Everest Base Camp via Cho-la pass Trekking requires a minimum of 15 days to complete. This trekking trail follows the classical route of Gokyo valley trekking combined with Everest Base camp. Due to this reason, it is tough trekking and difficult to cross the Cho-la pass. The elevation of the trekking trail starts from 2800m to 5545m which is highly adventurous and risky. Due to high elevation, Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can cause additional risk. You must be aware of rest, walking distance, and sufficient drinking water during trekking. Therefore, acclimatization days are necessary, and must not forget to include several rest days in your itinerary. The regular trekking to Everest Base camp is 12 days without adding any high passes. Your physical condition and weather determine trekking days.
EBC trek via Cho-la pass uses few regular routes. Either we complete Everest Base camp first or Gokyo Valley, we use the same route to trek. These days we start trekking from Lukla following Monjo, Namche Bazar, Dole, Machhermo, Gokyo valley, and Cho-la pass then Dzongla to connect the regular route of EBC trek. The route is described here as follows:
Trekking To EBC via Cho-la pass from Kathmandu: Lukla fly – Phakding – Namche bazaar – Dole- Machhermo- Gokyo Valley- Acclimatization day at Gokyo and Hike to Gokyo-Ri(5360m)-Thangnak- Dzongla via Cho-la pass(5420m)- Lobuche- Dingboche- Gorakshep - EBC- Gorakshep- Kalapatthar- Pheriche- Tengboche- Namche bazaar- Lukla – Kathmandu
Everest Base Camp trekking is always difficult trekking as we trek at high altitudes in extremely cold weather. When we add Gokyo valley and Cho-la pass to EBC trekking, it becomes more adventurous and challenging. Therefore trekking to EBC is quite difficult and we hike throughout the trek in rough terrain at high altitudes which always demands sound physical fitness. One can prepare for physical fitness before coming to Nepal so that trekking becomes easy. Before one or two months of your trekking, you can hike for 4 to 5 hours to become habitual for long day trekking in the wilderness of Everest region. Everest region trekking always attracts thousands of trekkers from all over the world. We must prepare ourselves cautiously before starting the trek from Kathmandu to Lukla.
Trekking and climbing demands sound physical level whether you would like to hike in hills or the mountain region. Trekking in high-altitude terrain always has several vulnerabilities even if we are physically and mentally sound. The proper guidelines and precautions lead us towards the successful completion of such difficult trekking.
EBC Gokyo Cho-la pass trekking is typically difficult trekking since most of the trekking days we spend above 3500m which is tough. The minimal altitude in Gokyo valley is 4700m. Cho-la pass and Gokyo-Ri altitudes are 5420m and 5360m respectively, which is quite difficult for us to pass but the reward after climbing Gokyo-Ri is amazing that you will see mesmerizing views of Mount Everest and other mountains. For an easy trekking experience, you can go for short hiking in your country as well as in Nepal too.
Everest Region trekking is hassle-free since you can go either in groups or single, there will be no more issues. It is your choice and determination for experiencing wilderness in the lap of the tallest mountain on the Earth. You can prepare essentials for trekking such as Sagarmatha national park permit, gear for smooth trekking, electrical gadgets, and warm clothes. You are responsible to book a lodge, getting permits, understanding the situation by yourself, and deciding the possible best option during the trip. These things are sometime troublemaking since you are new in the remote mountain where language and culture are different from Kathmandu. In such a context, if you need assistance, it is difficult for you to get it, even if there are other groups and tourists, they might help you which is indeed a big thing over there. But if it is a health issue or altitude sickness, you must need immediate assistance for your comfort and safety which is quite difficult. That’s the only reason, we recommend taking a guide and porter during trekking. There is no issue with single trekkers from different countries regularly trekking alone in the wilder terrain of Everest and other trekking areas of Nepal. The main suggestion is due to the soaring height and tough trail in the trekking a region which is difficult because of geography, and unpredictable chilling weather.
We encourage our valued guests to trek in a group since we operate fixed departure dates for groups. Comparatively, the cost of a group is lesser than the cost of an individual trekker. We recommend joining the group but it is not hard and fast. Sometimes you like to experience a solo trek, and even join a group which is a personal choice. We respect your thoughts and manage everything accordingly. Within a group, people can assist and share the resources during trekking. The number of porters and guides can be allocated in the ratio of the guest. Not only that, the salary and insurance of porters and guides are divided among group members which helps to reduce the cost of trekking.
Everest region trekking is strenuous trekking since we start to trek from 2800m(height of Lukla airport). EBC Cho-la pass trekking requires sound fitness as we trek through rough terrain, high altitude, and chilling weather. Acclimatization days are essential in your itinerary to overcome the hardness of trekking.
Trekking in the Everest region is best suited in the spring season (March-April-May) and in the autumn season (September-October-November). During spring, days are long and sunny and the weather is warm but sometimes it is windy and stormy. The thick rhododendron forest creates surroundings colorful as rhododendron blooms in the entire forest. When you are walking through a glacier you must be more cautious since avalanche is common these days. Autumn is very beautiful with a variety of flowers and a great festive season. The weather is pleasant neither too cold nor too hot. Most of the expeditions occur in this season. The clear blue sky and fresh and mesmerizing mountains spellbind you throughout the trek.
Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit and Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit are required to trek in the Everest region. Whether it is Gokyo valley trekking, Everest high passes trekking, or Everest Base Camp trekking both permits are required. Trekkers from Europe, America, Australia, Africa, and Asia including SAARC (India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Pakistan) citizens, can get Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit, paying a fee of Rs. 2,000 per person for the first four weeks. The permit fee for more than four weeks is Rs. 2,500 per person. Only the document you need is your passport. You can get this permit after landing at Lukla airport. Your guide will manage everything and no worries. You can directly visit the permit issuing counter on the trekking trail to Phakding.
Sagarmatha National Park Entry permit is available in Kathmandu from the Nepal tourism Board office at Pradarsani marg. We take it from Kathmandu during the preparation for Trekking. Even it is available in Monjo at the Sagarmatha National Park Entry gate. It costs Rs. 3000/- (VAT 13 % is extra) for international trekkers however for SAARC nationals only Rs. 1500/- is charged. From 1st October 2018, the provision of a TIMS(Trekkers Information Management System) card is no longer used in the Everest region. Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit card replaced the TIMS card however TIMS is still used in other parts of the trekking region such as Annapurna and Manaslu.
We are a government-registered company based in Kathmandu. We provide a customized tour and travel itinerary based on your interest, requirements, budget, and time. We have experienced trekking guides and porters usually involved in climbing and expedition. We ensure your safety and comfort to the possible extent while having an adventure in the wilderness of the Everest region. The experience and knowledge of our guide make trekking more convenient and interesting. You trust us, we visualize it in reality.
Our guide and porters have insurance to ensure their safety. That's the reason, we charge a standard amount for Everest trekking. We do not compromise on hospitality, your comfort, and the safety of all support staff in trekking.
The level of hardness is considered strenuous for EBC via Cho-la pass trekking. The maximum height we reach during trekking is 5545m i.e. Kalapatthar. The snow-covered rough terrain around a year can be seen during trekking which always brings challenges in your journey. The most dangerous Acute mountain sickness may catch you in higher elevations during trekking. From these facts, you can understand the adventure and challenges of the Everest region while trekking.
The view of Everest is more clear and mesmerizing from Gokyo valley. Whenever we hike Gokyo-Ri during acclimatization day, the views of other mountains such as Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Mount Everest are splendid. It is more clear than from Everest Base camp. While crossing Renjo-la Pass, the sacred Mountains range is spectacular. You will never forget the moment that you experience in the Everest Region. Beautiful Gokyo lakes and if you are lucky you may see snow leopards and red pandas.
There are variations in cost for Gokyo valley trekking. There are a few things that determine the cost of your trekking such as the plane fair from Kathmandu- Lukla, and Lukla - Kathmandu which is USD 390 in total. The plane fare of your Guide is USD 100. The daily wage of Guide is USD 360 (12 days X USD 30 per day ) and the daily wage of Porter is USD 240 (12 days X USD 20 per day). Guide and Porter's insurance fee, (USD 200) which is mandatory for the agency. Your daily meal and accommodation during trekking is USD 540 (12 days X USD 45 per day). Finally, the Permit charge is USD 50 per person. These days flights are operating from Manthali airport which is 140 km from Kathmandu. The two-way vehicle cost is around USD 150. The cost of a Kathmandu hotel for three nights and lunch and dinner is USD 210 in total. Gokyo valley trekking normally starts from USD 2240 per person. if you join a group or are in a group, the wages of porters and guides and vehicle charges are divided into groups, reducing the cost to USD 2000. Whenever you decide to trek in the Everest region or any other trek in Nepal, you must understand the cost associated with the entire package. What we assure is there will be no compromise on your safety and standard since you have paid to get the best of the best service. To know our standard procedure to operate Gokyo valley trekking please write to us, we provide every detail of trekking activities.
Everest Base camp trekking is under the strenuous category. The hardness of trekking is unpredictable since the high-altitude mountain terrain has vulnerable weather. No one can judge it, in no seconds it changes. If somebody trek solo without any guide and porter, there is always a higher chance of getting in trouble as you are unaware of culture, language, food, and weather. Due to the Internet, things are quite easy but everywhere you are not going to get internet easily. In such a situation, the agency always assists, traces, and tracks you throughout the journey. Whenever you are with a guide, Guide will assists you with the best local service available.
The Everest region trekking entry point is Lukla so we must know the weather of Lukla to fly from Kathmandu. There are higher chances of flight cancellation because of weather fluctuation. Throughout the year, Lukla has the highest temperature is around 8.5 celsius during July. It means the increment of altitude, lowers the temperature which is hardly difficult for anyone. We must prepare ourselves for the freezing temperature of the Everest region. To continue our trekking activities smoothly, we must know the weather in certain areas like Lukla airport, Namche Bazar, and Gokyo valley.
Everyone knows Everest Base Camp trekking is in high altitude mountain. The freezing temperature of this region may lead you to Acute Mountain Sickness i.e. high altitude sickness. We must wear warm clothes during the Everest trekking. There are hundreds of clothes items that can be listed here but one thing please be sure of is to take warm and dry clothes. Those clothes may be of the following types:
There are so many things that you may like to take with you during trekking. But if you are carrying your travel equipment by yourself, think wisely and decide to carry the most essential items with you. The list of equipment follows:
During trekking all the time you are not going to talk with your friend or guide. Some of the personal nature items you may carry while trekking. Like a water bottle definitely, you will carry, ear pod, and many of the following items which are optional but it may suit your personal need:
Most departmental stores have similar products that you are familiar with in your country. For Trekking equipment, you can get standard and branded quality to the normal local products that you can select which one to purchase. The cost may vary from your home country, if you have time you can buy in your own country before coming to Nepal. Especially Trekking boots, duffel bags, and sleeping bags, if you believe in your country, you can save money comparing Nepal.
Food is easily available with different tastes and varieties. Non-vegetarian food and vegetarian food with multiple options are available. But we recommend vegetarian food during trekking since the non-veg item may lack hygiene. To supplement your nutrition during the trek you may carry Chocolate bars, dry fruits, nuts, energy bars, and electrolytes for a water mix drink.
Getting a visa in Nepal is quite easy. you can get it in your country from the diplomatic mission of Nepal/Embassy of Nepal or you can get it on arrival at Kathmandu airport. For more information click here.
If you would like to book this trek, you can click here.
There are many ways to settle payment while you book this trek to Everest base camp. We have provided details of our associate bank in Nepal and the procedure to transfer the amount whenever you proceed to book this trek. Whenever the transfer success, the confirmation slip, and invoice will be mailed to you.
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu airport, one of our representatives will greet you and assist you to reach the hotel. You will be served with welcome dinner with Nepali cultural show. Few discussions for entire travel plan during dinner. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Kathmandu valley comprises unique traditions and cultures with beautiful world heritage sites. Within the valley, there are six world heritage sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath, Bouddhanath, Pashupati, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Patan Durbar square. You have choices among these heritage sites to visit in a day tour. Patan Durbar square, Swoyambhunath, and Bouddhanath can be visited or you can think of the organic town Bhaktapur and Pashupati one of the greatest temple of Hindu. Even Kathmandu Durbar square can be visited in the evening or the morning. It is near- Thamel. The Durbar Square of Kathmandu holds many old palaces, buildings, temples, and statues from medieval times. Overnight stay in hotel.
Note: you can directly fly to Lukla for trekking without doing a city tour. Usually, it is planned in the itinerary due to higher chances of flight cancellation of the KTM- Lukla section. Weather is unpredictable in the Himalayan region that’s why the second day is taken as a trekking management day. Depending on the flight schedule and weather, we may also fly on the second day.
We fly in the early morning to Lukla from the domestic terminal of Tribhuwan international airport. The flight is a short and thrilling one as it crosses hills and a narrow pass-way between mountains and hills. The Lukla Airport is located on a hill and contains a short runway which has ends towards the deep valley. Lukla is surrounded by high mountains and barren hills. The magnificent Himalayan range immediately makes us excited and changes the entire scene. We then start trekking to Phakding via Cheplung village. The superb view of Mount Khumbila can be observed from the village of Cheplung. Gradual downwards from Cheplung village leads to Phakding, where several lodges and guest houses are available. Stay in one of the guest houses, and stroll around Phakding village.
Today we trek to Namche Bazar, the center of Solukhumbu. After breakfast, we walked towards Namche Bazar via Jorsale and Monjo village. Monjo is the entry point of Sagarmatha National Park which lies north of Phakding. Walking along the trekking route through the Sagarmatha National Park presents various flora and fauna. The thick forest of pine and cedar presents a pleasant environment. Namche is a commercial hub for this region. There are several choices of lodges and guest houses to stay overnight. Only Thamserku and Kongdi Ri Himal can view from Namche Bazar.
The best place to acclimatize is Namche Bazar. During this day, you can visit the highest airstrip in the world Syangboche airstrip which is located on a hill above the town. Explore Syangboche observe the entire Namche Bazar from the top hill and visit one of the highest hotels in the region. Everest view hotel has unique features that the views of mountain Everest can be observed from every window of that hotel. Back to Namche Bazar and visit around Market. You can visit the Everest Photo Gallery and Sherpa Culture Museum. Overnight in a lodge or guest house.
Dole is a small sherpa village in the Khumbu region of Nepal. It lies in the Dudh Kosi River valley just north of Khumjung and south of Machhermo at an altitude of 4200m. It’s a trying climb before we get to the top of the Mong La Pass, but the views make it worth it.
Dole is often a stopping point for trekkers on their way to Gokyo valley.
This trek is especially beautiful in spring when the rhododendrons are blooming. The trail passes many Kharkas, summer settlements used when Sherpas bring herds of yaks to graze in these high pastures. The route passes through the settlements of Tongba (3950m) and Gyele (3960m) to Dole where there are few lodges.
The trail climbs to Lambara at (4220m) and Luza at (4360m). The trial is steep in most places as it climbs through savanna junipers. We can see Kharkas whenever there is a flat spot and the slightest hint of water. The trails continue to climb along the side of the valley, high above the river, crossing sandy spurs to Machhermo at (4410m).
Today, we climb Gokyo lake. The beautiful valley with beautiful scenery. The magnificent view of Cho-Oyu (8201m) and other mountains can be captured. Beyond the ridge, the valley widens as the trail passes through Pangka at (4390m) then descends to the riverbank before beginning to climb onto the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. It’s a steep climb up the moraine, switch backing alongside the stream to the first small Lake at (4650m), where a family of green Brainy ducks resides.
Before crossing the Cho-La pass, we test our fitness by climbing Gokyo Ri. We will wake up early and climb up to the Gokyo-RI for a panoramic view of the Mahalangur Himalayan range. From this point, Mount Everest is viewed as splendid with other mountains. It takes approximately 2 -3 hours to climb to the top of the peak, providing a panoramic view of Cho-Oyu, the GyachungKang, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, and the Tawache. It also provides a great view of the Ngozumpa glacier- the largest glacier in Nepal. Then descend to Gokyo valley.
We’re headed towards Thangnak today, at 4750m, and the trail remains beautifully Himalayan, as we pass by the Ngozumpa Glacier- the longest glacier in the Himalayas.
Today’s a tough day. We start early, 6 AM at the latest, and climb up the steep Chola La Pass. Exercise caution as you traverse the eastern glacier and slowly pass the slippery trail. The Pass is another highlight of the trip- deadly but mesmerizingly beautiful. Today is going to be spectacular- with the pass and a frozen lake to cross looking at mountains new to the trek- including the pyramid of the AmaDablam peak. We spend the night at Dzongla at 4850m- a tiny village with a grand view.
We walk to Lobuche at 4940m today, a short walk, allowing for some rest. We will walk very little today.
We walk uphill through narrow glacier-cut paths along the huge Khumbu glacier to Gorakshep at 5180m, marveling at the sights of the Everest and Pumori mountains. We enjoy the achievements to reach Base camp and back to Gorakshep.
About three hours away from Gorakshep is our destination – the Kalapatthar. Drink in the sights and take the higher route on the leg back to see the great Khumbu icefall going back to Gorakshep. Our bodies will appreciate today’s short walk to the beautiful Sherpa village of Pheriche. Rest and celebrate.
Today we reach Sherpa village at Tengboche. Along with breathtaking mountain scenery, the village boasts a very old and important Buddhist monastery. A 1989 fire devastated the famous monastery, but most of its extensive collection of books, paintings, and relics were saved, many of which are up for display. The completely devastated Gompa was rebuilt with the help of local and international organizations. Relax in this spiritual atmosphere, and laze around the quiet village. Tomorrow, we start walking back.
We make our way back to Namche, the prosperous trading village we stayed in earlier during the trek.
This is the last day of our trek and a great day to celebrate your accomplishment – the conquest of one of the greatest treks in the world. Also, this is the final day- a good day to sample the local rice liquor ‘change’ and make merry with the guide and porters.
Return to Kathmandu on the scenic flight from Luka, drinking in the last of the great Himalayan sights as the final day approaches. Relax in one of the many shopping/clubbing areas in Kathmandu
We’ll drop you off at the airport, and congratulate your success.