Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Gokyo Trek (16 Nights / 17 Days)

Board a flight to Lukla early in the morning. There you will be introduced to your porter. You will begin your first day’s walk to Phakding. After a good 3 hour walk reach Dudhkosi Valley. Delight in the surroundings while making your way to Thado Koshi. Overnight stay at Phakding.

Start your second day of trek through the Valley of Dudhkosi River. Reach Sagarmatha National Park where you will be required to verify your permits. Reach Namche Bazaar after 5-6 hours of trekking.

Instructions about acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness. You will be taken for a day’s hike through the villages of Khunde and Khumjung. Begin climbing to Syangboche airstrip before ascending towards Khunde. Reach Khumjung, the largest village in Khumbu. Lunch at Khumjung. Descend towards Namche.

Today’s trek is very small we will reach one of a tiny mountain top village called Mongla from here the view of Thamserku is spectacular.

From Dole, we will cross Labarma and Luza villages before reaching Machhermo. There is a Chhorten right before the Luza village. Throughout today’s journey, we will be walking alongside the Dudh Koshi River. Overnight in Machhermo.

We begin today by climbing a ridge for an excellent view down the valley to Kangtaiga and also up towards Cho Oyu (8153 m). We will encounter the first lake and 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 here. Overnight in Gokyo.

Today we will visit 5th Gokyo lakes on the way we will cross 4th lake.

Today we will hike Gokyo Ri for its magnificent view then we will trek to Thangnak. We will cross Ngozumpa glacier to reach Thangnak.

Today is going to be one of the toughest days of the trip. The Cho La pass is not itself difficult, but it is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side. We need to be careful as the trail is vertical and the rocks glazed by ice may cause trouble by making the trail slippery. We need to pass through some crevasses before we reach Dzongla Village. The village provides great views of Cholatse, Ama Dablam, Lobuche mountains along with the Pheriche Village far below.

This will be a very short trek so we have a lot time to relax and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. We climb down from Dzongla and walk through a grassy trail while enjoying the view of Lobuche Peak. Overnight in Lobuche.

We take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come across the Indian army mountaineers' memorials. The path from here can be misleading; hence, it is important that we follow our lead Sherpa diligently. The walk is strenuous due to the thin air at the high altitude. We pass through rocky dunes, moraine and streams before reaching the Everest Base Camp. Overnight in Gorak Shep.

We prepare for an early morning departure, amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14C). Plus, there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself. But, it is upon reaching Kala Patthar that we get to see 360 degree up-close and formidable views of Mt. Everest. We take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama, and then return back to Pheriche for a good night's rest. Overnight in Pheriche.

We trek down through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. After crossing the prayer-flag festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, our trail follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through pine forests. In the forest, we may come across colourful pheasants and mountain goats. The path eventually reaches Sansa from where we can enjoy views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Nuptse mountains. We also pass winding trails then through a forest before reaching Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk cautiously 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. After our arrival in Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of days. Overnight in Lukla.

We catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. After reaching Kathmandu, we can take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. If we want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, we may do that today.

Board your flight from Tribhuvan International Airport. The experience ends here.