17-Day Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek with Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar

Kathmandu to Lukla - Phakding, 2,610 m

Flight: about 30-40 minutes | Trek: 3-4 hours

Your adventure begins with an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. After meeting your guide and porters, begin walking through small Sherpa settlements and beautiful mountain scenery. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River and passes several prayer wheels, mani walls, and suspension bridges before reaching Phakding.

The first day is intentionally short, allowing your body to adjust gradually to the increasing altitude.

Overnight: Phakding

Phakding to Namche Bazaar - 3,440 m

Trek: 5-6 hours

After breakfast, continue north along the Dudh Koshi River. You will cross several suspension bridges decorated with colorful prayer flags and pass through Monjo and Jorsale before entering Sagarmatha National Park.

After the park checkpoint, the trail becomes steeper. You cross the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge and climb through pine and rhododendron forest toward Namche. Near the final section, you may get your first distant views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse.

Namche Bazaar is the main Sherpa trading and cultural center of the Khumbu region.

Overnight: Namche Bazaar

Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar - 3,440 m

Hike: 3-4 hours

Today is an important acclimatization day. Rather than staying completely inactive, take a gradual hike to higher elevations and return to Namche to sleep.

A popular route takes you toward Syangboche and Everest View Hotel, around 3,880 m. From the viewpoint, you can enjoy impressive views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Thamserku. You can also visit Khumjung Village and explore the Sherpa Museum and Namche market.

After the hike, return to Namche and relax.

Overnight: Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar to Dole - 4,200 m

Trek: 5-6 hours

Today you leave the main Everest Base Camp trail and follow the quieter route toward the Gokyo Valley. The trail climbs above the Dudh Koshi Valley through rhododendron and pine forests.

You pass through Kyangjuma and Sanasa before continuing toward Mong La. From the trail, enjoy beautiful views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Khumbila, and surrounding peaks. The route then descends and climbs gradually toward Dole, a small mountain settlement surrounded by dramatic Himalayan scenery.

Overnight: Dole

Dole to Machhermo - 4,470 m

Trek: 4-5 hours

The trail continues north through the Gokyo Valley. As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes more open and alpine, with fewer trees and increasingly dramatic mountain views.

You pass through small settlements such as Luza before reaching Machhermo. From here, you can see impressive peaks including Cho Oyu and surrounding Himalayan mountains.

Machhermo is also an important acclimatization stop before continuing toward the high-altitude Gokyo Lakes.

Overnight: Machhermo

Machhermo to Gokyo - 4,790 m

Trek: 4-5 hours

Today is one of the most beautiful days of the trek. The trail follows the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal, toward the Gokyo Valley.

You pass the first and second Gokyo Lakes before reaching the beautiful Dudh Pokhari, the third Gokyo Lake. The turquoise lake sits beneath spectacular Himalayan peaks, creating one of the most memorable landscapes in the Everest region.

Finally, arrive at Gokyo Village, located beside the third lake.

Overnight: Gokyo

After enjoying the summit, descend carefully to Gokyo for breakfast and rest. If conditions and energy allow, you can explore the surrounding lakes or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the valley.

This day is also valuable for preparing your body for the upcoming Cho La crossing.

Overnight: Gokyo

Gokyo to Thangnak/Dragnag - 4,700 m

Trek: 3-4 hours

Today is relatively short because tomorrow is the most demanding day of the trek. Follow the trail along the Ngozumpa Glacier toward Thangnak, also known as Dragnag.

The route crosses glacial terrain and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. After reaching Thangnak, rest well and prepare your equipment for the early start over Cho La Pass.

Overnight: Thangnak/Dragnag

Thangnak to Dzongla via Cho La Pass - 5,420 m

Trek: 7-9 hours

Today is the most challenging day of the trek. Start early and climb toward Cho La Pass, reaching approximately 5,420 m.

The trail becomes steep and rocky, and depending on the season, icy or glaciated sections may require appropriate equipment and careful guidance. From the top of the pass, you are rewarded with spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Baruntse, and surrounding peaks.

After celebrating the crossing, descend carefully toward Dzongla. The descent can be tiring because of loose rocks and steep terrain. Cho La conditions can change quickly, so the crossing should always be assessed by an experienced guide.

Overnight: Dzongla

Dzongla to Lobuche - 4,910 m

Trek: 4-5 hours

After breakfast, follow the relatively short trail toward Lobuche. The route passes through a rugged high-altitude landscape with spectacular views of Cholatse, Taboche, and Lobuche Peak.

You gradually reconnect with the main Everest Base Camp trail. After arriving in Lobuche, rest and prepare for tomorrow's visit to Everest Base Camp.

Overnight: Lobuche

Lobuche to Everest Base Camp - 5,364 m - Gorakshep

Trek: 7-8 hours

Today you finally reach Everest Base Camp. The trail follows the Khumbu Glacier and its rocky moraine toward Gorakshep, the last settlement before Everest Base Camp.

After a short rest, continue toward Everest Base Camp. The trail is rocky and undulating, and the high altitude makes the walk demanding. At Base Camp, enjoy views of the Khumbu Glacier and surrounding peaks and celebrate reaching the base of the world's highest mountain.

After spending time at Base Camp, retrace the trail to Gorakshep.

Overnight: Gorakshep

Gorakshep to Kala Patthar - Pheriche, 4,240 m

Kala Patthar: about 5,545 m | Trek: 7-8 hours

Wake early and climb Kala Patthar, the famous sunrise viewpoint above Gorakshep. From the summit, you can enjoy an exceptional panorama of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, and the surrounding Khumbu peaks.

After taking photographs and enjoying the sunrise, descend to Gorakshep for breakfast. Continue downhill toward Pheriche through the Khumbu Valley.

After several demanding days at high altitude, the significant descent to Pheriche brings welcome relief.

Overnight: Pheriche

Pheriche to Tengboche - 3,860 m

Trek: 5-6 hours

The trail descends through the beautiful Khumbu landscape toward Tengboche. Along the way, enjoy views of Ama Dablam and surrounding mountains.

Tengboche is famous for Tengboche Monastery, one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in the Khumbu region. If the monastery is open, you can visit and experience the peaceful Buddhist atmosphere.

Overnight: Tengboche

Tengboche to Namche Bazaar - 3,440 m

Trek: 5-6 hours

After breakfast, descend through rhododendron and pine forests. The trail passes through Kyangjuma and Sanasa before reaching Namche Bazaar.

Enjoy your final evening in the lively Sherpa town. You can explore the market, purchase souvenirs, or relax with your trekking team after completing the high-altitude section.

Overnight: Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar to Lukla - 2,860 m

Trek: 6-7 hours

Your final trekking day takes you back along the Dudh Koshi Valley. Descend toward Jorsale, Monjo, and Phakding, crossing suspension bridges along the way.

From Phakding, continue toward Lukla. Although most of the route is downhill, there are some uphill sections. Arrive in Lukla and celebrate the completion of your Gokyo-Cho La-Everest adventure.

Overnight: Lukla

Lukla to Kathmandu - Rest, Shopping & Farewell Dinner

After breakfast, take a morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, enjoying your final aerial views of the Himalayan mountains. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and take the rest of the day to relax after the trek. Later, enjoy free time for shopping in Thamel, where you can buy souvenirs, handicrafts, trekking gear, and gifts for family and friends. In the evening, celebrate the successful completion of your Gokyo-Cho La Pass Trek with a traditional Nepali farewell dinner, accompanied by local cuisine, cultural music, and traditional dance. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, enjoy some free time at your hotel depending on your flight schedule. Our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for your international flight. Say goodbye to Nepal with wonderful memories of the Gokyo Lakes, Cho La Pass, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Sherpa villages, and the magnificent Himalayas.