Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake: 15 Days EBC Trek Cost

People often say that Nepal is a fairyland place or a paradise because of wonders of Mother Nature. If you visit the Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake, the saying seems true. The blue turquoise lake, diverse vegetation, glacier, mountain pass, Himalayan vantage point, and foothill of the world’s tallest mountain can surely be the best destinations. Yes, we are talking about the jewels of the Everest region. The Everest Base Camp (5364 m) and the Gokyo Lakes are two of the best places to visit in Khumbu Nepal. Therefore, thousands of trekkers from across the globe choose to do these treks.

Today’s blog is about finding out tiny details about the journey to the Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake. Remember that the route is also known as the EBC Chola Pass Trek.

Table of Contents

Why Choose the Gokyo Route Over the Classic EBC Trek?

The ultimate choice is always yours regarding the routes to the Everest Base Camp. However, this blogger wishes to give you best options. If you choose the Gokyo Route over the classic Everest Base Camp Trek route, then you can include the experiences of glacial lake, walking on glacier, and crossing the famous mountain pass. Moreover, the journey of the Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake.

Now, let’s get to know a brief overview of the Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake. It is the journey to the foothill of the world’s tallest mountain from the scenic lake valley instead of the classical Tengboche – Dingboche route. Trekkers can skip the crowded and commercial EBC Trek route and take on the alternative tranquil route. Trekking on this route means that you get better view of the Mount Choyou besides Lhotse and Everest. Moreover, it is also the journey that gives you the chance to witness Mount Makalu. So, the journey includes the sights of four mountains listed in the list of the top ten mountains of the world.

Where is Gokyo Lake and Why is It Special?

Imagine you wake up early in the morning and get the view of snow – capped mountain in the backdrop of a blue turquoise lake. Furthermore, the trail to these five beautiful lakes is full of diverse vegetation and diverse landscapes. Rhododendron forests and Himalayan wildlife experiences can surely increase the overall trekking experiences.

The sunrise experiences from the top of the Gokyo Ri that offers panoramic view of mountains on all sides are other highlights of the trek. Therefore, you can say that the Gokyo Lake Trek in Nepal is one of the scenic treks to do in Nepal. In fact, it can be compared to the Tilicho Lake Trek in Nepal too.

Key Highlights of the Gokyo Lakes Trek

Check out the key highlights of the Gokyo Lakes Trek in Nepal.

Stunning turquoise lakes of Gokyo Lakes
Panoramic summit views from Gokyo Ri
Close-up views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu
Scenic flight experience to Lukla Airport
Exploration of the vast Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal
Peaceful trekking route compared to the Everest Base Camp trail
Authentic Sherpa culture in villages like Namche Bazaar and Dole
Spiritual atmosphere with Buddhist monasteries and chortens
Gradual altitude gain ideal for acclimatization
Opportunity to visit the sacred fifth lake (Ngozumpa Tsho)
Breathtaking sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas
Crossing high-altitude passes like Cho La Pass (if combined with EBC route)
Diverse landscapes from lush forests to alpine terrain
Rich biodiversity within Sagarmatha National Park
Chance to spot Himalayan wildlife such as musk deer and Himalayan monal
Traditional teahouse trekking experience
Unique combination of lakes, glaciers, and mountain panoramas
Less crowded viewpoints compared to Kala Patthar
Opportunity to experience local Sherpa hospitality
High-altitude adventure with rewarding scenic diversity
Crystal-clear reflections of peaks on Gokyo lakes
Ideal alternative route to Everest Base Camp trek
Photographic opportunities at every stage of the trek
Clean and serene alpine environment
Cultural immersion in remote Himalayan settlements
Lifetime trekking experience in the Everest region

Gokyo Ri Viewpoint: Best Panoramic Himalayan Views

One of the major highlights of the Everest Chola Pass Trek is the Gokyo Ri Hike. It takes about 2 hours to reach the top of the Gokyo Ri (5357 m). The view of the sun rising from the casement of the snow – capped mountains is surely magnificent and blissful. Furthermore, the sight of blue turquoise lake and hamlet on its shores seems so elegant like a famous painting. The side of Mt. Everest seen from the top of Gokyo Ri (5357 m) is different from the sight of the mountain seen during the classical Everest Base Camp Trek. Therefore, it is spectacularly worthwhile.

Crossing Cho La Pass: The Most Challenging Section

If you ask me about the most challenging section in the trekking trail to the Mount Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake, then it is Chola Pass (5420 m). Crossing Chola Pass requires you to start early in the morning before dawn because of the trekking distance. The longest day of the trek is surely the day of crossing the Chola Pass. The pass is covered in snow majority of the year. Furthermore, there are some vertically steep sections that require expert guidance. Make sure that you are not alone during the crossing of Chola Pass (5420 m).

Complete Itinerary for EBC via Gokyo Lake

Please remember that you can also do the trek in anti – clockwise route. For example, you do the Everest Base Camp Trek and then reach the Gokyo Lake via Chola Pass. Most of the trekking guides and experts believe that the anticlockwise route from Everest Base Camp to Gokyo Lake via Chola Pass is safer. However, it is not completely impossible to do the Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lake. Some trekkers are following the route as well.

Until Namche Bazaar, the itinerary is the same including the first acclimatization hike to the Everest View Hotel. The route is different from the Everest Base Camp Trek route from Kyangjuma. Trekkers take the route of Mongla Danda instead of Phungi Thanga for the journey to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake. You reach Gokyo Lake (Third Lake) after spending two nights in Dole and Machhermo Villages. For acclimatization purpose, you spend another night also in the Gokyo Valley including the Gokyo Ri hike.

Upon crossing the Chola Pass, trekkers rejoin the Everest Base Camp Trek in Lobuche. Finally, trekkers reach the Everest Base Camp via Gorakshep. The return trek is on the classical Everest Base Camp Trek route via Pheriche and Namche Bazaar. If you wish to get the detail information about the itinerary of the Everest Chola Pass trek from the experts, then contact the Nepal High Trek and talk with its travel planners.

Kathmandu to Lukla: Starting Your Journey with flight or road drive

Like any trekking trips in the Everest region, you fly to Lukla Airport and start the trek. The famous flight to the world’s most extreme airport is an adventure in itself. Therefore, the journey of the Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake starts in an adventurous note. Nowadays, you can also choose the road trip instead of Lukla flights.

People are slowly switching to drive option due to high chances of Lukla flight cancellation. However, the road from Phaplu to Surke (1 hour from Lukla) is not well maintained. It is a newly constructed road. Therefore, the drive is bumpy and tiring. Please remember that the flight costs around 500 $ per person. Similarly, the road drive may cost around 300 $ per person depending upon the type of vehicle. The jeep from Phaplu to Surke village costs around NRs. 20000 to NRs. 25000.

Best Time to Trek Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake

As mentioned above, the trail of this trek is full of green lush forests of rhododendron and wild flowers. In order to experience the best form of this vegetation, choose the trek on the months of spring season (March – May). Autumn season (September – November) is also an ideal time to trek. Avoid monsoon season due to lesser visibility and avoid winter season due to threat of snowfall. The route has mountain pass and higher elevation lake. Therefore, winter season is not recommended.

Difficulty Level of the Gokyo–EBC Route

If we compare the difficulty level of the classical Everest Base Camp Trek and the Gokyo-EBC route, then the Gokyo route with Chola Pass is harder. You need more fitness level to do the trek to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake than other regular trek. Therefore, you can say that the Gokyo – EBC route is challenging.

Lace up your boots and embark on this beautiful journey to the Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake. The Nepal High Trek is a reliable trekking company that offers best trekking packages. Get the best deals with the company and explore the majestic Khumbu region.