Cho La Pass Trek, also known as Gokyo trek or Everest circuit trek, is one of the most adventurous treks in the Everest Himalayas. Cho La pass trek follows the route via high pass of Cho La at 5330 meters into the Base Camp of Mount Everest. Cho La pass trek is the unique trek that goes through Lukla, Namche bazaar and all the way to Gokyo, Cho La Pass, Kalapattar and Everest Base Camp. Leading you to the home of the legendary Sherpa people, based at the foothills of the highest peak in the world, Mt. Everest at 8848 meters. Cho La pass trek follows the highly praised trekking route through the Dudh Koshi to its source the Gokyo Lake which is to the west of the Everest Base Camp, giving you the benefit to summit Gokyo Peak (5483 meters) offering a fantastic panoramic view of Cho Oyo, Everest and Makalu. As we cross the Cho-La pass and return back to Lukla following the route through Everest Base Camp, Kalapattar down to Tengboche monastery, Khumjung village, Namche Bazar and Lukla we will enjoy the breathtaking views of Everest including several other similar peaks and explore the Buddhists monasteries located at the world's highest elevation.
The eventual challenge during the Cho La Pass trek is the hike across Cho La Pass (5,420m), which covers both the Gokyo Lake and the Everest Base Camp area. During Cho La Pass trek there are some short and interesting ascend of Gokyo Ri, Chukkung Ri and Kalapatthar for the classic views of icefalls and glaciers of Mahalangur Himalayan range which comprise of five major 8000+ m. peaks - Everest, Makalu, Cho O Yu, Lhotse and Lhotse Shar.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1345 meters).
Arrival in Tribhuwan International airport (TIA) where you will be met by Mosaic adventure representative and transferred to hotel by private vehicle. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley.
After pre-tirp arrangement, meeting with Mosaic Adventure team and briefing from your trekking guide you will go for your sightseeing around Kathmandu valley. Mosaic Adventure will provide you a private vehicle and professional tour guide. Places we visit Pasupatinath temple, Buddhanath, Monkey temple, Bhaktpur durbar square and Kathmandu durbar square. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03- Fly to Lukla (2804 meters) trek to Phakding (2610 meters)
Starting early in the morning drive to airport for a breathtaking flight from Tribhuan International Airport (TIA) on a twin-engine Otter to the Tenzing-Hillary Airport, targeting the Sherpa village of Lukla (2804 meters), where we begin our trek into the Khumbu region. During this perched fly in between the mountain, you can see the amazing view, which include dramatic view of terraced hills and the distant Himalayan massives. After lunch we will hike for around three hours to reach Phakding (2610 meters). During three our hike to Phakding are Mani stone walls, sacred for Buddhist, made from hundreds of stone tablets and giant carved boulders, brilliantly decorated with brightly colored paints. Overnight at teahouse.
Day 04 & 05: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3441 meters) & acclimatization
From Phakding we continue hiking for around five hours along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, through stands of pine and oak trees, crossing this majestic river many times on exciting suspension bridges loaded with prayer flags. Trail starts to rise and rhododendron, magnolia and giant fir trees prevail, with breathtaking view of Namche Bazar (3441 mtrs) – the gateway to the Everest region or the Sherpa Capital. Namche Bazar is a colorful village with many wonderful and interesting shops and vendors, fabulous food, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. We will take extra day for rest and acclimatization. During this day, an early hike above town, before the clouds move in, reward climbers with a spectacular Himalayan sunrise and views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse (the 4th highest peak in the world), and the beautiful Ama Dablam. On the way down, we can visit the Sherpa Museum that houses an exhibit on traditional Sherpa lifestyle and a fabulous photography display by a local Nepalese naturalist. One room highlights the Sherpa traditions and in another presents Sherpa high altitude climbers’. Overnight at teahouse.
Day 06: Trek to Phorste Thanga (3680 meters)
Cho La pas trek trail climbs steeply out of valley through rhododendron forest, juniper and large conifers start to appear as the elevation increases making the trekking beautiful in spring. Our route passes through Yak Kharkas and summer settlements. The views of Khumbi La and Tawache are magnificent throughout the day. Five hours approx hike. Overnight at teahouse.
Day 07: Trek to Machherma (4470 meters)
Now the Cho La pass trek trail climbs a ridge for an excellent view both down the valley to Kengtega and up towards Cho Oyu and descend to a river and again climbs steep to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpz glacier. We will reach at Machherma by early noon. Approx 5 hrs hike. Overnight at teahouse.
Day 08: Trek to Gokyo (4790 meters)
Today we trek up the gokyo valley and enjoy views of massive Cho Oyu. Hike for approx 6 hrs. Overnight at teahouse.
Day 09: Trek to Gokyo Ri (5483 meters) - Back to Gokyo
Starting early in the morning we have sharp climb up to the crest of Gokyo Ri at elevation of 5483 meters, plenty rewards to one attempts this trip. There are stunning views of the supper Gokyo valley, the massive Ngozumpa Glacier and an incredible panoramic view of the whole Khumbu Himalayas, such as giants as Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu and Gychung Kang can be seen. Those who explore the glacier and Gokyo peak are rewarded. Approx 5 hrs hike. Overnight at teahouse.
Day 10: Trek to Thangna (4500 meters)
From Gokyo the trail descends, glancing at the view of the fine mountains and natural beauty, towards Thangna which is consider as the base of Cho -La Pass (5330m).
Day 11: Cross Cho La pass (5300 meters) trek to Dzongla (4710 meters)
Today’s hike is a long walk starting before sunrise at 4/5 am to reach the pass by 9-10AM or else weather condition will greatly affect our journey. We cross over at an altitude of 5300 meters we could be exposed to strong winds if crossing too late. We start to climb steeply that is regularly used and easy to follow. However, the problem may arise due to the altitude and snow. It often causes terrible problems to cross the pass if it is covered by snow. As you reach the top, you are rewarded by the magnificent views, then we descend to the Dzongla at noon. Hike for approx 7 hrs. Overnight at teahouse.
Day 12: Trek to Lobuche (4910 meters)
The trail continues along the moraine from Dzongla affording you splendid views of Kala Pattar and Pumori before you reach Lobuche. This is an easy day had long and tough trekking day yesterday. Approx hike 3 hrs. Overnight at teahouse.
Day 13: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5365 meters) then back to Gorak Shep
The trail from Lobuche follows a route, which is surrounded, by mountains. After a gradual climb you will reach Gorak Shep which is also surrounded by mountains. You are now nestled high up amongst some of the tallest peaks in the world. Guide will take you along the undulating trail to this much-coveted place to EBC. From here, you can observe the blue ice and the Khumbu icefall. This trekking will be an unforgettable experience in your lifetime. Head back to Gorak Shep. Approx 7 hrs. Overnight at teahouse.
Day 14: Hike up to Kalapattar (5555 meters) then trek down to Periche (4200 meters)
After reaching Base camp of Everest our aim today is to trek Kalapattar (5555meters). We start early to reach the viewpoint that offers some of the best views of Mount Everest as well as other panoramas of the surrounding mountains. We then descend to Pheriche at elevation of 4200 meters. Overnight at teahouse. Approx 7 hrs walk.
Day 15: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3441 meters)
Leaving the mountains behind us our descent takes us through Tengboche Monastery at elevation of 3860 meters before continuing back to the town of Namche Bazaar at 3441 meters. We arrive back into Namche Bazaar in the afternoon. Approx 6 hrs. Overnight at teahouse.
Day 16: Trek to Lukla (2804 meters) 6 hours.
We pick up our obvious trail again towards Lukla (3404 meters). Approx 6 hrs. Overnight at Teahouse.
Day 17: Lukla to Kathmandu by air
Scenic flight of approximately 30 minutes from Lukla to Kathmandu in the morning. Free day for shopping and other individual sightseeing in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Day 18: Departure
Farewell and transfer to airport for flight back to destination country.
We don't run fix departure date for Cho La Pass Trek; dates and/or the itinerary arrangements are tailored to your requirement, so please contact us to organize your trekking trip at your desired date.
We have included the cost details section, without quoting the price, to make you easier to plan yourself for the trip and to know how the trip are organized.
01. Domestic Airport picks up & drops by private car/Van/Bus.
02. All your standard Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
03. Teahouse accommodation during the trek.
04. Government license holder English speaking Guide and porter to carry your luggage (1 for 2 person basis); their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipments, medicine.
05. Round Trip flight fare Kathmandu –Lukla-- Kathmandu & domestic airport taxes in Kathmandu and Lukla for you and guide.
06. Sagarmatha National Park fees.
07. Trekker’s information management system (TIMS).
08. Entrance fee and Monastery fee at various sightseeing places in Kathmandu.
09. Sleeping bag, down jacket to use during the trek and T-shir (use and to keep)
10. All our government taxes.
11. Official expenses.
01. Lunch and dinner in cities like Kathmandu.
02. All kinds of drinks like beer, coke/fanta/sprite, and alcohol.
03. Travel Insurance (Essential).
04. Sweets like chocolate or deserts.
05. Personal trekking equipment except stated above.
06. Tips for field staff and/or driver.