Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek Via EBC
Mountain Hawk Trek
Everest RegionModerate

Gokyo Cho La PassTrek Via EBC

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.

View Itinerary
19
DaysTotal trek duration
5545m
Max AltitudeHighest point reached
Spring · Autumn
Best SeasonIdeal trekking window
$1,975
FromPer person (twin sharing)
Trip Highlights

The moments that matter most

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.

Trip Overview

A closer look

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.

Route & Elevation

The trail, mapped

Elevation ProfileDay-by-day altitude
TrailPeak
5,360m4,356m3,353m2,349m1,345mKathmanduPhakdingNamcheTengboche MonasteryDingbocheChhukung ValleyLobucheEBCDzonglaThangnakGokyoGokyo RiNamcheLuklaKathmandu5,360m
Itinerary

Day by day, on the trail

19 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.

Day01

Arrival in Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day02

Pre-trip Meeting & Kathmandu Sightseeing

Kathmandu

Pre-trip meeting and sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day03

Fly to Lukla & Trek to Phakding

Phakding

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.

2,610m3h trekGuesthouse1,265m
Day04

Trek to Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,480 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.

3,480m5h trekGuesthouse870m
Day05

Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar

Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. Overnight at guesthouse.

3,480mGuesthouse
Day06

Trek to Tengboche Monastery

Tengboche

Trek to Tengboche Monastery (3,860 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.

3,860m5h trekGuesthouse380m
Day07

Trek to Dingboche

Dingboche

Trek to Dingboche (4,450 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.

4,450m6h trekGuesthouse590m
Day08

Day Trip to Chhukung Valley

Dingboche

Day trip to Chhukung Valley (4,710 m) and trek back to Dingboche, approximately 4 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.

4,450m4h trekGuesthouse
Day09

Trek to Lobuche

Lobuche

Trek to Lobuche (4,920 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.

4,920m5h trekGuesthouse470m
Day10

Trek to Everest Base Camp & Gorak Shep

Gorak Shep

Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,300 m) and return to Gorak Shep, approximately 8 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.

5,180m8h trekGuesthouse260m
Day11

Kala Patthar & Trek to Dzongla

Dzongla

Early-morning hike to Kala Patthar (5,555 m), then trek down to Dzongla (4,800 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.

4,800m7h trekGuesthouse380m
Day12

Cross Cho La Pass to Thangnak

Thangnak

Cross Cho La Pass (5,322 m) and descend to Thangnak (4,700 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.

4,700m7h trekGuesthouse100m
Day13

Trek to Gokyo

Gokyo

Trek to Gokyo (4,770 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.

4,770m4h trekGuesthouse70m
Day14

Gokyo Ri & Trek to Dole

Dole

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.

4,130m10h trekGuesthouse640m
Day15

Trek to Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,480 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.

3,480m6h trekGuesthouse650m
Day16

Trek to Lukla

Lukla

Trek to Lukla (2,800 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.

2,800m6h trekGuesthouse680m
Day17

Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel1,455m
Day18

Leisure Day in Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Leisure day in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day19

Departure

Kathmandu

Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.

1,345mTransfer
Good to Know

Before you commit

Trek Cost

TierPrice
Group Join-InStarting price when joining a group departure.
USD 1,975per person
Private / Tailor-MadeCustomized private trekking options available on request.
Contact Us
Package Details

What's in, what's out

What's Included

11

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.

Not Included

8

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.

Add-on

Extra Nights in Kathmandu

Single Room$60per night · breakfast included
Twin Sharing$35per person / night · breakfast included

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.

The Reward

Why you'll love it

Three reasons this trek stays with you long after the plane home.

Scenery

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.

Thrill

Cho La Pass adds genuine alpine character to a teahouse trek. A glacier crossing, scree scrambles, and 5,420m between two valleys.

Connection

You see both the quiet Gokyo side and the classic Everest trail. The contrast between the two valleys is half the experience.

Honest Check

Is this trek for you?

A few things worth knowing before you commit. No sugar-coating, no surprises on day one.

Expectations

Before you book

5

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.

Gear Up

What to pack

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.

Equipment

Packing checklist

24 items

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.

Good to Know

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions? Tap through the answers below or reach out directly. We reply within the hour.

FAQs

The most asked

8
Trail Stories

What trekkers say

Real reviews from real trekkers who have walked this exact route. No curation, no edits.

5.0/ 5
1 verified review
Vladimir and Trisha Prpich
AustraliaFebruary 2016

Cho La high pass, third time

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.

Verified trekker