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.
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 break 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.
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.
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.
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)
Here is the list of the important information you need to know before doing the Gokyo Chola Pass trek:
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 1st 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.
Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Chola Pass Trek begins with the sweeping short flight to land at Lukla, during 35 minute air view of a stunning mountain range with Mt. Everest, as the plane lands at Lukla named ‘Tenzing-Hillary Airport’ in honor of legendary climbers’ first summiteers of Mt. Everest.
From Lukla, our first-day walk starts on a winding downhill path with short climb passing many traditional Sherpa farm villages with views of peaks, after a pleasant walk reaching at Phakding for an overnight stop near the glacier-fed Dudh Kosi (river).
After a pleasant overnight stop in Phakding, a morning walk starts following Dudh Kosi, and crossing bridges to reach Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo village. The last Jorsalle village is before reaching Namche Bazaar. The trail crosses a last high hillary suspension bridge with climb up a beautiful view of Everest and other peaks too. As well the walk finally ends at the famous Namche Bazaar and stay two nights in this prosperous town. Probably this is a large village that gets various amenities like ATM machines, Coffee Shops, bakeries, snooker houses, pharmacies, massages, and branded trekking gear shops too.
Today after having breakfast, we will go hiking to the Hotel Everest view this hotel is the world's 5-star hotel and lies nearly 4000 m. It takes 3 to 4 hours up and down. However, you can visit the beautiful Khumjung village. From the hotel Everest view you can see Mount Everest, Lhotse, Amadablam, Khangtenga, Thamserku, and the mesmerizing Khumbu Himalayas.
Today our destination to Tenboche and you must climb up 400 meters from Namche to Tengboche. The trail is easy before lunch break after that ascent up to Tengboche. It takes 6 to 7 hours to get at Tengboche but it depends on your pace. Along the trail, you will be extremely immersed in the stunning numerous peaks, traditional Sherpa village, landscapes, and beautiful forest.
From Tengboche to Dingboche the trail is slightly up and fluctuates trail before reaching the Panboche village. You must walk around 9 km and climb up 6 hundred meters. The trail goes through the Debuche, crossing the Imja Khola then ascending up Pangboche village, Somare and then you will reach Dingboche village. Above the 4000 meters quite hard to walk for everyone but each steps highly offer marvelous scenarios of sparkling peaks. In addition, you can find some local tea houses and you can buy water or snacks too.
Acclimatization Day at Dingboche and as per our plan to climb up Nangkartshang hil but climb up as much as you can. The Nangkartshang hill is nearly 5100 meters but you must climb up at least 3 to 4 hundred meters. For this trip is acclimatization is very crucial to complete the trip. During the hiking up you can see the world's popular peaks like Mount Makalu, Lhotse Shar, Island Peak, and Amadalam with breathtaking views too.
After breakfast, we head to Lobuche Village and it's lies at 4970 m. The Lobuche village is second second-highest tea house throughout the trek. The trail gradually up to through the remarkable scenarios with a brilliant Pherich valley. We will go through the Thukla and will have lunch at this place. After Thukla the trail goes uphill till the Thukla Pass (4900 m). At Thukla Pass where made many memorials from worldwide and those who lost their life during the trip. After Thukla pass you will reach the Lobuche village within an hour.
In early morning we head to Gorakshep and it takes 2 to 3 hours to reach there. The Gorakshep is the world's highest tea house and it lies at 5180 meters above sea level. We will have lunch at Gorakshep then we will go visit to Mount Everest base camp. Before heading to the base camp of Everest you should buy at least 1 liter of water, a warm jacket, gloves, a head, and a trekking pole. All the stuff leaves at the tea house and after visiting the Everest Base Camp back to the same place. The Everest base camp lies at 5364 meters and it is surrounded by the tallest peaks with glaciers. Today you have a big opportunity to leave your footprint at the base camp of Everest and it an ideal base camp in the world.
An overnight stay in Gorakshep if everything is fine and normal in the early morning hike to Kalapathar viewpoint. If you want to see the brilliant sunrise you should leave before 5 am from the hotel and it takes a maximum of 2 hours to reach the top. The Kalapthar viewpoint is the most perfect place to discover the stunning view of Everest, Pumori, Nuptse, and the panoramic views of Khumbu Valley. The Kalapather is the best vantage point to see the view of Everest massively and closely. After visiting Kalapathar we will down to Zhong La village.
In the early morning, we will be ready for the next adventure to cross the Chola Pass. It's one of the most challenging and beautiful passes to reach before Gokyo Lake. For this pass needed crampons, trekking pole for safety and on this day you should pack for lunch. Along the trail, you can discover the majesty scenarios of mountains, lakes, landscapes, and the mighty Khumbu Himalayas. The trail is quite hard to crossing the pass and it takes 7 to 8 hours to reach the Thangna village. After Chola, the trail is completely decent and be careful on the rocky trail.
Today short and easy day comparing the day before. From Thangna to Gokyo Lake takes a maximum of 3 hours with crossing the Nangjungma glacier. The Gokyo Lake is an unbelievable place to taste of the beauties of blue lakes with marvelous scenarios of the legendary mountains.
In the early morning hike up to Gokyo Viewpoint (5367 m) and probably it's one of the best viewpoints in the Khumbu region. From Gokyo Ri, you will have the opportunity to see the world's 8 thousand meters mountains like Cho Oyu, Mount Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. Besides these mountains, you can see magnificent peaks, Gokyo Lakes, glaciers and panoramic views. After hiking to Gokyo Ri will back to Dole and the trail is completely decent. You will reach at Dole within 6 to 7 hours with a lunch break. Overnight at the tea house.
After breakfast, we will descend to Namche bazaar and the trail is completely downhill with crossing the separate Sherpa village. It takes 5/6 hours to reach at Namche Bazar and you can see the beautiful village with wild animals like musk deer, blue sheep and various birds. Overnight we will stay at good accommodation and you can walk around the Namche bazaar at night.
Today we must walk 17 km from Namche Bazar to Lukla and it takes 8 to 9 hours to get to the Lukla. The trail is mostly downhill to near the Hillary suspension bridge then the trail is gradually up and down to Lukla. So, better to have breakfast and then head to Lukla. We will cross the various beautiful places with Sagarmatha Nationa Park and some separate check posts too. Along the trail, we'll have lunch along the trail and, most trekkers will have lunch at Phakding village. As well after lunch you should walk a maximum of 4 hours to reach Lukla. Your last night in the mountains so you can visit local Irish Pop or bars and local restaurants in Lukla. Overnight at local guest house.
An early morning flight back to Kathmandu and it takes 35 minutes. We inform you that the Lukla flight is not guaranteed so you should prepare mentally and physically. In the afternoon you can explore the historical Kathmandu city and overnight stay at the hotel.
Your last day in Nepal, an amazing country of Himalayan wonders. As per your flight time leave your hotel before 3 hours and our crews will drop off you at the airport. We wish you a pleasant flight back to home.
10 Days Gokyo Lake Trek is the best alternative beautiful and most popular trek in Nepal. If you’re looking for a moderate spectacular trekking trip in Nepal we would highly recommend the Gokyo Valley Trek in Nepal
Gokyo Trek is a short popular and the best destination the Everest region. If you are considering discovering the stunning lakes with glorious peaks of Khumbu Valley the Gokyo trek would be a perfect destination in Nepal.