Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass & Gokyo Lakes - Trekking

The Everest Base Camp Trek via Cho La Pass & Gokyo Lakes begins as you land in the Tribhuwan International Airport (Kathmandu). Here, our local representatives welcome you and drive you to the hotel, where you will, once again, be greeted with a refreshing drink. The drive from the airport to the hotel offers glimpses of ancient temples, colourful street markets, and the flow of daily Nepali life. Finally, as you settle, the majestic silhouette of the Himalayas teasingly peeks over the rooftops, a reminder of the epic trek that awaits.

We recommend the trekkers to go for a quick stroll in the nearby areas and check out some pubs, bars, massage centers, or spas to relax and freshen up. In the evening, you can return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

On the second day, you will meet your guide for the EBC Chola Pass & Gokyo Lakes Trek journey, and they will prepare you for the trek. Besides, the guides will also take you to visit some of the traditional cultural points in the Kathmandu Valley. Here, the trekkers can explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Swayambhunath Stupa, Bouddhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and different Durbar Squares (Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, & Patan).

In the afternoon, your trekking guide will review the route, distribute permits, and help you finalize your packing. This day offers a vital mental and logistical boost, grounding you in Nepal’s rich heritage while ensuring every detail is set for your ascent to the Himalayas. In the evening, you are invited for dinner before you go for a relaxing sleep in the hotel.

The journey towards the Everest region begins on the third day as we go for a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. However, during the peak season, direct flights might not be available. In such cases, we will first drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap and then take a flight to Lukla from the Manthali Airport. As we land in the Tenzing & Hilary Airport, Lukla, the Sherpa guides will receive the trekkers and lead them towards Phakding. This walk to the village located at an altitude of 2650 meters takes us through quaint Sherpa villages, suspension bridges, and rhododendron forests.

After descending through lush terrain and walking for a few hours, we finally reached Phakding, a peaceful village with beautiful views, cozy lodges, and traditional Buddhist chortens. Besides, the village also sits just beside the Dudh Koshi river and is perfect to spend a night before ascending higher on the EBC via Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lakes Trek.

After having breakfast and getting ready, we will leave Phakding today and ascend towards Namche Bazaar. Let us tell you that we will be walking on a comparatively long and difficult route as we need to cover an approximate distance of 10.8 kilometres. Besides, this section of the EBC via Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lakes Trek follows the Dudh Koshi River. Furthermore, we will also cross several suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Bridge. Moreover, this section of the trail also offers us some glimpses of Mount Everest for the first time.

After about 6 hours of walking on this amazing trail, we finally reached Namche Bazaar, the unofficial capital of the Khumbu region. Besides, this village also showcases a vibrant Sherpa settlement with outstanding cultural, traditional, and religious experiences. Known for its yak cheese, bakeries, internet cafes, and gear shops, Namche serves as a major hub for trekkers. 

The fifth day of the Everest Base Camp Trek via Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lakes package is dedicated to rest and acclimatisation to avoid sickness. However, a rest day does not mean that we will stay idle; instead, the guides will take the trekkers for a short hike to the Everest View Hotel (3,880 meters). This hotel offers some outstanding views of different mountains, including Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. After spending some time in the Everest View Hotel and checking out the views, we returned to Namche Bazaar.

Back in Namche Bazaar, you can spend time in cafes, hotels, or simply stroll around the village interacting with the locals. Moreover, you can also visit the local markets or the Sherpa museum before having dinner and going for an overnight stay.

After a delicious breakfast, we leave Namche Bazaar and follow a well-trodden trail that winds along ridgelines with panoramic views of snowcapped giants like Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Talking about the trail, it first descends into the forested Dudh Koshi valley. As we keep walking, the trail gradually crosses a suspension bridge and rhododendron forests teeming with Himalayan flora and birdlife. Within a couple of hours, we will stop by Phunki Thenga for a well-earned lunch before continuing on the EBC trek via Cho La Pass.

After some time, we make our way to Tengboche, a village located at an altitude of 3800 meters above sea level. This beautifully decorated village is the largest and most important Buddhist monastery in the region. Set against a dramatic mountain backdrop, the monastery offers trekkers a serene and spiritual atmosphere. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to visit the monastery and witness the monks performing evening rituals, which certainly offers a truly mesmerizing experience. In the evening, the trekkers can enjoy interactions with the locals while watching amazing views of Ama Dablam at sunset from Tengboche.

After a peaceful morning in Tengboche, the trail descends through dense forests to Debuche and crosses the Imja Khola river over a suspension bridge. From this section of the EBC trek via Cho La Pass & Gokyo Lakes, you can witness the landscapes shifting. Furthermore, we can notice the trees thinning and the terrain becoming more alpine, with shrubs and yak pastures replacing forests. As we keep walking, the trail passes through some beautiful and traditional Sherpa villages, like Pangboche and Shomare. A little later, we finally ascend into the wide Imja Valley to reach Dingboche, surrounded by snow-draped peaks.

Dingboche is a picturesque high-altitude village nestled in a vast valley framed by Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Island Peak. Known as the "summer valley," it’s less windy than nearby Pheriche and offers ideal conditions for acclimatization. Besides, we can also notice trekkers relaxing and preparing for the higher altitudes ahead. Overnight stay and dinner will be arranged in a cozy tea house at Dingboche.

Today is set aside for rest and acclimatization, a crucial step for your health and success at higher elevations. But don’t worry, acclimatization doesn’t mean doing nothing! Most trekkers opt for a short hike up to Nangkartshang Peak (5,083m), which offers incredible panoramic views of Makalu, Island Peak, and the Imja Valley. This active rest day helps your body adapt to the thinning air, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.

The afternoon can be spent relaxing in Dingboche, enjoying freshly baked goods from local bakeries or soaking in the views from your teahouse. You might also take time to journal, read, or chat with fellow trekkers sharing the same dream of reaching Everest Base Camp. The slower pace of the day gives you a deeper appreciation of the high Himalayan environment and Sherpa culture.

The journey continues northward through the windswept alpine landscape. The trail gently ascends to Dughla (Thukla), where you’ll pause for tea and snacks before tackling the steep climb to the Thukla Pass. This section is emotionally moving, a memorial ground honors climbers who have perished on Everest, marked by stone cairns and prayer flags fluttering in the wind. It’s a sobering reminder of the mountain's raw power and the courage it demands.

After this, the trail levels out as you make your way to Lobuche, a small settlement nestled beneath the towering Nuptse and Lobuche peaks. It’s colder here, and the air is noticeably thinner, but the views are truly majestic. Lobuche is often bustling with anticipation as trekkers gear up for the big day ahead, the journey to Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass & Gokyo Lakes.

This is one of the most awaited and exciting days of the trek. The trail to Gorak Shep begins with a gradual ascent over rocky moraine and glacial terrain. Once you reach Gorak Shep, you’ll take a short break before continuing the final leg toward Everest Base Camp. The trail hugs the side of the Khumbu Glacier and rewards you with dramatic vistas of icefalls, jagged peaks, and the surrounding Himalayan giants.

After reaching the iconic Everest Base Camp, you’ll spend some time soaking in the achievement. While you won’t see Everest’s summit from here, standing at the foot of the tallest mountain in the world is an emotional, bucket-list moment. You’ll return to Gorak Shep for the night, filled with pride and awe from a day of legendary adventure.

An early morning hike to Kalapatthar awaits today. Starting before dawn, you’ll ascend a steep ridge to the famous viewpoint that offers arguably the best view of Mount Everest’s summit. As the sun rises over the eastern horizon, the golden light illuminates Everest, Nuptse, and Pumori, a visual symphony that justifies every step of the journey.

After descending back to Gorak Shep and enjoying a hearty breakfast, the trek continues westward toward Dzongla. This scenic trail diverges from the standard EBC route, gradually leading you through less-traveled terrain with mesmerizing views of the Cholatse and Taboche peaks. Dzongla is a quiet, serene hamlet that sets the stage for the next big challenge, crossing the Cho La Pass.

Today is one of the most challenging and rewarding days of the trek as you cross the icy and dramatic Cho La Pass. The day begins early with a steep, often snowy ascent to the high-altitude pass, where you'll need to use caution while navigating rocky terrain and glacial ice. The view from the top is simply staggering, a 360° panorama of the Khumbu and Gokyo valleys stretches before you.

The descent to Thangna requires care, especially if snow or ice is present, but it eventually leads to a gentle, beautiful valley floor beside the Ngozumpa Glacier. Thangna is a small stopover with basic accommodation, offering a cozy place to rest after a truly epic day. After 8 to 9 hours of walking in this section of the Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass & Gokyo Lakes Trekking trail, we will go for a much-awaited rest at Thagna.

After the physically demanding previous day, today's shorter trek to Gokyo Lakes feels like a reward. The route continues along the glacier’s edge, weaving past rocky terrain and moraine until you suddenly arrive at the brilliant turquoise waters of Gokyo’s first lake. Soon after, the larger, iconic third Gokyo Lake reveals itself, with the village of Gokyo sitting peacefully on its shore.

Gokyo is considered one of the most beautiful high-altitude villages in Nepal. Surrounded by pristine lakes and soaring peaks, it offers a unique side of the Everest region. You’ll have time to explore the lakefront or relax in your teahouse, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere before another ascent tomorrow.

Today, the trekkers need to wake up earlier than on any other day in the EBC via Cho La Pass & Gokyo Lakes. That's because we will go for an early morning hike to Gokyo Ri, a viewpoint located at an altitude of 5357 meters above sea level. From the top, you’ll see a sweeping vista of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, four of the world’s highest peaks, along with the serene Gokyo Lakes and Ngozumpa Glacier below.

After descending, the trek backtracks to Dole, a charming alpine village. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River as you descend past yak pastures, alpine shrubs, and rhododendron groves. Dole offers a quiet resting point with beautiful surroundings, ideal for reflection and rest.

Today’s trail continues downward through verdant terrain, passing through small villages like Luza and Mong La before rejoining the main EBC route at Namche. The descent is a reminder of how much ground you've covered, both physically and mentally.

Arriving back in Namche Bazaar feels like a homecoming. The comforts of bakeries, cafés, and hot showers are once again available, and there’s a celebratory air among trekkers who’ve completed the circuit. You might spend the evening indulging in good food and sharing stories with new friends.

On the sixteenth day, we take our steps back from Namche Bazaar to Lukla. This 6-hour descending trek takes us through the same beautiful trails, suspension bridges, and forested paths that welcomed us days ago into the Everest Base Camp via the Cho La Pass & Gokyo Lakes trekking trail. The return to Lukla is both satisfying and reflective, a final walk through the heart of the Khumbu.

Once in Lukla, you’ll check into your teahouse, enjoy your final night with your trekking crew, and likely celebrate with a hot meal and drinks. The airport sits just above town, ready for your morning flight.

Depending on the season and flight logistics, you'll either fly directly to Kathmandu or via Manthali. The flight back offers one last aerial view of the Himalayas, a fitting end to this extraordinary journey.

Upon landing, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. After a warm shower and rest, you might enjoy the city’s cultural richness, a meal in Thamel, a massage, or some souvenir shopping.

This extra day is built in as a buffer in case of weather-related delays in Lukla, which are common in this mountainous region. If your flight is on time, you’ll have a free day to explore Kathmandu, visit UNESCO sites, stroll through the bustling streets, or unwind at a rooftop café.

If you're still in Lukla due to weather, rest assured, your guides will manage logistics while keeping your comfort in mind. Either way, the day allows flexibility before your international departure.

Today marks the conclusion of your incredible EBC via Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lakes adventure. You’ll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport depending on your flight schedule. As you say goodbye to Nepal, you'll carry home not only memories of majestic mountains but also the spirit of resilience, humility, and connection that the Himalayas inspire.