Trip Introduction: Gokyo Cho-La Pass Trekking
Gokyo Cho La Pass Trekking is a vintage trek that has been successful to provide a vivid splash of adventure and thrill to almost all the trekkers that have visited this destination. Gokyo Cho La Pass trek is also known as Everest Circuit trekking which is popular for its adventure in Everest region.
Gokyo is a hidden valley with gorgeous blue lakes located in the lap of the Himalayas. The Gokyo Lakes are situated in northeastern Nepal's Sagarmatha Zone, under the Khumjung Village Development Committee of Solukhumbu District. This region is also known as birthplace of Dudh Koshi River. The valley offers abundant opportunity for enjoying the amazing views of the Everest and several other majestic peaks.
Gokyo Cho La Pass Trekking is an exhilarating trek that winds through the ancestral home of the legendary Sherpa ethnic community living in the highlands of the region. When travelling with Holiday Tours Nepal visitors can help to explore the Buddhists monasteries and shrines located here immersing themselves with local culture and tradition. Here, Gokyo Ri is an excellent viewpoint which offers spectacular views of the mountains including Mt Everest. While trekking to Gokyo, excursions can be made to the Ngozumpa Glacier, Cho la Pass and colorful monasteries among others. This excellent trekking trail provides a wide range of experiences including ascending the summit up to Gokyo Ri. Viewing mountains including Mt. Everest (8,848.86 meters/29,031.7 feet), Mt. Cho-Oyu (8,188 meters/26,864 feet), Mt. Makalu (8,485 meters/27,838 feet) and other nearby mountains such as Kala Patthar, Nuptse and Pumori is one of the key highlight of this trek.
For daring explorers, the Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek is a dream come true. It provides exhilarating experiences at high altitudes and a chance to view the tallest mountain on Earth. The trip passes via the icy Everest region, displaying breathtaking scenery and a vibrant cultural scene. Trekking to Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass is one of Nepal's most picturesque routes. The well-known Gokyo Cho La Pass journey offers breathtaking vistas, opportunities to visit Sherpa villages and learn about Sherpa culture, in addition to its historical significance as the birthplace of renowned climbers.
Gokyo Valley, Cho La Pass, and Everest Base Camp trek is a perfect way to utilize holiday in Nepal. Holiday Tours Nepal organizes Gokyo Cho La Pass Trekking with reasonable price and provides a quality service. We use experience and qualified guide and porter and make sure their insurance, equipment and daily wages. We provide all possible help and guidelines to make your holiday enjoyable and hassle-free. We also offer to customize treks and tours for individual and group.
How does Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek Start and End?
The Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek starts and ends at the bustling city of Kathmandu, Nepal. Kathmandu city also known as City of Temples hosts seven of the UNESCO world heritage site including the Pashupatinath Temple (oldest Hindu temple devoted to Lord Shiva), Swayambhunath Temple (also known as Monkey temple), Kathmandu Durbar Square (the location of historic palace, temples, and shrines showcasing the nation's mastery of architecture), Boudhanath stupa (dome shaped stupa based on Buddhist culture and tradition) and many more.
The real adventure begins with a thrilling thirty five minutes flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a small mountain town known for its challenging airstrip. Lukla located at Khumbu region is immersed in natural beauty and cultural richness is the initial step in reaching the world-famous Everest Base Camp. The trek proceeds to Phakding, a charming village situated at 2780 meters. Phakding is a remote traditional Nepalese style village which consists of unique architectural beauty along the Dudh Koshi River. There are numerous guests house which offer accommodation to trekkers at reasonable price making it a popular overnight stop. The trip commences forward to Namche Bazaar which is also known as the Gateway to Everest. Namche bazaar is the most famous trekking destination for Everest base Camp. Any trekker halts and spends a minimum of one or two days for high altitude acclimatization in this place. Sherpa museum, Sagarmatha National Park Museum and Everest Viewpoint hotel are some popular destinations in this region.
After the stop at Namche Bazaar the trek continues towards the village called Tengboche. Here visitors get to visit Buddhist monastery and Tengboche Monastery which is considered the largest Gompa (temple/monastery) in Khumbu region. After completion, the four to five hours hike leads to Dingboche which gives a stunning view of majestic peaks like Mount Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and many others. Dingboche is another popular location for acclimatization and overnight stop for travellers.
Moving ahead, the next stop after Dingboche is Lobuche which is a small settlement near Mount Everest. It is one of nearest lodging stops on trial to base camp. Located at 4,940 meters (16,210 feet), it remains busy for most part of the year as thousands of porters and Sherpas pass through this region. Himalayan Yaks and mules pass through this way as a means to transport supplies or goods. Visitors here can witness traditional stone made hut in Nepali style.
The last accommodation stop after Lobuche is Gorakshep which is about 2-3 hours walk before reaching Everest Base Camp. Gorakshep is the name of a small town in Nepal that is situated on the edge of a frozen lakebed that is covered in sand. Furthermore, Gorakshep offers the ideal "launching pad" for climbing Kala Patthar. Similarly, trekkers experience the pinnacle of their journey when they reach Everest Base Camp (5,364 m/17,598 feet), where they stand in the shadow of Mount Everest, the world's highest peak. Trekkers visit Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, which is renowned for its expansive views, before making their way to Dzongla and crossing the difficult Chola Pass. It is one of the most difficult passes to cross on this journey of Everest Base Camp (EBC) Chola Pass Gokyo Trek. Next on the itinerary is the gorgeous Gokyo region, renowned for its azure lakes and striking scenery.
Trekkers descend to the village of Dole, which is encircled by gorgeous mountains, after taking in the splendor of Gokyo. Moving down to reach Namche Bazaar, the end of their journey across the Everest region, marks the conclusion of their trek. Trekkers finally make their way back to Kathmandu from Namche Bazaar, where they may take in the breathtaking scenery, amazing experiences, and deep bonds they have formed with the Sherpa people and the Himalayas.
Gokyo Cho La Pass Trekking - 19 Days Altitude and Distance Coverage
Day | Activity | Altitude (m/ft) | Distance (km/miles) | Duration (hours) | Elevation Gain/Loss |
01 | Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. Half-day sightseeing at Kathmandu Durbar Square. | 1,350 m / 4,430 ft | - | ~30 min drive, 2-3 hrs tour | - |
02 | Full day in Kathmandu with optional tours or preparations. | 1,350 m / 4,430 ft | - | Flexible | - |
03 | Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding . | 2,860 m / 9,383 ft | ~8 km / 5 miles | ~3-4 hrs | -230 m / -755 ft |
04 | Trek to Namche Bazaar. | 3,440 m / 11,286 ft | ~11 km / 6.8 miles | ~5-6 hrs | +830 m / +2,723 ft |
05 | Rest day in Namche Bazaar with an optional hike to nearby viewpoints (e.g., Everest View Hotel or Syangboche). | 3,440 m / 11,286 ft | ~5 km / 3.1 miles (hike) | ~3-4 hrs (optional) | +300 m / +984 ft (optional) |
06 | Trek to Tengboche Monastery. | 3,860 m / 12,664 ft | ~10 km / 6.2 miles | ~4-5 hrs | +420 m / +1,378 ft |
07 | Trek to Dingboche. | 4,350 m / 14,271 ft | ~12 km / 7.5 miles | ~4-5 hrs | +490 m / +1,608 ft |
08 | Rest day in Dingboche with an optional hike to Nangkartshang Peak or nearby viewpoints. | 4,350 m / 14,271 ft | ~6 km / 3.7 miles (hike) | ~3-4 hrs (optional) | +400 m / +1,312 ft (optional) |
09 | Trek to Lobuche. | 4,910 m / 16,108 ft | ~8 km / 5 miles | ~4-5 hrs | +560 m / +1,837 ft |
10 | Trek to Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp, then return to Gorakshep. | 5,180 m / 16,994 ft | ~14 km / 8.7 miles | ~6-7 hrs total | +454 m / +1,490 ft |
11 | Hike to Kala Patthar for sunrise and descend to Dzongla. | 5,545 m / 18,192 ft | ~12 km / 7.5 miles | ~6-7 hrs | -715 m / -2,346 ft |
12 | Trek to Thangnak ,walk vai Chola pass . | 4,700 m / 15,420 ft 5,420 m / 17,782 ft | ~13 km / 8.1 miles | ~7 hrs | -667 m / -2,188 ft |
13 | Trek to Gokyo. | 4,750 m / 15,584 ft | ~4 km / 2.5 miles | ~4-5 hrs | +50 m / +164 ft |
14 | Rest day at Gokyo with an optional hike to Gokyo Ri . | 4,750 m / 15,584 ft | ~6 km / 3.7 miles (hike) | ~3-4 hrs (optional) | +607 m / +1,991 ft (optional) |
15 | Trek to Dole. | 4,200 m / 13,780 ft | ~10 km / 6.2 miles | ~4-5 hrs | -550 m / -1,804 ft |
16 | Trek to Namche Bazaar. | 3,440 m / 11,286 ft | ~11 km / 6.8 miles | ~4-5 hrs | -760 m / -2,493 ft |
17 | Trek to Lukla. | 2,860 m / 9,383 ft | ~18 km / 11.2 miles | ~5-6 hrs | -580 m / -1,903 ft |
18 | Fly back to Kathmandu. | 1,350 m / 4,430 ft | - | ~35 min flight | -1,510 m / -4,954 ft |
19 | Final departure from Nepal. | 1,350 m / 4,430 ft | - | - | - |
What is the best season/time for Gokyo Cho La Pass?
Nepal has four seasons’ spring, summer, winter and autumn. Among these the best season for Gokyo Cho La Pass trek is during the pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn) periods.
Spring season, which lasts from March to May is the best time for travelling to Gokyo Cho La Pass trek. During this season the area is covered with vibrant rhododendron blooms, and the weather is usually stable. The sky is clear and the temperatures are reasonable, providing great views of the nearby peaks, including Mount Everest. Trekking is comfortable during this season because of the lovely evenings and moderate daytime temperatures.
Autumn on the other hand lasts from late September to November. Clear, clean skies and mostly steady weather define autumn in the Everest region. Trail conditions are at their driest, and temps are comfortable. The visibility is good and the Himalayan peaks are magnificent to observe during the post-monsoon season.
The Gokyo Cho La Pass trip offers the right combination of clear skies, reasonable temperatures, and good weather in the spring and autumn, making these seasons the best times to tackle the difficult terrain of the Cho La Pass. Trekkers experience the most spectacular views of snow-capped peaks, tranquil Gokyo Lakes, and the famous Everest region as they approach higher elevations and pass through a variety of landscapes.
The lower risk of avalanches and landslides during these seasons is one of the main benefits of trekking. Trekkers may travel more confidently and safely because the trails are sturdy and comparatively dry. Additionally, there are fewer people on the trails during the busiest trekking seasons, making it a more peaceful and private experience.
How challenging is the Gokyo Cho la Pass Trek?
The Everest Cho La Pass Trek is regarded as a difficult expedition, mainly because it requires traversing the extremely difficult Cho La Pass. This journey takes you down a rough trail that winds through several steep and uneven stretches in the heart of the lonely Himalayan region. Furthermore, the journey's constant high altitude can be physically taxing and raise the risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS). Those who are thinking about doing this trek must be in good physical health and fitness.
Those who have hiked at high altitudes before are probably familiar with this level of effort. Still, there's no reason to be overly nervous, not even for first-time hikers. Because hiking days last anywhere from five to seven hours, and because acclimatization is done strategically, the trek seems doable. However, it is best to do a few warm-up treks or stick to a regular workout schedule for a few months before starting the Cho La Pass trip to make sure your body is ready for the challenge.
Is travel insurance required?
Even though insurance might not be required, especially for those doing the Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek, having travel insurance helps reassure other travelers in the event of unanticipated events. This kind of insurance protects against unforeseen circumstances, such as canceled trips, urgent medical attention, and mishaps involving misplaced or pilfered property, among other things. Should you have to postpone your trip or experience accidents while abroad, travel insurance can be quite helpful in paying some or all of the related expenses.
Similarly, it is important to remember that although while theft instances are uncommon, they can nonetheless happen. It is best to keep all valuables hidden to reduce this risk. Additionally, while on the go, travelers can choose to leave their belongings in our office lockers. It is advised that passengers follow their guide's recommendations in the event of any natural disasters in the mountainous areas, such as avalanches, landslides, flooding, or earthquakes. In addition, you must notify your guide right away if you become ill while on the walk.
Chances of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) during the trek?
Because of the high altitude of the Gokyo Cho La Pass trip, there is a legitimate risk of developing Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). As you ascend to greater elevations, your risk of developing AMS rises. Even Gokyo itself is situated at about 4,800 meters (15,750 feet), and the climb often takes you to elevations above 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) as you cross Cho La Pass.
AMS can affect individuals differently, and its onset can depend on various factors, including your individual susceptibility, ascent rate, and acclimatization.
To minimize the chances of AMS, trekkers are advised to follow certain precautions
- Proper Acclimatisation
- Stay Hydrated
- Listen to Your body
- Climb High, Sleep Low
- Consult the professionals
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