Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek - 15 days

Best time to trek Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Lakes

To make the trip a safe and enjoyable journey, the ideal time to do the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek is Spring and Autumn. Even though every trek within the Everest region is considered an all-year-round trek, as it covers three sections of the destinations, the weather and temperature varies. Meaning, that one shall know the climatic conditions before heading on this adventure.

While Spring and Autumn, the peak seasons, offer the best captivating views and mild humidity to start the trek with, the weather in winter falls below -10, being cold at high altitudes, and the summer drains the body due to the hot temperature and snowfall at the same time. Meanwhile, experienced hikers can undertake this trek to Everest Base Camp, Cho La Pass, and Gokyo in off off-season but must be fully geared and plan the itinerary accordingly. 

Nonetheless, if you want to undertake this trek with no hassle, then these two peak seasons must be on your choice, so the bad weather conditions don't bring a frustrating situation, delaying the expedition.

What to expect in Spring (March to May)?

Undoubtedly, Spring is hands-down one of the best times to do the Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass, as the temperature ranges from 5 to 12 degrees Celsius and doesn't fall below -5 at higher sections, which serves as an exceptional humidity to hike without being drained and zoned out.

The forested area, at the beginning, is fully thrived with the blooming flowers such as rhododendrons, oaks, and the best part is! The chirping sound of birds accompanies you throughout the verdant forest section. Also, do you know that snow leopards and Himalayan tahr become more active in Spring, especially in the Everest region, as at this time it is said that they come out of their den in search of food, and support their cubs, due to which many hikers found almost 6 insights of snow leopards in just 2024. For the adventure seekers, it is a completely different realm to hike en route, besides just showing the colorful flowers.

Apart from that, in general, Spring has longer golden hour sunlit days, which means hikers can fully immerse in the clear views of mountains and even meander around the trail more without worrying much about dark and gloomy days. 

What to expect in Autumn (September to November)?

Heading on an EBC Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek in Autumn means one can fully relish in the vibrant culture of the Himalayas, as it falls under the main festivals of Dashain and Tihar of Nepal, the whole route is thrived with a cultural aroma at this span of the year. The temperature usually ranges from 5 to 10 degrees Celsius and doesn't fall below - 10 degrees Celsius even at the upper trails of Everest Base Camp, offering a cozy night to settle in and appropriate weather to complete the trek with no challenges.

As it also comes after monsoon (the heavy precipitation), there is less chance of rainfall and snowfall fall or you can say even zero if luck favors you, due to which the trails become easy to navigate and also rewards visitors with the unhindered views of mountains, landscapes and lakes, making the trek worth it.

In simple words, if you are someone who loves to explore something new and a unique culture without any bother of high humidity that makes the pathway insanely challenging to navigate, then, Autumn season fits perfectly for you.

Why winter (December to February)?

Even though winter is referred to as the off-season for the Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass Trek, it stands out to be the preferred time for experienced hikers who love challenges and are looking forward to getting an insight into something new.

As the weather is cool to hike in, you will find no difficulties and enjoy the best, undisturbed views of several iconic peaks and varied landscapes throughout the journey. However, one shall pack the gear efficiently and even include crampons in the equipment list as the pathway to Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lake is covered with snow, making the pathway strenous to cross over.

In general, the temperature range is between 0 to 5-10 degrees Celsius during daytime, which is the best time to walk uphill; however, at the upper trails, especially at Everest Base Camp (EBC), it falls to -22 degrees Celsius, making the night cold, but won't be any problem settling in cozy tea house or carrying sleeping bags. Besides, as the crowds are relatively low and fall by 80% of visitors, you can have "ME Time" and peacefully enjoy nature.

Why avoid Summer and Monsoon?

Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek becomes one level up in challenging as these seasons bring a high level of rain and snowfall, making the pathway slippery and strenous to walk on. On top of that, this expedition also bypasses the forested section at the beginning.

When the monsoon hits, the route is covered with leeches and muddy sections, and the trailhead becomes slippery, which is a nightmare for a novice hiker. The temperature in summer goes above 27 degrees Celsius, and falls below - 15 anytime; if so, then the body becomes unable to handle the sudden changes of weather and also lead to altitude sickness. Hence, this trek is not highly recommended for this duration in summer and monsoon.

Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass Trek Difficulty

When it comes to any adventurous journey, it comes with the best rewards of mountains, but also possesses many challenges and hassles, especially when we are journeying on the trek at such high altitudes. Just like that, these combined destinations of Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Gokyo Trek fall under challenging expeditions in Nepal, that include varied terrains, including rocky sections, steep trailheads, and slippery crossings via high passes through several ascents and descents. However, includes simple amenities, including every basic necessity, so someone having prior experience and basic physical fitness can surely complete this trek with ease.

Hence, several factors make the EBC Chola Pass Gokyo Trek one of the most challenging outdoor treks in the Himalayas, which are mentioned and overviewed below so you can be fully aware of what to expect en route:

Length and Technical Terrain

Covering the total distance of almost 170 km, this trek demands at least daily coverage of 10-16 km of hike that means one must make it to another stop with a walk of 5-7 hours.

Even though many might perceive this trek to Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass, and Gokyo doesn't involve technical sections, it does include one as it has one of the challenging high passes of Cho La, which requires some knowledge on how to take a grip on crampons. However, just having a basic experience or just a 1-hour session on how to use it for the snowy trailhead would be completely fine. 

Besides, while making an ascent to Kalapatthar and Cho La Pass, you'll have to come across rugged terrains through steep and slippery sections, so it is highly recommended to make yourself fully ready and get some preparations beforehand, hence, basic physical fitness level is essential if not so, then try to engage in some sort of physical strengthening activities to boost up the confidence level.

Elevation Gain 

Starting the trailhead from Lukla right after landing here, the elevation gains rapidly to 2860 meters and ascends to Kalapatthar (5545 meters)- the highest point of this expedition, which means your body might feel the rise in thin air and lack of oxygen while ascending to such heights. The physical part is quite expected, but taking an acclimatization period in between is generally overlooked by the hikers, especially the pro ones.

Just remember, no matter whether you are an experienced or a newbie, the mountain simply doesn't care, so try to acclimatize well and take gradual ascent because altitude sickness might hit your body anytime.

Unpredictable Weather and Trail Conditions

Unfortunate weather conditions come with no invitation at such highlands, and the lap of the world's highest mountain, Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes, stands no different. The climatic conditions and the temperature can change significantly, no matter where we are, the uncertainty of the weather is always there. With the rapid gain of elevation, the Everest region environment changes vastly, thus it is highly recommended to be prepared and carry gear and essentials accordingly.

Besides, winter and monsoon seasons sometimes become an even rarer nightmare, as due to the heavy rainfall in monsoon, there is a high risk of small landslides, and high snowfalls in winter block the pathway to the high pass of Cho La and EBC, delaying the trip for 2-3 days. The temperature might fall to almost -25 degrees Celsius, which increases the risk of altitude sickness, so one essential guideline that is highly recommended at such higher altitudes is to track the weather conditions beforehand.

What is the risk of altitude sickness, and preventive guidelines to overcome it?

There is no doubt that the risk of altitude sickness is always there after exceeding the height of 3000 meters and circulating at such high-altitude treks like Everest Base Camp, Cho La Pass, and Gokyo Lakes, and if it's combined in one journey, then it becomes higher if proper guidelines are not adopted before and throughout the trek.

Worrying about whether you could get one? If so, then do not set yourself back as our EBC Trek via Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass itinerary is carefully crafted by our expert teams, where we will take a gradual ascent without crossing over 500 meters. Taking a slow pace of ascent and gradual walk makes the body adapt to the rising elevation, hence the risk of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) becomes a mere case. 

However, as there is a saying that it is always best to stay alert and be fully prepared, as prevention is always better than a cure. Here are some of the finger-countable preventive guidelines one must follow:

1. If you feel some symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, similar feelings, insomnia (loss of sleep and appetite), loss of control, or feeling of dizziness, inform the guide immediately. If things get worse, such as skin turning pale, vomiting, bloody vomit, and the feel of a rapid heartbeat, descend and take an evacuation (rescue). If not then, you can either take a break in between and rest and take an ascent after feeling completely fine.
2. Make sure to hydrate the body with 3-4 litres of water each day, and if that sounds too much, then try to substitute it by having ginger soups, sherpa stews, thukpa, and other soups so your body stays hydrated and warm at the same time.
3. It is highly suggested to avoid alcoholic beverages that could lead to a rapid heartbeat and also ignore smoking caffeine after crossing 3000 meters (Namche), as the body gets fragile at such elevation, leading to AMS.
4. Do not overdo yourself, that means do not try to meet the pace of hikers and rush the hike thinking to overline time, please walk along the guide as there are several dangerous sections causing landslides and slippery terrains, in unfortunate weather.
5. Inform the guide and lodges beforehand if you are allergic to some foods, like lactose intolerance, or vegan, as they might not know your health condition. So, it is always the best thing to remind the guide as well
6. If you are a newbie, then carry a sleeping bag (compulsory) as the higher elevation at Gokyo and Everest Base Camp, the temperature might drop to -15 degrees, even though the tea houses have warm blankets, they might not be enough. Remember to be warm throughout the journey, as soon as the cold hits you, the risk of AMS tends to be higher.

How to prepare for the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek?

As many challenges might come along the way during the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass, and Gokyo Trek, to make the overall journey a hassle-free and safe it is always best to be fully prepared and look forward to doing this trek with a free mind.

Do you know that many hikers opt for this trek to EBC via Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass, considering only one thing that is pushing their limits and unlocking fears? Well, that simply explains with no exaggeration how this trek is filled with adventures, but surely comes with a demand of physical fitness and most importantly, a strong, enthusiastic, and positive mindset.

Even though it might sound too basic and obvious, many hikers overlook it and simply regret after when things get a bit complicated en route, which we surely do not want, do we? Hence, to make your expedition, here are some of the important key things to consider and note down so you can plan accordingly to walk along the Khumbu region.

Cardiovascular Endurance

Making your way to the Gokyo- Chola Pass- EBC Trek, all in one, isn't an easy task that can be completed with an eyeblink, especially when you are fully set to ascend the height of 5545 meters. Taking an uphill walk to such elevations each day isn't a stroll around a park; while ascending, you will feel like your heart is fully zoned out. If you are not fully prepared, in simple words, the heart's pace beats faster due to thin air.

So, to minimize it, try to engage in aerobic/ cardio exercises such as walking or running on a treadmill, or just do several ups and downs up a staircase, or even swimming if that's your forte. What they do is, they will make your lungs and heart work and improve in breathing, even if the oxygen gets limited after crossing 4000 meters. 

Tip: If you are just close to head on this adventure to the Himalayas, then you can engage in Cardiovascular exercise at heading nearby gym and at least hit 35 to 40 minutes of exercise for just 1 week. If the gym is not your thing, then you can either do skipping at home, maybe 100 skips per day.

Physical Strengthening 

Well, only including Cardiovascular exercises won't be enough, as this trek does demand at least 5-6 hours of hiking per day, excluding the acclimatization in between. Walking on the trails of Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Ri, does include several steep section and that too through many ascends and decends, which is a leg trembling situation, especially while taking down hill walk or the cross over via Chola Pass through slippery sections, thus, a basic to moderate level fitness is one hundred percent essential.

However, that doesn't mean creating a big chart of foods and building abs, you just get involved in some physical conditioning activities and try to build the calves' strength. It is highly suggested to engage in simple exercises such as lunges, squats, and do burpees, or even complete 10,000 steps via road and staircase at home. So that your leg muscles get used to feeling the heat of rapid walk and several uphill terrains.

Prior High Altitude Trekking Experience 

If you are a beginner and have never been to any expeditions, even a single short hike, then it is your wake-up call if you are thinking about opting for this trek that crosses the altitude of 5000 meters at 3 sections: Gokyo Lakes, EBC, and Cho la Pass Trek. It is highly suggested to do short hikes near your hometown or even in Nepal so your body gets used to it and your mind knows what hiking is actually like at such elevations. Just hiking above 3000 meters or a day hike would be completely beneficial if you have limited time.

Create a Positive Mindset (Mental Preparedness)

While considering all the essentials, whether it's gear or strengthening our core level to max, we often tend to overlook how the mind works at such elevation. By accompanying many hikers, till now our teams our well aware of how panic might occur at such elevations when we are out of reach from home and city life. En route, many unfortunate conditions such as weather challenges, a drop in temperatures, and even altitude challenges might make the mind zone out and feel frustrated. On top of that, the accessibility gets limited, with zero tea houses in between and limited resources of medical lines along the trail.

So, it is highly suggested to know and do some research about how the Himalayan adventures are supposed to be in high-altitude terrains, as it is surely not a piece of cake. Make your mind focused, creating a calm mind by engaging in meditation and some sort of yogic form, or even what you can do is download YouTube videos that have positivity guidelines, a podcast, or just motivational quotes to keep yourself consistent. These things might sound a bit too much, but please remember that it does wonders in such isolated places, making the trek 99% easier than it is.

Accommodation Facilities during the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek

Our Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek package includes all the lodging facilities throughout the trek. As our cost doesn't include the accommodation in Kathmandu as it directly starts taking a flight to Lukla. Hence, we can arrange it for you as per your choice, from modern hotels to even 5 hotels, but you must pay additional cost for that. However, as we've already mentioned that we do care about your comfort and we highly focus on making your trip a hassle-free trip, we can offer you a complimentary staycation in our hospitality hotel industry for 2 nights before and after the trek (2 nights in Thamel, Kathmandu).

En route, while you are at the trailhead, our package offers 14 nights that cover the total 15 days in the Everest region. In lower sections, such as Lukla, Namche, Phakding, you will get single bedrooms with attached washrooms and electric sockets. After moving to the higher sections,  the amenities get limited due to less accessibility of tea houses, as it includes twin bedrooms, shared washrooms, and charging sockets only in the dining area. Nonetheless, the rooms are hygienic, well-maintained, and offer cozy mattresses, pillows, and blankets to settle in on cold nights.

Also, take a note that every tea house has the best amenities and facilities such as laundry services, hot showers, WIFI, but charges you extra USD 4-5 at higher sections. 

Travel Insurance

As this merged trek of Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, and Cho La Pass goes all the way through many remote and limited accessibility areas, travel insurance is one hundred percent mandatory for this expedition. On top of that, this trek crosses 5000 meters in three sections, which means you'll come across such high elevations, where risks are 24/7 hour circulating no matter whether you are a pro or just a beginner, hence, insurance coverage is essential. While opting for insurance, please ensure that it includes 5 major things: minor injury coverage, medical emergency, luggage theft, trip delays/cancellations, and most of all, immediate helicopter evacuation over 3500 meters.

It is highly recommended to check past reviews while fixing your insurance company. If possible, try to look out for companies in your home country, which becomes much easier for you to review policies and gain trust. Having good insurance not only creates a safety net but also allows you to go on an adventurous journey with a free mind. 

Essential Permits required for the Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass Trek

To do this merged, combined trek to Everest Base Camp with Cho La Pass, Gokyo Lakes, requires two permits to embark on this trailhead of Everest region. However, you do not have to pay extra as it is included in our package cost, and will be managed beforehand.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit cost: NPR 2860/- (USD 20 per person)

Sagarmatha National Park Permit cost: USD 30 (NPR 4000)/- per person

Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek Solo, Private, and Group Options

The Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trek passes by many remote sections, forested areas, and rugged terrains; thus, the assistance of a guide is required for this trip to be a safe expedition. Besides, there are many routes where you must hike through zero tea houses in between, so you might get lost or be distracted by another trailhead, so even though you are a solo or private traveller, you must hire a guide at least to showcase you a safe route and also become your shadow to assist you in every stride.

Solo Trek Option: If you are a solo wanderer who loves to explore and walk along feeling peaceful, then this trek to Gokyo Lake and Cho la Pass via EBC shall be on your one-hundred-percent bucket list. But, YES! with guides to assure the safety on the first hand. Solo Hike allows you to connect with nature fully and forget about city life and crowded life.

Private Trek option: If you are seeking an elusive private hike, customize your own Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek itinerary, tailoring the luxury and even holiday duration with other corners that you might want to explore within the Everest region, then our pro expert teams will assist you in crafting the packages. Of course! The idea is yours! But we will just guide you with the safety trailhead and the best options available, along with top-notch, experienced guides and porters.

Group Join: Meanwhile, we are also fully aware that not everyone loves to explore nature on their own and loves to be accompanied by other fellow hikers; in that case, you can join the group trek for the Everest region. If we have fixed departures for 2025 and 2026 in Spring and Autumn, where other free mind hikers are all ready to embark with other adventure seekers. For more info, contact us anytime.

Sign up with us? Safe Booking Procedure?

Are you ready to set your footprint in this iconic trailhead? Then, do not wait longer. Destination Himalaya Treks and Expeditions has been operating services for treks, climbing, and tours in Nepal for 15 years, and we are also members of NMA (Nepal Mountain Association) and TAAN (Trekking Agency Association of Nepal); thus, your booking is one hundred percent safe with us. To secure the booking, you just have to pay 10% to 20% to secure the booking, and the rest of the amount (remaining cost) can be paid after you arrive in person. 

If you are quite late for booking, then YES! The last-minute booking can be made, we'll manage everything soon after your booking is made with us, ensuring everything goes smoothly. For further queries, you can contact us via WhatsApp +977 9851016814 can make a direct call, or you can just send us an email at info(a)destinationhimalayatreks.com. We are available to assist you 24/7 hours so feel free to contact us anytime.