Experience three iconic Himalayan destinations in one extraordinary journey: Everest Base Camp, the dramatic Chola Pass crossing, and the pristine turquoise Gokyo Lakes — all with expert guides and comprehensive support.
Gokyo Chola Pass Trek EBC – Overview
The Gokyo Chola Pass Trek combines three bucket-list Himalayan experiences into a single 16-day adventure. You'll stand at Everest Base Camp, cross the challenging Chola Pass at 5,421 meters, and witness the sacred turquoise Gokyo Lakes — all while trekking through the heart of Sherpa country.
This route is often called the "Khumbu Circuit Trek" because it creates a comprehensive loop through the Everest region's most spectacular landscapes. Unlike the standard Everest Base Camp trek that retraces the same path, this journey offers continuous new scenery.
For even more adventure, the Everest 3 Pass Trek adds Renjo La and Kongma La passes to create the ultimate Khumbu challenge.
What Makes This Trek Exceptional:
- Three major destinations combined: EBC, Chola Pass, and Gokyo Lakes
- Views of four 8,000-meter peaks from Gokyo Ri summit
- Cross the legendary Ngozumpa Glacier — Nepal's longest glacier
- Experience authentic Sherpa villages throughout the Khumbu Valley
- Comprehensive acclimatization strategy built into the itinerary
The Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Gokyo Trek delivers more altitude highlights than any other single route in the region. You'll summit both Kala Patthar (5,550m) for sunrise over Everest and Gokyo Ri (5,463m) for panoramic views of the entire Khumbu basin.
This 16-day Gokyo Chola Pass trek itinerary follows a clockwise direction — reaching Everest Base Camp first, then crossing Chola Pass to descend via Gokyo Lakes. This approach maximizes acclimatization before the technical pass crossing.
Why Combine Gokyo Lakes, Chola Pass & Everest Base Camp
Choosing between Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes is a common dilemma for trekkers. This combined route eliminates that difficult choice entirely — you experience both legendary destinations plus the adventure of crossing a high Himalayan pass.
The Three-in-One Trek Advantage
Most trekkers visit either EBC or Gokyo Lakes separately, missing the complete Khumbu experience. The Gokyo Chola Pass EBC trek connects these destinations through the dramatic Cho La Pass crossing, creating Nepal's most rewarding high-altitude circuit.
Key Benefits of the Combined Route:
- No backtracking — continuous forward progression
- Two distinct summit viewpoints (Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri)
- Experience both the Khumbu Glacier and Ngozumpa Glacier
- Less crowded trails on the Gokyo side
- Deeper immersion in Sherpa culture across multiple valleys
Gokyo vs Standard EBC: Why This Route Wins
The standard Everest Base Camp trek follows an out-and-back route, meaning you see the same scenery twice. The Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp trek solves this limitation by creating a loop that constantly reveals new landscapes.
Gokyo Chola Pass VS EBC
| Factor |
Standard EBC Trek |
Gokyo Chola Pass EBC Trek |
| Route Type |
Out-and-back |
Circuit (loop) |
| Major Viewpoints |
1 (Kala Patthar) |
2 (Kala Patthar + Gokyo Ri) |
| Glaciers Crossed |
Khumbu only |
Khumbu + Ngozumpa |
| Trail Variety |
Moderate |
High |
| Crowd Levels |
High throughout |
Lower on Gokyo side |
From Gokyo Ri, you'll see four 8,000-meter peaks simultaneously — Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. No other accessible viewpoint in Nepal offers this extraordinary panorama.
The sacred Gokyo Lakes system includes six turquoise glacial lakes fed by the Ngozumpa Glacier. The third lake (Dudh Pokhari) sits directly below Gokyo Ri and creates one of the Himalaya's most photographed scenes.
Gokyo Chola Pass Trek EBC – 16 Days Itinerary Summary
| Day |
Route & Altitude |
Highlights |
| Day 1 |
Arrive Kathmandu (1,350m) |
Airport pickup, hotel transfer, trek briefing, gear check |
| Day 2 |
Fly Lukla → Trek Phakding (2,780m) |
Scenic mountain flight, Dudh Koshi valley, pine forests |
| Day 3 |
Phakding → Namche Bazaar (3,441m) |
Hillary Bridge, Sagarmatha NP entry, first Everest views |
| Day 4 |
Acclimatization in Namche |
Rest day, optional hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880m) |
| Day 5 |
Namche → Tengboche (3,851m) |
Tengboche Monastery, Ama Dablam panorama |
| Day 6 |
Tengboche → Dingboche (4,349m) |
High-altitude desert, Island Peak and Lhotse views |
| Day 7 |
Dingboche → Lobuche (4,910m) |
Dughla climber memorials, Nuptse wall views |
| Day 8 |
Lobuche → Gorakshep → EBC (5,365m) |
Everest Base Camp reached, Khumbu Icefall views |
| Day 9 |
Kala Patthar (5,550m) → Dzonglha |
Trek's highest point, Everest sunrise, Chola Pass staging |
| Day 10 |
Chola Pass (5,421m) → Gokyo (4,750m) |
Technical pass crossing, Ngozumpa Glacier, turquoise lakes |
| Day 11 |
Gokyo Ri hike (5,463m) |
Four 8,000m peaks panorama, Gokyo Lakes views |
| Day 12 |
Gokyo → Dhole (4,200m) |
Machhermo village (yeti legend), quieter trails |
| Day 13 |
Dhole → Namche Bazaar (3,441m) |
Phortse Tenga, forest trails, celebration dinner |
| Day 14 |
Namche → Lukla (2,840m) |
Final trek day, farewell dinner with team |
| Day 15 |
Fly Lukla → Kathmandu |
Scenic flight, free afternoon, optional sightseeing |
| Day 16 |
Final Departure |
Airport transfer, trip concludes |
Quick Stats
| Category |
Details |
| Total Duration |
16 Days |
| Trekking Days |
12 Days |
| Acclimatization Days |
1 Day (Day 4) |
| Flight Days |
2 Days (Day 2 & 15) |
| Highest Point |
Kala Patthar 5,550m |
| Highest Pass |
Chola Pass 5,421m |
| Major Summits |
2 (Kala Patthar + Gokyo Ri) |
Altitude Progression
| Phase |
Days |
Altitude Range |
| Approach |
Days 2-4 |
2,780m → 3,441m |
| Ascent to EBC |
Days 5-8 |
3,851m → 5,365m |
| High Passes |
Days 9-11 |
5,550m → 5,463m |
| Descent |
Days 12-16 |
4,200m → 1,350m |
Gokyo Chola Pass Trek Cost – What USD 1,550 Covers
Our all-inclusive Gokyo Chola Pass trek package at USD $1,550 per person provides comprehensive support without hidden fees. As a direct Nepal-based operator, Himalayanhero Adventures eliminates middleman margins while maintaining premium service standards. For more information checkout our detailed blog on the Gokyo Chola Pass trek cost.
Package inclusion and exclusion
| Category |
Included |
Excluded |
| Permits |
All trek permits |
Nepal visa |
| Flights |
Lukla domestic |
International |
| Accommodation |
All 15 nights |
Room upgrades |
| Meals |
Full board on trek |
KTM lunches/dinners |
| Guides |
Licensed Sherpa guide |
Private guide upgrade |
| Insurance |
Group safety equipment |
Personal travel insurance |
Gokyo Chola Pass Trek Difficulty & Physical Preparation
The Gokyo Chola Pass trek difficulty is rated strenuous — harder than the standard EBC trek due to the technical Chola Pass crossing and two summit viewpoints.
Difficulty Assessment by Section
Days 1-6: Moderate Standard Himalayan trekking on well-maintained trails. Daily elevation gains of 400-700 meters. 5-6 hours walking per day.
Days 7-8: Strenuous High altitude above 4,900m. Thin air significantly increases effort. Rocky glacial terrain approaching EBC.
Days 9-10: Very Strenuous Kala Patthar pre-dawn summit followed by Chola Pass crossing. The pass requires 8-10 hours of hiking including technical terrain.
Days 11-14: Moderate-Easy Gokyo Ri summit followed by sustained descent. Trail conditions improve as altitude decreases.
If this is your first major trek, consider the Gokyo Lake trek without Chola Pass as preparation for this route in a future season.
Our 8-week EBC training plan provides a detailed fitness program applicable to the Gokyo Chola Pass trek.
Physical Fitness Requirements
The Gokyo Chola Pass trek requires serious physical preparation. The combination of altitude, duration, and technical terrain demands genuine fitness.
Minimum Fitness Benchmarks:
- Ability to trek 6-8 hours at altitude with a daypack
- Comfortable hiking uphill for extended periods
- Previous multi-day trekking experience strongly recommended
- Core strength for uneven terrain and scrambling
- Mental stamina for pre-dawn summit pushes
Recommended Pre-Trek Training (3-4 months):
- Cardiovascular training: Running, cycling, stair climbing (4-5x weekly)
- Hiking with pack: Weekend hikes with 8-12kg load, building distance
- Strength training: Legs, core, back (2-3x weekly)
- Altitude exposure: If possible, train at elevation
- Practice walks: 6-8 hour hikes to simulate trek days
Can Beginners Do Gokyo Chola Pass Trek?
This trek is not recommended for complete beginners. Prior high-altitude trekking experience significantly improves both safety and enjoyment.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
- Previous Himalayan or high-altitude trekking
- Strong fitness base
- Experience with multi-day hikes
- Mental preparation for challenging conditions
- Realistic expectations about difficulty
If this is your first major trek, consider the standard EBC trek or Gokyo Lakes trek (without Chola Pass) as preparation for this route in a future season.
Altitude & Acclimatization Strategy
Altitude management is critical for Gokyo Chola Pass trek success. With maximum altitude reaching 5,550m at Kala Patthar and the demanding Chola Pass crossing at 5,421m, proper acclimatization prevents altitude sickness and ensures safe completion.
Acclimatization Days Explained
Day 4: Namche Bazaar First mandatory rest day. Body adapts to the 3,400m altitude threshold where symptoms commonly begin. Optional hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880m) provides altitude exposure while sleeping lower.
Natural Acclimatization via Itinerary Unlike abbreviated treks, this 16-day itinerary builds altitude gradually. By the time you reach Chola Pass, you've had 8 days of progressive altitude exposure.
Altitude Sickness Prevention
Symptoms to Monitor:
- Headache (most common early symptom)
- Nausea and loss of appetite
- Fatigue beyond normal tiredness
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Disturbed sleep patterns
Severe Symptoms (Immediate Descent Required):
- Persistent severe headache unrelieved by medication
- Vomiting
- Ataxia (loss of coordination)
- Confusion or altered mental state
- Breathlessness at rest
- Persistent cough (possible HAPE)
Prevention Best Practices:
- Hydrate aggressively: 4-5 liters daily
- Avoid alcohol entirely above 3,500m
- Eat regularly even without appetite
- Sleep is healing — prioritize rest
- Report symptoms immediately to guide
- Diamox available if recommended by doctor
Your guide carries a pulse oximeter for regular oxygen saturation checks. Readings below 80% at rest require immediate assessment and potential descent.
Best Time for Gokyo Chola Pass Trek
Timing significantly impacts Gokyo Chola Pass trek conditions, particularly for the Chola Pass crossing. Two primary seasons offer optimal conditions.
Autumn Season (September-November)
Peak Months: October and November
Autumn is considered the premier Gokyo Chola Pass trek season. Post-monsoon clarity creates extraordinary visibility, and stable weather patterns reduce Chola Pass risks.
Autumn Advantages:
- Clearest mountain views of the year
- Stable weather patterns
- Moderate temperatures (cold but not extreme)
- Festival season (Dashain, Tihar)
- Gokyo Lakes display brilliant turquoise color
Autumn Considerations:
- Peak tourist season — busier teahouses
- Higher flight demand to Lukla
- Book permits and flights well in advance
Spring Season (March-May)
Peak Months: April and May
Spring offers warming temperatures and blooming rhododendrons on lower trails. Longer daylight hours provide more margin for the Chola Pass crossing.
Spring Advantages:
- Warming temperatures
- Rhododendron blooms (lower elevations)
- Longer daylight hours
- Good visibility (slightly less than autumn)
- Moderate trail traffic
Spring Considerations:
Season Comparison
| Factor |
Autumn (Sep-Nov) |
Spring (Mar-May) |
| Visibility |
Excellent |
Very Good |
| Temperature |
Cold |
Cool to Moderate |
| Trail Traffic |
High |
Moderate-High |
| Chola Pass Snow |
Usually minimal |
Variable |
| Gokyo Lakes Color |
Best turquoise |
Good |
Seasons to Avoid
Monsoon (June-August): Heavy precipitation, cloud cover, leeches on lower trails, dangerous Chola Pass conditions. Not recommended.
Winter (December-February): Extreme cold, heavy snow possible on Chola Pass, some teahouses closed, shorter days. Possible for experienced trekkers but significantly more challenging.
Gokyo Chola Pass Trek Permits & Regulations
Legal trekking in the Everest region requires specific permits. All permits are included in our USD $1,550 package and processed on your behalf.
Required Permits
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
- Issuing authority: Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation
- Cost: NPR 3,000 (~$23 USD) for SAARC nationals / NPR 3,000 for foreigners
- Purpose: Conservation and park maintenance
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee
- Issuing authority: Local government
- Cost: NPR 2,000 (~$15 USD)
- Purpose: Local development and trail maintenance
TIMS Card (Trekker's Information Management System)
- Issuing authority: Nepal Tourism Board / TAAN
- Cost: Varies (group vs individual)
- Purpose: Trekker registration and safety tracking
The Nepal Tourism Board requires all trekkers in national parks to be accompanied by licensed guides since April 2023.
The trek passes through Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nepal Solo Trekking Regulations (2023)
As of April 2023, Nepal requires all trekkers in national park areas to be accompanied by a licensed guide. Solo trekking without a guide is no longer permitted in Sagarmatha National Park.
Implications for Gokyo Chola Pass Trek:
- Licensed guide mandatory throughout
- Guides must be registered with Nepal Tourism Board
- Solo travelers join groups or hire private guides
- Himalayanhero provides licensed guides for all treks
This regulation enhances safety, particularly for technical sections like Chola Pass where guide expertise is essential.
Role of Guides & Porters
Your Gokyo Chola Pass trek success depends significantly on the quality of guiding support. Himalayanhero employs experienced local Sherpa guides with intimate knowledge of this route.
Guide Qualifications
Minimum Requirements for Our Guides:
- Nepal Tourism Board licensed trekking guide certification
- Minimum 5 years Everest region experience
- Wilderness First Responder training (or equivalent)
- Fluent English communication
- Multiple Chola Pass crossings completed
- AMS recognition and response training
Guide Responsibilities
Route Leadership:
- Trail navigation and pace management
- Weather assessment and go/no-go decisions
- Chola Pass crossing timing and safety
- Alternative route planning if conditions require
- Teahouse selection and booking
Client Care:
- Daily health monitoring (altitude symptoms)
- Acclimatization coaching
- Equipment checks before technical sections
- Cultural interpretation and local knowledge
- Emergency response coordination
Chola Pass Specific Duties:
- Pre-crossing condition assessment
- Rope assistance if ice/snow present
- Client-by-client pace management
- Turn-around time enforcement
- Emergency protocols if conditions deteriorate
Porter Support
Porters carry your main luggage, allowing you to trek with only a daypack. This significantly reduces fatigue, particularly important before the Chola Pass crossing.
Porter Arrangements:
- 1 porter per 2 trekkers
- Maximum 15kg per trekker's bag
- Porters carry up to 30kg total
- Porter welfare: proper clothing, insurance, fair wages
- Porters take same trail (not shortcuts)
Safety, Weather & Risk Management
The Gokyo Chola Pass trek involves genuine mountain hazards. Understanding and managing these risks ensures both safety and enjoyment.
Primary Risk Factors
Altitude-Related Risks:
- Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
- High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)
- High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)
Terrain Risks:
- Chola Pass technical crossing (ice, snow, steep sections)
- Rocky moraine terrain
- Glacial instability
Weather Risks:
- Sudden weather changes
- Visibility loss on passes
- Extreme cold
- Wind exposure
Safety Protocols
Before Trek:
- Comprehensive insurance verification
- Medical history review
- Fitness assessment
- Gear inspection
During Trek:
- Daily health checks (symptoms, oxygen saturation)
- Weather monitoring
- Communication with Kathmandu office
- Flexible itinerary for conditions
Chola Pass Specific:
- Early morning crossing (best conditions)
- Mandatory guide rope on steep sections
- Turn-around time strictly enforced
- Alternative route (via Dzonglha-Gorakshep-Pangboche) if pass closed
Emergency Protocols
Helicopter Evacuation: Available within hours from most locations. Your mandatory travel insurance must cover helicopter rescue up to 6,000m+.
Communication: Satellite phone carried by guide. Cell coverage available in Namche and some other villages but unreliable above.
Medical Support: Basic first aid on trek. Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) posts at Pheriche and Manang provide altitude sickness assessment. Kathmandu hospitals are reached via helicopter if required.
The Himalayan Rescue Association operates medical posts at Pheriche providing altitude sickness assessment.
Short on time or need emergency options? Consider our Everest helicopter tour.
Why Choose Himalayanhero Adventures
Selecting the right operator for your Gokyo Chola Pass trek directly impacts safety, experience quality, and overall success. Himalayanhero Adventures offers distinct advantages as a Nepal-based direct operator.
Our Approach
Local Expertise: We're based in Nepal, not a booking portal in another country. Our guides, office team, and owners live in the Himalayan communities you'll visit. This translates to genuine local knowledge, not secondhand information.
Safety-First Philosophy: Chola Pass conditions can change rapidly. We maintain conservative decision-making, never pressuring clients to cross in marginal conditions. Alternative routes exist, and we'll use them if necessary.
Small Group Sizes: Maximum 12 trekkers per departure ensures personalized attention. Chola Pass crossing requires individual pace management — impossible with large groups.
Fair Pricing, Premium Service: As a direct operator, we eliminate the middleman margins that inflate prices with international booking agencies. Our USD $1,550 price represents genuine value — not cut-rate quality, but fair pricing without unnecessary markups.
What Sets Us Apart
Pre-Trek Support:
- Detailed packing list and gear advice
- Training recommendations specific to this route
- Visa and insurance guidance
- Kathmandu arrival coordination
- Pre-departure briefing
On-Trek Excellence:
- Experienced Chola Pass-qualified guides
- Quality teahouse selection
- Nutritious meals throughout
- Emergency equipment carried
- Flexible response to conditions
After-Trek Care:
- Farewell dinner celebration
- Certificate of completion
- Photo sharing
- Future trek recommendations
- Ongoing relationship
Book Your Gokyo Chola Pass EBC Trek
The Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp Trek delivers Nepal's most comprehensive Himalayan experience — three iconic destinations, two summit viewpoints, and the adventure of crossing a legendary high pass.
Our 16-day itinerary provides proper acclimatization, experienced local guidance, and the safety infrastructure to attempt this challenging route with confidence.
Ready for the ultimate Khumbu adventure?
USD $1,550 per person | 16 Days | All permits and guiding included
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