EBC Trekking via Gokyo Lake and Chola Pass – 18 Days
Everest Base Camp Trekking via Gokyo Lake and Chola Pass 18 days through the point of Khumbu region with numerous peaks including Mount Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,463 m) and Cho Oyu (8,201 m) is great and adventurous for trekkers on the high Himalayas. Adventurous 18 days trip starts via a flight to Lukla. We cross several mini-settlements, monasteries, flat trails, rhododendron, and pine forest, Sagarmatha national park, and suspension bridges to step Namche Bazaar and enjoy the magnificent view of tall towering mountains, tea shops, glaciers, and three lakes takes to Gokyo Valley. Passing through the Ngozumba glacier (the largest glacier in the Khumbu region) along experiencing ice fall and the sound of ice cracks, we move forward to cross the high Chola pass. After that, facing an icy and slippery route with a view of stunning mountains, we reach Everest base camp. Magical Kalapathar is also another highlight of this trekking destination along with Gokyo Lake and Chola Pass.
Airport Pick up/Drop off in a private vehicle escorted by our office representative
Farewell dinner at a typical Nepalese Restaurant with a cultural dance show
Sightseeing by the tour guide in a private vehicle as per the itinerary
Entrance Fee for monuments during sightseeing in Kathmandu.
2 nights’ accommodation at Tourist Standard Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast on a sharing basis
Accommodation at well and comfortable Mountain Lodge is available en-route during the trek (A few nights during the trek with attached bathroom/toilets)
English speaking, First Aid and Eco-trained local trekking guide, Assistance guide as per the group size, porters (2:1)
All the expenses for guide and porters along with Insurance
Domestic Airfare for the sector: Ramechhap/Lukla/Ramechhap
Sagarmatha National Park Fees and Khumbu Permit
Sleeping Bag and Down Jacket during Trek (upon request)
All government and local taxes as applicable
Cost Excludes:
Nepal Visa
International Airfare
Lunch & evening meals while in Kathmandu (Except welcome/farewell dinner)
Travel Insurance
Cost of personal nature expenses, Beverages (Mineral water or Coca-Cola), cost of extra meals, snacks, phone bills, Internet, WiFi, laundry, etc.
The cost incurred during emergencies, evacuations,
Tips for Guide, porters, driver
* This tour can be fully customized as per your requirement.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Highlighting your arrival hour at Tribhuwan International Airport, our association representatives will be there for your warm welcome with greetings and to shift you towards a fine tourist standard hotel. Forward, we plan for a short meeting to discuss instructions and regulations for the upcoming trek.
Day 2: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Being Kathmandu Valley itself rich in cultural and historical sites, we step out today for sightseeing some major attractions aiming Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swyambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) listed in UNESCO World’s Heritage Site. After inspecting amazing spots holding different facts, we return for our bag packs and arrangements for the upcoming trek and stay in the same hotel.
Day 3: Kathmandu – Ramechhap to Lukla to Phakding
After having an early morning breakfast, we drive around 4 hours to Ramechhapl Airport to catch a flight to Lukla. After (a 30 to 35 minutes) scenic flight over snow-capped mountains, we reach Tenzing Hillary Airport and meet our crew members there. Introduction with them along with arrangements for a walk consumes little time and 3 to 4 hours hike from Lukla reaches Phakding for a stay overnight.
Day 4: Phakding – Namche Bazaar
On the fourth day, triggering our trek forward crossing through a few suspension bridges and small settlements, we step Monjo (Gateway of Sagarmatha National Park). Finally, there, we also meet at the check post and our guide will handle all the formalities at that time you can enjoy the sweet hour at tea shops. From there, we pass a vertical drop crossing suspension bridges along walk uphill to reach Namche Bazaar which offers the first view of Mount Everest to you. This night we stay at Lodge Namche Bazaar.
Day 5: Namche Bazaar: (Acclimatization day)
Focusing on high altitude sickness acclimatization is very important so we have separated this day for proper acclimatization but we stay active for the whole day. We plan to visit nearby Sherpa settlements or hike up to the old Sherpa village in Thame. In the remaining time, Namche Bazaar offers the head office of the national park, Museum, Monasteries, and internet cafes for relaxation. We spend this night at the same hotel in Namche Bazaar.
Day 6: Namche Bazaar – Dole
Today without any delay after having a quick breakfast, our trailheads us towards Sansa passing through mini-settlements, and rhododendron forests with an amazing view of high mountains. Following the Gokyo Valley trial, we step on the stone steps and walk towards Mong. After a small descent, following the bank of the Dudh Koshi River and Sherpa settlements, we hike up to Tenga. Now, leaving the bank and walking through the rhododendron forest offers Dole for staying overnight.
Day 7: Dole – Machherma
Leaving Dole after our morning breakfast, we cross scenic rigid towards the north observing the magnificent view of close peaks to step Luza. Then steep climb takes us to the terminal moraine of Ngozumba glacier (the largest glacier in the Himalayan region). Continuing the trail, passing through rhododendron forests, and enjoying the mountain views, we move towards Machherma. After stepping into Machherma, we spend our night at Lodge.
Day 8: Machherma – Gokyo
Leaving Machherma and climbing up the rigid along following an easy flat walk will slide us to the bottom of the small rocky mountain. From there developing a short climb crossing the bridge, we get to first Gokyo Lake along a continuous walk offers second Gokyo Lake and following the west bank of the glacier takes to the third Gokyo Lake. Focusing time, we spend some hours exploring beautiful lakes and after the short walk, we find lodges to stay overnight in Gokyo.
Day 9: Gokyo Valley: (Acclimatization day)
As we are now height above 4,700 m so before ascending additional height, we have separated this second acclimatization day and we don’t develop our trek forward but we stay active. On this day we spent our day exploring the valley or climbing up to Gokyo RI to view the face of magnificent mountains. Hiking throughout the glacier is also another option for the day and this night we spend the night at the lodge in the same hotel.
Day 10: Gokyo valley – Dragnak
Today quitting Gokyo Valley, we develop our early morning trek forward to cross the Ngozumba glacier before the sun goes stronger because a sunny day melts ice and makes the trail more slippery and difficult to hike forward. After crossing the glacier, we catch its east bank and slightly descend to step Dragnak, and leisure hours can be spent by hiking nearby hills. This night we stay at the lodge in Dragnak.
Day 11: Dragnak – High Chola pass to Dzongla
This day is marvelous, we trek vertical uphill trails crossing through the small stream to reach the bottom of Chola Pass. Struggling through an icy, slippery, and rocky spot in some areas takes you to the top of the Chola pass which offers a stunning view of wonderful Gokyo Lake and many flattering praying flags. After spending some hours on the top and experiencing a little difficulty, we follow the icy and rocky trail to reach Dzongla for a stay overnight.
Day 12: Dzongla – Lobuche
Leaving Dzongla, we step forward catching our trail and crossing Chola up to the junction where the Everest base camp route meets. Continuing trial with great views of mountains and glaciers finally takes us to Lobuche. After stopping there, we hike for a short distance to explore the famous Khumbu glacier and after inspecting the views, we will be back to Lobuche to stay overnight.
Day 13: Lobuche – Everest base camp to Gokarshep
On the thirteenth day of the trip catching the west bank of Khumbu Glacier, we reach the junction point of two famous glaciers of the Khumbu region. Walking forward ignoring the route of Kalapathar offers Everest base camp within some hours and a 360° view throughout high mountains is its best offer from top elevation. We spent some hours there and descend our trek towards Gokarshep after steeping Gokarshep, the remaining time will be spent resting at the lodge.
Day 14: Gokarshep – Kalapathar to Pheriche
Today early morning, we start our hike up to the viewpoint of Kalapathar aiming to reach it before sunrise leaving Gokarshep. We enjoy sunrays striking the mountains and notice that Kalapathar changes its color into golden by morning sunrays as it comes back to its original color slowly. After wasting some hours capturing and viewing wonderful spots, we follow the same route that we had developed earlier till Pheriche, and this night we stay at the lodge in Pheriche.
Day 15: Pheriche – Namche Bazaar
On this day we develop our walk from vertical and flat trails, viewing yak grazing area along crossing the village of Tengboche and Dingboche to step Tengboche. We explore Tengboche monastery for a short time and pass the rhododendron forest with a suspension bridge across the Dudh Koshi River along an upward hike that takes to Kyangjuma crossing Sansa. Finally, after that fair and easy downhill walk offers Namche Bazaar. This night will be spent at Lodge in Namche Bazaar.
Day 16: Namche Bazaar – Lukla
We establish our morning trek downhill towards the bridge at the junction point of Dudh Koshi River and Bhote Koshi River to descend Monjo. As before, the guide takes care of all the exit formalities at the official checkpoint and we start our walk through the bank of the river crossing several suspension bridges and pine forests to reach Phakding after 3 to 4 hours of walk, we step Lukla. This night will be spent at the lodge in Lukla.
Day 17: Lukla – Ramechhap to Kathmandu
This morning is our last moment in the Himalayas. The guide takes care of all the formalities and considerations at the airport and porters are there to handle your bag and luggage. Catching our flight, it holds 30 to 35 minutes to land at Ramechhap Airport. Our private vehicle will be there awaiting your flight to pick you up and drive you back to the hotel in Kathmandu. On this last night of our trip, we host a special dinner in a Nepalese restaurant enjoying ethnic dance and music with Nepalese dishes.
Day 18: Departure day
Last day of our trekking trip, focusing on and managing flight time, you can go for shopping to buy some special gifts for your special one. Our comfortable private vehicle will be there to shift you towards the airport highlighting your flight time our representatigreeteets you with respect and well wishes for your further steps and safe journey.
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Visa Information
All visitors are required to arrange a visa to enter Nepal. A Nepalese visa can be easily obtained upon arrival on arrival in Kathmandu at the airport or the Nepalese embassy abroad. But nationals from Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Liberia cannot secure the Nepalese Visa upon arrival. The Visa can also be secured at the entry points at Nepalese borders. A valid passport for at least six months, a recent digital photo (size: 1.5" x 1.5") will be required and you can obtain visas for Nepal from the Nepalese Consulate in your country or upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport. Nepalese visas cost USD 25 for 15 days and USD 40 for 30 days to date.
Official Papers
Some of the required official documents are your valid passport, 4 extra passport-sized photographs (for trekking permits), travel insurance, airline tickets, and luggage tags. Visas can be obtained upon entry into Nepal.
Weather Information
The weather in the mountains is pretty difficult to predict. Nights are generally cooler and days are warm. The months of winter (January and February) are a bit colder but the days can be quite beautiful and warm if the sun is out. It snows during January, February, and December in the Himalayan areas.
Best time to travel
Nepal offers diversified geographical regions and so the climatic condition differs from the Himalayas to the plains. The climate varies as per the season. Nepal generally offers 4 seasons amongst which autumn and spring are the two most favorable ones for visiting Nepal. It is always wise to know about the weather and climatic condition of the place you visit. The best time to travel depends on your destination, activities, and season of travel. Our destination specialists will recommend certain travel times after learning more about your preferences. The favorable months for trekking and climbing are usually September – November, and February – April. The monsoon season is June – August.
Physical Fitness
Even though physical fitness plays an important role in trekking you don’t have to be a super athlete or a marathon runner to trek in Nepal. Many people of good fitness for their age can complete the trek. You can prepare yourself beforehand by doing some yoga which will prepare you for your breathing as you will be going to a higher altitude. Running or hiking on hills, or going for a long walk will also help you. And if you live in an urban area running down the stairs of a tall building will also work better in keeping you fit for trekking. Though these preparations aren’t strictly compulsory, you can do well even when the preparations you do aren’t rigorous like that of some ultra-athletic person. Do these things at a moderate pace for two months or even less? And you are set to complete any trekking to Nepal.
Travel Insurance
Doing insurance while trekking in Nepal is not compulsory but will surely help you a lot if you do one, as it covers any comprehensive expenses possible to acquire due to medical issues or accidents. Your travel insurance must protect air ambulance, treatment charges, rescue and evacuation, product cancellation and refundable charges, flight delays, and cancellations. We suggest you bring your travel insurance certificate or send us to scan copy and it must be issued from your homeland. We do not arrange or sell insurance so you can find your local travel insurance for this.
Vaccination for Nepal
All travelers should consult with their physician or update on vaccination requirements before travel. (Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities) For traveling to Nepal; we recommend you take vaccination of Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, etc, it is not really must but recommended.
Booking Process
While you chose which trip you wanted to go with, contact us at our head office, Thamel Marg, Kathmandu Nepal by email or phone, email is a more easy and clear option, as soon as we get your email or call, we will process your booking. We need a 20% booking amount to confirm your booking, the payment can be made through Bank transfer, Credit card payment (Master/Visa card), or online money transfers also Money Gram, Western Unions, or others. After we get the 20% amount, we will confirm your booking and you will get the official booking and payment receipt. The final balance for the tour will be paid upon arrival in Kathmandu.
Safety Guidelines
Do proper research about the company that you are planning to trek with and make sure they are a legally registered travel agency.
You should be well acquainted with travel health and travel insurance before traveling.
Have an idea about the climate, geography, temperature, and environment of Nepal before starting your trip.
Using credit cards instead of cash is a wiser idea.
The majority of the Nepalese people are nicer but there are a few scammers you will come meet on your way and need to avoid, for example, ‘holy men who will try to plant a tika (a red paste denoting a blessing) on your forehead demanding payment for it on streets.
Be careful while buying the medicinal herbs as some may be illegal for you to take home and also be aware of duplicate products.
Never get involved in doing drugs, trafficking, and sexual relations with minors as there are strict rules for these cases, and might get you into a big problem.
Take copies of your passport, visa, air ticket, and trekking permits and keep them separately from the originals.
Prepare yourself for altitude sickness and be familiar with its symptoms so that you can follow the guidelines for safe acclimatization.
