Everest Treks
A high-altitude link between the Gokyo valley and the Everest Base Camp route, crossing Cho La rather than choosing one valley and retracing it.
The journey reaches the Gokyo valley via Namche Bazaar, spends time acclimatizing around Gokyo, crosses Cho La, and joins the upper Base Camp route near Dzongla and Lobuche. It can then continue to Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar before descending through Tengboche.
This is not simply the standard Base Camp trek with a scenic detour. Cho La is a genuine high pass with steep, rough ground and conditions that can include snow or ice. Weather and trail conditions can force a route change, so the itinerary needs a decision point and contingency plan.
Choose this route only if you are comfortable with consecutive long mountain days and have prepared for a crossing above 5,000 metres. Prior multi-day trekking experience is more useful than gym fitness alone. Ask what traction equipment may be required for your dates and how the guide decides whether the pass is safe to cross.
The published 17-day option starts at USD 1,780 per person. The final quote should identify buffer days, porter load limits, pass-day equipment, route-change costs and which services remain payable when weather closes the pass.
If the pass is the only part of the plan you are uncertain about, compare this route with the standard Gokyo Lakes trek and the full Three Passes circuit. The best choice is the one whose hardest day fits your experience and whose schedule leaves room to turn back.
Day by day
A paced plan with acclimatization built in. Exact overnight villages and flight routing are confirmed for each departure; altitudes are route-planning values, not survey measurements.
| Day | Route | Sleep | Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fly to Lukla; walk to Phakding | Phakding | 2,610 m |
| 2 | Phakding to Namche Bazaar | Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m |
| 3 | Acclimatization day: hike higher, return to Namche | Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m |
| 4 | Namche to Dole via Mong La | Dole | 4,040 m |
| 5 | Dole to Machhermo | Machhermo | 4,470 m |
| 6 | Machhermo to Gokyo | Gokyo | 4,790 m |
| 7 | Gokyo Ri and the upper lakes | Gokyo | 4,790 m |
| 8 | Gokyo across the Ngozumpa Glacier to Thagnak | Thagnak | 4,700 m |
| 9 | Cross Cho La (5,420 m) to Dzongla | Dzongla | 4,830 m |
| 10 | Dzongla to Lobuche | Lobuche | 4,940 m |
| 11 | Lobuche to Gorak Shep; visit Everest Base Camp | Gorak Shep | 5,164 m |
| 12 | Optional Kala Patthar at dawn; descend to Pheriche | Pheriche | 4,240 m |
| 13 | Pheriche to Namche via Tengboche | Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m |
| 14 | Namche Bazaar to Lukla | Lukla | 2,840 m |
| 15 | Fly Lukla to Kathmandu | Kathmandu | 1,400 m |
| 16–17 | Pass-weather and flight buffer days | Flexible | — |
Cost and inclusions
| Group size | Price per person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1–3 trekkers | $1,780 |
| 4 or more trekkers | $1,602 (10% group discount) |
Questions
Acclimatizing in the Gokyo valley first means you cross Cho La already adapted to altitude, then reach Everest Base Camp with more nights above 4,000 m behind you.
It is the crux of the trip: a steep, rocky ascent and a glacier section on the east side that can be icy. Most crossings take seven to nine hours from Thagnak to Dzongla.
Our published starting price is USD 1,780 per person for 17 days, with 10% off per person for groups of four or more.
The published Gokyo Chola Pass trip is 17 days. Its attraction is combining the Gokyo area with the Base Camp side of the Khumbu. Ask the team to explain the crossing direction, overnight sequence and the alternative if conditions require a route change.
A combined route asks more of your schedule than choosing one destination. Compare the separate EBC and Gokyo trips and decide whether the added crossing serves your priorities.
Which destination is essential, and what would you be happy to change if conditions require it? Send your approximate month and party size. The team will review fit and availability before preparing a quote.
Geographic references checked 6 September 2026. These explain the region; they do not certify this operator or confirm departure availability.
Tell us your dates and fitness level — we'll reply with a route recommendation within two business days.