Chola Pass Gokyo Trek

Destination

Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek: Ultimate 16-Day Itinerary

Duration

16 Days

Trip Grade

Hard

Start/End

Kathmandu/Kathmandu

Best Seasons

Spring (April-May) and Autumn (October-November)

Transport

Private Car/Flight

Accommodation

Teahouses/Lodges

Permits

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit, TIMS Card

Overview of the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek

Embark on the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek with our comprehensive 16-day itinerary. Experience breathtaking views, Sherpa culture, and challenging passes.

A slightly modified version of the classic Everest Base Camp (EBC) route is the Everest Base Camp-Chola Pass-Gokyo adventure. You will ascend EBC from Lobuche through a different route that passes through Dzongla, across the Chola Pass, and enters the Gokyo area and Machermo, rather than returning to Namche via the same route. A deeper knowledge of the high Himalayan surroundings, flora, and fauna, and Sherpa groups is offered for this route change, which also makes the journey more daring.

Even though the history of Cho La Pass is not extensively documented compared to other Himalayan passes, Cho La Pass was most likely used for trading over the centuries, connecting the people of the Gokyo and Khumbu valleys. The pass was used by Sherpas to exchange goods between valleys. The use of Cho La Pass for trekking and tourism began more recently, most likely in the 1970s and 1980s, around the same time that commercial trekking in the Everest region took off following the rise of adventure travel after Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay's 1953 Everest ascent.

Cho La Pass Trek Nepal Highlights

The world’s highest peaks: Everest, and others, such as Mt. Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Mt. Makalu.
The highest glacier on Earth: Khumbu Glacier (4,900 m)
Pristine Gokyo Valley, Gokyo Lake, Gokyo Ri Viewpoint, and Cho La Pass (5,420m)
Explore Sagarmatha National Park and appreciate the diverse flora and fauna
Chance to explore local Sherpa culture, tradition, and architecture
Observe prayer wheels and colorful flags, also visit Tengboche Monastery and Khumjung Monastery.

Chola Pass Gokyo Trek Altitude and Elevation Profile

Day	Activity	Elevation (m)	Trek Duration
Day 1	Arrival in Kathmandu	1,300 m	—
Day 2	Flight to Lukla, Trek to Phakding	2,850 m	3–4 hrs
Day 3	Phakding to Namche Bazaar	3,440 m	6–7 hrs
Day 4	Acclimatization Day at Namche	3,440 m	Optional hikes
Day 5	Namche to Dole	3,680 m	6 hrs
Day 6	Dole to Machhermo	3,870 m	4 hrs
Day 7	Machhermo to Gokyo, Gokyo Ri Hike	4,800 m / 5,357 m	4 hrs (2.5–3 hrs Gokyo Ri)
Day 8	Gokyo to Thagnak	5,400 m	4 hrs
Day 9	Thagnak to Dzongla via Cho La Pass	5,420 m / 4,830 m	8 hrs
Day 10	Dzongla to Lobuche	4,910 m	3 hrs
Day 11	Lobuche to Gorakshep, Hike to Kala Patthar	5,368 m / 5,643 m	8 hrs
Day 12	Gorakshep to EBC, then to Pheriche	5,364 m / 4,240 m	8 hrs
Day 13	Pheriche to Namche Bazaar	3,440 m	7 hrs
Day 14	Namche to Lukla	2,860 m	7–8 hrs
Day 15	Flight to Kathmandu	1,300 m	40 min
Day 16	Departure from Kathmandu	1,300 m	—

Detailed 16-Day Everest Base Camp, Cho La Pass, Gokyo Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m)

Pick-up from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
Transfer to a hotel in Thamel.
Trek briefing & last-minute gear shopping.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, Trek to Phakding (2,850 m)- 40 min flight, 3/4 hour trek
Take a 40-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla with amazing views of the mountains.
The distance from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp is about 153 km.
Your trek journey begins to Phakding through Sherpa villages
The first day's trek is light, so you have plenty of time for exploration.
Overnight in Phakding.
Note: If there are flight issues at Kathmandu Airport, we may need to drive for 4-5 hours to reach Ramechhap and then take a flight to Lukla from Ramechhap Airport.
Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)- 6/7 hours
We’ll cross several suspension bridges, including the iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge.
The path leads us to the Sagarmatha National Park checkpost, where we'll complete our permit registration.
Continuing the trek, we’ll eventually reach Namche Bazaar and get the first glimpse of Mount Everest.
Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Day 4: Rest Day and Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Explore the charming town with its peaceful cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
Short hike to Everest View Hotel for panoramic views.
Hike options include visiting Hillary School, Sherpa settlements, monasteries, Syangboche Airport, and yak farms.
Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Day 5: Trekking from Namche (3,440m) to Dole (3,680 m)- 6 hours
After breakfast, lace up and start hiking up the Dudh Koshi Valley, soaking in the crisp mountain air.
The trail dips into lush pine and rhododendron forests with vibrant, peaceful, and humming with birdsong.
We reach Dole, a serene village hugged by alpine forest, perfect for unwinding with snowy peaks as your backdrop.
Overnight in Dole.
Day 6: Trekking from Dole (3,680m) to Machhermo (3,870 m)- 4 hours
Leaving Dole, we face a steep climb for the first 30 minutes, with legs burning and heart pounding, but the views make it worth it.
The Dudh Koshi River runs far beneath us, carving the valley as we hike higher into the quiet.
As we near Machhermo, the trail leads us along a ridge offering a killer panorama of Thamserku and the surrounding giants.
We reach the peaceful teahouse village of Machhermo, and stay the night.
Day 7: Trekking from Machhermo to Gokyo (4,800 m)- hike to Gokyo Ri (4 hours)
The trek begins with mostly easy walking, just a couple of steep sections to keep things interesting.
The trail descends to the Dudh Koshi River before a steep climb to the Ngozumpa Glacier and the first Gokyo Lake.
At the third lake, we reach the village of Gokyo, where we pause for lunch beside turquoise waters and icy peaks.
Gokyo is a beautiful village beside the third Gokyo Lake, which offers peace with stunning views.
After lunch, we tackle the 2.5-3 hours to complete the Gokyo Ri Trek (5,357m). At the top, you're rewarded with a jaw-dropping sunset view of Everest, Cho Oyu, and a sea of glaciers and lakes beneath your feet.
Overnight in Gokyo.
Day 8: Trekking from Gokyo to Thagnak (5,400 m)- 4 hours
Start the day with a short walk to a viewpoint above the 4th Gokyo Lake.
Navigate uneven terrain as you make your way toward the remote hamlet of Thagnak.
Thagnak sits quietly below Cho La Pass, made up of just a few teahouses built for trekkers gearing up for the big climb.
Overnight in Thagnak.
Day 9: Trekking from Thagnak to Cho Dzongla (4,830 m) via Cho la Pass- 8 hours
Wake up around 3 AM and hit the trail early; it’s a long, challenging climb up to Cho La Pass at 5,420 meters.
Parts of the route cross icy glacier terrain, so crampons are essential for grip and safety.
Cho La links the Gokyo region to the Everest Base Camp trail, steep, rugged, and unforgettable.
After the descent, reach Dzongla, a tiny village tucked at 4,830 meters with only a few teahouses and a killer mountain backdrop.
Overnight in Cho Dzongla.
Day 10: Trekking from Dzongla to Lobuche (4,910m)- 3 hours
Today’s hike is short and mellow, with mostly flat terrain.
It’s a peaceful route with barely any trekkers until you reconnect with the busy main trail near Lobuche.
Arrive at the small high-altitude village of Lobuche, sitting at 4,910 meters, right by the Khumbu Glacier.
Overnight in Lobuche.
Day 11: Trekking from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,368 m)- 8 hours
Follow the Khumbu Glacier’s winding path to reach Gorakshep (5,164m), the last village before Everest Base Camp.
In the afternoon, hike up to Kala Patthar (“black rock”) for the best front-row view of Everest, way better than what you see from Base Camp itself.
After soaking in the views (sunset here is pure magic), descend back to Gorakshep for a cold night and well-earned rest.
Overnight in Gorakshep.
Day 12: Trekking from Gorakshep to Pheriche (4,240 m)- Morning hike to EBC (5,364m)- 8 hours
Start early and hike along the Khumbu Glacier to Everest Base Camp with surreal views, scattered prayer flags, and raw mountain energy.
Return to Gorakshep for a solid meal and one last look at the high peaks before descending.
Trek down to Pheriche, a 4-hour walk that slowly brings you back to thicker air and warmer vibes.
Overnight in Pheriche.
Day 13: Trekking from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3440 m)- 7 hours
It’s a big day on foot, but with every step down, the air gets thicker and the walking feels easier.
Forests, flowers, and rhododendrons return, replacing the stark alpine world with color and life.
Roll into Namche for a warm shower, real food, and that cozy bed waiting at a proper hotel.
Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Day 14: Trekking from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2860 m)- 7/8 hours
After breakfast, we say goodbye to the Sherpas and the mountain magic they helped us experience.
Follow the Dudh Koshi River one last time, passing through forests, villages, and swinging bridges that now feel like old friends.
Arrive in Lukla (2,860m), the small mountain town that marks the end of the trail and the beginning of the journey home.
Overnight in Lukla.
Day 15: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu (1,300 m)- 40 minutes
The flight from Lukla is short but stunning, with snowy summits fading into rolling hills and patchwork farmland as you descend.
It’s a day to reflect, explore, and maybe grab a celebratory drink. You made it, Everest conquered.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for your international flight.
Reflect on your journey and be grateful for the memories.

Packing List for Gokyo Cho La Pass EBC Trek

Head

Warm hat & cap
Sunglasses with UV protection
Headlight
Earmuffs

Body

Thermal layers
Warm and Waterproof jacket
Thermal Gloves
Trekking Trousers and Shorts
Neck buff
Waterproof gloves
Beanie

Footwear

Trekking shoes
Hiking boots
Warm Hiking socks
Gaiters

Essentials/Equipment

Sleeping bag
First aid kit
Trekking poles & Duffel bag
Water Bottles and Hydration Bladders
Raincoat
High-energy snacks
Reliable oxygen supply
Maps & Compass/GPS

Best Time to Do the Everest Base Camp Gokyo Trek

Timing is everything when planning the Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass. This high-altitude circuit, which includes Gokyo Ri Trekking, the icy Cho La Pass Trek Nepal, and the legendary Everest Base Camp, is best done during seasons that offer clear skies and stable conditions. Here’s a breakdown of what each season brings:

Spring (March to May)- Peak Season

Spring is one of the most popular and safest times for the Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass Trek. The trails are dry, the temperatures are moderate, and wildflowers bloom at lower altitudes. Views from Gokyo Ri, Cho La Pass, and Kala Patthar are consistently clear, making this a prime window for anyone following the full Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary.

Autumn (Late September to November) - Clear Skies and Crisp Views

Autumn is the best time for the Everest Base Camp with Cho La Pass. The monsoon clears out dust and haze, leaving behind sharp mountain vistas. Trails are in excellent condition, and temperatures are comfortable. This is the top choice for photographers and first-time trekkers alike.

Monsoon (June to Early September)- High Risk, Low Reward

The monsoon season brings heavy rain, clouds, and leeches in the lower regions. Trails to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes become slippery and dangerous, while Cho La Pass is often closed due to landslides or unstable snow. Flight cancellations to and from Lukla are also common. This season is not recommended for trekking.

Winter (December to February)- Quiet but Cold

Winter offers solitude, but it comes at a cost. The Gokyo Ri trekking routes and Cho La Pass Trek in Nepal are often buried in snow. Temperatures plunge well below freezing, especially at night. While experienced trekkers with cold-weather gear may enjoy the empty trails and clear skies, the risk of trail closures and frostbite is real.

Everest Base Camp vs Gokyo Trek – Which is Better?

If you're trying to decide between the Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Gokyo Trek and the classic Everest Base Camp Trek, it comes down to what you want from the experience. Do you want to follow in the footsteps of mountaineering legends, or are you chasing solitude and unmatched Himalayan beauty?

Everest Base Camp Trek - The Classic Adventure

The traditional Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary leads you through iconic Sherpa villages, past Tengboche Monastery, and up to the legendary base of Mount Everest. You'll also ascend Kala Patthar for one of the best close-up views of Everest. It’s straightforward, relatively well-traveled, and perfect for first-timers who want a direct route to the world’s highest peak.

Cho La Pass Gokyo Lake Trek - Offbeat and Scenic

The Gokyo Lakes Trek itinerary goes west into the Gokyo Valley, known for its turquoise lakes and massive glaciers. The climb up Gokyo Ri offers a panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu that is arguably better than Kala Patthar. The Gokyo to Gokyo Ri distance is just about 1.5 kilometers, making it accomplishable in just 4-5 hours of trekking. This Chola Pass Gokyo Hike is much less crowded compared to the Everest EBC trek.

What is the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek?

The Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass via Gokyo Lake isn’t just a hike; it’s an adventure that pushes you to the edge of the world, then rewards you with views you’ll never forget. You’ll follow the quiet trails through Sherpa villages, cross swinging suspension bridges, and climb high above the clouds to places where only yaks and dreams roam.

What sets this trek apart is the detour through the Gokyo Lakes, a surreal landscape of deep blue glacial water surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Climbing Gokyo Ri at sunrise is a moment of pure awe of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu all standing in a perfect panorama. Then comes the challenge: Cho La Pass. Steep, icy, and thrilling, it’s the kind of mountain pass that makes you earn every step and remember every second.

This isn’t just about reaching Everest Base Camp. It’s about the journey through rugged terrain, into remote valleys, and across one of the most beautiful alpine regions on Earth. It’s the kind of trek that leaves you breathless, not just from the altitude, but from the beauty, the effort, and the feeling that you’ve done something truly epic.

Includes

All ground transport in private vehicles, including airport transfers.
Full board meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
Best available twin-sharing lodge-to-lodge accommodation during the trek, we provide you with an attached bathroom with a hot shower.
One highly experienced, helpful, and friendly guide; porters (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance for all staff.
First aid medical kit.
All the required permits are provided.

Excludes

Travel insurance.
Snacks and other personal expenses.
International airfare.
Personal trekking equipment.
Nepal entry visa
Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and drivers

Cho La Pass Trek Difficulty, Safety & Altitude Tips

The Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Gokyo Trek reaches altitudes over 5,000m, making altitude sickness a real concern. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness; you shouldn’t ignore them.

Difficulty

The Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass is considered one of the most challenging routes in the Everest region. Unlike the standard EBC trek, this variation adds both altitude and technical difficulty.

More challenging than the standard Everest Base Camp trek
6-8 hours of trekking daily on rugged, steep terrain
Includes glacier crossing and high climbs like Gokyo Ri & Kala Patthar
Not for beginners, as it requires good fitness and prior trekking experience
Strong cardio, leg strength, and endurance are essential

Safety

While rewarding, this trek comes with certain safety challenges:

The Cho La Pass is icy and high, with the risk of altitude sickness, slips, or sudden weather changes.
Guided treks are safer, especially in poor conditions
Mental resilience is as important as physical strength

Altitude Tips

This trek keeps you at high elevations for extended periods. Most of the trail lies above 4,000 meters, and Cho La Pass tops out at 5,420 meters, which is serious elevation, so altitude sickness is real.

Prior high-altitude experience is helpful
Train 2-3 months in advance with hikes or endurance workouts
Stay hydrated, move slowly, and listen to your body

Trekking Permits Needed

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

Cost: NPR 2,000 (approx. USD 15–$20)
Where to get it: At the entry checkpoint in Lukla or at the tourism board office in Kathmandu.
This has replaced the traditional TIMS card in the Khumbu region. It’s required for all trekkers entering the Everest region.

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

Cost: NPR 3,000 (approx. USD 22–$25)
Where to get it: Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or at the park entrance in Monjo.
This is essential for trekking in the Sagarmatha National Park, which includes the Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes, Cho La Pass Trek Nepal, and Gokyo Ri Trekking routes.

Why Chola Pass Trek With Us?

At Hi Nepal Travels and Treks Pvt. Ltd, we’ve spent over 9 years guiding trekkers through the Himalayas, and the Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek is one of our specialties. Our expert team ensures a safe, smooth, and personalized experience, whether you're crossing the icy Cho La Pass or taking in the views from Gokyo. With local knowledge, trusted guides, and seamless logistics, we make sure your trek is as rewarding as the destination.

Chola Pass Gokyo Trek Cost

Budget: There is no set budget because everyone has different needs, and the costs of those needs vary. The cost is determined by how opulent you would like your meals, lodging, and other services to be.

Transportation: The cost will change according to the size of your group and the mode of transportation you select.

Meals and Accommodations: The price of your meals and accommodations will vary depending on your preferences and the area. Traditional foods like thakali (rice, lentil soup, and vegetables), dal bhat, Momo, noodle soup, thukpa, local bread, pasta, etc., are available to you while trekking. There is a teahouse at the lodge where you are sleeping.

Porter and Guide: The cost of the guide and porter will depend on the level of experience.

Accommodation and Food During the Trek

During the Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Gokyo Trek, accommodation is in local teahouses, basic mountain lodges found along the trekking route. Rooms are simple, usually twin beds with blankets. Facilities get more basic as you gain altitude, especially near Cho La Pass and Gokyo Ri. Food is hot, hearty, and carb-heavy to keep your energy up. Common meals include dal bhat, noodles, soups, pancakes, and momo.

FAQs

1. How hard is Chola Pass?

Cho La Pass is one of the most challenging sections of the Gokyo Chola Pass Trek. The climb is steep, icy, and can be slippery, especially in snow or poor weather.

2. What is the hardest part of the EBC Trek with Gokyo Lakes?

The hardest part of the Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo Lakes is typically crossing Cho La Pass due to its altitude and technical terrain.

3. How high is Chola Pass in Nepal?

Chola Pass in Nepal stands at a height of 5,420 meters.

4. Where is Chola Pass located?

Cho La Pass lies between Dzongla (on the EBC route) and Thagnak (in the Gokyo Valley), in the Khumbu region of Nepal, within Sagarmatha National Park.

5. How many hours do we have to trek every day?

On the EBC Gokyo trek itinerary, you’ll typically trek 5 to 8 hours per day, depending on altitude and terrain.

6. Do you need any training for this trek?

Yes. The Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Gokyo Trek requires good physical fitness. Training with cardio (hiking, running, cycling), strength, and endurance workouts 2/3 months before the trek is highly recommended.

7. What is the height of Gokyo Lake?

Gokyo Lake (Third Lake, Dudh Pokhari) sits at around 4,790 meters (15,715 feet).

8. Can I trek during the winter or monsoon seasons?

It’s possible, but not recommended because these seasons are heavily challenging with heavy rain, poor visibility, and snow-covered trails. It can be slippery, igniting various risks.