Gokyo to EBC via Cho La Pass- 15 Days

It is an early morning start to fly into Lukla, one of the highest airports in the world. The views are stunning, particularly as you are flying directly into the land of the Sherpas. The clean, fresh air hits you on arrival – even as the views take your breath away.

There is an approximately 3-hour hike from Lukla to Phakding, where we stop for our first night in the mountains. Crossing a suspension bridge, passing a monastery, and seeing perhaps your first mani (prayer) wall are some of the highlights of the day.

After breakfast, set off for a day of ups and downs to reach the market town of Namche Bazaar. On the way, you enter Sagarmatha National Park proper, cross a few more suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, and walk through rhododendron forests.

Excitement is building as you approach Namche, where dozens of trekkers and climbing expeditions have gathered before heading out on their respective adventures

Today is a day to let the body acclimatize to the high altitude – and it will get even higher! But we suggest you stay active as that is the best way to acclimate. There are several walks around Namche – you could head for the Everest View Hotel, which has the finest views of Everest. So good, in fact, that some people helicopter in for breakfast. Yes, breakfast with the best view in the world! From the hotel, continue on to Khumjung village.

Here there are a number of interesting things. Khunde Hospital was built in 1966 by Sir Edmund Hillary and is funded today by the Himalayan Trust. Even older is the Khumjung School, which Sir Edmund also set up. Starting with two classrooms, the school today has more than 350 students in attendance.

Finally, there is Khumjung Monastery which dates back hundreds of years, although it was reconstructed after the 2015 earthquake. This center of Sherpa religion and culture was rebuilt with the help of all community members. You might be interested to see a Yeti scalp (okay, not scientifically proven!) inside the monastery.

After a day of exploring around Namche, don’t forget to stock up on any goodies in the abundant shops before heading out on the next leg of your trek

Leaving Namche, the route is incredibly scenic as you hike up the Dudh Koshi valley, passing stupas and views of Ama Dablam, Everest, Thamserku, and many more on the way. Descending into pine and rhododendron forests, the trail divides.

The route to Gokyo Lakes is to the left. On the way, we reach Mong village – a very small village but very scenic as well. Sitting on a ridge, the views from here reach Tengboche and beyond. Enjoy waterfalls and rhododendrons on this trail, and perhaps not so much, enjoy the stone stairs you will encounter!

Finally reaching the village of Dole, we stop for the night here, enjoying the surrounding views

This beautiful scenic trail is a steep climb taking you through scrub juniper. Leaving Dole, there is an uphill gradient for around half an hour, then a more gentle uphill the rest of the way.

The Dudh Koshi River lies far below. Hiking on towards the tiny teahouse settlement of Machhermo, the trail comes to a ridge above the village with stunning views of Thamserku.

Leaving Machhermo, the trail heads up to another scenic ridge with views of Kangtega before heading through a narrow valley that leads into a wider valley. Overall the trail today is not too tiring, with only one or two short steep sections. The trail descends to the Dudh Koshi River. It is a steep climb to the Ngozumpa Glacier and the first Gokyo lake.

As you continue north, the second lake appears. Unlike the small first lake, this lake is quite long and runs parallel to the hiking trail. Further on, we come to the 3rd lake and some teahouses (yes, there are 6 lakes in total, all falling under the name Gokyo Lake).

Here we stop for a night stay and then climb up to Gokyo Ri. This takes 2 to 3 hours to climb up. The viewpoint at Gokyo Ri is a high 5,483 meters, with a great panorama of mountains above and lakes and glaciers below. Sunset is spectacular and highly recommended.

After having a warm breakfast, you can start your day whether to go further to Cho Oyu base camp and back, after lunch tackle to Dragnag. Trek reverts to 1st lake and cross Ngozumpa glacier to Dragnak. The path is moderate and takes about 4 hours. Arrival and check in Guest house.

Today is the biggest day of your Trek going over a Cho La Pass (5330m). Due to the altitude, you are consuming much longer time than you expect. It is just 570 up through the fragile rocky path with cold and wind. The views are just fascinating!! From the top, descend to Dzongla carefully about 500m, where you will be spending a night near Chola Tsho.

Enjoy your breakfast with the amazing view of Cholatse (of course not the highest peak) look this towering Mountain pierce the sky into this pristine Environment. Today walking is easy and short as you are trekking to Lobuche. Short descending to river and join the main Everest base camp trek route. Follow the path to Lobuche passing the mani wall, Khumbu glacial Moraine. 

Follow the north easy path and quickly begin up to and down to the glacial moraine. The path is well established but narrow and busy with yak and trekkers sometimes. Gorakshep is the final overnight stop of the trek. It was the initial base camp of the Mt. Everest Expedition. Evening walk to Kala Patthar for sunset view or day trek to EBC and back.

• Approx. Trek time to Gorakshep: 3 hours  
• Trek Distance to Gorak Shep: 5 km
• EBC Altitude: 5364m.
• Gorak Shep Altitude:5140 m
• Gorakshep to EBC and return: (3 +3) km

Morning hike to Kala Patthar for the mesmerizing sunrise view over the stunning Himalayas including Everest, Lhotse, Pomari, Nuptse, and many at the closest proximity. Kala Patthar back to Gorak Shep have the last breakfast at Gorak Shep and trek down to Pheriche. The descending will be easier and quicker.

• Gorakshep-Kala Patthar and return: (2+2) km
•  Pheriche Altitude: 4200m.

Walking through the wide valley offers you great views of the Himalayas and take your time to visit the giant Sherpa village and monastery along the way to Namche Bazar. You might see the Trans Himalayan Market in Namche Bazar on Saturday. Enjoy your evening at Namche where you can celebrate your trek. It has a beautiful bar, German bakery, Monastery, and local markets where you can buy souvenirs for your loved one! Overnight at the Guesthouse.

Even though you are trekking back the same trails, different views and Sherpa village will keep your mind busy. Overnight at Guesthouse.

Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel. Remember, in the pick season like October- November and April to May, all the flight shuttle from Ramechap. Ramechap is 130 km from Kathmandu and takes nearly 5 hours.