Nepal · Trekking

17-Day Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek in Nepal with Everest Base Camp

17 Days Strenuous pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
02 Explore ancient Buddhist monasteries, chortens, mani walls, and prayer wheels
03 Visit the iconic Tengboche Monastery, the largest monastery in the Khumbu region
04 Cross the challenging Cho La Pass, one of the most thrilling high passes in the Everest region
05 Discover the stunning turquoise Gokyo Lakes beside the massive Ngozumpa Glacier
06 Reach Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar for unforgettable views of Mount Everest
07 Walk through Sagarmatha National Park with chances to spot Himalayan wildlife
08 Trek through charming Sherpa villages and alpine landscapes

The Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek via Everest Base Camp is a demanding yet deeply rewarding Himalayan adventure that combines the classic Everest Base Camp route with the spectacular Gokyo Valley and the high-altitude Cho La Pass. Trek through the heart of the Everest region, following the Khumbu Glacier to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar before crossing the challenging Cho La Pass into the serene Gokyo Lakes region beside the massive Ngozumpa Glacier. Along the way, experience Sherpa villages, Tengboche Monastery, dramatic alpine scenery, and some of the finest panoramic mountain views in Nepal. This trek is best suited to experienced trekkers with good physical fitness and prior high-altitude trekking experience.

The Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek via Everest Base Camp is a demanding yet deeply rewarding Himalayan adventure that combines the classic Everest Base Camp route with the spectacular Gokyo Valley and the high-altitude Cho La Pass.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 17 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Strenuous

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Kathmandu, Everest Base Camp-South, Lukla, Dingboche, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Phakding, Lobuche, Kala Patthar, Gorakshep, Dole, Gokyo, Sagarmatha National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

17-Day Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek via Everest Base Camp

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

Meet our representative at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel by private vehicle. Enjoy free time to rest or visit Marvel Treks for a trek briefing and final preparation.

Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 2: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840m) and Trek to Phakding (2,610m)

Enjoy a scenic 30-40 minute mountain flight to Lukla. Begin trekking through suspension bridges and Sherpa villages to Phakding, with views of Mt. Khumbila.

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 3-4 hours | Distance: 7.8 km

Day 3: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

Cross several bridges over the Dudh Koshi River and enter Sagarmatha National Park. Catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest before ascending to Namche Bazaar.

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours | Distance: 10.4 km

Day 4: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

Rest and acclimatize in Namche Bazaar. Optional activities include a hike to Everest View Hotel or visits to Sherpa villages, museums, and local markets.

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860m)

Trek along scenic ridges with views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Nuptse. Visit the famous Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual center of the Khumbu region.

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours | Distance: 9.2 km

Day 6: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m)

Descend through forests, cross the Imja Khola, and pass Pangboche village before reaching Dingboche. The landscape becomes drier and more alpine.

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 4-5 hours | Distance: 9.1 km

Day 7: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche

Spend your second acclimatization day in Dingboche. Optional hikes to Nagarjun Hill or Chhukung Ri offer panoramic Himalayan views.

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910m)

Follow the Khumbu Glacier route via Dughla. Pass memorials dedicated to Everest climbers and enjoy dramatic mountain views along the way.

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 4-5 hours | Distance: 7.9 km

Day 9: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,140m) and Everest Base Camp (5,364m)

Trek to Gorakshep, then continue onward to Everest Base Camp. Enjoy close-up views of icefalls and surrounding peaks before returning to Gorakshep.

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 7-8 hours | Distance: 11 km

Day 10: Hike to Kala Patthar (5,555m) and Trek to Dzongla (4,830m)

Take an early morning hike to Kala Patthar for sunrise views of Everest. Descend afterward and continue trekking to Dzongla.

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 7-8 hours | Distance: 11.5 km

Day 11: Trek from Dzongla to Thagnak (4,750m) via Cho La Pass (5,367m)

Cross the challenging Cho La Pass, one of the highlights of the trek. Expect spectacular alpine scenery and glacier crossings.

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 7-8 hours | Distance: 9.4 km

Day 12: Trek from Thagnak to Gokyo (4,750m)

Cross the massive Ngozumpa Glacier and reach the stunning Gokyo Lakes region.

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 2-3 hours | Distance: 2.7 km

Day 13: Trek from Gokyo to Dhole (4,200m)

Descend past the first and second Gokyo Lakes with views of Cho Oyu, Cholatse, and Taboche.

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 7-8 hours | Distance: 18 km

Day 14: Trek from Dhole to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

Descend through rhododendron forests via Mong La and Phortse Thanga to Namche Bazaar.

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours | Distance: 12 km

Day 15: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,840m)

Enjoy your final trekking day through Sherpa villages and across suspension bridges back to Lukla.

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 7-8 hours | Distance: 15.7 km

Day 16: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu

Take a morning flight back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free for shopping, relaxation, or a celebration dinner.

Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Flight Duration: 30-40 minutes

Day 17: Final Departure

Private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Airport Transfers
- Pick-up and drop-off at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) in a private tourist vehicle (arrival and departure).
Accommodation in Kathmandu
- 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast.
Domestic Flights
- Round-trip Kathmandu/Ramechhap - Lukla - Kathmandu/Ramechhap flight.
- All required airport transfers to and from the domestic airport.
Accommodation During the Trek
- 14 nights' accommodation in local tea houses/lodges during the trek on a twin-sharing basis.
Meals During Trekking
- Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the trekking period (from Lukla to Lukla).
Permits and Documentation
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit.
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.
- All necessary government taxes and official paperwork.
Professional Trekking Team
- Experienced, English-speaking, eco-trained trekking guide from Lukla to Lukla.
- Full staff insurance, salary, meals, accommodation, and equipment.
Safety and Medical Support
- Comprehensive first-aid medical kit carried by the guide.
- Water purification tablets (Ef-Chlor) for safe drinking water.
Trekking Equipment and Logistics
- Duffel bag for trekking use.
- Free storage of excess luggage at the Marvel Treks store in Kathmandu during the trek.
Additional Services
- Farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant in Thamel.
- All applicable service charges and government taxes.

What's Not Included

International Travel
- International airfare to and from Nepal.
- Nepal entry visa fee.
Insurance
- Personal travel insurance (must cover high-altitude trekking, emergency evacuation, and medical expenses).
Meals in Kathmandu
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (except farewell dinner).
Porter Service
- Porter service is not included.
- Optional porter is available at an additional cost (1 porter carries up to 25 kg for two trekkers).
Personal Expenses
- Hot showers, bottled drinks, snacks, and alcoholic beverages.
- Wi-Fi, mobile data, battery charging, and laundry services.
- Upgraded accommodation or extra meals beyond the itinerary.
Tips
- Tips for guides and trekking staff (customary and appreciated).
Unforeseen Costs
- Expenses arising from flight delays, weather conditions, natural disasters, or itinerary changes beyond Marvel Treks' control.