Gokyo – Chola Pass – EBC Trek

19 Days

Overview

The Gokyo Chola Pass EBC Trek is one of the popular and challenging trekking trails in the Everest region as it passes through one of the highest elevation in the world at Gokyo Ri situated at an altitude of 5,483m above the sea level along with Gokyo valley, Gokyo Cho La Pass and Mt. Everest base camp. The trekking classified as the one of the most adventurous in northern region of the country is loaded with natural beauties beneath the massive and mystical mountains. The trials to the enthralling place are comprised of climbs and descend that traverse lush low land, alpine forests, glaciers, rivers, Buddhist monasteries, temples, and authentic Sherpa Villages.

The delightful Gokyo Chola Pass EBC trek starts with a Trans-Himalayan flight to the mountain airstrip of Lukla also known as the entry point to Everest base camp trekking. The trek starts from Lukla to Phakding towards Namche bazaar based at an elevation 3,436m, also known as the gateway of the Everest base camp trekking. Also during the quest, trekkers can get indulged with the rare sight of alpine lakes, Ngozumpa Glacier- the largest in the Nepal Himalayas, beautiful trails, floras-faunas, etc. within a certain geographical boundary. The trek further enhances towards Gokyo Lake with striking views of Everest, Makalu and Cho Oyu before reaching the base camp at Kala Patthar which provides a splendid 360-degree panoramic view of the world’s tallest mountains. Gokyo Cho-la Pass EBC rekking is the dream of every trekking fonder who want to explore the great Himalayas.

Outline Itinerary
Day 01 : Destination Kathmandu Day 02 : Kathmandu Sightseeing and trek preparation
Day 03 : Kathmandu to Lukla (flight- 40 min) to Phakding (2652m) 3-4 hours
Day 04 : Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m) 5-6 hours
Day 05 : Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar, hike to Everest view hotel (3900m) 3-4 hours
Day 06 : Namche Bazaar to Phortse Thanga (3500m) 5-6 hours
Day 07 : Phortse Thanga to Dole (4200m) 5-6 hours
Day 08 : Dole to Machhermo (4410m) 5-6 hours
Day 09 : Machhermo to Gokyo (4750m) 5-6 hours
Day 10 : Acclimatization day in Gokyo
Day 11 : Gokyo to Thangna (4650m) 5-6 hours
Day 12 : Thangna – Chola Pass (5483m) – Dzongla (4830m) 5-6 hours
Day 13 : Dzongla – Lobuche (4910m) 5-6 hours
Day 14 : Lobuche to Gorak Shep & hike to Everest Base Camp (5,320m) 5-6 hours
Day 15 : Gorak Shep to Kala Pathar (5550m) to Pangboche 5-6 hours
Day 16 : Pangboche to Namche Bazaar 5-6 hours
Day 17 : Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2800m) 5-6 hours
Day 18 : Lukla to Kathmandu (flight) 40 min
Day 19 : Departure from Kathmandu for your onward destination

Trip Highlights

  • Witness magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks on the cards while flying across Nepal’s sky, and excitement level proliferates as the plane cuts through different hills to land on the Kathmandu Valley
  • Enjoy sightseeing tour to various historical/natural/cultural heritage sites
  • Explore ancient traditional Nepali bazaars in Kathmandu, Lukla, and Namche Bazaar
  • Board terrific Kathmandu- Lukla- Kathmandu flights known for mind-blowing sceneries
  • Pass through gushing rivers, green countryside, alpine meadows, valleys, glaciers etc.
  • Witness Gokyo Lake along with other high altitude lakes and glittering icy glaciers.
  • Explore Everest Base Camp which provides the eye-popping view of Mt. Everest
  • Enjoy a splendid 360-degree panoramic view of the world’s tallest mountains that includes Mt. Everest (8848m), Mt. Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m), Mt. Thamserku (6623m), Mt. Nuptse (7816m) etc from Kalapathar
  • Experience authentic Hindu and Tibetan-style villages where inhabitants follow different traditional ways of livings
  • Witness variety of floras and faunas

Itinerary

Today, you reach Kathmandu by flight. A representative from Breakfree Adventures will be waiting to welcome you at the Tribhuwan International Airport, also known as Kathmandu Airport. He/she will then take you by private vehicle to your home away from home. If you have any time left, you can either use it to freshen up and then haunt the vicinity of your hotel to see what new. You stay the night at that hotel.

Today being your first full day in the country, you are taken on a sightseeing tour of the city to get a feel of what the country might be like from its history. You are namely taken to four historical UNESCO World Heritage Sites called Kathmandu Durbar Square; the old city square with it place, Pashupathinath Temple; a temple built in the fifth century AD to honour Lord Shiva, Swayambhunath temple; which is atop a hill dedicate to Buddhism and associated with the myths of the creation of the valley, and to Baudhanath Stupa; a stupa very important to the Buddhist faithful.
In the evening, a discussion will be held with you regarding your forthcoming trek about all that you should know about it with a representative from the company.

You will have to wake up early as the flight to Lukla leaves in the morning. The super scenic flight takes around 40 minutes to touch down in Lukla. You will have a whale of a time in the brisk flight as you can see the most amazing natural views from the airplane window. After landing in Lukla, the trek to Phakding will start after lunch. You will reach Phakding before sunset where you will get ample time to stroll around the village. O/N at Lodge

From Phakding, the route gets a head start by crossing suspension bridges on the Dudh Koshi River towards Namche Bazaar. On the way, you will pass by the Sagarmatha National Park where you could see varieties of floras and faunas. Soon, you will have to make a descent towards Jorsalle village crossing Bhote- Koshi River through a suspension bridge. You will reach Namche Bazaar, the main trading town also known as the gateway to Mt. Everest in the Khumbu Region before sunset. O/N at Lodge

Getting acclimatized is very important while embarking on the high altitude trek. For the purpose, the day is reserved for the acclimatization process where you will spend a full day to get used to the altitude and the environment of higher altitude places. After lunch, you will be taken for a short hike towards Everest view hotel. From the hotel premises you can see the panoramic view of the Everest region. O/N at Lodge

The day will start with a climb on a hill to Khumjung. On the route, you will pass through different choretns. After a few hours of walk, the trails start descending towards Khumbila. Crossing Dudh Koshi River, you will leap your steps forwards for Phortse Thanga which will be covered by evening. O/N at Lodge

Crossing some valleys through aromatic rhododendron forests, on the day, you will proceed towards Dole. It is a high altitude village in the Everest region. O/N at Lodge

Hiking on sandy spurs, on the day, you will embark on the toughest trails towards Machhermo. You will reach Machhermo before sunset. O/N at Lodge

The trekking trails does not fall on the easier side as you will have to trek on steep rocky areas known as Nilibuk towards Gokyo valley. Likewise, the trails get tougher as you come across glaciers at Cho La. After some strenuous trekking for few hours, you will come across Dudh Pokheri, whose bank will lead you towards Gokyo settlement known for offering magnificent views of summits like Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang. O/N at Camp

This is going be a relaxing day to overcome tiredness, and to get acclimatized in such a higher altitude place. However, later in the day, you can opt to go for a brisk climb to Gokyo Ri, the small peak above the lake or to relax at the camp premises. From the peak, you can embrace the picturesque views of Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse and Tawachee. O/N at Camp

Crossing the mighty Ngozumba Glacier, the day’s trek will be forwarded towards Thangna. The route takes you across to Gokyo with views of magnificent mountain lakes along the way. O/N at Camp

Today is the challenging day crossing over the Cho la pass though the pass itself isn’t difficult but it is steep and comprise of glacier traverse on it’s eastern side. The route is vertical and the rocks glazed by ice makes the trail slippery. At first the trek goes through a narrow valley and rocky trial and climbs up continuously. Mountain views become even better as you gain height. The trail then passes through a frozen lake atop Chola pass which is decorated with prayer flags. From the top, majestic views of Kyajo Ri, Tengkangpoche, Numbur, Kangchung etc can be spotted. Towards the south will be pyramidal AmaDablam even Mt. Cholatse on the west with Lobuche in the east and Baruntse rises sharply to the right. After the Chola pass, the trail descends steeply towards Dzongla passing through some crevasses and pine forest. Before reaching Dzongla, another view-point offers wonderful panorama of Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Lobuche and the Pheriche village far below. Finally, you will arrive at Dzongla. O/N at Lodge

The trail isn’t hard today and the walk is also not that longer. The trail is descends and ascends gently and after a level walking will finally reach Lobuche. En-route spectacular views of mountains like Ama Dablam, Nuptse-Lhotse, Everest, Pumori, Lobuche peak etc can be observed. Lobuche is a small village situated nearby the stream and the sunset on Nuptse is a memorable sight from here. O/N at Lodge

This is going to be one of the most exciting days in the trek as it leap your steps towards the Everest Base Camp. You will have to make some steep ascent towards the base camp. However, during the climb you can enjoy the natural splendor of Khumbu Glacier and ice fall from the base camp site. Also, you will have to pass over rocky dunes, moraine and streams to make you way towards the base camp. After a brief stay at the amazing high altitude site, also known as the point form of Everest expedition, you will have to hike backwards on the earlier route until you reach Gorak Shep. O/N at Lodge

On the day, you will hike towards Kala Pathar known for offering splendid 360-degree panoramic view of the world’s tallest mountains including Mt. Everest. At the Kala Pathar site, you can enjoy mesmerizing views of snow laden giants over your head. After getting enthralled at the amazing place for some time, the trek descends to Pangboche via Gorak Shep. O/N at Lodge

From Pangboche, you will head towards Namche Bazaar. You will reach Namche Bazaar, the main trading town also known as the gateway to Mt. Everest in the Khumbu Region before sunset. O/N at Lodge

This is the final day of the trek as you prepare yourself to hike to Lukla following the lower altitude trail in the Everest region. Traversing various Sherpa settlements, and hiking past some dense forest area covered by beautiful rhododendron and pine trees, you will slowly proceed towards Lukla. On the way, you will also see few monasteries that resemble unique Buddhist culture and tradition. You will reach Lukla before sunset. O/N at Lodge

You have completed your trekking as you wait to board a Kathmandu bound flight from Lukla. You excitement level will proliferate as the plane flies between hills before it reaches to a required elevation. The 40 minutes flight will also give you a bird’s eye view of glorious Kathmandu city by the time it prepares to land. After landing at the Tribhuvan airport, the company representative will transfer you to you designated hotels. The remaining day in the capital city will be all yours. You can do whatever you like. You can relax at the hotel or visit markets for the final day shopping. O/N at Hotel

As per your flight timings, you will be escorted by one of the representatives of Breakfree Adventures to the international terminal at the Tribhuvan International Airport approximately three hours before your flight schedule from your hotel in Kathmandu. A day to bid farewell to the glorious country situated in the South Asia. While waiting for your flight, you can make plans to venture other destinations of the majestic country in near future.

We hope you had a lovely time with us. Breakfree Adventures would be obliged to be your travel partner during your next adventure in Nepal. Have a safe flight back home!

Cost

What is Included

  • Airport pick up / drop off by private vehicle as per the itinerary.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast as per the itinerary.
  • Guided Kathmandu city tours inclusive of private vehicle and guide.
  • Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu round trip flight fare.
  • Domestic airport departure tax.
  • Accommodation during the trek at guest houses/lodges.
  • Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek.
  • Experienced English speaking trekking guide and necessary porters (1 Porter for 2 trekkers) during the trek including their transportation, food, accommodation, salary, equipments and insurance.
  • Sagarmatha National park entrance Permit and fees.
  • Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) card fees. (Please bring 2 passport size photos for TIMS & Permit)
  • First Aid medical kit.
  • Duffle bag, down jacket, sleeping bag and walking pole.
  • Breakfree Adventures T-shirt, trekking map and trip achievement certificate
  • Farewell dinner in Authentic Nepali Restaurant.
  • All government taxes, VAT and office service charge.

What is Not Included

  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
  • Monuments entrance fees while sightseeing in Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu if needed
  • Nepal entry visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs for faster service)
  • International airfare and travel insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, hot shower etc.)
  • Any kind of drinks (tea/coffee, hot chocolate, boiled water, bottle water, cola, beer etc.)
  • Tips for guide and porters.

Trip Information

 

We will provide you with comprehensive information on the every trek and tour we arrange. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require more information or have any questions, we are more than happy to assist you in anyway.

When to go:
Spring (February, March, April, May) and Autumn (October, November) are the best seasons for theGokyo – Chola Pass – EBC Trek. The weather is sunny and warm offering outstanding views but the nights are cold and can fall to freezing in higher elevations. Winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) is also good forGokyo – Chola Pass – EBC Trek, only issue is cold (obviously). Trekking in summer/monsoon (June, July) will be affected by rain but summer trek could be a boon for a keen botanist. The trekking routes are crowded during spring and autumn but during monsoon and winter the routes are not packed and you could enjoy rather best of nature.

Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is highly recommended and is in fact compulsory should you be going trekking, rafting, paragliding etc. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter rescue, loss of luggage, etc. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please check with your insurance company that adventure activities and trekking above 3000m are covered in your policy, as some companies do not cover such things. You must carry proof of insurance (e.g. your insurance certificate) with you on the holiday; if you cannot provide this at the start of the holiday, you will be required to take out a suitable policy at that time.

Meals and Accommodation:
In Kathmandu, we normally use 3 stars hotel with breakfast but can upgrade upon request. During theGokyo – Chola Pass – EBC Trek, we provide the best available guest house which is called Tea house (lodge). Tea Houses are more like hotels, with hot showers, western food, and private rooms (twin sharing). Some guesthouses are basic with shared washing and toilet facilities. If you are travelling in a group, you will share a room with someone else of the same gender from your group. If you prefer a single room, you may indicate your preference on request and pay a supplement. Keep in mind that there are several places which do not allow single accommodations during peak season, but we will try our best to accommodate your preferences if possible. In this arrangement overnight halts with dinner and breakfast will be in Tea-houses (Lodges) and lunches in local restaurants en-route. Furthermore as you will be staying in locally owned lodges you will be benefiting and interacting with the local community. It will give you a true feel for the Nepalese people and their lives.

We provide quality food in sufficient quantities (breakfast, lunch and dinner) from guesthouses chosen from a menu .While Everest Base Camp & Chola Gokyo Pass Trekking, your guide will help with menu selection and ensure that you get the best value meals possible. Although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, you should be aware that the menu is not normally extensive due to the extreme locations. Most teahouses offer a variety of rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. A variety of cereals, bread and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There will also be plenty of snacks available such as biscuits, chocolate and soft drinks and in some areas you will find fresh fruit in season. You can buy bottled mineral water from local lodges and shops en route or you can also ask your guide to fill your water bottle with boiled water and treat with water purification pills.

Fitness and Experience Required:
Our 19 days Gokyo – Chola Pass – EBC Trek is moderate to strenuous trek suitable for passionate walkers who have ability to walk at least 5-7 hours a day with a light day pack. Walking in higher altitude is physically demanding than walking in the lower altitudes; however, if you are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have positive attitude, self confidence and strong determination, you can accomplish the 19 days Gokyo – Chola Pass – EBC Trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior of the trip are good idea to enhance your strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood disease should inform us before booking the trek.

The Trekking Group:
For the EBC – Chola pass – Gokyo Trekking, there will be one Guide, assistant Guide (8 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and porter for luggage carrying (2 trekkers: 1 porter). This arrangement ensures that should anybody in the group is sick; the trip can still go ahead as planned. We can run the Gokyo – Chola Pass – EBC Trekfor group of any size, but generally have a maximum of sixteen people, as we’ve found this to be the optimum size for a successful trip. However, if youd like to make a group booking for more than sixteen people together, we can arrange this too.

Trekking Guides and Staff:
The most significant thing that makes your EBC – Chola pass – Gokyo Trekking successful, enjoyable and memorable is the expert, experienced, courteous and helpful trek and Guide and the crew members who have ability of operating your days in the mountain smoothly. Your trip will be led by the best and most professional Guide. All of our Trekking Guides are carefully selected on the basis of their appropriate experience, Guiding skills and personal aptitude. With an objective of sustaining local communities Breakfree Adventures employs staffs who have plenty of knowledgeable about culture, flora and fauna, geography, and history of Nepal. Trekking Guide of Breakfree Adventures are also trained with following trainings to make them educated on potential medical issues during their trek, biodiversity and environmental issues, English language, etc:

Intensive Wilderness First Aid – KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Educational Project)
Trekking Guide Training – Nepal Governments Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation department of Hotel Management and Tourism Training Centre of Nepal
Eco Trekking Workshop and Adventure Meet TAAN (Trekking Agents Association of Nepal)
English Language – KEEP (Kathmandu environment education project)
Conservation and Biodiversity TAAN
Rock, Ice Climbing and Mountaineering (Climbing leaders) Nepal Mountaineering Association

Our Trekking Guides obviously speak English sufficient enough to communicate but please consider this is not our mother language. The guides and porters know the routes and locality like the back of their hand, they practice the local culture themselves and they are extremely passionate about their country and its cultural aspects.

Climate and Weather:
The climate of Nepal is as varied as its geography. The low-lying Terai has a sub-tropical monsoonal climate. The Himalayan foothills, where most of our treks take place, are best in the cool dry season from September to May. The traditional trekking season in Nepal is late September to December, with October and November generally recognized as having the best weather. Spring is also a popular time of year with warmer weather and the advantage of seeing spring flowers and rhododendrons in bloom. The visibility is good and days are pleasantly warm, although nights can be cold, and snow is possible above 3,000 meters.

Himalayan weather can be unpredictable where nights are generally cooler and days warmer. It’s a bit colder during the winter season (Jan to Feb) but days can be quite warm and lovely if the sun is shining. You can expect a bit of snow in the months of January/February and December. Expect the unexpected! The temperature could be as high as 20 deg C to -15 deg C low.

Safety and Security:
Security and safety are a high priority of our company however there are risks associated with adventure travel, that you should consider before booking .Our trip operators constantly monitor their areas of operation and will cancel or re-route a trip if they feel a destination is unsafe. The decision to travel to a particular country or region is a personnel one.

Responsible Travel
Breakfree Adventures is a leading trekking and travel agency with dedicated travel Professionals who are well trained to give you the best of what Nepal has to offer. Our professional team follows a social philosophy that accepts responsibility for the local people and the environment in which we work. We respect the natural environment and the culture of our country, and we help travellers from around the world discover the natural beauty and cultural treasures of Nepal. We know that responsible travel tries to minimize the impact of tourism on the environment and maximize employment and income-generating opportunities for local communities. The whole of Nepal, including those living in remote rural areas that have very few other opportunities for development, benefits from sustainable tourism.

Breakfree Adventures is passionate about preserving the environment. As responsible tour guides in Nepal, we strive to maintain a symbiotic relationship with the local communities through which we travel. While trekking to different destinations, we choose environmentally- friendly lodges that respect the needs of their staff members. We take care of our staff as well as our valued clients. During our treks and other trips, we follow a zero garbage policy (“pack in, pack out”) and leave nothing behind in the campsites. We always welcome your feedback and comments regarding responsible travel, so please send an e-mail to let us know what you think.

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Gokyo – Chola Pass – EBC Trek

Trip Facts

  • Nepal
  • 19 Day(s)
  • Feb - May and Oct - Nov
  • Private vehicles & Flights
  • 5,420 meters
  • Strenous
  • Lukla
  • Lukla
  • Cultural Sightseeing & Trekking
  • 5 - 7 hours each day
  • Lodge to Lodge Trek
  • Gokyo Lake, Gokyo-Ri, Chola pass, Everest Base Camp, Khumbu Glacier, Kalapattar, Hotel Everest View
  • Hotel in Kathmandu, Lodge/Guest house during the trek

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