Gokyo Cho-La Pass EBC Trek

Reach to Lukla by Flight

Lukla is a small town and the starting point for all treks to the Everest region, including the Gokyo – Cho La Pass Trek with Everest Base Camp. It serves as a gateway with a small airstrip to Everest region trekking, and there is no road access from Kathmandu to Lukla. Trekkers must either fly from Kathmandu or Ramechhap or trek from Phaplu or Jiri. Regular flights to Lukla are operated by Tara Air, Summit Air, and Sita Air from Kathmandu or Ramechhap during the main trekking season.

During peak trekking months—March, April, May, September, October, and November—flights to Lukla may operate from Ramechhap/Manthali due to Nepal's aviation rules aimed at avoiding congestion and air traffic delays. Ramechhap Airport is approximately 144 kilometers east of Kathmandu and requires a 3 to 5-hour drive by private vehicles from Kathmandu.

Regarding luggage, there is a weight limit of 15 kg per passenger, including your hand-carry bag. It is advisable to keep your luggage under this limit to avoid extra charges. In case of an overload, your bag may be transported on a subsequent flight, so you may need to wait for a few hours at Lukla. 

Be prepared for potential delays or cancellations, as weather conditions can impact flights to and from Lukla. If flights are delayed or canceled, you may need to add a few extra days to your itinerary. We will do our best to adjust the itinerary as needed. If you do not have extra time before or after your trekking itinerary, you might consider taking a helicopter close to Lukla or shifting your trekking route to another region. Arranging for one or two additional days in your trip is highly recommended to accommodate potential flight delays or cancellations and to ensure you can board your pre-planned international flight.

Best time to Gokyo – Cho La Pass EBC Trek

The best time for Gokyo - Cho La Pass with Everest Base Camp Trek is during the pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn) seasons in Nepal. These periods offer the most favorable weather conditions for trekking in Nepal Himalayas.

Both seasons offer good weather conditions, but April, May, October, and November are considered the best months for the Gokyo -  Cho La Pass EBC trek. These months provide suitable conditions for trekking without significant hazards. However, keep in mind that the weather in the mountains can be changeable, so it's always advisable to be prepared for sudden changes regardless of the season.

Choosing the best time depends on your preferences, availability, and tolerance for crowds, as both spring and autumn have their unique advantages.

• Spring (March to May):

Spring is the best and most favorable season for trekking to Gokyo - Cho La Pass EBC Trek. The weather is generally stable, with clear skies, mild temperatures, warm days, and less rain and snow. The visibility is excellent for mountain views, and the trails are often busy with trekkers. However, snow can remain at higher altitudes, especially around Cho La Pass, at the beginning of March. During this period, you need to be prepared with proper cold-weather gear and an experienced guide.

• Autumn (September to November):

Autumn is considered the peak trekking season, making it one of the best times for the Gokyo - Cho La Pass EBC Trek. Autumn offers clear skies, stable weather, and excellent visibility. The temperatures are pleasant during the day, perfect for trekking. The trails might be busier compared to other times, but the views of the Himalayas are breathtaking. However, by the end of November, snow can accumulate around the Cho La pass, so you need to be prepared with proper cold-weather gear and an experienced guide.

• Winter (Dec to Feb) & Summer (June to August):

These seasons are generally not recommended for Gokyo – Cho La Pass EBC trek due to extreme cold, snowfall, and potential avalanche risks around the Cho La Pass in winter, while the monsoon brings heavy rainfall, clouds, and blocked trails and mountain views.

Gokyo - Cho La Pass EBC Trek Difficulty

The difficulty level of the Gokyo - Cho La (5,420 meters) EBC 13 days Trek from Kathmandu to Kathmandu is considered challenging and rewarding adventure due to its durations of the trek, remote location, variety of terrain, including steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, and possibly some snow-covered sections, especially around the higher area on the Cho La Pass. Weather conditions in the Gokyo - Cho La Pass with Everest Base Camp Trekking route are always changeable, with cold temperatures and the possibility of snowfall, especially at higher altitudes. So this makes the trek physically challenging.

There is no road access to Lukla, making it difficult to reach, as it is the starting and ending point of the trek. Lukla is situated at an altitude of 2,800 meters above sea level. The trek reaches Kala Patthar after visiting at Gokyo Valley and crossing the Cho La Pass. The trail is well-maintained, but around Cho La Pass, it becomes rocky and icy, with a mix of uphill and downhill terrain at progressively increasing altitudes. Daily walking distances range from 5 to 8 hours in high-altitude terrains, which present another challenge. Good fitness is required, but maintaining good health, physical fitness, and mental preparedness is highly recommended for ascending to high altitudes.

The trek to Gokyo - Cho La Pass with EBC 13 days in the mountains is definitely not simple due to its high altitude. Some sections of the trail are relatively challenging, with steep slopes and rocky terrain. Some parts of the trail can be prone to landslides and avalanches. Snowfall and rainfall can make the trek more challenging, so it is important to prepare with proper seasonal equipment.

Having an experienced guide and porter, proper rain and cold weather gear, staying in teahouses, taking rest days for acclimatization, walking slowly, and taking short, easy steps will help minimize the difficulty and make the Gokyo - Cho La Pass with Everest Base Camp Trek more enjoyable and hassle-free.

Acclimatization day to reduce the Altitude Sickness for the Trip

An acclimatization day is necessary to reduce the risk of high-altitude sickness during the 13-day Gokyo - Cho La Pass with Everest Base Camp. This trek takes place in a remote, high-altitude area of the Everest Region, starting at 2,800 meters and reaching Cho La Pass at 5,420 meters and EBC at 5,364 meters. Along the way, trekkers pass through beautiful Sherpa villages, forests, and other high-altitude landscapes with rocky and icy path. As you ascend, oxygen levels and air pressure decrease compared to sea level. Once you reach an altitude above 3,500 meters, you may experience symptoms of altitude sickness, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, loss of appetite, tiredness, dizziness, and sleeplessness.

Namche Bazaar and Gokyo are designated as our acclimatization rest day in the itinerary for this Trip. This rest day help prevent altitude sickness and allow you to adapt to the environment. If you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness during this journey, it is important to address them immediately to avoid difficulties in completing the trip. To prevent these issues, you should follow your guide's instructions, as they are knowledgeable about high-altitude sickness as well as follow the itinerary closely, as proper acclimatization helps your body adapt to higher elevations. Additionally, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, eat a well-balanced diet with sufficient carbohydrates, maintain a comfortable pace, and avoid alcohol and sedatives.

When ascending on the 3,500 meters, be honest with your guide about how you are feeling. Your guide will advise you to walk slowly and may suggest that you sleep at a lower altitude before ascending further. This practice, known as acclimatization, helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness. However, if you continue to feel unwell despite following these recommendations, you should return to a lower altitude.

Requires Permits & Permits Cost for the Trek 

The Gokyo - Cho La Pass with Everest Base Camp trekking route is situated within the Sagarmatha National Park in the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality in the Everest region of Nepal. Therefore, you need to purchase a Sagarmatha National Park entrance permit and a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entrance permit. Another required permit is the TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card, which is for your safety and security, as it helps keep track of trekkers' whereabouts in the region. All permits are mandatory for the Gokyo Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp Trek. 

These permits can be obtained from a reputable trekking company, the Tourism Board (Bhrikuti Mandap), Kathmandu. The Sagarmatha National Park entrance permit can be buy in Monjo and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entrance permit can be purchased in Lukla after starting the journey. You or your guide must carry these permits throughout the trek, as you will need to show them and register at every checkpoint along the trail. If you attempt to trek without these permits, you will need to purchase them on-site at double the cost (as a penalty) or you may be forced to turn back. Requiring permits are given below:-

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entrance permits

• Cost: US$ 30 per person, per trek for all foreigners
• Cost: US$ 20 per person for SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) citizens

TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) Card:

• Cost: US$ 20 per person, per trek

Sagarmatha National Park Entrance Fees:

• Cost: US$ 30 per person, per trek for all foreigners
• Cost: US$ 15 per person for SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) citizens

Gokyo Cho La Pass EBC Trek Cost

The cost of the Gokyo - Cho La Pass with Everest Base Camp (EBC) depends significantly on the package, services, season and trekking agency you choose. Factors influencing the cost include the duration of the trek, the level of comfort you prefer, whether you hire a guide and/or porter, and your choice of transportation. We offer affordable prices with the best service for all trekkers who choose to trek with us. This package spans 16 days, from your arrival to your departure from Nepal. For our 16-day itinerary, the cost ranges from US$ 1,400 to US$ 2,000, depending on the group size. This cost covers transportation, accommodation, food, guide, porter, and required permits for the trip.

However, it does not include emergency evacuation, travel insurance, drinks, trekking equipments and extra luxury accommodation. It is recommended to obtain detailed quotations from several reputable trekking agencies to compare and choose the best option that suits your needs and budget. We guarantee to provide you with reasonable costs and high-quality service for the Gokyo Cho La Pass EBC Trek within the above range. Additionally, we offer competitive and transparent pricing with no hidden costs, ensuring you get the best value for your money. Our packages include all essential services, making your planning and budgeting straightforward and hassle-free. 

Luggage Load Carried by Porters during the Trek 

If you are doing Gokyo  Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek with just a guide, it will be a cheaper journey, but the guide will not carry your luggage because they are professionals and have their own luggage to carry. In this case, you can hire a porter-cum-guide who handles both guiding and carrying your luggage, typically about 10 to 12 kg. 

If you are in a group, we usually assign one porter for every two trekkers, so each trekker's luggage should weigh around 10 kg. If you hire a Porter, a porter typically carries 20 to 25 kg during the trek in Nepal. Trekking with both a guide and a porter highly recommended because they  makes walking easier and gives you more free time to enjoy the trekking and climbing, resulting in a memorable trekking experience in Nepal during the Gokyo Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp Trek.

Accommodation in the Gokyo Cho La Pass EBC Trek

Accommodation options along the Gokyo Cho La Pass with Everest Base Camp Trekking route are generally basic but comfortable teahouses. In popular places such as Lukla, Phakding, and Namche, there are sufficient accommodations, including some with luxury facilities. In other areas, especially during peak season, it can be difficult to find accommodation, but guides can manage this by making advance bookings via phone calls.

Normally, lodges offer basic private accommodation (typically with 2 beds per room) for twin-sharing, equipped with beds, blankets, and pillows. The bathrooms are commonly shared indoor facilities with squat and western toilets, and sometimes hot showers are available, often using solar power or a gas geyser for an additional charge. Every lodge has a communal dining area with a heater, especially in higher altitudes, where trekkers can eat, relax, and socialize with others.

Note: If you choose to use luxury accommodations, the cost is significantly higher than basic accommodations, but the facilities are also luxurious, resembling those of a star hotel

Food in Gokyo Cho La Pass EBC Trek

During the Gokyo Cho La Pass with Everest Base Camp Trekking, food options primarily consist of local Nepali and Sherpa dishes, with some basic Western options available in more developed areas. Every teahouse has a food menu, and the food items are almost the same at every teahouse in each location. You can choose food from the menu based on your requirements. Most teahouses grow fresh vegetables in their gardens and serve them to customers, especially at lower altitudes.

The cooks are generally trained, often hired from more urban areas, but the taste of the food might differ from Western cuisine. It is advisable to eat vegetarian during the journey because it can be difficult to obtain fresh meat due to the remote location and the predominantly Buddhist community along the routes.

Local Nepali and Sherpa food:

• Dal Bhat:A staple dish served to accompany, consisting of rice served with lentil soup (dal), seasonal vegetables, and pickle.
• Momos:Steamed or fried dumplings filled with vegetables, tuna fish, cheese, eggs, potatoes, or a mix, served with dipping sauces.
• Thukpa:An energetic noodle soup with vegetables and sometimes eggs, flavored with local spices.
• Tibetan Bread:Flatbread fried or baked, often served with honey jam or butter for breakfast or as a snack.
• Tsampa:Roasted barley flour, eaten as porridge or mixed with butter tea (suja). It looks similar to baby food.

 Western and International Options:

• Pasta and Noodles:Available in tea houses, often prepared with local ingredients and sauces.
• Omelets:Commonly served for breakfast with items like omelet, fried, boiled, poached eggs, accompanied by Tibetan bread or toast.
• Potatoes and Vegetables:Sometimes served as standalone dishes or as sides with main meals, featuring various varieties flavored with local spices.
• Others: Soups, Piza, fried items, pancake, and some others

Beverages: 

• Hot Drinks: All types of hot drinks such as tea, coffee, hot lemon, lemon ginger honey, and hot chocolate are available throughout the trek, but they are often served without sugar; sugar will be provided separately. 
• Soft Drinks:Carbonated beverages like cola and Sprite, as well as bottled water, are available throughout the trek.

Drinking Water in Gokyo Cho La Pass EBC Trek

Safe drinking water is essential during the combining Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek with Everest Base Camp due to its length of journey and high-altitude terrain. Staying hydrated is vital for completing the journey successfully, especially at high altitudes. It's recommended to consume bottled, boiled, or treated water to prevent waterborne illnesses and high altitude sickness. Bottled water is available at teahouses and shops along the route, with prices increasing as altitude rises, typically ranging from NPR 100 to NPR 500 per liter.

It's highly recommended that all trekkers bring a reusable water bottle for refilling from natural water sources. Many natural sources such as streams, rivers, and taps are available along the route, but this water should always be purified before drinking. Methods for purification include water purification tablets, filters, or UV purification. Your guide can also provide information about safe drinking water sources during the Gokyo Cho La Pass EBC trekking.

Electricity and Charging Facilities

Most teahouses along the Gokyo - Cho La Pass - EBC trekking trail have electricity, but availability may be limited beyond Lukla, Phakding, and Namche due to reliance on solar panels. Electricity in the lower regions is often generated by mini electronic hydro power, while solar power is more common in teahouses at higher areas. Charging electronic devices like phones and cameras usually incurs an extra cost. However, during the busy trekking season, charging facilities will be in high demand, so it is highly recommended to bring a power bank to charge your electronic devices.

Communication in the Renjo La & Cho La Pass Trek

Average (neither good nor bad) mobile phone coverage is available along the Gokyo Cho La Pass with Everest Base Camp Trekking route. Coverage can be irregular or non-existent in more remote sections, especially at higher altitudes.  If you plan to use your mobile phone, it's advisable to purchase a local SIM card from Ncell or Nepal Telecom in Kathmandu. This can provide better coverage in some areas along the trek but not reliable for mobile data. 

Internet services are available in most lodges along the entire journey. Teahouses and lodges provide internet access for an extra charge, typically through a prepaid card system, though it may not always be available due to weather conditions or technical issues. In places like Lukla and Phakding, the quality and speed are generally good, and internet access may even be offered free of charge. If you have an emergency and need to contact your family without mobile or internet access, our guide will assist you for the connection with them

Tipping information 

The trekking and climbing guide, as well as the porter, is essential to the success of the trip, ensuring that it is completed smoothly and without issues. Tipping is an important aspect of trekking in Nepal, as it acknowledges and appreciates the hard work of the local staff who assist you throughout your journey. It is customary to tip at the end of the trek, and you should gather all team members (guide, porter, assistant guide) together to distribute the tip. Tips are generally given in cash, preferably in US dollars or Nepalese rupees, and it is best to use small denominations to facilitate easier distribution

While the typical guideline is to tip around 10% of the total payable amount, you can adjust this based on the quality of service provided. Recommended tipping amounts are as follows:

• Guide: $12-$15 per day
• Climbing Guide: US$ 80 total 
• Porter: $8-$10 per day
• Assistant Guide: $8-$12 per day

These tips are highly recommended to motivate the team and reward them for their outstanding service, contributing to a memorable and inspiring experience.

Required packing list for Cho La Pass Trek

Travel equipment is essential to pack before your trip. Below is the recommended packing list. We understand it may seem like a lot to carry from home, so we suggest packing light and bringing only the necessary items. If you’re missing something, you can hire or buy it in Kathmandu, especially around Thamel.

These general items are suitable for all seasons while trekking in Nepal, but the list may vary depending on the season and the duration of your chosen trek. Therefore, it’s important to ask your trekking organizer for a detailed packing list specific to your trek. They will provide you with clear information about what to bring.

Require Documents for Cho La Pass Trek: 

• Passport and 4 passport size photos 
• Travel insurance details (in case an emergency evacuation if needed)
• Boarding passes for flights
• Driver’s license (if needed)
• Cash USD
• Credit/Debit Card (Ensure you have $500 on your card in case an emergency helicopter evacuation is needed)

Sleeping

• Sleeping bag (Comfort rating -15 Celsius recommended)
• Sleeping bag liner (Optional)

Footwear

• Trekking boots: one pair  lightweight
• Sandals for city and tea house footwear 
• Shoes for the plane and tea houses (Optional)
• Gaiters for hiking in winter to the base camp
• Thin, lightweight inner socks
• Thick, warm wool hiking socks

Clothing for Body

(Please make sure that you have non-cotton clothing for trekking)

• Base-layer t-shirts (e.g. running t-shirts)
• Fleece/Windproof jacket
• Waterproof jacket
• Down jacket for warmth
• Travel clothes and City Wear
• Underwear
• Base-layer trousers (optional)
• Waterproof trousers
• Trekking trousers
• Trekking shorts (Optional)
• Gloves and wool hat
• bandanna or scarf 

Health Requirements (Basic First Aid Kit)

• First-aid kit; should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea
• Re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking if any particular
• Wet wipes for cleaning can be purchased in Kathmandu

Others 

• Sunglasses and Sun cream 
• Towel
• Book (reading and writing materials)
• MP-3 /Music, headphones and ear plug (who know some people on group are snoring) as optional.
• Travel wash
• Hand sanitizer, wet wipes
• A day bag: 35 liters
• A duffel or rucksack with straps to go over your back (Max 12 kg of weight for porters to carry)
• Dry Liner or Dry Bag
• Water bottle/thermos/ camel bag: At least 2 L. Nalgen bottles best.

General Toiletries

• Toilet papers/ tissue 
• Contact lenses, Glasses (if needed)
• 1 medium sized quick drying towel
• Tooth brush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
• Multipurpose soaps (preferably biodegradable)
• Nail clippers
• Face and body moisturizer
• Feminine hygiene products
• Small mirror
• On Personal Hygiene
• Wet wipes (baby wipes)
• Anti-bacterial hand wash

Others (optional) 

• Trekking Poles 
• Large plastic bags – for keeping items dry inside your kit / duffel bag
• Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, and scrabble. (for luxuries) 
• Binoculars (for luxuries)
• Trail Map/Guide book (if you are alone)