Mt. Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake (Cho-La Pass Trek) - 16 Days

Tour Overview

People Interested

0

Location

Everest

Durations

16 Days

Trip Grade

Strenuous

Max group size

12

Best Time

Spring and Autumn


Tour Description

Mt. Everest Basecamp with Gokyo Lake Trek-16 days is one of the most well-known and fabulous adventurous trekking circuits. The trek to Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake gives you an incredible up-close glimpse of the gigantic Mount Everest from every viewpoint. Around 35,000 tourists explore Everest Base Camp each year, and about 1000 ascend Mount Everest, the tallest summit on the globe which lies in Nepal. This trek is also known as the Everest Cho-La Pass trek.

 Everest Basecamp with Gokyo Lake trekking is perfect for hikers who want to enjoy hiking in the Everest foothills but are unable to ascend to high altitudes. The Gokyo Lake Everest view hike is a wonderful journey that combines the breathtaking Himalayan panoramas, and the warm hospitality, traditions, customs, and lifestyle of the local Sherpas. This is a lifetime experience that will take you deep into the Everest vicinity and across one of the steepest passes in the whole globe, Cho La Pass.

 Hiking around Everest Basecamp & Gokyo Lake provides stunning panoramas of several steep mountains, including the world's tallest peak, Mount Everest, as well as Amadablam, Cho-Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, Thamserku, and others. Every turn in this trail leads to something new: a rhododendron woodland, streams, hillsides, and the rich traditions of a Sherpa hamlet, along with 'Ngozumba glacier' – the longest glacier in Nepal, the bustling market town of Namche Bazaar, the historic sanctuary at Tengboche and the absolute abundant wildlife of Sagarmatha Nature Reserve.

For adventurers throughout the world, trekking ranks highly on their checklists of activities to do. People also ascend Mount Everest to demonstrate their courage in the midst of challenges. Get on the best trekking journey in Nepal with Hiking Bees' 16-day Everest Basecamp along with Gokyo Lake Trek. 

 

Ideal Season for Everest Basecamp with Gokyo Lake Trekking

When heading for a hike, one needs to be mindful of the season they decide to go. And what exactly time of year is ideal for Everest Basecamp with Gokyo Lake Trekking? Hiking Bees advises you to reserve this excursion for the spring and autumn seasons.

Through splitting these seasons further, spring lasts from March to May. These are pleasant hiking months because of the milder weather. During this season, the flowers are in full bloom, and the pathway is lined with petals and leaves.

Autumn, which lasts from September to November, is the second-optimal season. Vibrant clouds and a refreshing atmosphere characterize these months.

Additionally, if you visit here in the month of October, you could attend the renowned Mani Rimdu festival which is celebrated by Buddhists for 19 days. 

Normally, we advise avoiding hikes to Everest Basecamp with Gokyo Lake in the summer. Although, Hiking Bees would be pleased to plan a suitable Himalayan trip to Everest Basecamp & Gokyo Lake if your timetable for visiting Nepal is scheduled during the summer.

 

How challenging is Everest Basecamp with Gokyo Lake Trekking?

The Everest Basecamp with Gokyo Lake Trekking, with almost 130km trek length, is the most popular and demanding hiking destination based on the trekking trails as well as feedback from hikers. Experienced trekkers won't struggle on this walk, but newcomers may encounter some challenges. As this is a high altitude trek i.e. up to 5500m with unpaved roads, normal people can have difficulties in breaking and walking.  

However, there is always a workaround. Beginners may get ready for this hike by adding these practices to their daily routine: Daily morning and evening Walks, Remaining hydrated, Meditation and Yoga, Remaining, Nutritional diets, Jogging, Going to the Gym, and so on. 

You should plan your trip with warm clothes and comfortable boots for a pleasant hike along with raincoats or umbrellas as the weather of the Himalayan regions is mostly drizzly. When in the journey, we are here to ease your hike with the availability of guides, who will give you directions and porters, who will carry your luggage and oxygen cylinders.

So if you are an enthusiast and an adventure-loving person, now is the chance to explore the Everest Basecamp & Gokyo Lake with Hiking Bees.

 

Suggested Preparation for Everest Cho La Pass Trek:  

To undertake the Everest Basecamp with Gokyo Lake Trek, you should have a good level of physical fitness and stamina. You should start preparing for the trek at least 2-3 months before the trek. Some of the suggested preparations include: 

Physical Preparation: Everest Basecamp with Gokyo Lake Trek (Cho La PAss Trek) is a physically demanding trek that requires a good level of fitness and stamina. You should start preparing for the trek at least 2-3 months in advance. Some of the physical preparation you can do include:

  •  Regular exercise: Start doing cardio exercises such as running, cycling, or swimming to improve your endurance and stamina. 
  • Strength training: Incorporate strength training exercises such as squats, lunges, and leg presses to build leg muscles and increase your overall strength. 
  • Altitude training: You can train your body for high altitude by doing stair climbing, hiking, or trekking on nearby hills or mountains. 

Mental preparationMental preparation is equally important for as physical preparation. You should be mentally prepared for the challenges of the trek and be positive and determined throughout the journey. 

  • Research: Research about the trek, its challenges, and the culture and customs of the region. This will help you to have realistic expectations and avoid culture shock.
  • Meditation: Meditation helps to calm your mind and improve your mental strength. You can start with short meditation sessions and gradually increase the duration and frequency.
  • Positive Attitude: Having a positive attitude helps you to overcome challenges and enjoy the journey. You should focus on the beautiful scenery and the experience rather than the difficulties.

 

EBC with Gokyo Lake Trekking by Hiking Bees

Hiking Bees is a professional Nepalese trekking company with a team of professional guides, who efficiently run a variety of treks and vacations. Locals from the region where you will be hiking serve as our guides and carriers. They are knowledgeable in hike routes and schedules and have received extensive training. 

Everest Basecamp with Gokyo Lake Hiking is unquestionably a fantastic, ideal location for trekkers. For individuals with a specified timeframe, this 16-day journey would be perfect. We also suggest the 19-day Everest Basecamp Trek with Island Peak Climbing, 19-day Everest Basecamp Trek Lobuche Peak Climbing, or 20-day Everest 3 Passes Trek if you're searching for a more extended, more demanding alternative choice with additional tourist routes. 

 

With Hiking Bees, you can travel anywhere for a reasonable price, capture your precious moments, and enjoy your vacation. You may schedule your upcoming travel with us straight away!!

 

Tour Highlights

 

  • Hike to Gokyo Ri Viewpoint to witness the incredible views of Gokyo Lake.
  • Trek to EBC and Kala Patthar with up-close views of some of the world's highest summits, including Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
  • Cross Nzogumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal.
  •  A difficult ascent across Cho La Pass, a steep cliff.
  • Experience a thrilling mountain adventure with breathtaking Himalayan vistas.
  •  Hike through the rhododendron and pine-filled alpine woodlands of Sagarmatha Nature & Wildlife Reserve.
  • Enjoy 16 days of getting to know the Sherpa's culture and lifestyle.
  • Trek with a knowledgeable and amiable tourist agent to discover more about Solukhumbu.

Tour Includes

 

  • All kinds of transportation services, notably private vehicles and airport shuttles.
  • Lodging plus breakfast at a 3-starred Kathmandu hotel.
  • Finest possible double-split lodge to lodge accommodation throughout the hike.
  • Breakfast, day meal, and supper are all included in the full board hike package, along with tea and coffee.
  • One incredibly skilled, accommodating, and kind guide plus one porter (1 porter for two individuals), and all of the staff's meals, lodging, and so on.
  • Administrative fees and governmental taxes.
  • Entrance permit fee for Sagarmatha National Park.
  • First-aid supplies including an oxygen meter to check pulse rate.
  • All the necessary equipments (Down Jacket, Duffle Bag, Sleeping Bag, Walking pole).
  • Hot bag for a goodnight sleep.
  • Emergency Rescue Arrangement service which will be funded by your travel insurance.
  • Energy Supplements (Cookies, Chocolatebar, etc.) once in a day.
  • Seasonal fruits as dessert after dinner.
  • Farewell dinner in a typical Nepali kitchen.

Tour Excludes

 

  • Your entrance visa and international travel costs.
  • Meals not listed in the "Daily food Inclusions".
  • Personalized hiking kit.
  • Traveling insurance.
  • Drinks, snacks, water as well as other individual needs and expenses.
  • Tips for guide and porter.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : Landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu

Meals : Welcome Drinks

At the Kathmandu airport's arrival zone, staff from our service will be waiting for you with your nameplate. Once you arrive, the staff will greet you and take you to your accommodation in Kathmandu. A description of our arrangements will be provided to you by the hotel when you check-in.

Trek Distance : 8Km
Highest Altitude : 2,800m/9,187feet
Trek Duration : 35 minutes flight and 4 hours hiking
Meals : B,L,D

After a leisurely breakfast at a hotel in Kathmandu, our trip officially begins. We'll be driven to Tribhuvan International Airport where we'll take a short flight to the alpine town of Lukla, with beautiful Himalayan views from the airplane's window. Following our landing, we will join our trekking group and get started on the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trek. After approximately four hours of trekking, we will arrive at the little settlement of Phakding, which is our destination for the day. We will explore the neighborhood monasteries or take in the serenity of the Dudh Koshi River after we reach there. Then, we'll be spending the night at a guesthouse in Phakding.

Trek Distance : 10.7Km
Highest Altitude : 3,438 meters/11,280 feet
Trek Duration : 5-6 Hrs
Meals : B,L,D

We'll get up early today and eat a hearty breakfast at our guesthouse. We begin our second day of the EBC with Gokyo Lake Trek by hiking through a lush paradise of shady forests and hidden cascades. We'll go through the suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River and capture our first decent view at some of the tallest peaks in the Himalayan region, including Thamserku, which is covered in snowfall (6,608 meters). Then, our route enters Sagarmatha National Park, a huge region rich in scenic beauties. Following lunch, we'll traverse yet another set of footbridges before catching a glimpse of Mount Everest. From here, Namche Bazaar, a bustling town, is only a short distance away. For lodging tonight, we'll choose the finest hiking lodge that's obtainable.

Highest Altitude : 3,438 meters/11,280 feet

We don't carry on with our journey today and stop by to sightsee the beautiful landscape of Namche Bazaar. We are resting here to adjust to the increasing elevation as we are currently at a steep altitude and are further traveling to a higher altitude location. You may take a little trek to admire the views from Syangboche Airport or you can take a tour to the 'Sherpa Culture Museum'. Additionally, you can visit the bakeries, which ought to be applauded for making delectable pastries at such high elevations. We make our way back to Namche Bazaar in the dusk to spend the night at the same guesthouse.

Trek Distance : 11.5Km
Highest Altitude : 4,038 meters/13,248 feet
Trek Duration : 5-6Hrs
Meals : B,L,D

We will hike for Dole after spending a day in Namche Bazaar acclimatizing. Our route diverges from the traditional Everest Base Camp walk at this point. The traditional EBC trip extends to Tengboche rather than Dole. There are numerous ups and downs on the rocky trail leading to Dole. We will arrive at Mong La Pass, which is 3957 meters / 12982 feet, following a two-hour hike. Spectacular sights of Mt. Ama Dablam (6,812m) and Mt. Khumbila (5,761m) are available from this location. Moving further, our trek leads us through rhododendron and pine-filled woodlands until arriving at the riverbank settlement of Phortse Tenga. But we'll keep going till we get to Dole, where we're staying for a night.

Trek Distance : 7Km
Highest Altitude : 4,470 meters/14,450 feet
Trek Duration : 5-6Hrs
Meals : B,L,D

On the sixth day of our EBC with Gokyo Lake trek, we hike to Machhermo having breakfast at a guesthouse in Dole. After departing from Dole, we continue climbing higher, arriving at lovely grasslands that are used as yak farms. Along the way, we will observe a number of temples and Buddhist praying flags along the Dudh Koshi River. These grasslands are lush in the summertime, and yaks may be seen grazing there. The breathtaking view of Mt. Cho Oyu can be seen from here. Before we eventually arrive at Machhermo, the route takes us to the villages of Lapahrma and Luja. We then arrange a local guesthouse to reside for a night in Macchermo.

Trek Distance : 7km
Highest Altitude : 4,790 meters/15,584 feet
Trek Duration : 3-4Hrs
Meals : B,L,D

Today is the most awaited day of the entire EBC & Gokyo Lake Trek as we would be trekking to Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri. We leave Macchermo after a delightful breakfast and reach Phanga following an hour-long hike across high grasslands. The monuments of those who perished in the landslides are located in this area. After crossing Pangka, we continue on an up-down path until we come to the scarp of Nepal's longest glacier, Nzogumpa Glacier. This glacier begins at the base of Cho Oyu in Tibet and flows downstream to Gokyo Basin in Nepal. We will gradually arrive at the first Gokyo Lake outlet, Longpongo, which also seems to be the smallest of the five main Gokyo lakes, and to the second lake, Taboche Tsho. The third Gokyo Lake, Gokyo Tsho/ Dudh Pokhari, is just up the road from the actual Gokyo town, which is one of the densely populated areas in Nepal. For lodging tonight, we'll choose the finest hiking lodge in Gokyo that's accessible.

Trek Distance : 8Km
Highest Altitude : 5,400 meters/17,814 feet
Trek Duration : 6-7Hrs
Meals : B,L,D

We get up early in the morning, have our breakfast, and buckle ourselves up for a steep ascend to Gokyo Ri. After an hour of climbing, we can see a hilltop, referred to as the renowned Gokyo Ri Viewpoint, in the center of the Gokyo Settlement. Four of the six tallest peaks in the world i.e. Mount Everest (8,848 meters), Lhotse (8,516 meters), Makalu (8,485 meters), and Cho Oyu (8,188 meters) can be seen from there. We'll furthermore travel to the remaining Gokyo lakes. After having lunch in Gokyo, we resume our journey to Thagnak, a settlement beside Nzogumpa Glacier. Going eastward via the Gokyo Valley, we follow the Nzogumpa Glacier and reach our destination spot i.e. Thagnak, where we will be staying overnight in a guesthouse enjoying a bonfire and food.

Trek Distance : 16Km
Highest Altitude : 4,855 meters/15,930 feet
Trek Duration : 6-7Hrs
Meals : B,L,D

After a hearty breakfast to enhance our strength, we will shoulder our bags and head to today's destination – Dzongla via Cho La Pass (5420 meters/17,783 feet). We will get to the summit of icy Cho La high pass after a handful of hours of hiking across steep routes and glacial rocky outcrops and will be rewarded with stunning glimpses of Cho La Lake and Mt. Cholatse (6,440m). After heading to the slick and slippery downhill with a continuous walk for 7 hours, we reach Dzongla where we will be enjoying the rest of our day and night in a guesthouse.

Trek Distance : 8Km
Highest Altitude : 4,910 meters/16,105 feet
Trek Duration : 4-5Hrs
Meals : B,L,D

The journey today begins with a descent route via Chola Lake and Khumbu Glacier. We'll pass through unexplored mountains - Kongma Tse and Taboche and will also pause to pay our respects to a number of memorial monuments built in honor of climbers who have perished. On our way, we will follow Imaj Khola that will lead us to our destination – Lobuche, through which we will reconnect to the classic EBC Circuit. We explore Lobuche and spend our night at a guesthouse there.

Trek Distance : 11Km
Highest Altitude : 5,364 meters/17,599 feet
Trek Duration : 7-8 Hrs
Meals : B,L,D

You will have a memorable day since you will finally arrive at the Everest Base Camp. But the ascent will begin at Lobuche and rise substantially as we get closer to Gorak Shep. Gorak Shep has to be one of the most stirring names in the entire Khumbu, together with Namche Bazaar. Before reaching Gorak Shep in the morning, we will climb across a rocky glacier. We'll take a little lunch break here before continuing on to EBC. With the breezes of the world's tallest peak speeding past our ears as we climb the rocky road, you'll undoubtedly have a bounce in your heart. You'll have a plethora of leisure to see the expansive Everest Himalaya landscape once we reach the base camp. The vast walls of the Lhotse, Western Cwm, Nuptse, and the Khumbu Icefall are seen. We'll hike back to Gorak Shep later on to celebrate with a supper and spend the night at a hotel.

Trek Distance : 15Km
Highest Altitude : 5,545 meter/18,193 feet
Trek Duration : 7-8Hrs
Meals : B,L,D

Today's task is to climb Kala Patthar, a 360-degree viewpoint for Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Taboche, Thamserku, and additional renowned summits and glaciers. Even more impressive views of Everest are visible from this viewpoint than yesterday! After that, we'll make our way down to Gorak Shep for a relaxing brunch before starting the long journey back to Pheriche. This will be a nice and familiar path that will take us to another guesthouse for a hot supper and pleasant sleep.

Trek Distance : 20Km
Highest Altitude : 3,438 meters/11,280 feet
Trek Duration : 8Hrs
Meals : B,L,D

As we return to Namche Bazaar in the morning, we commence with a mild slope amid rhododendron trees. After a few of hours of walking, we'll arrive at the Imja Khola River and then halt for lunch in Tengboche. Seize the chance to take a further glance at the town's stunning monastery. Although it is prohibited to take photos inside, the scenes you will encounter will remain engraved in your memory forever. We will now travel across lush slopes and windy hillsides to return to Namche Bazaar. This evening, you'll have sufficient time to do some shopping prior to supper. In another pleasant hotel, we'll spend our second last night of this wonderful EBC with Gokyo Lake hike.

Trek Distance : 13.5Km
Highest Altitude : 2,800 meters/9,187 feet
Trek Duration : 8-9 Hrs
Meals : B,L,D

Our trek on the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trek comes to an end today. We'll start a steep descent via several tiny settlements, including Phakding, wherein we spent our initial night on the trek. Your last glances of the picturesque Khumbu wildness will be from the mounting point of numerous footbridges, so be sure to take in the breathtaking vistas of waterways and wooded hillsides. When we finally get back to Lukla, we'll celebrate with a dinner and also do a little bit of exploring around Lukla. Last but not least, make an effort to obtain enough sleep for the next day's early flight.

Meals : B

This is the last day of our trip to Everest Basecamp along with 3 high passes. We leave for the Lukla Airport early in the morning and get to have last-minute insights into all the beautiful Himalayas that we witnessed before. Following a 35-minute flight, we return to Kathmandu and check into our hotel. You can chill or go sightseeing during the remaining hours of the day in the capital. In the evening we will have a farewell dinner at a typical Nepali kitchen and discuss the memories during the trek.

Meals : B

This is the day of farewell where you accomplish the journey and leave for your home. Three hours prior to your boarding time, our staff will receive you from your hotel and drop you off at the Tribhuvan International Airport. We really enjoyed hosting you. Many thanks for having us and safe travels returning home.

FAQs Section

The Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo Lake, also known as the Everest Cho La Pass Trek, is a popular trekking route in the Everest region of Nepal. It combines the classic Everest Base Camp Trek with a detour to Gokyo Lake and a challenging pass called Cho La.

The duration of the trek can vary depending on the itinerary and individual preferences. On average, it takes around 16 to 20 days to complete the Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo Lake.

The best time to undertake this trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer stable weather, clear skies, and favorable trekking conditions.

The Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo Lake is considered a moderately to strenuously challenging trek. The high altitude, steep ascents and descents, and potential altitude sickness make it physically demanding. Proper acclimatization and physical fitness are crucial.

Yes, you will need several permits for this trek. The most important ones are the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. You can obtain these permits in Kathmandu or Monjo before entering the national park.

Along the Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo Lake, you will find a range of accommodation options in tea houses or lodges. These are basic but comfortable guesthouses that provide meals and a place to sleep. The facilities may vary, but most offer communal dining areas and shared bathrooms.

Some essential items to pack include warm clothing, a good pair of trekking boots, a down jacket, a sleeping bag, sunscreen, a hat, gloves, a headlamp, a water bottle, and basic toiletries. It's important to pack light but ensure you have all the necessary trekking gear.

you can check our detailed packing list for The Trekking as well.

Upcoming Departures

Mt. Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake (Cho-La Pass Trek) - 16 Days
08 Dec 2023 - 24 Dec 2023

10 seats available!!!

Starting from

$1,500$1,600

Book Now
Mt. Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake (Cho-La Pass Trek) - 16 Days
23 May 2024 - 08 Jun 2024

11 seats available!!!

Starting from

$1,500$1,600

Book Now