EBC Trek Via Gokyo lake(Chola Pass)
18
Moderate
5420m
Tea Houses
Flight
1-20
Sept, Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr, May
EBC Trek Via Gokyo lake(Chola Pass) Introduction
Everest base camp trek is a combination of the world’s highest mountain views and the enchanting Khumbu Valley Buddhist community.
The Everest area (Khumbu) is one of Nepal’s most popular tourist destinations, renowned for its beautiful mountain peaks and the loyalty and friendliness of its inhabitants (the Sherpas). The Everest Base Camp – Cho La Pass – Gokyo Ri Trek is one of the Everest region’s most scenic treks.
It’s an exciting journey to cross the Cho La Pass (5420 m) to reach the Everest Base Camp (5364 m). The Cho La High Pass needs some technical skills, but you’ll have nothing to worry about with good health and acclimatization. Trekkers found it an arduous and satisfying kit. During the ride, you’ll see some of the world’s highest mountains rising to the stars.
Everest Base Camp Trek through Gokyo Lakes, known for its numerous beautiful turquoise lakes in the Gokyo valley and popular Cho La Pass, takes us along majestic mountains, pleasant Sherpas, colorful monasteries, Namche Bazaar, Sagarmatha National Park, and, of course, the base of powerful Everest via the landmark of the Khumbu.
The trekking route from Everest Base Camp-Cho La Pass – Gokyo Ri involves a journey to the Mt. Everest Lap – Everest Base Camp. This path is ideal for those who want to travel beyond the Everest Base Camp Trek.
The trail crosses Cho La pass and then follows the regular path on the Everest base camp Trek through
In your first few days, more isolation and lovely desolation will be encountered than on the EBC Trek. You’ll enjoy traditional Sherpa culture, traditions, and rituals and appreciate general hospitality as you pass by the villages.
You will also have the opportunity to get to know Tibetan Buddhism as you walk along the road and admire the different monuments. Around the Gokyo Lake is the Gokyo Valley. The Everest Himalayan Panorama, five Gokyo lakes, Ngozumba Glacier, and others are attractions during our daily walk to Gokyo Ri.
The highlight of the walk is the Kalapatthar, with a 360-degree view of the peaks in the Everest area. Trekking is possible throughout the year, but the best weather is offered from Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November).
Trek requires exercise and acclimatization to prevent acute mountain sickness. Rugged Trails Nepal arranges complete management of the trek.
Highlights
Experience of going to Everest Base Camp
The breathtaking views from Mt. Everest’s Kala Patthar, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and several other peaks
An amazing Kathmandu/Lukla mountain flight.
Observe Namche Bazaar, Mt Everest gateway
See mountaineers of world-class ready for their Everest climb
An exciting journey to cross the Cho La Pass (5420 m) to reach the Everest Base Camp (5364 m).
Discover the Sherpa ethnic group’s history, hospitality, and daily lifestyle
enjoy traditional Sherpa culture, traditions, and rituals and appreciate general hospitality as you pass by the villages.
Become excited by the turquoise waters of the Gokyo Lakes
The opportunity to get to know Tibetan Buddhism
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu(1,350m/4,428 ft.)
- Day 02: Spare and Arrangement day in Kathmandu(1,350m/4,428 ft.)
- Day 03: Dart from Kathmandu to Lukla (2800m/9,184ft)- Trek to Phakding (2652m/8700ft)
- Day 04: Trekking from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11283ft)
- Day 05: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar (3440m/11283ft)
- Day 06: Trek from Namche Bazar to Dole (4200m)
- Day 07: Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4470m)
- Day 08: Trip from Machhermo to Gokyo Lake (4750m)
- Day 09: Rest and explore the Gokyo RI 5,400 M (17,717 ft).
- Day 10: Trek from Gokyo to Thaknak
- Day 11: Trek from Thaknak to Dzongla Village via Cho-la Pass 5,420 M (17,782 ft).
- Day 12: Trek from Dzongla to Lobuche (4940m)
- Day 13: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep 5,164 M (16,942 ft) to Everest Base Camp 5,380 M (17,600 ft) - Gorak Shep.
- Day 14: Trek from Gorak Shrep to Kala Patthar 5,545 M (18,192 ft) and Trek to Pheriche.
- Day 15: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar.
- Day 16: Trekking from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
- Day 17: Flight back to Kathmandu(1,350m/4,428 ft.)
- Day 18: Departure from Kathmandu(1,350m/4,428 ft.)
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu(1,350m/4,428 ft.)
As you land at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, you will find our representative to welcome you to the airport, so you can travel to your chosen Kathmandu hotel without delay. In the evening you’ll meet your guide, who will provide some required details about the trek to the view of Everest.
Day 02: Spare and Arrangement day in Kathmandu(1,350m/4,428 ft.)
Finally going for Everest base camp walk, in Kathmandu, you will have an extra day.
You can spend the day just the way you want. A day will be enough to visit some of Kathmandu’s popular heritage sites, and restaurants. You can also purchase some personal trekking supplies like medication, Trekking shoes, and sunscreen.
Day 03: Dart from Kathmandu to Lukla (2800m/9,184ft)- Trek to Phakding (2652m/8700ft)
Far from Kathmandu, we booked flights to Lukla early in the morning.
Anyone bored with filthy urban areas will be delighted with their upcoming trip to the naturally preserved, breathtaking Khumbu dust-free region in eastern Nepal. The flight takes about 40 minutes to get to Lukla, as it is in the north-eastern direction 138 km from Kathmandu. Just before landing in Lukla, picturesque views of the welcome mountain trekkers from which you’ll be witnessing a spectacular scenario of lush green hills and torrential rivers flowing under you.
Hikers are getting closer and closer to the naturally blessed Khumbu area with each passing minute. Once you land at Lukla Airport, our hiking guide will direct you to give you your first trekking experience in eastern Nepal. In today’s starting step of your trek, you descend first to a location called Chaurikharka and then ascend to the village of Phakding.
We planned this short trek while realizing that at a high altitude of 2,800 meters above sea level you have just reached this. Therefore, it may take the body some time to adjust to the new world.
Remain in Phakding overnight.
Day 04: Trekking from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11283ft)
It still has several phases of our journey to entertain us, and now you are waking to the mountains of the Himalayas.
Once you wake up, you’ll be with a mouth-watering breakfast that needs to fill your tummy to the fullest to make sure you can complete the entire trek without getting exhausted during your trek. Continuing our journey, we now ascend further and enjoy the stunning scenic view of Mt. Thamserku after entering the village of Benkar.
Trekkers have to cross the milky white Dudh Koshi River multiple times over high suspension bridges, where strong afternoon winds blow in. Now we travel to Jorsale and Monjo village, which is the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. Here, your trekking permits are checked by the correct officers, after you start walking to the direction of Namche Bazaar.
Until reaching Namche Bazar we have to pause in Chautara, from where walkers can enjoy the snow-covered views of the mount worth remembering. We finally get into the busy, crescent-fashioned city of Namche Bazaar where we stay and dine for the night.
Stay overnight, in Namche Bazaar.
Day 05: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar (3440m/11283ft)
Acclimatization is critical during the Himalayan walk.
We are going on an excursion today to get good air-conditioning. We will fly to the Everest View Hotel, the best place to see some of the most spectacular mountains, such as Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Lhotse, etc.
Move around Khumjung Valley, Hillary College, Khunde Hospital, and then back to Namche. You spend time in Namche Bazaar with the fun-loving Sherpa and Rai people.
Stay overnight, in Namche Bazaar.
Day 06: Trek from Namche Bazar to Dole (4200m)
After breakfast, we ascend to Kyanjuma and climb further up to Chipcho.
The path then breaks up and we take the road through Mong and Phortse Tenga and walk slowly through rhododendron forests to Dole. It’s a short walk today and we can take it easy.
Night at the lodge
Day 07: Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4470m)
You will be trekking from Dole to Machhermo today.
All along the walk, you will have amazing views of the mountains. Dole walk to Machhermo takes about 4-5 hours. The path toward Machhermo is a gentle incline.
For acclimatization, you should climb a little higher in the afternoon than Machhermo.
Day 08: Trip from Machhermo to Gokyo Lake (4750m)
Today we are going to hike from Machhermo to Lake Gokyo.
The trail from Machhermo to Gokyo Lake is fairly easy and fun. We start by climbing a ridge for an excellent view of Kangtaiga down the valley, as well as to Cho Oyu (8153 m). When the road passes through Phangkha, the valley now widens. We head to the side of the river before ascending a steep path into the moraine of the Ngazumpa Glacier. The path follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo, where it crosses a bridge over a creek.
We are mesmerized by the sheer beauty of the turquoise waters at the sight of the second pool, Taboche Tsho. We hit the third lake just a little more. Gokyo village stands in the background at the third pool, with Cho Oyu. Awesome jaw-dropping scene.
Overnight at a guest house.
You can explore the Ngozumpa Glacier and the lakes of Gokyo upon arrival.
Day 09: Rest and explore the Gokyo RI 5,400 M (17,717 ft).
Gokyo is a commercial hub where people from the Sherpa run lodges and provide the best facilities to the trekkers.
Gokyo is situated alongside Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal’s largest glacier. Today we’re going to stroll around the lake and if you’re up for it we can do the side trip of the fourth lake as well. We’re also going to trek up to Gokyo Ri, a spectacular viewpoint to see the glacial lakes and high summits.
At guesthouse overnight.
Day 10: Trek from Gokyo to Thaknak
The next day early in the morning we will leave Gokyo.
From Gokyo Lake we head towards Thangnak, crossing the glacier on the way. On the way to our destination, we will be getting lunch. Thaknak is a beautiful alpine village nestled high up in the Himalayas.
Travel in Thangnak overnight.
Day 11: Trek from Thaknak to Dzongla Village via Cho-la Pass 5,420 M (17,782 ft).
Today will be one of the trip’s hardest days but the scenery distracts us from the challenge.
Be cautious, because the path is steep, and the path could be slick and slippery. Phedi’s Track climbs on a steep path across a ravine. When we walk along the side of a frozen lake, we reach the top of the pass. Ama Dablam, the pyramid-like presides over a series of mountains on the south. Until we reach Dzongla Village, we pass some crevasses by.
The village provides fantastic views of the mountains of Cholatse, Ama Dablam, Lobuche, and the town of Pheriche far beneath.
Day 12: Trek from Dzongla to Lobuche (4940m)
Early in the morning we will leave Dzongla and move toward Lobuche.
Today we follow the magnificent trail through the distant areas of the Everest region. Until we reach Lobuche it is a desolate road. We start walking along Chola Lake and proceed in the Khumbu Valley, surrounded by high peaks and large formations of rocks. It is a short trek but due to the altitude, it is very challenging. The evening view of Mt. Nuptse at sunset is breathtaking.
Day 13: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep 5,164 M (16,942 ft) to Everest Base Camp 5,380 M (17,600 ft) - Gorak Shep.
Finally! The Everest Base Camp will be a stroll away.
We will begin early in the morning. We can ‘move to Gorak Shep. Gorak Shep had once been the original base camp during the 1953 expedition. Take the path to Gorak Shep, and we can see Khumbu Glacier. Today the trail rises and descends slowly.
When we enter Gorak Shep the trail becomes rugged. We have to walk up and down on a broad rock. When we hit Gorak Shep we’ll rest. We will check in to a hotel for an overnight stay. Once we drop our backpack at the hotel, we will continue walking toward the Everest Base Camp. To stop the altitude sickness issue, we have to move slowly.
On the climb, we’ll hit the peak of Khumbu Glacier. After a short walk, we end up standing at 5364 m at the Everest Base Camp. We can enjoy the magnificent view of Khombu Icefall. The base camp creates a mixed feeling of fluctuating emotions. That is false! This is real! We are at the foot of the highest point in the world! This is an immense, stunning Everest Base camp.
Enter Mt. Nuptse, Khumbuste, and Pumori with stunning views. Get some shots of you and Mt. Everest in the backdrop. Sure, this will be a memorable moment. After all, the EBC trek is an experience of a lifetime. After spending some time at the base camp, we will be trekking down to Gorak Shep.
In Gorak sheep, overnight.
Day 14: Trek from Gorak Shrep to Kala Patthar 5,545 M (18,192 ft) and Trek to Pheriche.
We will start very early in the morning. We’ll be guided by a 3- or 4-hour early morning hike to Kala Pathar. Kala Patthar is the best viewpoint of Mt. Everest, and Khumbu Icefall.
In clear weather the view of the snowy peak is breathtaking. The entire Himalayan is shining, with the touch of baby sun rays. You’ll feel like there’s no sky in here, but you can see a 360-degree view of Kala Patthar’s breathtaking peaks.
The Himalayas can feel so similar, just about at the tip of the nose. Catch your moment on pictures at high altitudes. By remaining there longer the risk of altitude sickness is increased.
So, we will take some time to rest and return to Gorakshep and Pheriche.
Day 15: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar.
We will depart for Namche Bazar the next day early in the morning.
A busy trail leads from Pheriche to Namche. There will be many trekkers, grapes, and porters coming through. The trail sees lots of traffic, particularly during hiking and seasons. The road is littered with bridges.
We’re traversing dense forests and diverse habitats. There are ups and downs too. Yet its beautiful landscape, lush flora, and fauna inspire you. After this difficult walk today, we will finally come to Namche. Namche is the busiest center on Everest, in Sherpa.
At Namche, overnight.
Day 16: Trekking from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
After our breakfast is over, we will pack our bags and tighten our shoelaces to start our trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla’s lower hills.
Holding on to our easy speed walk, we cross some high suspension bridges again, you might remember walking along the trail just like you were there a few days ago. Continuing, we’re now passing the Hillary Bridge and some other bridges that can be seen along with plentiful flags of Buddhist meditation.
Now as the altitude decreases and the amount of oxygen molecules continues to increase, then you can feel the air getting denser and denser. The temperature also begins to rise higher than at Namche bazaar, as trekkers seek to enter Lukla far below Namche Bazaar.
Trekkers will meet numerous stupas and monasteries, mani walls along their way down to Lukla and will begin to hear the roaring sound of the Dudh Koshi River flowing harshly beneath. We pass through several forest trails of rhododendron and pine trees that cover large areas while catching some of the last glimpses of the snowcapped mountains.
Once you reach Lukla, you take a rest inside a small lodge and spend the rest of your time enjoying the local dishes before going to bed.
Stay at Lukla overnight.
Day 17: Flight back to Kathmandu(1,350m/4,428 ft.)
Today we have a scheduled early-morning flight back to Kathmandu which will take us over some of the most beautiful hills and valleys.
A representative from Icicles Adventure will transfer you to your hotel rooms after about 40 minutes. You can rest and relax inside your home or go out in the Thamel region for some souvenir shopping. Finally, you’ll return to your hotel room and start packing all of your things for tomorrow’s departure flight.
The overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Day 18: Departure from Kathmandu(1,350m/4,428 ft.)
Until the departure flight, our representative will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport again. During your spare time, you can visit a few nearby places or restaurants, if you want.
Includes
- Airport picks up and drops service.
- Transportation assistance and its prices.
- Airfare for domestic flights.
- A skilled and licensed guide.
- Porter as per the necessity.
- Trekking authorization fee.
- Trek maps and navigation tools.
- Accommodation while staying in Kathmandu.
- Governmental charges and other applicable prices.
- Wage and accommodation of guide and porter.
- Complete board-based meal during the trek.
- Assistance for the team during the trek
- Medical supplies and first aid equipment.
- Trekking supplies and camping gears
Excludes
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (excluding breakfast).
- International flight checks and airfares.
- Alcoholic/ non-alcoholic liquors.
- Additional porter fees.
- Electronic gadgets like chargers, and headphones.
- Individual costs like a hot shower, phone calls, laundry, and souvenirs.
- Travel coverage and emergency evacuations.
- Tips for porters or drivers.