region.
The Gokyo Chola Pass trek from EBC is ideal for experienced trekkers who want a longer, more isolated experience with breathtaking high passes, peaceful lakes, and close encounters with Himalayan wildlife and culture. It’s not a trek, it’s an adventure that changes lives by crossing some of the most epic scenery in the world.
The traditional Mount Everest trek begins with a mountain flight to Lukla, much like our Gokyo Lakes Chola Pass Trek. The walking trail then continues through Namche, Dingboche, and Lobuche, three traditional Sherpa villages, before coming to an end at Gorakshep.
In the days that follow, we soar to Kalapatthar and the Everest Base Camp. Then, in order to get to the incredibly beautiful Gokyo Valley and its lakes, we must cross the enormous Cho La Pass.
Gokyo Ri is a little peak that tempts us to climb to the top, after which we will travel through Namche and Lukla to return to Kathmandu.
The main starting point for the Gokyo Lakes via Everest base camp trek is Tashi Delek in Kathmandu. Our Hill Sherpa team will meet you at TIA and accompany you to your hotel as the trip’s organizers.
During our Everest Gokyo Chola Pass trek, we will make sure you enjoy yourself and have everything you need.
You will review the schedule for the upcoming days in a group meeting with our tour guide in the evening. Additionally, be sure to get any equipment you require today.
You will have a short night, so get some sleep early.
We will leave for TIA early in the morning to take a small flight for a scenic and exciting flight to Lukla. The iconic Tenzing Hilary airport welcomes us with the stunning view of Mount Kongde Ri (6187 m).
We will transfer our bags to our local crew and have our breakfast before embarking on our three-hour walk to the small scenic village of Phakding.
We will trek along the Dudh Koshi River and traverse the bustling stony path of Lukla town. Our guide will get Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu rural municipality permits for the Gokyo Lakes via Everest Base Camp trek at Lukla’s last village.
The trail from here will be a gentle downhill stroll, which will give us an easy start to our trek. We reach Thadokoshi via Dudh Koshi River, where there is an offer of a good view of Mount Kusum Kangaru (6367m), after trekking past the charming villages of Chheplung and Chaurikharka.
We will reach Ghat village, where it offers us the magnificent view of Mount Khumbila (5761 m), after a brief descent past the enormous boulders. We will now hike to Phakding along the river’s eastern bank.
Lukla flights from TIA are frequently diverted to Ramechhap/Manthali airport during the busy spring and fall trekking seasons. From Kathmandu, the drive to the airport takes 4 hours. You will be able to travel to Ramechhap in a private vehicle.
Note: The airlines, which are subject to the number of passengers, run the flights, so the timings are subject to change.
Gokyo Lakes via Everest Base Camp Trek 16 Days, For those who want to indulge in luxury, fast service, we can arrange the service of direct helicopter transfer from Kathmandu to Lukla at an additional cost of USD 500-600 per person on a basic sharing of five heads. What’s the best way to avoid the 4–5 hour drive to Manthali from Kathmandu, and a decent night’s sleep loss, during the peak trekking seasons, March–May and October–November?
A day before you take your flight, prepare and pack your trek gear. Arrive at Lukla’s Tenzing Hillary Airport early morning and have a healthy breakfast. Porters, one for each of the two trekkers, will meet you at Lukla and carry your bags.
The hike begins from Lukla to Phakding through an easy trek. The Gokyo Lakes via EBC Trek route then continues along a gradual incline at the edge of Dudh Koshi River, and you go through Chheplung and put you on the Everest base camp route. Proceeding a little further ahead, you arrive at Ghat, a very small village before arriving at Phakding and preparing for the next day’s journey to Namche Bazar.
We will keep on walking down along the Dudh Koshi Valley, where the path weaves in and out between the alternating pine and rhododendron thickets. We will shortly come to Toktok and Benkar, at which point Thamserku rises high in the sky.
Early in the afternoon, we will arrive at Monjo and record our arrival at Sagarmatha National Park.. We will cross Jorsalle and pop out for about 40 minutes to the most beautiful and famous high-suspension bridge named Hilary, it over the confluence points of Imja Khola, Bhote Koshi, and Dudh Koshi Rivers.
We will climb up for the next 1 hour to Topdanda/Everest Viewpoint. You can see Everest rising up behind the giant Nuptse and Khotse walls. Another ascending portion will take us to Namche – Nepal’s best-known mountain town.
Since today is a day off, we will have time to get as used to the higher altitude as possible. However, a rest day in Namche does not mean lying on your back unless you really feel that you need to rest properly.
Thus, we will spend the day ascending to the Everest View Hotel, a pleasant vantage point. While admiring the views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Thamserku, Cholatse, Tawache, Nuptse, and Everest, among other mountains, we will savor a delectable breakfast and a cup of tea here.
If you have more energy after the hotel visit, you can walk to other market locations.
We will hike for about five to six hours today from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche. Rover gets a better look at the mountains, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, as the trail gradually rises in elevation. At a height of 3,870 meters (12,694 feet), we will reach Tengboche after passing through the picturesque Sherpa village and rhododendron forests.
Tengboche is particularly well-liked because of its monastery, which was constructed centuries ago and provides a peaceful and pious setting. The Everest region’s natural resources and cultural settings will be best viewed on this day.
On the seventh day of the journey, we will hike for five to six hours to reach Dingboche, which is 4,360 meters (14,300 feet) above sea level. The stroll today is a leisurely stroll along the Imja River.
The oldest monastery in the Khumbu region can be seen en route to Upper Pangboche, where we will first arrive. A Yeti Scalp is also kept at this monastery. Shamare is where we’ll be having lunch today.
While climbing, you can also see other mountains, including Everest, Konde, Lhotse, and Nupse. You can get fitter to climb the high altitudes and take in more of the Everest region’s stunning natural and cultural features during this portion of the journey.
To reduce the likelihood of altitude sickness, we will acclimate ourselves today to allow the body to adjust to the high altitude. To do this, we will hike up Nangkartshang Hill to the Nagarjun Hill viewpoint, also known as Chukkhung Ri. Mount Makalu, Island Peak, Baruntse, Chopola, Ambigetshen, Amadablam, Khankaru, Tabuche, Nirukhang, Cholatse, Thamsheru, Lobuche Peak, and more are all visible from this vantage point.
Other options include visiting the nearby monastery, taking in the way of life of the native Sherpa people, or simply relaxing and bringing harmony to the breathtaking mountain scenery. The days of acclimatization before trekking in the Everest region are very important.
We have an exciting short hike ahead of us today with a picturesque view of Mount Pumori (7161 m). By the end of the day, we will be at the foothills of the world famous Khumbu Glacier. We begin our trek in Dingboche, where we will follow a rocky path that rises up gradually. As we continue, we will soon arrive at Dughla, or Thukla; this will be an excellent place to take a break and have our lunch.
At Dughla, we have impressive views of Cholatse (6335 m) and Taboche (6367 m). After our meal, we have a steep ascent to negotiate over to Thukla Pass, which is at 4830 m. This area also has colorful prayer flags and is a poignant memorial for those who started their adventure toward Everest but met their demise along the way.
They are worthy of our thoughts and prayers. The pass has massive views of Lobuche, Ama Dablam, and Lobuche Base Camp.
The trail from the Pass continues through delicate forests, alpine meadows, and glacier landscapes, headed into Lobuche. After a welcome rest, we can take a wander along the Khumbu glaciers and moraine and take in the tremendous spectacle of the glacier.
This day will require a lot of energy. We will first ascend the morainic edges of the Khumbu Glacier to Gorakshep (5180 m.); as we do so, we will see Nuptse, Everest, Pumori, Mahalangur, Khumbutse, Lingtren, Everest, and the Changri Glacier.
Next, after passing Gorakshep, we have a rocky and icy straight up for a while, which is Lobuche Pass, or Thangma Riju, and what an area it is to find the all-encompassing view of the gigantic Himalayas.
Next, we have a near vertical climb along the Changri glacier. At this stage of the walk, we will see for the first time Kala Patthar Peak. We have made it to Gorakshep, a barren desert zone of arid climate, which is the last settlement of the Khumbu area. We will stay in its lodge and stop for a while, drop off our backpacks, rest, and have lunch.
Then we will walk to the Everest base camp (5364 m.). We will cross some small streams, deal with the glacial area, and then it rises sharply towards the ridge to the base camp, at the foot of the largest mountain range on earth.
Although Everest will not be in view from camp, we can wonder.
Ascend to the peak of Kalapatthar and proceed to Dzongla 4,830 m
We will arise just before sunrise so we can begin climbing to the panoramic peak of Kalapatthar. The trail from the lodge climbs steeply, then gently, until the last boulder field that takes all you have.
The very last few meters are a snorting struggle, but standing at the peak of Kalapatthar, looking down at EBC with the looming mountains of Everest, Pumori, Changtse, Khumbutse, Lhotse, Lingtren, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and many others is something special.
The vast, dry landscape should lead us back down to Dzongla via Lobuche.
Gokyo lakes via Everest base camp trek starts early in the morning, hopefully it will be a tasty breakfast, and then we will have yet another alpine start before sunshine to get us to the large Cho La Pass with our packed lunch and hiking/trekking goods. The pass from this side is not technically hard, but it is definitely harder walking, steeper, and will be cold.
After roughly five hours of walking, we will reach the elevation of the pass in Cho La, which in the Sherpa vernacular is Chhugyuma La. At the pass elevation, we will enjoy amazing views of Lobuche Peak, and behind this mountain we will see Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, and the mountains back to Rolwaling.
Knowing all we have done, we will now gradually walk down towards Thagnak, where we will break for lunch. This village is usually an overnight stop, but Gokyo Lake is only two hours further from the village, so we will continue another couple of hours and push ourselves to the lake today.
Here, we will be caught up with the large main lake of Gokyo as well as the smaller lakes of Taujung and Longponga Lake. We will check out the Gokyo village near the edge of the big lake of Gokyo from here. There is a little internet cafe here for those who want to send a brief greeting back home, and spend over night
Gokyo Ri, a massive peak, towers immediately behind Gokyo. The trail up to Gokyo Ri begins with a vertical ascent for what can take 1 to 3 hours, but ultimately leads to the very top of Gokyo Ri. At the top, we will enjoy an unrivaled view of many mountains, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, as well as Renjo La Pass, Gyachung Kang. Below us will be the longest (and in this case, perhaps therefore least visible) glacier in Nepal, Ngozumpa, which starts at Cho Oyu. It is said to be one of the best views in Nepal and therefore worth the effort to pack for the climb to the top of Gokyo Ri and experience it for ourselves.
For those with extra energy, it is also possible to continue beyond Gokyo Ri to visit the fourth and fifth lakes of Gokyo as well as to continue up to Ngozumpa Ri at 5,553 m.
We will then return back to Gokyo to eat and get ready to backtrack to Dole. The tall alpine shrub surrounding the kharka of Sunpati will guide us towards Macchermo town. The kharka of Sunpati would then lead us to Gyele and down to Dole.
Trek to Gokyo Lakes via Everest Base Camp. The Sherpas’ holy mountains, Khumbila and Tawache, will guide us through the cypress and rhododendron jungle, passing Phortse Thanga. The trail contains steeply ascent to Mong La Danda. We will follow a long scenic descent, which will take us to the Kyangjima, ending at Namche Bazaar.
The last part of our Gokyo Lakes via Everest Camp trek is the long but not strenuous day to Lukla. First we have to go down to the lovely bridge and then check out of Sagarmatha National Park at Jorsalle.
We then proceed through Monjo, Toktok, Benkar, and Phakding before the long, somewhat exhausting final climb of the trek up the road to Lukla.
We will arrive in Lukla late afternoon for the last night of the Gokyo Lakes via Everest Base Camp trek.
The morning will start with us getting to Lukla’s small airport terminal and checking in and then waiting for the plane to arrive to take us back to Kathmandu, to a hot shower at the hotel.
You will have the afternoon and evening free and have the opportunity to shop and/or sightsee with what you did not have time to do before we flew to Lukla.
In the evening, we will find a nice and cozy restaurant to have dinner at and reflect on our week in the mountains.
We will transfer to the international airport for the farewell. We hope you enjoyed and gained a memorable trip with our Hill Sherpa Trekking. NAMASTE, TASHIDELEK
We also operate private trips.
Regarding temperature, clear view, clear weather, and fewer opportunities for rain, autumn (September, October, and November) and spring (March, April, and May) are more suitable times for the 16 days Gokyo Lakes via Everest Base Camp trek. In autumn, the temperature in the Everest zone fluctuates from 6 to 22°C within a day and reaches 2 to -5°C at night. In spring, the temperature fluctuates from 14°C to -10°C during the day and minus degree Celsius at night.
Moreover, the Gokyo Lakes via Everest Base Camp Trek is rich in Sagarmatha National Park flora and fauna, and the pink flush of rhododendrons makes the tour a memorable experience during spring and autumn.
We recommend the winter 16 days Gokyo Lakes via Everest Base Camp Trek (December, January, and February) trekking for experienced trekkers. The summer/monsoon time of June, July, and August is not appropriate with the potential hazard of avalanches in higher regions and landslides in lower regions.
The mythological landmark of the Gokyo Lakes (4,750 m and Everest Base Camp is at a breathtaking elevation of 5364 m above sea level within the enigmatic Sagarmatha National Park. There are 65 kilometers between Lukla and Everest Base Camp, 38 kilometers between Everest Base Camp and Chola Gokyo Lakes, 43–45 kilometers between Gokyo Lakes and Lukla, and 200–300 kilometers from Kathmandu, the country’s capital.
In our 16 days Gokyo Lakes via Everest Base Camp Trek, we will achieve the maximum height of 5548 m at Kala Patthar summit as we stay overnight at the highest point of Gorakshep at 5180 m. Within one day,
At the Gokyo Lakes through the Everest Base Camp Trek, we will be traveling from the 1300 m of the capital to the 2800 m of Lukla. athmandu is only 135 kilometers away from the hill station, and the Everest Base Camp is only 65 kilometers away. We will walk 8 to 15 kilometers every day to cover the 130 km total distance from Lukla to Everest Base Camp.
The 16 days Gokyo Lakes via Everest Base Camp trek incorporates 13 hiking days. I would expect that during these days we would probably have at least 4 to 7 hours of walking each day, covering an average of 15 km per day.
The second day and the tenth day of our trek will be different, as they will be our shortest and longest walks, respectively. The trek from Lukla to Phakding will mainly go downhill on day 2, as well as being relatively short, meaning this trek will only take 3 hours.
However, on day 10, we will start our trek, then find ourselves on the top of Kalapatthar, and then by the end of the day, we will find ourselves in Dzongla. Altogether, this will take 8 to 10 hours, definitely not to be underestimated.
A trip to the Gokyo Lakes via Everest Base Camp trek is pleasantly average in difficulty and is both short, only 2 weeks in the mountains, and of moderate impairment, only 4-7 hours of walking a day (with the days of EBC 5,364 m and Kalapatthar 5,550 m when hours are WE probably need 8-9).
However, because this trek is cold and relatively high, we also advise against underestimating it. And in this case, altitude adaptation is just as crucial.
In fact, we will take a day off at Namche and Dingboche before moving on to EBC and Kalapatthar. These two rest days will also enable our bodies to acclimatize well for continuing onto the Cho La Pass.
We will take an additional day off at Gokyo Lake to further highlight our acclimatization and get our bodies ready for the ascent of Gokyo Ri. Our acclimatization will be gradual and sufficient and consist of slightly increasing overnight altitudes that are so critical for the quality, and not least, safety, of experiences in the high mountains.
If you do not have previous experience with trekking trips and hiking holidays, do not worry, because everyone can get involved in our Gokyo Lakes via Everest Base Camp Trek even without previous trekking experience in the Himalayas.
The reason for this is that the trails are good and well marked, and we trek in the morning and in the afternoon with a hearty lunch in the middle. We also have time to stop for breaks and pictures along the way, so we are not walking on a long, continuous line.
Fitness will always improve along the trek, but it must be stressed that you should be reasonably fit going into the trip.
Although a moderate hike when considering the Gokyo lakes via Everest Base Camp Trek, you can’t be in too good shape. The highlight days of crossing the EBC, Kalapatthar, and Gokyo Ri, along with the crossing of Cho La Pass, are certainly tough days, and you need to be adequately prepared to begin with.
You can also familiarize yourself with the harsh environment of the Solokhumbu region by watching a few documentaries on YouTube (or similar). This will assist you to get prepared mentally ahead of time, while the long walks leading up to departure, running, cycling, sports, and lifestyle will assist you for long walks.
Thus, it is very much recommended to have a rigorous and good dose of training ahead of your departure.
Another option for this trek is to take the clockwise route, which changes after you go up to Namche. From Namche, you will walk in a circle to the turquoise blue Gokyo lakes and further over the exquisite Cho La pass and further to Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar. On the way back we will see Dingboche and Tengboche, amongst others.
You can also add an unforgettable trip to the base camp of Ama Dablam to your itinerary. The first trekking path will take you to Tengboche and Deboche, from there your walking path continues all the way to Ama Dablam base camp. On the return journey, you can carry on to Pangboche, therefore intertwining the path to Dole and Gokyo Valley.
No doubt, there is a concern of altitude sickness on our Gokyo Lakes via Everest Base Camp Trek since we will be climbing to significant mountain heights. We will be spending most of the trek over 3500 meters, so some of us are certainly dealing with mild symptoms of altitude sickness, but this does not often impact the success of the tour.
Eventually, we will adjust to the dry air of Khumbu and our bodies will acclimatize. However, never ignore even the mildest signs of altitude sickness, including headache, gastrointestinal complaints, diarrhea, anorexia, dizziness, sleep disturbances, and fatigue.
Be sure to watch for these symptoms, report symptoms to the tour guide, and take Diamox. Depending on your condition, our guide may lead you to a lower elevation.
We will provide you with all transfers in Nepal in private transportation to and from the airport, and also the transportation from the airport and your hotel accommodation in all this. The Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight ticket is included in our Gokyo Lakes via Everest Base Camp trekking package.
You can expect to be staying at standard hotels in downtown Kathmandu, with rooms being shared two to a room. If you want a single supplement, you expect an additional provision of payment for the trip. While you are doing the walking portion, your nights will be spent in basic teahouses on the path.
In Kathmandu, for meals (except breakfast), you will be responsible for food and eating and drinking expenses. While walking, all meals, breakfast, dinner, and lunch, and will have fresh fruits every night.
You will have hot soups, pasta, fried potatoes, potato pie, egg dishes, rice dishes with vegetables, sandwiches, dal bhat, tarkari, aachar, curry, fried rice, and momo type food.
Stable electricity is provided in lodges by solar panels, or by the Nepal Electricity Authority so you can charge your phone, electrical devices, and power bank.
In terms of mobile communication service coverage throughout the Everest region, the private NCELL mobile provider outperforms the government-licensed NTC providers. Buy the SIMs from Kathmandu if you would like to have continuous conversation from the Gokyo Lakes and in through Everest Base Camp Trek.
The WIFI that is available in the lodges will not be available for free has may not be stable either. So get an individual Everest Link Wifi Prepaid Card to be able to connect you with the world even at EBC.
Permits need to be obtained to enter the Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality for the Gokyo Lakes via Everest Base Camp trek. The trip participant fee will cover the cost of the permits and our guide will arrange obtaining them while we are in Lukla town.
The Gokyo Lakes via Everest Base Camp trek is a 16-day high-altitude trek that combines the traditional Everest Base Camp route with the tranquil Gokyo Valley, including a trek across the daunting Cho La Pass (5,420 m). The trek features distinct rugged peaks, sacred lakes, Sherpa culture, and Himalayan wildlife, there’s a bit of everything.
The most favorable seasons to trek the Gokyo Lakes via Everest Base Camp regions are in the spring (March – May) and autumn (Septembe – November). The mountains will be at their most clear and the weather the most stable. It is also the best time of year for brilliant landscapes and cultural experiences.
At 5,545 meters (18,225 feet), Kala Patthar is the highest point of the trek and offers a breathtaking sunrise view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. The Cho La Pass (5,420 meters) is the most difficult part of the trek, as it requires negotiation of snowy and icy paths.
Yes, you should have these permits
For certain guided treks, the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) is an optional feature.
You will be accommodated in teahouses or lodges along the way with a basic but comfortable room. Meals are similar to dal bhat, noodles, soups, pancakes, and tea/coffee. Teahouses are fewer but quieter in the Gokyo region.
The Cho La Pass, although not easy, can be safe if prepared properly and under good guidance. This trail is likely to have snow or ice and has some steep ascents, so you should use a guide or porter for these reasons, as well as safety, and find your way.
Indeed. Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) is less crowded (and lower altitude) than Kala Patthar and offers one of the best panoramic views in the Everest region, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and, on clear days, Kanchenjunga.

