The Everest Cho La Pass Trek is a true Himalayan adventure that combines the classic Everest Base Camp route with the stunning Gokyo Lakes and the challenging Cho La Pass (5,420m). If you're looking for a trek that’s both physically demanding and visually rewarding, this is it.
Over 18 incredible days, you’ll walk among towering peaks, cross icy glaciers, trek through Sherpa villages, visit ancient monasteries, and push your limits over rugged high passes. Whether you’re standing at Everest Base Camp (5,364m), conquering Cho La Pass, or soaking in the breathtaking beauty of Gokyo Ri (5,360m), this journey will be one for the books.
Everest Cho La Pass Trek Map - 19 Days Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu – Welcome to Nepal!
Altitude: 1,400m
Duration: 3-4 hours
Welcome to the land of the Himalayas! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Tidy Himalaya representative will greet you and take you to your hotel in Kathmandu. The rest of the day is yours to relax, explore, and soak in the city’s vibrant energy. Wander through Thamel’s bustling streets, visit ancient temples, or enjoy a quiet café before the adventure begins.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Highlights: Exploring Thamel, pre-trek briefing, meeting your guide
Day 02: Discover Kathmandu – Cultural Sightseeing & Trek Prep
Altitude: 1,400m
Duration: Full day
Before heading into the mountains, you’ll explore the cultural gems of Kathmandu. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, the enormous Boudhanath Stupa, and the ancient Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple). This is also the perfect time for any last-minute gear shopping before the trek.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Highlights: Iconic heritage sites, spiritual immersion, final trek preparations
Day 03: Fly to Lukla & Trek to Phakding
Altitude: Lukla (2,860m), Phakding (2,610m)
Duration: 35-minute flight, 3-4 hours trek
An early morning flight to Lukla kicks off your trekking adventure. The short yet thrilling flight offers stunning aerial views of the Himalayas before landing at one of the most famous airstrips in the world. From Lukla, the real journey begins with a scenic trek through forests, Sherpa villages, and suspension bridges, leading to Phakding, a charming riverside village.
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Phakding
- Highlights: Thrilling Lukla flight, first steps on the trail, Dudh Koshi River views
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar – Entering the Heart of the Himalayas
Altitude: 3,440m
Duration: 5-6 hours
The trek gradually ascends through lush pine forests and vibrant Sherpa villages before reaching Sagarmatha National Park, home to Everest and its surrounding peaks. You’ll cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge before tackling a steep climb into Namche Bazaar, the bustling Sherpa capital.
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Namche Bazaar
- Highlights: First Everest view, suspension bridges, Namche’s lively atmosphere
Day 05: Acclimatization Day in Namche – Hike to Everest Viewpoint
Altitude: 3,440m
To help your body adjust to the higher altitude, today is a rest and acclimatization day. You’ll hike up to Everest View Hotel (3,880m), where you’ll get a spectacular panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Spend the afternoon exploring Namche, visiting the Sherpa Museum, or just relaxing at a cozy mountain café.
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Namche Bazaar
- Highlights: Everest panorama, Sherpa culture, acclimatization hike
Day 06: Trek to Tengboche – The Spiritual Heart of the Himalayas
Altitude: 3,860m
Duration: 5-6 hours
Leaving Namche, the trail winds through forests and rivers, with breathtaking views of Ama Dablam. Tengboche is home to Tengboche Monastery, the largest monastery in the Everest region, where monks perform their daily rituals against the backdrop of towering peaks.
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Tengboche
- Highlights: Tengboche Monastery, scenic mountain vistas
Day 07: Trek to Dingboche – Entering the Alpine Zone
Altitude: 4,410m
Duration: 5-6 hours
Crossing Imja Khola, the trail gradually ascends to Dingboche, a picturesque alpine village with stunning views of Island Peak and Lhotse. The terrain becomes rockier, signaling your arrival in the high-altitude world of the Himalayas.
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Dingboche
- Highlights: Imja Valley, alpine scenery, first glimpses of Island Peak
Day 08: Acclimatization Hike to Nagerjun – Reaching Higher Altitudes
Altitude: 5,100m
Duration: Half-day
Today, you’ll take a challenging acclimatization hike to Nagerjun Hill. The climb is steep, but the breathtaking views of Makalu, Lhotse, and Everest make it all worthwhile.
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Dingboche
- Highlights: High-altitude training, panoramic views
Day 09: Trek to Lobuche – Following the Glacier’s Edge
Altitude: 4,940m
Duration: 5-6 hours
Pass through Thukla Pass, a site filled with memorials of climbers who attempted Everest. The trail follows the Khumbu Glacier, offering a dramatic, rugged landscape leading to Lobuche.
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Lobuche
- Highlights: Glacial trails, memorials of Everest climbers
Day 10: Trek to Everest Base Camp and Return to Gorakshep
Altitude: 5,364m (Everest Base Camp), 5,164m (Gorakshep)
Duration: 7-8 hours
Today is the day you reach Everest Base Camp (EBC)! The trek follows a rugged path along the Khumbu Glacier, where the terrain is rocky and icy, making each step both challenging and exhilarating. As you get closer, the views of Nuptse, Pumori, and Everest become overwhelming.
Upon arriving at EBC, you’ll be standing at the foot of the highest mountain on Earth! The sight of the towering peaks, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and the legendary Khumbu Icefall makes all the effort worth it. After soaking in the surreal beauty, you’ll return to Gorakshep, where you’ll rest for the night.
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Gorakshep
- Highlights: Reaching Everest Base Camp, Khumbu Glacier trek, breathtaking mountain views
Day 11: Hike to Kala Patthar and Trek to Dzongla
Altitude: 5,550m (Kala Patthar), 4,830m (Dzongla)
Duration: 6-7 hours
Rise before dawn for the ultimate sunrise experience. The climb to Kala Patthar (5,550m) is steep, but this is the best viewpoint of Mount Everest. As the first golden light touches the world’s highest peak, the panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Pumori is simply breathtaking.
After spending time at this legendary viewpoint, you’ll descend back to Gorakshep for breakfast, then continue trekking towards Dzongla, a quiet and remote village that feels far away from the busy Everest trails.
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Dzongla
- Highlights: Everest sunrise, 360° Himalayan panorama, secluded Dzongla village
Day 12: Cross Cho La Pass and Trek to Dragnak
Altitude: 5,420m (Cho La Pass), 4,700m (Dragnak)
Duration: 7-8 hours
One of the toughest but most rewarding days of the trek! The climb to Cho La Pass (5,420m) is steep and icy, requiring careful footing and determination. The trail crosses glacial moraines and rocky landscapes, and at the top, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Cholatse.
The descent is steep and tricky, leading through a beautiful but challenging glacier section before reaching Dragnak, a small, peaceful village where you’ll rest after an intense day.
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Dragnak
- Highlights: Conquering Cho La Pass, icy glacier crossings, dramatic mountain views
Day 13: Trek to Gokyo via Ngozumpa Glacier
Altitude: 4,800m
Duration: 4-5 hours
Today, the trek takes you across the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal. The trail is surreal, surrounded by rock, ice, and glacial lakes, eventually leading you to Gokyo, a hidden gem in the Everest region.
Gokyo is home to the stunning turquoise Gokyo Lakes, reflecting the majestic peaks of Cho Oyu and Everest. The serenity of the lakeside village makes it a perfect place to relax and recover from the tough trek.
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Gokyo
- Highlights: Ngozumpa Glacier crossing, arrival at Gokyo Lakes, peaceful lakeside scenery
Day 14: Hike to Gokyo Ri and Trek to Dole
Altitude: 5,360m (Gokyo Ri), 4,200m (Dole)
Duration: 7-8 hours
Early in the morning, hike up to Gokyo Ri (5,360m) for one of the best panoramic views in the Everest region. The ascent is tough but rewarding, with a jaw-dropping view of Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and the shimmering Gokyo Lakes below.
After capturing this once-in-a-lifetime sunrise, you’ll descend back to Gokyo for breakfast before continuing down to Dole, passing through alpine meadows, yak pastures, and traditional Sherpa settlements.
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Dole
- Highlights: Gokyo Ri sunrise, breathtaking Himalayan panorama, serene Dole village
Day 15: Trek to Namche Bazaar – Back to Civilization
Altitude: 3,440m
Duration: 5-6 hours
As you descend further, you’ll notice warmer air, lush forests, and more oxygen, making the trek feel much easier. The trail takes you through rhododendron forests, small mountain villages, and rushing rivers, eventually leading back to Namche Bazaar.
After days in the high-altitude wilderness, returning to Namche feels like a luxury—hot showers, bakeries, and lively shops await!
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Namche Bazaar
- Highlights: Returning to civilization, scenic descents, enjoying Namche’s comforts
Day 16: Trek to Lukla – Completing the Journey
Altitude: 2,860m
Duration: 6-7 hours
Your final trekking day brings you back to Lukla, retracing your steps along the Dudh Koshi River. The familiar landscapes feel different now, as you reflect on the incredible journey you’ve completed.
In the evening, celebrate your achievement with your trekking team over a warm meal and maybe even a small farewell party!
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Lukla
- Highlights: Completing the trek, final Himalayan sunset, celebration with fellow trekkers
Day 17: Fly Back to Kathmandu – Return to the City
Altitude: 1,400m
Duration: 35-minute flight
Enjoy your final aerial views of the Himalayas as you take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you can relax, explore the city, or enjoy a post-trek massage.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Highlights: Scenic mountain flight, returning to Kathmandu
Day 18: Leisure Day – Relax & Explore Kathmandu
Altitude: 1,400m
A free day to explore Kathmandu at your own pace. You can visit more heritage sites, go souvenir shopping, or just relax. This day also serves as a buffer for any flight delays from Lukla.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Highlights: Optional sightseeing, last day in Nepal
The Everest Cho La Pass Trek is more than just a trek—it’s a journey of resilience, adventure, and breathtaking beauty. From standing at Everest Base Camp to conquering the icy heights of Cho La Pass and witnessing the stunning Gokyo Lakes, every step is an unforgettable experience.
At Tidy Himalaya, we ensure expert guidance, seamless logistics, and an experience that goes beyond just trekking. Whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural immersion, or the ultimate Himalayan challenge, this trek delivers it all.