Overview
The Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek, also known as Cho La Pass Trek, or Everest circuit trek, is one of the most adventurous and challenging treks in the Everest Himalayas. The trek follows the standard Everest Base Camp Trek route, passing through the vibrant town of Namche Bazaar and the spectacular site of Tyangboche where a magnificent monastery sits amidst a snow capped mountain panorama. After reaching Everest Base Camp and soaking up the icy wilderness sanctuary, the route takes you to the summit of Kala Patthar, a spectacular viewpoint to appreciate Everest in all her glory. You will be truly amazed by the vistas from here, mountains as far as the eye can see, covered in a blanket of snow. We then leave the base camp trekkers behind and head out to conquer the Cho La Pass at 5330 meters. Steep inclines and rocky paths await you but your efforts will be rewarded as you walk through a magnificent high altitude mountain pass. If this was not enough, we then carry on further to the glistening waters of the Gokyo Lake, a system of fresh water and sacred lakes, hidden in the high Himalaya.
Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek really has it all, high altitude trekking, spectacular views insurmountable anywhere else in the world, the welcoming culture of the Sherpa people and a visit to the iconic Everest Base Camp. You also get the opportunity to summit Gokyo Peak (5483 meters) offering astonishing, panoramic views of Cho Oyo, Everest, and Makalu. So what are you waiting for? Dig out your hiking boots and come and join us on this unforgettable trip.
Itinerary
Activities: We will meet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel, just relax for
the rest of the day to recover from your long journey.
Elevation: 1345m/4412ft.
Highlights: Bustling Thamel, an array of restaurants, bars and shops.
Accommodation: Kathmandu 3 star hotel.
Highlights: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath Stupa, Swaymbhunath and Patan Durbar Square, cultural and historical sights of the Kathmandu Valley.
Accomnodation: Kathmandu 3 star hotel.
Difficulty: Easy.
Elevation reached: 2840m/9318ft in Lukla and 2610m/8563ft in Phakding.
Terrain: Flat and downhill, well developed paths, stone steps.
Views on offer: Amazing Himalayan views on approach to Lukla.
Highlights: The breathtaking flight between the mountains.
What’s to see?: The traditional Sherpa people and Buddhist shrines
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.
Hours of walking: 6.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Elevation reached: 3440m/11286ft.
Terrain: Rocky and dirt tracks, stone steps, mostly uphill, gradual with some steep inclines.
Views on offer: Spectacular approaching views of Namche Bazaar, snow capped peaks and the river valley.
Highlights: The colourful Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar – the gateway to the high Himalaya and crossing some impressive suspension bridges over the river valley.
What’s to see?: The milky waters of the Dudh Kosi River, thick rhododendron, magnolia and fir tree forests, herds of yaks carrying supplies.
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.
Hours walking: 4.
Difficulty: Easy – moderate.
Elevation reached: 3962m/12998ft at Mountain View Hotel, 3790m/12434ft at Khumkung.
Terrain: Hilly, grassy trails, some steep inclines and flat tracks.
Views on offer: Everest, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Taboche Peak and Ama Dablam.
Highlights: Your first sight of Everest!
What’s to see?: Khumjung Edmund Hillary School, Sherpa museum, shops and markets around Namche Bazaar.
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.
Hours of walking: 5
Difficulty: Moderate.
Elevation reached: 3860m/12664ft.
Terrain: River bank path, some steep inclines, some flat and some short descents.
Views on offer: Kwangde, Nuptse, Lhotse, Kangtega, Ama Dablam and Everest.
Highlights: Tyangboche monastery, magnificent panoramic views from Tyangboche.
What’s to see?: The Lamas and Monks in the stunning Tyangboche Monastery, ornate wall hangings and a 20 foot statue of Lord Buddha.
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.
Hours of walking: 5. (We spend 2 days here to acclimatize)
Difficulty: Moderate.
Elevation reached: 4360m/14304ft.
Terrain: Rocky uphill tracks, stone steps, a gentle riverbank trail.
Views on offer: Lhotse, Island Peak, Ama Dablam.
Highlights: The beautiful location of Dingboche under Ama Dablam, the mountain views from your teahouse.
What’s to see?: A Yeti scalp in the Pangboche Gompa, the fast flowing waters of the Imja Khola, sacred mani stone walls.
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.
Hours of walking: 5.
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult.
Elevation reached: 4940m/16207ft.
Terrain: Some steep inclines and rocky tracks where you will need to scramble for a short time.
Views on offer: The Khumbu Icefall and Pumori amongst other beautiful Himalayan mountains.
Highlights: Reaching the top of a steep incline for breathtaking panoramic views amongst Buddhist chortens.
What’s to see?: Memorial sight for people who sadly lost their lives attempting to summit Everest, traditional Sherpa houses.
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.
Hours of walking: 8.
Difficulty: Difficult/strenuous.
Elevation reached: 5364m/17598ft at Base Camp and 5170m/16962ft at Gorak Shep.
Terrain: Uneven, ridge tracks, rocky, uphill and flat trails.
Views on offer: Too many to mention! You will be surrounded by an icy wonderland, get your cameras at the ready!
Highlights: Congratulations, you made it! You reached the base camp to the highest mountain in the world.
What’s to see?: You may see a group of mountaineers preparing to attempt an Everest summit. Sunset views from your Gorak Shep teahouse.
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.
Hours of walking: 8.
Difficulty: Strenuous.
Elevation reached: 5545m/18192ft at Kala Patthar, 4830m/15846ft at Zongla.
Terrain: Steep, rocky climb to Kala Patthar, uneven rocky and glacial paths to Zongla
Views on offer: Everest and the surrounding Himalayas.
Highlights: The most spectacular, panoramic views from the top of Kala Patthar, crossing the Changri Shar Glacier.
What’s to see?: Sunrise from 5545m amidst a mountain wonderland, simply amazing.
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.
Hours of walking: Approximately 7 hours.
Difficulty: Difficult/Strenuous.
Elevation reached: 4680m/15354ft at Thangnak and 5368m/17612ft when crossing the Cho La Pass.
Terrain: Uneven tracks, large rocky areas where you will need to climb and jump off the rocks.
Views on offer: Some pretty spectacular Himalayan peaks from the icy wilderness of the Cho La Pass.
Highlights: The Nagozumpa Glacier, standing on the Pass.
What’s to see?: The high altitude pass, glaciers and lots of snow capped peaks!
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.
Hours of Walking: 4, with an optional 4-hour trek to visit the fifth lake. (Nagozumpa Tsho)
Difficulty: Moderate.
Elevation reached: 4790m/15715ft.
Terrain: Glacial paths and well defined trekking paths.
Views on offer: The Gokyo Lakes
Highlights: The glistening waters of the Gokyo lakes.
What’s to see?: The third lake known as Dudh Kunda or Pokhari and the fifth lake known as Nagozumpa Tsho. The area surrounding the lakes, where your teahouse is located is an ideal place for a leisurely stroll to take in the scenery.
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.
Hours of walking: 6.
Difficulty: Strenuous.
Elevation reached: 5357m/17575ft.
Terrain: Steep incline to the top of Gokyo Ri, rocky and uneven.
Views on offer: Magnificent views of some of the world’s “eight thousanders.”
Highlights: Reaching the summit of another Himalayan peak where the views are out of this world.
What’s to see: Even more stupendous views of the Himalayas.
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.
Hours of walking: 7.
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult.
Elevation reached: 4110m/13484ft.
Terrain: Glacial paths and steep descents.
Views on offer: The first (Longpongo) and second (Tajung Tso) of the Gokyo Lakes.
Highlights: Returning to lower altitudes! Walking alongside the Nagozumpa glacier.
What’s to see: The villages of Machermo and Luzo.
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.
Hours of walking: 6.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Elevation reached: 3440m/11286ft.
Terrain: Descents through forest paths.
Views on offer: Thick forests and a magnificent mountain backdrop.
Highlights: Soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of Namche Bazaar with its array of bars, cafes and restaurants.
What’s to see: Rhododemdron and fir trees, wild mountain goats and the lophophorus bird which is the national bird of Nepal.
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.
Hours of walking: 7.
Difficulty: moderate.
Elevation reached: 2840m/9318ft.
Terrain: By the banks of the river, stone steps and some descents and last ascents up to Lukla.
Views on offer: The glistening river amidst a mountain backdrop.
Highlights: Last day of walking in the Khumbu region. Well done, you completed your trip!
What’s to see: Thick forests, an array of birds and some final views of the mountains.
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.
Highlights: Another breathtaking airplane ride on a twin-engine otter amidst the mighty Himalayas.
Accommodation: 3 star hotel in Kathmandu.
Highlights: Time to shop, relax, get a massage.
Accommodation: 3 star hotel in Kathmandu.
Goodbye and farewell from Nepal!
Availability
Join Our Fixed Trip Starting Date
TRIP DATES | AVAILABILITY | PRICE | SPACE LEFT | |
---|---|---|---|---|
March 13, 2021 - April 1, 2021 | Guaranteed | $ 1,715 | 12 Available | Book Now |
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The Cost Include(s)
- Arrival/departure, international and domestic airport transfers.
- Three star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast (twin/double sharing room)
- Kathmandu heritages guided tour with entry fees.
- All your standard Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek.
- Government licensed English speaking Guide and Porters to carry your luggage during the trek (1 porter Between 2 Person basis), their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, medicine.
- Round Trip flight fare to Lukla.
- Required trekking entry permits.
- Mosaic adventure duffel bag, jacket and sleeping bag to use during the trek (on request)
- Travel & Rescue arrangements if required in case of emergency.
- All applicable taxes.
The Cost Exclude(s)
- Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, sweets, snacks, etc.,
- All beverages and bar bills (tea/coffee, bottled water, coke etc)
- Travel Insurance (Essential - Should include emergency evacuation coverage while trekking up to 5545 meters).
- Personal trekking equipment except stated above.
- Tipping (expected by guide and porters)
- Any loss arising due to unforeseen circumstances that is beyond Mosaic Adventure control
Frequently Asked Question(s)
Expand/CloseThe Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes Trek via Cho La Pass trek is considered to be a strenuous trekking route in Nepal. You do not require any previous trekking or mountaineering experience and it is not required that you have any technical experience, only that you be in good physical condition and are able to walk for four to six hours per day over hilly terrain with a light bag pack. If you are not an experienced trekker or do not exercise regularly, we recommend that you embark on a training program well in advance of commencing this trip. You will be given plenty of time to rest throughout the trek and the pace will be slow to help you acclimatize safely to the increasing elevation.
In Kathmandu, your accommodation will usually include an attached bathroom and have facilities such as air conditioning, reception and dining services. The level of accommodation is generally Nepalese 3 star and is comfortable and clean. If you require an upgrade of accommodation in Kathmandu, there are many 4 star and 5 star options at an extra cost. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require an upgrade. Once you start your trek, you will be staying in “Teahouses.” Accommodation is limited, especially the higher you get, so your room may vary from a private single/double room to a bed in a dormitory. Bed mattresses are usually firm, not sprung mattresses that you may be used to at home. The accommodation is very basic and there will usually be shared shower and toilet facilities. There is a communal dining hall in all teahouses offering limited meal choices. Although basic, the teahouses are clean and are a welcome, friendly and warm resting place after a day trekking.
We ask that all our customers bring water purification tablets and a water bottle with them. (they can be bought in Kathmandu if forgotten) Mosaic supports responsible tourism so we do not encourage trekkers to buy bottled water when in the Himalayan region, although it is be available, there is no proper disposal system for plastic bottles and we would like to keep our mountains clean and trash free. There will be plenty of water available along the way to fill your bottles and most brands of purification tablets take just 30 minutes before you can drink your water. We recommend that you drink a minimum of 3 to 4 liters of water per day whilst on your trek.
Any luggage that you will not require during your trek can be kept securely in the hotel in Kathmandu or in the store room of our office.
Walking poles are not essential but can be useful especially on the way down. Poles help you balance on the way down and take the strain off of your legs (quad muscles) on some of the steep climbs. You can buy or hire poles in Kathmandu and they easily collapse so you can attach them to your back pack when they are not needed.
There are plenty of trekking shops in Kathmandu selling equipment inexpensively compared to the prices you would normally pay at home, although, the quality of these products cannot always be guaranteed. If you do not want to take the risk, we recommend you buy major items such as trekking shoes, before you arrive in Nepal. It is also recommended you buy your shoes well in advance of your trek so you can “break them in” and avoid blisters during your trip.
Yes, you can, in the teahouses. Please remember that plugs might be different than at home so don’t forget to bring adapters with you or buy them in Kathmandu before the trip. You will have to pay for the use of the electricity to recharge your electrical items, usually at a cost of $2-3 US per hour.
Most people can obtain a visa on entry to Nepal. There are some countries where a visa will need to be obtained prior to traveling (you can find a list of these countries at www.immi.gov.np) If you want to avoid the sometimes lengthy queues at the airport, you can obtain a visa from the Nepali embassy in you home country before you travel. Please visit the appropriate websites in your country for details. If you want to obtain a visa on arrival, you will need to fill in a landing card, (most airlines provide these before landing in Kathmandu, if not, they will be available in the airport) pay a fee (cost differs depending on your length of stay) and provide a passport photo so don’t forget to bring one in your hand luggage to present to the immigration officers. Visa fees are as follows: US Dollars 25 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto for 15 days multiple entry visa. US Dollars 40 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto for 30 days multiple entry visa. US Dollars 100 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto for 90 days multiple entry visa. (information from the department of immigration, Nepal) We would advise you to bring US dollars to pay for your visa, most major currencies are usually accepted also. Although there is a currency exchange in the airport (if they will not accept your currency), you may not get the best exchange rate; therefore it is always a safe bet to bring US dollars.
Showers are available at the teahouses. They will usually be shared bathrooms in most teahouses, especially the higher up you go. You will have to pay for a hot water shower per person. The higher you are, the colder it gets and you may find that you do not want to shower as often so you can wait just a few days until your descent.
Local currency in Nepal is rupees. We recommend you bring US dollars with you to Nepal and exchange them here as this is easily done and is a widely accepted currency. Although you may get a lesser rate on traveler’s cheques, we suggest you carry a mixture of both depending on your needs. The amount of money you will need on a daily basis depends on your spending habits. A guide would be $10 per day for extra drinks and bar bill during your trek and $20 per day to cover lunch/dinner whilst in Kathmandu.
You will need to carry a reasonable sized daypack, big enough to carry personal items, water, camera, snacks, sunscreen, hat, a fleece jacket and gloves for higher altitudes. The porters will carry the bigger packs with your clothes etc…. They will carry packs up to 20kg. (10kg per person)
We will arrange a pickup service free of charge at anytime of the day or night to transfer you from the airport to your hotel. You will be met by a Mosaic representative on arrival. If you have booked a trip with us but have arranged to arrive in Kathmandu earlier and do your own thing until the trip starts, we will still pick you up at the airport, you just need to let us know your arrival date and time so we can come and meet you. Kindly look for signage showing the Mosaic Adventure logo or your name. Please note; We recommend that you deal with your own bags at the airport and carry them yourselves. There are people who will offer to carry your bags and will expect payment. You are not obliged to pay these people and it is not advisable to get out your wallet in front of them. Just tell them 'No, thank you!' if someone approaches you and walk away.
It depends on the nature of the sickness. Usually, if you become sick, you will descend to a lower altitude with the help and support of the guide and porters. If you are seriously ill, we will arrange an emergency helicopter evacuation service. Our guide will take immediate action according to the situation. Please ensure you arrange travel insurance that covers you for an evacuation service and trekking at high altitudes. *Altitude sickness can affect everyone whilst trekking including young and healthy people and is a genuine concern in higher altitudes. If you feel dizzy, suffer palpitations or severe headaches, return immediately to a lower altitude. Do not take altitude sickness lightly. It can be fatal! Please familiarize yourself with the symptoms of altitude sickness before your trek. Do not ignore even the mildest of symptoms, inform your guide immediately. Our guides carry basic medicine and first aid equipment including simple painkillers, altitude sickness tablets, bandages, balm for muscle ache and medication to treat diarrhea and vomiting. These are the questions we are often asked and we hope that you will find the answers useful. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further queries.