What is the best time to trek to Gokyo Ri and via Cho La Pass?

The best trekking seasons are pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (late September to November). During these months, the weather is stable, skies are clear, and Himalayan views are at their best. Winter treks are possible but very cold with limited services.

Do I need prior trekking experience for this route?

Yes. The Gokyo Ri and Cho La Pass route is a challenging high-altitude trek, suitable for trekkers with previous high-altitude trekking experience. It involves long days of trekking, steep ascents, and crossing the Cho La Pass at 5,420m. Beginners are recommended to try standard Everest or Gokyo treks with proper acclimatization.

What are the main highlights of this trek?

Key highlights include: Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for panoramic Himalayan views. Crossing the Cho La Pass (5,420m). The serene five Gokyo Lakes. Stunning vistas of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, and Cho Oyu. Experiencing Sherpa culture, monasteries, and Namche Bazaar.

Gokyo Lake Trek

Trekking to Gokyo Ri and the Gokyo Lakes is one of the most breathtaking experiences in the Everest region. Thousands of trekkers visit Nepal each year to explore these stunning high-altitude landscapes. For those with limited time, the Short Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek offers a condensed yet unforgettable adventure.

This trek is truly remarkable. Every journey to the Everest region is a lifetime experience, and this trek promises numerous unforgettable moments. Starting with a scenic flight and thrilling landing at Lukla, the trek takes you up to Gokyo Ri at 5,357 meters. Along the way, you will experience the majestic highland Himalayas and the serene beauty of the high-altitude wetlands. The five Gokyo Lakes are incredibly calm and enchanting, and you’ll also get to see the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal.

The Short Gokyo Lakes Trek also offers a glimpse into the Sherpa culture. You’ll meet friendly locals, witness their unique way of life, and experience their warm hospitality firsthand.

This trek is designed to be completed in a short duration, including your arrival day, without any rest or acclimatization days. Therefore, it is most suitable for trekkers with prior high-altitude trekking experience.

If you are a beginner, other treks with proper acclimatization and rest days are recommended, or you can opt for the standard Gokyo Lakes Trek to enjoy a more relaxed journey.

Best Season
All the Time
Transportation
Car/Flight/ Car/ Tourist bus
Walking Hours
4-5 Hours
Accomodation
Hotel / Tea Houses
Maximum Altitude
5435m

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Trekking to Everest Base Camp via the Gokyo Ri and Cho La Pass route is one of the most spectacular journeys in the Himalayas. This route is famous for its stunning blue Gokyo Lakes, the challenging Cho La Pass, and breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

As you trek through the Khumbu region, you’ll be accompanied by the region’s rich culture, including friendly Sherpas, vibrant monasteries, and the bustling Namche Bazaar, all set within the pristine Sagarmatha National Park. The journey offers incredible viewpoints at Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar, where you can witness the majesty of Everest and the surrounding peaks.

From this trek, you’ll enjoy magnificent views of iconic mountains such as Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Pumori, making the Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Ri and Cho La Pass a truly unforgettable adventure for any trekker.

Trip Highlights

Explore the Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo River.
Visiting all of the high Valley of the Khumbu with the extra time.
Cultural Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
Adventurous trek through the Everest route.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrive at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Rest and prepare for the exciting trek ahead.

Day 02 :

Kathmandu Sightseeing

Explore the cultural and historical highlights of Kathmandu, including Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 03 :

Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2,652m)

Take a scenic 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860m), then begin your trek to Phakding (2,652m). Enjoy the first glimpses of the Khumbu Valley, crossing suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, and soak in the surrounding Himalayan scenery. Overnight stay in Phakding.

Day 04 :

Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

Trek through the Sagarmatha National Park, passing traditional Sherpa villages, forests, and suspension bridges. Gradually ascend along the Dudh Koshi River to reach the bustling Namche Bazaar (3,440m), the gateway to the Everest region. Enjoy your first views of Ama Dablam and the surrounding peaks. Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.

Day 05 :

Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,286ft)

Take a rest day in Namche Bazaar to acclimatize to the high altitude. You can explore the village, visit the local Sherpa Museum, enjoy short hikes nearby, and soak in stunning views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.

Day 06 :

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole (4,030m / 13,225ft)

Leave Namche Bazaar and trek through rhododendron and pine forests, crossing small streams and traditional Sherpa villages. Gradually ascend to Dole (4,030m), enjoying spectacular views of Thamserku, Kangtega, and Ama Dablam along the way. Overnight stay in Dole.

Day 07 :

Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4,470m / 14,665ft)

Continue ascending through the Khumbu Valley, passing small villages and high-altitude landscapes. Reach Machhermo (4,470m), a traditional Sherpa settlement, and enjoy breathtaking views of Cho Polu, Taboche, and Ama Dablam. Overnight stay in Machhermo to rest and acclimatize.

Day 08 :

Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo Lakes Village (4,750m / 15,580ft)

Trek through high-altitude landscapes with spectacular views of Ngozumpa Glacier and surrounding peaks. Arrive at Gokyo Lakes Village (4,750m), a serene settlement beside the beautiful turquoise Gokyo Lakes. Enjoy the peaceful environment and the stunning Himalayan panorama. Overnight stay in Gokyo Lakes Village.

Day 09 :

Hike to Gokyo Ri and Trek to Dole (4,030m / 13,225ft)

Start early with a hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m / 17,575ft) to witness a panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and other Himalayan peaks. After soaking in the breathtaking scenery, descend back through Gokyo Lakes Village and trek to Dole (4,030m) for an overnight stay.

Day 10 :

Trek from Dole to Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,286ft)

Descend through high-altitude landscapes, passing traditional Sherpa villages and forests. Enjoy scenic views of the Khumbu Valley as you return to Namche Bazaar (3,440m). Spend the evening exploring the village or relaxing at your lodge. Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.

Day 11 :

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860m / 9,383ft)

Begin your descent through Sherpa villages, forests, and suspension bridges, retracing your steps along the Dudh Koshi River. Arrive in Lukla (2,860m) and enjoy your final evening in the mountains before your return flight. Overnight stay in Lukla.

Day 12 :

Fly from Lukla to Ramechhap

Take an early morning flight from Lukla to Ramechhap, enjoying the last aerial views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and relax after completing your unforgettable trek. Overnight stay in Ramechhap.

Day 13 :

Free Day in Kathmandu

Return to Kathmandu and enjoy a leisure day to relax, explore local markets, or revisit cultural sites at your own pace. This is a perfect opportunity to rest and soak in the city before your departure. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 14 :

Final Departure from Kathmandu

Transfer to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Bid farewell to Nepal, taking with you unforgettable memories of the Everest region and your trekking adventure.

Includes/Excludes

Cost Includes

Airport picks up and transports by private Car/Jeep.
Three night’s standard twin sharing Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
Three meals a day (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
Fresh fruit every evening after dinner.
Trekking Lodge (Tea House) accommodation during the trek.
All necessary paperwork including Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit & Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fees.
Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu (Ramechhap -Lukla- Ramechhap) flight with private airport transfer and domestic airport tax.
A highly experienced, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English speaking well trained, Government license holder guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.
Strong, helpful Sherpa porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment, his salary, food, accommodation, and insurance (one porter for two people).
Comprehensive medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
Arrangement of emergency helicopter service (paid by your Travel Insurance Company).
Use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag and walking poles (if you don’t have your own, to be returned after trip completed).
Government taxes and official expenses.
Guided Kathmandu sightseeing tour with private car/jeep.
Trip achievement certificate after successful trip completion.
Oxygen meter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) which will ensure your health during the trek.
Assistant guide for groups of 7 or more people.

Cost Excludes

Meals whilst you are in Kathmandu - lunch, and dinner.
Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu). $30 USD for 15-day, $50 USD for 30 Days, and $125 USD for 90 Days visa.
Personal travel and medical insurance.
International airfare.
Your personal expenses.
All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic, soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, mineral water, extra food, cold and hot drinks on trek ( i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the tea houses)
All desserts & sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
Hot shower and battery charging at the tea houses.
Tips for the guide, porter, and driver (tipping is expected)
Kathmandu sightseeing monument entrance fees($30 USD per person)
Excess baggage of more than 10 kg for Lukla flight.
NOTE: If you return earlier from the trek due to sickness or any problem, the money you paid for the flight, hotel, mountain room, food, etc. is non-refundable, and you will need to bear the expenses for the hotel, food, etc. in Kathmandu yourself.

Gokyo Lake Trek

Trip Info

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs