Gokyo to EBC via Cho La Pass – A Breathtaking Himalayan Adventure Beyond the Regular
Experience the ultimate Himalayan journey with the Gokyo Lake to EBC via Cho La Pass trek, a breathtaking alternative to the classical Everest Base Camp route that offers unparalleled beauty, solitude, and adventure. This wonderful trek guides you through the peaceful Gokyo Valley, home to a chain of sacred high-altitude lakes surrounded by some of the world’s tallest peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu.
Gokyo to EBC via Cho La Pass trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. The trail passes through peaceful Sherpa villages, marvels at the turquoise waters of the Gokyo Lakes, and climbs Gokyo Ri for one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the entire Everest region. From Gokyo Top, challenge yourself with the thrilling ascent of Cho La Pass—a high, glaciated crossing that connects the Gokyo region to the classic Everest Base Camp trail.
As the journey continues, you’ll head to Everest Base Camp and climb Kala Patthar, where you’ll witness an unforgettable sunrise over Mt. Everest. Known for its fewer crowds, peaceful landscapes, and authentic local experiences, the Gokyo to EBC trek is an ideal choice for adventurous trekkers looking for something truly special in the Himalayas.
Gokyo to EBC Trek Highlights
- The most scenic Mountain flight to Lukla and follow the footsteps of Hillary and Tenzing to the Everest Base Camp Trails
- Where the earth dips and swells in gentle curves, a landscape unfolds. Lush meadows unfurl like emerald carpets, dotted with quaint towns that beckon exploration.
- Trek through the UNESCO World Heritage site and eye-witness the towering Mountain pierce the sky into this pristine Environment.
- Visit Gokyo Valley and Khumbu Valley, where Chola Pass forms a col between the two valleys. Cho La Pass stands as a connecting point between two valleys.
- Close-up view of Ngozumpa Glacier, which flows from the foothills of Cho Oyu and is the longest Khumbu Glacier (27km) that flows from Everest.
- Explore the culture and tradition in the Buddhist land of the Sherpa people and visit Gokyo Ri, 5th Lake, Cho La Pass, Kala Patthar, Everest Base Camp, and Monasteries.
The Mesmerizing Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp Trek via Cho La Pass is a bucket list adventure for Mountain lover
The Gokyo Lake over a Chola pass to EBC trek is a moderate to challenging trek in Sagarmatha National Park. The Journey begins after a scenic flight to Lukla and follows the Dudh Koshi to Phakding and Jorsalle. Follow the world-famous Everest Base Camp (EBC) trails until Namche Bazaar, passing the mani wall engraved with Tibetan mantras along the trails. Namche Bazaar is an ideal place for acclimatization and a day hike to Khumjung, and Everest View Hotel offers a stunning vista and serene landscape. The Gokyo Chola pass to Everest Base Camp Trek begins from Namche to Gokyo Valley. This trek takes you through the pine, Jupiter, and rhododendron forest, passing pastureland, fluttering Buddhist flags, and a mani wall to the high-altitude freshwater Gokyo Lake. Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) that serves as an acclimatization before going Cho-la pass and provides an eagle-eye view into the Himalayan realm, Ngozumpa glacier, and diverse landscapes.
Cho-la ridge rather forms a Col, which is a high point between two valleys that allows passage. So, the Cho-la Pass Col serves as a connecting point between the two valleys. Start early morning to avoid the wind on top of Cho La. The Cho-la top offers amazing Mountain views and a glacier basin. Descend to Lobuche and follow the Everest base camp trails.
Gorak Shep was the initial base camp of the Everest Expedition until 1953. Now at Gorak Shep tea house lodge built, which allows trekkers to spend a night and follow day hikes to Base camp and Kala Patthar for sunrise and sunset views. We, at Global Eco Trails recommend you visit Kala Patthar and EBC both. After the successful ascent to Kala Patthar and the EBC, trek to Pheriche, Tengboche, Namche Bazar, and Lukla for your onward flight to Kathmandu. One can join the Island peak Climbing by taking the path over a Kongma-la pass or trek to Dingboche and follow the Chhukung village to meet the climbing team.
Gokyo to EBC via Chola Pass is part of the Everest Three High Pass Trek and the Great Himalayan Trails in the Everest Region. Among Kongma-la (5535m), Cho-La (5330 m), and Renjo-la (5,388 m). Chola is one of them.
Gokyo to EBC via Cho La Pass Trek Itinerary
The Itinerary of Gokyo to EBC via Chola Pass trek also depends on personal fitness, type of trekking, and your choice. If you are a beginner, plan it for 16 days for an easygoing going. However, Global Eco Trails experts crafted a 15-day trek itinerary including two acclimatized days at various altitudes in Namche and Gokyo Lake. Nevertheless, our Gokyo to EBC via Cho La pass itinerary is outlined, and we are happy to customize it as per your requirements.
Gokyo to EBC via Cho La Pass Trek Cost
The cost of the Gokyo to EBC via Cho La pass varies depending on the duration and difficulty of the trek, level of accommodation, location, and level of services you are looking for. Generally, our 15-day Gokyo Lake to Everest Base Camp Trek via Chola pass costs start from 999 USD per person up to 1500/ USD.
Gokyo to EBC via Cho La Pass Trek Map
Global Eco Trails provides a free physical map before your Gokyo to EBC trek begins. See the map below. However, if you would like to have it before reaching Kathmandu, contact our experts here.
Which is better Gokyo Valley Trek or the Khumbu Valley Trek?
Gokyo Valley: This valley is known for its stunning glacial lakes and proximity to several high peaks like above 8000m mountains including Cho Oyu, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu.
Khumbu Valley: This valley is famous for being home to Mount Everest and Khumbu Icefall. To be on the base of the tallest Mountain.
Is This Trip Suit for You?
This trek involves 5 to 7 hours of daily walking at high altitude. So you should be physically fit and have mental resilience. The Gokyo Valley and Cho La Pass are less crowded areas, compared to the Everest Base Camp Trek offers a more peaceful trekking experience with breathtaking landscapes. Truth to be told, this Cho La pass to EBC trek is not suitable for beginners. If you are physically fit, have some previous trekking experience, and are looking for stunning views with quieter ones, the Gokyo to Everest Base Camp via Chola Pass would be the perfect choice!
Finally, even though you are mentally prepared, physically strong, and have the proper gear, this is not sufficient to go into the wilderness. You need a professional local Guide, a Government-registered local trekking company that can provide emergency assistance 24/7 if required. Global Eco Trails Guide is well-trained, professional, strong, knowledgeable, and familiar with local culture and tradition. We are keen to make your holiday a safe and memorable one that lasts forever!
