Trip Packages
Everst Base Camp & Gokyo lake via Chola Pass Trek
From
$1260
Duration
19 Days
Difficulty
Hard
Type
Trekking
Overview
The trekking includes a scenic mountain flight from Lukla to Phakding, heading towards Namche Bazaar through the bank of Dudhkoshi River. We continue to rise towards Gorak Shep and climb to an amazing up-close viewpoint of Everest called Kala Patthar (5,545m). The route passes through Tengboche, a divine location with a desirable monastery, where we rest and savour the incredible scenery, including magnificent views of Everest, Ama Dablam (6,856m), Kantega (6,809m), Kwangde (6,194m), Nuptse (7,879m), Lhotse (8,511m) and lots of more trekking peaks of the Khumbu region. After Chola Pass, the trail to Gokyo gradually descends down the valley, navigating through birch and rhododendron forests where we can see the elusive Moschus moschiferus here and there on the way. While returning from the Gokyo Lakes, we pass through small yak-grazing settlements. We climb the Gokyo Ri (5,480m) and luxuriate in stunning summit mountain scenery consisting of Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyo, and Lhotse. The views of Ama Dablam and Taweche are splendid. Although trekking to Everest Gokyo Lake trek is comparatively challenging, it offers superb views of the high Himalayas and a bird's eye view of glacier lakes in Gokyo valley. During the trekking, you will encounter various local villages and monasteries that provide you with delights into the Buddhist religion, culture, and tradition. Everest & Gokyo Lake trek will be your life's most adventurous holiday with sweet memories.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel. That evening, you’ll attend a pre-trip meeting where you’ll meet your trekking guide and have the chance to ask any questions about your upcoming adventure.
The journey from Kathmandu to Ramechhap is undertaken by a private tourist vehicle, taking approximately five hours to board a flight from Manthali to Lukla. This flight has an estimated duration of 20 minutes. During the off-peak months of December, January, February, June, July, and August, direct flights from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport to Lukla are available, with a flight time of approximately 30 to 35 minutes. Upon arrival at Lukla Airport, the trekking expedition commences. After assembling the necessary equipment and allowing for brief acclimatization, the trek proceeds to Phakding. In the peak trekking months of March, April, May, September, October, and November, flights to Lukla are redirected from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap.
Following breakfast, our expedition will commence along the northern bank of the Dudh Koshi River towards Namche Bazaar, traversing numerous suspension bridges, including the Hillary Suspension Bridge. The route ahead leads to Sagarmatha National Park, a dense forest from which we will obtain our initial view of Mt. Everest.
An acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar is essential for altitude adaptation. During this period, one may engage in sightseeing activities, including visits to notable locations such as the Hillary School, Sherpa settlements, Syangboche Airport, yak farms, and the Everest View Hotel, which offers a remarkable view of Mount Everest.
The journey commences from Namche to Tengboche, renowned for its monastery, following breakfast. Participants will have the opportunity to appreciate the breathtaking vistas of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The trail presents a formidable challenge, characterized by numerous ascents and descents. Nevertheless, the exertion will be compensated by the remarkable landscapes and the observation of highland wildlife, including musk deer, pheasants, and Himalayan Thar.
The trek from Tengboche to Dingboche, situated along the Everest Base Camp route, is a moderately challenging journey that typically spans 5 to 6 hours. The trek commences with a descent to the Imja Khola River, followed by the crossing of a suspension bridge. The path traverses through Debuche, Lower Pangboche, Shomare, and Orsho, offering breathtaking views of Ama Dablam. The route then ascends gradually towards Dingboche, facilitating significant elevation gain to aid in acclimatization.
Today serves as an additional day for acclimatization to the altitude. We will ascend the ridge above Dingboche, from which we can appreciate panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks, including Lhotse, the southern face of Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Cho Oyu, and Makalu. To the north of Dingboche, following breakfast, we observed additional Himalayan peaks emerging over the Khumbu Khola valley.
The trek from Dingboche to Lobuche represents a pivotal and moderately challenging segment of the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trail. This journey typically requires 4 to 6 hours to complete and involves a substantial altitude increase, culminating at Lobuche, which is situated at approximately 4,940 meters. The route is characterized by gradual inclines and rocky terrain. A scheduled stop at Thukla provides an opportunity for rest and lunch. Additionally, the trek includes a visit to a memorial park at the demanding Thukla Pass, offering panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers, before reaching Lobuche for an overnight stay.
The journey from Lobuche to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp (EBC) is an important part of the Everest Base Camp trek. This usually takes a busy day to complete. First, you walk for 3-4 hours from Lobuche, which is at 4,910 meters, to Gorak Shep, at 5,160 meters. Then, you hike to Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters and back to Gorak Shep. This round trip takes 4-5 hours.
We wake up early to climb Kala Patthar. This spot is famous for its amazing views of Mount Everest and nearby mountains. We spend enough time there to enjoy and take pictures of the sunrise. After that, we continue our trek down to Lobuche through Gorakshep.
The walk from Lobuche to Dzongla is usually short and scenic. It is a good day to rest or get ready before crossing the Chola Pass. You can see Ama Dablam and Cholatse along the way. The path has some rocky parts and ends with a night in a lodge in Dzongla, a high-altitude Sherpa village.
Start your journey from Dzongla at 5 AM, just before sunrise, for the best conditions. Go northwest from your lodge. The path is mostly flat and long, going through rocky fields and valleys. It slowly goes uphill. As you get closer to Cho La Pass, the path gets much steeper. There are sharp turns and big rocks to climb over. You will see amazing views of mountains like Ama Dablam and Cholatse. As you climb towards the pass, you will see the beautiful Cho La Lake. Enjoy the excitement of crossing the icy pass.
Take a short hike that crosses the Ngozumpa Glacier's rocky area. You will see amazing views of Cho Oyu and the glacier. The walk goes from Dragnag (about 4,700m/15,420ft) to Gokyo (around 4,790m/15,715ft) with a small climb. As you walk over icy ground and rocks, you will reach Gokyo village. This village is by sacred lakes and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. This short hike is part of a longer trip.
Start your climb early to reach the viewpoint before the sunrise. It usually takes 2-3 hours from the village. You will see amazing views of Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu as the sun rises over the mountains. After enjoying the view, we returned to Gokyo village and continued trekking to Machherma village.
The itinerary from Machherma to Namche represents a notable descent within the context of the Everest Base Camp or Gokyo Lakes trek. This segment, spanning approximately 9.6 kilometers, typically requires 5 to 6 hours to complete. The route descends from Machhermo, situated at an elevation of 4,470 meters, to Namche Bazaar, located at 3,440 meters. The journey encompasses challenging rocky terrain, ridge ascents, and river crossings, while also offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
The journey from Namche to Lukla typically encompasses a picturesque downhill trek, generally spanning one or two days. This journey involves retracing steps through villages such as Phakding and Monjo, traversing suspension bridges, and concluding in Lukla for an early morning flight to Kathmandu. Key stops along the route offer opportunities to appreciate the beauty of the Khumbu Valley and the rich Sherpa culture, particularly for trekkers returning from the Everest Base Camp to Lukla.
During the peak travel season, flights operate from Lukla to Manthali in the months of March, April, May, September, October, and November. The flight duration is approximately 20 minutes, followed by a return journey to Kathmandu via a private vehicle.
A "reserve day in Kathmandu" means having extra time to explore the city and its surroundings. It is not a specific location. This means that you have more time in your schedule to visit Kathmandu's famous sites. These include the Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Final departure
Price
We have various pricing tiers at Belmont Adventure. Meaning, depending on your preference of comfort for the trip, you can select the pricing package accordingly.
Basic Package
$1260
Standard hotel in Kathmandu (B&B plan twin sharing basis) as per itinerary requirement
Wages for guides and porters incl. accommodation and food
Licensed English speaking guide
Ground transportation on public vehicle for inter-city travel as per itinerary
Domestic Airfare on certain routes
All necessary trekking permits & government taxes/fees
Official administrative expenses/Service charges
First Aid Kit (Necessary equipments for healthcare)
Insurance for Belmont Adventure staff
Meals, any type of beverages
Your own travel insurance
International airfare
Appropriate visa fees
Personal trekking equipment
Tip for trekking staff and drivers
Sightseeing/monument entrance fees for locations not in itinerary
Other personal expenses (eg. laundry)
Items not included on this list
Standard Package
$2030
3 Star rated hotel (B&B plan twin sharing basis) as per itinerary requirements
Meals (Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners with hot drinks during the trek) & tea house accommodation during the trek
Licensed English speaking guide
Required number of guides, porters and crew as necessary for the route
Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff of Belmont Adventure
Airfares including taxes as appropriate for internal flight transfer as part of trekking itinerary
Land transfers through private vehicle as appropriate for trekking itinerary
All necessary trekking permits & government taxes/fees
Official administrative expenses/Service charges
First Aid Kit (Necessary equipments for healthcare)
Insurance for Belmont Adventure staff
Down jacket and Duffle bag for minimal non-refundable borrow charge upon request (to be returned upon completion of trek)
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Your own travel insurance
International airfare
Appropriate visa fees
Personal trekking equipment
Tip for trekking staff and drivers
Sightseeing/monument entrance fees for locations not in itinerary
Other personal expenses (eg. laundry)
Items not included on this list
Luxury Package
$2550
5 Star rated hotel (B&B plan twin sharing basis) as per itinerary requirements
Meals (Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners with hot drinks during the trek) & tea house accommodation during the trek
Licensed English speaking guide
Required number of guides, porters and crew as necessary for the route
Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff of Belmont Adventure
Airfares including taxes as appropriate for internal flight transfer as part of trekking itinerary
Land transfers through private vehicle as appropriate for trekking itinerary
All necessary trekking permits & government taxes/fees
Official administrative expenses/Service charges
First Aid Kit (Necessary equipments for healthcare)
Insurance for Belmont Adventure staff
Down jacket and Duffle bag for minimal non-refundable borrow charge upon request (to be returned upon completion of trek)
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Your own travel insurance
International airfare
Appropriate visa fees
Personal trekking equipment
Tip for trekking staff and drivers
Sightseeing/monument entrance fees for locations not in itinerary
Other personal expenses (eg. laundry)
Items not included on this list
Frequently Asked Questions
Everest Base Camp: A popular hike with amazing views of the Himalayas and a chance to experience Sherpa culture. Annapurna Circuit: Known for its diverse landscapes, from warm forests to high mountain deserts, and diverse cultures. Langtang Valley: Offers a quieter experience with beautiful valleys, glaciers and traditional Tamang villages. Upper Mustang: A remote, dry area with unique Tibetan culture and ancient cave homes. Gokyo Lake Trek: Known for its blue lakes and panoramic views of Everest and nearby mountains. Manaslu Circuit: A tough hike around Mount Manaslu, full of natural beauty and cultural history.
Spring (March to May): This period offers stable weather, warmer temperatures, and blooming rhododendrons and other flora. It is ideal for clear views and comfortable trekking conditions. Autumn (late September to November): This is considered the peak trekking season due to clear skies, moderate temperatures, and excellent mountain visibility after the monsoon rains.
Many popular treks like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Langtang Valley, Upper Mustang, Gokyo Lake Trek, and Manaslu Circuit don't need previous trekking experience. However, they do require good physical fitness, endurance, and careful preparation. Beginners should work on their cardiovascular fitness by hiking and running. Choosing easy routes for beginners is important for a safe and manageable trek. Having the right gear, planning for acclimatization, and being mentally prepared are also key to completing these treks successfully.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended and often necessary for most trips because it helps cover unexpected expenses such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency evacuations.
Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Nepal, which can be conveniently obtained "on arrival" at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) and at land-border entry points. Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal. Citizens of some SAARC countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—are granted a 30-day visa-free entry. Visa fees payable in cash (USD) are typically structured as follows: 15 days for $30, 30 days for $50, and 90 days for $125.
For trekking in Nepal, you need a Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card for most routes. This permit lets authorities track trekkers for safety and environmental management. Some areas are Special Restricted Areas and need their own permits. These control access to sensitive zones, ensure conservation, and require guides when needed. Trekkers usually get permits from trekking agencies or designated offices in Nepal. Carrying these permits is mandatory. Without them, you may face fines or denied access.
Independent trekking is possible in many parts of Nepal. Although a 2023 regulation requires trekkers to have guides in certain restricted regions, such as Manaslu and Upper Mustang, this rule is not strictly enforced in popular trekking areas such as Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang. However, hiring a guide is strongly recommended for safety reasons and to enhance the overall success of the trip, as guides provide valuable local knowledge, logistical support, and emergency assistance.
Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness, refers to a group of symptoms that develop when the body struggles to adjust to reduced oxygen levels and lower air pressure at high elevations—typically above 3,500 meters (11,482 feet). The condition is usually triggered by ascending too quickly without adequate acclimatization. Common symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness.
To prevent altitude sickness, ascend gradually and avoid gaining more than 700 m (2,300 ft) in elevation per day; if possible, limit daily ascents to below 500 m (1,650 ft). Rest days for acclimatization every 1,000 m (3,000 feet) gained. Stay hydrated by drinking 3–5 liters of water daily and avoiding alcohol. If the symptoms worsen, immediately descend to a lower altitude.
Teahouses are basic lodges or guesthouses along trekking routes, such as the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp. They offer simple rooms with basic amenities, and bathrooms may be shared or private. Hot water is limited, and the furniture is simple. Meals are a mix of local and Western dishes, with tea being the staple beverage.
Yes, Wi-Fi and mobile network connectivity are available during most treks in Nepal, but they are often unreliable, slow, and, at higher altitudes, quite expensive. While you can stay connected in most major villages and teahouses, you should not rely on having consistent access throughout your journey. In remote areas and at higher elevations, network coverage can be intermittent or entirely
Contact Us
Bouddha, Kathmandu, Nepal
9851082016
info@belmontadventure.com