Overview
The Everest Base Camp – Kala Patthar – Cho La Pass – Gokyo Lakes – 5th Lake – Gokyo Ri Trek is one of the most adventurous and rewarding trekking routes in Nepal’s Everest region. This spectacular circuit combines the iconic Everest Base Camp trail with the thrilling Cho La Pass (5,420 m) and the breathtaking beauty of the Gokyo Valley.
The journey takes you to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for unforgettable sunrise views of Mount Everest. After crossing the dramatic Cho La Pass, you’ll explore the stunning turquoise Gokyo Lakes, hike to the peaceful 5th Lake (4,910 m), and climb Gokyo Ri (5,360 m) for one of the finest panoramic views in the Himalayas, featuring Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and many other majestic peaks.
This trek is ideal for adventurous trekkers looking for a challenging high-altitude journey, spectacular mountain scenery, vibrant Sherpa culture, and the complete Everest region experience.
Trip Highlights
- Stand at the base of Mount Everest (8,848 m).
- Sunrise climb to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for iconic views of Everest.
- Cross the challenging and scenic Cho La Pass (5,420 m).
- Explore the beautiful Gokyo Lakes and hike to the 5th Lake.
- Climb Gokyo Ri (5,360 m) for 360° Himalayan views.
- Experience Sherpa culture, monasteries, and high mountain villages.
- Walk alongside glaciers, alpine valleys, and some of the world’s highest peaks.
EBC – Cho La Pass – Gokyo 5th Lake (18 Days)
Welcome to Nepal! Our representative will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Evening briefing and welcome dinner.
Fly to Lukla (2,840 m) & trek to Phakding (2,610 m) – 7.5 km / 3 hrs
Take a scenic 35-minute mountain flight to Lukla. Begin trekking with a gradual descent through pine forests and Sherpa villages to reach Phakding.
- Walking Hours: 3 hrs
- Distance: ~7.5 km
Follow the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges, and climb steadily up to Namche Bazaar, the bustling Sherpa capital.
- Walking Hours: 6 hrs
- Distance: ~10–11 km
Acclimatization day in Namche – hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880 m) – 5 km / 3–4 hrs
Short hike to Everest View Hotel for panoramic views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. Afternoon at leisure in Namche.
- Walking Hours: 3–4 hrs (side hike)
- Distance: ~5 km round trip
Trek to Deboche (3,740 m) – 12 km / 5–6 hrs
Trek via Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual heart of Khumbu, then descend through rhododendron forest to Deboche.
Walking Hours: 5–6 hrs
Distance: ~12 km
Trek to Dingboche (4,410 m) – 11–12 km / 6 hrs
Follow the Imja Khola valley with Ama Dablam in view. Continue through Pangboche and cross alpine meadows to Dingboche.
- Walking Hours: 6 hrs
- Distance: ~11–12 km
Acclimatization in Dingboche – hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,100 m) – 4–5 km / 3–4 hrs
Steep climb to Nagarjun Hill for dramatic views of Makalu, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Return to Dingboche for overnight.
- Walking Hours: 3–4 hrs (side hike)
- Distance: ~4–5 km
Trek to Lobuche (4,910 m) – 8–9 km / 5 hrs
Walk past memorials to Everest climbers and continue along the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche.
- Walking Hours: 5 hrs
- Distance: ~8–9 km
Trek to Gorakshep (5,170 m) & visit Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) – 13 km / 7 hrs
Trek to Gorakshep, then continue along the moraine to Everest Base Camp. Return to Gorakshep for overnight.
- Walking Hours: 7 hrs
- Distance: ~13 km
Hike Kala Patthar (5,545 m) & trek to Dzongla (4,830 m) – 11–12 km / 7 hrs
Early morning climb to Kala Patthar for sunrise views over Everest. Descend to Lobuche and trek on to Dzongla.
- Walking Hours: 7 hrs
- Distance: ~11–12 km
Cross Cho La Pass (5,420 m) & trek to Thangnak (4,700 m) – 7–8 km / 7 hrs
A challenging day crossing steep icy terrain of Cho La Pass, rewarded with superb Himalayan scenery. Descend carefully to Thangnak.
- Walking Hours: 7 hrs
- Distance: ~7–8 km
Trek to Gokyo Lake (4,790 m) – 5 km / 3 hrs
Cross the Ngozumpa Glacier to reach the turquoise Gokyo Lakes. Overnight by the 3rd Lake.
- Walking Hours: 3 hrs
- Distance: ~5 km
Acclimatization Day Trip to 5th Lake (Ngozumpa Tsho – 4,910 m) – 8–10 km / 5 hrs
Hike to the 4th and 5th Gokyo Lakes. From Scoundrel’s Viewpoint, enjoy dramatic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Return to Gokyo.
- Walking Hours: 5 hrs
- Distance: ~8–10 km
Hike Gokyo Ri (5,360 m) & trek to Dole (4,200 m) – 13–14 km / 7 hrs
Climb Gokyo Ri at dawn for the best Himalayan panorama. Descend through Machhermo and yak pastures to Dole.
- Walking Hours: 7 hrs
- Distance: ~13–14 km
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) – 11 km / 6 hrs
Follow the Dudh Koshi valley down to Namche. Enjoy hot showers, bakeries, and internet.
- Walking Hours: 6 hrs
- Distance: ~11 km
Trek to Lukla (2,840 m) – 18–19 km / 7 hrs
Final trekking day with a mix of descents and gradual climbs to Lukla. Celebrate the completion of your trek with the team.
- Walking Hours: 7 hrs
- Distance: ~18–19 km
Fly back to Kathmandu (1,350 m)
Take a scenic flight to Kathmandu. Free afternoon for shopping or cultural sightseeing.
- 🚶♂️ No trekking today
Departure Day
Transfer to airport for your international departure. Farewell and memories of a lifetime in the Himalayas.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Cost Includes
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu
- Domestic flights: Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu (with airport taxes)
- Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with tea/coffee during the trek
- 2 nights hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Trekking Card
- Experienced, government-licensed trekking guide
- Assistant guide for groups of 5 or more
- 1 porter for every 2 trekkers (including their food, lodging, salary, and insurance)
- Twin-sharing accommodation during the trek
- Emergency evacuation arrangement (must have travel insurance)First aid kit carried by the guide
- Sleeping bag and waterproof duffle bag (for use during the trek)
Cost Excludes
- Nepal visa fee
- International flights to and from Nepal
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses (drinks, snacks, laundry, phone calls, Wi-Fi, etc.)
- Meals in Kathmandu (except breakfast and farewell dinner)
- Tips for guide, porter, and driver
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early return or flight delays
- Any additional services not mentioned in “Cost Includes”
EBC – Cho La Pass – Gokyo 5th Lake (18 Days)
This trek is graded challenging due to its length, altitude, and the crossing of Cho La Pass (5,420 m). You don’t need technical climbing skills, but good fitness and prior trekking experience are recommended. Daily walking ranges from 5–7 hours on average.
The highest point reached is Kala Patthar (5,545 m), followed by Cho La Pass (5,420 m) and Gokyo Ri (5,360 m).
The best seasons are:
- Spring (March–May): Stable weather, blooming rhododendrons, excellent mountain views.
- Autumn (September–November): Clear skies, crisp weather, best visibility.
- Winter (December–February) is possible but very cold, and Cho La Pass may be blocked by snow.
Yes, prior high-altitude trekking experience is highly recommended. The trek involves long days, steep ascents, and high-altitude conditions. Strong determination and good physical fitness are essential.
You will need:
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
Your trekking agency will arrange these for you.
Accommodation is in teahouses/lodges run by Sherpa families. They provide a bed, blanket, and basic facilities. In lower villages, rooms may be twin-sharing with attached bathrooms, while at higher altitudes, facilities are more basic and bathrooms are usually shared.
Teahouses serve Nepali, Tibetan, Indian, and limited Western meals such as dal bhat, noodles, soup, fried rice, pasta, momo (dumplings), etc. Safe drinking water is available; you can buy bottled water (not eco-friendly) or refill boiled/filtered water at lodges. Carrying water purification tablets is recommended.
Yes, altitude sickness is possible. This itinerary includes two acclimatization days (Namche & Dingboche) plus gradual ascents to reduce risks. Trekkers should stay hydrated, walk slowly, and avoid alcohol. Your guide is trained in recognizing symptoms of AMS.
Yes. Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking (up to 6,000 m) and emergency helicopter evacuation is mandatory.
We recommend 3–4 months of preparation, including:
- Regular cardio (running, cycling, swimming, hiking)
- Strength training for legs and core
- Practice with weighted backpacks
- Previous multi-day trekking experience if possible
- Electricity: Available in most villages (solar or hydropower). Small fees may apply for charging devices at higher altitudes.
- Wi-Fi: Available in Namche, Dingboche, Gokyo, and some other villages (Everest Link cards). Connectivity may be slow and unreliable.
In case of heavy snow or bad weather, the pass may be closed. If this happens, your guide will suggest an alternate safe route—either staying in the EBC side or trekking down via another valley. Safety always comes first.
Typically, the package includes:
- Domestic flights (Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu)
- Trekking permits
- Guide and porter services
- Accommodation in teahouses during the trek
- Meals (depending on package type)
- Airport transfers
(Always check the Cost Includes/Excludes section of your package).
Essential gear includes:
- Warm sleeping bag (-20°C recommended)
- Down jacket and layers (base, mid, outer)
- Trekking boots and poles
- Headlamp, sunglasses, gloves, hat
- Water purification tablets
- Personal medicines and first aid kit
- please click more info-https://everesthimalayatreks.com/packing-equipments-list/
EBC – Cho La Pass – Gokyo 5th Lake (18 Days)
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