Overview

EBC with Cho La Pass Trek is a wholesome 18-day long trek. Unlike the normal Everest Base Camp treks, the EBC with Cho La Pass Trek is popular for adventurous trails. The trek passes through the Sherpa villages like Namche and Tengboche in addition to the beautiful Sagarmatha National Park. Similarly, it also includes the Gokyo lakes after passing the Cho La Pass. Hence, it is an adrenaline-pumping journey to the Everest Base Camp along with many other attractions.

The most memorable reward of the trek is the vistas stretching from east to west. Mountains like Mt. Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7861m), Lhotse (8414m), Cho Oyu (8188m), and Ama Dablam (6856m) are present throughout the trek. Similarly, the Sherpa culture and traditions are also attractions on the trek. Finally, the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site and its natural wealth is another great treat on the trek.

Firstly, the EBC with Cho La Pass Trek begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The actual trek starts from Phakding. Another trek leads you to Namche Bazaar (3440m) followed by Dhole and Machhermo. Exploring the Gokyo lakes and climbing the Gokyo Ri (5360m), you descend to Dzongla. Then, you cross the Cho La Pass (5420m) and join the EBC Trail. We head to the Everest Base Camp and follow it with a hike to Kalapatthar. All in all, the trek comprises snow-capped peaks, challenging routes, and breathtaking vistas.

Highlights

  • Witness the pristine Gokyo Lakes in all their glory, and climb the Gokyo Ri (5360m)
  • Cross one of the highest passes in the Everest region, the Cho La Pass (5420m)
  • Explore the Everest Base Camp and soak in wonderful Himalayan panoramas from Kalapatthar
  • Witness the way of life of Sherpa communities in the Khumbu region

Itinerary

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Day 1:Arrival in Kathmandu

After your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a company representative will pick you up and escort you to your hotel. You can spend the evening resting after the long flight. If time and energy allow you to be sure to check around town for shops or eateries to wrap up your day.

  • Accommodation 3 Star Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Maximum Altitude1300m

After breakfast, you will be taking an early morning flight to Lukla. The mountain flight to Lukla is spectacular and is filled with incredible mountain views. After landing, you will meet our guides. After a brief stop, you begin the trek to Phakding. On your way, you travel on dirt tracks studded with rocks along the Dudh Koshi River. 

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2,610m

The majority of the section is through wavy terrain and lush coniferous forests. Many small settlements and villages lay along the way as you pass through Magnolia and Rhododendron studded forests. From Jorsalle, you will enter the Sagarmatha National Park. From here, the last section of the trek begins with a steep climb to reach Namche Bazaar.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,440m

Namche Bazaar is a market town where you can find a great deal of trekking equipment and gears. For acclimatization, you will make your way to the ridge of Syangboche 2-3 hours away from Namche. You can also visit the Everest View Hotel, the highest placed hotel in the world. You can sit by the terrace and enjoy unobstructed views of Mt. Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), and Ama Dablam (6856m). After refreshments, you can make your way back to Namche to spend the night.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,440m

We begin our day bypassing the Khumjung village and continue along the Dudh Koshi river bed. After trekking along and around the switchbacks along the Dudh Koshi River, we arrive at Phortse Tenga. The route will continue through meadows and forests that border the villages of Tongba and Gyele before finally arriving at Dhole.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,200m

Today it's a steady uphill climb to Machhermo, along the Dudh Koshi river. Machhermo lies South of Gokyo and North of Dhole and is the last settlement before Gokyo. On your way to Machhermo, you will pass through the high-altitude settlements of Lhabarma and Luza. From Machhermo you will also see views of Cholatse (6335m) and Taboche (6367m) on the opening from Machhermo. 

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,470m

Machhermo is a picturesque village decorated by the Machhermo River, Kyajo Ri (6186m) to the west, and Cholatse (6335m) to the east. Since it’s the last available settlement on the trek it’s imperative to acclimatize here at the altitude before venturing further. You can walk around the trails to the surrounding hills and come back down after the gain in altitude.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,470m

The ascent up to Gokyo is a gradual one along the Dudh Koshi valley. The vegetation will get sparser as the climb in altitude means thinning of the plant life and limited to shrubs that cling by the hills. Your trail will soon be met by a steep path with rocks. As you arrive at Gokyo, the Gokyo Lake will glimmer with Cho Oyu (8201m) in the backdrop. 

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,790m

You will begin hiking up to Gokyo Ri (5360m) early in the morning. The view from atop the Gokyo Ri is magnificent and certainly worth it. It will provide stunning views of the Ngozumpa and Khumbu glaciers along with Mt. Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Nuptse (7861m), and Cho Oyu (8201m). After witnessing the view, you will be back for breakfast before heading along the Ngozumpa glacier to Dragnag.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,700m

Today is the challenging day of the trip, as we will be crossing a high pass then descend to the other side. The route is steep and very tricky. This is because of the many rocks along the steep surface along the way to the top of Cho La Pass (5420m). The pass is decorated and marked with Chortens and prayer flags. From the top, you can witness wonderful views of Ama Dablam (6856m), Cholatse (6335m), and Lobuche (6119m) among others. From here, we descend to the Dzongla village.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,830m

The view of Lobuche Peak (6119m) will be dominating us for most of our trek today. The trail is surrounded by grassy meadows and yak pastures. You will arrive soon at the level side with a river bed and follow its curves down to Lobuche village. Lobuche is a simple and traditional Sherpa village that sits at the foot of Mt. Lobuche (6119m).

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,930m

From Lobuche, we begin our trek to the Everest Base Camp after breakfast. We will follow the rocky moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and cross the Lobuche Pass (5110m). Descending from the pass, you will arrive at Gorakshep, where you can stop by for Lunch. From here on, it's another 3-4 hours ahead to Everest Base Camp. The trail gently ascends on and beside the moraine of the glacier. The base camp offers mesmerizing views of mountains like Pumo Ri (7165m), Lingtren (6749m), and Nuptse (7861m). After witnessing the scenes at the base camp, you will head back to Gorakshep.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude5,634m

It's another early morning hike today. We hike all the way to Kalapatthar from where, you can relish the sights of Mt. Everest (8848m), Pumo Ri (7165m), Lhotse (8516m), Nuptse (7861m), and Ama Dablam (6856m), and many more on the background. We will return to Gorakshep and trek southward to Lobuche for lunch by noon. Then, we continue over to Pheriche village.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,240m

On our way from Pheriche to Namche, we will pass Pangboche and Tengboche, each with a significant monastery and wonderful Himalayan views. As you climb back down, the vegetation increases and so do the human settlement. You will pass Khumjung and Khunde villages as you trek back to Namche Bazaar.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,440m

On our way back down to Lukla, we will descend all the way which can be tough on your knees. The last part of the trek is the only ascent as you get from Phakding to Lukla airport. On the way, we will again cross through the lush vegetation of Rhododendron trees and pass through suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi. At Lukla, we can end the trek with a celebration.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2,840m

You will take back the flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. The trip wraps up as you say farewell to the Everest Himalayas. Notice the mountains and hills from a different angle today as your plane makes your way to Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, you can rest in your hotel or head to the wellness centers in the valley.

  • Accommodation 3 Star HotelGuest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Maximum Altitude1300m

If you have any checklists or places of interest to visit, you still have this extra day on your itinerary. Make sure to visit the culturally rich places around Kathmandu. You can also go around town to relax, taste local cuisines, or do some last-minute souvenir shopping. We will meet again in the evening to wrap up and bid farewell with a hearty farewell dinner.

  • Accommodation 3 Star Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Maximum Altitude1300m

A company representative will meet with you and then lead you to the airport for your departure. We wish you had the best time exploring the Everest region and hope our paths cross again for new endeavors.

  • MealsBreakfast

Cost Details

  • Airport picks up and drop by private vehicle.
  • 4 nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu with bed and breakfast basis.
  • Kathmandu sightseeing by Private guide and private transportation
  • Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu flight fare.
  • All ground transportation by private vehicle.
  • Your standard meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trekking.
  • All necessary paper works, conservation area, and restricted area entry permits.
  • All accommodations in hotels, lodges/tea houses during the trek.
  • An experienced Government licensed guide and porters.
  • Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
  • Farewell dinner with typical Nepali restaurant
  • All government taxes.
  • International Airfare
  • Nepal entry visa
  • Personal Expenses
  • Travel and Rescue Insurance
  • Extra accommodation and food charges in Kathmandu
  • Tips and gratitude to the guide, porters and drivers

Useful Info

What sets apart EBC from Cho La Pass Trek is that it is very challenging. Even gradual ascent tires people out. Hence, only those with stamina can complete the trek. The EBC with Cho La Pass Trek is best done during the months of March-May and September-November.

Eternal Himalaya is one of the pioneers of Nepali tourism. We have expert staff, guides, and porters to help you on your trips. Similarly, we also have numerous trips all across the country. With us, you are sure to enjoy traveling in Nepal.