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The Cho La Pass Trek, also known as Gokyo or Everest circuit trek, is one of the most adventurous treks in
the Everest Himalayas. The trek follows the Base Camp route and then heads out to the Cho La Pass at 5330 meters and Gokyo. Obviously the trek further traverses through the landmarks of Everest region in the company of majestically soaring mountains, friendly Sherpas, colorful monasteries and prayer flags, the Namche Bazzer, the Sagarmatha National Park, and many more. Gokyo, a hidden valley with gorgeous blue lakes in the lap of Himalaya has its own reputation among the adventurous souls. Many trekkers yearn to visit the Gokyo valley as a side trip during their Everest Base Camp Trek and they feel their Everest trek incomplete if they happen to miss the trip to Gokyo Valley, Gokyo Peak, and the famous pass, Cho La. Kala Patthar and Mount Everest Base Camp. It leads you through traditional, quaint Sherpa villages in the foothills of some the highest peaks in the world. The routecrosses the fast flowing Dudh Koshi River and visits its source; the Gokyo Lakes, where you will also have the opportunity to summit Gokyo Peak (5483 meters) offering astonishing, panoramic views of Cho Oyo, Everest and Makalu.
The route also heads to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, another chance to summit a Himalayan peak to achieveunparalleled views of Mount Everest and the surrounding mountain giants. Icefalls, glaciers, the world’s highest Buddhist monastery at Tyagnboche and unimaginable views of some of the world’s “8000” are all on offer on this truly spectacular trekking route. You will return home having accomplished the ascent of two peaks, challenging trails and reaching the base of the highest mountain in the world, all whilst witnessing some of the most captivating scenery, insurmountable anywhere else in the world.
Additional Information
Our website contains as much information as possible about this trip. However, if you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for it please contact us by email. If you want to talk to us directly feel free to call us at: 00977-9841492303
Arrival in Tribhuwan International airport (TIA) where you will be met by a Sagarmatha Adventure representative and transferred to your hotel by private vehicle. Overnight at hotel.
Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath) which is one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members.
An early flight between the mountains brings us to Lukla and the starting point of our trek.Then we have a 3-hour trek to Phakding where we will rest for the night in a local teahouse. On the way we will pass Buddhist prayer wheels, if you turn these clockwise with your right hand, it is considered very good luck. Overnight at teahouse.
From Phakding we continue hiking for around five hours along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, through forests of pine and oak trees, crossing this sacred river many times on suspension bridges loaded with prayer flags.
The trail starts to rise and rhododendron, magnolia and giant fir trees stand tall. There will then be a challenging, steep climb up to Namche Bazaar, a hillside town known as the Sherpa capital and gateway to the high Himalaya. You can enjoy a stroll around this colorful and lively village, visiting the many shops and sampling the local delicacies.
We will stay an extra day in Namcha Bazaar to acclimatize to the ever-increasing altitude. During this day,an early hike above town, before the clouds move in, rewards climbers with a breathtaking Himalayan sunrise and views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse (the 4th highest peak in the world), and the captivating Ama Dablam. You will see the highest Five star hotel in the world and a charming Sherpa Museum that houses an exhibit on traditional Sherpa lifestyle and a striking photography display by a local Nepalese naturalist.
Today we reach the idyllic, holy place of Tyanboche, home to the Tyangboche Monastery and spiritual centre of the Khumbu region. Never will you have seen a monastery in such stupendous surroundings. Make sure your camera is ready as there will be countless opportunities to take some awesome photographs of the 360-degree surrounding Himalayas. Kwangde, Nuptse, Lhotse, Kangtega, Ama Dablam and Everest will all be on display here, dancing with color as the sun goes down. We can take a trip to the monastery, which is adorned with fascinating ornate wall hangings and houses a twenty-foot sculpture of Lord Buddha and the musical instruments and robes of the Lamas. After a wonderful day, we will rest for the night in a local teahouse.
Hiking from Tyangboche, the trail drops to Debuche, crosses another impressive suspension bridge on the Imja Khola River and climbs to Pangboche. We pass many Buddhist Mani stonewalls which are sacred for Buddhists and if you have the energy, we can hike over the hill to upper Pangboche to visit a monastery. Our uphill trek continues, taking us to the busy, traditional Sherpa village of Dingboche, which is surrounded by the Himalayas and offers stunning views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam.
For the acclimatization day we will hike into the surrounding hills to higher ground and have the afternoon to rest. Two nights in teahouse.
We leave the Imja Valley behind and follow a ridge past Dughla and on to Lobuche. There will be a steep climb after lunch that takes us to a memorial for all the mountaineers who have sadly lost their lives trying to conquer the peak of Mount Everest. These memorials are Buddhist chortens, built of many Mani stones and loaded with prayer flags. Along the trail, we will start to have our first glimpses of the Khumbu Glacier and the mountains will begin to close in on you as we leave the walking paths and follow rocky trails around the mountains. Overnight at teahouse.
We will reach Gorak Shep in time for lunch, here we will leave our bags behind and head out over the rocky tracks to Everest Base Camp. Everest Base camp is the closest you can be to Mount Everest without mountaineering equipment. You may see a group of people in camp preparing to climb the mighty Mount Everest. We will then hike back to Gorak Shep for dinner and a well-earned rest. If the weather is clear, sunset views from Gorak Shep are a feast for the eyes! Overnight at Teahouse.
A very early start to reach the peak of Kala Patthar for some truly mesmerizing views of Mount Everest and the surrounding Himalays. This place is arguably the best place to be for unrivalled views of the highest place on earth. To reach the peak is a difficult trek up a steep sandy track, but your efforts will be rewarded with some of the best views you will ever see, watching the colors of the sunset dance on the snow covered peaks. We return to Gorak Shep for breakfast and then head out again, crossing the Changri Shar Glacier and descending to Lobuche for lunch. After our meal, we change our direction and head west to reach Zongla. Along the trail, we will have exceptional views of Taboche Peak and Cholatse Peak. Overnight at teahouse.
A one-hour hike up a gentle incline followed by a steep incline for two and a half hours brings us to Cho-La Pass. This area is an icy wilderness of natural beauty offering more incredible views of the Himalayas. We then descend steeply through a rocky land for an hour, sometimes having to jump down from the rocks to the trail. Finally we reach a walking track and follow this to Thangnak. Along this trail, we will see the impressive
Nagozumpa Glacier so get your cameras at the ready! Overnight in teahouse.
We cross the Nagozumpa glacier to Gokyo. A well needed short trekking day. The afternoon can be spent wondering
around the sparkling waters of the third lake (Dudh Kunda/Pokhari) and, if you feel like you have the energy, we
can visit the fifth lake (Nagozumpa Tsho), which takes around 4 hours. Overnight in teahouse.
A challenging, steep climb to the peak of Gokyo Ri, giving you panoramic views of some of the mighty “eight
thousanders” and hundreds more mountains and peaks that the make up the Himalayas. We spend a second night in
Gokyo after our achievement of reaching another Himalayan peak.
Our descent to lower altitudes begins. We descend alongside the Nagozumpa Glacier, passing the first (Longpongo)
and second (Tajung Tso) of the Gokyo Lakes. We will pass through Machhermo and Luza before we reach our resting
point for the night. Overnight in teahouse.
We head back to the hillside town of Namche Bazaar. As we descend to lower altitudes, we will start to see the
trees again, passing through forests of pine and rhododendron. We may be lucky enough to see some lophophorus birds
and wild mountain goats as we approach Namche Bazaar. Here you can treat yourself to a feast and enjoy the local
festivities in the many bars and cafes. Overnight in teahouse.
We return to Lukla for the night, waving goodbye to the mountains and celebrating our accomplishments as we checkout
our permits for the Sagarmatha National Park.
Another breathtaking flight between the mountains back to Kathmandu where we will transfer you back to your hotel.
You will have the afternoon to rest or wonder around the capital city.
A free day for you to rest, get a relaxing massage in one of the many spas or, if the weather conditions prevented
the flight from Lukla, we could be flying back to Kathmandu today.
Our adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! Sagarmatha Advanture representative will escort us to the airport
approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure
in the wonderful country of Nepal.