Difficulty Level
Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo and Cho La Pass is considered a moderate to challenging trek. The main challenge comes from the altitude, long trekking days, and the crossing of Cho La Pass.
Trekkers usually walk between 5 to 8 hours per day. The pass crossing day can take 8 to 10 hours depending on weather and trail conditions. Although the trek is physically demanding, it is achievable for anyone with good fitness, proper acclimatization, and a positive mindset.
Best Time for Everest Base Camp via Gokyo and Cho La Pass Trek
The best seasons for this trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring offers warmer temperatures, blooming rhododendrons, and clear mountain views. Autumn is known for stable weather, fresh mountain air, and excellent visibility.
Winter treks are possible but Cho La Pass may have heavy snow and icy conditions. Monsoon season from June to August is less popular due to rain, clouds, and flight delays.
Accommodation and Food
During the trek, you will stay in local teahouses run by Sherpa families. Rooms are simple but comfortable, usually with twin beds, blankets, and shared bathrooms.
Meals are served in teahouse dining halls and include both local and international options. Popular meals include dal bhat, fried rice, noodles, pasta, potatoes, soups, pancakes, eggs, and tea. As you go higher, food prices increase because everything is carried by porters or yaks.
Cost and Personal Expenses
The package cost generally includes airport transfers, Lukla flights, trekking permits, guide, porter, accommodation, and meals during the trek.
You should also budget extra money for:
- Hot showers
- WiFi and mobile data
- Charging devices
- Snacks and drinks
- Tips for guide and porter
- Gear rental or purchase
- Travel insurance
- Extra hotel nights in Kathmandu
- Helicopter return upgrade if needed
Most trekkers spend around USD 15 to 30 per day on personal expenses during the trek.
A Brief History of Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes Trek Route
Trekking in the Khumbu region began when the Nepal government opened the area for tourists in the 1950s. After the establishment of Sagarmatha National Park in 1976, trekking in the region happened in a more organized manner.
Focusing on the Gokyo Lakes Trek route, it gained prominence when Mt. Cho Oyu was first climbed in 1954 by an Austrian Expedition team. They were the first people to lay their sight on Gokyo Lakes and take photographs of them. The ascension of Mt. Cho Oyu, as well as thebeautiful images of Gokyo Lakes, influenced a lot of tourists to explore the area on their own.
Gokyo Lakes actually stands for a complex of 6 lakes, the biggest one of which is called DudhPokhari. They are situated in the western part of Khumbu region. Since these lakes are at a lose proximity to Gokyo Ri, they were named after the peak itself.
How the Gokyo Lakes trek route came into existence must be credited to the British Expedition team led by Eric Shipton in 1952. The team was considered the first group of people to pass through the Gokyo Valley. Edmund Hillary and George Lowe, who were members of the same team, scouted the glaciers in the valley and the upper extent of Dudhkoshi River.
Fitness and Preparation
This trek requires good physical fitness from the trekkers and some prior trekking experience. This trek is considered challenging because it combines three different treks into a single one, connecting popular and most sought out for view of Mount Everest, Everest Base Camp, with serene and challenging Gokyo Lakes and Chola Pass. A good preparation is required for this trek. Regular cardio exercises, strength training, and hiking practice are recommended to prepare for the altitude and terrain challenges.
Lukla Flight Information
Please note that in peak seasons (March, April, October, and November), because of heavy air traffic in Kathmandu Airport, flights to Lukla commence from Ramechhap (Mathali) Airport. In this case, you will need to leave Kathmandu around 1 AM and drive to Ramechhap for about 3-4 hours, and take a flight to Lukla, which will last around 20 minutes. In other months, flights to Lukla commence directly from Kathmandu. Returning from Lukla is also the same case.
Changing weather can disrupt your flight to or from Lukla, so it will be a good idea to have a few extra days spare to avoid missing out your international flight back. However, you can book a luxury option helicopter flight for hassle-free transportation, which is available from Kathmandu, and changing weather doesn't affect it.
