EBC Chola Pass Gokyo Trek — 17 Days

Your mountain journey begins with a flight to Lukla at 2,860 m. Depending on airline operations and the season, the flight may depart from Kathmandu or Manthali Airport in Ramechhap.

After landing, you meet your trekking team and begin walking towards Phakding. The trail passes village homes, prayer wheels and forested slopes, with downhill stretches and shorter climbs along the way. Sections follow the Dudh Koshi River, introducing you to the valley you will explore over the coming days. We spend the night in Phakding.

We follow the Dudh Koshi through villages and pine forests, passing Benkar and Monjo before entering Sagarmatha National Park. Your guide handles the permit checks along the route.

Suspension bridges connect the valley trails, followed by a sustained uphill walk towards Namche. This final climb is the most demanding part of the day, so we allow time for breaks. Namche’s shops, lodges and houses spread across the hillside, making it an important trading town and a useful place to spend the next two nights.

We stay another night in Namche and take a shorter hike above the town. A usual option is the trail towards Hotel Everest View, where clear weather offers views of Everest and nearby peaks.

Your guide chooses the walk according to conditions and how the group is feeling. Afterwards, we return to Namche for the night. The afternoon gives you time to rest, visit the shops or stop at a café before continuing towards Tengboche tomorrow.

Leaving Namche, we follow the hillside trail before descending towards Phunki Tenga. Mountain views accompany sections of the walk, while the river marks the low point before the climb to Tengboche.

The uphill trail passes through pine and rhododendron forest. Once we reach the village, you can settle into the teahouse and explore the surroundings. Tengboche’s Buddhist monastery stands against the mountain backdrop of Ama Dablam. If it is open to visitors, your guide explains the visiting customs before you enter.

We descend through forest towards Debuche, cross the Imja Khola and continue through Pangboche. As the route gains height, the trees become fewer and the valley opens into slopes with low vegetation and stone buildings.

The trail passes Somare before reaching Dingboche in the Imja Valley. Today brings a noticeable gain in sleeping altitude, so we keep a steady pace throughout the walk. After checking into your teahouse, the remaining afternoon is available for rest before tomorrow’s acclimatisation hike.

Our second acclimatisation day includes a hike above Dingboche followed by another night in the village. The usual direction is towards the Nangkartshang viewpoint, with the turnaround point determined by conditions and the group’s progress.

The hillside gives you a broader view of Dingboche and the surrounding valley. We then return to the teahouse, leaving the afternoon for rest and preparation. Tomorrow, the route continues towards Lobuche, where the terrain becomes increasingly rocky and glacial.

We leave Dingboche and cross open ground towards Thukla. After a break, the trail climbs more steeply to the memorial area above the village. The stone memorials commemorate climbers and Sherpas who lost their lives in the mountains.

Beyond this section, we continue beside the Khumbu Glacier towards Lobuche. Uneven ground and increasing altitude make the walking more demanding, even where the gradient eases. We settle into the teahouse and prepare for tomorrow’s journey to Everest Base Camp.

We start from Lobuche and follow the rocky trail towards Gorak Shep. After a break, we continue to Everest Base Camp, crossing uneven glacial ground along the Khumbu Glacier.

Reaching base camp brings you into the landscape used by Everest expedition teams. During the spring climbing season, tents and expedition activity may be visible. At other times, the glacier and surrounding mountains define the visit.

After spending time at base camp, we retrace the trail to Gorak Shep. Tonight’s stop puts us close to the starting point for tomorrow’s Kala Patthar hike.

We make an early start for Kala Patthar. The climb above Gorak Shep is steep in places, and the altitude makes it demanding. In clear weather, the viewpoint offers close views of Everest, Nuptse, Pumori and the surrounding Khumbu peaks.

After the hike, return to Gorak Shep for breakfast and continue through Lobuche towards Dzongla. Leaving the main Everest trail, we follow hillside paths above the valley. Rocky sections and further climbs make this another substantial walking day before resting ahead of tomorrow’s crossing.

We leave Dzongla early for Cho La, climbing from the valley towards steep, rocky ground. Snow or ice can cover the approach and glacier section near the pass. Your guide assesses conditions and chooses the route and pace.

At approximately 5,420 m, Cho La links the Khumbu and Gokyo valleys. After crossing, descend carefully over uneven rock towards Thangnak. This demanding stage requires steady footing, suitable equipment and enough time; reaching the pass depends on conditions and health.

From Thangnak, cross the Ngozumpa Glacier towards Gokyo. Rocky debris and changing glacier paths require care, so follow your guide closely. The village stands beside the third lake, called Dudh Pokhari.

After arriving, the programme continues with a hike to the fourth lake and a return to Gokyo for the night. This excursion adds walking beyond the glacier crossing. Your guide considers daylight, conditions and how you feel before proceeding. Rest afterwards and prepare for tomorrow’s early climb of Gokyo Ri.

Begin before dawn for the steep climb towards Gokyo Ri at approximately 5,357 m. In clear weather, the viewpoint looks across the lakes and glacier towards Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. Return to Gokyo.

After breakfast, continue down the Gokyo Valley through Machhermo and Luza towards Dole. The viewpoint hike and descent together make a long day. Keep warm layers and water accessible, and discuss how you are feeling with your guide while descending.

We descend from Dole through forest towards Phortse Tenga, then climb towards Mong La. The route combines downhill sections with a substantial uphill stretch before reaching the Namche trail.

Beyond Mong La, follow the hillside towards Kyangjuma and rejoin the main Everest route. Mountain views depend on cloud and weather as we continue to Namche Bazaar. After checking into the teahouse, the remaining afternoon gives you time to rest or visit the town’s shops and cafés at your leisure.

Our final trekking day follows the route down from Namche through Jorsalle, Monjo and Phakding. You cross familiar suspension bridges and return through the forested sections of the Dudh Koshi valley.

The approach to Lukla includes uphill stretches, so there is still some effort ahead after the main descent. On arrival, we check into the teahouse for the last night in the mountains. The evening gives you time to organise your belongings and spend time with your guide and porter team.

We prepare for the return flight from Lukla. Depending on the operating schedule, you may fly directly to Kathmandu or land at Manthali Airport and continue by road.

After reaching your hotel, the remaining time is free for rest, shopping or exploring nearby areas. We share a farewell dinner in Kathmandu, bringing the trekking programme to a close. Flight timing remains dependent on weather and airline operations.

Your 17-day EBC Chola Pass Gokyo Trek ends today. After breakfast, prepare for your onward journey. Depending on your departure time, you may have an opportunity for a final walk nearby before leaving the hotel.

Our representative accompanies you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure.