Trip Overview

The Everest region of Nepal is the backbone of the Trekking industry in Nepal. Gokyo Chola Pass Trek is an ideal trekking route that combined the Everest Base Camp Chola Pass with Gokyo lake Trek. The presence of countless snowy mountains, moraines, glaciers, and Sherpa Villages has made the region a majestic destination. There are countless trekking routes in the region. The most popular one is the Everest Base Camp Trek. However, there are equally mesmerizing trekking routes around the EBC Trek route. Nepal High Trek proudly presents the best itinerary for trekkers to enjoy the Khumbu Circuit. Relish the lakes, mountains, base camp, and high-altitude pass in one single trip of Gokyo Chola Pass Trek.

The Khumbu region is undoubtedly the most pristine and legendary place to do trekking activities. Over the years, the region has hosted thousands of trekkers. The Everest Base Camp Trek attracts the highest number of trekkers. However, there are many places inside Khumbu that need to be cherished or relished. Gokyo Lake and Chola pass are the two places that offer quintessential and adventurous memories. Therefore, Nepal High Trek has knitted a beautiful itinerary that encompasses Everest Base Camp, Chola Pass, and Gokyo Lake in one single trek.

Trekking to Everest Base Camp

One of the major reasons behind the popularity of the Gokyo Chola Pass Trek is the chance to reach Everest Base Camp. Yes, while doing the trek, trekkers reach the Everest Base Camp (5364m)in the first phase. However, some of the trekkers do the trekking in a clockwise direction too. If you do the trekking in a clockwise direction, Gokyo Lake or Gokyo Valley comes first. The most common and safe way to do the trek is in the anti-clockwise direction.

Trekkers follow the itinerary similar to Everest Base Camp Trek until they reach the Gorakshep. After exploring the Everest Base Camp, trekkers return back to Lobuche and take the route of Chola Pass. If you would like to know more about this section, please visit our Everest Base Camp Trek package. The major advantage of doing the Gokyo Chola Pass Trek in an anticlockwise direction is the proper acclimatization. Before reaching the Everest Base Camp, trekkers will spend two days as an acclimatization breaks in Namche Bazaar (3440 m) and Dingboche (4400 m). Moreover, trekkers reach a maximum altitude of 5545 m which is the height of Kalapathar. The altitude of Everest Base Camp is also above five thousand meters which is 5364 m.

The Thrill of Crossing Chola Pass (5420 m)

In between Gokyo Lake and Everest Base Camp Trek route, trekkers have to cross the challenging Chola Pass (5420 m). The pass is also known famously as the summit pass. No wonder, while crossing the Chola Pass, trekkers can feel as if they are scaling a mountain. The trail is often covered by snow and you need to heed the instructions of the trekking guide at all costs. From the top of the Chola Pass, you can see the mesmerizingly panoramic view. The mountains like Cholatse, Amadablam, Pumori, Lobuche, etc. are seen from the top. Upon crossing the pass, you can enter the magnificent Gokyo Valley.

Gokyo Valley During Chola Pass Trek

One of the most scenic locations of Khumbu is the Gokyo Valley. The place is slowly becoming popular among foreigners and Nepalese trekkers. Lots of documentaries, movies, and music videos are being shot in the valley. The presence of beautiful blue-turquoise lakes beautifies the region. Moreover, the Sherpa hospitality, panoramic view of mountains, and tranquil environment can enthrall people. It is truly a blissful place to spend a holiday.

There are five lakes within the Gokyo valley. People believe these lakes are interconnected through the underground natural canal. However, it is still unproven. Whatever the geographical finding, the beauty of these lakes and landscapes is there to behold for the trekkers. The major lake of the valley is the third lake and trekkers spend overnight on the shores of the lake. The hiking of Gokyo Ri adds value to the trekking. The view of the mountains from the top of the Gokyo Ri is unmatched. You can see the vista of Mt. Choyou, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Everest, etc. It is indeed the most prolific way to end the trek in the high altitude even though you still need three more days to reach Lukla.

Khumbu Circuit Trek or Gokyo Chola Pass Trek

Some people refer to the Gokyo Chola Pass Trek as the Khumbu Circuit Trek as well. The itinerary of the trek consists of Everest Base Camp, Kalapathar, Chola Pass, Gokyo Valley, Dole – Machhermo – Phortse belt, and Namche Bazaar. Trekkers do the circumambulation of the Lobuche – Cholatse – Tawuche mountain range in one single trek. The route encompasses more than 3 densely populated Sherpa villages like Namche, Pangboche, Dingboche, Dole, Gokyo, etc. During this trek, popular trekking destinations alike Kong Ma La Pass and Renjo La Pass are omitted. These are the only two destinations that are omitted. However, almost all the trekking routes and destinations are covered by the itinerary. Therefore, Gokyo Chola Pass Trek is also called as the Khumbu Circuit Trek. Besides, this trek is part of the Three high pass treks including 3 popular passes such as Kongma La (5540m), Chola Pass (5420m), and Renjola Pass (5360m)

Things to know before Gokyo Chola Pass Trek

Here is the list of the important information you need to know before doing the Gokyo Chola Pass trek:

Best Season:  Spring (March, April, and May) and Autumn Seasons (September, October, and November)

Accommodation & Food: Trekkers have to spend overnight at teahouses. The choice of menu is limited but trekkers can find western cuisine to local delicacies.

Risk of Altitude Sickness: The maximum altitude on this trek is 5545 m. The altitude is an AMS-prone zone. Therefore, it is highly likely that you may get altitude sickness. However, it can be avoided if you follow the guidelines of Nepal High Trek guides.

Travel Insurance: You must get travel insurance mandatorily. The plan of your trekking insurance must include medical expenses, accidents, emergency evacuation by helicopter, trip cancellations, etc.

Sagarmatha National Park Permit & Khumbu Entrance fee: Sagarmatha National Park Entry Fee, Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee, and TIMS card must be purchased to do the trek.

Solo Trekking: After 1^st April 2023, you are not allowed to do solo trekking in the region. In fact, you can’t do solo trekking in any of the trekking routes of Nepal after the date. You must hire a licensed guide and do the trek from a responsible government-registered trekking agency.

Book the Gokyo Chola Pass Trek in Nepal with us. Relish the chance to explore almost every locale of the Khumbu region of Nepal.

Details Itinerary

Gokyo Chola Pass Trek Route Map

Frequently Asked Questions

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