Everest Base Camp and Chola Pass Trek - 18 Days

Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal. Our airport representative will pick you up from Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to the hotel room. Have some rest and recover from jetlag. You can visit our office in the evening for official arrangements and pre trek briefing. Later, you can spend your leisure strolling around the streets of Thamel for shopping and sightseeing activities.

Accommodation: Hotel at Kathmandu
Meals: Not included

This day is free to explore the heritage sites of Kathmandu. Kathmandu has become a historical and cultural center of Nepal accompanied by the finest architectures, temples, stupas, and much more. Today, we pay a visit to four major UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu that includes Pasupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa. Enjoy your day sightseeing and get to know the rich religious and cultural history of Nepal. In the evening, back to the hotel for your delicious meals and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Hotel at Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Flight Duration: 25-35 minutes
Trek Duration: 3-4 hours

In the morning, we embark on a scenic flight to Lukla, the gateway to Everest Base Camp. Being a remote mountainous region, airways are the only means to get to Everest region. Upon arriving there, we’ll meet our porters who’ll assist us in carrying our bags during the trek.

After a hearty breakfast in Lukla, we commence our trekking journey following the Everest trail along the Dudh Koshi River. After walking for half an hour, we’ll arrive at Chheplung village. Enjoy the gorgeous views of Mt. Khumbila on the way. Next, we pass by Thado Koshi village, cross a swinging bridge to reach Ghat village. Once at Ghat, look out the beautiful cluster of prayer flags and mani walls. Afterwards, we continue walking for half an hour to reach Phakding.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Phakding
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Note: Kathmandu to Lukla flight has been rerouted to nearby Manthali Airport, Ramechhap in the peak season (March, April, May, October and November) due to congestion in Kathmandu airport. Manthali can be reached within a 5-6 hour drive from Kathmandu.

Duration: 5-6 hours

After a short walk past the Phakding village, we cross a suspension bridge and begin ascending the evergreens to reach Benkar. Continuing on the trail, we reach Chumoa followed by Monjo and then come across the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park. Next, we descend on the trail towards the river, cross a suspension bridge, pass by Jorsale village on the way. Once crossing a long metal bridge over the confluence of Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi, we begin ascending towards Namche. Along the trail, you’ll be rewarded with the first views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse. Another hour of trekking leads to the beautiful town of Namche where we’ll spend one more day acclimatizing.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Namche Bazaar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

This historical Sherpa town Namche is a popular trading hub in the Everest region where you can find an array of modern facilities and services. It’s a perfect acclimatization spot for trekkers going to Everest Base Camp and other places. Today, we spend our rest day hiking to Hotel Everest View, which is one of the highest placed hotels on the earth lying at 13,000 ft. This is the perfect vantage point to see the panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Kusum Kangaru, Thamserku and many more peaks. Next, we visit the Sagarmatha National Park Museum on the way. In the museum, you get to learn about the Sherpas, diverse flora and fauna of National Park and the rich culture and history of Everest region. Then, back to the hotel. Enjoy your evening time strolling around the Namche streets and watching the beautiful surrounding landscapes.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Namche Bazaar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Duration: 5-6 hours

Leaving Namche, we trek up through the rhododendron forests to reach Sansa. On the way, you come across a chorten decorated with prayer flags from where you can see the awesome views of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Lhotse and neighboring peaks. From Sansa, the trail is divided to reach Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp. We continue on the Everest trail, pass by Pungi Thanga and cross a suspension bridge. Then, begins the final ascent to Tengboche. Once at Tengboche, you can pay a visit to Tengboche Monastery, and attend the evening prayers by Lamas. From here, you can rejoice in the beautiful sunset views over the Himalayan peaks. Then, back to the guesthouse for delicious meals and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Guesthouse at Tengboche.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Duration: 5-6 hours
Continuing our hiking adventure, we walk through the forests and past the villages of Pangboche. Afterwards, you trek along a rocky trail to reach Somare and then follow wide yak trails towards Dingboche. En route, we cross a bridge over Chola Khola and begins ascending uphill to reach Dingboche. On the way, you’ll come across a perfect vantage point that offers the magnificent view of Ama Dablam. After a short hike from here, we arrive at Dingboche, a beautiful farming village surrounded by snow covered peaks.
Accommodation: Guesthouse at Dingboche.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Duration: 4 hours

Dingboche is our second acclimatization spot. We spend this day hiking to nearby Nangkartshang Peak. In the morning, we head off the trail, hike on a steep slope for three hours to reach the top. On the way, you can behold the sights of picturesque Pheriche valley. Once at the top, you’ll enjoy the perfect views of Ama Dablam, Taboche, Thamserku, Kantega, Lobuche East and Lobuche West. After spending some time here, we trek back to the village. Enjoy your afternoon exploring the village and enjoying the surrounding views.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Dingboche.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Duration: 5-6 hours
From Dingboche, the trail rises gently up through plateau to reach Thugla. On the way, the views of Mt. Arakam Tse and Tabuche are truly breathtaking. Then, begins a steep uphill climb to Dughla. Once at the top, you’ll come across memorial chortens surrounded with prayer flags that are built in the memory of perished climbers during the Everest expedition. Walking past, you’ll hike along the moraine of Khumbu Glacier. During the hike, you’ll notice changing terrain with thinned vegetation and stony trails before arriving at Lobuche. Enjoy your evening exploring around the village with stunning mountain views.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Lobuche.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Duration: 8-9 hours
An exciting trekking day you’re waiting for. Today, we hike to Everest Base Camp, the main highlight of our entire trip. From Lobuche, we hiked on a rocky trail through Khumbu Glacier to Gorakh Shep. From here, you behold the sights of Mt. Everest in front of you, and Kala Patthar to the left. The final stretch of the trail from Gorakh Shep turns its way up and down glacial moraines towards Base Camp. Upon reaching there, you can see a large stone with prayer flags marked with Everest Base Camp sign, a perfect spot for group photos. Finally, you make it, standing on the base of the world’s highest peak is itself a great achievement. We celebrate our beautiful moments cheering with teammates and then hike back to Gorakh Shep for our overnight stay.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Gorakh Shep.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Duration: 7-8 hours

We have the morning hike to Kala Patthar for watching the sunrise views over the Himalayas. Also, you’ll get the closest panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Chagatse, Pumori and many more peaks from this vantage point. After enjoying the best mountain views, we trek down to Gorakh Shep for breakfast.

Leaving Gorakh Shep, we follow the trail back to Lobuche. Further up the path, we cross a river and begin ascending gradually along the trail to Dzongla valley. On the way, you come across a confluence over two streams from where you can behold the sights of stunning Mt. Nuptse, Pumori and Ama Dablam. Continuing on, we reach turquoise Cho La Lake on the left side and Lobuche East Base Camp on our right side. Afterwards, the trail rises gently up followed by a descent, then crossing a river, you’ll make your final climb to reach Dzongla. Enjoy your evening looking at the beautiful surrounding views.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Dzongla
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Duration: 7-8 hours

Today, we start early in the morning (4 am) to cross the Cho La Pass. The mountain weather is unpredictable, so starting early helps us to prevent any adverse weather on the way. This challenging route follows a steep ascent along a ridge, crossing streams on the way followed by climbing towards the mountain pass. We’ll come across Chola Glacier and continue along the icy trail to reach the top. From here, you can get the best picturesque views of Mt. Kantega, Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Baruntse, Thamserku, Taboche and many more peaks. Then, we continue descending gently down the mountain pass to reach Thagna village.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Thagna .
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Duration: 4 hours

Another early start in the morning as we head towards Gokyo Lake today. The hiking begins with a gentle stroll on the lateral moraine of Ngozumpa glacier and crossing the glacier. On the way, the views of Mt. Cho Oyu seen from the trail is astonishing. Afterwards, we begin ascending up the opposite lateral moraine to reach our ultimate destination, Gokyo Lakes. Continuing on a downhill path, we arrive at Gokyo village lying on the shore of Gokyo Lake in the abode of the Himaayas. Enjoy the tranquil surrounding of Gokyo Lakes and stunning scenery of the Himalayas.
Accommodation: Guesthouse at Gokyo
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Duration: 6-7 hours

Today, we hike to Gokyo Ri for the stunning views of Gokyo Lakes, Ngozumpa glacier and the snow covered Himalayan peaks. An early start today to climb to the top and enjoy the scenic views. We hike for two hours along the switch backing trails. From the top, enjoy the breathtaking views of the four highest (8,000+ m) peaks that include Mt. Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu and Lhotse. Likewise, you can see other stunning peaks: Nuptse, Cholatse, Pumori, Tarboche, Gyachen Kang, Thamserku and many more peaks. After enjoying the best views of Gokyo valley, we hike back to Gokyo for breakfast. Next, we head back along the same trail towards Dole for our overnight stay. The views of Sherpa villages, yak herders settlement, green pastures, native forests, glacial rivers and lonely monasteries are spectacular on the way. Once at Dole, you can take the afternoon wandering around the village or simply enjoying the surrounding views from the guesthouse.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Dole
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Duration: 5 hours

Leaving Dole, we follow the trail, past Thore and hike gently towards Phortse Tenga. Throughout the journey, you can see beautiful views of Mt. Taboche along with birds and wildlife of the mountainous region. The sights of Blood Pheasants, Musk Deer, and Danphe (national bird of Nepal) is common along the route. Next, we cross the Mong La and then reach the junction at Sanasa where this Gokyo trail meets the Everest trail. Afterwards, we follow the Everest trail back to Namche, passing by the native forests and monasteries along the way.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Namche
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Duration: 6 hours

Back to Lukla today. We descend on the same trail that we hiked over a week ago, passing by the traditional Sherpa villages and lush forests on the way. An hour hike from Namche leads to Jorsale, then continues through lush forests to reach Monjo. From here, we cross a suspension bridge over Dudh Koshi before arriving at Phakding, and keep walking to reach Lukla. Enjoy your evening strolling around the village and celebrating the beautiful moments with teammates at the guesthouse.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Lukla
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

The trek comes to close today as we fly back from Lukla to Kathmandu. Enjoy the scenic mountain views during the flight. Once you arrived at the airport and then back to the hotel room. If you arrive early, you can spend your leisure sightseeing around the city. Later, we’ll get together for a farewell dinner in the evening. Enjoy your stay in Kathmandu.

Accommodation: Hotel at Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

The Everest Base Camp and Cho La Pass Trek 18 days ends today. Our airport representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure. Namaste and have a safe journey.

Meals: Breakfast included.