Everest Cho La Gokyo Trek

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative of Monkvana | Himalayan Monks Sp. z o.o., operating through its local partner, Jagdamba Holidays. Our representative will be waiting with an official Monkvana sign and a traditional marigold garland to welcome you to Nepal.

You will then be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel. For late-night arrivals, transportation will be arranged according to your arrival time.

Your representative will also provide information about the tour briefing and group meeting. During the briefing, we will review your travel plans and included services and introduce you to your trekking or tour guide.

Before the journey begins, all participants will complete the required travel and liability forms. Any outstanding tour balance should also be settled during the meeting.

We normally fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,846 m), the gateway to the Everest region. If direct flights are unavailable, we travel via Ramechhap (Manthali). When time allows, we explore Kathmandu Valley before driving to Manthali for an overnight stay. If the schedule is tight, we depart Kathmandu around 2:00 AM for the 132 km, four-hour drive to Manthali to catch the early morning flight.

The first flight from Ramechhap to Lukla departs at 6:30 AM. After landing in Lukla, you’ll meet your trekking guide and porter and enjoy a short tea break before beginning the trek.

The trail to Phakding (2,620 m) follows a scenic route through Nurning Ghat, covering approximately 8.5 km in 3–4 hours. The trail features gentle ups and downs, with around 190 m of ascent and 380 m of descent.

Arrive in Phakding, a charming riverside village and the largest settlement in the area. Check in at Namaste Lodge or a similar-standard tea house, then relax and enjoy your first evening in the Everest region before meeting your guide to review the next day’s plan.

After breakfast, set out from Phakding toward Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) via Monjo. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges adorned with colorful prayer flags and winding through traditional Sherpa villages and beautiful rhododendron forests. As the trail climbs, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, with spectacular Himalayan views emerging along the way.

The trek covers approximately 9.5 km in 5–6 hours, with an elevation gain of around 860 m. The steady ascent marks an important step into the higher Khumbu, leading you to Namche Bazaar, the region’s vibrant Sherpa trading and cultural hub.

After reaching Namche, check in at Khumbu Lodge or a similar-standard tea house. Take time to rest and enjoy a warm meal, or explore the town’s colorful markets, cafés, and bakeries before settling in for the evening.

Enjoy a well-earned acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar, giving your body time to adjust to the altitude. After breakfast, begin an optional scenic hike to Khunde and Khumjung, two traditional Sherpa villages rich in local culture and heritage.

Continue to the famous Everest View Hotel (3,880 m), where you can enjoy refreshments while taking in spectacular views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. After enjoying the mountain panorama, return to Namche Bazaar for lunch and free time to explore the lively town, browse the markets, or relax at a café.

In the evening, gather for dinner and a briefing to prepare for the next stage of the trek.

After breakfast, begin your trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860 m), following a scenic mountain trail through rhododendron forests and traditional Sherpa landscapes. As the route winds along the hillsides, enjoy impressive views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other Himalayan peaks.

The trek covers approximately 9.5 km and takes around 4–5 hours of walking, with approximately 780 m of elevation gain and 360 m of elevation loss. The trail gradually leads into the quieter upper Khumbu, culminating at Tengboche, renowned for its historic Tengboche Monastery and magnificent mountain setting.

Upon arrival, check in at Tashi Delek Lodge or a similar-standard tea house. Take time to visit the monastery and appreciate its rich Buddhist heritage, peaceful surroundings, and exceptional views of Ama Dablam before enjoying a relaxing evening in the heart of the Everest region.

After breakfast, begin your trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m), following the Imja Tse Valley through alpine landscapes and traditional Sherpa settlements. As you gradually leave the forested slopes behind, the scenery opens into a rugged mountain environment, with impressive views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and the surrounding peaks.

The trek covers approximately 10.5 km and takes around 5–6 hours. You will gain approximately 610 m in elevation and lose around 140 m along the route. The gradual ascent takes you deeper into the high-altitude landscape of the Khumbu, marking an important stage on the journey towards Everest Base Camp.

Upon arrival in Dingboche, check in at Khumbu Lodge or a similar-standard tea house. Take time to explore the village, enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery, and relax in preparation for the next stage of your Everest Base Camp adventure.

Today is dedicated to acclimatization in Dingboche (4,410 m), an important stop on the Everest Base Camp Trek. After breakfast, enjoy a gradual hike to Nangkartshang Viewpoint (5,060 m), one of the most rewarding viewpoints above the village. The trail offers magnificent views of Ama Dablam, Makalu, Island Peak, and the Imja Valley, providing an excellent opportunity to experience the dramatic Himalayan landscape.

The round-trip hike covers approximately 4 km and takes around 4–5 hours. You will gain approximately 660 m in elevation and descend the same amount on the return journey. The gradual ascent provides valuable acclimatization while allowing you to experience the spectacular high-altitude surroundings.

The hike is optional, and you may instead spend the day exploring Dingboche at a relaxed pace. A second night at this altitude gives your body valuable time to adapt to the increasing elevation before continuing towards Lobuche.

After the hike or a leisurely day in the village, return to Khumbu Lodge or a similar-standard tea house to rest and enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings. Take time to experience the traditional Sherpa culture and lifestyle before preparing for the next stage of your Everest Base Camp adventure.

After breakfast, trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940 m) through the rugged landscapes of the upper Khumbu. The trail gradually climbs towards Thukla Pass (4,830 m), offering impressive views of Pumori, Nuptse, Cholatse, and the surrounding peaks.

The trek covers approximately 8 km and takes around 4–5 hours. You will gain approximately 600 m in elevation and lose around 20 m along the route. At Thukla Pass, pause at the moving Everest memorials dedicated to climbers who lost their lives on Everest and other Himalayan peaks.

Continue to Lobuche, a small high-altitude settlement beneath towering Himalayan peaks. Upon arrival, check in at New EBC Guest House or a similar-standard lodge, then rest and prepare for the following day’s trek to Everest Base Camp.

After breakfast, begin your trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,140 m), following a rugged trail through the high-altitude landscape of the Khumbu. The route crosses rocky moraines and glacial terrain, with dramatic views of Pumori, Nuptse, Khumbu Glacier, and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

The trek covers approximately 14 km and takes around 7–8 hours. You will gain approximately 424 m in elevation and lose around 224 m along the route. As you approach Gorak Shep, the landscape becomes increasingly stark and dramatic, marking your arrival in one of the highest settlements on the Everest Base Camp route.

Upon reaching Gorak Shep, check in at Buddha Lodge and take some time to rest and have lunch before continuing towards Everest Base Camp (5,364 m). The trail follows the edge of the Khumbu Glacier, with towering peaks and rugged glacial landscapes surrounding you.

Reaching Everest Base Camp is the defining moment of the trek. Take time to enjoy the remarkable surroundings, capture photographs, and appreciate the achievement of reaching the base of the world’s highest mountain. After exploring Base Camp, retrace your steps back to Gorak Shep for an overnight stay.

Return to Buddha Lodge Gorak Shep for a well-earned rest and prepare for the following morning’s early hike to Kala Patthar (5,550 m), one of the finest viewpoints in the Everest region.

Start early from Gorakshep for a sunrise hike to Kala Patthar (5,550 m / 18,209 ft.), one of the finest viewpoints in the Everest region. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, and the surrounding Himalayan peaks before descending to Gorakshep for breakfast.

After breakfast, continue your trek towards Dzongla (4,830 m / 15,846 ft.) through rugged alpine terrain, dramatic valleys, and spectacular mountain scenery. The trail gradually ascends towards Dzongla, a remote and scenic Himalayan settlement surrounded by impressive peaks.

The trek from Gorakshep to Dzongla via Kala Patthar covers approximately 17 km in total and typically takes around 7–8 hours. The route involves approximately 550 m of ascent and 910 m of descent. Lunch will be arranged at a suitable lodge or along the trail, depending on the day’s progress and conditions.

Upon arrival in Dzongla, check in at Hotel Dzongla Inn or a lodge of similar standard. Accommodation is provided on a twin-sharing basis with shared bathroom facilities, with breakfast and dinner included. Dzongla is an important stop on the Cho La route, serving as a gateway between the Khumbu Valley and the Gokyo Valley and offering a peaceful base amid spectacular Himalayan scenery.

Start early from Dzongla for the challenging ascent to Cho La Pass (5,420 m / 17,782 ft.), one of the most demanding high-altitude crossings in the Everest region. The trail climbs steeply through rocky terrain, glacial moraines, and, depending on the season, snow and icy sections that require careful footing and steady effort. Reaching the top of Cho La Pass is a major highlight of the trek, offering spectacular views of Cholatse, Ama Dablam, Lobuche, and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Crossing this high mountain pass is both a physical challenge and a rewarding experience, making it an important part of the journey for trekkers seeking to explore beyond the classic Everest Base Camp route and connect the Khumbu Valley with the Gokyo Valley.

The trek from Dzongla to Dragnag via Cho La Pass covers approximately 8.9 km and typically takes around 6–7 hours. During the trek, you will gain approximately 610 m in elevation and descend around 740 m. After crossing the pass, the trail descends through rocky and glacial terrain towards Dragnag (4,700 m / 15,420 ft.). Lunch will be arranged at a suitable lodge or along the trail, depending on the day’s progress and conditions.

Upon arrival in Dragnag, check in at Cho La Pass Resort or a lodge of similar standard. Accommodation is provided on a twin-sharing basis with shared bathroom facilities, with breakfast and dinner included. Dragnag is a remote Himalayan settlement and an important stop on the route towards Gokyo Valley, providing a peaceful place to rest after the demanding Cho La crossing and prepare for the next stage of the trek.

Start from Dragnak and trek to Gokyo (4,790 m / 15,715 ft.), following the trail through the rugged landscapes of the Gokyo Valley alongside the impressive Ngozumpa Glacier. The route crosses glacial terrain before reaching the beautiful Gokyo Lakes, with surrounding Himalayan peaks creating an impressive mountain setting. Continue to the peaceful settlement of Gokyo, situated beside the third Gokyo Lake.

The trek from Dragnak to Gokyo covers approximately 3.5 km and takes around 3–4 hours, with approximately 120 m of elevation gain and 30 m of elevation loss. Including the optional Gokyo Ri hike, the total distance is approximately 7 km, with a combined estimated activity time of 6–7 hours. Lunch will be arranged at a suitable lodge or in Gokyo, depending on the day’s progress and conditions.

Upon arrival in Gokyo, check in at Gokyo Resort or a lodge of similar standard. Accommodation is provided on a twin-sharing basis with shared bathroom facilities, with breakfast and dinner included.

Optional Gokyo Ri Hike: After checking in and taking some time to rest, you may hike to Gokyo Ri (5,360 m / 17,585 ft.). The hike covers approximately 3.5 km and takes around 3–4 hours, with approximately 510 m of elevation gain and 510 m of elevation loss. The steep ascent is rewarded with panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the surrounding Himalayan peaks, making this a worthwhile highlight of your stay in Gokyo.

Sunrise Hike to Gokyo Ri: Rise early and hike from Gokyo to Gokyo Ri (5,360 m / 17,585 ft.) to enjoy sunrise over the Himalayan peaks. The trail climbs steadily through rocky alpine terrain, with views of the Gokyo Lakes and surrounding mountains. From the summit, enjoy a panoramic mountain vista as the morning light illuminates Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and other Himalayan peaks.

The hike to Gokyo Ri covers approximately 3.5 km and takes around 2–3 hours, with approximately 510 m of elevation gain and 510 m of elevation loss. After enjoying the sunrise, descend to Gokyo and return to the lodge for breakfast. Take some time to rest and prepare for the trek to Dole.

After breakfast, begin the trek from Gokyo to Dole (4,200 m / 13,780 ft.), following the trail through the Gokyo Valley and its surrounding alpine landscapes. The route gradually descends through quiet mountain terrain, with views of the surrounding peaks and opportunities to see yaks grazing on the alpine pastures. Continue through the peaceful Himalayan landscape before reaching the small settlement of Dole.

The trek from Gokyo to Dole covers approximately 12.5 km and takes around 5–6 hours, with approximately 90 m of elevation gain and 820 m of elevation loss. Lunch will be arranged at a suitable lodge or along the trail, depending on the day’s progress and conditions.

Upon arrival in Dole, check in at Dole Resort or a lodge of similar standard. Accommodation is provided on a twin-sharing basis with shared bathroom facilities, with breakfast and dinner included. Dole is a peaceful mountain settlement surrounded by alpine landscapes and serves as an important overnight stop on the trail through the Khumbu region.

After breakfast in Dole (4,200 m / 13,780 ft.), begin the scenic trek towards Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286 ft.) via Khumjung (3,790 m / 12,434 ft.). The trail passes through alpine landscapes, rhododendron and pine forests, and traditional Sherpa settlements, with beautiful views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Continue through Khumjung before descending towards Namche Bazaar.

The trek from Dole to Namche Bazaar via Khumjung covers approximately 11.3 km and takes around 5-6 hours, with approximately 540 m of elevation gain and 1,160 m of elevation loss. Lunch will be arranged at a suitable lodge or along the trail, depending on the day’s progress and conditions.

Upon arrival in Namche Bazaar, check in at Khumbu Lodge or a lodge of similar standard. Accommodation is provided on a twin-sharing basis with shared bathroom facilities, with breakfast and dinner included. The evening is free to relax or explore the lively streets, shops, and local surroundings of this famous Sherpa town.

After breakfast, begin the final trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,846 m / 9,337 ft.), following the trail through Monjo and Phakding. The route crosses suspension bridges and winds through pine and rhododendron forests alongside the Dudh Koshi River, gradually descending through the lower Khumbu. Enjoy the changing landscapes and final mountain views as you make your way towards Lukla.

The trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla covers approximately 18 km and takes around 6–7 hours, with approximately 560 m of elevation gain and 1,130 m of elevation loss. Lunch will be arranged at a suitable lodge or along the trail, depending on the day’s progress and conditions.

Upon arrival in Lukla, check in at Buddha Lodge or a lodge of similar standard. Accommodation is provided on a twin-sharing basis with shared bathroom facilities, with breakfast and dinner included. Relax and enjoy your final evening in Lukla as your Everest Cho La Gokyo Trek comes to a close, marking the completion of your journey through the Everest, Cho La, and Gokyo regions.

After completing your unforgettable trek in the Everest region, take a scenic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. As the aircraft lifts off from Lukla’s iconic mountain runway, enjoy sweeping aerial views of deep valleys, winding rivers, and towering Himalayan peaks. On clear days, you may catch final glimpses of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu from above. If a direct flight to Kathmandu is not available on your travel date, you will fly from Lukla to Ramechhap (Manthali) instead.

The direct flight from Lukla to Kathmandu takes approximately 40–50 minutes. If traveling via Ramechhap, the Lukla–Ramechhap flight takes approximately 20 minutes, followed by a road journey of approximately 132 km to Kathmandu, which takes around 6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, check in at Hotel Kailash Kutee and take time to relax after your Himalayan adventure. Enjoy a free evening to reflect on your journey or explore Kathmandu’s rich culture, colorful markets, and renowned cuisine.

Keep a flexible buffer day in Kathmandu to allow for possible weather-related flight delays and ensure a smooth, stress-free journey. Mountain flights are highly weather-dependent, making this extra day an important part of the itinerary.

If flights operate as scheduled, you may enjoy a relaxed day in Kathmandu or arrange a sightseeing tour at short notice through our local partners, subject to availability and at an additional cost. Popular options include Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple, offering a glimpse into Nepal’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

Enjoy your final day at your own pace and stay at Hotel Kailash Kutee before your onward journey.

As your Himalayan journey comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on Nepal’s stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unforgettable experiences—from majestic mountain landscapes to the warm hospitality of local communities.

For a smooth departure, a representative of Monkvana | Himalayan Monks Sp. z o.o., operating through its local partner Jagdamba Holidays, will meet you at your hotel approximately 3.5 hours before your scheduled flight and provide a comfortable transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.

Thank you for choosing Monkvana | Himalayan Monks Sp. z o.o. and Jagdamba Holidays. We look forward to welcoming you again on future journeys across the Himalayas and beyond.