Everest Base Camp via Cho la Pass from Gokyo Valley Trekking

As this trek is more of an adventurous of two weeks duration, where all trekkers needs to be physically fit and in sound health to cope with ups and downhill walks. Rest of the walks is normal spending overnights in a nice lodge with comprehensive food menu to enjoy. Trekkers of minimum 18 years of age to maximum of 70 years old can join on this wonderful adventure.

Nearly all villages and lodges have electricity with Hydro or Solar power, where one can charge their electronic items. Where client needs to pay an extra fee for using the power as per gadgets charged. As for internet and cell phone communications, every lodges have the Wi-Fi and internet services, but can be quite disturbing sometimes due to weather and location wise.

From Lukla onwards to Gokyo one can enjoy the comfort of nice lodges and guest house. As well with warm traditional hospitality in every overnight stops, people can choose from budget, standard to luxury lodges where available.

The foods are well served in a large cosy dining hall, can choose various items of foods from the menu with wide range of meals and snacks to choose from.

Serves Continental, Chinese, Indian, Tibetan and Nepali foods, as well Mexican, Italian, Korean or Japanese in some lodge restaurants. Includes fresh bakery products also.

It is the second best and popular trek around high Khumbu and Everest region. Besides direct routes to Everest base camp, most trekkers visits just Gokyo valley and returns via different easy alternative trails. Instead of crossing Cho-La pass to reach Everest base camp. Few trekkers traverse over three passes covering whole of Khumbu including Gokyo and Cho-la pass.   

As season wise with flow of visitors to Lukla and vice versa from Kathmandu.

During high times of trekking season, the flight to Lukla and back can be quite busy. Where more than 20 flights operates in a fine clear day, which cause air traffic with the international and other domestic airlines. To make the air traffic lighter, the flight to Lukla from Kathmandu is diverted in Manthali airport at Ramechap district. Which is about 150 k.m driving distance of 4 to 5 hours, the flight from Ramechap to Lukla is just 20 to 25 minutes. Which makes it easier and quicker before the bad weather closes in. For further updates the company will inform all the clients flying to Lukla joining with Trek Landers Adventures.

This trek is the riskiest and most exciting trail that links the scenic Gokyo Lakes with crossing the well-known Cho La Pass and following the classic route to Everest Base Camp. It basically has everything with magnificent panoramas of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu while acquainting trekkers with Gokyo Valley and the Khumbu Valley in just a single trip.

The majorities of the plans are between 15 and 18 days and are dependent on the individual’s walking speed, acclimatization days, and weather conditions. The Treklanders Adventures can make a time duration change to suit you.

The answer is yes to some extent; it is quite a tough and potentially dangerous hard-to-very-hard type of challenge caused by the steep ascent of Cho La Pass (5,420m) and the icy, rocky terrain. Being in good shape, having strong willpower, and acclimatizing properly are your best allies.

Anyway, knowing beforehand how to trek at altitude is better, but a beginner, if he is very fit and takes good preparations, can still do the trek and be safe with the help of a guide.

The main highlight of this trek is the combination of Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri viewpoint, the heart-breaking Cho La Pass crossing, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar sunrise views. At the start, it gives you the advantage of fewer crowds compared to the standard EBC route.

The best times are spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) as the weather during these periods is very stable, and the pass can be crossed safely. In winter, there is a lot of snow, which makes the pass unsafe.

First of all, the highest point is Kala Patthar (5,545m), followed by Cho La Pass (5,420m) and Everest Base Camp (5,364m).

Of course, nice tea houses can be found anywhere along Gokyo Valley and the EBC trail. However, places to stay around Cho La Pass (like Dzongla) are not so good and are very basic.

Several permits are mandatory, including those for Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality. Treklanders Adventures will take care of all your permits.

Charging your devices is possible, but comes with an additional fee in most locations. So it is also good to have a power bank along with you.

You should prepare for quite low temperatures at high altitudes, and that is especially true around Cho La Pass. Also, days are mostly clear during the two main trekking seasons, but mountain weather can deteriorate quickly.

Yes, to be more specific, Cho La Pass is an extremely difficult, very high, and very steep pass with climb sections, ice-covered stretches, and sometimes areas of snow that are hard to walk on. For sure, things like crampons, warm coats, and a walking stick must always be with you.

It is a challenging and strenuous trek, as it combines steep ascents, long trekking hours, high altitude, and a technically difficult crossing at Cho La Pass. This trail follows the glacier and rocky terrain, which are not part of the standard EBC route; hence, it requires more effort and stability. Strong physical fitness and mental toughness are a must for the trekkers.

Cho La Pass is at 5,420 meters and involves a steep, sometimes icy and slippery climb of the path. There is a glacier to cross in the upper section, which can be difficult if one doesn't have the right equipment, such as crampons. The weather can also change very quickly, and snow or strong winds can make the pass difficult to negotiate. If you have a guide and the right gear, you can do it, but it is still a hard one.

It is not a must, but it is greatly advantageous. High altitude experience will help your body to acclimatize better and give you the confidence to handle steep and technical sections. On the other hand, first-timers can also finish the route if they are well-trained, follow acclimatization instructions, and have a licensed guide with them.

On most days, 6 to 8 hours of walking is required, which is largely dependent on the altitude and the nature of the terrain. The day on Cho La Pass is the longest one, and it usually takes 8 to 10 hours, including the ascents, descents, and the glacier crossings. Good stamina is necessary in order to be able to complete each day in a comfortable manner.

On most days, 6 to 8 hours of walking is required, which is largely dependent on the altitude and the nature of the terrain. The day on Cho La Pass is the longest one, and it usually takes 8 to 10 hours, including the ascents, descents, and the glacier crossings. Good stamina is necessary in order to be able to complete each day in a comfortable manner.

Those who trek should be very fit from a cardio point of view, have good coordination, and strong legs. If one regularly goes for hikes, does cardio exercises, and muscle trains before starting the trek, one will be much more comfortable and successful on the trail.

Besides the strong recommendation for a licensed guide to be with you safety-wise, to lead you on the track, and for help during the Cho La Pass crossing, Treklanders Adventures can offer you skilled guides who know the local area.

Yes, a licensed trekking guide is highly recommended to be with you, especially when you are heading for the Cho La Pass. The route entails steep climbs, glacial areas, and very quickly changing weather. Therefore, a guide makes sure you are following the right path, going at a safe pace, and managing your altitude properly.

The guide leads the way, takes care of your daily routine, checks on your health and acclimatization, makes arrangements for the places to stay and food, and ensures your safety in difficult parts of the trek. In addition, they give you interesting cultural facts, handle communication with tea houses, and give support when you are going through hard moments on the trail.

Yes, porters can help you with your luggage, which is normally around 15-20 kg combined for two trekkers, depending on the regulations. With their help, you can save energy, have a comfortable walk at high altitude, and go through long trekking days without getting too tired.

The guides are normally good in English, and they are trained in giving clear communication regarding the condition of the trail, the plan for the day, and the safety instructions. Porters may know a little English, but they understand essential trekking terms and instructions.

Companies providing trekking services, such as Treklanders Adventures, make sure that their guides and porters are well-equipped, appropriately dressed for high altitude, and are insured. This puts them in a safe condition and takes care of their well-being during the whole journey.

There is a possibility, as the trek usually attains very high places. However, if you drink a lot of water, walk slowly, and follow a good acclimatization schedule, you should be safe from AMS.

Altitude sickness, as a matter of fact, is the main concern because the trek goes beyond 5,000 meters at least several times. Those who trek should follow this regimen: ascent slowly, take acclimatization days, drink a lot of water, and look out for symptoms like headache, vomiting, and dizziness. The correct pacing is of the utmost importance.

Guide your symptoms and report them to your guide as soon as possible. Hydration, rest, and fresh air are the very first things to do after recognizing these symptoms. If the condition deteriorates, it will have to be a descent to a lower altitude. Treklanders Adventures guides have skills and knowledge that allow them to track symptoms and decide the next step at any time of the trek.

Almost every tea house provides Wi-Fi that you can get if you pay for it, but the service can be very weak if you are close to the high pass or other cold places.

Some mobile network coverage can be found in the likes of Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, and Dole. As you move up to Gokyo, Dragnag, Dzongla, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep, the network becomes weak, unstable, or sometimes there is no coverage at all. Near Cho La Pass, in general, no connection is available.

Ncell and NTC (Nepal Telecom) are both possible choices in some areas of the Everest region. For the most part, Ncell provides better service in the villages down the valley, and NTC might work better in the upper settlements. But still, in Gokyo, Cho La Pass, or Gorak Shep, there is no need to expect good coverage from these two networks.

Indeed, almost every lodge has paid Wi-Fi services called Everest Link or Airlink. The link is often good in the valleys, but at a high place like Gokyo, Lobuche, or Gorak Shep, it can be quite slow and unstable due to bad weather and limited power.

The prices for Wi-Fi set vary with altitude. Thus, in the low areas, the cost is around USD 3–5, while in the upper places it can be as much as 5–10 USD per card or per session. The speed is sufficient for text-based communication, but it is not an option if you want to do heavy browsing or video calls.

Of course, charging is available in most tea houses for an extra fee. When you move to a higher place, the price will go up because there is less electricity, and they mainly use solar power. It would be very helpful if you have a power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh).

The months when one could most likely and safely accomplish crossing the Cho La Pass are April, May, October, and November. During these times, the weather is usually good, the sun is out, and the snow level in a pass is considerably lower compared to the cold season. Spring (April–May) to be exact, sees the temperature rising gradually, getting the trail handier, and snow gradually melting, reducing the risk of people slipping on ice. Whereas in fall (October–November), the monsoon has practically rinsed off dust and haze, resulting in the clearest of mountain views. Also, these months give weather conditions that are easier to predict, thus making the high pass safer and more manageable for trekkers.

It is, however, not advised to do so. The winter pack is characterized by heavy snowfall, extremely low temperatures, and the formation of ice on the slopes. All these factors make the pass crossing a hard and risky task. Oftentimes, trails get covered with snow, and consequently, route markers are buried, thus increasing the risk of losing one's way. The Cho La glacier part gets very unsafe, and there are some days when the pass is not accessible for a few days following heavy storms. Only extremely experienced mountaineers who have the right winter gear and are supported may give it a go.

Certainly, spring has everything which is necessary for a wonderful Gokyo Valley and the Cho La Pass trek, i.e., warm days, blooming rhododendron forests, steady weather, and clear mornings.

Yes, indeed. The best and most vivid Himalayan views, the driest trails, and the most comfortable temperatures of the year are the highlights of the great autumn season, which thus attracts the highest number of trekkers and sees them at their busiest and most scenic time.

Although trekking is possible, it is not advisable. During monsoon months, heavy rains occur, and generally, we may find cloudy skies, slippery trails with the consequent risk of falling, and poor visibility. Due to wet ice and frequent storms, the Cho La Pass could be risky.

The cleanest and sharpest of the Himalayan views are what make fall season photography optimal, while the lush green hills and the blooming, colorful rhododendron forests make the spring season perfect for vibrant landscape shots.

On this trek, the accommodation is offered in tea houses, which are modest family-run lodges that provide basic rooms usually with twin beds, blankets, and very basic furniture. Even though they are not luxurious, they are still warm, relatively clean, and comfortable enough to stay in while trekking in the Everest region. The facilities depend on the village and altitude.

Generally, most rooms are twin-sharing, that is to say, two trekkers share one room. Phakding, Namche, and Gokyo are the lower regions where you can get single rooms, but they might be limited or not available at all during peak seasons or in places with high altitudes, especially close to Cho La Pass and Everest Base Camp.

There are attached bathrooms in the lower-altitude areas like Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar. Meanwhile, going higher towards Gokyo, Dragnag, Dzongla, Gorak Shep, and Lobuche, one can find rooms with shared bathrooms, most of the time outside the room. If a hot shower is offered, it could be for an extra charge.

Hot water is available, but it comes at a cost. Tea houses provide bucket showers or gas/solar-heated showers at extra rates. In the case of very high-altitude places like Dzongla or Gorak Shep, hot showers are rarely available, and if they are, it is mostly during the warm season.

Yes, tea houses offer blankets, but at high altitudes, they might not be sufficient in terms of warmth. Thus, it is advisable that each person carry a sleeping bag rated between -10°C and -15°C for additional warmth. Treklanders Adventures is willing to provide you with a sleeping bag if you require one.

Apart from the dining hall, which has a central stove, the rooms are mostly without any heating facilities. The stove can be operated by yak dung or gas and is the main source of heating in the dining hall. Wearing layers of clothing during the day and using sleeping bags at night are some of the ways trekkers keep themselves warm.

Along the provision path, we meet tea houses prepared to serve us plenty of different foods of different natures, from immediate Eastern and Western foods to local, typical Nepali dishes like Dal Bhat. And Dal Bhat is understandable why, because it is the most nourishing of all and also the limitless one, so it's the best choice for long trekking days. The frequency of meals becomes minimal above, yet food is still fresh and clean.

Yes. Such food in the Everest region is generally prepared in good hygienic conditions, particularly in well-established tea houses located on the Gokyo and EBC routes. Treklanders Adventures makes a selection of lodges that are trustworthy and keep up with safety and cleanliness, yet also have cooking methods. However, to stay away from stomach troubles, travelers are advised not to eat raw salads and only consume hot and freshly cooked meals.

Definitely So! The Everest region is a very vegetarian-friendly place, as the locals barely eat meat in the high altitudes. Thus, the supply of vegetarian, vegan, egg-free, and dairy-free meals is never a problem. At higher altitudes, proteins may become a scarce commodity, so nuts, protein bars, and other snacks can be a good take-along option to solve the problem.

The recommendation is to only drink tap water that has been purified. At tea houses, water, which is distilled and ready for consumption, can be bought, or water can be purified by tablets, drops, or bottle filters. This is the most convenient way and also the most earth-friendly.

Yes, bottled water is available for most villages, but you will pay more as the altitude increases, and it will add to plastic pollution. Treklanders Adventures is promoting the use of refillable bottles together with purification.

Once a day, a trekker should consume about 3–4 liters of water to keep healthy and avoid altitude sickness. The correct and necessary hydration has to be taken care of when one is to cross any high-altitude area, such as Gokyo Ri, Cho La Pass, and Gorakshep.

For this trek, you should have only two major permits: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. These are the only permits that are compulsory for the region of Everest and the areas of Gokyo Valley and EBC that the two permit zones cover.

You can procure this permit either in Kathmandu from the Nepal Tourism Board office or at the entrance to the park in Monjo. Most trekkers obtain the permit at Monjo while going to Namche Bazaar. Treklanders Adventures, your trekking agency, could also do this for you.

The Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit is granted at Lukla and is a must for anybody going into the Khumbu area. The money collected through this permit is used for the promotion of local tourism and trail maintenance. It is the only identification that is compatible with Everest treks now, after the UI

There is no need for an additional permit just for Cho La Pass. The two main permits, i.e., Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Rural Municipality, are sufficient for your trek in sections that include Gokyo Valley, Cho La Pass, and the Everest Base Camp route.

Indeed, it is a must. Along your route, you will come across checkpoints in places such as Lukla, Monjo, Namche, Dole, Pangboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep. Officials may decide to check your permits at any time.

Certainly, Treklanders Adventures is all in for you when they take care of your permits, giving you the comfort of the completion of all paperwork, photocopies, and formalities before your departure.

It is very important to have layered clothing in your luggage, which must include your base layers, fleece jackets, a warm down jacket, waterproof jackets, trekking pants, thermals, gloves, hats, and good trekking socks. The layering system will enable you to adjust to different temperatures in the valleys as well as on the cold high passes like Cho La.

You need a pair of strong, well-worn waterproof trekking boots commonly used for rocky trails and with good ankle support, especially for icy sections near the Cho La Pass. You can also bring light shoes or sandals for tea house evenings.

Certainly, the pass is usually covered with snow or ice most of the time, hence microspikes or crampons, trekking poles, and warm gloves are very necessary. Also, depending on the season, sunglasses with UV protection, a buff, and gaiters can be useful.

A 30–40L daypack is just right for your daily necessities such as water, snacks, a camera, gloves, and jackets. Your porter will have the larger duffel bag with him. Ensure your daypack is equipped with a proper hip belt and a rain cover.

Don’t forget to bring along the following: sunscreen, lip balm, personal medications, a simple first-aid kit, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toiletries, and a reusable water bottle with purification tablets or a filter. Headlamps with extra batteries are a must for the very early morning walks.

Training for your trek should commence not later than 6–8 weeks before the day. You should primarily be doing cardiovascular exercises such as hiking, running, or cycling, and strength exercises for your legs and core. Wearing a backpack while walking will help improve stamina. Proper preparation is a great factor in achieving both comfort and success in high-altitude treks like Cho La Pass and EBC.

Most backpackers typically start their journey with a plane ride from Kathmandu or Ramechhap to Lukla, which is considered the main hub of the Everest region. After Lukla, the trek continues passing through Phakding, Namche, and eventually the trail branches off toward the Gokyo Valley.

No, Lukla flights are in the hands of the most qualified and experienced Himalayan pilots. They undergo numerous training sessions for landings in the mountains. Weather is taken into consideration to the minute, and the planes are loaded only when visibility and wind conditions are good.

Yes, postponements and cancellations are often due to the weather conditions that are hard to predict in the mountains. In case of flight disruptions, trekkers might have to wait for more favorable weather or, if it is an option, take a helicopter. It is always good to have some extra days for unforeseen events in your itinerary.

One may take a helicopter from Kathmandu to Ramechhap or to Lukla and vice versa. Generally, it is done when flights are canceled or during heavy traffic periods. Helicopters are less affected by bad weather, but must also have clear visibility to be safe.

Almost all trekkers come back via the traditional trail from Gorak Shep to Lukla and then get a flight to Kathmandu. Some have the luxury of being picked up by a helicopter from Gorak Shep for a faster way back, especially after a tiring day of trekking.

Absolutely, Treklanders Adventures takes care of everything, starting from airport pickups, domestic flights, and helicopter (if required) to all the necessary ground transportation before and after the trek, thus giving you the comfort of a fully organized and stress-free journey from the beginning till the end.

It is one of the serious health problems that have to be focused on because the path leads to several places whose altitude changes drastically, such as Gokyo RI, Cho La Pass, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, and Everest Base Camp. Intense head pain, vomiting, dizziness, and weakness are some of the signs that can be detected. Acclimatize well, keep your paces slow, drink enough water, and follow your guide's instructions, and soon you will be out of danger.

It is necessary that the cardio endurance and leg muscles are in good condition and that the subject is physically strong and has good stamina. Trekking is of long duration, with steep and rocky or sometimes icy trails as the hardest part. Preparing for the trek with hikes, cardio workouts, and strength training will not only make it safe but also comfortable.

Cho La Pass can be considered safe if the weather is stable and you are properly equipped with items such as trekking poles, microspikes/crampons, and warm clothing. The route may become dangerous if snow or strong winds prevail. Your guide will check the weather and decide when it will be safest to make the crossing.

Definitely, Treklanders Adventures ensures safety through trained and experienced guides, first aid kits, well-planned acclimatization, continuous health monitoring, and communication devices such as satellite phones or walkie-talkies.

Some primary medical facilities are available in Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, and Pheriche. Limited high-altitude medical clinics are open only during the peak seasons. In case of emergencies, evacuation can be facilitated without delay.

Yes, travel insurance is a must for this trek. Since the path is in a high altitude area with glaciers and can be subject to inclement weather, your policy should cover trekking up to 6000 meters, a medical emergency, and also a helicopter evacuation. In case you suffer from altitude sickness or there is any other unforeseen incident, having the right insurance will guarantee your safety and support.

Your insurance must provide coverage for high-altitude trekking, a rescue helicopter in an emergency, medical treatment, and trip cancellation. Some policies may exclude trekking above certain altitudes, so make sure it explicitly covers the elevation of Gokyo RI, Cho La Pass, and Everest Base Camp. It is also a good idea to carry a copy of your insurance with you on the trek for quick access in case of an emergency.