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Gokyo Cho La Pass & Everest Base Camp Trek-The Ultimate Everest Circuit Trek(19 Days / 18 Nights)

19Days

Overview

This spectacular trek combines the three highlights of the Everest region: the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, the challenging Cho La Pass (5,420 m), and the legendary Everest Base Camp (5,364 m). Along the way, trekkers experience Sherpa culture, ancient monasteries, the world's highest mountains, and some of the finest panoramic viewpoints in the Himalayas. The trek reaches Kala Patthar (5,545 m), offering the best close-up view of Mount Everest.

Trek Facts

Item	Details
Duration	19 Days
Maximum Altitude	Kala Patthar (5,545 m)
Trek Difficulty	Challenging
Trek Type	Lodge / Teahouse
Best Seasons	March-May & September-November
Average Walking	5-8 Hours Daily
Accommodation	Hotel & Teahouse
Required Fitness	Good Physical Condition

Best Time to Go

Spring (March-May)

Rhododendron forests in bloom
Stable weather
Excellent visibility

Autumn (September-November)

Clear mountain views
Dry trails
Best trekking conditions

Important Note

Cho La Pass is a high-altitude alpine crossing and may become difficult during heavy snowfall or icy conditions. The itinerary may be adjusted by the guide for safety depending on weather and trail conditions. Recent trekkers have reported that sudden snowstorms can significantly affect pass crossings, making flexibility important.

Highlights

Explore the stunning Gokyo Lakes
Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) for panoramic Himalayan views
Cross the challenging Cho La Pass (5,420 m)
Visit Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)
Sunrise from Kala Patthar (5,545 m)
Experience Sherpa culture and hospitality
Visit the famous Tengboche Monastery
Walk alongside the Ngozumpa and Khumbu Glaciers
Spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Pumori
Trek through the heart of the UNESCO-listed Sagarmatha National Park

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Airport pickup and transfer to hotel Trip briefing and equipment check Overnight in Kathmandu

Accommodation: 3star hotel Transportations: private car

Permit processing Optional sightseeing tour Overnight in Kathmandu

Accommodation: 3star hotel Meals: BB brekfast

Flight: 30-35 minutes Trek: 3-4 hours Overnight at teahouse

Accommodation: Simple lodge Guide: trekking guide Meals: BLD Porter: Porter Transportations: Kathmandu to/from Lukla flight

Distance: 11 km Trek: 6-7 hours First views of Everest Overnight at teahouse

Accommodation: Simple lodge Guide: trekking guide Meals: BLD Porter: Porter

Hike to Everest View Hotel Visit Khumjung Village Overnight at teahouse

Accommodation: Simple lodge Guide: trekking guide Meals: BLD Porter: Porter

Distance: 11 km Trek: 5-6 hours Leave the main EBC trail and enter Gokyo Valley Overnight at teahouse

Accommodation: Simple lodge Guide: trekking guide Meals: BLD Porter: Porter

Distance: 7 km Trek: 4-5 hours Magnificent views of Cho Oyu Overnight at teahouse

Accommodation: Simple lodge Guide: trekking guide Meals: BLD Porter: Porter

Distance: 7 km Trek: 4-5 hours Cross the Ngozumpa Glacier Visit Gokyo Lakes Overnight at teahouse

Accommodation: Simple lodge Guide: trekking guide Meals: BLD Porter: Porter

Early morning hike to Gokyo Ri One of the best viewpoints in the Everest region Optional visit to Fifth Lake Overnight at Gokyo

Accommodation: Simple lodge Guide: trekking guide Meals: BLD Porter: Porter

Distance: 4 km Trek: 3-4 hours Preparation for Cho La Pass crossing Overnight at teahouse

Accommodation: Simple lodge Guide: trekking guide Meals: BLD Porter: Porter

Distance: 10 km Trek: 7-9 hours Most challenging day of the trek Spectacular glacier scenery Overnight at teahouse

Accommodation: Simple lodge Guide: trekking guide Meals: BLD Porter: Porter

Distance: 6 km Trek: 3-4 hours Join the classic Everest Base Camp route Overnight at teahouse

Accommodation: Simple lodge Guide: trekking guide Meals: BLD Porter: Porter

Distance: 15 km Trek: 7-8 hours Reach Everest Base Camp Return to Gorakshep Overnight at teahouse

Accommodation: Simple lodge Guide: trekking guide Meals: BLD Porter: Porter

Early morning Everest sunrise Best close-up view of Everest Trek down to Pheriche Overnight at teahouse

Accommodation: Simple lodge Guide: trekking guide Meals: BLD Porter: Porter

Distance: 20 km Trek: 7-8 hours Descend through Pangboche and Tengboche Overnight at teahouse

Accommodation: Simple lodge Guide: trekking guide Meals: BLD Porter: Porter

Distance: 18 km Trek: 7-8 hours Celebrate trek completion Overnight at teahouse

Accommodation: Simple lodge Guide: trekking guide Meals: BLD Porter: Porter

Scenic mountain flight Transfer to hotel Free afternoon Overnight in Kathmandu

Accommodation: 3star hotel Guide: trekking guide Meals: Breakfast Porter: Porter Transportations: Kathmandu to/from Lukla flight

Buffer day for weather delays Shopping and relaxation Farewell dinner

Accommodation: 3star hotel Meals: BB brekfast

Transfer to airport End of services

Meals: BB brekfast Transportations: private car

Gear List

Clothing

Upper Body

2 Moisture-wicking trekking t-shirts
1 Long-sleeve trekking shirt
1 Fleece jacket
1 Lightweight down jacket
1 Waterproof/windproof shell jacket
3 Sets of underwear

Lower Body

2 Trekking pants
1 Thermal base layer bottom
1 Waterproof rain pants
3 Pairs trekking socks
1 Pair warm wool socks

Head & Hands

Sun hat or cap
Warm beanie
Neck buff or scarf
Lightweight gloves
Insulated gloves for Cho La Pass

Footwear

Sturdy waterproof trekking boots
Camp shoes or sandals
Optional gaiters (spring and winter)

Sleeping Gear

Four-season sleeping bag (-15°C to -20°C recommended)

Daypack Essentials

Daypack (25–35L)
Rain cover
Reusable water bottles (2L total capacity)
Water purification tablets or filter
Sunglasses (UV protection)
Sunscreen SPF 50+
Lip balm
Headlamp with spare batteries
Trekking poles
Camera or phone charger
Power bank

Personal Items

Passport
Passport-size photos
Travel insurance copy
Cash (Nepalese Rupees)
Personal medications
Toiletries
Wet wipes
Hand sanitizer
Quick-dry towel

Personal First Aid Kit

Pain relievers
Band-aids
Blister treatment
Throat lozenges
Antiseptic cream
Anti-diarrheal medication
Rehydration salts

Optional Items

Lightweight crampons/microspikes (early spring or late autumn)
Binoculars
Journal or notebook
E-reader/book
Energy bars

What NOT to Bring

✘ Too many clothes
✘ Heavy suitcases
✘ Jeans
✘ Cotton clothing for trekking
✘ Excessive electronics
✘ Large bottles of toiletries

Recommended Trekking Weight

Daypack: 5–7 kg
Duffel Bag: Maximum 10–12 kg per trekker

Cost Details

What's Included

Achievement certificate after trek completion.
Airport pick-up and drop-off
All domestic transportation as per itinerary
All the required Permit charges
Assistant Guide: Provided for groups larger than six people.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the trek
Duffel bag with the Hiking Friends Travel Nepal logo provided for the trek (must be returned at the end of the trek).
Government taxes and service charges
Licensed and first-aid trained English or German-speaking trekking guide
Porter to carry your luggage during the trek (1 porter for every 2 trekkers, with a maximum load of 12 kg per guest and 24 kg per porter).
Tea house accommodation during the trek

Not Included

Any extra costs due to delays, natural disasters, or unforeseen circumstances
Drinks, snacks, hot showers, and Wi-Fi during the trip if applicable
International airfare to/from Kathmandu
Meals and extra night accommodation in the cities(except breakfast)
Nepal visa fee on arrival(15 days: USD 30, 30 days: USD 50, 90 days: USD 125).
Personal equipment (sleeping bag, warm clothes trekking poles, suitable shoes etc.)
Tips for the guide, porter, and driver are not included (recommended: USD 8–20 per day, depending on your satisfaction with the service).
Travel insurance (must cover high-altitude trekking)

Frequently Asked Questions

This is a challenging trek suitable for trekkers with good fitness and determination. Daily walking ranges from 5 to 9 hours, and the trek reaches elevations above 5,500 m.

Previous multi-day trekking experience is helpful but not mandatory. Good physical fitness, regular exercise, and a positive attitude are more important.

The highest point is Kala Patthar (5,545 m / 18,192 ft), followed by Cho La Pass (5,420 m / 17,782 ft).

Cho La Pass is challenging due to steep sections, snow, ice, and high altitude. With an experienced guide and proper preparation, it is generally safe during trekking seasons.

Anyone can experience altitude sickness regardless of age or fitness. The itinerary includes acclimatization days to reduce the risk. Guides monitor trekkers closely throughout the journey.

Weather can affect flights. The itinerary includes a buffer day in Kathmandu. Helicopter options may be available at additional cost if flights are cancelled.

Teahouses offer a variety of meals including:

Dal Bhat
Noodles
Fried Rice
Pasta
Soups
Potatoes
Eggs
Pancakes
Tea and Coffee

Yes. Vegetarian meals are widely available throughout the Everest region.

Carry enough Nepalese Rupees for personal expenses such as drinks, snacks, showers, charging, Wi-Fi, and tips. ATMs are limited and unreliable beyond Namche Bazaar.

Trip Map

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