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Gokyo - Chola Pass - E.B.C Trekking

Trip Legend

 

  The EBC Chola Pass Gokyo Trek is a wild adventurous trek into the Everest/ Khumbu region which combines the Everest base camp with the Gokyo valley and the high Chola pass at an elevation of 5420m. This trek combines a side trek to Gokyo Lake before continuing the journey to Everest Base Camp. A visit to Gokyo Ri offers brilliant views of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Amadablam. The trek takes you through some of the most scenic areas of the entire Nepal Himalayas; for many, this trek is considered to be the best combination for high altitude landscapes available in the region. Hotels and lodges are run by friendly Sherpa families and are available in all settlements along the route. Most people fly into Lukla and you should allow eighteen days to E.B.C. and back to Lukla if you are making the side trek to Gokyo Ri & across the Chola Pass.

Trekking to Gokyo gives you the best chance to view Mt. Everest upfront at its closest, ever. This trek also takes you to the Everest Base Camp that offers amazing views of the mountain peaks and the Ngozumpa Glacier- the largest in the Nepal Himalayas.

The image of this region is associated with the elevated views of the most popular mountain sights of Nepal like Mt. Cho-Oyu (8153m), Mt. Everest (8848m), Mt. Lhotse (8501m), Makalu (8463m) etc. which are clearly visible from Gokyo Ri (5483m.) above Gokyo Lake. One of the most remarkable features of the trek is the view of the incredible ice ridge between Cho Oyu and Gyachung (2922m) located in the Khumbu region.

This astonishing trek is also worthy in a sense that it offers an ample opportunity to explore the towering mountains but is also amazing destination to experience vibrant mountain cultures & the friendly impressive communities which is beyond human imaginations…

           TRIP FACTS

Trip duration: 19 Days

Grade: Moderate to fairly challenging

Activity: Trekking and sightseeing

Starts in: Kathmandu

Ends in: Kathmandu

Accommodation: Hotel, camping or Lodge (tea house)

Meals: all meals provided on the trail

Transportation: Flights, private car or tourist bus

Maximum altitude: 5554m

   Your itinerary in brief:

•           Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

*           Day 02: Sightseeing and trekking Preparation Day

*           Day 03: Kathmandu to Phakding via Lukla.

•           Day 04: Lukla to Namche

•           Day 05: Rest day in Namche

•           Day 06: Namche to Phortse Tenga

•           Day 07: Phortse Tenga to Luza

•           Day 08: Luza to Machhermo

•           Day 09: Machhermo to Gokyo

•           Day 10: Rest day (climb Gokyo Ri and Back to Gokyo)

•           Day 11: Gokyo to Thaknag

•           Day 12: Thaknag to Dzongla via Chola pass

•           Day 13: Dzongla to Lobuche

•           Day 14: Lobuche to Gorekchep - E.B.C and back to Gorekchep

•           Day 15: Gorekchep to Kalapathar trek to Dingboche

•           Day 16: Dingboche to Khumjung via Tengboche

•           Day 17: Khumjung to Phakding via Namche

•           Day 18: Phakding to Lukla

•           Day 19: Lukla to Kathmandu by flight

 

Your detailed itinerary:

Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu

It’s exciting as you fly into Kathmandu if the day is clear. The views from the windows of your plane give you fantastic views of snow-capped mountain peaks begins to stir the excitement in you that makes you feel elated, & this begins a whole link of blissful experiences that stay with you for a long time. Our escort and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Our escort will also help you check into your reserved hotel. At the hotel, you will be oriented on your daily activities.

This is your first overnight in the valley of the gods.

Day 2 Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu is the cultural heart of Nepal and has been a famous destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its borders to visitors. The city displays an interesting combination of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, the two important neighboring cities bear much cultural and religious significance to Nepal’s landscape. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, the 15th century Palace of 55 windows and Swoyambhunath.  After your s/seeing, your senior trek leader ‘VISHMA BRO’’ will visit you at your hotel to orient you on details of your whole trek program. Overnight at your hotel

Day 3 Kathmandu- Lukla [2,800 m/9,184 ft] - Phakding (2,652 m/8,700 ft): 3-4 hrs

Early morning, after breakfast we get transferred to domestic airport to fly to Lukla. After an adventurous 40 minute flight above breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a dramatic landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains peaks. At the airport, we meet our other crew members. We get time to stroll around while the guide divides and manages baggage to be carried by porters. We start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery. Overnight in Phakding with all your meals included

Day 4 Trek Lukla to Namche [3450m] 5-6 hours

From Phakding; we do a double cross on the river over high suspension bridges. We then head into Monjo which is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park and was set-up in order to protect and preserve this fragile mountain environment. We then ascend up to Namche and along the way, if the weather is clear, catch a first glimpse of Mt Everest in the distance. Namche is a happening little town & is the main trading village in the Khumbu and has a busy Saturday market – an ancient meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed the glaciated Nangpa La. We camp near the bazaar at Namche.

Day 5 Rest day in Namche to acclimatize

Namche is wonderfully nestled between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu. This remotely situated town, ironically, has it all; name it, & its there: a whole lot of well maintained lodges, tea hops and souvenir shops. You can even send an email & use the fax machine at Namche. This is just the place to rest your bones & acclimatize to the new altitudes before heading off towards Gokyo.

Your options for acclimatization can include an uphill visit to Khunde Hospital, which was set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or take a one hour walk up to the Everest View Hotel above Namche. From this point, you can watch the sunset over Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. We can also get good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the village.

Day 6 Namche Bazaar - Phortse Village - [3810 m/ 12,496 ft]: 5-6 hrs

After breakfast in Namche, we start our walk enjoying superb views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and close up view of Thamserku on the way. Our trek goes by a gradual trail with a few ups and downs overlooking amazing views of the great Himalaya. Along the way we can spot wild mammals like the pheasant, musk deer, or a herd of Himalayan Thar. The trail goes gradually down up to Kayangjuma. The path eventually reaches Sanasa which is the major trail junction to Gokyo valley and Everest Base Camp. We trek gradual up through reach Mongla pass (3975 m) from where we glimpse Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tawoche and Mt. Khumbila. Sherpas regard Mt. Khumbila as sacred mountain of the patron god of the Khumbu area. Descending to Dudhkosi Khola (3250 m), we cross a bridge and again trek up through the rhododendron forest, a host for Himalayan wild deer and musk deer. Finally, we arrive at the walled fields of Phortse. Phortse is stands under the snow dusted peaks of Tawoche and Cholaste. From here it's a short trek to Phortse village where we bunk out for an overnight.

Day 07 Phortse Tenga to Luza (4360m}

From Phortse Tenga, we cross the bridge on the Dudh Koshi River, we spot wild fauna like pheasants, mountain goats, and the elusive musk deer. Through forests, some waterfalls and bridges, we reach Dole; a small place with few teahouses. Further, we climb steadily up through a scenic ridge above Dole and the trail climbs via Lhabarma. Offering us good views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku; the trail takes us through many summer settlements and a charming hamlet of Luza (4360m). While ascending from Luza, we will be at the Dudh Koshi valley in time to make it for our overnight stop in Machhermo.

Day 08 Luza to Machhermo {4470m}

Walking along the hill side above thundering Dudh Koshi, passing through some small hamlets and through sandy spurs, we reach Machhermo. Machhermo is the last major settlement on the way up to Gokyo. The beautiful stream flowing down from the Kyajo Ri and Phari Lapche mountains runs through the middle of village before draining into the Dudh Koshi. It is the place where Khumbu people got first sighting of Yeti in 1974. We visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital for a lecture regarding the altitude sickness, its precaution, and primary treatment. Overnight in Machhermo

Day 09 Machhermo to Gokyo {4800m)

On this day, we climb through a ridge Chorten from where we can see fabulous view of both down the valley and of the Mt. Kangtega, Thamserku, and northern part to the Cho-Oyu (8153m). Beyond the ridge the valley widens as the trail passes through a Chorten and reaches Phangka (4480m) after a soft walk. Phangka is the place where an avalanche in 1995 killed 40 people. This was a very tragic day for the Himalayas of Nepal. We descend to the river bank before beginning to climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. It is a steep climb on the moraine. After crossing an iron bridge over an stream the trial levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo at 4690m, where we get chance to observe the Lama footprints on a stone. At the sight of the second lake, Taboche Tsho we become mesmerized by the shimmering turquoise blue sheet of water sparkling in the sun. Little ahead of the second lake, we reach the third lake, the two linked by a surging stream. Gokyo village stands by the third lake and Cho-Oyu Mountain as a backdrop sets an amazing spectacular sight here. After lunch, we explore around the third Lakes, Dudh Pokhari. We spend the night in a teahouse with comfortable bedrooms. We crash out for an overnight in Gokyo

Day 10 Acclimatization day in Gokyo - We rest up here

Today is an acclimatisation day, but we shouldn’t remain idle. We make a beeline for the lakes at Gokyo. We hike through a real scenic trail to Phangka and then descend slightly, hanging to the route of the rivers which flow down the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. We climb a steep rocky incline into the valley by the side of the glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes. We soon arrive at the second of the lakes, crossing the path which heads across the glacier to Cho La - our route to Lobuche and Everest, later in the trek. The third lake is known as Dudh Pokhari and on its eastern shore we come across the settlement of Gokyo. Walking by the outer rings of the lake, the scenery is almost stunning with the summits of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang reflected in its emerald green waters.

Day 11 Gokyo to Thaknag [4690m]

After feeling real fit and acclimatised, we leave Gokyo to cross the Ngozumpa Glacier. We descend to the second lake and drop down onto the glacier. The route across the glacier is marked by cairns and is generally quite well defined. We climb off the glacier by a small dwelling known as Thaknag and follow a shallow valley to our camp by a small kharka. This is where we bunk out for the night

Day 12: Thaknag to Dzongla {4710m} via Chola pass {5300m}

We Cross Cho La pass (5300m) then trek to Dzongla (4710 meters) 7 hours.

We trek to the foot of Cho La pass for our overnight stay at a Mountain Lodge. Today is a long trek starting before sunrise at 4/5 am to reach the pass by 9-10 am otherwise weather conditions will seriously affect our journey. We cross over at an altitude of 5300 meters while we could be exposed to strong winds if crossing too late. We start to climb steeply; this route is regularly used and easy to follow. However, problems may arise due to the altitude and snow. It often causes real hassles to cross the pass if it is covered by snow. As we reach the top, we are rewarded by stunning views, and then we descend to Dzongla at high noon. Overnight at our Mountain Lodge

Day 13: Dzongla to Lobuche {4910m}

Today, we will cut across & take the easy and short trekking route as we had big and tough trekking day yesterday. An early start is necessary today, as we have to make the long descent to Lobuche. Continuing up the valley, we cross a ridge and an old lateral moraine, before beginning a rocky scramble downwards. On the way there are excellent views, across to the Rolwaling Valley in the west and Ama Dablam to the south east. The descent from the pass involves the crossing of a small glacier [often snow covered] which is fairly straightforward. There are more excellent views of Ama Dablam and the forbidding north face of Cholatse as we descend to the pastures below. The way to Lobuche contours the grassy slopes above a lake, the Tshola Tsho, to join up with the main Everest trail from Pheriche and Thyangboche. The trail flattens out and follows the valley on the west side of the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche. Overnight at our Teahouse Lodge

Day 14: Lobuche to Gorakshep - E.B.C [5357m] and back to Gorakshep [5184m]

For the trek to Everest Base Camp, a very early start is required. It takes several hours on a trail across the Khumbu Glacier which weaves its way along transparent ice pinnacles and past seemingly bottomless crevasses. At Base Camp, there will hopefully be an expedition 'in residence' and there are great views up into the Khumbu Icefall where there is often some climbing activity. On the return leg, we can take a higher route to get a spectacular view of the Khumbu icefall and the route to the south Col. We then return to Gorak Shep for a warm meal & a warm overnight

Day 15: Gorakshep to Kalapathar(5545m) & trek to Dingboche {4336m}

The day starts with a hike up to Kalapathar, an excellent viewpoint to observe the Mount Everest and innumerable awesome mountains views. On our way down from Kalapathar the trail climbs and contours around the west side of the Imja Khola valley, providing excellent views of Ama Dablam, the Nuptse-Lhotse wall and Everest. We enter Pangboche on the high trail and after lunch visit the monastery which has relics said to be the skull and hand of a yeti. From Pangboche we walk through alpine meadows and pass beneath the towering Ama Dablam to Dingboche for our overnight

Day 16: Dingboche to Khumjung [3786m]via Tengboche [3864m]

From Dingboche, We retrace our route down the Bhote Kosi Valley towards Namche and branch off to follow a quiet trail to Khumjung. It is a picturesque village which also has its own gompa at the top end of town. From our camping spot we have excellent views of Thamserku, Kantega and Ama Dablam. While on our way down to Tengboche we see many beautiful sights of rhododendron bushes with beautiful birds and superb mountain panorama. Tengboche is famous for its legendary monastery, the largest in the Khumbu. A spectacular panorama of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam rising in the horizon can be seen from this village.

Day 17: Khumjung to Phakding via Namche

From Tengboche we descend to the bridge over the Dudh Kosi at Phunki Tenga, where there are water driven prayer wheels, before making our way back to Namche. After a breather & refreshing ourselves, we probably stroll around bustling Namche town & hit a couple of bottles of beer; we then have supper & settle down for the night at our hotel in Phakding

Day 18: Phakding to Lukla

Our final day's trekking follows the Dudh Kosi back down to Lukla. This last evening in the mountains is the ideal opportunity for a farewell party with the Sherpa guides and porters whom we’ve come to know so well; this is where we can sample some ‘chhang’’ (local fermented beer - a favorite drink on the mountains), do a jig to some Sherpa dancing, have a special dinner and reflect back on a memorable trekking experience with Raj Nepal  & HIS GREAT TEAM OF SHERPAS…

Day 19: Lukla to Kathmandu by flight

We pack up early after b/fast and head for the airstrip to hop a flight back to Kathmandu.

On touchdown, the rest of your day is free to do your own things. You could do some last minute shopping and packing, or send a few post cards home or even go down for a stroll to Thamel, an internationally known hub for tourists in Asia; this will probably be a trip we’ll never forget in a lifetime…