Arrival in Kathmandu
KathmanduArrive at Kathmandu airport (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.


The complete Khumbu circuit: Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri (5,357m), Cho La Pass (5,420m), Everest Base Camp (5,364m), and Kala Patthar (5,545m) in a single 19-day trek. Two summit viewpoints, one glacier crossing, two valleys. From USD 1,975.
This is the most popular Everest region circuit because it delivers both summit viewpoints in 19 days: Gokyo Ri for the lakes and Cho Oyu, Kala Patthar for Everest and the Khumbu Icefall. No other trek in the Khumbu gives you both experiences without backtracking.
The Gokyo section is a stark contrast to the busy EBC trail. The five turquoise glacial lakes sit at the base of Cho Oyu (8,188m), surrounded by grey moraine and the Ngozumpa Glacier. From Gokyo Ri at dawn, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu fill the skyline. The silence on the Gokyo side is striking after the teahouse bustle of Namche and Tengboche.
After the Cho La crossing, you rejoin the standard EBC trail at Lobuche and walk through the Khumbu Glacier area to Gorak Shep. The final two days deliver the classic Everest experience: walking across glacial rubble to stand at base camp below the Khumbu Icefall, then climbing Kala Patthar at 4 AM for sunrise over the south face.
The Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek Via EBC is a 19-day circuit that combines the two most iconic destinations in the Khumbu: the Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp. The route crosses Cho La Pass (5,420m) between the two valleys, giving you Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar summits on a single itinerary. This is the most popular alternative to the standard EBC trek for trekkers who want more than base camp.
From Lukla the trail follows the standard route through Namche and Tengboche before branching to Gokyo via Machhermo. After summiting Gokyo Ri (5,357m) at dawn for views of four 8,000-meter peaks and the turquoise lakes below, you cross Cho La Pass to Dzongla and continue to Lobuche, Gorak Shep, and Everest Base Camp (5,364m). The next morning you climb Kala Patthar (5,545m) for the closest walking-trail view of Everest.
The Cho La crossing is a full day: steep scree on the eastern approach, a short glacier at the top, and a rocky descent to Dzongla. Microspikes are recommended. Fixed ropes are in place. The pass is non-technical but demands good fitness and proper acclimatization from the Gokyo side.
Permits: Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit (NPR 3,000) and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit (NPR 3,000), both included. TIMS no longer required.
If you want base camp without the Cho La crossing, the Everest Base Camp Trek covers the classic route in 15 days. For Gokyo without base camp, the Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek crosses Cho La and exits at Lobuche without continuing to EBC. For the ultimate challenge, the Everest Three Passes Trek adds Kongma La and Renjo La to this circuit over 22 days.
19 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.
Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1,345 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 5 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Tengboche Monastery (3,860 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Dingboche (4,450 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Day trip to Chhukung Valley (4,710 m) and trek back to Dingboche, approximately 4 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Lobuche (4,920 m), approximately 5 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 Dzongla (4,800 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Cross Cho La Pass (5,322 m) and descend to Thangnak (4,700 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Gokyo (4,770 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Early-morning hike to Gokyo Ri (5,360 m), return to Gokyo (4 hours), then trek down to Dole (4,130 m), approximately 6 more hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,480 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Lukla (2,800 m), approximately 6 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.
Airport to hotel to airport pickup and drop-off by private car, van, or bus.
Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a two or three-star hotel in Kathmandu (4 nights), breakfast included. Upgrades available on request.
Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private car, van, or bus.
Standard meals (lunch, dinner, and breakfast), 2 liters of water per person per day, and teahouse accommodation during the trek.
A government-licensed English-speaking guide for the trek, the required number of porters, and their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and a general first aid kit.
Sagarmatha National Park Permit, TIMS card, and all other necessary permits.
Flight fare from Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu, including airport departure taxes at Kathmandu and Lukla.
Surface transfer from Kathmandu.
Down jacket, duffel or kit bag, and sleeping bag (to be returned after the trek).
All applicable government taxes.
Tourist service charge and VAT.
Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu.
Travel insurance (compulsory).
Nepal entry visa fee.
Items of a personal nature such as hot drinks, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and laundry.
Personal trekking equipment.
Tips for trekking staff and driver.
Sightseeing and monument entrance fees.
Any other expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes 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.
Two summit viewpoints in one trek. Gokyo Ri for the lakes and Cho Oyu panorama. Kala Patthar for Everest, the Khumbu Icefall, and the Western Cwm. Both at sunrise.
Cho La Pass adds genuine alpine character to a teahouse trek. A glacier crossing, scree scrambles, and 5,420m between two valleys.
You see both the quiet Gokyo side and the classic Everest trail. The contrast between the two valleys is half the experience.
A few things worth knowing before you commit. No sugar-coating, no surprises on day one.
You want both Gokyo and Everest Base Camp without choosing between them. This circuit delivers both in 19 days.
You can walk 6 to 8 hours a day for 15 trekking days, including a full-day glacier crossing at Cho La Pass (5,420m).
Prior experience above 4,000m is recommended. You sleep above 4,700m for several consecutive nights.
Microspikes or light crampons needed for Cho La. No roped climbing or technical mountaineering.
You are comfortable with basic teahouse accommodation. Gokyo-side lodges 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/Sandalwool 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.
Real reviews from real trekkers who have walked this exact route. No curation, no edits.
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.