Everest via Gokyo and Cho La
Experienced trekkers who want the whole Khumbu in one trip: the Gokyo lakes, the Cho La glacier pass, base camp and Kala Patthar.
Trek level: Difficult+
Accommodation: Lodges
Duration: 17 days, with 5–8 hours of walking per day
Maximum altitude: 5,545 m
Highlights of this trek
- An extraordinary 360° view of the peaks (from 5,500 to 8,848 m) from Gokyo Ri (5,450 m), and the magnificent Cho Oyu glacier with its lakes.
- A splendid view of the peaks from Kala Patthar (5,545 m) and the incredible Khumbu Glacier.
- Beautiful villages such as Khumjung, and the historic monuments of Tengboche.
- The ultimate sunset over Everest
- Wildlife, flora and fauna.
Note
- The stages are flexible (on request).
- Would you like to know more about our services and the price of this trek?
The itinerary
Day 01: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,800 m), then trek to Phakding (2,600 m). Walking time: 3½ hours. Night in Phakding.
Day 02: Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3,450 m)
Walking time: 6½ hours. First view of Everest. Night in Namche.
Day 03: Acclimatisation – excursion to Khumjung village (3,780 m). Gentle walk, visit to Khumjung village and its monastery. Night in Namche.
Day 04: Namche – Thame (3,800 m). Trek into the western side of the Khumbu valley, away from the tourist trails, 5–6 hours of walking. Night in Thame.
Day 05: Thame – Lungden (4,380 m). Gradual ascent. 5 hours of walking. Night in Lungden to prepare for the pass.
Day 06: Crossing the Renjo La pass (5,360 m) – Gokyo (4,790 m). A spectacular walk with views of Everest and Cho Oyu. Descent to the Gokyo lakes. Night in Gokyo. 8 hours of walking.
Day 07: Gokyo Ri (5,360 m). Optional climb of Gokyo Ri for a unique panorama. Night in Thangnak. 7 hours of walking.
Day 08: Crossing the Cho La pass (5,420 m) – Dzongla (4,830 m). Night in Dzongla. 7 hours of walking.
Day 09: Dzongla – Lobuche (4,910 m). Easy walk along the valley. Night in Lobuche. 5 hours of walking.
Day 10: Lobuche – Gorak Shep (5,170 m) – Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) – back to Gorak Shep. Walking time: 7–8 hours. Visit to base camp, with views of the Khumbu Glacier. Night in Gorak Shep.
Day 11: Climb of Kala Patthar (5,545 m) – Thukla (4,620 m). An exceptional sunrise panorama over Everest. Descent to Thukla. Night in Thukla. 7 hours of walking.
Day 12: Thukla – Chhukung (4,730 m)
Via Dingboche. Night in Chhukung. 6 hours of walking.
Day 13: Chhukung – Pangboche (3,930 m). 6 hours of walking.
Day 14: Pangboche – Ama Dablam Base Camp (4,570 m)
An unforgettable excursion to Ama Dablam Base Camp. Night in Tengboche (3,860 m). 7 hours of walking. Visit to the famous Tengboche Monastery, with views of Everest. Night in Tengboche.
Day 15: Tengboche – Phakding (2,600 m)
Long descent via Namche. Night in Phakding. 8 hours of walking.
Day 16: Phakding – Lukla (2,800 m). Last day of walking, celebration night in Lukla. 3 hours of walking.
Day 17: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Transfer to the hotel. Free time. Night in Kathmandu.
Photo gallery
Our other treks
Trek facts: Everest via Gokyo and Cho La
Best time to go
October–November and April–May: passes above 5,000 m can be closed by snow from December to March.
Who is it for?
Experienced trekkers who want the whole Khumbu in one trip: the Gokyo lakes, the Cho La glacier pass, base camp and Kala Patthar. For trained walkers only: long stages, passes above 5,000 m, sometimes harsh conditions.
What the price includes
- Airport welcome and return transfers by private vehicle
- Return domestic flights Kathmandu – Lukla for you and your guide
- TIMS card, local government tax and Sagarmatha National Park entry
- Government-licensed French- or English-speaking guide and 1 porter for 2 participants (max. 25 kg): team wages, meals, accommodation and insurance included
- Nights in lodges (shared double room) for the whole trek
- Full board during the trek: 3 meals a day with tea or coffee
What the price does not include
- International flight and Nepal visa
- Travel and repatriation insurance (mandatory)
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu (can be booked on request), sightseeing and entrance fees
- Hot shower, Wi-Fi and battery charging during the trek
- Drinks outside meals (bottled water, soft drinks, alcohol), snacks, personal expenses and tips for the team
Starting price per person, in euros. The final price depends on the number of participants, the season and the options: we confirm it in a free quote.
Permits required (2026 rates)
| Sagarmatha National Park | NPR 3,000 (≈ €20) |
| Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality replaces the TIMS card in the Everest region | NPR 2,000 to 3,000 |
Permits are obtained by the agency and included in the quote. All about trekking permits.
Day-by-day altitude profile
Sleeping altitudes taken from the itinerary above. Hover over a point to see the stage.
Route map
Indicative map of the main stages, OpenTopoMap base map. This is not a GPS track.
Live weather: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Open-Meteo forecast for the region's reference point, for guidance only. At altitude, allow about 6 °C less for every extra 1,000 m.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Everest via Gokyo and Cho La take?
Allow 17 days from Kathmandu, transport included. The stages are flexible: Mohan adapts the pace to the group, and we always recommend a spare day at the end of your trip.
What fitness level do I need for this trek?
Level: Demanding. For trained walkers only: long stages, passes above 5,000 m, sometimes harsh conditions. No mountaineering skills are needed.
When is the best time for the Everest via Gokyo and Cho La?
October–November and April–May: passes above 5,000 m can be closed by snow from December to March. See our guide When to trek in Nepal.
Which permits are needed and who arranges them?
For this trek: Sagarmatha National Park (NPR 3,000 (≈ €20)), Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality (NPR 2,000 to 3,000). The agency obtains all permits before departure, from a simple copy of your passport. Since 2023, a licensed guide is required in Nepal's protected areas.
Is there a risk of altitude sickness?
The maximum altitude is 5,545 m. Above 3,000 m, acute mountain sickness can affect anyone. The itinerary includes acclimatisation stages and Mohan checks on every participant morning and evening. Read our guide to altitude sickness.
How much does the Everest via Gokyo and Cho La cost?
From €2,150 per person, with a guide, porters, permits, lodge nights and meals during the trek, and the transport listed in the itinerary. The exact price depends on the number of participants, the season and the options. The full list of what is included is in the trek facts. Ask for your free quote, or estimate the total budget of your trip with our calculator.
Can I do this trek alone, as a couple or with my family?
Yes. Every departure is tailor-made, on the date of your choice, from one person. The guide and porters work only for your group. See trekking alone in Nepal.
Useful guides: FAQ · when to go · gear · visa · permits · altitude sickness · budget
Interested in this trek?
Mohan answers you personally and adapts the itinerary to your pace, your dates and your budget. Free quote, no commitment.