Trip Overview

The Everest Base Camp (EBC) Gokyo Chola Pass and Renjo la pass Trek in Nepal is an unforgettable adventure that combines stunning landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and the thrill of high-altitude trekking. This 15-day journey offers a unique opportunity to witness Nepal's natural beauty like never before.

The trek is divided into two main sections. The first part takes you through the beautiful Dudh Koshi Valley, leading you to the iconic Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters. From there, you’ll ascend to Kala Patthar (5,550 meters) for one of the most spectacular views of Mount Everest, Pumori, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and more.

The second part of the trek is a true challenge as you cross the challenging Cho La Pass (5,420 meters), one of the three high passes of Everest. This section rewards you with incredible views and a sense of accomplishment. The trek then leads you to the serene Gokyo Valley, home to three sacred lakes, and the Gokyo Ri summit (5,357 meters), where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Our EBC Gokyo Chola Pass trek is carefully designed with a counterclockwise route to ensure a shorter distance and lower level of difficulty. This route not only offers breathtaking views but also lets you immerse in Sherpa culture. Along the way, you’ll pass through traditional villages, witness the Sherpa people’s unique dialect and attire, and experience their warm hospitality.

Nature lovers will be enchanted by the beauty of the trek, with its green hills, icy mountains, rushing rivers, and waterfalls. The EBC Gokyo Chola Pass trek is truly a journey that connects adventure, culture, and nature.

The journey begins with a scenic flight to Lukla, followed by a trek through Sherpa villages like Namche, Dingboche, and Lobuche, before reaching Gorakshep. After exploring Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, you’ll cross Cho La Pass and make your way to Gokyo Valley, Gokyo Ri, and finally return via Namche and Lukla.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350m)
Welcome to Kathmandu, the gateway to your Everest Gokyo Chola Pass trek! Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), our Hill Sherpa team will greet you and escort you to your hotel. The evening will include a group meeting where we’ll discuss the itinerary for the upcoming adventure. If you need any trekking gear, this is a great time to pick it up. Early rest is recommended as the next days will be exciting and action-packed.

Duration: 35 minutes | Max Altitude: 1350m | Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel

Day 02: Flight to Lukla & Trek to Phakding
The day begins early with a scenic 35-minute flight to Lukla, where we’ll meet our local team. After breakfast, we’ll start our trek towards Phakding, passing through Chheplung, Chaurikharka, and Thadokoshi. Kusum Kangaru Himal looms in the distance, and soon we’ll reach Phakding, crossing the Dudh Koshi River.

Duration: 35 minutes flight / 3-4 hours trek | Max Altitude: 2655m | Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazaar
We continue our trek into the Dudh Koshi Valley, passing through pine and rhododendron forests. After entering Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, we’ll cross the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge and climb up to Topdanda for stunning views of Everest. Finally, we’ll reach Namche Bazaar, the bustling Sherpa capital.

Duration: 5-6 hours | Max Altitude: 3445m | Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 04: Rest Day at Namche Bazaar
Today is dedicated to acclimatization. We’ll hike up to Everest View Hotel, where we can enjoy tea and breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and more. If you feel energetic, explore the vibrant local market.

Duration: 2 hours | Max Altitude: 3880m | Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 05: Trek to Phortse Village
The trail descends to Sanasa, then climbs up to Mong La Ridge with panoramic views of the Gokyo Valley, Ama Dablam, and other peaks. After a descent to Phortse Thanga, we’ll gradually ascend through rhododendron forests to Phortse village, nestled beneath Khumbila and Tawache.

Duration: 6-7 hours | Max Altitude: 3860m | Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 06: Trek to Dingboche
We’ll trek through Upper Pangboche and visit a 400-year-old monastery. The route then rises towards Shomare, marking our entrance into the Imja Valley, before arriving at Dingboche, a picturesque settlement in a small gorge.

Duration: 5-6 hours | Max Altitude: 4410m | Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 07: Rest Day at Dingboche
Today, we hike up to Nagarjun Hill for stunning views of Island Peak, Ama Dablam, Makalu, and more. If you prefer, you can rest in the lodge to prepare for the next stages of the trek.

Duration: 3-4 hours | Max Altitude: 5083m | Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 08: Trek to Lobuche
We ascend to Dughla and climb the Khumbu Glacier to reach Dughla Pass (4830m), offering great views of Lobuche Peak, Pumori, and Ama Dablam. We’ll continue to Lobuche, located next to the Lobuche Glacier.

Duration: 4-5 hours | Max Altitude: 5030m | Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 09: Trek to Gorakshep & Everest Base Camp
We climb along the Khumbu Glacier towards Gorakshep, then trek to Everest Base Camp, passing memorials dedicated to climbers who perished on Everest. After exploring, we return to Gorakshep for the night.

Duration: 7-8 hours | Max Altitude: 5364m | Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 10: Kalapatthar & Trek to Dzongla
We rise early to summit Kalapatthar for unparalleled views of Everest and surrounding peaks. Afterward, we descend to Dzongla, passing Lobuche.

Duration: 2-3 hours for Kalapatthar / 6-7 hours to Dzongla | Max Altitude: 5550m | Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 11: Cross Cho La Pass & Trek to Gokyo
We start early to cross the challenging Cho La Pass (5420m), offering spectacular views of Everest, Nuptse, and Makalu. After descending, we reach Thangnag and continue to Gokyo Lake, where we explore the three stunning lakes and Gokyo village.

Duration: 7-8 hours | Max Altitude: 5420m | Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 12: Lungden Village via Renjo-La pass

Our destination for taday will be a Lungden village which is 4,375 m high above sea level, we will start our trekking 4 am early in the morning, this will be our another challanging day Renjo-La pass trekking which is 5,375 m high above the sea level. our journey will take approximately 7-8 hours, there isn’t any tea houses during our trip we will have our pack lunch< water and snacks from hotel. Today we gonna explore the real beauty of himalayas including Mt Everest,Lhotse,Amadablem,Makalu,Kanchenjunga,Nupste and many more. we will stay tonight at Lungden Village

Day 13: Trek to Namche Bazar

Today we will trekking to Namche Bazar which is 3,443 m high above the sea level, our journey will take 7-8 hours to reach namche bazar, its a beautiful place for a coffee and of course glass of beer.

Day 14: Trek to Lukla


this is our last day of beautiful trekking in himalays we will reach to Lukla after 8 hours of trekking and we will have a dinner with all staff together, definitely we will get drunk tonight and dance if you love it.

Day 15: flight back to KathmanduItinerary

Includes & Excludes

Inclusions:

• Airport pick-up and drop-off by private car.

• Round-trip flight Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu.

• Jeep transportation from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda and back.

• 3-star hotel accommodation (2 nights in Kathmandu, 1 night in Pokhara with breakfast).

• All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

• Fresh fruit after dinner.

• Tea house accommodation during the trek.

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS Card.

• English-speaking, government-licensed guide.

• Staff wages, food, drinks, accommodations, and insurance.

• One Sherpa helper and one porter (for 2 clients).

• Trekking first aid kit and water purification tablets.

• Helicopter service (covered by travel insurance in case of emergency).

• All government taxes and official expenses.

• Trekking equipment: sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, and trekking poles (returnable).

• Oximeter for AMS monitoring.

• Assistant guide for groups of 8 or more.

• Trip certificates.

Exclusions:

• International airfare tickets.

• Nepal entry visa fee (obtained upon arrival).

• Extra accommodation, food, drinks, and laundry in Kathmandu.

• Personal medical and travel insurance.

• Desserts, sweet items, and extra drinks during the trek.

• Excess baggage (10-15 kg limit).

• Charges for hot showers, mobile charging, and Wi-Fi during the trek.

• Kathmandu sightseeing entrance fees ($30 USD per person).

• Tips for guide and porter.

Trip Information

Best Time for the EBC Gokyo Chola Pass Trek (15 Days)

The ideal times to embark on the Everest Base Camp (EBC) Gokyo Chola Pass trek are in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is generally stable, with clear skies and moderate temperatures, providing an excellent opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty around Gokyo Lake.

Autumn, especially, sees a high influx of trekkers heading to EBC and Gokyo Lake, as many wish to celebrate a fresh adventure. However, expect a rise in accommodation and service costs during this peak period.

The months of June to August are the wettest and hottest, with humid conditions and frequent cloud cover. Winter (December to February) brings cold and snowy weather, making trekking more challenging.

Elevation and Distance

The EBC Gokyo Chola Pass trek covers roughly 200–300 km from Kathmandu to the famous Everest Base Camp, located at 5,364 meters. The journey begins in Lukla, 135 km from Kathmandu.

The second major destination is Gokyo Lake at 4,700 meters, which is 136 km from Kathmandu. From Everest Base Camp, it’s a 17.6 km trek to Gokyo Lake, and from Lukla, it’s 32.6 km.

The highest point of the trek is Kalapatthar at 5,550 meters, while Gorakshep will be the highest stop, where we will rest for two nights.

Daily Walking Distance

The 15-day EBC Gokyo Chola Pass trek allocates 13 days of hiking. Most days, we will trek for 4 to 7 hours, covering an average of 15 km per day. However, there are two exceptions:

• Day 2: The trek from Lukla to Phakding is a relatively easy 3-hour walk.

• Day 10: The trek from Gorakshep to Kalapatthar, followed by a long journey to Dzongla, will take about 10 to 11 hours—this is the most challenging day of the trek.

Trek Difficulty and Acclimatization

The EBC Gokyo Chola Pass trek is considered of moderate difficulty. While daily treks usually involve 4 to 7 hours of walking, days at Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar are more strenuous, requiring up to 11 hours of trekking.

Altitude acclimatization is crucial, as we will be trekking at high altitudes. We will take acclimatization breaks in Namche and Dingboche to adjust to the altitude before reaching Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar. Another acclimatization day at Gokyo Lake will prepare us for the climb up Gokyo Ri.

These rest days, with gradually increasing overnight altitudes, will ensure our bodies adjust properly and safely to the high-altitude environment.

Can a Beginner Do This Trek?

The EBC Gokyo Chola Pass trek is suitable for beginners with no prior trekking experience. The trails are well-marked, and we hike in the mornings and afternoons with breaks for lunch and rest. Fitness improves as we go, but a basic level of fitness at the start is recommended.

If you’re new to trekking, we suggest preparing by doing long walks, running, cycling, or engaging in other physical activities to build stamina.

Preparation and Training

Although the trek is moderate, preparation is key. The challenging days of crossing EBC, Kalapatthar, Gokyo Ri, and Cho La Pass require physical conditioning. Watching documentaries about the Solokhumbu region and staying active in the lead-up to your trek will help you mentally and physically prepare.

Training specifically for trekking with endurance activities is highly recommended before departure.

Alternate Routes

An alternative route for this trek involves walking clockwise after reaching Namche. From here, you would trek to the turquoise Gokyo lakes, cross Cho La Pass, and then head towards Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar. The return route passes through Dingboche and Tengboche.

Additionally, you can extend your journey by adding a visit to the base camp of Ama Dablam. This detour takes you through Tengboche and Deboche before reaching Ama Dablam Base Camp, and then returns via Pangboche, connecting to the Gokyo Valley.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is a real concern on this trek due to the high altitudes. We will be spending most of our time above 3,500 meters, which increases the risk of mild altitude sickness symptoms. These can include headaches, digestive issues, dizziness, loss of appetite, and fatigue.

It’s essential to monitor for these symptoms, report them to the guide, and take Diamox if necessary. If needed, our guide may adjust the itinerary to descend to a lower elevation for safety.

Transportation, Accommodation, Meals, and Drinks

• Transportation: Private transport is provided for all transfers within Nepal, including airport transfers and transportation to Lukla for the trek. Flight tickets for the Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu route are included in the package.

• Accommodation: In Kathmandu, we stay in 3-star hotels with shared rooms. For solo accommodation, an extra charge applies. During the trek, overnight stays will be in modest teahouses along the route.

• Meals: In Kathmandu, breakfast is included, but other meals are not. On the trek, all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are provided, including fresh fruits each night. Typical meals include soups, pasta, fried potatoes, rice dishes, dal bhat, momo, and other local specialties.

• Drinks: Tea, coffee, and water are available along the way, but it’s advisable to purchase bottled water or purify water to avoid contamination.

Communication, Gadgets, Charging, and Wi-Fi

• Charging: Electricity is available in lodges via Nepal’s national grid or solar panels, so you can charge your devices.

• SIM Card: For stable mobile communication, the NCELL network is recommended over NTC. You can purchase a SIM card in Kathmandu for use during the trek.

• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available in most lodges but not always stable. For more reliable connectivity, consider purchasing an Everest Link prepaid Wi-Fi card.

Permits for the EBC Gokyo Chola Pass Trek

Permits for entering the Sagarmatha National Park and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality are required for the trek. These permits are included in the package and will be arranged by your guide in Lukla.

Thank You.