17 Day Gokyo and EBC Crossing Cho La Pass

The 17 Day Gokyo and EBC Crossing Cho La Pass takes you through the most fascinating trekking trail Gokyo and Khumbu Valley staying best available comoftable hotels and resrots. The Himalayan routes are famous for attracting a large number of trekkers. One of the typical and most popular trekking regions of Nepal is Mt. Everest region. Everest Base Camp is most commonly visited as trek starting and completing at Lukla. It is one among the most popular destinations for the mountain lovers. The trek will reward the trekker with marvelous vistas. If you are interested in witnessing magnificent views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Amadablam, Thamserku, Pumori, Khumbutse; and get chance to explore Khumjung village, Namche village and monasteries in Tengboche, Pangboche, then come with Unique Adventure International to make come true.

Gokyo and EBC crossing Cho La Pass trek is the exciting trek into the Everest region which is a combined Everest base camp with the Gokyo valley and the high Cho La pass at an altitude of 5420m. The natural splendor, exceptional culture of the Sherpa people, lush green forests will add lifetime memory in your life. Gokyo valley is the secluded valley which presents the sight of the beautiful mountains, Gokyo Lake, Glaciers etc.

Gokyo and EBC crossing Chola Pass Trek starts with a picturesque flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. Following the route alongside Dudh Koshi River and pass by the lush forest of pine and rhododendron and pine, waterfalls, striking Sherpa settlements like Namche bazaar, Phakding, Tengboche, Pheriche, Lobuche etc. Also, you will visit Sagarmatha national park which is enlisted in UNESCO world heritage list and is home for wild animals like snow leopard, Himalayan thar, red panda etc. You will go around Sherpa community which adds pleasure to this trek. Reaching up to Kala Pattar is the best view point to witness the landscape of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam (6856m.), Kwangde (6194m.), Kantega (6809m.), Mt. Lhotse (8511m.), and Mt. Nuptse (7879m.). The best season to prefer the Gokyo and EBC crossing Cho La Pass is from March to May and September to December.

Day 01 : Meeting upon arrival at Kathmandu (Tribhuvan) International airport, transfer to hotel Yak and Yeti 

After arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be brought to your hotel in around twenty minutes. When you have had your time to settle in and freshen up after your long fight.

Day 02 : Stay in Kathmandu for sightseeing / official work, overnight at Hotel Yak and Yeti

Today you explore around Kathmandu valley which includes visit around historical and spiritual attractions; including Durbar Square, Boudhanath; one of the largest stupas in Nepal, Swayambhunath; top on the hill in the city knows as the Monkey Temple, Pashupatinath; Hindus holy place. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 03 : Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding, overnight at Yeti Mountain Home

We take a picturesque flight from Kathmandu early in the morning to Lukla (2827m.), we fly for 40 minutes. Arriving at Lukla, in the afternoon, we start our walk by moving down to the Dudh Koshi River and take the key track to Namche Bazaar, sited just over Chaunrikharka (2713m.). The track is easy and after coming across the tiny village of Ghat (2550m.) we have a short walk to Phakding. 

Day 04 : Trek to Namche Bazaar, overnight at Yeti Mountain Home

Today we trek for 4 hours from Phakding, we move ahead with a minor climb to Jorsale we get ahead of a waterfall. Now, the lane villages are merged with marvelous forest of rhododendron, huge firs and magnolia trees. Subsequently, we walk to Namche coming across few bridges and then go up quite a few hundred meters, a vertical descent and another steeper climb through the forest. 

Day 05 : Stay at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization (day hike to Khumjung or Syangboche), overnight at Yeti Mountain Home

We have a rest day today to become accustomed at a high altitude in Namche Bazaar. Namche is a popular village located in a great sheltered hollow. On top of the village, there lies the national park headquarters where one can take the opportunity to view both the mesmerizing sunrise and sunset views. The amazing panorama includes superb scenery of the Khumbu peaks and arresting views of Everest. 

Day 06 : Trek to Dole, overnight at Hotel Yeti or Similar

As we start trip to Dole from Namche the first part until Sagnasa leads easy and pretty flat. After we cross this town we meet the junction then we fallow left up trail to Dole. In the spring time thispart will be bright when all flowers bloom.

Day 07 : Trek to Machhermo, overnight at Namgyal Lodge

We climb gradually all along the side of the gorge, where we can see the rhododendron making way to scrub juniper as the height raises. Tremendous views of Cho Oyu, at the same time, back and downward the valley lays the summits of Thamserku and Kantega. This is a short day trek and we will reach at Machermo trekking for 4 hours. 

Day 08 : Trek to Gokyo Lake, overnight at Gokyo Resort

Today, moving ahead from Machermo, we continue for witnessing the lakes at Gokyo which pours down the west part of the Ngozumpa Glacier. We go across the three eye-catching Lakes and across the third lake known as Dudh Pokhari and on the East shore lays the settlement of Gokyo. Walking alongside the lake, you will identify the panorama of glorious summits of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang. 

Day 09 : Climb Gokyo Ri and trek to Thangnak, overnight at Cho La Resort

From Gokyo to Thangnak we cross over Ngozumpa Glacier which is Rocky, Icy and sandy and Thangnak is very small place and there are only three tea houses. Chola pass is quite steep up from Thangnak, but great view of Amadablam and Lobuche east. (but in winter this pass is closed).

Day 10 : Trek to Dzong La after crossing Cho La Pass, Green View Lodge

To reach the peak of the pass, we will have to start marching early in the morning. From camp we go up abruptly on a narrow path passing large rock chunks and on the left we can see the main glacier. Once the track of snowfield, the situation becomes easy, we soon get to the top of the pass (5420m.), where the views are amazing and include Baruntse (7220m.) and Ama Dablam, as well as a sea of lesser peaks. As there are crevasses which seem to be dangerous, we do not stroll around the snowfield. The decline from the pass is vertical and care should be taken as we follow the slender rocky path down to the Nymagawa Valley. After lunch, we cross rocky chunks and come up the short expanse to a small saddle that leads simply to the huts and tea houses at Thangnak.

Day 11 : Trek to Lobuche, overnight at Eco Resort

Keep on trek along the moraine of the glacier; with the views of kala Patthar (5,545m.) and Mt. Pumori (7,165m.) we walk today high above the Pheriche village. Preetu normal day today takes about 4 hours walking. Important day also for acclimatization, Rest of the day we may take simple hike around.

Day 12 : Trek to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorakshep, overnight at Snow Land High Plain Inn 

This is another challenging day. We walk along the Khumbu Glacier and up to Everest Base Camp at 5365 m, the closest you can get to Mt. Everest without climbing equipment. The view of the Khumbu Icefall from Base Camp is spectacular. A steady way up permits us to build the slow, steady pace necessary when walking at high height. When we arrive at the moraines of Changri Nup Glacier, we make a sequence of small up and down walking over a unsteady track lined with cairns that shows the way ultimately to the unexpected glacial sands of Gorak Shep (5160m.). And then, we consequently, head off towards the Everest Base Camp. We return back to Gorakshep for the night.

Day 13 : Climb Kalapatthar for the closest Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Pumori and Khumbu Ice fall and glacier and continue trek down to Pangboche, overnight at Everest Summit Lodges

This day is one of the most difficult yet worthwhile days of the trek. In the morning we spend climbing Mount KalaPatthar (5545m.). The climber gets the most wonderful mountain panorama: Everest, the highest point on the planet at 8848 meters, tower directly to the front and on all sides come into view, the other giants, Nuptse, Pumori, Chagatse, Lhotse and countless others. We make a quick descent to Gorakshep, a tiny settlement at 5180 meters then trek down to Pheriche.

Day 14 : Trek to Namche Bazaar via Tyangboche Monastery, overnight at Yeti Mountain Home

From Pheriche, we take a little different way down to Orsho, then moving to Pangboche village. Here we can see the oldest monastery in the region which contains what is said to be the scalp and bones of a 'Yeti', or the abominable snowman. Leaving mountains behind us, our descent takes us through Tengboche Monastery at elevation of 3860 meters before continuing back to the town of Namche Bazaar at 3441meters. We arrive back to Namche Bazaar in the afternoon.

Day 15 : Trek to Lukla, overnight at Yeti Mountain Home

After having our breakfast, go back over the main track down to Dudh Koshi retracing to Phakding. Following the track we reach to Lukla scaling different Sherpa villages crossing a suspension bridge above Thado Koshi. For about 45 minutes, we climb to accomplish the entire trek and we reconfirm flight ticket and see off to local porters.

Day 16 : Fly to Kathmandu, overnight at Hotel Yak and Yeti

After travelling for 35 minutes, we fly Back to Kathmandu from Lukla in the morning and move back to the hotel. Rest of the day we can relax.

Day 17 : Transfer to airport, departure onward destination

Recommended Gear Lists:

• Good wind/rain jacket
• Warm fleece jacket or jersey
• Good boots, either light-weight trekking boots or light full leather boots
• Good -20 Sleeping bag (which can be rented or buy in Kathmandu)
• A comfortable day pack, preferably with a waistband.
• Fleece jacket or pullover
• Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
• Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
• Down vest and/or jacket (optional)
• Lightweight gloves
• Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
• Sun hat or scarf
• Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• T-shirts
• Underwear
• Hiking shorts
• Lightweight cotton long pants
• Light and expedition weight thermal bottom
• Fleece or wool pants
• Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
• Thin, lightweight inner socks
• Thick, warm wool hiking socks
• Hiking boots with spare laces
• Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)

Other necessary equipment:

• Headlamp (e.g. Petzl Zoom) with spare bulbs and batteries
• Small pad or combination lock-to-lock trek bag
• Basic First Aid Kit (We also provide comprehensive first aid medical kit and Oxymeter)
• Large plastic bags - for keeping items dry inside trek bag
• Day pack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
• Water bottles (2 bottles recommended)
• Toiletries
• Small wash towel