Unquestionably, one of the world’s greatest adventures is the Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo Lake via Chola Pass. This trek is undoubtedly the most gorgeous and picturesque in all of Nepal. At some point it goes on through the same path as the other well-known Everest trekking tours, but along the adventure, you will come across Chola Pass and the village of Gokyo with its turquoise lake. Hence, you could ask no more than the trek that combines the natural beauty of Lakes, the challenge of crossing the high pass, and the chance to stand in the shadow of the world’s highest peak.

You will see numerous of the world’s tallest mountains rising toward the sky as you go. Among these are the peaks of Makalu (8481 meters), Lhotse (8516 meters), Nuptse (7861 meters), and Mount Everest (8848 meters). Keeping all of these in your pocket, the trek’s major highlights are Gokyo Lake, Valley, and Gokyo Ri.

If you are looking to do this trek then we have to say that it is a reasonably challenging trek that calls for certain abilities. The trail involves steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, and the Cho La Pass crossing, which adds an element of adventure and physical challenge to the trek. However, if you are fit and fully believe in yourself, you shouldn’t worry at all.

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

A staff member (possibly your guide) will greet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel in Thamel. Once you check in and have some refreshments one of our official member will brief you of your trekking route and details. All queries are welcome and may be asked to him. After all of this, you may rest or explore Thamel, which is one of the popular tourist destinations in the city. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu

We begin a guided tour of the Kathmandu Valley’s historical sights this morning following breakfast. These are not your typical sites—rather, they are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will be visiting the sites- Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swyambhunath Temple, Pashupatinath Temple and Bouddhanath stupa with the assistance of our female tour guide. After completing this trip, you will come back to prepare your packing stuff and gear and call off for the day. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Morning flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding

The start of this journey is on the early morning flight from Kathmandu to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla. Our Sherpa (Porter) will greet you upon arrival at the Lukla airport where they will assist your bag to the hotel where you will have cup of tea or coffee overlooking the flight landing and takeoff.  After that, you will begin to trek with the Sherpa and our guide to arrive at Phakding, a little Sherpa village with a few tea shops and local houses in the Dudh Koshi valley. If your flights is on time then you will arrive Phakding by Lunch time. Little. Rest after the lunch and we would like to take you up to the monastery which is 250mt above the lodge. We are taking you there not only to visit the monastery but also acclimatization hike (as a rule you always climb high and sleep low). Overnight at the lodge in Phakding.

Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar

Today we are going to the capital of the Sherpa homeland, Namche Bazaar. Numerous suspension bridges, including the well-known Hillary Bridge, will be crossed by us on the way. As we continue walking from Monjo, we will pass through a green pine forest and connect with the Sagarmatha National Park.

We will keep moving on from there and before arriving at Namche Bazaar, the top of the slope appears to offer the best first view of Mount Everest. Excitedly, you will eventually reach Namche Bazaar after passing few Buddhist monasteries and chortens admiring the Himalayan scenery. After refreshment my guide will be taking up to the Headquarter of Sagarmatha National Park to visit the museum and also to experience the sunset over the Mt. Eveest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse and Amadablam. Overnight at the lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Day 5: Rest day in Namche for Acclimatization

We are going to spend this day in Namche to become acclimated. Since the altitude will soon rise considerably, acclimation is required. You may now choose to see the Everest View Hotel, which is located at 3900 meters, offering magnificent views of the nearby mountain ranges and the first spectacular sight of Mount Everest. Additionally, we go through Syangboche Airstrip and visit Khumjung Village. Overnight at the lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Day 6: Trek from Namche Bazzar to Tengboche

We begin our day today with a little ascent and then travel a level path to Kyanjuma. After that, we descend till we reach Phunki Tenga and pass the Dudh Koshi River before climbing one more time to reach Tengboche Monastery, which is the most important monastery in the area. We will spend the night in Tengboche village after touring the Monastery and do evening acclimatization hike.

Day 7: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche

In order to have a close-up look at the Amadablam, we are going to wake up early and go to Dingboche. We’ll follow a wooded track to reach Deboche. Thereafter, we will climb past mani walls, watch the beautiful landscapes of the Himalayas, and reach Pangboche which is another Sherpa settlement. Here you will see one of the oldest monasteries in Khumbu, Pangboche Gompa. From here, we’ll go across suspension bridges and yak homes to reach Dingboche. Overnight at the lodge in Dingboche.

Day 8: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche

This is the journey’s second acclimatization day. To enjoy the wide views of Makalu and the surrounding peaks, we will trek to Nagarjun Hill or Nangkartshang Hill. We also have the option to go to Nangkartshang Gompa which provides a view of the Himalayan peaks of all directions. Come back to dingboche and stay overnight.

Day 9: Trek to Lobuche from Dingboche

We’ll go to Lobuche as you leave from Dingboche. After that, we’re going to the Thukla Pass and Thukla Village. Here, we will see stone memorials to those who died on Mount Everest along the route. After walking for a while, we will finally arrive in Lobuche enjoying the scenery and the captivating views of the mountains. Overnight at the lodge in Lobuche.

Day 10: Trek to Gorak Shep then hike to EBC

We have to overcome several obstacles on the route to the base of Mount Everest. Today, we leave Lobuche and journey along the Khumbu glacier, passing through the freezing rocky landscape. After some trekking, we arrive at a small village Gorakshep, where we will eat lunch.

We have two hours left on our trek to get to Everest base camp after lunch in Gorakshep. Once you’re there, you may finally celebrate, snap multiple photos, or just enjoy the scenery. As soon as you fulfill your wish to stay, we will head back to Gorakshep for the overnight stay.

Day 11: Trek from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar and to Dzongla

Today we’re going to climb up to Kala Patthar early to see the sunrise. About a two-hour trek from Gorakshep lies Kala Patthar, a little black hill. Here you can see the unmatched view of the mountains, which can’t be seen from anywhere else in the trek. Clearly, you can see Mt. Everest, Pumori, Nuptse, Changtse, and Lhotse up close.

You will return to Gorakshep and travel to Dzongla after finishing the journey to Kalapatthar. On the way back, the path divides after crossing Lobuche. Dzongla village is approximately two hours trek northeast on the main path from Lobuche. Overnight at the lodge in Dzongla.

Day 12: Trek from Dzongla to Thangna via Cho La Pass

This is the hardest day of your trek. It will be difficult to traverse the steep mountain of Cho La Pass. A non-technical ascent to the 5367-meter-summit of Cho La is one of the attractions of this trek. While the trek up the pass is not very hard, ascending is not technically demanding. The Himalayan peaks of Ama Dablam, Baruntse, and Lobuche East are seen alongside the breathtaking mountain range views from this pass. After fully enjoying the views, we will arrive at the little Sherpa settlement of Thangnaa at the base of Cho La Pass. Overnight at the teahouse in Thangna.

Day 13: Trek to Gokyo from Thagna

Tibet lies on the other side of the Nepalese border, making Thagna one of the last villages there. As we go from Thaknak to Gokyo, enjoy in the amazing view of Mount Cho Oyu. While we trek down, we will go through the Nzogumpa Glacier, which is the longest glacier in Nepal. Also, you will catch the first glimpse of Gokyo Lakes. Overnight at the lodge in Gokyo Valley.

Day 14: Gokyo to Gokyo Ri to Dole

We will wake up a bit earlier than usual today in order to enjoy the sunlight from the summit of Gokyo Ri. Observing many 8,000-ers, including Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Lhotse, from this incredible viewing spot is just amazing.

Here, you’ll see that the lakes—which act as a kind of sky mirror— make the scenes really awesome. After enjoying ourselves, we will eventually return and go down the Dudhkoshi River. Follow the route that descends to the settlement of Dole and you will spend the night here.

Day 15: Trek from Dole to Namche Bazaar

Today, we descend a steep route to Phortse Thanga. Here we will enjoy the scenes of waterfalls, rhododendrons, and wildflowers. After arriving at Mong, we get amazing vistas of Khumbila Peak. Then, we get a great view of the Taboche, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtega mountains as we go to Namche. When we finally arrive at Namche Army Camp Hill, we gaze back one more time to see Tengboche, Lhotse, and the top of Everest. And Namche Bazaar is located around a kilometer away from here. Spend the night in Namche Bazaar.

Day 16: Trek back to Lukla from Namche Bazaar

Today, we make our way down a steep track over many suspension bridges as we get to a fair trail. As we lower ourselves to a comfortable height, the air will begin to become more warmer. Now as you reach Lukla, the trip has nearly come to an end, and you will see the porters departing soon. Overnight at the lodge in Lukla.

Day 17: Flight back from Lukla to Kathmandu

After breakfast at the resort, we board a morning flight to Kathmandu. You will have a full day off after returning to your hotel, so you may relax or enjoy an excursion around the city. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 18: Final Departure

Unfortunately, your trek to Gokyo Lake, Chola Pass, and Everest Base Camp concludes today. We would be delighted if we could have shown you more of the fascinating Himalayas. But no worries, we know you’ll return home and inspire your loved ones to organize another vacation to this stunning nation by sharing your incredible tales with them. Happy trekking!

Want to join us? Click this link and become a member of Aussie Explorers (its free) then rsvp to this event

https://www.meetup.com/aussie-explorers/events/299765013/

Service Includes:

Arrival and departure transfer service from the airport
3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast (at 3-Star Standard Hotel) on a twin-sharing basis
Airport transfer for domestic flights (Ramechap transfer during September to November and April to May)
Flight tickets to and from Lukla
3 meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) every day during the trek
All accommodation ( Upgraded lodges with 6 nights attached bathroom and hot shower) during the trek (twin sharing basis)
Seasonal fruits, every day after dinner, during the trek
3 cups of tea/coffee every day during the trek (served in cups only)
Purified drinking water during the trek
All required trekking permits and Khumbu Gaunpalika Tax
Government-licensed, English-speaking, experienced, and knowledgeable guide and his entire expenses
Porters (one porter for every 2 members) and his entire expenses
Full insurance of guide and porter
All required local and government taxes
Down jacket and sleeping bag rented items (if required)
Duffle bag and trekking route map 
First-Aid Kit (Basic) along with Oximeter
Farewell dinner after the trek

Excludes:

Nepal arrival visa
Temple entrance fees while on city tour of Kathmandu ( Day 2)
Meals in the city, except breakfast and farewell dinner
WiFi, and battery charging services , extra drinks
Personal expenses, such as mineral water, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, extra meals, snacks, etc.
Your travel insurance covers helicopter evacuation over 5000m, trip cancellation, trip interruption
Tipping to the staff

Packing list

Clothes

• Waterproof jacket
• Rain coat
• Lightweight Down jacket (Provided)
• Waterproof trousers
• Lightweight trekking trousers
• Hiking shorts (if trekking in the summer)
• Thermals (top and bottom, merino ideal)
• Two to three trekking t-shirts/shirts
• Fleece or warm mid-layer
• Waterproof thick gloves
• Glove liners
• Hiking socks and lighter walking socks
• Wool hat
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Spare underwear
• Buff or similar to cover your neck and face
• One pair of worn-in, waterproof hiking boots
• One pair of lightweight trainers (for the camp, in the evenings)
• 4 season sleeping bag (Provided)

Extra Clothes for Winter

• Extra warm layers (add an extra warm item to all key items above)
• Extra set of thermals (pair to walk in, pair to sleep in)
• Merino trekking socks
• Merino glove liners
• Gaiters
• Hand warmer

Tech

• Powerbank
• Universal plug adaptor
• Charging cables
• Phone / iPod /Kindle

Toiletries

• Biodegradable wet wipes
• Hand gel
• Small biodegradable bags to take toilet tissue off the mountain
• Toilet paper
• Sunscreen & lip block
• Personal medication

First Aid Kit, including:

• Anti-Diarrhoea Tablets (Imodium)
• Painkillers
• Anti-inflammatories
• Throat Lozenges
• Rehydration Sachets
• Blister Plasters
• Vaseline – to rub on feet to reduce friction
• Diamox for  (only after consultation with a medical professional)

Other Items

          Trekking poles

• Travel towel
• Two water bottles (one litre each)
• Metal SIGG bottle (useful to fill with hot water to use as a hot water bottle at bedtime)
• Water purification tablets, such as Lifestraw or SteriPEN
• Crampons or chained spikes that will fit any boot, if you don’t have crampon-suitable boots (for winter departures between December and March)
• Day pack with rain cover (30 litres +)
• Duffel bag (for the porters to carry overnight kit) (Provided)

This is an international travel trip and travel insurance with unlimited medical cover, including existing conditions and insolvency is compulsory.

By RSVP this meetup you agree to and are bound by the terms and conditions of Aussie Explorers which can be found here:
https://www.meetup.com/Aussie-Explorers/

Aussie Explorers organisers and leaders accept no liability during this meetup, leaders try to ensure the safety and well-being of members at all times however as this is a weekend away travelling, exploring different areas and hiking in the great outdoors accidents happen, please take responsibility for your own safety and your belongings.

Deposits are non-refundable, the final price is subject to currency fluctuation.