Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass is a challenging trek in the Everest/Khumbu region that includes the Everest base camp, the Gokyo valley, and the high Chola pass (5420m), many Himalayan giants, including Mt. Everest (8848m), Lhotse, Makalu, Amadablam, Kanchenjunga, Nuptse, Mt. Pumori, and others, maybe seen from this trekking route. Natural beauty, the Sherpa people’s rich and distinct culture, lush forest, walking through the snow, and crossing a high pass all present tourists with beautiful delights that will last a lifetime.
Conquering Heights:
Gokyo Valley is a secluded Himalayan valley with landscapes of mountains, glaciers, and Gokyo Lake, during the trek, you may get the opportunity to witness the Dumje festival, which takes place in April, and the Mani Rimdu Dance, which is performed in Sherpa monasteries. Mountain panoramas, Gokyo Valley’s Sacred Lakes, picturesque River valleys, glaciers, and crossing Chola Pass are among the trek’s highlights.
Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass adventure begins with a picturesque flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, This journey begins in Lukla and follows the Dudh Koshi River valley, you’ll pass through lush rhododendron and pine forest, the Dudh Koshi valley, the Sagarmatha national park, high passes, waterfalls, and magnificent Sherpa settlements such as Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Lobuche, and Pheriche, among others.
The UNESCO-listed Sagarmatha National Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, as well as species such as the snow leopard, red panda, and Himalayan Thar. The Sherpa people’s pleasant nature and warm greetings enhance the visitors’ experience. Gokyo Lake & Cho La Pass journey also includes a visit to Kala Pattar, which provides a spectacular view of Mt. Everest, as well as Ama Dablam (6856m), Kantega (6809m), Kwangde (6194m), Mt. Nuptse (7879m), and Mt. Lhotse (8511m.). From mid-March to May, and from September to Mid-December are the ideal seasons to trek to Everest base camp.
Best Time to Travel & Weather Condition:
The ideal seasons for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek are spring (March to May) and fall (mid-September to November). During these seasons, the weather is dry and clear, making it perfect for trekking and basking in pristine mountain landscapes. The days are pleasant, while the evenings are cool. However, because these are peak seasons, the trails get crowded and busy.
The foothills are enchanting with wildflowers, especially rhododendron blossoms, in the spring. The Base Camp is transformed into a tented city during the climbing season, with climbers and Sherpa guides. Trekking to Everest Base Camp is extremely popular in the autumn, you may experience extremely clear sights during this season due to the ending of the heavy monsoon season, which clears the atmosphere.
If you plan your journey around October, you’ll be able to attend Mani Rimdu, the Everest region’s most significant festival, people from Tengboche, Chiwong, and Thame monasteries all participate in this celebration.
Entry Permits & Requirements:
The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek requires two permits:
1) Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and
2) Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit.
Unlike many Nepal Himalaya climbs, you won’t require a TIMS (Tourist Information Management System) card for this one.
The Nepal Tourism Board’s office in Kathmandu or the park’s entrance gate in Monjo can provide you with Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit for NRS 3000.
The fee for citizens of SAARC nations is NRS 1500.
You must complete the permit application and present your passport or a copy of your passport. You must be in Lukla to obtain the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit. The permission costs NRS 2000 and may be acquired at the rural municipality counter on the outskirts of the settlement. You won’t have to worry about waiting for permits since the company or our guides will take care of everything.
Travel Insurance:
All clients participating in any activity must have travel insurance. Personal injury, death, hospital expenditures, repatriation fees, helicopter rescue, and any other disease covered by the insurance plan will be given, we highly advise you to acquire a comprehensive insurance plan from a trustworthy insurance company.
Passport and Visa:
Every client must have a valid passport from the return date with a 6 months prior validity by the Nepalese consulate in your country or immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Equipment lists
- Find the guidelines regarding essential trekking gears.
- Daypack above 40 liters. (Must be waterproof)
- Down jacket (rental available)
- Warm sleeping bag (rental available)
- Sun head, gulf cap, sunglasses, headlamp, and torchlight.
- Ear-muffs, sun Lotions/sun cream.
- One pair of liner gloves is thin wool and synthetic.
- Cotton t-shirts, Synthetic t-shirt.
- Two Long sleeve polyester or synthetic lightweight for sunny days.
- One Soft-shell jacket water & wind resist.
- One swimming dress.
- Inner clothes as your requirement.
- Liner socks, woolen socks.
- Proper trekking shoes.
- Imodium or Pepto Bismo capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Diamox for altitude sickness. The guide will help you to take it.
- One small personal-sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as moleskin, bands, anti-infection ointments, muscle relief ointments.
Meals and Drinking Water:
In popular trekking areas like Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, and Manaslu, the menu system offers a variety of ethnic cuisines and western meals, while certain places serve authentic Nepali meals, distinct from international cuisine. Local cooks, trained for cleanliness and hygiene, prepare these meals at each tourist lodge and tea house. Additionally, lodges provide safe drinking water or bottled mineral water. If you buy a water purification tablet from Kathmandu you can take water from the tap and purify it by yourself, this will be cheaper and control plastic pollution as well.
Itinerary
With a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges and the valley below, the flight into Kathmandu Valley is breathtaking. At the Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will meet and greet you, drive you to your hotel, and assist you with all of your travel needs. After you've checked in, you'll have time to explore the city (depending on your arrival time).
Tour the world heritage sites of Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Bouddhanath Stupa. The Durbar Square provides insight into the perceptions of ancient royals. For all Hindus, Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites. The Monkey Temple is also known as Swayambhunath, and the Bouddhanath Stupa is one of the world's biggest stupas. Later in the evening meet up with your trekking guide and make preparation for your trek.
Today you'll fly to Lukla, your Everest journey begins with an exhilarating flight to Lukla, a scenic highland Sherpa hamlet. Once you reach Lukla, you'll meet the rest of the crew, sort through your belongings, pack your rucksacks, and start on your adventure, descend past Chauri Kharka settlement to the Dudh Koshi River. A lovely trail that follows the river's bank leads to Phakding (2,610m), a tiny Sherpa town hidden in the verdant Dudh Koshi Valley. On the route, you'll pass through Khumbila, a sacred peak worshipped by Sherpas, no one is allowed to climb this sacred mountain, making it one of the Khumbu's few unclimbed peaks. If you're not too fatigued, take a stroll through the town and interact with the inhabitants, or swing by one of the cafés for a hot beverage. Overnight in Phakding
Walking Distance: 6-7 hours (10.5 km) trek Set out for Namche Bazaar, commonly known as the "Sherpa capital" of Nepal. The trek follows the Dudh Koshi, a milky glacial river, up to Monjo, where you'll be walking crossing numerous suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge, before approaching the Sagarmatha National Park entry, make sure your permits are ready for inspection. Jorsale is reached by trekking along the Dudh Koshi River, after a brief rest, hike to Namche Bazar it's a tough climb uphill, the Everest Region's economic powerhouse. Brace yourself as you see Mount Everest in all its glory for the first time from Tope Danda. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Walking Distance: 4-5 hours (6 km) trek Enjoy an entire day at Namche Bazaar. This is your day for acclimatization, as you ascend, your body must acclimate to the thinner air at greater elevations. The village has various vantage points for acclimatization hikes. An early morning hike at any vantage point will provide you with a breathtaking view of the Himalayas. The sun's rays illuminate the snow-covered peaks of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde, and Lhotse. Explore the Sherpa Culture Museum to learn about Sherpa culture and customs. An upward hike from Shyangboche Airport to Everest View Hotel provides an excellent acclimatization hike while offering close-up views of Mount Everest, Thamserku, and Ama Dablam. You could hike to Khumjung and Kunde settlements if you want to or visit Sir Edmund Hillary's school, first in the Everest Region at Khumjung. Khumjung Monastery, which is almost 400 years old, has what is said to be the scalp of Yeti, the abominable snowman.
Walking Distance: 5 hours Leave Namche Bazaar and walk along the ridge for a while before descending to the Dudh Koshi River at Phunkithanka, following that, you hike the steep trail to Tengboche after crossing the bridge, when you arrive at Tengboche, you'll see the local monastery. Tengboche is home to Khumbu's biggest monastery. Explore the settlement and start conversations with the locals.
After an early breakfast, you'll start to descend to Debuche, cross the Imja Khola on a suspension bridge, and then ascend to Pangboche through countless Mani stones, the ascent continues, leading you to Dingboche, a charming traditional Sherpa settlement with stunning views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam.
This is also a rest day in order to allow you adequate acclimatization, hike to Chukung Valley and then to Chukung-Ri (5445m.) for a spectacular view of Makalu, Everest, and the surrounding peaks, explore nearby ridges to witness amazing views at dawn and dusk.
Today, the trail continues along the Khumbu Glacier, passing by stone memorials commemorating climbers who died on surrounding summits, then continue ascending as you approach Lobuche, which is at the foot of the massive Lobuche peak, at a height of 4910 meters. Rest for a while after that you may explore the settlement.
This is a lengthy and strenuous day trek up the Khumbu Glacier and up to Everest Base Camp at 5365 meters, the closest you can reach to Mt. Everest without climbing gear, there will almost certainly be a group there preparing to tackle the summit. From Base Camp, the vista of the Khumbu Icefall is breathtaking. For the night return to Gorak Shep.
Today you'll be ascending Mt. Kala Pattar, a tiny peak (5555 meters) by Himalayan standards, the journey is challenging, but the hiker is rewarded with a breathtaking mountain panorama: Everest, the world's highest peak at 29028 feet (8848 meters), stands immediately ahead, while other giants like as Nuptse, Pumori, Chagatse, Lhotse, and many others loom on all sides, descend quickly to Gorak Shep. Then it's a gradual descent to Lobuche, followed by an ascent to Dzongla.
Begin by trekking for a while on a smooth stone route across an arid valley, then you climb the difficult road to Chola pass along the ice paths that run beside the Chola glacier, descend on the other side of Chola Pass along the stony trail till you reach Phedi. From there, descend to Thangna, there are a few lodges and tea shops in this little community.
Today you'll travel along the glacier until you reach Gokyo's first lake. The trek to Gokyo is easy due to the level trail that follows the Dudh Koshi River. It is located near the third lake and is a windy valley. The natural splendor of Dudh Pokhari Lake in Gokyo will leave you astonished.
On this day, you will first ascend the Gokyo Ri, which rises above the hamlet on the Lake's northern shore, the peaks of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu can be seen well from the Peak. After there, you climb to Gokyo and then to Machhermo. There are a lot of yak pastures here, explore around have conversations with locals.
Trek downhill from Machhermo to Phortse Tenga, you go through rhododendron, pine, and local incense-scented woodland, then climb steeply to Monglo and then gradually descend to Khumjung. From Khumjung, travel along a level trail for a while before descending to Namche.
Walking Distance: 6-7 hours (18.5 km) trek. Today's hike will take you back to Lukla. Trek to the Hillary Suspension Bridge after breakfast, then via various small settlements to Lukla, you may celebrate your accomplishment in Lukla! This is going to be your final night in the mountains.
Duration: 35 minutes flight. The picturesque flight from Lukla to Kathmandu seems like a delight, you'll be driven to your accommodation once you arrive at Kathmandu. Go shopping for souvenirs or take a break. A special goodbye dinner will be served in the evening to mark the end of your adventure.
Our staff will drop you off at the airport, you bid farewell to your newfound friends as well as Nepal. Note: All of the above-mentioned trekking hours and distances are estimations and should only be used as a general guideline.
