Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek via EBC

Day 1: Kathmandu to Ramechhap by drive and fly to Lukla (2860 meters) and trek to Phakding or Manzo (2610 meters)

Hey trekkers! it's the first day of the highly anticipated 15-day Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass via Everest Base Camp Trek. As you wake up early and have your breakfast, our guides will check your backpack and documents before we start the journey. After that, the guides will take you to Ramechhap, which will be an adventurous and thrilling drive on the highway of Nepal. Once we reach Ramechhap, the trekkers will board a flight that takes you to Lukla within 20-25 minutes.

At Lukla, we will take a quick rest, and have breakfast before heading towards Phakding or Monzo. This will probably be one of the easiest sections of the entire Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass Trek. We will be walking in a rather developed part of the map with several tea houses, vegetation, settlements, rivers, and suspension bridges. Moreover, you can also enjoy interacting with the locals as you go. Within the next 4 to 5 hours of walking from Lukla, we will reach Phakding. Here you can check in at the hotel and stroll around the place before having dinner and sleeping the first night off in the Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass Trekking map.

Day 2: Trek from Phakding (2610m) to Namche Bazaar (3440m)

From Phakding, the Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass Trekking trail extends towards Namche Bazaar. As we leave Phakding, the route follows the Dudh Koshi River which also requires us to cross several suspension bridges, including the Hillary Suspension Bridge. Along the way, the trail also passes through several other Sherpa villages, such as Monjo and Jorsalle before we make our way into the Sagarmatha National Park. However, remember that the trekkers need to get their permits and documents checked before entering the Sagarmatha National Park.

As you keep walking in between the forests, past several rivers, waterfalls, settlements, etc, you will reach a point from where the route becomes very steep and difficult. However, remember that, passing this steep means reaching the Namche Bazaar. This town is known as one of the most significant trading hubs of Nepal and the best spot for acclimatization on the EBC Trekking trail. Utilize the rest of the day to stroll around the Namche Bazaar and spend some time in the cafes and hotels there.

By the evening, we request the trekkers to return to the hotel in Namche Bazaar for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar (3440m)

After ascending to an altitude of 3440 meters above sea level, Day 3 will be the first acclimatization day on the Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass Trekking trail. There are two reasons to separate this day from the rest day in the trekking package; a) to help trekkers adapt to temperature and climatic conditions at the higher altitude and b) to witness the beauty of Namche Bazaar. One of the best things about Namche Bazaar is the way this place is settled. You will never in your wildest dreams, think that it is even possible to establish such a beautiful and facility-full town at such a high altitude.

Walk around the town to witness so many ATMs, internet cafes, bakeries, and restaurants that prepare almost everything available in city areas like Kathmandu. In the meantime, we can also take you on a quick hike to the Everest View Hotel, the hotel located at the highest altitude. This hotel, famous for offering amazing cuisines while also serving spectacular views of Mount Everest, stands as a popular destination for many. If you have more energy, we recommend trekkers go for another quick hike to the Khumjung village to get mind-blowing views of different mountains like Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho-Oyu, Thamserku, and many others.

Return to the hotel in Namche Bazaar by the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 4: Trek from Namche Bazaar (3440m) to Tengboche (3860m)

Today, the trekkers will not have to walk too much but the journey will not be very easy at all. This section of the Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass map includes both steep descents and gradual ascents, where we have to pass through several forests, Sherpa villages, and suspension bridges over pristine-flowing rivers. As we leave Namche Bazaar after having breakfast, our first checkpoint will be a village named Phunki Thenga.

To reach Phunki Thega from Namche Bazaar, we need to walk on the path that gradually ascends on a wide well-made path that follows the valley on the side. From a distance, the Himalayas like Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam encourage you throughout the journey. Moreover, we also pass through some beautifully settled Sherpa villages, including Kyangjuma and Sanasa, where the trekkers can find some tea houses.

Once we pass these villages, a steep descent directly through the woods and rhododendron blossoms takes us to Dudh Koshi River and then to Phunki Thenga. This village, being the lowest altitude of today's Gokyo Cho La Pass Trekking journey, stands perfect for resting and having lunch. After lunch and a few moments of break time, we continue on the path to reach Tengboche. As you walk a bit deep into this route and cross a suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, you start noticing that the trail becomes physically demanding.

Take your time to stroll around the place before heading to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 5: Trek from Tengboche (3860m) to Dingboche (4410m)

Today’s trek takes you deeper into the high Himalayas, bringing you above 4,000m for the first time on this journey. The trail winds through alpine forests, picturesque Sherpa villages, and open pastures, with the towering peaks of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Everest dominating the landscape. As you ascend, the scenery transforms from lush green forests to a rugged, glacial landscape, a sign that you’re approaching the higher altitudes of the Everest region.

Well, the fifth day's journey is divided into three parts: Tengboche to Pangboche, Pangboche to Shomare, and Shomare to Dingboche. However, it will not take much longer for us to cover approximately 11 km on this day. We recommend the trekkers keep a slow and steady pace because the altitude is very high and oxygen, is very low. Even though altitude sickness is one thing to be scared or concerned about, the smaller settlements, environment, and barren lands (not barren if you go in the spring season), keep your eyes, heart, and brain, completely under some spell, the spell of nature. Starting on the bank of Imja Khola, this day's Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass Trekking journey ends as we step our feet into the Dingboche village.

Day 6: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche (4410m)

As we have ascended to such a high altitude, our body certainly requires some time to adapt to the temperature and climatic conditions here. Therefore, on the sixth day, we organize a rest day for the trekkers. However, a rest day does not mean sitting idle in the hotel. Instead, we strongly recommend all the trekkers to explore the place, interact with the locals, and try some local delicacies as well. Besides, our guides will also take you on a quick hike to the nearest viewpoint (just 300 meters above Dingboche).

Besides, if you do not want to go for the hike, you are also free to stroll the Dingboche village and its surroundings like Chhukung and Imja. Believe us, whatever you do, you will not regret it at all. This rest day tends to make you physically and mentally ready to ascend the higher altitude with as little difficulty as possible. For that, the acclimatization in Dingboche can be utilized by hitting short hikes to Nagarjun Hill or Chhukung Ri. Regardless of which hiking route you choose, the adventure, thrill, experience, and amusement always follow you throughout the 15-day Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass Trekking journey.

Day 7: Trek from Dingboche (4410m) to Lobuche (4910m)

On the seventh day, as we have breakfast in the hotel, we need to ascend via Khumbu Khola valley to Dughla as the valley becomes narrower. A little more to walk and we will reach another beautiful village named Dusa before continuing towards the route full of large rocks by the steep mountains. As much more difficult the Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass Trekking route becomes, the more you start getting chances to play with the snow and watch mountains from the closest range.

Moreover, as you walk on this section of the trek to Gokyo Lakes via EBC, you get to see several monuments, prayer flags, Chhortens, and Gompas. Do you know what that means? It means that as you reach a higher altitude, you start immersing into more and more devoted societies. Therefore, the trekkers will have so much to enjoy, witness, and experience in this part of the journey. To make the walk even more convenient and encouraging, the mountains like Khumbuste (6,636 m), Lingtren (6,749 m), and Pumori (7,161 m) watch you from a distance. Within a few hours, you will reach Lobuche. This is the base of the Lobuche Peak (6119 meters), where we will have dinner and spend the night before ascending any further.

Day 8: Trek from Lobuche (4910m) to Gorakshep (5180m) then to Everest Base Camp (5364m), back to Gorakshep

Is your Gokyo Lakes Trek Cho La Pass trekking journey going well for you? Well, what if we tell you that it is going to be even more exciting and adventurous? Yes, on the eighth day, the route ascends towards Gorakshep from Lobuche covering a total distance of about 11 kilometers. If we start walking early in the morning, it takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete this section of the Gokyo Lakes via the Cho La Pass trekking map.

After reaching Gorakshep and checking in at the hotel, you will have a delicious lunch. Take your time to rest for a while after having lunch before our guides take you on a hike to the Everest Base Camp. About 3 to 4 more hours to walk on one of the most adventurous parts of the trek. At the Everest Base Camp, you will get to see many camps of climbers on their way to Mount Everest's peak. Take your time to capture as many photos and videos as possible, and explore the base camp, before returning to Gorakshep for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 9: Trek from Gorakshep (5140m) to Kalapatthar (5550m) then Dzongla (4830m)

Another day calls for another thrilling and exciting journey on the Gokyo Lakes Trek via the Cho La Pass Trekking map. Well, please wake up at around 4 A.M. because we will go for the early morning hike to the Kalapatthar viewpoint (5555 meters). The sunrise view you watch from this viewpoint offers you one of the best experiences of watching the sunrise ever in the world. Moreover, we can also watch the 360-degree panoramic views of different mountains, hills, valleys, Khumbu glaciers, and ice falls. After that, the guides will take you on a descending trail to Dzongla, another beautiful village in the Gokyo Lakes via the Cho La Pass Trekking route.

In Dzongla, we recommend the trekkers stroll around the village, interact with the locals, and indulge in their unique lifestyle, culture, and tradition. After that, you can return to the hotel, have your dinner, and go for a lovely sleep at an altitude of 4830 meters above sea level.

Day 10: Trek from Dzongla (4830m) to Thagnak (4750m) via Cho La Pass (5367m)

On the tenth day, we will reach one of the three major destinations of the entire Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass via the EBC Trekking map. As you wake up early in the morning, and enjoy your breakfast, the guides from Nepal Unique Treks and Expeditions take you on a trail from Dzongla to Thangnak. However, the twist here is that we will first ascend to the Cho La Pass (5367 meters). Our journey, as soon as we start, drops to the basin after passing through a forest. Well, the trail might as well become more difficult due to rocks and barren lands. However, it will certainly be worth your while due to the scenes and scenarios. After walking a little more, the Gokyo Cho La Pass Trekking route enters winding Bergschrund trails.

Regardless of the physical strain and pressure you need to dedicate for this section of the trek, watching all the scenes, and panoramic views, and even standing on the Cho La Pass makes it achieving and a proud moment for sure. Take your time to enjoy the views and experience of being at such a high altitude. After that, we will head towards Thagnak, the last destination of the day. Here, dinner and overnight stays will be organized by Nepal Unique Treks and Expeditions.

Day 11: Trek from Thagnak (4700m) to Gokyo (4750m)

The trek to Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass via the EBC trail continues as we leave Thagnak and ascend toward Gokyo. This will be a quick and short trekking route as we will cover a total distance of 2.7 kilometers which takes about 2 to 3 hours. Well, this section of the trek also allows the trekkers to pass over Nepal's longest glacier, Ngozumpa Glacier. As we pass the glacier and walk a little more, the trekkers will get to witness the second of the six lakes of the Gokyo Lakes system. We will not stop the journey here as our final destination will be the Gokyo hamlet, located on the edge of the third lake of the Gokyo Lakes series.

Day 12: Trek from Gokyo (4750m) to Dhole (4200m)

Well, we are almost at the final days of the Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass via EBC which sets us on the descending journey. On that verge, the guides will take you from Gokyo to Dhole on the twelfth day. It will be a rather pleasing and comfortable journey but still takes about 7 to 8 hours. Walking past several forests, and rivers, over some suspension bridges, and stopping by at different tea houses, we finally reach Dhole before the evening.

As we reach Dhole, the trekkers can stroll around the village, interact with the locals, and try out some local delicacies as well. In the night, we will have dinner in the hotel and sleep for another night on the Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass trekking map.

Day 13: Trek from Dhole (4200m) to Namche Bazaar (3440m)

Another day calls in for another descending journey in the Gokyo Lakes Trek via Cho La Pass. As you have your breakfast, our guides will take you on a trail from Dhole to Namche Bazaar. Reaching Namche Bazaar means that you will step into the heaven of Sherpa settlements and one of the best towns in the entire Khumbu region. On your way to Namche Bazaar, the trekkers will pass through several plants, watch different animals, and find many tea houses as well.

The number of tea houses in this section of the trek to Gokyo Lakes via Cho La Pass makes it more convenient and smooth for the trekkers. Once you reach Namche Bazaar, we recommend the trekkers visit any of the internet cafes, hotels, and spas there. Get yourself relaxed as that will certainly be necessary after such a long trekking journey. It takes about 5 to 6 hours for us to reach Namche Bazaar from Dhole which covers a distance of 12 kilometers.

Overnight stay and dinner will be arranged by Nepal Unique Treks and Expeditions in Namche Bazaar.

Day 14: Trek from Namche Bazaar (3440m) to Phakding (2610m) and then to Lukla (2840m)

It's the second last day of the 15 Days Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass Trek via Everest Base Camp and we will be on our way to Lukla via Phakding. As we start the descending journey after having a fulfilling breakfast at Namche Bazaar, we need to walk on a steep descent track. Besides, this section of the trail also goes past suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River and some steep and rocky terrain. Therefore, we recommend the trekkers keep as slow and steady pace as possible. Also, we suggest you be very careful and attentive while covering this part of the trek.

Within the next 7 to 8 hours, the trekkers will finally reach Lukla, located at an altitude of 2840 meters above sea level. Once you reach here, you can check in at the hotel, store your backpacks, get freshened up, and take a quick stroll of the village. Remember that, we will not return to Kathmandu on the fourteenth day. Therefore, dinner and overnight stay will be arranged in Lukla by our team.

Day 15: Lukla to Ramechhap drive back to Kathmandu. Participate in farewell dinner

Finally, it's the day to put an end to the 15-Day Gokyo Lakes Trek via Cho La Pass and Everest Base Camp as we will return from Lukla to Kathmandu. However, the journey will be divided into two different sections:

• Firstly from Lukla to Ramechhap (20-25 minutes flight).

• And then via bus to Kathmandu (5 hours drive).

Once you reach Kathmandu, get freshened up, we invite you for a farewell dinner. This will be the time when you share your overall experience with us and your fellow companions. After dinner, our 15-day Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass Trek comes to an end.