Gokyo –Cho La– EBC Trek

Overview

The least crowded Gokyo –Chola- EBC Trek provides perfect alternative to the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek route. EBC Trek through Gokyo Valley allows more days of fun and more places to get indulge. The trail allows us with ample opportunity to explore Everest Khumbu region. The trail departs with main Everest Base Camp route at Namche. Gokyo to Everest Base Camp trekking via Cho La Pass continues through Dole and Machhermo to the scenic Gokyo Valley which is home to Gokyo-Ri and five glaciated Lakes. We will climb Gokyo-Ri which is considered one of the best view points in Everest region. If you make a little change or extend a day then you may hike to fifth lake. Travelers claim that the view from Gokyo-Ri is better even than the view from Kalapattar. Gokyo is connected to Lobuche via Dzongla. From Lobuche, we will walk along Gorakshep Lake to Everest Base Camp and move to Kalapattar for the better viewof Everest.

Our travel experts have drafted Gokyo-Chola -EBC Trekking itinerary as 19-days package. This trekking provides more adventure than the classic EBC Trek but it demands more stamina. Explore the wilderness of Sagarmatha National Park, visit local monasteries, observe local life of Sherpas and reach to Kalapattar (black rocks) for the sunrise view over Everest. Enjoy close-up views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and other peaks and mountains before returning back to Kathmandu from Lukla via 20 minutes of scenic flight. September to December and February to April is considered best season for Gokyo –Cho La– EBC Trek.

Short Itinerary
Detail Itinerary
Includes/Excludes
Useful Info

Trip Itinerary of Cho-La Trek

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1300m)

Day 02: Fly to Lukla(2800m), Trek to Phakding (2610m)

Day 03: Phakding to Namche (3440m)

Day 04: Acclimatization in Namche, Hike to Khumjung (3970m)

Day 05: Namche to Dole (4200m)

Day 06: Dole to Machhermo (4470m)

Day 07: Acclimatization in Machhermo

Day 08: Machhermo to Gokyo (4790m)

Day 09: Hike to GokyoRi(5360m), Back to guest house

Day 10: Gokyo to Thangna (4700m)

Day 11: Thangna to Dzongla(4830m) via Cho –La(5350m)

Day 12: Dzongla to Lobuche (4910m)

Day 13: Lobuche to Gorakshep (5140m) to EBC (5364m), Back to Gorakshep

Day 14: Gorakshep to Kalapattar (5545m) to Pheriche (4240m)

Day 15: Pheriche to Namche (3440m) via Tyangboche (3860m)

Day 16: Namche to Lukla (2800m)

Day 17: Flight: Lukla to Kathmandu (1300m)

Day 18: Sightseeing

Day 19: Rest day.

Day 20: Fly Back to Home.

Lukla flight

The domestic flights in mountain region in Nepal is not guarantee all the time; It is always depend on weather. Fly service is mostly in between 7 AM to 10 AM every day. In case regular fly service to Lukla or Lukla to Kathmandu is cancel; there are an option fly with helicopter and the regular flight fare will be refund. Flight baggage limits 10+5 kg per person. You can also take more weight with extra baggage charge.

Accommodations

Hike and Bike will arrange the hotel accommodation in Kathmandu 3* category and teahouses (Mountain hut) during the trek. All accommodations are on twin-shared basis. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional. However, teahouses in most places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations. Regarding the budget, the hotel accommodation can be upgraded and downgraded in Kathmandu.

Meals

We can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) During our trek. Breakfast and dinner will be served from the teahouse menu where we spend the night whereas lunch will be served on the way to the next destination. All meals will be provided during trekking while only breakfast will be available in Kathmandu. There will also be welcome and farewell dinners for guests.

Electricity facilities in trekking lodge

Mostly place they have hydro power line but some place you will have solar power system. You will have battery charging facilities in mostly tea house; for these facilities you may need to pay some money (cost about USD 1 for 1 hour charge).

Trip Itinerary of Gokyo Lake Trek

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1300m)

As you disembark at Tribhuvan Airport in Kathmandu, you will have to go through custom formality. Later, as you complete visa and custom process, you will be greeted by our representative and then transferred to the hotel in a private car. After refreshment, you will travel to our office where you will get briefing regarding your Gokyo-Chola-Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary. Stay overnight in a three star category hotel.

Day 02: Flight: Kathmandu to Lukla (2800m), Trek to Phakding (2610m).25 minutes fly and 3 hours walk.

We will catch an early morning flight from Tribhuvan Airport, domestic terminal in Kathmandu to Lukla. It takes 30 minutes to reach Lukla from Kathmandu via flight. We can enjoy the views of majestic mountains and green hills throughout the route. Once we arrive at Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla, we will assemble the crew and begin our trek to Phakding. Lukla is taken as a gateway to Everest Khumbu region. The trail from Lukla to Phakding continues through mani rocks. We will visit a local monastery in Phakding. Stay overnight in Phakding.

Day 03: Phakding to Namche (3440m). 6 hours.

Leaving Phakding, we will trek along Dudhkoshi River and pass through pine forest. Crossing suspension bridges, we will reach the small village of Zapute. Passing through yet other tiny settlements of Benkar and Chumoa, we will arrive at Monjo. Gateway to Sagarmatha National Park is located at Monjo. After fulfilling necessary formalities, we will enter the park and descend to river. Crossing the Hillary Bridge, the trail demands to climb to Namche. Along the way up trekkers will be refreshing with view of Everest from the Everest view point before Namche. We will reach Namche Bazaar from where we can enjoy majestic view of Kongde peak. Stay overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 04: Acclimatization in Namche, Hike to Khumjung (3780m)

Namche Bazaar is gateway to Everest region. It is also the land of legendary Sherpas. Market place in Namche has long been served as the trade center in between locals and neighboring Tibetans. We will make side trip to nearby Khumjung village and the Everest view point as well as local monastery. We will learn about local culture and lifestyle and then return to Namche where we will stay overnight.

Day 05: Namche to Dole (4200m). 6 hours

Walking along the trail, we will follow the scenic path that allows views of Thamserku, Amadablam and Kantega mountains. We will follow the ascending trail towards huge Buddhist shrine which is locally known as a Chorten. Moving through small village of Sanasa, we will reach Mongla Pass from where we will lower down to DudhKoshi River. The trail continues through rhododendron forest that is rich in wildlife. We will arrive at PhorseTenga. A bit far from PhorseTenga is Dole where we will stay overnight.

Day 06: Dole to Machhermo (4470m). 4 hours.

Leaving Dole early in the morning, we will climb the ridge and proceed to Lhabarma. The trail takes us through several summer settlements to Luza. The path is scenic with views of Majestic Cho Oyu Mountain, Thamserku Mountain and Kantega peak. Climbing further, we will reach DudhKoshi valley. Our journey continues along few tiny villages to Machchhermo. River originating from KyajoRi peak divides Machhermo in halves. Macchermo is also popular as an abode of mythical abominable snowman named Yeti. Stay overnight in Machhermo.

Day 07: Acclimatization in Machhermo

Machhermo is a very exciting place to take rest. After lunch, we will take casual stroll in the Machhermo village. The ridge above Machhermo allows spectacular views of Kantega and Thamserku mountains. We will visit the monastery where there is supposed to be the head of Yeti. Stay overnight in Machhermo.

Day 08: Machhermo to Gokyo (4790m). 4 hours.

After an early breakfast, we will climb the ridge above Machhermo for views of Kangtega, Thamserku and Cho Oyu mountains. Following the wide valley, we will pass through chorten to Pangka (4480m). We will lower down to river from where the trail escalates through moraine of Ngozamba Glacier. Crossing an iron bridge, we will reach the first Lake named Longpongo (4690m). Moving further, we will see the second lake named TabocheTsho. We will explore the third Lake (DudhPokhari) before making it to the nearby Gokyo village which will greet us with spectacular view of majestic Cho Oyu Mountain. Stay overnight in Gokyo.

Day 09: Hike to GokyoRi (5360m), Back to Guest House. 4 hours.

We will take short trek to Gokyo-Ri on this day. Gokyo-Ri is one of the finest vantage points in Everest region along with Kalapattar and Everest Base Camp. Gokyo-Ri is located above the village towards the northern corner of the lake. We will follow the scenic path with views of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu Mountains. We will climb to the top of GokyoRi for breathtaking mountain views before returning back for overnight stay.

Day 10: Gokyo to Thangna (4700m). 3 hours.

Leaving Gokyo early in the morning, we will proceed through Nepal’s largest Ngozumpaglacier. The trail continues alongsmall ice lakes. The trail is slippery and thus it demands caution while walking. We will descend to the Second Lake in Gokyo Valley and move through glaciated trail marked by cairns to Thangna where we will stay overnight.

Day 11: Thangna to Dzongla (4830m) via Cho La (5350m). 6 hours.

We need to start our trek early in the morning. We aim to cross the high pass of Cho La before noon as heavy wind blows during the day. Climbing Cho La is a difficult yet rewarding experience. We can enjoy the close-up views of peaks and mountains in both Gokyo side as well as EBC side. We will lower down from the other end of Cho La and continue walking to Dzongla where we will stay overnight.

Day 12: Dzongla to Lobuche (4910m). 4 hours.

Leaving Dzongla early in the morning, we will follow the easy and brief trail to Lobuche. We will have lunch in Lobuche. There will be plenty of time to take rest and arrange our journal and photos. Have a memorable time in Lobuche playing cards or taking rest. Stay overnight in Lobuche.

Day 13: Lobuche to Gorakshep (5170m) to EBC (5364m), Back to Gorakshep. 8 hours.

We will finally reach Everest Base Camp on this day. Leaving Lobuche, we will reach GorakShep in couple of hours. Moving further, we will reach Indian army mountaineers' memorials. The trail from this memorial site onwards is tricky. Follow the instructions of your guide carefully. Be prepared to tackle the hardship of trekking in thin air at high elevation. Passing through moraine, we will reach Everest Base Camp. We will enjoy the views of Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori mountains and meet with fellow trekkers who are on their way or returning from climbing Everest. We will learn their experience and return to Gorakshep where we will stay overnight.

Day 14: Gorakshep to Kalapattar (5545m) to Pheriche (4288m). 9 hours.

Kalapattar allows the best sunrise view in Everest region. Kalapattar also allows the closest view of world’s highest Everest. Since we do not want to miss the rare opportunity of watching sunrise view over Everest from such a proximity, we will begin our trek very early at dawn. Along with darkness, we will also face the challenge of cold temperature and chilly wind. The path is scenic with views of Lingtren, Changtse, Everest and other peaks and mountains. We will enjoy 360 degree view of mountains including Everest from Kala Patthar and then return to Gorakshep. After taking lunch at Gorakshep, we will advance towards Pheriche where we will stay overnight.

Day 15: Pheriche to Namche (3440m) via Tyangboche (3860m).7 hours.

Pheriche is a small yet culturally rich Sherpa village. We will leave Pheriche early in the morning and follow the descending path through rhododendron and juniper forest to arrive at a bridge over DudhKoshi River. Moving through DudhKoshi gorge, we will enter forest area that is rich in Himalayan birds including national bird Lophophorus. The path lead us to small Sansa village. We will continue to walk through the forest to Namche Bazaar where we will stay overnight.

Day 16: Namche to Lukla (2800m). 7 hours.

Leaving Namche, we will follow the descending trail and walk through rocks and boulders to the suspension bridge over DudhKoshi River. We will reach Lukla where we will stay overnight.

Day 17: Flight: Lukla to Kathmandu (1300m)

We will take an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. You will be transferred to hotel from the airport. You can take rest from the long and tiring trek. If you are interested, we can also take you for sightseeing in Kathmandu.

Day 18: Sightseeing

You can either enjoy a day of rest or go for shopping in Thamel where you can buy souvenir items like Nepali Handicrafts products. If you like, we can also arrange for sightseeing in Kathmandu. After breakfast, we will provide you with guided sightseeing tour of UNESCO sites in Kathmandu like Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swoyambhunath. Stay overnight in hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 19: Rest day.

Day 20: Fly Back to Home

You will leave for your home or next destination on this day. Our representative will transfer you to Airport three hours before your scheduled flight. Have safe journey. We hope to see you soon.

Walking hours might be different according to your walking speed.

Cost Include

Airport pickups and drop off by private vehicle.
Accommodation in Kathmandu under Bed and Breakfast plan
Teahouse accommodation during trek
Three Meals during trek- breakfast, lunch and dinner
All land transportation in private vehicle as per itinerary
Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu Flight
A day guided sightseeing in Kathmandu.
One experienced English speaking trekking guide.
Equipped and experienced trekking porters ( 1 porter in between 2 person)
Salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation of guide and porters
TIMS, Sagarmatha National Park Permit
All government and local taxes

Cost Exclude

Personal trekking equipment
Personal Expenses during the trip
Beverage and Drinks
Entrance fee during Kathmandu sightseeing
Emergency Rescue and Travel Insurance
Lunch and dinner during Kathmandu stay.
Tips for staff.
Things not mentioned in Cost Include section.

Note: Any extra costs due to changes in itinerary, beyond the control of organizer such as natural disasters, landslides, flight cancellation, bad weather, strikes, early or delay in arrival or departure and so on.

Useful Information

EQUIPMENT LIST

Long Pants / Shorts
Thermal tops/leggings
Jerseys
Jacket – water, wind proof – warm (down or fiber filled)
Tramping Boots
T-Shirts, underwear.
Track pants – warm comfortable clothing for night
Gloves – warm, wool
Light shoes for night –sneakers or slippers/ug boots, etc
Towel and personal toiletries
Sleeping bag, warm to -20 degrees (down or fiber filled) – (can be rent one in Kathmandu)
Daypack (small, waterproof, for you to carry)
Water bottle 1 L (can purchase in Kathmandu)
Headlamp or flashlight

General Trekking temperature in Spring season; more cold during Autumn.

800- 2000m:
Day: 26 degree selcious
Night: 8 degree Celcious

2000-3000m:
Day: 24 degree Celsious
Night: 4 degree Celsious

3000-4000m:
Day: 20 degree Celsious
Night: minus 4 degree Celcious

4000-5000m:
Day: 19 degree Celcious
Night: minus 8 degree Celcious

Trekking Guide we provide:

English speaking trekking guide, equipped and insured, flexible during the trek, sense of humour and friendly.

Porter we provide (*if needed):

Experienced for high altitude trek, equipped and insured, sense of humour and friendly.
General minimum Tips for Guide and Porter (tipping in Nepal are not obligatory but always trekking staff they hope from you to have tips at the end of the trek and they always do their best make the memorable holiday in Nepal).

Important note:

Travel insurance is mandatory for each member of your group and must include cover of trekking or high alpine insurance, up to 6000m, including helicopter rescue.
Everest Base camp trek is not real adventure trek; but we never know anyone can have health problem anywhere. So, I would like to request you come with good insurance which will even cover helicopter evacuation for in case.

Gokyo –Cho La– EBC Trek

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Trip Highlights

Overview

Trip Itinerary of Cho-La Trek

Trip Itinerary of Gokyo Lake Trek

Cost Include

Cost Exclude

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