EBC Chola Pass Gokyo Trek

                                        
                                        destination
                                        Everest Base Camp - Gokyo Lake
                                    
                                        duration
                                        19 Days
                                    
                                        grade
                                        Difficult
                                    
                                        start/end point
                                        Kathmandu/Kathmandu
                                    
                                        max altitude
                                        5545m
                                    
                                        meal
                                        Available
                                    
                                        accommodation
                                        Available
                                    
                                        season
                                        Spring/Autumn

Overview

A large number of mountaineers and trekkers are fascinated by the thrilling beauty of the Everest region which leads through the Sagarmatha National Park. On the way to these areas; visitors are overawed by the amazing views of the Himalayan ranges. The major highlights of this trekking include Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, Kalapattar, Everest Base Camp, and Turquoise Lake of Gokyo and Gokyo Ri. Listed Natural world heritage sites, Home to the friendly Sherpa people, friends of Mountains; the Khumbu region is of the most extraordinary high mountain scenery on earth. After flying into Lukla, our exciting trek to Everest Base camp takes us via the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar, to the spiritual Holy Place of Tengboche then to the bottom of Everest, and then to the sacred lakes of the Gokyo Valley. We can do the circuit either way, however; we suggest you organize your trips to Everest Base Camp first and then to Gokyo Lake.
The trail splits after Kyangjuma (1.5hr later Namche) and rejoins at the same place on our way back. We follow the standard Everest Base route to Base Camp and Kalapattar first. We climb to Kalapattar which affords more stunning views of Everest and the amazing Khumbu Icefall. On the way back, we cross a high and challenging Cho La Pass to get into Gokyo valley. After crossing the high pass and dropping down to Dragnag, we will be crossing to the biggest Glacier, called Ngozumpa Glacier; just before entering Gokyo Lake. Here, we ascend Gokyo Ri which is one of the finest points for Mount Everest, Cho-Oyu, Makalu, and panoramic view of other mountains. The circuit of the EBC - Kalapattar - Gokyo trek is a comprehensive taste of the adventure.

Trip Highlights

Historical, cultural city of the heritage places in Kathmandu valley
Eye opening & thrilling flights between Kathmandu and Lukla
Meeting Sherpas, renowned for their fantastic tales and cheeky humor
Good and tidy lodges with perfect views of the mountains
Beautiful Sherpa community and their distinctive lifestyle and religion.
Everest Base Camp
Kalapattar, which is the best view point to see Mt. Everest and its surrounding mountains from closer
Chola Pass, one of the challenging experience
Gokyo Lake, which is also one of the Holy Lakes in Nepal
Gokyo Ri, which is the best view point to see the whole mountains in Khumbu region in Panoramic view from one point
Most the mountains in Khumbu region including Everest (top of the world), Lhotse, Nuptse, Amadablam, Chho Oyu, Makalu, Khumbila (the Holy mountain of Khumbu region) are visible from closer
Sherpa people and traditional villages
The numerous attractions include the Tengboche monastery, Everest View Hotel, Namche Bazar, ice glaciers, alpine meadows, Khumjung hamlet, Tengboche and Phakding villages, among many others
Sagarmatha National Park
Dudh Koshi River, Bhote Koshi River
Flora and fauna

Itinerary

Day 1: Entrance in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel

You will be greeted by a representative of Rai Treks and Expedition Pvt Ltd; at the Tribhuvan International Airport upon your arrival to the country of breathtaking mountains and the city of temples. Our personnel will accompany you to your Hotel room for the night. In the evening, we will host a dinner program and advise you on the trekking itinerary in a traditional Nepali restaurant

Day 2: Trek preparation and Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu

SIGHTSEEING INCLUDES:

PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE

Pashupatinath is one of the most significant and the biggest Hindu temples of Shiva in the world, which is in the heart of Kathmandu nearby the airport. There is no certain data how old the temple is, however; it is believed that the site had been existed since 400 BC. The current temple was built in 1692 CE. Shiva is the God of Gods symbolizing the “destruction” among three main Gods according to Hinduism – Brahma, Bishnu and Maheshwor (Shiva). Brahma creates living things, Bishnu preserves them and Shiva destroys them at the end. Pashupatinath is listed in the World Heritage site in the lists of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was enlisted in 1979 AD. Pashupatinath is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams (Holy Abodes of Shiva)..

BOUDHANATH STUPA

It is also called Baudha, is the larget spherical stupa in the world. It was built in the 6th century CE, in the Licchavi regime. It was expanded around the 14th century. It is situated in the northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu, about 6 km from far from the heart of Kathmandu, Thamel. It was enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979AD. Buadhanath is one of the popular places to visit on your visit to Nepal.

SWAYAMBHUNATH (MONKEY TEMPLE)

It is also called Monkey temple as you can see hundreds of monkeys around there when you visit there, which is the oldest religious site in Nepal. It was built in the 6th century CE, in the Licchavi regime. It was expanded around the 14th century. There is no enough proof when it was built, however; it is believed that it was built around 2500 years ago. It is also believed that it was created itself at the beginning so it is named Swayam (self) bhu (earth) nath (god) – which means it is created itself from the earth. It was enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979AD. It is situated around 3 km far from Thamel, in the west direction. Swayambhunath is one of the popular places to visit on your visit to Nepal.

Day 3: Fly to Lukla and Trek to Monjo (2840m)

Day 4: Trek to Namche (3,400m), 3-4 hours of walking

Day 5: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

Day 6: Trek to Tengboche (3867m) from Namche.

Day 7: Trek to Pheriche (4360m) from Tengboche

Day 8: Acclimatization day in Pheriche

Day 9: Trek to Lobuche (4930m) from Pheriche

Day 10: Trek to Gorakshep (5180m) – carry on to Base Camp after lunch. Retrace back to Gorakshep for overnight

Day 11: Early morning excursion to Kalapattar (5545m) and back to Gorakshep and trek to Dzongla (4830m) after breakfast

Day 12: Trek to Dragnag (4680m) via Chola Pass (5420m)

Day 13: Trek to Gokyo Lake (4850m)

Day 14: Early excursion to Gokyo Ri and then trek to Dole (4038m)

Day 15: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m) from Dole

Day 16: Trek back to Lukla

Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu

Day 18: Independent sightseeing and shopping

Day 19: Final departure for your home country

Inclusion / Exclusion

Inclusion

Airport transfers in Kathmandu on private vehicle
4 Nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu at Standard Hotel on Bed & Breakfast Basis
Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu including all transportation and entry permit to enter to the Heritage sites
Returned tickets from Kathmandu to Lukla and back to Kathmandu
Trek on Full Board Basis (BLD - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Hot drink - tea/coffee) and accommodation in the Lodge during the trek.
1 professional English speaking guide including all his meals, transportation and daily wages
1 assistant guide between the team of 5 people including all his meals, transportation and daily wages
1 porter between two people including all his meals, transportation and daily wages
All insurance for trekking crew members
Trekking permit, National park & TIMS card fee
Medical kits including basic medicines for the trekking crew members
Duffel Bag if needed
Trekking Map
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu

Exclusion

International Airfare
Nepal Entry Visa Fee, which is USD50 for 30 days and USD30 for 15 days
Personal Insurance (Travel, Emergency Medical, Rescue)
Personal Trekking Gears, extra expenses Phone Calls, Water, Laundry, Bar Bills, Battery Recharge, Internet etc.
Meal (Lunch and dinner) during stay in Kathmandu
Tipping for guides and porters, which is not mandatory but it is customary in Nepal