Nepal's renowned Gokyo Cho La Pass – Kala Patthar Trek offers a high-altitude base camp trek with three breathtaking viewpoints in the Everest region. Also known as the Everest Circuit trek, it is one of the Himalayas' most adventurous treks. The route takes you through the high Cho La pass at an elevation of 5,330 meters, leading all the way to the Base Camp of Mount Everest. This exceptional trek traverses Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Gokyo, Cho La Pass, Kala Patthar, and the Everest Base Camp, immersing you in the homeland of the legendary Sherpa people at the base of the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest, standing tall at 8,848 meters.
The Gokyo Chola Pass Kala Patthar Trek follows a renowned route through the Dudh Koshi River to the Gokyo Lakes, which lie west of Everest Base Camp. This provides the opportunity to summit Gokyo Peak, offering stunning panoramic views of Cho Oyu, Everest, and Makalu. The trek then continues over the dramatic Chola Pass, climbing to Gokyo Ri at dawn for an awe-inspiring 360-degree vista of many of the world's highest peaks - an unforgettable experience. Sweeping views encompass Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu, as well as the massive Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest in Nepal.
After crossing the Gokyo Cho La Pass and Kala Patthar, we'll make our way back to Lukla, following the route through Everest Base Camp. Our journey will then take us to Kala Patthar, down to Tengboche monastery, Khumjung village, Namche Bazar, and eventually back to Lukla.
This breathtaking Gokyo Cho La Pass and Kalapathar Trekking of the Everest region offers the opportunity to explore several other similar peaks and the Buddhist monasteries located at the world's highest Himalayan base camps. The growing excitement and anticipation of drawing closer to the high Himalayan base camp during this famous trek in Nepal is truly exhilarating and will keep you motivated. In short, if you're ready to reach the foothills of Everest, including Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar, this trekking option is available for you.
Once you arrive in Kathmandu, a representative will be there to greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel.
Discover the breathtaking 30-minute flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. Upon arrival, we'll embark on the Everest Base Camp Trek, hiking through Chaurikharka and Chheplung before reaching Phakding, where we'll spend the night.
In the early morning, after enjoying a hearty breakfast, embark on a trek to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar, passing through the delightful villages of Monju, Banker, and Jorasalle. The trail then gently ascends to Namche Bazaar, winding its way through lush Rhododendron and pine forests. This portion of the hike takes approximately 2.5 hours. Once you reach Namche Bazaar, you'll be rewarded with your first glimpse of the Everest region, as this vibrant town serves as the gateway to the Everest Base Camp Trek.
You may choose to rest or hike uphill to the villages of Khunde and Khumjung today. Khumjung is the largest settlement in the Khumbu region. Following lunch, you will return to Namche Bazaar by hiking back.
Today's trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole will take approximately 4 hours. As you journey through the forest, you'll arrive at the picturesque and often breezy village of Dole, where the views are truly remarkable.
Today, you'll embark on a 3.3-mile (5.3 km) journey from Dole to Machhermo, which should take up to 4 hours. Once you arrive, the charming stone-made houses of Machhermo will offer you a stunning view to behold.
Today, we embark on a journey from Machhermo to Gokyo, which will take up to 7 hours. The scenery will transform dramatically as you traverse through snow, navigate over boulders, and walk alongside the river. The stunning Gokyo Lakes, blanketed in snow, await your arrival, ready to captivate your senses.
Today, you can choose to rest or you have the opportunity to ascend Gokyo Ri.
The trekking journey will be a challenging yet captivating experience. The magnificent mountain vistas will captivate your gaze and captivate your heart.
First, trek downhill to Thangna village and enjoy some tea or coffee. The path from there leads directly to the Cho La Pass. We'll cross over Cho La and descend to Dzongla village. This might be a challenging day of trekking. Spend the night at a teahouse.
Following your morning meal, you'll embark on the trek to Lobuche. Along the way, you'll have opportunities to view Dzongla Lake, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. You'll spend the night at a teahouse.
Hiking along the rocky moraine trail and observing the icy glacial ponds and icebergs beneath the Khumbu glacier, a brief downhill trek after the final rocky moraine dunes leads us to Gorak Shep. Gorakshep is situated below Kala Patthar and Mt Pumori.
After a few hours of hiking, you will reach Kala Patthar, where you can pause and indulge your eyes with the breathtaking panorama of the Himalayas. From the 360-degree viewpoint of Kala Patthar, you can see Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumo Ri, Ama Dablam, Khangtenga, Lobuche Peak, Everest Base Camp, Khumbu glacier, and Icefalls. You will leave your mark while treasuring lifetime memories and photographs. Thereafter, you will return to Gorakshep, gather your belongings, and retrace your steps back to Lobuche. Finally, you will continue your journey to the charming settlement of Dzongla.
The initial part of the trail leads directly through Rhododendron and pine forests, arriving at Fungethaga. The trail then gradually ascends to Namche, passing through the villages of Trashinga and Sanasa. From Sanasa, you'll be rewarded with stunning vistas of the Khumbu Himalayan range.
The trail descends steeply through lush Rhododendron and Pine forests to Jorsale. It's a roughly 2-hour hike from there, followed by another 5-hour walk through the villages of Monju, Banker, Phakding, Ghats Khola, Chaurikharka, and Chheplung, before finally arriving in Lukla. You'll spend the night at a local guest house.
Enjoy an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, followed by a transfer to your hotel. Take the day to rest after your extensive journey through the Khumbu Himalayas, and in the evening, join a Nepali family for dinner.
These extra days are intended as a buffer in case of inclement weather or other factors that delay your return to Kathmandu. Otherwise, you can use them for exploring the Kathmandu valley or for free time to shop. Overnight stay at the hotel.
See off at the airport, departing from Kathmandu.
Before embarking on the Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek, it is essential to be physically and mentally prepared. If you have prior trekking experience, you may not need to worry as much. However, if you are new to trekking, it is recommended that you undertake a few short hikes, engage in daily exercises to enhance your stamina and muscle strength, and, if possible, participate in a few practice treks.
The Gokyo Chola Pass Trek is a challenging journey through the Khumbu region, and proper preparation is necessary before the trek commences. Additionally, you must ensure that all of your equipment is in good condition and that you are carrying the necessary items with you.
Here are some tips to prevent altitude sickness on the Chola Pass Trek:
General
Upper Body
Torso
Lower Body
Hands
Feet
Undergarments
First Aid Supplies and Medications
Other Necessities
Optional Items
The Gokyo Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp Trek is more technically challenging than some other treks in the area, making it a more adventurous journey!
It encompasses all the 'typical' sights in the region, such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, Gorak Shep, and Everest Base Camp, but also includes a visit to the Gokyo Lakes by crossing the high-altitude Cho La Pass.
While there are some long days of 8 to 9 hours, the majority are 5 to 6 hours in length. This is a stunning trek that requires stamina and a sense of adventure.
This excursion offers the opportunity to visit Khumjung Village and the Khumjung Hillary School, which was established by Sir Edmund Hillary to give back to the local Sherpa community. The trek takes you through beautiful forests, past waterfalls, high meadows, religious monuments, and fluttering prayer flags.
As you approach the Ngozumpa Glacier, trekkers are rewarded for their efforts with the stunning views of the three Gokyo Lakes, known for their turquoise, clear waters. A highlight of the trek is the challenging climb up to Gokyo Ri, which provides both breathtaking mountain vistas and acclimatization for the arduous crossing of the Cho La Pass.
The day of the pass crossing requires an early start, around 4 or 5 am, as the top is over 5,300 meters and part of the trail is over ice, making it a truly remarkable achievement. The sense of accomplishment continues as the route progresses to Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar, offering the iconic view of Mount Everest.
While this trek certainly presents challenges with its long, strenuous days, the personal rewards and the opportunity to capture stunning photographs make it well worth the effort.
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