The Everest Base Camp–Chola Pass–Gokyo Trek is a special variation of the classic Everest Base Camp trek. Instead of returning to Namche via the usual route after reaching EBC from Lobuche, this hike goes via Dzongla and over the Chola Pass to get to the Gokyo area and Machermo. This route is more adventurous and offers stunning views of the high Himalayas, diverse wildlife, and traditional Sherpa villages.
Highlights
- Syangboche Airport, located 3,780 metres (12,402 ft) above sea level, is one of the world's highest airports.
- Experience the rich Sherpa culture, traditions, and architecture.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Everest (8,848.68 m / 29,029 ft), Mt. Lhotse (8,516m / 27,940 ft), Cho Oyu (8,201m / 26,864ft), and Mt. Makalu (8,463m / 27,838ft).
- Musk deer, pheasants, snow leopards, and Himalayan tahr are just some of the different animals you can see as you explore Sagarmatha National Park.
- Seeing the Sherpa Buddhist culture, prayer wheels, colorful flags, Mani stones, and ancient monasteries like Tengboche and Khumjung.
- Enjoy a view of the Khumbu Glacier.
- Enjoy beautiful views from Kala Patthar (5,555 m / 18,208 ft) and Gokyo Ri (5,357 m / 17,575ft).
- Check out the beautiful Gokyo Valley (4750m / 15583ft), Gokyo Lake (4750 m / 15584ft), Gokyo Ri viewpoint, and Cho La Pass (5420 m).
15 Days Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek with Chola Pass Overview
The 15-Day Everest Base Camp, Cho La Pass, and Gokyo Trek is a high-altitude trek that includes three amazing places: Everest Base Camp (5,364 m/17,598 ft), Cho La Pass (5,420 m/17,782 ft), and the beautiful Gokyo Lakes (5,000 m/16,404 ft).This trek offers a complete experience of the Khumbu region, featuring classic and alternative views of Everest while crossing glaciers, alpine valleys, and turquoise lakes. The cost of the trek will depend on the type of package (budget, standard, and luxury) you choose and your group size.
A flight from Kathmandu or Manthali to Lukla will start your trek. From there, it goes through Phakding and Namche Bazaar, which are in the centre of the Khumbu region. The trip goes through Tengboche, Dingboche, and Gorak Shep before reaching Everest Base Camp, where you can stand at the foot of the world's tallest mountain. An early morning climb to Kala Patthar rewards you with stunning sunrise views of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse.
The journey starts from Gorak shep and goes to Dzongla, then into the Gokyo Valley. It crosses the difficult Cho La Pass, which has steep, icy slopes and rough terrain. Before you get to Gokyo, where the emerald-green lakes mirror the tall peaks around them, you will pass the Ngozumpa Glacier, which is the longest glacier in Nepal. Climbing Gokyo Ri gives you a great view of Everest from the west, which is different from the iconic view from Kala Patthar.
The return trip goes through Dole and Phortse, which are both beautiful places with quieter routes and wonderful views of the Khumbu Himalayas, and it ends in Lukla, where your flight takes you back to Kathmandu.
Reminder
For a smooth and stress-free start, we highly recommend arriving in Kathmandu by 4 PM the day before we leave. This gives you enough time for a final gear check, a trip briefing with your guide, and to make sure you have everything you need before heading to the trek.
Online briefing
This is like our first coffee before the trip, but online! This online meeting is our chance to show you everything that will happen on the trip. We'll talk about everything from what gear to bring to what each day on the route will be like and how it will feel, and we'll answer any questions you have. After you book, we'll send you an email with a couple of times when we can talk. We'll set up the meeting after the booking process is completed. Also, our trek itinerary does not include your hotel stay in Kathmandu. During the online meeting, please share your preferences, budget, and the standard of the hotel you would like to stay at in Kathmandu. We will arrange it for you accordingly.
Lukla Flight Information
It's a good idea to add two days to your travel arrangements to make sure your return trip goes smoothly. The weather in the mountains can sometimes be unpredictable, which makes the Lukla flight so beautiful. This extra time gives you a comfortable buffer against any delays, which protects your international flight connection.
Most flights to Lukla go from Kathmandu, but during peak season, flights go through Manthali (Ramechhap) Airport. The popular trekking times are spring (March-May) and fall (October-November). Nepal's Civil Aviation Authority follows this regular approach to cut down on heavy aviation traffic at Kathmandu's only international runway. This helps make flight schedules for the Everest region safer and more reliable.
At the start of your journey, you’ll be driven 4–6 hours from Kathmandu to Manthali. Pickup takes place around midnight (12 a.m.–1 a.m.) to connect you with the short 20-minute flight to Lukla. For your return, you’ll retrace the same steps, flying to Manthali and driving back to Kathmandu. Rest assured, all ground transportation is provided.
Note to Hikers
Experience the Himalayas on your terms. We create personal, intimate treks for groups of two or more. Whether you select our Budget, Standard, or Luxury package, your adventure will be exclusively for you and your companions, ensuring a comfortable and personal journey from start to finish.
Your Guide — Shreejan Simkhada
Your trek is personally designed and overseen by Shreejan Simkhada, CEO of The Everest Holiday and a third-generation Himalayan guide. His grandfather Hari Lal arranged logistics for Himalayan expeditions in the 1960s. His father Ganesh Prasad held senior positions at the Nepal Tourism Board and Nepal Mountaineering Association. Shreejan grew up on these trails.
Every client deals directly with Shreejan — not a sales team, not a call centre. Chat with him on WhatsApp: +977 9810351300
Why Trekkers Trust Us
- 196 TripAdvisor Reviews — 4.9 out of 5 stars, TripAdvisor Travellers Choice 2024
- 107 Google Reviews — 4.9 out of 5 stars
- TAAN Certified — Member #1586, Government Reg: 147653/072/073
- Secure 10% Deposit — pay just $115 to reserve, via Himalayan Bank
- All Meals Included — breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the trek
- Three Generations — family guiding in the Himalayas since the 1960s
Solo Trekkers Welcome
Most of our trekkers join solo — you will be part of a small group of like-minded adventurers from over 40 countries. Our groups are kept small (2-20 people) so you get a personal experience, not a conveyor belt. Many of our solo trekkers tell us the group becomes like a second family by day three.
Difficulty: Challenging (4.5/5)
This trek combines two destinations and includes the Chola Pass (5,368m). You need good fitness and should be comfortable with 6-8 hours of daily walking at high altitude. Three acclimatisation days are built in.
Your Trek Funds Children's Education
A portion of every booking supports the Nagarjun Learning Center, founded by our family in 2019. Today, 70 children receive free education and hot meals daily at our flagship centre in Saldum Village, Dhading District. We have also provided free medical care to 600+ people and reached 275+ women through empowerment programmes. The centre is verified and listed on the UN Partner Portal.
When you trek with us, you are not just climbing mountains — you are building futures. Trek With a Purpose.
You Might Also Like
- Everest Base Camp Trek — 12 Days — if you want the classic route only
- Gokyo Valley Lakes Trek — 10 Days — if you want Gokyo without EBC
- Everest Three Passes Trek — 17 Days — the ultimate Everest challenge
- Everest Two Passes Trek — 15 Days — a middle ground

















