Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lakes – 15 Days

The Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lakes Trek is one of the most spectacular high-altitude adventures in Nepal, blending the excitement of reaching Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), the thrill of crossing Cho La Pass (5,420 m), and the peaceful beauty of the Gokyo Valley (4,750 m). This 15-day journey with Alpine Club of Himalaya offers a scenic, challenging, and deeply rewarding experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It’s a perfect fusion of rugged mountain trails, spiritual Himalayan culture, and stunning alpine landscapes that showcase the very best of the Everest region.

Discover the Essence of the Everest Region

The journey begins with a short, scenic flight to Lukla from either Kathmandu or Ramechhap, offering a bird's-eye view of the Himalayan range. From Lukla, you’ll follow the classic trail through Phakding and Namche Bazaar, entering the heart of the Khumbu Valley. Along the way, trekkers experience the vibrant Sherpa culture, traditional villages, and centuries-old monasteries, while the stunning views of towering peaks such as Thamserku, Kongde Ri, and Kusum Kanguru accompany every step. Namche Bazaar, often referred to as the gateway to Everest, is an excellent place to acclimatize and explore local life, with its markets, bakeries, museums, and panoramic viewpoints.

A Rewarding Journey to Everest Base Camp

As you head higher into the Khumbu region, you pass through Tengboche, home to one of the region’s most important monasteries, then continue through Dingboche and Lobuche before reaching the iconic Everest Base Camp. This is the very site where climbers prepare for their final push to the summit of the world’s highest mountain. Standing at the base of Everest, surrounded by towering peaks like Nuptse, Pumori, and Khumbutse, is a moment of deep satisfaction and awe. Although Everest itself is not visible from the base camp, a short hike to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) offers the best panoramic view of Mount Everest and the surrounding Himalayan giants.

Conquer Cho La Pass – A High Himalayan Challenge

After soaking in the glory of Everest Base Camp, the trek takes a more adventurous turn toward Cho La Pass, one of the highest and most dramatic mountain passes in the region. At an altitude of 5,420 meters, crossing Cho La requires physical endurance, proper acclimatization, and some technical preparation depending on weather conditions. The trail includes rocky paths, glacial moraines, and at times, icy patches that may require crampons for safe passage. From the top of the pass, colorful prayer flags flutter in the wind, and a 360-degree view of Himalayan peaks including Cholatse and Ama Dablam unfolds, rewarding the effort with unparalleled beauty.

Explore the Magical Gokyo Valley and Sacred Lakes

Descending from Cho La Pass, the trail leads into the hidden gem of the Everest region – the Gokyo Valley. This area is less crowded but no less breathtaking. The valley is home to a chain of six pristine glacial lakes, considered the highest freshwater lake system in the world. The main lake, Dudh Pokhari, lies beside the charming village of Gokyo. These turquoise waters, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, hold religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. A climb to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) early in the morning provides one of the finest panoramic vistas in Nepal, showcasing four 8,000-meter peaks – Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu – along with a sweeping view of the Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal’s longest glacier.

Cultural Insight and Natural Wonders

This trek is not only about natural beauty but also about understanding the culture and spirituality of the high Himalayas. Ancient monasteries, Mani walls carved with Buddhist prayers, fluttering prayer flags, and traditional stone houses enrich the cultural experience. Trekkers get a rare opportunity to witness the Sherpa way of life and their deep-rooted connection with the mountains. The journey through Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also introduces trekkers to unique Himalayan flora and fauna, including rare species like the snow leopard and Himalayan monal.

Why Choose Alpine Club of Himalaya?

With years of experience and a strong commitment to safety, Alpine Club of Himalaya ensures a well-organized and personalized trekking experience. From professional local guides to reliable logistics, our team is dedicated to making your Himalayan adventure memorable and fulfilling. Whether you're trekking for spiritual awakening, personal challenge, or sheer love of nature, this 15-day Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lakes Trek promises an experience of a lifetime.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal periods for trekking to Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lakes are during the pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn) seasons. Spring, from late February to May, offers blossoming rhododendrons, clear skies, and moderate temperatures, making the trail vibrant and scenic. Autumn, from late September to early December, is the most popular time due to stable weather, crisp air, and excellent mountain views. Winter months can be extremely cold with heavy snowfall, and the monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rain, slippery trails, and landslides, making trekking difficult and risky. Planning your trek during the recommended seasons ensures better weather, safer trails, and the best panoramic Himalayan vistas.

Physical Fitness and Trekking Requirements

This trek demands a moderate to high level of physical fitness due to the challenging terrain, steep ascents, and high altitudes involved, especially while crossing the Cho La Pass at over 5,400 meters. Trekkers should be prepared for daily walks of 6 to 8 hours on uneven and rugged mountain trails. Prior endurance training, including cardio exercises like hiking, jogging, or cycling, is highly recommended for at least 6 to 8 weeks before the trek. Good stamina, strong legs, and mental resilience are crucial to safely complete the trek. Alpine Club of Himalaya provides expert guides who support trekkers throughout the journey, but personal fitness significantly enhances the overall experience and safety.

Altitude Sickness and Acclimatization Preparation

Altitude sickness is a serious risk at high elevations like Everest Base Camp and Cho La Pass. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Proper acclimatization is essential to prevent severe altitude sickness. The itinerary includes multiple rest and acclimatization days in key locations such as Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Gorakshep. It is important to stay hydrated, ascend slowly, avoid alcohol, and listen to your body’s signals. Some trekkers use medications like Acetazolamide (Diamox) as a preventive measure, but these should only be taken under medical advice. Alpine Club of Himalaya’s experienced guides monitor the health of all trekkers and can adjust the itinerary if necessary to ensure safety.

Flight Options to Lukla for Everest Region Trek

1. Direct Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
   The most common and fastest way to reach Lukla is by taking a direct mountain flight from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport to Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport. This flight takes about 30-40 minutes and offers stunning aerial views of the Himalayas. However, it is highly weather-dependent and can be delayed or canceled due to fog, wind, or poor visibility.
2. Flight from Ramechhap to Lukla
   As an alternative to flying from Kathmandu, some trekkers choose to take a scenic road journey (approximately 5-6 hours) to Ramechhap Airport and then fly to Lukla from there. This option can sometimes have better weather conditions for flying and fewer cancellations. The flight from Ramechhap to Lukla also lasts around 30 minutes and provides spectacular mountain views.
3. Overland Trekking Approach via Jiri or Salleri
   For those who want to avoid flights or prefer a gradual start to their trek, it is possible to trek overland to Lukla from Jiri or Salleri. This approach adds several days to the journey but offers a rewarding experience through remote villages, lush forests, and diverse cultural settings before joining the main Everest trekking trail.

Meals

Throughout the trek, meals are generally provided at teahouses and lodges along the route. The cuisine includes traditional Nepali dishes like dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), momo (dumplings), noodles, and soups, as well as continental options such as pasta, pancakes, and omelets to suit diverse tastes. Fresh vegetables and fruits may be limited at higher altitudes, so meals tend to focus on carbohydrates and proteins to fuel your energy needs. It is advisable to carry some energy bars or snacks for long trekking days. Alpine Club of Himalaya ensures quality and hygiene standards at all dining stops and can accommodate dietary restrictions with prior notice.

Drinking Water

Safe drinking water is crucial to prevent dehydration and illness during high-altitude trekking. Water can be obtained from teahouses, but it is recommended to purify or filter water before drinking. Common methods include boiling, using water purification tablets, or portable filters. Many lodges also offer bottled or boiled water for purchase. Carrying a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter is a convenient and eco-friendly option. Staying well-hydrated helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness and keeps you energized throughout the trek. Alpine Club of Himalaya advises trekkers on proper water safety practices and supports access to safe drinking water during the journey.

Accommodation

During the Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lakes Trek, accommodation is provided in locally-run teahouses and lodges along the trail. These teahouses offer basic but comfortable lodging with twin-sharing rooms, shared bathrooms, and communal dining areas. While lower-altitude villages like Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Gokyo may offer more facilities such as hot showers, charging stations, and Wi-Fi (at extra cost), higher-altitude locations like Lobuche and Gorakshep provide more modest services due to remoteness. Bedding, blankets, and mattresses are usually available, but it is advisable to carry a sleeping bag for extra warmth. Alpine Club of Himalaya arranges clean and reliable accommodations throughout the trek, ensuring comfort and safety at every overnight stop.

Guide and Porter Services

Hiring experienced guides and porters significantly enhances your trekking experience, especially on challenging routes like Cho La Pass. Guides from Alpine Club of Himalaya are government-licensed, fluent in English, and well-versed in the local geography, culture, and high-altitude safety. They ensure the route is followed safely, provide cultural insights, and handle any emergency situations. Porters carry your heavy gear, typically up to 20–25 kg, allowing you to trek with just a light daypack. Their support not only makes the trek more enjoyable but also contributes to the local economy. Alpine Club of Himalaya ensures all guides and porters are fairly treated, insured, and equipped for high-altitude travel.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for this high-altitude trek and must include coverage for emergency evacuation, altitude sickness, and medical expenses. Since the trek reaches elevations above 5,000 meters, it is essential that your insurance policy explicitly covers trekking in the Himalayas and helicopter evacuation in case of emergencies. Delays, cancellations, and health issues can occur unexpectedly, so comprehensive insurance provides peace of mind. Alpine Club of Himalaya recommends verifying the details with your insurance provider and carrying both digital and physical copies of your insurance documents during the trek.

Passport and Visa

All foreign nationals (except Indian citizens) require a valid passport and visa to enter Nepal. Your passport must have at least six months of validity from the date of entry. Tourist visas can be obtained on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or in advance from a Nepali embassy or consulate. The visa fee depends on your length of stay (e.g., 15, 30, or 90 days). It’s also essential to carry multiple passport-sized photos and photocopies of your passport, especially for trekking permits. Alpine Club of Himalaya assists all clients with guidance on visa formalities and arrival procedures.

Acclimatization During the Trek

Proper acclimatization is critical for a safe and successful high-altitude trek. The Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lakes Trek includes two designated acclimatization days—one in Namche Bazaar and another in Dingboche—to allow your body time to adjust to the decreasing oxygen levels. Additional short hikes on rest days to higher altitudes and descending to sleep at lower elevations follow the "climb high, sleep low" principle. Staying hydrated, eating well, and avoiding alcohol or tobacco are key to preventing altitude sickness. The itinerary crafted by Alpine Club of Himalaya emphasizes gradual altitude gain and includes built-in time for proper acclimatization and recovery.

Entry Permits and Trekking Authorization

To trek in the Everest region, several permits are required. These include:

• Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: Required to enter the national park area where Everest lies.
• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit: Mandatory for all trekkers entering the Khumbu region, replacing the older TIMS card.

These permits are checked at various checkpoints along the trail. Alpine Club of Himalaya handles all necessary permit arrangements on your behalf before the trek begins, ensuring a smooth and legal journey through the region.

Final Notes

Before joining the Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lakes trek, it is essential to ensure that all your gear is tested and properly fitted. Fitting boots, untested technical equipment, or unfamiliar layers can create discomfort or lead to safety risks at high altitude and test your backpack’s load-bearing comfort well before your departure.

Proper preparation, tested equipment, and open communication with your guiding company ensure a smooth and successful Himalayan adventure.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation by the Participant:

If a participant chooses to cancel their booking for the Everest Chola Pass Trek, they must notify Alpine Club of Himalaya in writing (via email or official communication) as early as possible. The following cancellation charges will apply:

• 60 days or more before the trip start date:
  A cancellation fee of 20% of the total trip cost will be deducted.
• 30 to 59 days before the trip start date:
  A cancellation fee of 50% of the total trip cost will be charged.
• Less than 30 days before departure:
  The entire trip cost is non-refundable.

These charges cover administrative costs, permit fees, pre-arranged logistics, and potential opportunity losses due to late cancellations.

Cancellation by the Organizer:

In the rare case that Alpine Club of Himalaya must cancel the Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lakes trek, due to unforeseen or uncontrollable circumstances (such as natural disasters, extreme weather conditions, or regional safety concerns), the following options will be offered to the participant:

·       A full refund of all payments made

·       Or the option to reschedule the trek to a future available date

The company prioritizes the safety of all climbers and will only cancel under unavoidable conditions.

Force Majeure Clause:

Alpine Club of Himalaya is not liable for cancellations, delays, or extra costs arising from force majeure events, including but not limited to:

·        Earthquakes, floods, or landslides

·        Political unrest or border closures

·        Epidemics, pandemics, or health emergencies

·        Airspace shutdowns or airline disruptions

In such cases, participants are responsible for any additional personal costs (such as accommodation, flight rebooking, or travel insurance claims). Having comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover such situations.