Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek - 17 Days

Your Everest region adventure starts early today with a flight toward Lukla and the famous Tenzing-Hillary Airport.

During the main trekking seasons, particularly March to May and September to November, Lukla flights may operate from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap due to air traffic management in Kathmandu. If your flight is scheduled from Manthali, we’ll leave Kathmandu very early in the morning for the scenic drive along the BP Highway.

The short flight to Lukla is an exciting experience in itself, with spectacular views of the Himalayan foothills as you approach the mountain airstrip.

After meeting the trekking crew and having breakfast, we begin walking toward Phakding. The trail passes through small Sherpa settlements, green hills and suspension bridges spanning the Dudh Koshi River.

We’ll arrive at Phakding in the afternoon and have time to relax. If conditions and time allow, you can also visit the peaceful Phakding Monastery.

Overnight: Phakding

After breakfast, we continue along the Dudh Koshi Valley toward Namche Bazaar, the lively heart of the Khumbu region.

The trail crosses several suspension bridges and passes through beautiful forests before reaching Monjo, where we enter Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One highlight of the day is crossing the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. From here, the trail becomes steeper as we make our way toward Namche Bazaar.

The final climb can feel demanding, especially as you begin gaining altitude, but reaching Namche is a rewarding moment. Surrounded by mountains and built into a natural amphitheater, Namche is the region’s main trading and trekking hub.

Overnight: Namche Bazaar

Today is an important acclimatization day on your Everest Base Camp and Gokyo trek. Rather than staying completely inactive, we take a short hike to a higher elevation and return to Namche to help your body adjust to the thinner mountain air.

Our hike takes us toward the Everest View Hotel, one of the best places in the area for an early glimpse of Mount Everest. Depending on weather conditions, you can enjoy views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and other Himalayan peaks.

We’ll also have an opportunity to learn more about Sherpa culture and mountaineering history. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore Namche’s cafés, bakeries and local shops or simply rest before continuing higher into the mountains.

Overnight: Namche Bazaar

Leaving Namche behind, the trail follows a beautiful high route overlooking the Dudh Koshi Valley.

This section is particularly scenic, with magnificent views of Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse, and other Himalayan peaks. We gradually descend toward Phungi Tenga before climbing through rhododendron and pine forests toward Tengboche.

Tengboche is famous for its monastery and its incredible mountain setting. The monastery is considered one of the spiritual centers of the Khumbu region.

If the timing is right, you may be able to experience the peaceful atmosphere around the monastery and watch the mountains change color as the afternoon light reaches Ama Dablam.

Overnight: Tengboche

Today we continue deeper into the Everest region. The trail descends through Deboche before reaching the traditional Sherpa village of Pangboche.

As we move higher, the landscape begins to change. Dense forests gradually disappear, giving way to open valleys, stone walls, prayer flags and rugged alpine terrain.

We pass traditional chortens and mani stones before continuing through Somare and into the wide Imja Valley.

Eventually, we reach Dingboche, one of the most important acclimatization stops on the Everest Base Camp route. Surrounded by impressive mountains, Dingboche is a beautiful place to spend the evening and prepare for the higher elevations ahead.

Overnight: Dingboche

Another important acclimatization day awaits us in Dingboche.

The principle of trekking at high altitude is simple: climb higher during the day and sleep lower. Today, we take a hike toward a nearby ridge such as Nagarjun or another suitable viewpoint, depending on weather and trail conditions.

The climb provides spectacular views across the Imja Valley, including Island Peak, Makalu, Lhotse, and surrounding Himalayan peaks.

At around 5,000 meters, the air is noticeably thinner, so we take the hike at a comfortable pace with plenty of time for rest and photographs.

We then return to Dingboche for a relaxed afternoon. Staying hydrated, eating well, and getting enough rest today will help prepare you for the challenging days ahead.

Overnight: Dingboche

Today the trail takes us toward Lobuche, with the landscape becoming increasingly rugged and alpine.

We walk along the valley toward Thukla, surrounded by impressive Himalayan scenery. After a break at Thukla, we tackle the steep section leading toward the Thukla Pass.

At the top, we reach the Everest Memorial, a deeply moving collection of memorial stones honoring climbers and Sherpas who lost their lives in the Himalayas.

From the memorial area, the trail gradually becomes easier as we continue toward Lobuche. With the peaks rising dramatically around us, this is when the scale of the Everest region really begins to sink in.

Overnight: Lobuche

Today is one of the biggest days of your Everest Base Camp Trek.

We leave Lobuche early and follow the rocky trail toward Gorak Shep. After settling, we take a short break and leave our heavier belongings at the teahouse before continuing toward Everest Base Camp.

The trail follows the rugged glacial landscape alongside the Khumbu Glacier. As you approach Everest Base Camp, the surrounding peaks and ice formations create an unforgettable Himalayan scene.

Reaching Everest Base Camp is a special moment. Although Mount Everest itself is not always visible from the base camp, you are standing at the starting point used by climbers attempting the world’s highest mountain.

After enjoying the scenery and taking photographs, we retrace our steps to Gorak Shep for the night.

Overnight: Gorak Shep

We start early this morning for one of the most famous viewpoints in the Everest region: Kala Patthar.

The climb from Gorak Shep is steep, but the reward is exceptional. From the summit area, you can enjoy an incredible panorama of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, Lhotse, Khumbu Glacier, and surrounding Himalayan peaks.

Early morning is particularly special because the first light can illuminate the mountains in spectacular colors.

After spending time at Kala Patthar, we descend to Gorak Shep for breakfast and a short rest. We then continue toward Dzongla, leaving the main Everest Base Camp trail and entering a quieter section of the Khumbu.

The changing scenery and fewer trekkers make this section feel more remote as we prepare for the upcoming Cho La Pass crossing.

Overnight: Dzongla

Today is one of the most challenging and memorable days of the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek.

We leave Dzongla early and gradually make our way toward Cho La Pass. The trail becomes more rugged as we approach the pass, with rocky terrain, steep sections, and potentially icy or glacial surfaces depending on the season.

At an altitude of around 5,420 meters, Cho La Pass is a serious high-altitude crossing and requires careful pacing. In icy conditions, microspikes or crampons may be necessary, and your guide will assess the trail conditions before the crossing.

Reaching the top of Cho La is an incredible achievement. From the pass, dramatic Himalayan peaks and glaciers stretch across the horizon.

We then begin the careful descent toward Thangnak, passing through Phedi and rugged glacial terrain before reaching the small settlement of Thangnak.

After such a demanding day, a warm meal and comfortable teahouse are especially welcome.

Overnight: Thangnak

Today we enter the beautiful Gokyo Valley.

From Thangnak, we cross rugged glacial terrain and gradually follow the route alongside the enormous Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas.

As we approach the Gokyo Lakes, the landscape begins to change dramatically. The turquoise water of the high-altitude lakes contrasts beautifully with the surrounding rocky mountains and glaciers.

We pass the first and second lakes before reaching the third lake, known as Dudh Pokhari. Beside its blue-green waters sits the small village of Gokyo.

After arriving at our teahouse, there will be time to explore the lakeshore, enjoy the mountain scenery and rest after the demanding Cho La Pass crossing.

Overnight: Gokyo

We wake early today for the climb to Gokyo Ri, one of the finest viewpoints in the Everest region.

The ascent is steep, and the high altitude makes the climb challenging, but the panorama from the top is worth every step. From Gokyo Ri, you can see some of the region’s most impressive mountains, including Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse and Taboche.

After enjoying the views and taking photographs, we descend to Gokyo for breakfast.

We then continue downhill through the Dudh Koshi Valley. The route passes through beautiful alpine landscapes and yak grazing areas while following the edge of the Ngozumpa Glacier.

By afternoon, we reach Machhermo, a picturesque settlement beneath the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier.

Overnight: Machhermo

After several demanding days at high altitude, today brings us gradually back toward the greener landscapes of the lower Khumbu.

We descend through the Dudh Koshi Valley, passing through small mountain settlements and forests of rhododendron and pine.

As we lose altitude, the air becomes warmer, and vegetation becomes more abundant. We continue through the Sherpa villages and viewpoints around Mongla and Khumjung before eventually reaching Namche Bazaar.

Returning to Namche feels rewarding after completing the high-altitude section of the trek. You’ll have time to relax, enjoy a bakery or café, and reflect on the incredible journey through Everest Base Camp, Cho La Pass, and Gokyo Valley.

Overnight: Namche Bazaar

Today is our final full day of trekking in the Everest region.

After breakfast, we follow the familiar trail from Namche toward Lukla. The route descends through forests and traditional Sherpa villages, with a few short uphill sections along the way.

We cross suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River and gradually make our way back toward the lower elevations.

Although the trail is familiar, it can feel very different on the return journey. Looking back at what you have accomplished—from Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar to Cho La Pass and Gokyo Ri—makes this final walking day especially meaningful.

After reaching Lukla, we can relax, celebrate the completion of the trek, and enjoy our final evening in the Khumbu.

Overnight: Lukla

After breakfast, we head to Lukla Airport for our flight back to Kathmandu.

The flight usually takes around 30–40 minutes, depending on conditions, and offers beautiful aerial views of the hills, valleys, and Himalayan landscape.

Once we arrive in Kathmandu, our representative will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel.

The rest of the day is free. You can relax at the hotel, explore Thamel, enjoy a final Nepali meal, or shop for souvenirs before your journey home.

Overnight: Kathmandu

Your Himalayan adventure comes to an end today.

After breakfast, our team will arrange a private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule.

As you leave Nepal, you take home more than photographs. You leave with memories of walking beneath some of the world’s highest mountains, meeting people from the Himalayan communities, and completing an unforgettable journey through Everest Base Camp, Cho La Pass, and Gokyo Valley.

Thank you for trekking with Trek Curator. We hope to welcome you back to Nepal for another Himalayan adventure.