Cho-La Pass Via Gokyo Lakes & Everest Base Camp

Detail Itinerary

DAY 1:Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m) and Trek Preparation

Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport look for your guide with Sherpa Backpackers’ display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to the hotel. After you check in you have sometime to explore the city and then preparing for your next day adventure is must. Your guide will introduce you to  rest of the team member and brief you about the trip in the evening. Provided there is time after the meeting we may as well go out for a group dinner to a traditional Nepali Restaurant.

DAY 2:  Kathmandu – Lukla (2,860m) 30 minutes flight – Phakding (2,690m) 3  hours

After an early breakfast, you will be driven to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu Airport for an early morning flight to Lukla, also known as the gateway to Mt. Everest Base Camp. After an adventurous 30 minute flight above the breathtaking green and white mountains we reach the Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world which is surrounded by high mountains peaks. Upon arrival at Lukla, we meet our other crew members and the you get access to your duffel bags before we start the day hike. After some packing and arrangements, we start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities we can take a side trip upto a nearbyvilleg or visit a Buddhist  monastery. Overnight in Phakding.

DAY 3:  Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3,440 m): 6- 7 hours

Today’s our trek starts in the morning after breakfast. The walk today is pleasant with few short uphill and downhill with multiple crossings over Dudh Koshi River and magnificent view of Mt. Thamserku from the Benkar village. We cross more bridges and reach entrance of Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo where we will have our lunch. After lunch we descend and then a gradual walk brings us to Jorsale, the last village before Namche Bazaar.It’s mostly ascending after this. As we climb up the hill towards Namche Bazzar closer and magnificent sight of Kongde Peak, Kusum Kangaru, Tawache, and many other fabulous mountains can be seen close by. If the weather is good then today you will also be able to see Mt. Everest for the first time. We stop at Chautara to admire the view. Then we make the last push to get to Namche.

DAY 4:  Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization Day

This is the scheduled ‘acclimatization’ day for the trek. Experts always recommend us to stay active and moving during the rest day too instead of being idle. Therefore today we take you for an acclimatization hike making an ascent of 300-40meters. Then back for lunch again. After lunch you have an afternoon free to explore Namche Bazaar.

DAY 5:  Namche Bazzar – Dole (4180m)  9 hours

After breakfast we make an steep climb towards Khumjung Village.Stopping for lunch in  Kyangjuma, we can enjoy outstanding views of Thamserku, Katenga, and Ama Dablam.Then we start to climb up gradually until we get to Mong-La. We stop for lunch at Mong-La. After lunch we start the walk to Dole to admire the grandest views of surrounding snow-capped mountains and valleys while having lunch. The most outstanding feature of the trail today is the abundance of plant and animal vegetation including wildflowers and Rhododendrons. While on the way it will not be  unusual to spot wild lives like pheasants, mountain goats, and the elusive musk deer. Traversing through forests, some water falls and bridges, we reach at Dole, a small place with few teahouses. Overnight .

Day 6:  Dole – Machhermo (4,450m) 4 hours

Firstly, we climb steadily up through a scenic ridge above Dole and the trail climbs via Lhabarma at 4220m to Luza at 4360m. The path is steep in most places as we pass through thorny bushes up to Lhafarma. Offering us good views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku the trail takes us through many summer settlements and a charming hamlet of Luza (4360 m). While ascending from Luza, the Dudh Koshi valley is deep like a canyon with its sheer sides. Walking along the hill side above thundering Dudkoshi passing through some small hamlets and through sandy spurs, we reach Machherma. Machherma is the last major settlement on the way up to Gokyo. The beautiful stream flowing down from the Kyajo Ri and Phari Lapche mountains runs through the middle of village before draining into the Dudh Koshi. It is the place where Khumbu people got first sighting of Yeti in 1974. At this juncture, we pay our visit to the Himalayan Rescue Hospital for a lecture regarding the altitude sickness, its precaution and primary treatment. Overnight at Machhermo..

DAY 7:  Machherma – Gokyo (4800m) 5 hours

Today, we climb through a ridge Chorten from where we can see fabulous view of both down the valley and of the Mt. Kangtega, Thamserku, and northern part to the Cho-Oyu (8153m). Beyond the ridge the valley widens as the trail passes through a Chorten and reaches Pangka (4480 m) after some gentle walk. Phangka is the palace where an avalanche in 1995 killed 40 people. We descend to the river bank before beginning to climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozamba Glacier. It is a steep climb on the moraine. After crossing an iron bridge over an stream the trial levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo at 4690m, where we get chance to observe the Lama footprints on a stone. At the sight of the second lake, Taboche Tsho we become mesmerized by the shimmering turquoise blue sheet of water sparkling in the sun. Little ahead of the second lake, we reach the third lake, the two linked by a surging stream. Gokyo village stands by the third lake and Cho-Oyu Mountain as a backdrop sets an amazing spectacular sight at this juncture. After lunch, we explore around the third Lakes, Dudh Pokhari. We spend night at a teahouse with comfortable bedrooms. Overnight at Gokyo.

 DAY 8:  Hike – Gokyo Ri (5360m) 5 Hours- Dragnak (4700m) 4-5 hours

Early morning, we hike up to the Gokyo Ri (Gokyo Peak). Climbing to Gokyo Ri is obviously strenuous as it is steep up and takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach the top. But even from the trial scenery of Gokyo village on the edge of third lake overlooked by Cholatse and the broad Nogzumpa Glacier are mind blowing. We feel like we are surrounded by panoramic mountains like Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Changtse, and Pumori. Sight of sunrays kissing the Everest that towers over all surrounding peaks is unlike from Kala Patthar (from Kala Patthar Nuptse seems taller). Our Gokyo Ri visit will be unforgettable life time memories. After breakfast we trek towards Dragnak,the trail ascends a bit then after and once we step on the moraine of Ngajumpa we start descending a bit then continue along the valley of this huge glacier for 3-4 hours to get to Dragnak (4700m) also known as base camp of Cho La Pass. Along the trail you will see the fine views of mountains and natural beauty. It is really wonderful trip from Gokyo Lake to Thangna but in Thangna only basic and limited teahouse facilities are available in here. Overnight at the teahouse.

 Day 9: Thagna trek to Dzongla (4830m) over Cho La Pass (5368m) 10 Hours

Today is going to be one of the tough days, the pass is not itself difficult but it is steep and involves a glacier traverse before and after the pass. We need to be careful as the trail is vertical and the rocks glazed by ice add trouble to the trekkers making the trekking trail slippery. Our trail climbs through a narrow valley and a rocky trail we climb up continuously up from Phedi. As we gain height, the view gets increasingly captivating before us. We trek through the side of a frozen lake while we come to the top of the Cho La pass (5368m) decorated with prayer flags. Famous mountains we get sight of during the trail on the Pass and from the top are Kyajo Ri, Tengkangpoche, Numbur, Kangchung etc. The pyramidal Ama Dablam presides over a range of mountains on the south even as Cholatse soar on the west and Lobuche East and Baruntse rises sharply to our right. After the Cho La pass, the trail descends steeply towards the Dzonglha (4,830 m) passing through some crevasses and pine forests before we reach at Dzongla, another beautiful place with a complete view of Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Lobuche and the Pheriche village far below. Finally you reach at Dzongla (4830m) here are few basic teahouse facilities. Overnight at Dzongla.

 Day 10: Dzongla to Lobuche (4910m)   3-4 Hours

Today you don’t have to walk longer and also not hard trail from Dzongla to Lobuche so you can enjoy the trip after crossing the Cho La Pass (5368m). The trail is descends and ascends gently and level walk finally you reach at Lobuche (4910m). This trip is providing excellent views of Ama Dablam, the Nuptse-Lhotse, Everest, Pumori, Lobuche peak etc. Lobuche is a small village situated nearby the stream and the sunset on Nuptse is a memorable sight. Overnight in teahouse

 DAY 11:  Lobuche – Gorak Shep  (5180m) 4hours Everest Base Camp (5365m) 3 hours – Gorak Shep: 2 hours

The trail to Gorak Shep goes ahead through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We pass through the pyramid sign post. Ahead on the trail we see crest of north ridge of Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Lingtern, Mt. Khumbutse, Mt. Nuptse, etc. A small ascent would take us to Thangma Riju from where we perceive 360 degree vista of snowy mountains. Climbing steeply up to the top through the torrent of Changri Glacier, we catch our first glimpse of Kala Patthar, a grey-green knoll beneath the Mt. Pumori. As we reach Gorak Shep, we will find snow-capped mountains looming all around us including the top of the world – Mt. Everest. After a brief lunch and rest, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come through the Indian army mountaineers’ memorials. Only upon reaching the Everest Base Camp do we really appreciate the Everest climbers who brave the hazardous route through the Khumbu icefall. Mountaineer’s tents stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the Spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. Everest actually is not visible from here. By now we have met the ultimate objective of our trip. Overnight at Gorak Shep

DAY 12:  Gorak Shep – Kala Patthar – Pheriche (42000) 8-9 hours

Today is the climax of our trip. We start early in the morning to catch the dramatic views from Kala Patthar witnessing the first light of day shining on Mount Everest. However, we need to get prepared for an early morning, dark and cold temperature departure beforehand. Further, there is always the potential for chilly wind which is quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself emerging between the west shoulder crest and Nuptse. During the ascent to Kala Patthar, we can pause to catch our breath at several outstanding view points to snap pictures. After several hours of an ascent, we reach Kala Patthar. From this juncture, we scramble to climb the rocky outcrop near to the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags. As we reach the top, we sit on the Kala Patthar where rocks our eyes taking unbelievable Himalayan Panorama, wandering from one mighty massif to another. We take as many pictures as we can and take the in view with our mind’s eye to last lifetime. On being back to Gorak Shep, we have breakfast and then slowly descend down to Pheriche via lobuche.

DAY 13:  Pheriche-Pangboche-Tengboche-Namche Bazzar (3,440 m):  5-6 hours

Today, we trek down through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. If it is spring, pink and red rhododendron flowers ablaze our surroundings. Depending on our hunger and condition, we either have our lunch in Pangboche or wait until we reach Phunki Tenga for lunch. After crossing the prayer flag festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River trail then follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests. The path eventually reaches Sansa which is the major trail junction in the region. We stop at Kyangjuma (3570 m) for a relaxed lunch. We unknowingly appreciate the gorgeous Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Nuptse with every bite. Following lunch, the trail to Namche Bazaar clings to the steep wooded slope beyond Kyangjuma, winding through several bends. We keep a lookout for wild life such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, etc., while passing through the forest by the trail. After passing a Chorten, we reach the army camp at Namche Bazaar. At this point, we would like to take a long last look (and picture!) back to Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche. On reaching our lodge, we take a nice hot shower and have very relaxed sleep in our room in Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

DAY 14:  Namche Bazaar-Phakding – Lukla (7-8 hours)

The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk slowly and under control as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries the trail becomes more level and natural. By today we start to get warmed up by the light breeze. Once we get to Monjo we are out of the national Park and then after an hoor wal to stop at Phakding for lunch. We head towards Lukla after lunch. Our trek ends here on a happy note. This last evening in the mountains is the ideal opportunity to spend some relaxing moments with whole crew as the porters will not accompany with us to Kathmandu. Overnight at Lukla.

DAY 15: Fly Back to Kathmandu

Today, we fly back to Kathmandu. After you are in Kathmandu your guide will help you check in to your hotel. Then you can have rest and relax today after you are checked in. If you are still keen on exploring any other areas in Kathmandu,you can talk to your guide and he will organize it for you accordingly.

DAY 16: Final Departure

The journey within the mountains of Nepal comes to an end today. If you have more time then you can do some shopping or just wander around Thamel and relax before your flight. Your guide will see you off to the airport for your flight back home.