Gokyo Chola Pass with Standard Everest Base Camp trek  

Outside the terminal of Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, our airport agent will be waiting for you with a sign bearing the name of the Company. Then, you will transfer to the Hotel after you arrive at TIA. If you arrive at TIA on time, you can visit the nearby Hotel area (depending on the arrival time) or you can rest after the long air flight. On this day, our staff or your trip guide will meet and greet you at the Hotel and brief you about the day ahead journey. You will stay overnight.

Today, you’ll take a 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, located at an elevation of 2,800 m. Lukla Airport, also known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport, is named in honor of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary, the first climbers to summit Mount Everest (8,848.86 meters). The airport’s runway is notably short at 527 meters, earning it a reputation as one of the world’s most challenging airstrips. Upon landing in Lukla, your trek begins with a hike to Phakding, a small Sherpa village known for its traditional stone houses. This initial trek takes about 4-5 hours, leading you through lush vegetation and offering stunning mountain views. In Phakding, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the local Sherpa culture, visit the Phakding Gompa (monastery), and observe the Sherpa way of life. You’ll then spend the night in Phakding.

After an early morning breakfast in Phakding, you will begin your trek towards Namche Bazaar. The journey takes approximately 5-6 hours, winding through picturesque landscapes and crossing several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. Along the way, you will pass through small villages such as Monjo and Jorsalle, offering glimpses of the local Sherpa culture and lifestyle. You will stop for lunch at one of these villages, enjoying a well-deserved rest and a nourishing meal. After lunch, the trek resumes, with a steady ascent leading you to Namche Bazaar, Known as the gateway to Everest. You will stay overnight at a comfortable lodge in Namche Bazaar.

On this day, you will rest and explore Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Everest (8,848.86m). Namche Bazaar is a well-established market town located in the heart of the Himalayas, hosting essential services such as government offices, a police check post, a health post, banks, ATMs, and a tourist information center. The bazaar serves as a central hub for various trekking routes, including the Gokyo trek, Renjo La trek, and the renowned Classic Everest Base Camp trek.

Your day of exploration will include visits to several key attractions. After breakfast, you will embark on a trek to the Everest View Hotel for acclimatization. From this vantage point, you can take in panoramic views of majestic peaks such as Mt. Kusum Kangkaru, Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Kangtega, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Everest, Mt. Taboche, Mt. Khumbila, Mt. Kwangde, and Numbur Himal. Following your acclimatization trek, you will return to Namche Bazaar for lunch.

In the afternoon, you will continue exploring Namche Bazaar’s cultural and historical sites, including the Sagarmatha National Park Museum, the Sherpa Museum, and the Syangboche Airport. You will also have time to interact with the local Sherpa community and experience their unique way of life. The day concludes with leisure time for shopping or further exploration. You will spend the night at a comfortable lodge in Namche Bazaar.

After an early morning breakfast at Namche Bazaar, your trek will begin towards Dole. Situated at an elevation of 4,050 meters, Dole is a quaint settlement in the Khumbu region, located north of Khumjung and west of Machhermo. The village is renowned for its central chorten and serves as a popular stop for trekkers en route to Gokyo Lake.

The trek from Namche to Dole covers a distance of 11 kilometers, with an ascent of 1,200 meters and a descent of 548 meters, typically taking 4-5 hours at a 15-degree slope gradient. Along the way, you will enjoy a lunch break with spectacular mountain views. After lunch, you will continue your trek, reaching Dole by mid-afternoon. Upon arrival, you will have time to relax and unwind before spending the night in this charming village.

After breakfast at Dole, your trek will continue towards Machermo. This relatively short trek covers a distance of 5.1 kilometers and typically takes 2-3 hours, with an ascent of 456 meters and a descent of 107 meters on a slope with an approximate 11-degree incline.

Lunch will be served upon reaching Machermo, and the approach is primarily flat. Along the route, you will pass by the lodges at Lhabarma Kharka and Luza Kharka. Both lodges offer a selection of traditional Nepalese beverages and provide stunning views of the Khumbu region.

From Luza Kharka, you will have a vantage point overlooking Machermo, which, despite its small population, spans a considerable area. After lunch, you can explore the village and enjoy excellent viewpoints offering breathtaking vistas of the south face of Cho Oyu (8,201 meters), Cholatse (6,440 meters), and Tawoche (6,495 meters). However, these peaks are even more impressive when viewed from the north.

Following breakfast in Machermo, you will embark on a trek to the upper Gokyo Valley. The journey begins with a departure from Machermo, heading towards a cluster of farm structures known as Pangka. This moderately challenging hike covers approximately 6.8 kilometers, with an ascent of 470 meters and a descent of 99 meters. The trek is expected to take 3-4 hours, with a slope gradient of around 10 degrees.

Gokyo Lake holds sacred significance for both Hindus and Buddhists, revered as the dwelling place of the deity Nag Devata. In the western corner of Gokyo Lake, you will find the Vishnu/Shiva temple.

Descending from Pangka, you will cross a river fed by the Ngozumba Glacier, which originates from the south face of Cho Oyu. From the river, you will ascend steeply to reach the first of the three holy lakes, marking the transition from the lower, inhabited Gokyo Valley to the barren upper region.

Continuing from the first lake, you will trek to the second, larger lake, located near Cho La Pass. This route will lead you to Zonglha the day after tomorrow.

Upon reaching Gokyo, you will have lunch at the lodge. Afterward, you can explore the village and lake, and prepare for the following morning’s hike to Gokyo Ri. 

Gokyo Ri, situated at an elevation of 5,288 meters, offers a remarkable viewpoint with sweeping panoramic views. The hike to Gokyo Ri covers 7.3 kilometers, featuring an ascent of 681 meters and a descent of 757 meters. The trek typically takes 4 to 5 hours and involves navigating a steep gradient of approximately 23 degrees. The trail presents significant challenges, including rocky sections and exposed roots, requiring careful navigation. The path may show signs of wear and erosion, contributing to a demanding hiking experience.

Reaching the summit reveals a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Himalayas, including Gokyo Lake. From Gokyo Ri, you can see towering peaks such as Mt. Everest (8,848.86 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8,188 m), and Mt. Makalu (8,485 m). The sunrise over these majestic mountains adds to the mesmerizing experience. The view also encompasses the Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal’s longest glacier at 36 kilometers, originating from Cho Oyu, the world’s sixth-highest peak.

After spending approximately half an hour at the ridge, you will descend back to Gokyo, a journey that takes about one hour, where you will have lunch. Following lunch, the second phase of the trek begins, which involves crossing the Ngozumpa Glacier. Navigating the moraine, marked by cairns and subject to annual changes, takes approximately 45 minutes. Once you have crossed the glacier, head south to the small farming village of Dragnag, where you will stay overnight.

Begin your day with an early breakfast at Dragnag before setting out on your trek. Today’s journey involves crossing the Cho La Pass, covering a distance of approximately 8 kilometers. You will ascend 784 meters and descend 642 meters on a trail with a 19-degree slope. The route may be challenging due to rocky sections and roots, requiring careful navigation.

From Dragnag, the trail starts with a gradual ascent northeast, passing through a boulder field before a steep climb to Cho La. While the trail to the pass is rocky, it does not require the use of ropes.

At the pass, you will be rewarded with stunning views of Ama Dablam, often regarded as one of the most beautiful peaks in the world. The descent from the pass involves traversing a snow-covered glacier. While ropes are not necessary, exercise caution on icy sections and consider using trekking poles or lightweight crampons for added safety. After crossing the glacier, follow the cairn markers on the clearer path. As you descend, enjoy impressive views of the north faces of Cholatse and Tawoche.

The hike is relatively short, and you will soon arrive at the tranquil village of Dzonghla, situated beneath the fluted north face of Cholatse, where you will stay overnight.

Begin your day by having breakfast in the morning, then set out on a hike to Lobuche village. The trail today is mostly flat, covering a short distance of 6.3 km. It involves ascending 261m, descending 158m, and takes about 2 hours with an approximately 7-degree slope.

The trek starts with a short descent to a river, crossing it, and then moving above Cholatse Pokhari Lake, passing to the south of the Lobuche peaks. The most impressive views on this part of the journey are to the southeast, where Ama Dablam stands out, and Nuptse, Tawoche, and Kangtega compete for your attention.

Continue along until you connect with the main Everest Base Camp trail, reaching the first signs of glacial moraine from the Khumbu Glacier. This glacier essentially leads to the top of Everest, so any water you see flowing from the moraine might have come from the highest point on Earth!

Once back on the main Everest trail, follow it up to Lobuche village, which feels like a big village after Dzonghla! Enjoy lunch there and, after the meal, explore the nearby area before spending the night at the lodge. 

After enjoying breakfast at Lobuche, you will start on the final push of your journey to the highest overnight stop on the trek. This trek covers 4.3 km, with an ascent of 299m and a descent of 54m, taking about 2 hours at a 7-degree gradient. Roughly, 2.5 hours after leaving Lobuche, you will arrive at Gorak Shep, the last settlement before the base camp. It is crucial to move slowly and stay well hydrated as the altitude above 5000 meters can significantly affect most trekkers.

Gorak Shep offers several peaceful spots where you can enjoy the scenery, making a leisurely evening walk around the village highly recommended. Lunch will be at Gorak Shep. Following lunch, you will hike to Everest Base Camp. The trek takes two to three hours, covering 8.7 km with an ascent of 283m and descent of 283m at a 6-degree slope. Leaving behind Gorak Shep, head north/northeast across the football field and continue onto the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. Follow the left-hand edge and eventually move onto the glacier. Cross it, heading northeast to the tents and prayer flags of Base Camp. The route may vary each year, but by following signs and occasional cairns, you should stay on course.

Take time to absorb the atmosphere and the breathtaking views, finding a quiet spot for reflection. The awe-inspiring scenery and the honor of being in such a renowned place will surely evoke excitement for you. After capturing plenty of photos, amble back to Gorak Shep. Enjoy an overnight stay and prepare early for tomorrow morning’s hike to Kala Patthar.

Wake up early to start on a challenging hike to Kala Patthar with a packed breakfast. This small, rocky peak offers a panoramic view of Everest and the Khumbu Glacier. The trek covers a distance of 3.7 km with an ascent of 474m and a descent of 474m, taking approximately 2 hours with a 17-degree gradient.

You will need to begin the ascent in the dark, so once you locate the path at the northern end of Gorak Shep, lower your head and trudge uphill. The path, though covered in scree, is well-beaten and easy to follow. After a two-hour uphill climb, you will reach the summit of Kala Patthar. Take a seat and savour the exceptional view—it is truly special. If you manage to reach the summit by dawn, the experience is even better, as the sun rises directly behind Everest, bathing the area in light. After spending some time on the summit, descend to Gorak Shep for lunch. After having lunch at Gorakshep, you will trek back to Dingboche and stay overnight there.

After breakfast in Dingboche, you will trek back to Kyanjuma, a small village near Khumjung. It serves as the meeting point for four trails: the first leading to Khumjung, the second to Phertse to Gokyo, the third to Tengboche, and the fourth to Namche Bazaar. The majority of the route in the area was constructed by Pasang Sherpa (Lama Seru), a kind person who volunteered in trail construction in this area for over 50 years. Sadly, he passed away in 2023.

You will stop along the way for lunch, and then your trek will resume as you continue back to Kyanjuma for an overnight stay.

Following an early morning breakfast at Kyanjuma, trek back to Manjo. You will stop along the way for lunch. After having lunch, continue your trek to Manjo. Manjo is a small village located north of the Dudh Koshi River, just above Phakding. It is adorned with uphill streams, waterfalls, suspension bridges, and green terraced landscapes. The village remains untouched by modern civilization and technology, maintaining its old-town charm. Overnight stay will be at the lodge.

It will be the last day of your trek. Following the morning breakfast, you will trek back to Lukla. You will stop along the way for lunch. After having lunch, your trek will resume and continue to Lukla. And overnight stay.

Fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your booked hotel. On this day, our office staff will meet you for a farewell dinner at the hotel. You will spend the night at the hotel, marking the completion of your beautiful holiday in the Himalayas.

After completing this 17-day trip, the final day, your departure will be from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). If you wish to extend your itinerary, you have a tremendous option to extend your holidays in Nepal by rebooking the next available destination. For booking, please contact the salesperson.