Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo via Chola Pass

Today, you will visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple.

Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the three Durbar (palace) squares in Kathmandu valley. Kathmandu Durbar Square is rich with its intricate wood carving and its history. Also known as the “Musuem of Temples” there are over 50 temples in the square. You will explore the area around the former palace of the kings of Nepal, viewing various temples and monuments.

Following the visit, you will drive to Boudanath Stupa. Boudanath Stupa is one of the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and also a World Heritage Site. Boudanath signifies peace and tranquility, and is a Centre of religious and spiritual significance. You will see thousands of pilgrims circumambulating the stupa, you will circumambulate with pilgrims and visit the surrounding monasteries.

Afterward, you will proceed to Pashupatinath Temple. The Pashupatinath temple is situated on the banks of the Bagmati river and is one of the most revered Hindu temple in Nepal. The main temple complex is not accessible to non-Hindus, but you can explore around the periphery of the temple complex which is quite large and impressive.

The mountain flight into Lukla is spectacular, and the landing is an exciting experience. One end of the runway is 60 meters higher than the other. The flight is typically on a small Dornier or Twin Otter aircraft, with duration of around 25–30 minutes.

Upon arrival at Lukla (2860m), you will meet your porters before commencing the trek towards Phakding. You will begin your Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo via Chola pass from Lukla. You will descend gradually for about 2 hours to Thado Koshi, and then you will make your first ascent, gradually uphill all the way to Phakding (2610m). It takes about 2 hours from here to reach Phakding.

Following the Dudh Koshi River, the trail traverses through Sherpa settlements such as Bengkar and Chumao, and then enters into the Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. You will than cross over the Hillary suspension bridge, and continue with a steep uphill climb to Chautara, where you get the first glimpse of Everest through the trees.

You will continue the ascent until you reach the vibrant Namche Bazaar (3440m), the pulsating heart of the Sherpa community, offering accommodations, cafes, and stores vending souvenirs and trekking essentials. Namche Bazaar serves as an ideal location to procure any forgotten items and acclimatize to the altitude for the remainder of the day.

Today is your acclimatization day, it is important to acclimatize so that your body get used to the ever increasing altitude. To do this you will embark on a short hike to Everest View Hotel at Syangboche, situated at an altitude of 3880m. The Everest View Hotel is considered to be one of the best vantage point, offering breathtaking views of the mountains such as Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse and other peaks.

After relishing at the panoramic scenery, you also have the option to visit Khumjung village. A brief descent on the other side from the Hotel Everest view leads you to the large village of Khumjung, home to Hillary’s School. Following the visit, you will descend back to Namche, where you have the rest of the afternoon to relax or explore on your own. The whole journey including the Everest View Hotel will take about 5-6 hours round trip.

After a short climb out of Namche Bazaar, you’ll arrive at Kyangjuma, a spot with tea shops, where the trail from Khumjung also merges with the main Everest Base Camp Trek trail. The views of Everest and Ama Dablam are excellent from this part of the trek. The hike goes past forests and open hillside over a straight forward trail with few uphill sections. Continue by passing through the small settlement of Sanasa, from where the trail descends to the river at Phunki tenga (3300m).

Hereafter, the trail ascends steeply through pine and rhododendron forests, following the side of a hill to reach the saddle on which the Tengboche Monastery sits at 3870m. On a clear day, the views are breathtaking through the rhododendron trees, showcasing the Himalayan giants such as Kwangde, Taboche, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kangtega, and Thamserku. Visit Tengboche Monastery, the largest one in the Khumbu region.

Descend through a forest of rhododendrons, birches, and conifers to reach Deboche (3820m), a village with a few lodges and a nunnery. Cross a beautiful hanging bridge and ascend to Pangboche village (3980m). There is an option to visit Pangboche Monastery, situated higher up than the village. After passing Pangboche, the trail ascends above the tree line, entering alpine meadows of scrub juniper and, in summer, a profusion of wildflowers.

Along the way you will encounter several yak herders’ camps and, after crossing a river and ascending a small ridge, arrive at Dingboche (4410m). A large village offering outstanding mountain views. Dingboche is also the only place in the region where barley is grown, and you will see old houses scattered around. You will arrive early, so you have plenty of time to wander around.

At this stage of the trip, a second acclimatization day is essential due to the significant altitude gain. You have the option to take a short acclimatization hike to Nangkartshang hill.

The hill rises to the north of Dingboche village standing at nearly 5,100m. You’ll have panoramic views of peaks such as Taboche, Thamserku, and Ama Dablam. From this vantage point, enjoy vistas looking down onto the Imja Khola and Pheriche Valleys. Afterward the visit return to Dingboche for the night.

Leaving Dingboche, the path gently ascends through the highlands, characterized by sparse alpine shrubs. Cross a gushing stream, and after a brief climb, reach Thugla (4600m), the designated lunch stop for the day.

From Thugla, the ascent becomes steeper, passing by stone memorials adorned with colorful prayer flags, constructed in memory of departed souls of climbers. Continuing onward, after a short while, you will arrive at the small settlement of Lobuche (4950m).

The village offers massive mountain vistas of Nuptse, Lobuche, and Pumori. In the evening, you can take a stroll along the side hills to aid in acclimatization.

Today is one of the most anticipated days of this trek , as you make our way to the Base Camp. The higher elevation makes today’s trek quite challenging. The first part of the journey involves a flat walk, and soon the trail weaves over undulating rocky terrain and glaciers until you reach Gorakshep (5,164m).

Gorakshep is a small settlement that stands as the final permanent outpost, adorned with trekking lodges perched on the periphery of the Khumbu Icefall. Taking a short break, you will traverse alongside the Khumbu glacier moraine for an additional hour and a half to finally reach Everest Base Camp (5,364m).

Capture the breathtaking scenery around you, including the majestic peaks, the sprawling Khumbu Glacier, and the mesmerizing Khumbu Icefalls. Absorb the vibrant sight of expedition tents, creating a colorful contrast against the natural backdrop. Afterwards, make your way back to Gorakshep for an overnight stay.

You will embark on an early morning hike to Kala Patthar, situated at an altitude of 5,540m(although recent measurements suggest it exceeds 5600m). This challenging yet brief hike covers approximately 1.5 kilometers and involves a rapid ascent of about 400 meters within an hour from Gorakshep.

The trail steeply ascends, offering glimpses of Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse after a 100-meter climb. Continuing upward, a breathtaking vista of the Khumbu glacier and the Nuptse massif awaits you. The final ascent to the rocky vantage point of Kala Patthar places you in the midst of an awe-inspiring Himalayan panorama, showcasing majestic peaks such as Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Khangtenga, , icefalls, and sprawling Khumbu glaciers.

After marveling at the panoramic vistas and taking pictures, you will then descend to Gorakshep for breakfast. After breakfast, you will trace your steps back toward Lobuche, and continue towards Dzongla.

Today’s trek is both arduous and captivating, featuring diverse terrains and stunning vistas. Initially, the journey unfolds along a flat path traversing yak pastures before gradually transforming into a challenging ascent, culminating in a steep uphill trek towards the majestic Cho La Pass.

As you navigate the icy trail skirting the Cho La glacier, the ascent intensifies, leading you to the summit adorned with vibrant prayer flags dancing in the brisk mountain breeze. At this vantage point, a breathtaking panorama of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Lobuche, and Baruntse awaits you.

Descending sharply from the pass, the trail leads to Phedi before transitioning into a gradual climb towards the charming village of Thangnak.

Today’s hike follows a relatively shorter route than previous days. The journey towards Gokyo, traverses thgough the lateral moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Along this path, a picturesque landscape unfolds, characterized by a flat terrain offering splendid views.

En route, you will encounter the pristine beauty of the first and second lakes before arriving at the third lake. Nestled by the third lake rests Gokyo village, set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Gokyo Peak. The trek promises a blend of natural beauty and panoramic vistas, making it a memorable leg of the journey.

Hiking up to Gokyo Ri at an altitude of 5,340 meters is an extraordinary adventure that offers panoramic vistas of some of the world’s tallest peaks such as Mount Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Pumori, Nuptse, and others.

Begin your hike early in the morning to make the most of the daylight and to witness the sunrise over the Himalayas. Once at the summit of Gokyo Ri, take your time to absorb the incredible vistas. The view of the mountains and the surrounding Gokyo Valley is truly captivating.

You will get unobstructed views of four of the highest peaks Mt Everest (8,848m), Cho Oyu (8,210m), Lhotse (8,516m), and Makalu (8,463m). Soak in the beauty, and appreciate the natural magnificence of the Himalayas before descending to your lodge at Gokyo.

After lunch, depending on your energy levels and available time, you can take a walk around the 4th or 5th Gokyo Lakes. These locations provide different vantage points and perspectives of the surrounding mountains.

Today’s hike goes alongside the Dudh Koshi river, with the breathtaking views of the Gokyo Lakes and the towering peaks of Taboche and Cholatse. Along this trail lie several charming villages, such as Machhermo, Lhabarma, and Luza, each offering a distinct peek into the rich local culture and Sherpa way of life. These villages also provide opportunities to rest, enjoy local hospitality, and learn about the traditions of the region.

Descending from Dole, you will navigate a steep pathway that winds through picturesque forests adorned with rhododendron and pine trees to Phortse Thenga. Phortse Thenga situated on a river valley offers a perfect and scenic spot for a well-deserved rest.

Continuing onward from Phortse Tenga, the trail gradually ascends towards Mongla, presenting panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains. Further along, the path descends towards Sanasa, intersecting with the classic Everest trekking route. From Sanasa, the journey follows the iconic Everest route, leading you towards the vibrant and bustling hub of Namche Bazaar.

On the final day of your trek, you’ll descend back down to the Dudh Koshi River, retracing your steps through the picturesque landscapes. The journey will take you across numerous suspension bridges, past the villages of Jorsale, Monjo, Bengkar, and Phakding.

The final stretch from Ghat to Lukla presents a challenging, steep climb of approximately 3 kilometers. On arrival at Lukla, you will have the sense of accomplishment of this incredible journey. You’ll have the chance to celebrate this unforgettable experience of your Everest Base Camp Trek.

Today, you will bid goodbye to the stunning Khumbu Valley and take an early morning flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. With the rest of the day at your disposal, you have the opportunity to rest and relax or venture out and explore the local market.

Today has been designated as a contingency day in case the flight from Lukla is canceled due to the unpredictable mountain weather, which unfortunately occurs quite frequently. In the event that everything proceeds as scheduled, you are free to spend this day as you wish. You might opt to go souvenir shopping or, if you prefer, you can request for a additional sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley.

Transfer to the airport in time for your departure flight to your next destination.