Everest Base Camp via Gokyo and Cho La Pass

One of our welcoming Destination Guru personnel will be ready to greet you as soon as you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. To make it easier for you to identify them, they will be carrying a brochure with your name and our company's emblem. A traditional marigold (flower) garland will be given to you as a token of appreciation for your visit. Your guide and a private corporate car will be waiting for you at the airport to transport you to your accommodation in Kathmandu. You'll have time to unwind and settle in after arriving at the hotel and organizing your bags. After you're refreshed, you'll have a brief but thorough briefing with your trekking guide. You'll learn about the Everest Base Camp hike, the daily timetable, safety precautions, and practical advice to make your trip easy and pleasurable during this class. The vibrant alleyways of Thamel, the well-known tourist destination in Kathmandu, can be explored later. Before your journey to the Everest region starts, you can peruse local stores, savor real Nepali food, or just take in the vibrant ambiance.

Your trip start may vary depending on the trekking seasons. If you are trekking in March, April, May, September, October, and November, the flights from Kathmandu to Lukla may get diverted to Manthali Airport. If you are catching an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu from Manthali Airport, we shall pick you up from the hotel at 12:30 am and drive for 5 hours to Manthali Airport. The flying time from Manthali Airport to Lukla is only 20 minutes. If you are trekking in December, January, February, June, July, and August, you shall fly directly from Kathmandu to Lukla. You may also book a helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla and avoid the long drive from Kathmandu to Manthali. The helicopter booking fee is around 550 USD, which is shared by five people. Your trek starts from Lukla Airport. We shall collect from Lukla and trek towards Phakding. On the way, you shall pass through Chaurikharka Village. This is also an act of acclimatization. As the trek is quite short, we shall visit the monasteries in the Phakding area.

We will continue to trek along the northern bank of the Dudh Koshi River. The view from our route is magnificent. As we cross numerous suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, including the Hillary Suspension Bridge, we experience the feeling of wilderness and closeness to nature. The route will take us to the Sagarmatha National Park, where we will register our permits and then move towards the dense forest to catch the first glimpse of Mt. Everest. But the destination for the day will be Namche Bazaar, also called the Gateway to Everest.

So as not to shock our bodies and to be able to respond naturally to the demands of the altitude, we spend a day in Namche Bazaar for acclimatization. We obey the saying "climb high, sleep low" so as to gradually ascend to higher elevations and then descend to Namche for the night. After a simple breakfast, we head to Syangboche Airport from where we proceed on foot to the famous Hotel Everest View (3,880m) which besides offering a breathtaking view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Thamserku also provides a comfortable stay. In fact, this place is perfect to soak in the natural beauty of the Himalayas. At the same time, if you want to catch a glimpse of the Sherpa culture and lifestyle, take a trip to Khumjung village where we can visit the Khumjung Monastery and the old Hillary School. Later part of the day, we come back to Namche where we can spend the day relaxing, drinking lots of water, strolling around the shops and cafés, and getting ready for the next day at a higher altitude.

Leaving the classic Everest Base Camp route behind, today's trail heads toward the peaceful Gokyo Valley. Trek through rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and traditional Sherpa villages while enjoying magnificent views of Ama Dablam, Khumbila, and Cho Oyu. As the trail climbs above the tree line, the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and dramatic. Dole is a small mountain settlement where you'll spend the night surrounded by towering peaks, preparing for the higher elevations that await over the coming days.

Leaving Dole behind, today's trek follows a gradual ascent through the upper Gokyo Valley. The trail winds across alpine meadows, rocky hillsides, and yak grazing pastures, offering uninterrupted views of Cho Oyu, Thamserku, and Kantega. As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes more rugged and the air noticeably thinner, making a steady pace important. Passing small seasonal settlements and ancient stone walls, you'll arrive at the peaceful village of Machhermo, a popular acclimatization stop known for its stunning mountain scenery and traditional Himalayan hospitality.

Today's trek takes you deeper into the breathtaking Gokyo Valley, following a scenic trail alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal. As you ascend, you'll pass the first and second Gokyo Lakes before reaching the magnificent third lake, where the picturesque village of Gokyo sits on its eastern shore. Surrounded by snow capped peaks and crystal clear turquoise lakes, Gokyo offers one of the most spectacular settings in the Everest region. Spend the afternoon relaxing, exploring the lakeside, and preparing for tomorrow's early morning climb to Gokyo Ri.

Rise before dawn for an unforgettable hike to Gokyo Ri (5,360 m), one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Everest region. Watching the sunrise illuminate Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the emerald Gokyo Lakes is a true highlight of the trek. After descending to Gokyo for breakfast, continue your journey toward Thangnak by crossing the rugged moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. The trail offers dramatic alpine scenery and glacier views before reaching the quiet village of Thangnak, where you'll rest and prepare for tomorrow's exciting Cho La Pass crossing.

Today's trek is the most challenging and rewarding of the journey as you cross the spectacular Cho La Pass (5,420 m). An early morning start is essential to navigate the rocky trail and icy sections safely. From the top of the pass, enjoy breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks, glaciers, and the rugged Himalayan landscape stretching in every direction. After celebrating your achievement, descend carefully over rocky terrain to the peaceful village of Dzongla. This unforgettable day combines adventure, dramatic scenery, and a true sense of accomplishment in the heart of the Everest region.

Today’s trek isn’t too long, but wow, the Himalayan views are something else. Starting from Dzongla, the trail goes up a bit along a ridge, giving you some amazing sights of the peaks and glacial valleys around. As you keep going, you’ll find yourself walking above the Khumbu Glacier. The views of the towering mountains like Cholatse and Taboche are just breathtaking. The path is mostly easy, letting you soak in the wild beauty of this high-altitude landscape without too much strain. After a few hours of walking, you’ll connect with the main Everest Base Camp route near Lobuche. A short stroll from there takes you to Lobuche (4,940m / 16,309ft), a small settlement surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. You can spend the rest of the day resting and getting used to the altitude, gearing up for the final stretch to Everest Base Camp. You’ll be staying overnight in Lobuche.

Today is a big day for the trek because you are going to Everest Base Camp. You start from Lobuche. Follow the rough trail next to the Khumbu Glacier. You will go up slowly to Gorak Shep, which's the last place people live before you get to Everest Base Camp. Gorak Shep is 5,164 meters above sea level, which's really high. When you get to Gorak Shep you can rest for a bit. Have something to eat. Then you will keep going to Everest Base Camp. The trail is rocky and icy which makes it a real adventure. When you finally get to Everest Base Camp you will be right at the bottom of Mount Everest, which's the tallest mountain in the world. Mount Everest is really amazing. If you are there when people are climbing you might see a lot of tents on the ice. You will spend some time at Everest Base Camp taking pictures and feeling happy that you made it. Then you will go back to Gorak Shep to sleep. This is a day that you will always remember and it is a major part of your trip, to the Himalayas. You will think about Everest Base Camp and the trek to get there for a time.

Rise before dawn for the unforgettable climb to Kala Patthar (5,555 m), the best viewpoint in the Everest region for close-up sunrise views of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, and the Khumbu Glacier. After spending time soaking in the spectacular Himalayan panorama and capturing memorable photographs, descend to Gorakshep for breakfast. From there, continue downhill through Lobuche and Thukla before reaching the beautiful Sherpa village of Dingboche. The descent brings warmer temperatures and easier breathing, making it a rewarding day after reaching the highest point of your trek.

Today is one of the exciting days of your trek because you get to cross the Kongma La Pass. The Kongma La Pass is really high at 5,535 meters. You will start your day early in Lobuche. Walk up on rocky ground and the big Khumbu Glacier. Walking on the Khumbu Glacier is a way to see the Himalayan environment up close. You will see lots of ice and big mountains around you. When you get to the top of the Kongma La Pass you can see for miles and miles. You will see mountains like Island Peak and Ama Dablam. These mountains are really beautiful. You will want to take lots of pictures. After you enjoy the view you will walk down carefully on the glacier moraine to the Imja Valley. Your trek will end in the village of Chhukung. Chhukung is a place and you can rest there. You can also get used to the altitude, in Chhukung before you start the next part of your journey. You will stay overnight in Chhukung.

After breakfast, descend through beautiful rhododendron and pine forests to the Dudh Koshi River before crossing a suspension bridge and making a gradual climb toward Namche Bazaar. Along the way, pass charming Sherpa villages, colorful prayer flags, and enjoy spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and other Himalayan peaks. As you lose altitude, the air becomes noticeably richer in oxygen, making the trek more comfortable. Arrive in the lively mountain town of Namche Bazaar, where you can relax in a cozy teahouse, explore local cafés and shops, or celebrate your incredible Himalayan adventure.

On your final day of trekking, follow the familiar trail downhill through the lush forests and traditional Sherpa villages of the Khumbu region. Cross the iconic suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River and pass through Monjo, Phakding, and several small settlements before making the final uphill climb to Lukla. Along the way, take in your last views of the majestic Himalayas and reflect on the incredible journey you've completed. Arriving in Lukla marks the successful end of your Everest Base Camp via Gokyo & Cho La Pass adventure, where you can celebrate with your trekking team before your flight back to Kathmandu.

After successfully completing your trekking adventure, your journey continues as you take a flight back towards the lowlands from Lukla. Depending on the trekking season, your flight may be direct to Kathmandu or via Manthali, followed by a five-hour drive to Kathmandu. Peak trekking seasons: March, April, May, September, October, November Flights during this period operate via Manthali due to air traffic and weather conditions. Off-season: December, January, February, June, July, August Direct flights operate during this period. You can also choose not to take the Lukla-Manthali-Kathmandu flight by taking a private helicopter from Lukla to Kathmandu. The cost for this is about 550 USD per person if shared among five people. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you can relax and do whatever you want as you reflect on the unforgettable memories of your trekking adventure. In the evening, we at Destination Guru Tours and Treks will arrange a farewell dinner for you as we bid a memorable farewell.