EBC Cho La Pass & Gokyo Lake Trek

The Everest Cho La Pass Trek is a 19-day trek that combines the classic Everest Base Camp route with the Cho La Pass and Gokyo Valley. You trek through the main Khumbu Valley, reach Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, cross Cho La Pass, and continue to Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri.

The route gives you a more complete experience of the Everest region than the standard Everest Base Camp Trek. You see Sherpa villages, high mountain valleys, glaciers, lakes, and some of the best views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, and Makalu.

The standard Everest Cho La Pass Trek takes 19 days, including arrival and departure in Kathmandu. The trekking portion runs from Lukla to Namche, through Everest Base Camp, over Cho La Pass, into Gokyo Valley, and back to Lukla.

The itinerary also includes acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, which help your body adjust gradually to increasing altitude.

On the World Alpine Treks itinerary, you reach Everest Base Camp on Day 10. After flying to Lukla on Day 3, you spend several days gaining altitude gradually and acclimatizing before reaching the higher part of the Khumbu Valley.

You reach Everest Base Camp after trekking from Lobuche to Gorak Shep and then continuing to Base Camp. The following morning, you hike Kala Patthar before continuing toward Dzongla.

Everest Base Camp is at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) above sea level. Reaching this altitude requires steady pacing and proper acclimatization.

On the Cho La route, you also climb Kala Patthar at 5,545 meters, making it one of the highest points of the trek.

Cho La Pass stands at 5,420 meters (17,782 feet) above sea level. It is one of the highest and most demanding sections of the trek.

The pass connects the Everest and Gokyo valleys. Conditions can change with weather and snowfall, so your guide assesses the trail and conditions before crossing.

Cho La Pass makes this trek more challenging than the standard Everest Base Camp Trek. The crossing involves a steep ascent, uneven terrain, and potentially snow or ice depending on the season.

You also spend more time at high altitude because the route continues to Gokyo after crossing the pass. Good preparation, acclimatization, appropriate clothing, and a steady pace are important.

The Everest Cho La Pass Trek is rated strenuous. The main challenges come from altitude, long walking days, steep climbs and descents, and the crossing of Cho La Pass at 5,420 meters.

You do not need technical mountaineering experience, but you should be comfortable walking for several hours on consecutive days. Regular hiking, walking, stair climbing, and cardiovascular training before the trek will help.

Yes, first-time trekkers can complete the Cho La Trek if they have good fitness and prepare properly. Previous high-altitude trekking experience helps, but it is not essential.

The important factors are your physical preparation, ability to walk for several hours a day, and willingness to follow a gradual acclimatization schedule. Your guide will support you throughout the route.

Most trekking days involve approximately 3 to 8 hours of walking, depending on the destination and trail conditions. Some days are shorter, while longer days include sections such as Everest Base Camp and the Cho La crossing.

The longest sections require a steady pace rather than speed. Your guide manages the walking pace according to the group and the conditions on the trail.

Crossing Cho La Pass on Day 12 is generally the most demanding part of the trek. You climb from Dzongla to the 5,420-meter pass and then descend toward Dragnak.

The trail can become steep, rocky, snowy, or icy depending on conditions. The combination of altitude, uneven terrain, and the length of the day makes this section particularly challenging.

Gokyo Ri is 5,357 meters (17,575 feet) above sea level. You climb it from Gokyo early in the morning for wide views across the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

From the summit, you can see mountains including Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu, along with the Gokyo Valley and surrounding glaciers.

You should be able to walk for several hours a day on uneven and sometimes steep terrain. You should also feel comfortable walking uphill and downhill repeatedly over consecutive trekking days.

A good preparation routine includes hiking, stair climbing, brisk walking, cycling, and basic leg and core strength exercises. Start training several weeks before the trek rather than relying on fitness gained during the trip.

The Cho La route is considerably more demanding than a short or low-altitude trek because it reaches 5,545 meters at Kala Patthar and crosses a high mountain pass.

For younger trekkers, suitability depends on age, fitness, previous hiking experience, and medical advice. Families should discuss the route and altitude requirements with World Alpine Treks before booking.

Older travelers can complete the trek if they are fit, healthy, and properly prepared for high altitude. Age alone does not determine whether someone can trek to Cho La, but the demanding terrain requires realistic preparation.

If you have concerns about your fitness or ability to handle high altitude, consult your doctor before booking. An itinerary with additional acclimatization days can also be considered.

Altitude sickness medication should be discussed with your doctor before travelling. Medication can sometimes help prevent or reduce the risk of altitude sickness, but it does not replace gradual acclimatization, hydration, rest, and proper pacing.

Tell your guide if you develop symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, unusual tiredness, or difficulty breathing. Serious symptoms require immediate attention and may require descending to a lower altitude.

If you become unwell or cannot continue, your guide will assess the situation and help determine the safest option. Depending on your condition and location, this may involve resting, changing the itinerary, descending to a lower elevation, or arranging further assistance.

Your safety takes priority over reaching the planned destination. Travel insurance with high-altitude medical and emergency evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.

Yes. You can request additional acclimatization days when planning a private or customized trek. This can be useful if you prefer a slower pace or want more time to adjust to altitude.

Extra days may also provide flexibility if weather or trail conditions affect the planned itinerary. Discuss the changes with World Alpine Treks before departure.

Cho La Pass is a challenging high-altitude mountain crossing, but experienced trekkers regularly cross it with proper preparation and suitable conditions. The main concerns include altitude, steep terrain, snow, ice, and changing weather.

Your guide checks the conditions and determines whether the crossing is appropriate. You should follow the guide's instructions and use suitable footwear, warm clothing, trekking poles, and seasonal equipment.

The Dzongla to Dragnak section takes about 7 hours on the standard World Alpine Treks itinerary. The actual time can vary depending on snow, ice, weather, trail conditions, and your walking pace.

The day starts with a climb from Dzongla toward the pass before you descend toward the Gokyo side. The descent can also be demanding because of loose rock, snow, or slippery sections.

You fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, a short domestic flight of approximately 30 minutes. From Lukla, you begin trekking toward Phakding and continue through the Khumbu Valley.

During periods when Lukla flights operate from Ramechhap/Manthali, you may need to travel by road from Kathmandu to Ramechhap before taking the flight. Flight arrangements depend on the operating schedule and season.

During busy trekking seasons, airlines may operate Lukla flights from Ramechhap Airport instead of Kathmandu because of airport operating arrangements and congestion.

If your flight operates from Ramechhap, World Alpine Treks coordinates the required transportation according to the flight schedule. Flight operations can change, so you should allow some flexibility in your itinerary.

For the Lukla flight, you can take up to 10 kg of checked luggage and 5 kg of hand carry, giving you a total allowance of 15 kg per person. Your main trekking luggage will be carried by the porter, while you should keep your essential items in your daypack or hand-carry bag.

We recommend packing within the allowance and keeping your most important items, such as travel documents, medications, valuables, camera, and essential trekking gear, with you. World Alpine Treks will provide the luggage arrangement details before your flight.

Lukla flights can be affected by weather and visibility, particularly in the mountains. If your flight is delayed, the airline may reschedule it for a later time or another available flight.

We recommend keeping some flexibility in your itinerary because mountain flights do not operate under the same conditions as regular international flights. If necessary, alternative transportation such as a helicopter can be considered at an additional cost.

If weather prevents your Lukla flight from operating, the airline may reschedule the flight when conditions improve. We will help coordinate the available options based on the situation.

Because weather disruptions can affect the trekking schedule, it is wise to keep at least one or two extra days in your overall Nepal itinerary if possible.

Yes, a helicopter flight can sometimes be arranged when weather, availability, and operating conditions allow. Helicopter services are generally an alternative when regular flights cannot operate or when travelers prefer a different arrangement.

Helicopter flights are normally not included in the standard trek price and are subject to availability and additional charges.

Bad weather can affect flights, visibility, snowfall, and high-pass conditions. If conditions make a section unsafe, your guide may delay the crossing, adjust the itinerary, or choose a safer alternative.

For Cho La, weather is particularly important because snow and ice can change the difficulty of the pass. The final decision should always prioritize safety.

You will stay in tea houses, guesthouses, and lodges from Day 3 to Day 16. These provide a simple and practical place to sleep, eat, and rest after each day on the trail.

Facilities become more basic as you gain altitude. Rooms are generally simple, and bathroom arrangements vary between lower and higher elevations.

Will I have a private room during the Everest Cho La Pass Trek?

Private rooms are available at some lower-altitude tea houses and guesthouses, but private rooms cannot be guaranteed at every stop. Availability becomes more limited at higher elevations and during busy trekking seasons.

If having a private room is important to you, tell us before booking so we can check the available options for your dates.

Yes, tea houses and lodges provide bathroom facilities, although the standard varies by location.

Private bathrooms are available at selected lower-altitude stops, while shared bathrooms are more common at higher elevations.

Facilities become increasingly basic as you approach Everest Base Camp and Cho La. It is useful to carry your own toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and basic toiletries.

Hot showers are available at many tea houses, particularly at lower elevations, but they are generally not included in the trek price. You normally pay an additional charge for a hot shower.

Availability becomes less reliable at higher elevations. A quick-dry towel and wet wipes are useful when shower facilities are limited.

Wi-Fi and phone charging are available at many tea houses, but the connection and electricity supply can vary. At higher elevations, both services may be less reliable and usually involve an additional charge.

Carry a power bank and keep your phone on battery-saving mode when possible. Download important documents and maps before leaving Kathmandu.

You receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trekking days. Tea houses commonly serve dal bhat, noodles, rice, pasta, soup, potatoes, eggs, bread, vegetables, and other simple meals.

Food choices become more limited at higher elevations. Eating enough carbohydrates and staying hydrated is important during long walking days.

Yes, vegetarian meals are available throughout the trek. Tea houses commonly offer vegetable dal bhat, noodles, rice, soup, potatoes, vegetables, and other meat-free options.

Tell your guide and the tea house staff about your dietary preference. Food availability can vary between villages, particularly at higher elevations.

Vegan meals can usually be arranged, although choices may become limited at higher elevations. It is best to tell World Alpine Treks about your dietary requirements before the trek.

Simple meals such as rice, vegetables, potatoes, noodles without egg, and dal may be available depending on the tea house.

Yes. Bringing your preferred energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, chocolates, or other lightweight snacks is useful, especially for long trekking days.

You can also buy snacks along the route, but prices generally increase as you gain altitude. Carrying a small supply gives you more choice.

Water is available at tea houses and other stops along the trail, but drinking water is not included in the standard package. You can purchase bottled or treated water or refill your reusable bottle.

We recommend carrying a reusable bottle or hydration bladder together with water purification tablets or a filter. Staying hydrated becomes increasingly important at high altitude.

Each trekker can give up to 12 kg of luggage to the porter. Since one porter carries the luggage of two trekkers, the combined limit is up to 25 kg per porter.

Keep the items you need during the day in your 20–30 liter daypack, including water, snacks, sunscreen, documents, medications, and extra layers. Pack your main duffel efficiently and stay within the luggage limit.

Yes. World Alpine Treks provides a trekking duffel bag for the trek. You use it for the equipment and clothing carried by the porter.

You should still bring a small daypack for items you need during the day's walk, such as water, snacks, sunscreen, documents, and warm layers.

Yes, you can generally leave extra luggage in Kathmandu while you trek. Most travelers leave clothing and other items they do not need in the mountains at their Kathmandu hotel.

This allows you to keep your trekking luggage lighter and carry only what you need for the high-altitude route.

Your daypack should contain the things you may need during the day's walk. Carry water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, rain protection, warm layers, personal medication, documents, and valuables.

Keep your down jacket and waterproof layer accessible rather than buried in your main luggage. Weather can change quickly in the mountains.

Yes. World Alpine Treks provides a sleeping bag rated to approximately -20°C for the trek.

You may also bring your own sleeping bag if you prefer. A sleeping bag liner can provide additional warmth and help keep the sleeping bag clean.

Wear comfortable, waterproof, broken-in trekking boots with good grip and ankle support. Your boots should already be comfortable before you start the trek.

For the Cho La crossing, appropriate footwear becomes particularly important because the trail may contain snow, ice, loose rock, or uneven terrain. Seasonal gaiters or microspikes may also be useful.

We recommend carrying microspikes for the Cho La Pass Trek, especially during the colder months or when snow and ice cover the trail. They provide extra grip on icy and hard-packed sections without the weight and complexity of full mountaineering crampons.

Full crampons are generally not necessary for the standard Cho La Pass Trek. However, trail conditions can change with snowfall and weather, so your guide will assess the conditions before the crossing and advise you on the appropriate equipment.

Yes. You can buy or rent many trekking items in Kathmandu, including jackets, sleeping bags, trekking poles, boots, gloves, and other equipment.

If you are missing an important item, the World Alpine Treks representative can help you identify what you need before the trek begins.

The standard World Alpine Treks price depends on group size:

1. 1 Person: USD 1,880
2. 2–4 People: USD 1,520
3. 5–8 People: USD 1,480

The package covers the main trekking arrangements, including accommodation, meals during trekking days, domestic flights, permits, guide, porter, and the equipment specified in the package.

We recommend carrying approximately NPR 30,000 in cash for personal expenses. This gives you a reasonable buffer for drinks, snacks, showers, Wi-Fi, charging, laundry, and other purchases.

You may not spend the full amount, but carrying enough cash is important because card and ATM services become less reliable as you move higher into the mountains.

Cards may be accepted at some larger establishments in lower villages, but you should not depend on credit cards throughout the trek. Services become more limited in remote and high-altitude areas.

Cash in Nepalese rupees remains the most practical option for personal expenses.

ATMs are available in some larger villages such as Namche Bazaar, but availability and reliability cannot be guaranteed. You should withdraw enough cash before heading into the more remote sections.

It is safer to carry the majority of your expected personal spending money with you rather than depending on an ATM later in the trek.

Yes. Nepalese rupees are recommended for personal expenses during the trek. You can use them for drinks, snacks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging, laundry, and other services.

Prices generally increase with altitude because supplies have to travel farther into the mountains. Carrying enough cash before leaving Namche is a good idea.

Your personal spending depends on your habits, but NPR 30,000 is a useful amount to carry for the trek. You may spend less or more depending on how often you purchase drinks, snacks, showers, Wi-Fi, charging, and other services.

Keep some additional money as an emergency buffer. International cards are not a reliable substitute for cash on the remote sections of the route.

The trek requires the relevant Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit/entrance fee.

TIMS is not required for this package. World Alpine Treks handles the required trekking permits included in the package.

Yes. You should have travel insurance that specifically covers high-altitude trekking, medical treatment, and emergency helicopter evacuation.

Check the policy carefully before travelling because some standard travel insurance policies exclude high-altitude activities or evacuation above certain elevations.

If a serious medical problem requires evacuation, the guide and local team will help coordinate the necessary arrangements. Helicopter evacuation depends on weather, aircraft availability, location, and operating conditions.

The evacuation cost is normally handled through your travel insurance, subject to your policy. This is why suitable high-altitude insurance is essential before starting the trek.

Tell your guide immediately if you feel unwell, especially if you experience symptoms associated with altitude sickness. The guide will assess your condition and help determine whether you should rest, descend, or seek further medical assistance.

Do not try to hide serious symptoms simply to continue the trek. At high altitude, descending can be the safest and most effective response to serious altitude-related problems.

Yes. Private treks can be customized according to your preferred dates, walking pace, acclimatization requirements, and additional days.

You can discuss your requirements with World Alpine Treks before booking so the itinerary can be adjusted around your travel plans.

Yes. You can combine the Cho La Trek with other destinations in Nepal depending on the time available. Popular additions can include Kathmandu cultural experiences, Pokhara, Chitwan, or other trekking routes.

The additional destinations are arranged separately from the standard 19-day Cho La itinerary. Tell us how much time you have in Nepal, and we can suggest suitable options.

Yes. World Alpine Treks offers private Cho La Pass Treks, including for solo travelers, couples, families, friends, and small groups.

A private trek gives you more flexibility with dates and allows us to discuss pacing, accommodation preferences, acclimatization days, and other requirements.

Yes. You can choose your preferred trekking dates for a private Cho La Pass Trek. We can arrange the trip around your international flight schedule and preferred travel period.

The main trekking seasons are generally spring and autumn, but the route can also be arranged in other seasons depending on weather and trail conditions. For Cho La, conditions at the pass should always be considered when choosing your dates.