Everest Base Camp-Gokyo Trek (Chola Pass Trek)

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu's airport, our representative from Altitude Experts Trips & Expedition will warmly greet you and escort you to your pre-arranged hotel in the vibrant area of Thamel. Take your time to settle in and explore the bustling streets of Thamel, where you'll find various shops, restaurants, and amenities.

In the morning, we finalize our trip preparations, including last-minute shopping and packing. Alternatively, we can arrange a half-day city sightseeing tour to Kathmandu's world heritage sites, such as Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Due to air congestion at TIA, which operates a single runway for both domestic and international flights, all flights to and from Lukla are redirected to Manthali Airport, Ramechhap during the peak seasons of spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November). This change, mandated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, helps alleviate the heavy air traffic at TIA.

In the morning, we finalize our trip preparations, including last-minute shopping and packing. Alternatively, we can arrange a half-day city sightseeing tour to Kathmandu's world heritage sites, such as Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

In the afternoon, we embark on our journey to Everest, starting with an approximate 4.5-hour drive to Manthali in a private vehicle. The route follows the B.P. Highway, passing through Bhaktapur and Dhulikhel. We gradually descend towards Khurkot, where the Tama Koshi and Sun Koshi Rivers converge. Following the Sun Koshi River, we then continue alongside the Tama Koshi River almost to Manthali.

Upon arrival in Manthali, we check in at a resort for an overnight stay and enjoy dinner to conclude the day's journey.

Today, due to new regulations, the flights to Lukla will likely operate from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap District. An early morning start requires waking up at 2:00 A.M. to embark on a 4-hour drive from Kathmandu to Manthali. From there, you'll take a breathtaking 20-minute flight to Lukla.

Upon landing in Lukla, Our professional trekking team will be there to welcome you. You'll be served a hearty second breakfast before commencing your first-day hike in the Himalayas.

From the airport, our trek begins with a scenic walk through Lukla Bazaar. Passing Chheplung, Thadokoshi, Ghat, and other picturesque villages, we make our way to the charming village of Phakding, surrounded by terraced fields and stunning views of the Khumbi Yulha and Dudhkoshi Rivers.

Continuing our journey, we traverse suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River and enter the Sagarmatha National Park. Passing through Benkar, Chumo, and Monju, we make our way to Jorsale for lunch. Afterward, we cross the highest suspension bridge in the valley and ascend steeply through the pine jungle, catching our first glimpse of Mount Everest. Finally, we reach Namche Bazaar, a vibrant Sherpa village with various attractions.

Today is a crucial acclimatization day in our trekking journey. We start with a hike to Hotel Everest View, where we are rewarded with stunning vistas of the Himalayas from the world's highest mountain, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Amadablam, and Thamserku. 

On the way, we visit Sagarmatha Next, a unique center where artists from around the world create souvenirs from the trash collected in the region. Through VR technology. You can experience the Everest climb, adding an exciting and educational dimension to our journey.

After soaking in the views, we descend towards Khumjung, home to the first school built by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1960. Khumjung and the nearby Khunde village are nestled together at the base of Khumbi Yulha and are known as the "green valley" because all the roofs are painted green, except for the monastery, which is red.

We then continue our descent to Kyangjuma, known for its spectacular views of the Himalayas, including Everest and Amadablam. Furthermore, the jungle around Kyanjuma is home to endangered musk deer and the impian pheasant, known as Danfe, the national bird of Nepal. This rich biodiversity, stunning views, and peaceful environment make Kyangjuma one of the best places to stay along the Everest Base Camp Trek. Here, we settle in for the night, surrounded by the majestic beauty of the mountains. 

Our trek begins with a gradual descent to Sanasa through a beautiful rhododendron forest. Just before Sanasa, we take the right turn at the junction and descend along a rocky path that runs along the cliff. We then make our way down through a pine forest to Lausasa, continuing our journey to Fungi Tenga., located on the bank of the Dudh Koshi River.

After crossing a suspension bridge and passing the National Park Checkpost, we climb up to Tengboche, where we will take a lunch break and visit the Tenboche Monastery. From Tengboche, we are treated to expansive views of the Himalayan range, including Everest and Ama Dablam.

Leaving Tengboche and Debuche behind, we continue our trek through scenic rhododendron and pine forests. Along the way, we pass by a nunnery, tea houses, and a few lodges, and cross a suspension bridge, mani walls, and stupa, where we are rewarded with a perfect view of Amadablam. We will spend the night.

Today, after breakfast, we hike to Amadablam Base Camp, situated at an elevation of 4800 meters. Leaving Pangboche behind, we descend to the Dudh Koshi River, cross a log bridge, and then climb up to Ama Dablam Base Camp.

After visiting the base camp, we follow narrow trails towards Dingboche, which involve a gradual descent. Towards the end, we cross a wooden bridge and then undertake a gradual ascent that leads us to Dingboche. Here, we will stay overnight in a comfortable lodge.

Today is a crucial acclimatization day. We take a refreshing hike up to the Nangkarchhang viewpoint, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including towering peaks like Mt. Makalu and Mt. Cho-yu. After spending some time admiring the awespiring vistas, we descend back to Dingboche for a peaceful overnight stay.

After a hearty breakfast, we set out on the trail to Lobuche. The path gently ascends for about two hours before descending to the Dudhkoshi River. We cross a bridge and climb to Thukla village, where we pause for a rejuvenating lunch. Afterward, we tackle the rocky trail up to the Everest memorial plateau, Dhukla, where memorials stand in memory of those who lost their lives on Everest. Continuing for about an hour, we finally reach Lobuche, a charming village nestled behind a hill with only a few lodges. We rest and spend the night in Lobuche.

An early start today as we navigate a rocky trail along the right flank of the Khumbu glacier, heading towards Gorakshep. This leg of the journey is marked by dry terrain and the thinning air, which becomes increasingly noticeable. Gorakshep awaits us at the far edge of the glacier, where we pause for a quick lunch.

After our meal, we repack our backpacks with ample water and snacks, gearing up for the challenging yet rewarding trek to the Everest Base Camp. Here, the thin air might make breathing more difficult, and the rocky trails will test our endurance as we ascend and descend. At the Everest Base Camp, we are greeted by spectacular views of the Khumbu Icefall, the glacier, and the towering mountains that surround us closely. We then trace our steps to Gorakshep for an overnight stay.

Today's adventure begins early, with a wake-up call at half past three in the morning. After savoring a quick cup of tea, we embark on a challenging hike up to Kalapathar. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and involves traversing a rocky trail, with the most demanding portion being a steep ascent up large rocks. However, the reward at the summit is more than worth the effort. From Kalapathar, we are treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and the surrounding mountains. We can also spot Everest Base Camp, the Khumbu Icefall, several lakes, and the vast Khumbu glacier. The sight of Mt. Everest and South Col up close is a highlight. After soaking in this unforgettable view, we descend along the same trail to Gorakshep for breakfast.

Following breakfast, we traverse the rocky and sandy moraine for about two hours until we pass Lobuche. Continuing for another 20 minutes downhill, we veer right, passing the Lobuche East Base Camp alongside a stream. As we ascend gradually through a zig-zagging narrow trail, we reach a vantage point that offers a splendid view of the Pheriche Valley nestled below the magnificent Amadablam, Pumori, and Nuptse peaks. Upon a gradual descent, we pass by Chola Lake on our left and continue toward Dzongla Valley for another 1.5 hours. This final leg involves a steep climb, concluding with our arrival in Dzongla.

With a packed lunch in our rucksacks, we commence our early morning journey towards the challenging Chola Pass. Our path initially takes us past a yak grazing field for about an hour, followed by a gradual climb and then a steep ascent among imposing boulders. It takes around 40 minutes to enter the Chola Valley, wedged between the towering Cholatse on the left and Lobuche on the right. We proceed for another 40 minutes, navigating across the snow-covered terrain to the left of an icy crevasse, and then conquering a challenging rocky climb.

In total, it takes about 4 hours to reach Chola Pass. Here, we pause on a flat rock, which offers a safe spot to savor the breathtaking views. We then embark on a steep descent along a rocky cliff, turning left onto a trail marked by a landslide. After ascending to a ridge, we gradually descend alongside a striking black rocky cliff until we reach Dzongla.

Taking a break to savor some hot soup, we continue our trek towards the east of the Ngozumba Glacier for half an hour, navigating through rocky and sometimes challenging terrain. Our experienced staff will ensure we follow the right trail. Ultimately, we ascend a steep hill through a landslide trail and descend to Gokyo.

Gokyo is a high wetland situated southeast of the third lake, which happens to be the largest among the five lakes in the Gokyo Valley. Two lakes lie ahead, while two are situated to the north of Gokyo Lake. The Gokyo Lake holds sacred significance, prohibiting activities such as swimming.

Today, we embark on a well-deserved rest day, with the option to elevate our spirits further by hiking to Gokyo Ri. In the early morning, we equip ourselves with headlamps and set out to cross the stream, beginning our steep ascent towards Gokyo Ri. The narrow, zigzagging trail demands around 3 hours of our time, but the rewards are priceless.

Gokyo Ri presents us with a breathtaking sunrise over the majestic Mt. Everest, along with stunning views of Mt. Makalu, Cho-Oyu, Gyajung Khang, Pasang Lhamu Peak, Cholatse, and much more. The Gokyo Valley, adorned with its beautiful blue lakes and the sprawling Ngozumba glacier, serves as a mesmerizing backdrop to this hike. As we ascend, you might even hear the soothing sound of the wind and the songs of the Himalayan snowcap.

After relishing the panoramic spectacle from Gokyo Ri, we make our way back down the steep descent to Gokyo, where a hearty breakfast awaits. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy, whether you explore the lakes or have energy left, take a stroll up to the fifth lake.

Trek Our journey takes a transformative turn today, leading us back to the heart of the mountains. We commence with a graceful descent to Machhermo, a picturesque village nestled in the rugged terrain. From here, our path winds upward, guiding us to Lapharma through a gentle ascent. As we traverse this terrain, we are enveloped by the awe-inspiring presence of the Khumbi Yulha. Eventually, we descend to Dole, where we'll find respite for the night.

Our trek unfolds with a descent to the enchanting Phortse Tenga, a place of serene beauty. Ascending once more, we arrive at Mongla, a vantage point that offers breathtaking panoramas. Continuing our journey, we pass through Khumjung, an opportunity to explore a monastery and the Hillary school, a testament to the impact of legendary figures. Ultimately, we reach Namche Bazar, a haven for trekkers.

After enjoying breakfast, we embark on our journey back to Lukla. The path we follow is the same trail we traversed on the first two days of our trek, bridging the gap between Namche and Lukla.

As we approach the conclusion of our trek, we look forward to celebrating this memorable adventure with a special farewell dinner in the evening. This joyful gathering will be accompanied by the harmonious tunes of traditional Nepali folk songs, including the enchanting "Resam Fi ri ri." It's a fitting way to bid farewell to the stunning landscapes and camaraderie of our trekking group.

During this dinner, your guide will collect gratuities from the group and ensure they are distributed among the hardworking staff, expressing our appreciation for their dedication and assistance throughout our journey. It's a time for reflection, gratitude, and camaraderie as we bring this incredible adventure to a close.

Depending on the scheduled flight time, we will make our way to the airport for our journey back to Kathmandu or Manthali, depending on the flight destination. Upon our arrival at the Kathmandu/Manthali airport, our attentive staff will be on hand to ensure a smooth transition and transfer you to your designated hotel.

Later in the evening, we will come together once more for a memorable farewell dinner in the bustling Thamel district. This is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our adventures, share stories, and savor the unique flavors of Nepali cuisine.

Depending on your flight schedule, our staff will arrange for your transfer from the hotel to the airport for your final departure.

This marks the end of your remarkable Everest Three Pass Trek, filled with breathtaking landscapes, challenging trails, and unforgettable experiences in the heart of the Himalayas. We hope you depart with cherished memories and a sense of accomplishment.