Gokyo Cho la Pass Trekking – 18 Days

● Explore the beautiful Gokyo Valley, Ngozumpa glacier and Gokyo Lakes

● Climb Cho La pass to enjoy jaw-dropping scenery of highest Himalayan peaks including Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Pumori etc.

● Visit Tyanboche Monastery as well as Namche, Lobuche, Dzongla and other Sherpa villages

● Trek through Sagarmatha National Park – a world heritage site

● All airport/hotel transfers.

● Three Night Accommodation in BB at a deluxe hotel in Kathmandu on twin/double sharing basis.

● All accommodations and meals during the trek.

● An experienced licensed English-Speaking guide.

● Round-trip fare for domestic flights (Kathmandu-Lukla-Lukla-Kathmandu)

● Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu

● Private transport for sightseeing at Kathmandu.

● All necessary permits (TIMS, Park fees, world heritage sites entry fee where applicable)

● Farewell dinner

● A comprehensive medical kit.

● All government and local taxes

● Nepal Visa Fee

● International airfare to and from Kathmandu

● Meals in Kathmandu

● Any kind of refreshment beverages and alcohol.

●Porters for Carrying bags (available for an additional fee)

●Personal trekking gears & equipment

● Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu in cases of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountains (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.

● Travel and rescue insurance.

● Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)

● Any extra costs resulting from cancellation, landslide, weather, political unrest or illness

● Tips for guide, drivers and porters.

● Duffel/Rucksack bag/Suitcase

● Day bag.( Small handbag)

● Trekking shoes

● Sports shoes or sandals.

● Sun Hat/cap

● Warm woolen cap

● Trekking jacket Gore tex/ fleece jacket

● Pullover or warm sweeter

● Raincoat

● 4/5 pairs of good qualities shock

● Hand gloves

● 2/3 pairs of Trekking trousers

● 3/4 pairs of trekking shirts

● 3/4 pairs of Underwear

● Eye glass

● Water bottle

● 4 seasons Sleeping bag

● Flash or Torch light

● Camera and batteries.

Trekking Group

For lodge and teahouse trekking, we ensure the standard group size, not exceed 16 pax. We believe we can maintain the quality of our services for 16 participants in each group. Please note some restricted trekking areas will require at least two participants to get permits. Individual and solo trekkers are allowed in other trekking regions.

For this trek we provide one licensed professional guide who can communicate or speak in English, one porter for every two participants and one assistant guide for more than 12 pax. A group of 16 participants will have one complimentary group leader. Our trekking guides and porters are well informed about their responsibilities. And the porters can carry up to 20kg of weight. Our field staff will also include one guide who is adept in administering first aid.

Accommodations

The accommodations are chosen based on trekking itinerary, comfort level, budget and interests of trekkers and accessibility in terms of scenery and trail. Most arrangements are made on Bed & Breakfast basis, double/twin sharing in Lodges/Tea houses and Deluxe – Star Hotels in cities. Depending upon your interests, a wide range of hotels are available in city areas such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, etc. and during the trekking trail, there are plenty of lodges, teahouses, guesthouses and sometimes even hotels for accommodation. A Teahouse/Lodge trek is where trekkers stay in lodges and guesthouses along the trail as opposed to tents/camping. Such Teahouses/Lodges are run either by local families or are community-based which offers simple to moderate facilities, with simple beds, solar-powered hot water and a limited set of cuisines/meals.

For this trek we offer two types of accommodation, ‘Deluxe Hotel’ in the city and ‘Teahouse/Lodge’ during the trekking trail. The Hotels and Teahouses have been selected by the Asia Buddhist Tours & Treks after personal inspection. We look at the conditions of the inns, local hygiene, quality of food, type of service and more. All rooms are double occupancy, but you can request a single occupancy room for an additional fee. However, sometimes single rooms are not available in some places, depending upon seasonality with limited choices available in peak season. We do work to provide the best possible options when trekking in the High Himalayas.

Meals

Touristic cities such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, offer some of the finest dining restaurants. Get spoiled with unlimited choices for cuisines, ranging from local Nepali food to international delicacies. In contrast, there might not be as much variety of cuisines available on the trekking trail. Trekking lodges and small eateries along the trail will offer you basic diets such as Nepali Dal Bhat, sandwich, apple pie and pizza and regular beverages. However, you will get to enjoy mostly organic food on trekking trails.

For this trek we offer you full board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) local or best available continental food as per menu on your choice and 3 cups of tea/coffee per day. Please note that full board meals are not included during your transition stay in city areas, guests will have to pay for the meals (dinner and lunch), alcohol, hot & cold beverages and mineral water.

Upon your arrival in Nepal at Tribhuvan International Airport, we will come to receive you and help you transfer luggage. We will directly drive you to your booked hotel where you can relax and unwind. In the afternoon/evening, our guide will accompany you to our office where you receive a short briefing about your trip. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

This is a day allocated for you to spend sightseeing in and around Kathmandu. After breakfast, our tour guide will take you on a drive to see some of the most famous touristic places in Kathmandu. On this day you will visit three world heritage sites namely Swoyambhu or Monkey Temple, Boudhanath and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Learn about the history of Buddhism in Nepal, meet red robed monks and make a parikrama of two biggest Buddhist stupas in the world. Kathmandu Durbar Square offers you to relish the most illustrious Newari architecture and artwork that are centuries old. In the evening you can take a stroll through the busy streets of Thamel. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

You will take an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. This 30 minute flight could not be any more adventurous as you fly over countless hills with views of Himalayan peaks to finally land at Lukla airport, which isone of the most dangerous airports in the world. Once in Lukla, your trekking guide will lead on the first day of trek to Phakding. The trail winds away across the hills passing the Sherpa villages of Chheplung and Thado Koshigaon. Sighting of mani walls and prayer flags is an indication you are in a Buddhist land. You will reach Phakding by early afternoon. Stay overnight in Phakding.

After full breakfast, we follow the trail along Dudh Koshi River. Ahead you crisscross forested hill and witness the first glimpses of Kongde Ri Peak and Thamserku peaks. Cross Benkar village enroute to briefly stop at Monjo, which marks the entry to Sagarmatha National Park. Ahead you will pass by Jorsale village and another 20 minutes walk will reach to confluence of raging Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi Rivers. Just over a ridge from here is a perfect point to spot Mt. Everest (8848m) for the first time. The trail climbs gradually until we reach Namche Bazaar, the main center for the Sherpa community. Stay overnight in Namche Bazaar.

We will use the full day today for acclimatization. Namche is a modern village full of bakery shops, coffee outlets, entertainment centers alongside ancient Buddhist stupas and maniwalls. You can try out Sherpa cuisine and stop by Sherpa cultural museum.

Take a short hike to Khumjung village or Everest hotel to get the feel of the weather and climate as well as to beautiful views of Everest, Thamserku, Lhotse etc. You can also visit Hillary School in Khunde village. Spend the evening in the warmth and hospitality of Namche Bazaar. Stay overnight in Namche Bazaar.

We begin our trek after breakfast along more or less horizontal paths. The trail begins to ascend once we cross the Sanasa village. Take pauses to take in the beauty of the Himalayan peaks on the horizon. In another hour or so you will reach Mongla village where we can rest a bit before continuing our path through rhododendron forests this time. Between here Dole, our destination for today, we will pass by only a village called Phortse. Stay overnight in Dole.

The path ahead is barren and all you see is a valley spreading in front. The absence of vegetation except for scrub juniper and the occasional sighting of makeshift yak shelter signify that you are in alpine climate. Stay overnight in Maccherma.

This is the day when you will reach the intended destination of this trek. Along the trek you will encounter beautiful, pristine wetlands namely Longponga (4,650m), Tajuntso (4,710m) before coming on to main Gokyo Lake. The surrounding is completely natural except for pastures and sheds enclosed by stone walls. The Gokyo Lakes are a collection of several high altitude freshwater lakes. Stay overnight at Gokyo.

Following your morning breakfast we will gradually make our way out of the Gokyo Valley by following the Gokyo Glacier. Cross the moraines and big rocks and continue on an almost horizontal path that is surrounded by openland devoid of any inhabitation. Reaching Thagnak you will find small Sherpa hamlets which doubles as tea shops and guesthouses. Overnight at Thagnak.

Today will be full of adventure as you prepare yourself to cross Cho La pass, one of the highest Himalayan passes. You will have to climb a rock and snow strewn trail continuously for almost an hour and half through. Cho La Pass at 5420m altitude looks out a sky full of Himalayan peaks in the likes of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Nuptse, Pumori, etc. After enjoying the view, we begin a gradual descent. Another 2 hrs to reach Sherpa village of Dzongla. Overnight at Dzongla.

Have breakfast before carrying on with our trek. Leaving Dzongla, we set forth on a path that is almost straight and horizontal. This is pretty easy coming from yesterday. Within 4 hrs you will reach Lobuche. Overnight at Lobuche.

Today we will turn our path towards Mt. Everest on our approach to Everest Base Camp. You will walk among glacial moraines and rocks. The outstanding view of Khumbu Glacier is spread out on your right which keeps your journey truly awesome. In no time you will be at Gorak Shep, an impressive open space that now hosts multiple guesthouses and restaurants. A brief stop here and then we head towards Everest Base Camp. Much of the walking is over glacial moraines, so be careful. Everest Base Camp is where you will meet mountaineers from all over the world attempting to climb Mt. Everest. Relish the stunning view of Everest, Pumori, Nuptse Khumbu Glacier and more. Return to Gorak Shep in the afternoon. Overnight at Gorak Shep.

Wake up around 4am, prepare for a climb of Kalapathar. Follow your guide as he leads you in the cloak of dawn up the black mountain. A continuous climb of 3 hrs takes you to the top of Kalapathar. The view from Kalapathar is unique, breathtaking as you capture 360 degree view of Himalayan peaks: Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Cholatse, Lobuche, Ama Dablam and Pumori. Also seen from here is the Khumbu Glacier laid out in front. Retrace your step back to Gorak Shep and continue your return journey toward Pheriche. Pheriche is a small Sherpa settlement and a quiet one. Stay overnight at Pheriche.

You are already on your return journey from today. The trail from Pheriche is straight with few ups and downs. Continue walking with a backdrop of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse. It takes 4-5 hrs to arrive at Tyangboche Monastery. Tyangboche Monastery is the largest Buddhist monastery on this side of the Himalaya where you will find a library, meditation center, herbs and monks. Overnight at Tyangboche.

Take in the beauty of Ama Dablam while enjoying breakfast in Tyangboche. Pick up your gears and start your trek. The trail first descends and then gradually ascends all the way to Namche Bazaar. Namche is the heart of Everest region where most lodges and modern amenities such as bakery, café, are concentrated. In the evening you can stroll through Namche Bazaar. Stay overnight in Namche.

Retrace your trail back to Lukla. The trail descends from Namche passing through Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi River. Pass by suspension bridges, mani walls and prayer wheels. Stay overnight in Lukla.

Take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla airport. The flight lasts for about 30 minutes and offers scenic views of rolling green hills and crisp Himalayan peaks. Once in Kathmandu, our staff will receive you and take you to your hotel. In the evening we will organize a farewell dinner for you. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Depending on the timing of your international flight, our staff will drop you at the Tribhuvan International Airport. We hope to see you again in Nepal.

Gokyo Cho La pass trek is located in the famous Everest region. You will be feel safe trekking here. The trails are well laid out and plenty of lodges and hotels are available along the way.

Gokyo Cho La pass trek is graded from moderate to strenuous in difficulty scale. You will be trekking in high altitude terrain and will hike up to 5545m in Kalapathar. Trekkers will have experience walking rugged trails, glacier and snow walking.

As far as fitness is concerned, trekkers are required to have physical stamina and endurance to complete Gokyo Cho La pass trek. A great physical fitness is a must for this trek along with prior trekking experience if possible.

The program cost we offer to you is both comparative and reasonable. Since we practice sustainable tourism, we attempt to give the best experience to our tourists while ensuring equal economic dividends to locals of host destination and our staffs. We do not overprice and we discourage unhealthy practice of undercutting. We believe in providing quality service to our guests at a sustainable competitive price.

Yes, you can always customize the itinerary according to your requirements. We are quite flexible in re-designing the itinerary by taking into consideration your time availability and needs.

We are flexible in designing programs that suit your interests and needs. Feel free to let us know what you prefer and what your choices are. You can combine two or three trek programs in one go or even more. Alternatively you can go for tour and trek programs combinedly. We are open to any set of combination you want to pursue.

You can cancel the trip if you have personal reasons to do so. Please read our Terms & Conditions for refund details.