Everest Base Camp with Chola Pass and Gokyo Lake Trek
Trip overview
Everest Base Camp with Chola Pass and Gokyo Lake Trek, in full
Everest Base Camp with Chola Pass and Gokyo Lake Trek itinerary, cost, map, permits, altitude, difficulty, best time, route details and complete trekking guide with Real Himalaya.
Your trip at a glance
- Destination
- Everest Region
- Duration
- 16 days
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Max elevation
- 5550 m
- Group size
- 8-12 people
- Activities
- Trekking
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
- 1
Arrival in Kathmandu at Tribhuvan International Airport
Namaste and welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport , you are greeted by our team and transferred to your hotel in Thamel, the vibrant heart of Kathmandu. The lively streets filled with trekking shops, colorful prayer flags, and the distant silhouette of snow-capped peaks prepare you for the adventure ahead. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring authentic Nepali cuisine with a cultural show, followed by a comprehensive briefing about your epic Everest and Gokyo journey.
- 2
Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding/Monjo
Your Himalayan adventure begins with an early morning flight to Lukla (2,840 m) , one of the world's most thrilling mountain airstrips carved into the mountainside. As your plane descends between towering peaks, the excitement builds. From Lukla, you begin your trek, descending gently along the Dudh Koshi River , crossing suspension bridges adorned with colorful prayer flags, and passing through charming Sherpa villages. The trail winds through fragrant pine forests with glimpses of snow-capped peaks before arriving at Phakding or Monjo , where you spend the night in a cozy teahouse surrounded by the sounds of the rushing river.
- 3
Trek to Namche Bazaar from Phakding
Today's trek takes you deeper into the legendary Khumbu region. After crossing the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge , swaying high above the turquoise Dudh Koshi River, the trail climbs steadily through rhododendron and blue pine forests. You enter Sagarmatha National Park , a UNESCO World Heritage Site protecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. The steep ascent to Namche Bazaar rewards you with your first breathtaking views of Everest's summit pyramid peeking above the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. Namche is the bustling heart of the Khumbu, a colorful amphitheater-shaped town filled with shops, bakeries, and the warmth of Sherpa hospitality.
- 4
Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
A crucial rest and acclimatization day in Namche allows your body to adjust to the altitude. In the morning, hike up to the Everest View Hotel viewpoint for spectacular panoramic views of Everest (8,849 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Thamserku , and the entire Khumbu valley stretched below. Return to Namche for the afternoon, where you can explore the Sherpa Culture Museum, visit the local monastery, sample fresh pastries at hilltop bakeries, or simply wander the colorful market stalls.
- 5
Trek to Tengboche/Deboche
Leaving Namche, the trail contours high above the Dudh Koshi Valley, offering spectacular mountain views at every turn. The mighty Ama Dablam dominates the horizon as you trek through forests of juniper, birch, and rhododendron. After descending to the riverside settlement of Phunki Tenga , you climb through enchanting cloud forests to reach Tengboche Monastery , the spiritual center of the Khumbu region. The monastery sits in a meadow with breathtaking views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Kangtega. You spend the night in nearby Deboche .
- 6
Trek to Dingboche
The landscape transforms dramatically as you climb into the alpine zone, leaving the treeline behind. The trail passes through Pangboche , home to one of the oldest monasteries in the Khumbu, where ancient Buddhist relics have witnessed generations of pilgrims and climbers. The path continues through yak pastures dotted with stone-walled enclosures and mani stones carved with sacred mantras. By afternoon, you arrive at Dingboche (4,400 m) , a picturesque village nestled in the Imja Valley with commanding views of Island Peak, Lhotse's towering south face, and the elegant spire of Ama Dablam.
- 7
Acclimatization Day: Hike to Nagartsang Ri and Back to Dingboche
Another essential acclimatization day prepares your body for the challenging high altitudes ahead. This morning, hike up to Nagartsang Ri (4,900 m) , a stunning viewpoint above Dingboche that offers jaw-dropping panoramas of the Himalayan giants: Makalu (8,485 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Island Peak, Ama Dablam , and the vast glaciated valleys stretching toward Tibet. Return to Dingboche for the afternoon, focusing on rest, hydration, and mental preparation for Everest Base Camp and the Chola Pass crossing.
- 8
Trek to Lobuche
From Dingboche, the trail climbs steadily through rocky, barren terrain that feels increasingly otherworldly. You pass the moving memorial site of Thukla Pass , where stone chortens and prayer flags honor the climbers who lost their lives on Everest and other Himalayan peaks. Beyond the pass, you traverse the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and arrive at Lobuche (4,910 m) , a small cluster of lodges surrounded by towering peaks and glacial landscapes.
- 9
Trek to Everest Base Camp and Return to Gorakshep
The day you have been dreaming of has arrived! From Lobuche, trek to Gorakshep (5,100 m) , a sandy lakebed surrounded by ice and rock. After a short rest, continue across the rocky, undulating Khumbu Glacier moraine to reach Everest Base Camp (5,340 m) . Standing at the foot of the world's highest peak, surrounded by the dramatic Khumbu Icefall with its towering seracs, colorful prayer flags, and expedition tents, is a moment of pure triumph. After soaking in the atmosphere, return to Gorakshep for the night.
- 10
Day 10: Hike to Kala Patthar and Trek to Dzongla
Rise before dawn for the iconic sunrise hike to Kala Patthar (5,550 m) , the most famous viewpoint in the Everest region. In the freezing pre-dawn darkness, you climb the rocky ridge. As the first rays of sunlight paint Everest, Nuptse, Changtse, and Pumori in golden and pink hues, you witness one of the most spectacular mountain panoramas on Earth. After descending to Gorakshep for breakfast, begin the journey toward the Gokyo Valley. The trail heads west through rugged terrain to Dzongla (4,830 m) , a remote settlement nestled beneath the dramatic walls of Cholatse, your base for tomorrow's pass crossing.
- 11
Cross Chola Pass and Trek to Gokyo
Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. An early start takes you up the steep, rocky trail toward Chola Pass (5,420 m) . The ascent involves scrambling over boulders, crossing glacial ice, and navigating steep sections with the help of fixed ropes in places. At the windswept summit, prayer flags flutter as you take in breathtaking views of Cholatse, Taboche, Ama Dablam , and the vast Ngozumpa Glacier stretching below. The descent is equally challenging, dropping steeply over loose rock and moraine before leveling out as you approach the turquoise waters of the Gokyo Lakes . Arrive at Gokyo village (4,790 m) beside the third and largest lake, exhausted but triumphant.
- 12
Gokyo Ri Excursion and Trek to Machermo
Another pre-dawn start for the climb to Gokyo Ri (5,360 m) , one of the finest viewpoints in the Himalayas. The steep trail ascends the ridge above Gokyo, and as the sun rises, four 8,000-meter peaks reveal themselves: Everest (8,849 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,485 m), and Cho Oyu (8,188 m) . Below, the turquoise Gokyo Lakes shimmer beside the massive Ngozumpa Glacier , the longest glacier in the Himalayas. After descending for breakfast, continue down the valley through the peaceful Gokyo Valley, passing yak pastures and small settlements before reaching Machermo (4,470 m) .
- 13
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Today's long but rewarding descent takes you back toward familiar territory. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River valley, passing through the villages of Dole and Phortse , with views of Cho Oyu, Taboche, and Kangtega. You rejoin the main Everest trail and descend through rhododendron forests to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) . The return to this bustling Sherpa town feels like a homecoming after the wild remoteness of the Chola Pass and Gokyo Valley. Celebrate your achievements with a hot shower and perhaps a cold drink at one of Namche's many cafes.
- 14
Trek to Lukla
The final trekking day descends through familiar terrain as you retrace your steps toward Lukla. Cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge one last time and follow the Dudh Koshi River through pine and rhododendron forests. The trail passes through Phakding and Monjo , where friendly faces at teahouses bid you farewell. The final climb to Lukla (2,840 m) feels bittersweet as the adventure draws to a close. Spend your last night in the mountains celebrating with your guides and fellow trekkers.
- 15
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
Board your early morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu . The scenic flight offers final aerial views of the Himalayan peaks you have come to know so well. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel for a well-deserved rest. The afternoon is free for shopping in Thamel, visiting temples, or simply relaxing. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner celebrating your incredible achievement of completing one of the world's greatest trekking circuits.
- 16
Final Departure from Kathmandu
After breakfast, you are transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. As your plane soars over the Himalayas, you carry with you the unforgettable memories of Everest Base Camp, the thrilling Chola Pass crossing, the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, the warmth of Sherpa hospitality, and the triumph of completing this epic Himalayan circuit . Thank you for choosing Real Himalaya. For any queries, contact us at +977 985-1026840 www.realhimalaya.com Speak to an Expert Gokul Thapa +977-9851026840 View Dossier Online
