Gokyo, Cho La and Everest Base Camp in one traverse
This route approaches Gokyo through Dole and Machhermo, allowing time to acclimatise beside the lakes before turning east across the Ngozumpa Glacier toward Thagnak. The crossing of Cho La links the Gokyo valley with Dzongla and the main Everest Base Camp trail near Lobuche.
After the pass, the itinerary continues to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp. A climb of Kala Patthar may be attempted in suitable weather by trekkers who are well, acclimatised and willing to start early. The descent follows the main Khumbu trail through Pheriche, Namche and Lukla.
Cho La is a serious high pass. Snow, ice, rockfall, strong wind or poor visibility can make it unsafe; the guide must retain authority to delay, reverse or use a lower alternative.
Highlights
- Reach the turquoise Gokyo lakes beside the Ngozumpa Glacier
- Climb Gokyo Ri when weather and acclimatisation permit
- Cross the glaciated Cho La between the Gokyo and Khumbu valleys
- Walk to Everest Base Camp across the Khumbu Glacier moraine
- Attempt Kala Patthar for close Everest and Nuptse views
- Complete a varied traverse rather than repeating the same approach valley
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrive in Kathmandu
Transfer to the hotel, meet the team and review equipment, baggage, pass conditions and contingency planning.
Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding
Fly to Lukla subject to conditions and descend to Phakding. Approximately 3–4 hours; sleep near 2,610 m.
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Enter Sagarmatha National Park and climb from the Dudh Koshi valley to Namche. Approximately 5–6 hours; sleep near 3,440 m.
Acclimatise in Namche
Walk to higher ground near Syangboche, Khunde or Khumjung and return to Namche. Review health before continuing above 4,000 m.
Trek to Dole
Branch toward the Gokyo valley via Kenjoma and Mong La, then continue through forest to Dole. Approximately 5–6 hours; sleep near 4,200 m.
Trek to Machhermo
Ascend through open yak-grazing country to Machhermo. Approximately 4–5 hours; sleep near 4,470 m.
Trek to Gokyo
Climb beside the Ngozumpa terminal moraine and pass the first lakes to Gokyo. Approximately 4–5 hours; sleep near 4,790 m.
Acclimatise and climb Gokyo Ri
Attempt Gokyo Ri early if conditions and health permit, then rest beside the lake. Approximately 4–6 hours; highest point about 5,357 m.
Cross the Ngozumpa Glacier to Thagnak
Traverse moraine and rough glacial terrain with the guide to reach Thagnak/Dragnag. Approximately 4–5 hours; sleep near 4,700 m.
Cross Cho La to Dzongla
Start before dawn for the steep, often icy pass crossing. Descend carefully to Dzongla. Approximately 8–10 hours; Cho La is about 5,420 m.
Trek to Lobuche
Follow the trail beneath Cholatse and join the main Khumbu route near Lobuche. Approximately 3–4 hours; sleep near 4,910 m.
Trek to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp
Reach Gorak Shep, continue over moraine to Everest Base Camp and return to the lodge. Approximately 7–9 hours; Base Camp is about 5,364 m.
Kala Patthar and descent to Pheriche
Make an optional early ascent of Kala Patthar, then descend past Lobuche to Pheriche. Approximately 7–9 hours; Kala Patthar about 5,545 m.
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Continue down the Imja valley via Pangboche and the Tengboche area before returning to Namche. Approximately 6–8 hours.
Trek to Lukla
Descend to the Dudh Koshi and walk through Phakding to Lukla. Approximately 6–7 hours.
Fly to Kathmandu
Take the weather-dependent Lukla flight and transfer to Kathmandu. Use the day as a contingency if aviation is disrupted.
Depart Kathmandu
Transfer to the airport or start an agreed extension. Preserve a buffer before fixed international travel.
Included
- Airport transfers and private ground transfers stated in the confirmed itinerary
- Kathmandu hotel accommodation stated in the quotation, normally on a breakfast basis
- Domestic flights or road transfers stated in the final itinerary
- Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter support at the ratio and baggage allowance stated in the quotation
- Trekking accommodation specified in the confirmed programme
- Meals stated in the quotation while trekking
- Processing of route permits and entry documents listed in the quotation
- Guide and porter insurance, wages, meals, accommodation and equipment
- Basic group first-aid supplies, route coordination and government taxes
Not included
- International flights to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa and passport-related costs
- Travel insurance, including high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation
- Meals in Kathmandu unless specifically listed in the quotation
- Personal trekking clothing, boots, sleeping bag and other personal equipment
- Drinks, bottled water, hot showers, charging, Wi-Fi and personal expenses on trek
- Tips for guides, porters, drivers and other staff
- Medical treatment, rescue, evacuation or repatriation costs
- Costs caused by weather, flight disruption, illness, route changes or early return
- Any service not expressly included in the final quotation
Safety and preparation
What to pack
Route
Kathmandu → Lukla → Phakding → Namche Bazaar → Dole → Machhermo → Gokyo → Thagnak → Cho La → Dzongla → Lobuche → Gorak Shep → Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar → Pheriche → Namche Bazaar → Lukla → Kathmandu
Where you stay
Kathmandu hotel and mountain lodges/teahouses; simple facilities at the pass approaches and high settlements
Meals
Breakfast in Kathmandu; meals on trek as specified in the quotation
Transport
Private vehicle and return domestic flight to the operating Lukla gateway airport
Permits
Current Sagarmatha National Park, local-area and trekking documentation required for the final route
Your questions, answered
Is Cho La a technical climbing pass?
The normal trekking crossing does not usually require pitched climbing, but it can involve snow, hard ice, steep ground and loose rock. Conditions can make it unsafe or require specialist equipment.
Is the Cho La crossing guaranteed?
No. The guide may delay, reverse or reroute the group because of weather, snow, ice, rockfall, health or daylight.
Does this trek include both Gokyo and Everest Base Camp?
Yes. It approaches through Gokyo, crosses Cho La to the Lobuche side, then visits Everest Base Camp before descending the main trail.
Why is the itinerary longer than the standard Base Camp trek?
Extra days are needed for the Gokyo valley, acclimatisation, the glacier traverse and the high-pass crossing.
Is Kala Patthar compulsory?
No. It is an optional early ascent based on weather, health, energy and the previous day's Base Camp walk.
What insurance is required?
The policy must explicitly cover trekking to the stated maximum altitude, emergency medical treatment, evacuation and trip interruption.
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