Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m) between the Gokyo Lakes and the Everest side of the Khumbu. Summit Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for sunrise over four 8,000m peaks. Walk across the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest in the Himalayas. 19 days, from USD 1,875.
The Gokyo Valley is the quieter side of the Khumbu. While the Everest Base Camp trail sees hundreds of trekkers per day in peak season, the Gokyo side has a fraction of the traffic. You walk along the Ngozumpa Glacier through sparse settlements: Machhermo, Gokyo, and a handful of teahouses scattered between glacial lakes. The silence and scale are different from anything on the EBC side.
Gokyo Ri (5,357m) is the highlight. The pre-dawn climb takes about 90 minutes from Gokyo village. From the summit you see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Kangchenjunga on a clear morning. Below, the five Gokyo Lakes glow turquoise against grey moraine and white glacial ice. Many trekkers consider this viewpoint superior to Kala Patthar because of the lakes.
The Cho La crossing adds an element of alpine adventure. The pass sits at 5,420m between two rock walls with a small glacier on the western approach. Your guide carries a rope as backup. The crossing takes 7 to 9 hours from Gokyo to Dzongla. Once over, you are on the standard Everest trail and can continue to Lobuche or exit via Namche.
The Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek is a 19-day route that crosses Cho La Pass (5,420m), connecting the quieter Gokyo Valley with the main Everest trail. Unlike the standard EBC route, this trek prioritizes the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and the panoramic summit of Gokyo Ri (5,357m) over Everest Base Camp, then crosses Cho La to reach the Everest side of the Khumbu at Dzongla and Lobuche.
The route follows the Dudh Koshi from Lukla through Namche Bazaar and Tengboche before branching northwest toward the Gokyo Valley. You walk along the lateral moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest in the Himalayas, passing five turquoise glacial lakes fed by Cho Oyu meltwater. From Gokyo Ri at dawn, four of the six highest mountains on Earth are visible: Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu.
The Cho La crossing is a full trekking day. The east side is a steep rocky climb to the pass at 5,420m. The west side drops onto a small glacier that requires microspikes in icy conditions. Fixed ropes are in place at the steepest section. The pass connects Gokyo to Dzongla, from where you can continue to Lobuche and trek out via the standard EBC trail.
Permits required: Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit (NPR 3,000) and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit (NPR 3,000), both included. TIMS cards no longer required.
For the full circuit including Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar after the Cho La crossing, see the Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek Via EBC. For Gokyo Lakes without any pass crossing, the Gokyo Valley Trek reaches Gokyo Ri in 15 days via the direct route. To add all three Khumbu passes, the Everest Three Passes Trek covers Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La in 22 days.
19 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.
Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1,317 m). Overnight at hotel.
Pre-trip meeting and sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at hotel.
Fly to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla (2,800 m) from Kathmandu, then trek to Phakding (2,610 m), approximately 3 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,480 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Dole (4,130 m), approximately 8 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Machhermo (4,470 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Gokyo (4,770 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Early-morning hike to Gokyo Ri (5,360 m), then return to Gokyo, approximately 5 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Thangnak (4,700 m), approximately 3 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Cross Cho La Pass (5,322 m) and descend to Dzongla (4,800 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Lobuche (4,930 m), approximately 3 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,300 m) and return to Gorak Shep, approximately 8 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Early-morning hike to Kala Patthar (5,555 m), then trek down to Pheriche (4,200 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,480 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Lukla (2,795 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Leisure day in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.
4 nights’ twin-sharing/double accommodation at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu, including breakfast.
14 nights’ twin-sharing accommodation in comfortable guesthouses during the Gokyo Cho la pass trek. Attached bathrooms are available in Lukla, Phakding, and Namche.
Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private car, van, or bus.
Private room accommodation in Kathmandu can be arranged at an additional cost.
All standard meals during the trek: 11 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 11 dinners. Tea or coffee served with breakfast.
Fresh seasonal fruits served after dinner each day during the trek.
Farewell dinner on the final evening in Nepal.
Safe drinking water during the trek, provided through water filtration or purification tablets.
Airport transfers in Kathmandu by tourist-standard vehicle.
Round-trip domestic flight between Kathmandu/Manthali and Lukla.
Shared tourist vehicle transportation between Kathmandu and Manthali, both ways.
Experienced, government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide trained in wilderness first aid and recruited locally.
Two trekking guides for groups of more than 7 participants.
Porters to carry your luggage, with one porter assigned for every two trekkers.
Staff wages, accommodation, meals, insurance, necessary equipment, and medications.
Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park entry permit, Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee, TIMS card.
Mountain Hawk Trek duffel/kit bag.
Comprehensive first-aid kit, including an oximeter for monitoring oxygen saturation and pulse during the trek.
Trip completion certificate.
All necessary administrative costs.
Applicable government taxes.
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
International airfare and airport departure taxes.
Travel insurance, including high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage.
Nepal entry visa fees. The visa can be obtained upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport: USD 30 for 15 days ,USD 50 for 30 days, USD 125 for 90 days.
Beverages, including bottled and boiled water, laundry, wifi and hot showers.
Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and drivers.
Personal trekking clothing, gear, and equipment.
Sightseeing and monument entrance fees.
Any other expenses not specifically mentioned under the What's Included section.
Dear guest, should you require additional accommodation in Kathmandu, we are pleased to offer the following rates: US$60 per person per night for a single room and US$35 per person per night for a double (twin sharing) room, both inclusive of breakfast.
Three reasons this trek stays with you long after the plane home.
Gokyo Ri sunrise shows four of the six highest mountains on Earth in a single panorama. Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu, with the turquoise lakes below.
The Gokyo side of the Khumbu is far quieter than the EBC trail. Fewer trekkers, more solitude, and a wilder mountain landscape.
Cho La Pass adds genuine alpine adventure to a teahouse trek. A glacier crossing, fixed ropes, and a 5,420m summit between two valleys.
A few things worth knowing before you commit. No sugar-coating, no surprises on day one.
You want Everest region scenery but prefer quieter trails than the standard EBC route. The Gokyo side sees a fraction of the foot traffic.
You can walk 6 to 8 hours a day on uneven terrain including a glacier crossing at Cho La Pass. Prior trekking experience above 4,000m is recommended.
The highest sleep altitude is Gokyo village at 4,790m. Two acclimatization days are built in to manage altitude sickness risk.
Microspikes or light crampons are needed for the Cho La glacier on icy mornings. No roped climbing or technical mountaineering skills required.
You are comfortable with basic teahouse accommodation. Facilities on the Gokyo side are simpler than the main EBC trail.
The full kit that's built from years on the trail. Skip it at your own risk, bring it and you'll never think about it again.
Duffel bag ( Company provide complementary)
Daypack
Down Jacket and Sleeping bag 4 season ( if you need nice and clean down jacket and sleeping bag company provide which needs to be returned after the trek)
Hiking pants
Waterproof jacket
Full, sleeves shirt
Jumper or pile jacket
T, shirts
Trekking boots (Water proof)
Camp shoes/Sandal
wool socks
Light cotton socks for under wool socks( take quite several pairs of these too. Better to carry some extra weight rather than spend the whole time washing socks)
Sun hat
Beanie
Gloves
Sun block for lips
Sun lotion
Goggles or sunglasses ( with spare )
Thermal Long underwear (take quite a few pairs. Although the weather may be cold one tends to sweat a lot)
windproof pants
Water bottle
Sewing kit
Medical & first aid kit
Flash light ( with spare batteries)
Personal towel
Personal toiletries and medication which should be labelled Please.
Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing, such as those made with Lycra can often be offensive to locals, especially on women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer then please pack something to wear over the top of them.
Still have questions? Tap through the answers below or reach out directly. We reply within the hour.
Reviews from trekkers who have walked this exact route.
Verified reviews from Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, and Langtang treks.
Excellent trip with Mountain Hawk team. My wife enjoyed the trek and the care given by the staff. I will come back to Nepal.
Prem is the master of trekking logistics and management. I have known Prem since 2007 and whenever I come to Nepal he is the only one I want to guide me.
The service was very good by the team. This was my fifth trip to Nepal and I have always used Prem for my trekking expeditions.
Our guide went above and beyond to ensure all our needs were met. It was a pleasure doing business with Mountain Hawk and we hope to come back again.
If you are planning to trek in Nepal, do yourself a really huge favour and use Mountain Hawk Trekking. We highly recommend them.
Prem and his team at Mountain Hawk were the complete package: knowledgeable, enormously helpful, and amazingly friendly.
Prem and his team are super awesome. So personalized and caring.
His experience and relationships are evident. There is no way we would have gotten as much out of our trip if it wasn't for Prem.
We have memories to last a lifetime and friends in Prem and Badri to last a lifetime. I would recommend Mountain Hawk Trekking again and again.
Prem, Badri and the team were instrumental in providing assistance all the way. I would highly recommend Mountain Hawk to any trekker visiting Nepal.
We highly recommend Mountain Hawk without reservation for a great Nepal adventure. We hope to see Prem again in the future.
On the mountain he was guide, mentor, motivator and best of all a good friend. We will go back to Nepal and will be using Mountain Hawk and Prem again.
Prem and his team were brilliant in taking care of all of us. We all made it to Gokyo Ri and came back safe.
Prem and his staff are first class on all aspects. Trekking with them you feel you are with family members.
Thank you so much Prem, Min and Sanjay for everything. My heart is so full after this trip. God bless you all!
Prem's invaluable experience of the mountains and his thoughtfulness made this trip an incredible, memorable experience. Best in class!
Prem's attention to detail is fantastic, as is his knowledge of the area. I can highly recommend Mountain Hawk Trekking for your trip to Nepal.
Absolutely fantastic. Prem had everything under control. He is very informative and fun. This is your guy.
We were looked after well with the guides and they went out of their way to do anything for us, always with a smile on their faces.
It was the adventure of a lifetime and Prem made sure it was perfect. A reliably amazing journey.
We were very well looked after by our guide Badri who helped us along the journey. I would definitely recommend Mountain Hawk.
From the second I arrived in Kathmandu airport and saw Badri with my name on the Mountain Hawk board, I knew I was in safe hands.
Fantastic trek to ABC, made exceptional by Prem the main guide. A friendship was built up over the days of the trip. We had a lot of laughs!
Prem and his team organised the trip to the finest detail. MH is an experienced operator ensuring an almost 100% success rate.
Mountain Hawk Treks took care of everything from sleeping bags to flights and accommodation. I would definitely recommend them again.
Extremely professional, polite and an honest company. You shouldn't have any issues with your trek if you book with Mountain Hawk.
They care for your health and safety as a number one priority. We always felt safe and comfortable throughout the entire trek.
The experience was as close to perfect as real life can get. Prem and Min are extremely kind and pleasant people with whom it is a pleasure to spend time.
Prem and his staff took care of everything. I would highly recommend Mountain Hawk to anyone considering trekking in Nepal.
As a family of differing ages and fitness levels, Prem went out of his way to help us individually so we all achieved our goal of reaching Everest Base Camp.
He designed the trek entirely around our schedule and the overall organisation was superb. Prem and his team were a great laugh along the route.
I know for sure that I will be back in Nepal soon, and mountain hawk trek would be the first company I would contact. I fell in love with trekking and Nepal.
Prem was more another member of our group rather than a tour guide. He allowed custom changes to visit more remote, less tourist-oriented places.
I can wholeheartedly recommend Prem and his team. Mountain Hawk Trek is the best choice when planning any adventure in Nepal.
We were 100% happy with the service Mountain Hawk provided and would definitely recommend it to anyone who is thinking about trekking.
His knowledge of the landscape, flora and fauna, health and well-being was outstanding. I will definitely be going back and won't even consider looking elsewhere.
Mountain Hawk trekking company was very professional and prompt. At last minute Prem arranged 3 wonderful days in Chitwan for our family.
Without hesitation we recommend Mountain Hawk as a trekking company. The staff is excellent and they know what they are doing.
He is great company, very knowledgeable and really made my trip. He took one look at me and made sure I reached base camp safely. I couldn't recommend him more.
After 2 weeks in Nepal, everyone at Mountain Hawk felt like family. Prem and Badri are wonderful!
Prem's company is truly professional and most importantly flexible. They specialise in small groups which allow you to go at your own pace.
Extraordinary effort was made in the planning of our itinerary, hand tailored to our needs. Can't speak highly enough of Mountain Hawk expeditions.
Unlike other trekkers we passed along the way, we did not get sick at all as Prem took exceptional care of us. Our holiday planning was effortless.
Our guide Badri was not only a great guide but also a fun, caring, super nice travel companion who made sure we were safe and comfortable throughout.
Prem is one of the most informative and educated guides I have ever run into. He is a genuine, kind man that truly enjoys sharing his expertise.
The 12-day trek felt like a luxury trek with Prem and his team constantly ensuring all accommodation, food and logistics were taken care of in advance.
His ever smiling and ever helpful nature made our trip the most memorable. This was my second time with Mountain Hawk.
I'm very happy to recommend Mountain Hawk for anyone going trekking in Nepal. I loved the experience.
An excellent, safe and challenging adventure organized by Prem Pandit and his team at Mountain Hawk Trek. Overall, very much recommended.
If you are finding it difficult to choose between a trekking company, stop thinking and book with Mountain Hawk. You won't be disappointed.
Best trekking company ever. With many years of experience and over 100 climbs to Everest Base Camp, we felt in good hands.
Mountain Hawk made my first ever trekking experience to EBC an awesome, beautiful and memorable experience. I will not hesitate to use their services again.
With just the three of us travelling together it was really important that he was such a wonderful travelling companion. We can thoroughly recommend the Mountain Hawk experience.
His knowledge of the area and having trekked this region for over 20 years made our experience second to none.
Their local knowledge, advice and assistance made our trek to EBC very enjoyable. The professionalism extended onto the trek.
Fantastic day hike with Prem Pandit to Nagarjun Hill. Beautiful views, great stories, wonderful snacks and good humour throughout.
Mountain Hawk looked after us from the time we landed in Kathmandu right to the time we left for London. Service with a personal touch!
Sarah and I travelled with Mountain Hawk Trekking to Everest Base Camp in January 2012. Prem was recommended to us by friends as a very professional and knowledgeable guide and we were not disappointed. Our flights from Kathmandu to Lukla and back, meals and accommodation on the trek, porters and park passes were all arranged by Mountain Hawk Trekking. Prem's attention to detail is fantastic, as is his knowledge of the area. He ensured we were well looked after while walking, and in guesthouses each night. Prem and his team are very professional, friendly, and have a wonderful sense of humour, all of which added up to an absolutely wonderful trip. I can highly recommend Mountain Hawk Trekking for your trip to Nepal, we are certainly planning to return.
Had a great trek to EBC with Mountain Hawk in March 2012. Badri was our excellent guide and Niraj our porter. Everything was organised so well and our safety came first. Guest houses were very good and the food excellent. I recommend Mountain Hawk to anybody.
I trekked to EBC in January 2012 with Prem as our guide. What a fantastic bloke he is, a brilliant guide, ensures that food at guest houses is tip top and also a great beer guide around Kathmandu on our return. I have recommended Prem to others and they have booked him for EBC later this year. Prem, you took loads of photos, you choose which one to go on.
We first used Mountain Hawk Trekking in 2010 when we completed a short 8 day Annapurna circuit and the Everest Base Camp Trek. His level of planning, care and attention was simply outstanding. If you are planning to trek in Nepal, do yourself a really huge favour and use Mountain Hawk Trekking; we highly recommend them.
I trekked with a group of 12 to Everest Base Camp in May 2023 with Mountain Hawk (MH). Prem and his team organised the trip to the finest detail. MH is an experienced operator ensuring that the trekkers' fitness levels are looked at from the outset. This ensures almost 100% success rate. I will definitely recommend MH as a responsible enabler.
Prem and his team made the expedition a magnificently memorable experience. The views were amazing and the feeling of achieving daily goals to reach the Everest Base Camp under Prem's leadership was incredible. Prem's invaluable experience and knowledge of the mountains, his confidence, competence and considerate attention to everyone's specific needs helped us successfully reach the Everest Base Camp. He provided guidance on what we should wear, what to eat (or not to eat in my case as I like being adventurous!), to keep hydrated and he set the pace for trekking each day, kept on reminding us it is our own race! He made sure we were medically and physically fit each day for the trek. Thank you to Prem and his team for making my first Everest Base Camp trek an incredibly memorable experience. I have no hesitation in recommending Mountain Hawk Trekking for a splendid experience, the best in class!
Mountain Hawk Trek provided a fantastic trek to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. We had fantastic weather, wonderful wildlife sightings and a caring guide. A very enjoyable eleven-day trek! We had the pleasure of meeting many tourists and local Sherpa people along the way. The traditional Nepali Dal Bhat only improves as you walk! Fantastic atmosphere and feeling among the trekkers and guides. Our generous, fun-loving porter was an absolute champion!
