Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes via Cho La Pass Trek

This 21-day expedition takes you deep into the heart of the Khumbu region, exploring remote trails, pristine alpine lakes, and high passes. Starting from Salleri, you journey through vibrant Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries, and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes to reach Everest Base Camp and the stunning Gokyo Lakes. The highlight of the trek is Chola Pass (5,420m) — a challenging high-altitude crossing offering unmatched panoramic views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and other Himalayan giants.

The trek combines culture, adventure, and natural beauty. From traditional Sherpa settlements to serene alpine meadows, frozen rivers, and glacial landscapes, every step offers awe-inspiring Himalayan vistas. Explore the spiritual hubs of Namche Bazaar and Tengboche, the turquoise beauty of Gokyo Lakes, and the iconic Khumbu Icefall at Everest Base Camp. Crossing Chola Pass is both a physical challenge and a visual reward, with sweeping views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers.

Ideal for experienced trekkers seeking adventure and solitude, this route is less crowded than the standard EBC trek and offers an intimate experience of the Khumbu region. The journey is not just a trek — it is a life-changing Himalayan adventure combining culture, thrill, and the ultimate mountain landscapes.

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Salleri (2362m)

Start early with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Salleri by jeep, approximately 9–10 hours. Enjoy the landscapes of Sun Koshi River, Okhaldhunga district, and charming villages along the way. Overnight at lodge in Salleri.

Day 2: Trek from Salleri to Nunthala (2194m)

Begin trekking through wide rural paths, small streams, and hilly gorges. The trail passes traditional villages and pine forests, with magnificent views of Numbur Himal. Overnight at lodge in Nunthala.

Day 3: Trek to Bubsadanda

Follow trails along the Dudhkoshi River to Kharikhola, then cross streams and climb to Bupsa village. Enjoy panoramic views of surrounding forests and hills. Overnight at lodge in Bubsadanda.

Day 4: Trek to Surke (2535m)

Trek through scenic landscapes to Surke, the last village before joining the main Everest trekking trail. Enjoy serene village life and forested surroundings. Overnight at lodge in Surke.

Day 5: Trek to Phakding (2610m)

Pass through Chaurikharka and Chhuplung before meeting the main trail from Lukla. Cross suspension bridges, forested paths, and Sherpa villages before arriving in Phakding. Overnight at lodge in Phakding.

Day 6: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m)

Cross five suspension bridges and trek past Benkar, Manjo, and Jorsalle. Enter Sagarmatha National Park, enjoy waterfalls, lush forests, and glimpses of Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru mountains. Overnight at lodge in Namch7: Acclimatization Day at Namche

Take a day hike to the National Park HQ and the viewpoint at Hotel Everest View. Explore the twin villages of Khumjung and Khunde while soaking in panoramic mountain vistas. Overnight at lodge in Namche.

Day 8: Trek to Dole (3680m)

Hike through the Dudh Koshi Valley, pine and rhododendron forests, and past Buddhist stupas. Be amazed by views of Thamserku, Everest, Ama Dablam, and surrounding peaks. Overnight at lodge in Dole.

Day 9: Trek to Machhermo (3870m)

Climb through scrub juniper and rocky trails, with views of Dudh Koshi River below. Reach the small settlement of Machhermo, surrounded by majestic mountain panoramas. Overnight at lodge in Machhermo

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Day 10: Trek to Gokyo (4800m) & Afternoon Hike to Gokyo Ri

Follow the trail along Ngozumpa Glacier and Gokyo Lakes, stopping for lunch at the 3rd lake. Afternoon climb to Gokyo Ri (5357m) for breathtaking panoramic views of peaks and glaciers, especially at sunset.

Day 11: Trek to Thagnak (5367m) & Hike to 4th Gokyo Lake

Short morning hike to the 4th Gokyo Lake viewpoint. Continue across glacier and rocky terrain to Thagnak, the staging point for Chola Pass the next day.

Day 12: Trek to Cho Dzongla (4843m) via Chola Pass (5420m)

Start early for the challenging climb over Chola Pass, crossing glaciers and rocky trails. End the day in Cho Dzongla village, enjoying well-earned rest and spectacular views.

Day 13: Trek to Lobuche (4910m)

Walk gently until Thukla (4600m) for a break, then climb Thukla Pass (4800m) with memorials of Everest summiteers. Reach Lobuche with stunning views of Mt. Pumori. Overnight at lodge in Lobuche.

Day 14: Trek to Gorakshep (5180m) & Hike to Everest Base Camp (5364m)

Trek past Lobuche Pass and moraines beside Khumbu Glacier. Continue to Everest Base Camp for an unforgettable experience, then return to Gorakshep for overnight.

Day 15: Hike to Kalapatthar (5545m) & Trek to Pheriche (4200m)

Early morning climb to Kalapatthar for sunrise over Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Pumori. Descend to Pheriche for overnight in a quaint Himalayan settlement.

Day 16: Trek back to Namche Bazaar

Descend through Tengboche with unique mountain vistas. Experience the changing landscape on the return journey and reach Namche Bazaar for overnight stay.

Day 17: Trek down to Surke

Follow familiar trails downhill, enjoying forested landscapes and traditional villages along the way. Overnight at lodge in Surke.

Day 18: Trek down to Bupsadanda

Continue the descent through scenic forest paths, small settlements, and rivers, retracing part of the ascent trail. Overnight at lodge in Bupsadanda.

Day 19: Trek down to Nunthala

Pass through charming villages, streams, and terraced fields. Take in the peaceful rural landscapes on the way back to Nunthala. Overnight at lodge in Nunthala.

Day 20: Trek down to Salleri

Complete the descent back to Salleri, enjoying last views of the surrounding hills and mountains. Overnight at lodge in Salleri.

Day 21: Drive back from Salleri to Kathmandu

Return to Kathmandu by jeep, completing the circuit. Relax and enjoy the scenic drive as the adventure concludes.