Gokyo Chola Pass Trekking with EBC is an adventurous hike into the Everest or Khumbu region. The tour combines three of the best travel destinations in the mystical Himalayas of Nepal. The Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Ri and Cho la Pass route is slightly technical compared to other mountaineering expeditions. This trekking trail is challenging yet adventurous and awards travelers with wonderful travel experiences in the alpine and icy landscapes. The route takes you to some of the remote parts of the Gokyo Valley, where you can experience the local inhabitants' rich natural beauty and unique culture. In addition, you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the Himalayan peaks of Nepal. This includes Mt. Everest, Mt. Pumori, Nuptse, Lhotse, Amadablam, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. The EBC Trek via Gokyo Cho La Pass is also perfect for enjoying religious occasions and events. For instance, you can travel during April to experience the auspicious Mani Rimdu Festival. It is performed by the monks around the monasteries of the region. Overall, despite being a challenging journey, the Gokyo Chola Pass trekking with EBC is a rewarding travel experience. Your encounter with the mesmerizing landscape and cultural immersion will make memories you'll never forget.
Embark on a Spiritual Journey to the Gokyo Lakes
The Gokyo Chola Pass Trekking with EBC 14 Days route begins with a scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport. We will briefly meet with our team members upon arrival and start our trek to Phakding and Namche Bazaar. Along the way, you will be accompanied by the incredible views of Khumbila Himal and Ama Dablam. The journey ahead takes us through dense forest and high passes of the Dudh Kosi Valley. In the coming days, we will pass by and stay overnight at several sherpa villages, Including Tengboche, Lobuche, Pheriche, and many others. Staying at the teahouses and homestays at these places is comforting and a new experience for many. From Namche, we make our way to Dole, Mong La Pass, and Phortse Thanga. Then, we resume our hike and catch the route to Gokyo Lakes, the highest freshwater lake system in the world. It is a series of six lakes formed by glaciers at an altitude of 4,700 to 5,000 meters. They are known for their serene turquoise color and are sacred to Hindu and Buddhist religions. Therefore, exploring the site allows travelers to observe the blend of religious resurgence and natural beauty.
Experience the Thrill of Crossing Chola Pass
Cho La Pass is situated at an altitude of 5,420 meters and is considered an adventurous segment of the trek. It connects the Gokyo Valley with the Everest Base Camp route and offers travelers a blend of icy landscapes and rugged terrains. The trail leading to Cho La Pass is steep and covered in thick layers of ice and snow. As a result, the hike demands technical skills and careful navigation to pass some glacier sections. The ascent leads you to narrow ridges and rewards trekkers with a panoramic view of the mountains at the summit. Similar to the ascension, the descent is equally demanding, including walking on rocky trails and slippery paths. The remoteness, the challenge, and the rugged beauty of the Cho La Pass make it a significant highlight for seasoned trekkers.
Ascent to the top of Gokyo Ri
The hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m/17,575ft) is adrenaline-pumping and a challenging experience. Ascending the peak is characterized by a steady, steep incline with an average gradient of 30 degrees. The demanding climb to the summit can take 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and weather conditions. Despite it being challenging, you don't need to worry as there are no technical obstacles or major crevasses on the path. As a result, it is suitable for trekkers without prior mountaineering experience. However, as the oxygen levels are relatively low, you need to make a slow and gradual ascent. We also highly suggest you maintain careful footing and good traction, as the trails can be slippery. This allows you to walk in the terrain and avoid serious injuries comfortably. Reaching the summit offers spectacular Himalayas vistas, and turquoise glaciers make the effort worthwhile.
Gokyo Chola Pass Trekking with EBC Highlights
- Trek to the Cho La Pass (5,420m) provides a spectacular panorama of the Himalayas.
- Explore the enchanting Gokyo lakes and immerse yourself in its spirituality.
- A challenging and adventurous hike to the mesmerizing Gokyo Ri.
- Immerse yourself in the unique cultural, traditional, and lifestyle of the Sherpa people, a truly enriching experience.
- Astonishing views of Mount Everest (8,848m), Kala Patthar (5,545m) Khumbu Glacier (4,900m).
- Capture wonderful pictures of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Pumori, Nuptse, and many other mountain peaks.
- Opportunity to witness the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
EBC Trek via Gokyo Cho La Pass Difficulty Level
The Gokyo Lakes via Co La Pass and Everest Base Camp is a challenging trek. The unpredictable weather conditions, high altitude, and varied terrains are some of the factors that contribute to its difficulty. This tour blends rock trails, steep ascents, and snowy landscapes but does not require technical skills. Nonetheless, your physical endurance will be put to the test as you have to walk 5 to 8 hours on a daily basis. Also, travelers need to be cautious and navigate their surroundings with the assistance of a guide to cross ice ridges and crevasses. Moreover, the low oxygen level at higher altitudes will make walking significantly challenging, and you must have the stamina and resilience to continue. As a result, we advise you to acclimatize correctly, which allows the body to adapt to the atmospheric changes. The EBC Trek via Gokyo Cho La Pass route is best suited for individuals who have prior experience with notable fitness, stamina, and endurance levels.
Preparation for Gokyo Trek and EBC via Cho La Pass
Preparation is vital for any successful high-altitude expedition and trek. Travelers must stay healthy and enhance their fitness level for a successful journey. Here are some essential points every trek enthusiast must follow before beginning their Gokyo Chola Pass trekking with EBC.
- Physical preparation: This trek involves long distance trekking in challenging terrain and steep ascents, so you must build your strength, stamina, and endurance. Engage in weight training, jogging, skipping, swimming, and cycling exercises.
- Mental preparation: You need to stay motivated during the demanding section of the trek, so you must maintain mindfulness in such instances. We suggest you practice yoga and meditation to manage stress and maintain focus.
- Experience: While prior mountaineering experience is beneficial, you don't need any technical climbing skills to accomplish this expedition. However, we recommend this tour to proficient trekkers, as one would have to hike at least 6 hours daily.
Note: To further optimize safety and travel experience, we advise you to ensure the gears are compatible with the freezing temperature at high altitudes.
Gokyo Chola Pass Trekking Via EBC Cost for 2025 and 2026
The Gokyo Chola Pass Trekking Via EBC Cost starts from 1245 USD per person, and if you are single person for this trip then the cost is: 1560 USD, we have trip cost as per the group size. The price of the package also depends on the additional services and requirements of the travelers.
