The Everest Base Camp Cho-la Pass Gokyo Lake trek is a thrilling journey that takes you into the gateway to the Everest region.
The trek combines the Everest base camp and the Gokyo Valley while ascending through the Cho La pass. The pass lies on the Gokyo trail; Gokyo Lakes is on its west, while its east trail joins the EBC trek.
It is a challenging trek as you go through breathtaking landscapes, but the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage are worth the effort.
The stunning views of towering peaks, deep valleys, and pristine glaciers will make your heart full. You will witness many mountains, including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Amadablam, Kanchenjunga, and more.
The Sherpa village and the hospitality you will receive at the homestay will keep you warm.
Our package of 17 days will take you from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake through Vho-la Pass. The trip starts the moment we pick you up at Tribhuvan International Airport. From there, we fly to Lukla and embark on our trekking journey.
You will also reach some exhilarating destinations, including EBC, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, Gokyo Lakes, Kala Patthar, and more.
Moreover, our guides and porters are very experienced. They will ensure you have a safe and fun trip.
Highlights of Gokyo Chola Pass Trek
Stunning views of the Himalayas
The trek offers outstanding views of the towering peaks, including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Amadablam, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Mt. Pumori, Nuptse, and many more.
Sherpa culture and hospitality
During the trek, you will explore traditional Sherpa villages and learn about their culture and lifestyles. You will also have an insight into Sherpa’s farming practices, architecture, and daily routines.
You can also visit monasteries, observe traditional festivals, and witness traditional Buddhist ceremonies and rituals. There is a famous gompa named Tengboche Monastery, also known as Dawa Choling Gompa, at 3,867 meters.
Furthermore, the homestays offer great hospitality; they welcome their guests with tea and traditional snacks. The Sherpas are very kind, warmhearted, and renowned for their accommodations.
Sagarmatha National Park and its biodiversity
Sagarmatha National Park lies in the Himalayas of Eastern Nepal. Dominated by Mount Everest, the national park’s biodiversity is a significant highlight of the trek.
The diverse range of plant and animal species in the preserved area provides trekkers with stunning scenery and enhances their experience. It is also home to rare and endangered faunas.
Rhododendrons, junipers, and blue pines are the most notable plant species. Animals, including The Himalayan black bears, snow leopards, red pandas, and musk deer, inhabit the park. You can also witness over 200 species of birds soaring high in the sky.
Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar
During the journey, you will reach the most iconic destinations, Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar.
EBC lies at 5,364 meters and Kalapatthar at 5,545 meters. While you ascend to these heights, the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam, will blow your mind.
Reaching these iconic sites is the greatest accomplishment for trekkers, as the trail is very challenging.
Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri Cho-la Pass
The trip takes you to Gokyo Valley, where you can visit the Gokyo Lakes. You also have to cross the tough Cho-la Pass at 5,420 meters.
EBC Chola Pass Trek Best Time, Difficulty and Preparations and More...
Weather and temperature details
The weather during the Everest base camp Cho-la pass Gokyo Lake trek is unpredictable. It changes quickly.
The most suitable time to embark on this journey is during the autumn and spring since the weather is relatively stable during that time of the year. However, there can be occasional snowfall, rain, and strong winds, so being prepared for all weather conditions and packing accordingly is necessary.
Physical fitness requirements
The terrain of the trek is very rugged and challenging. You will go through steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, and narrow trails.
The trek also requires mountaineering skills as you hike through Cho La Pass. You will also have to trek on glacial moraines.
So, to complete this trip, you have to be in a fit physical state. Starting a regular exercise a month before you begin the trip will be helpful. Focusing on cardio exercises and strength-building training will be better.
Mental preparations
Mental fitness is equally important for the EBC Cho-la Pass Gokyo Lake trek. You have to be very dedicated and resilient during the trek.
Setting realistic expectations will help you remain mentally strong and keep you in check. Likewise, maintaining a positive attitude makes a huge difference; you will feel motivated and enjoy the scenery wholeheartedly.
Altitude sickness and its prevention
You will reach heights above 5486.4 meters, so there are chances of getting altitude sickness.
As you ascend further, the air pressure and oxygen levels decrease, increasing your chances of mild symptoms like headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Some trekkers might also have more severe symptoms like pulmonary and cerebral edema.
You can prevent it by acclimatizing properly. You need to maintain your pace and ascend slowly to adapt to the altitude.
Drinking plenty of water is also important for hydration. Also, avoiding alcohol and caffeine will ensure your body is well-rested.
Frosbite and backaches
If you're unprepared for the trek, you might have frostbite and backaches. You have to hike for hours for several days in unpredictable weather. So, having warm wollen gloves and clothes will help you prevent frostbite as much as possible.
Cho-la pass Trek Route
The route of this trek is similar to the Classic EBC Trek up to Namche. After that, you will trek towards Dhole, Machhermo, Gokyo and then to Gokyo village and lakes. As a part of acclimatization, you will spend the 8th day in Gokyo village by climbing the Gokyo Ri. Then, you will proceed towards Thangnak and then to Dzongla via Cho La Pass. After that, you will again join the regular Everest Base Camp trail when you reach Lobuche. On the 12th day, you will reach Gorakshep, trek to Everest Base Camp and return to Gorak Shep. The next day, you will hike up to Kalapatthar and descend towards Pheriche. Then, you will trek to Namche and Lukla to finally take a flight back to Kathmandu.
Gokyo and Chola Pass Trek Difficulty
Everest Gokyo Chola Pass Trek falls in strenuous grade. Strenuous treks demand a high level of strength and physical fitness. That being said, people of all ages and capabilities have managed to complete the Chola pass trek without issue. Among the 15 days of trekking, you will walk for an average of 5-6 hours a day. Some days require you to walk as little as 3 hours, while other days you need to walk for about 8 hours.
The terrain of the Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass trekking trail varies from beginning until the end. Some routes are flat and even and you can cover up to 4 kilometers in an hour. However, some uphill climbing on the rocky stretches slow you down. The trail gets tough as you approach the Base Camp when you have to walk next to a glacier.
Altitude sickness is another thing to be careful about during this trek. Cardio exercises, hiking, kayaking, etc. one month prior to the trip can help you prepare for the trek.
Weather and Temperature
Weather in high altitude places in the Everest region is quite unpredictable. But, based on previous data, we can say that spring and autumn are best for trekking with low precipitation, comfortable temperatures, and less dramatic weather.
At lower places, days are warm with colder nights and early mornings. But, as you trek higher, it may start to get chilly even in the daytime. So warm clothes need to be packed with thermal insulations.
Usually, summer and winter are not that favorable for Cho La Pass Trek. That being said, it is still possible with additional preparation, though you may need to be ready to bear some rainfall, cold temperatures, and snowfall.
Accommodation
On your trekking journey to Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass, you will be staying at tea houses run by Sherpas. They are small hotels which provide you with the best place to sleep and relax. They may lack in luxury but their hospitality is what makes you feel wonderful. Apart from that, you will get plenty of opportunities to get exposed to the tradition and culture of Sherpas while staying at tea houses. You will stay at a 3-star hotel while you are in Kathmandu.
Food and Water
Tea houses along the trail provide minimalistic food rich in nutrients. Three meals per day are included in the package and food like noodles, pasta, rice, vegetables, Dal Bhat, eggs, etc. are provided. There may be some fast food, bakery items and beverages available at early villages like Lukla and Namche. Some dry snacks that can’t be spoiled by heat can be brought like chocolates and energy bars. You can fill your bottles with boiled water in tea houses. If you want to use tap water, you have to use water purification pills. Mineral water and some basic snacks can be bought in tea houses and local shops.
