Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass

Comparatively, the Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass is more difficult than the classical route. One has to grow and gain important information, take advice and prepare well with a strong mind to face the challenge. This trek is technically much more advanced than other treks in the Everest region – hence it is more adventurous. With a little technical skills and good physical fitness and adaptability, you don’t have to worry about the trek. Sometimes trekkers get discouraged after hearing about the difficulty and various challenges of this trek from others. But our expert travel consultants will guide you with good advice and preparation to face this challenge.

We strongly advise you to prepare for your trip at least 2-3 months before your travel date by doing regular exercise, walking, running or gym. The fitter you are, the more enjoyable you will find the trekking experience. All our travel itineraries are designed with every aspect in mind.

The trek to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake and Cho La Pass can be done during the pre-monsoon season i.e. from March to May and the post-monsoon season i.e. from late September to mid-December. The trek can also be done during February and early September but the trek is preferred during the above months.

In Kathmandu, you will stay at Kathmandu Vajra Hotel, a well-known hotel where the hotel also boasts of a beautiful garden where you can relax and enjoy the greenery. Breakfast will be provided in the hotel and your accommodation will be on twin sharing basis.

Your accommodation on the trek will be on a simple mountain lodges run by the local people with basic and shared facilities. Trekking in the does not need tremendous logistics in accommodation as there are many clean and friendly Teahouse, Homestay, Guesthouse & Lodges along the trail. Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow and blankets.

All meals are included during the trekking. We will provide three meals a day (B, L, D) during the trek. The menus in the teahouses are varied, ranging from traditional Nepalese dhal bhat, Momo (Dumpling) to pizza and apple pie. Despite the fact that meat is available in the teahouses, we prompt against eating it on the trek. The meat has frequently been conveyed in the warmth from lower elevations for a few days before arriving at the teahouses and can cause stomach upsets or disease. During the trek, Breakfast and Dinner will be served at the teahouse/lodge where you stay and Lunch will be along the way.

Daily wake up calls will be between 6.00 am to 7.00 am while on the trek. The wake-up time and breakfast time will be decided a night before during the briefing time. The time table for each day will entirely depend on your walking duration for that particular day. Before breakfast, you are required to pack your duffel bag as it will be loaded by the porter while you are having your breakfast.

We advise all our clients to get travel insurance that covers up emergency evacuation that may be needed in case of the occurrence of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) or any other reasons in high altitudes where there are no other means of transportation available. It is advisable to review carefully the insurance and its coverages before making the final decision. Carry proof of your insurance with you on the holiday and you must ensure that your insurance provides an adequate level of protection and covers you for the activities involved.

AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions offers a lifetime deposit policy that gives you the flexibility to transfer your deposit to someone else or to another trip. If you wish to cancel your booked trip, certain cancellation fees apply. Please see our Booking Terms and Conditions for details.

We kindly ask clients to ensure that duffel bag weight remains under 15 kgs. The baggage allowance for Nepal’s domestic airlines is a total of 15 kg (10 kgs for the duffel bag and 5 kgs for the backpack). Similarly, we request clients to keep the duffel bag weight under 15 kgs due to porter weight restrictions, allowing maximum of 25 kgs weight per porter. Similarly during the trek, clients are required to carry only a day pack containing essentials such as a water bottle, camera, sunscreen, spare jacket, etc. This light load ensures a more enjoyable trekking experience. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, any additional luggage or items not needed during the trek can be left at the hotel in Kathmandu.

• Passport: All foreign visitors to Nepal must have a passport with a validity of at least 6 months prior to the date of departure.

• Visa: Nepal Visa can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu Airport (Tribhuvan International Airport) or you can obtain Nepal Visa before your arrival through Nepal Embassy, ​​Diplomatic Mission and Consulate near your location. If you are entering Nepal by land, Nepalese visas are also issued at entry points. Therefore, Nepal visa fee is listed below according to duration.

• Multiple entries 15 days – USD 30 or equivalent convertible currency
• Multiple entry 30 days – USD 50 or equivalent convertible currency
• Multiple entry 90 days – USD 125 or equivalent convertible currency

• Important notice: It is always advisable to verify visa requirements when booking your travel. Visa requirements may vary depending on where you are and it is recommended to check transit country requirements as well.

• While we share this information in good faith, it is important to independently verify and take full responsibility for your visa requirements.

Arrival Point:
Your arrival point at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), please pay your visa fee and proceed to immigration to apply for VOA (Visa on Arrival), customs clearing and then collect your luggage and then outside the arrival hall, see the placard. Put your name on it and meet our team member, our team member will transfer to your hotel for check in.

We encourage you to get all equipment listed below for the trip and kindly ensure you check and try every equipment. And you can also buy or hire the same in Kathmandu as they are available in the many trekking shops.

Clothing and Footwear

• Long-sleeved shirts
• T-Shirts
• Trousers
• Warm Jackets/Sweater/Pullover
• Waterproof jackets and trousers
• Thermal
• Inner wears
  vUndergarments
• Warm socks
• Warm Hat, Gloves and Bandana/Scarf
• Extra clothes to wear in Kathmandu when you come back from the trek.
• Trekking shoes
• Slippers/Flip flops to wear at camp
• Daypack 30-35 litres (To carry your sunblock, water, camera, waterproof jackets and others that you may require while trekking)

Important Documents

• Passport with visa and validity of 6 months after your trip completion/ 4 copies of passport size photos for permits and official formalities
• Flight tickets
• Credit cards in case of emergencies
• Driving ID or any other ID in case of loss of your passport.

Others: Important

• Headlamps with extra batteries
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Camera with charger or spare batteries
• A pair of trekking poles
• Bottle on (1) litre
• Laundry bag to keep the dirty clothes
• Large plastic bags to keep the clothes dry
• Padlock
• Binoculars
• Reading materials, notebooks and pens

Toiletries and hygiene

• Quick-drying towel
• Small face towel
• Toothbrush &Toothpaste
• Deodorants, Soap and Shampoo (Smaller bottle)
• Face and body moisturizer, Sunscreen and lip balm
• Hand sanitizer/Antiseptic wipes
• Hygiene products
• Basic first aid kit