EBC ChoLa Pass Trek – 18 Days
Tour Overview
The Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Trek is a legendary journey through the heart of the Khumbu region, blending two of the most iconic trails in the Himalayas: the classic Everest Base Camp route and the serene Gokyo Valley circuit. This 18-day adventure is designed for trekkers seeking both challenge and reward—offering dramatic landscapes, high-altitude thrills, and cultural immersion in Sherpa heartlands.
From the moment you step onto the trail, you’ll be surrounded by towering peaks like Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, glacial valleys, and ancient monasteries. The route takes you through vibrant villages like Namche Bazaar, Machhermo, and Pangboche, where acclimatization is paired with warm hospitality and stunning views.
What truly sets this trek apart is the crossing of Cho La Pass (5,420m)—a thrilling high-altitude traverse that links Everest Base Camp with the turquoise lakes of Gokyo. You’ll climb to breathtaking viewpoints like Gokyo Ri (5,350m) and Kala Patthar (5,545m), offering unmatched panoramas of the world’s highest mountains.
Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a passionate adventurer, this route delivers a once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan experience—where every step is a story, and every view is a reward.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative who will transfer you to your hotel. After check-in and some rest, you can explore the nearby streets of Thamel, a popular tourist hub filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural landmarks. A welcome dinner in the evening will give you a taste of traditional Nepali cuisine and a chance to meet your guide and fellow trekkers.
Your Himalayan journey begins with an early morning flight from either Kathmandu or Ramechhap to Lukla—one of the world’s most thrilling airstrips nestled in the heart of the mountains. As the aircraft slices through the clouds, you’ll be treated to breathtaking aerial views of snow-capped peaks and deep river valleys.
Upon landing in Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region, you’ll meet your trekking crew and begin your first steps on the trail. Today’s walk is relatively gentle, descending gradually through pine forests and alongside the glacial Dudh Koshi River. The trail passes through charming Sherpa villages like Chheplung and Ghat, offering glimpses of prayer wheels, mani stones, and fluttering prayer flags.
After 3–4 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive in Phakding—a peaceful riverside village surrounded by lush greenery. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, acclimatize, and soak in the serene mountain atmosphere before the altitude gains ahead.
Today’s journey takes you deeper into the heart of the Khumbu region, with a rewarding ascent to Namche Bazaar—the vibrant Sherpa capital. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several thrilling suspension bridges draped in prayer flags, including the iconic Hillary Bridge.
As you trek through pine forests and pass villages like Toktok, Benkar, and Monjo, you’ll officially enter Sagarmatha National Park, where your permits are checked. The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with glimpses of snow-capped peaks teasing the horizon.
The final stretch is a steep climb, but on a clear day, you’ll catch your first view of Mount Everest—a moment that energizes every step. After 6–7 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Namche Bazaar, a bustling amphitheater-shaped town carved into the mountainside. With cozy lodges, bakeries, gear shops, and even Wi-Fi, Namche offers a blend of tradition and comfort.
Today is all about acclimatization—giving your body time to adjust to the higher altitude while still enjoying the beauty of the Khumbu region. After breakfast, you’ll set out on a scenic morning hike to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m), one of the highest-altitude luxury hotels in the world. The trail winds gently uphill through pine forests and offers sweeping views of the surrounding peaks.
From the hotel’s terrace, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic vista of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku—a breathtaking sight that makes the early start worthwhile. After soaking in the views and snapping some photos, you’ll descend back to Namche for lunch.
The afternoon is free for exploration. You can visit the Sherpa Culture Museum, browse local shops and cafés, or simply relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Namche Bazaar. This rest day is essential for a safe and successful ascent in the days ahead.
After breakfast in Namche, the trail begins with a gentle ascent offering spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and the elegant Ama Dablam. As you walk along the ridgeline, the path gradually descends to the river at Phunki Tenga, where you’ll cross a suspension bridge and stop for lunch.
From here, the trail climbs steadily through rhododendron and pine forests—especially vibrant in spring—until you reach Tengboche, home to the region’s most revered monastery. Set against a backdrop of towering peaks, Tengboche Monastery offers a serene and spiritual atmosphere. If timing allows, you can witness the monks performing evening prayers, a deeply moving experience.
This day blends natural beauty with cultural depth, making it one of the most memorable segments of the trek.
After a peaceful morning in Tengboche, the trail descends through forests of rhododendron and juniper, offering crisp mountain air and occasional wildlife sightings. You’ll cross the Imja Khola River via a suspension bridge and begin a gradual ascent toward Pangboche—the highest permanent settlement in the region and home to one of the oldest monasteries in the Khumbu.
As you climb higher, the landscape shifts dramatically. Trees give way to alpine scrub and open meadows, with Ama Dablam towering overhead in stunning proximity. The trail continues past Shomare and Orsho before reaching Dingboche, a picturesque village nestled in a wide valley surrounded by stone-walled fields.
Dingboche offers a slower pace and stunning views of Island Peak, Lhotse, and the Imja Valley. It’s the perfect place to rest, acclimatize, and prepare for the higher altitudes ahead.
Today is a vital acclimatization day to help your body adjust to the thinning air and prepare for the higher altitudes ahead. After breakfast, you’ll embark on a half-day hike to Nagarjun Hill (approx. 5,100m), a steep but rewarding climb above Dingboche.
As you ascend, the trail offers expansive views of Makalu, Lhotse, Chalotse, Ama Dablam, and the Imja Valley below. The hike is physically demanding but provides excellent altitude conditioning and unforgettable scenery. After reaching the viewpoint, you’ll descend back to Dingboche for lunch and a relaxed afternoon.
Spend the rest of the day exploring the village, chatting with fellow trekkers, or simply resting in the sun-drenched courtyards surrounded by stone-walled fields and towering peaks.
Today’s trek leads you deeper into the high alpine zone, where the landscape becomes stark and dramatic. After a steady climb from Dingboche, you’ll reach Dughla (Thukla), a small settlement at the foot of the Khumbu Glacier. Here, you’ll pause for a warm drink and prepare for the steep ascent ahead.
The trail climbs sharply to the Thukla Pass, home to a poignant memorial site honoring climbers who lost their lives on Everest. Surrounded by fluttering prayer flags and stone cairns, it’s a humbling moment that adds emotional depth to the journey.
From the pass, the path levels out and follows the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, with towering peaks like Pumori and Nuptse dominating the skyline. After 5–6 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive in Lobuche, a rugged outpost nestled among glacial debris and icy winds—your final stop before reaching Everest Base Camp.
Today marks one of the most exhilarating chapters of your Himalayan journey. The morning begins with a trek across the rugged terrain of the Khumbu Glacier’s lateral moraine, weaving through icy ridges and glacial debris. After 3 hours of steady walking, you’ll reach Gorakshep, the last settlement before Everest Base Camp and home to the highest-altitude teahouses in the world.
Following a well-earned lunch, you’ll set out on a 4–5 hour round-trip hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364m). The trail hugs the glacier, offering surreal views of the Khumbu Icefall, towering peaks, and the dramatic amphitheater of rock and ice that surrounds the base camp.
Reaching Everest Base Camp is a moment of triumph—standing at the foot of the world’s highest mountain, surrounded by prayer flags, expedition tents (in climbing season), and the raw energy of the Himalayas. After soaking in the views and capturing the moment, you’ll return to Gorakshep for the night.
Today is the pinnacle of your trek as you reach Everest Base Camp (EBC). After breakfast in Lobuche, start your ascent through the Khumbu Glacier’s lateral moraine toward the scenic village of Gorak Shep.
After lunch and settling in, continue on the final stretch to EBC. The rough trail offers breathtaking views of the Khumbu Glacier, Icefall, and peaks like Everest, Pumori, Nuptse, and Khumbutse. You may also encounter climbers and expedition teams along the way.
Savor the spectacular vistas and the sense of accomplishment before returning to Gorak Shep for the night.
Begin your day with an early morning hike to Kala Patthar (5,555m), the highest accessible viewpoint on the Everest Base Camp trek. Known for its breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Everest and neighboring peaks, Kala Patthar is the ultimate vantage point.
Starting before dawn, trek in the crisp Himalayan air to reach the summit and witness a stunning sunrise. The golden light illuminates Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Pumori, creating an unforgettable spectacle.
After enjoying the views and taking photos, descend back to Gorak Shep for breakfast. Post-rest, continue your trek by descending to Chola Lake via Lobuche and then ascending slightly towards Dzongla (4,830m), bypassing Lobuche Base Camp. This scenic route offers a rewarding end to your day.
Today’s trek from Dzongla to Dragnag (also known as Thangnak) involves crossing the challenging Cho La Pass, a highlight of the EBC trail to Gokyo. An early start is crucial to navigate the unpredictable Himalayan weather and enjoy the stunning views of Cholatse and Cho La Glacier Lake.
Begin with a relatively easy path that soon transitions into a steady climb. The trail’s rocky, loose terrain can slow your progress until you reach the glacier’s edge, where crampons are essential (consult your guide in Kathmandu about gear). The climb rewards you with breathtaking views of Ama Dablam, rivers, peaks, and glaciers.
At the Cho La Pass summit, fluttering prayer flags greet you. Spend some time resting and capturing photographs before descending to Dragnag/Thangnak . If the rocks are free of ice, the descent is straightforward; otherwise, proceed with caution.
You’ll spend the night in the scenic village of Dragnag /Thangnak, enjoying the serene surroundings.
After a hearty breakfast in Thangnak, we set out on a shorter trek of approximately 3 hours, with stunning mountain vistas ahead. The hike begins with an uphill climb towards the Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal’s longest glacier, stretching 36 kilometers (22 miles) and originating from Cho Oyu, the world’s sixth-highest peak. As we cross the glacier, we get glimpses of Gokyo Lake II, one of six beautiful lakes in the area.
Upon reaching Gokyo Village, we take time to rest and explore the glacier, soaking in the spectacular scenery.
On acclimatization day, we’ll hike up to Gokyo Ri, a prime viewpoint for overlooking the Everest region. From this vantage point, enjoy breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Explore the stunning series of six glacial lakes: Gokyo Cho (III), Thonak Cho (IV), Tanjung Cho (II), Gyazumpa Cho, Ngojumba Cho (V), and Kyajumba Cho (VI). These lakes form the world’s highest freshwater lake system, with Thonak Cho being the largest and known for its dazzling azure color. Gokyo Cho, or Dudh Pokhare, is the most visited and lies along the eastern shore of Gokyo Village.
The fifth and sixth lakes are further up the Gokyo Valley and require an additional day to visit. Today is a memorable blend of exploration and acclimatization in this spectacular region.
The Gokyo to Chola Pass Trek, via the Everest Base Camp trail, starts with a descent from Gokyo Valley, crossing the Ngozumpa Glacier and the Dudh Koshi River. The trail initially passes by the first and second lakes, offering stunning views of Cholatse, Taboche, and the surrounding valleys. The trek to Machhermo typically takes 2-3 hours.
In Machhermo, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking vistas of Cho Oyu, Kangtega, and Thamserku. From there, the trail descends further, passing through the small settlements of Luza and Lhafarma before reaching Dole, where you’ll spend the night.
Today’s trek takes you from Dole to Namche Bazaar. The route starts with a descent, where you’ll notice more diverse flora and fauna. The trail first drops to Phortse Thanga, then ascends to Mong La before a moderate descent to Namche. Along the way, enjoy farewell views of Mount Khumbila, Taboche, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Everest, and Tengboche. Once in Namche, celebrate the success of your trek and spend the night in this vibrant town.
On the final day of our Everest trek, we’ll begin with breakfast in vibrant Namche Bazaar. The trek starts with a scenic descent to Monjo, followed by a peaceful walk along the Dudh Koshi River to Phakding. From there, we’ll tackle a gentle uphill climb to Lukla.
Once in Lukla, unwind at your hotel or explore Lukla Bazaar. Enjoy the remaining time taking in the local sights and preparing for your departure from Lukla Airport.
Today concludes your unforgettable Everest Base Camp Chola pass Gokyo trek. After 18 days of adventure, one of our representatives will escort you to the International Airport for your departure. We wish you safe travels and hope to welcome you back to Nepal in the future. Until then, goodbye and take care!

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