Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek: A Scenic and Challenging Alternative
Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek: A Scenic and Challenging Alternative
Blog Article
We all know about the famous Everest Base Camp Trek. It is timeless. But what if you want something more adventurous, peaceful, and beautiful? The Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek fills that need. This trek is like a hidden gem. It provides breathtaking mountain views, the beauty of Everest region, and an exciting high pass crossing. It also offers a real sense of discovery, less-crowded trails, and the stunning Gokyo Lakes.
This journey would be ideal for you if you enjoy mountains, peaceful surroundings, and a bit of challenge.
What is the Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek?
The Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek is a unique trekking route in the Khumbu region of Nepal. It combines two well-known treks: The Everest Base Camp Trek and the Gokyo Valley Trek. The Cho La Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass that links these two valleys. As we reach the Cho La Pass, this trek is also known as Cho La Pass Trek.
You will pass through glaciers and climb high viewpoints like Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar. Walking through traditional Sherpa villages and observing Mount Everest from various angles is both challenging as well as rewarding compared to the standard Everest trek.
The Route: Everest Base Camp via Gokyo
Kathmandu to Lukla and Phakding
The journey starts with a flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. This flight is short and exciting. You begin to walk from Lukla to a small village in Phakding.
Phakding to Namche Bazaar
After travelling through forests and hanging bridges, you reach Namche Bazaar. Trekkers rest and adjust to the altitude in this main town of the region. You spend a day here to acclimatize and explore.
Namche to Dole to Machhermo
You turn west toward the Gokyo Valley rather than Tengboche. It becomes quieter on the trail. You will stay overnight in quiet villages like Dole and Machhermo while traveling through forests and yak farms.
Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri
You arrive at the amazing Gokyo Lakes. The blue glacial lakes are among the most stunning views in the Himalayas. You climb Gokyo Ri from Gokyo, which offers one of the best views of Cho Oyu, Mount Everest, and other peaks.
Crossing Cho La Pass
Cho La Pass crossing is the hardest of all during the Gokyo Trek Nepal. Starting early, the views are beautiful, but the trail is icy and the climb is steep.
Dzongla to Lobuche and Gorakshep
You join the Everest Base Camp trail and move toward Lobuche and Gorakshep. From here, you go to Everest Base Camp, which is a popular destination.
Kala Patthar
Starting early, you trek up Kala Patthar, a well-known view-point. This is the ideal place to get a close-up look at Mount Everest and many other peaks glowing in the sunrise.
Return to Lukla
You return from Kala Patthar and retrace your steps through Pheriche, Namche and Lukla. You will be tired but happy to fly back to Kathmandu.
Highlights of Gokyo Trek Nepal
The Gokyo Lakes
It is so rare to see the clear blue lakes surrounded by snow-capped mountains. They appear magical in the morning light and are sacred to local people.
Gokyo Ri Viewpoint
Viewpoint of Gokyo Ri is one of the best in Nepal at 5,360 meters. Above 8,000 meters, you can view Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse, and Everest.
Adventure in Cho La Pass
Cho La Pass is difficult to cross. The trail is steep and covered in snow and ice. However, it feels like the world is on top of you when you are at the top.
Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar
Despite being an alternative trek, you still go to the traditional places like Kala Patthas and Base Camp. You will not miss out on the most well-known area of the Everest region.
Why choose this Challenging Trek Nepal?
- Additional Scenery: Compared to the regular route, you see more lakes, glaciers, and viewpoints. The Gokyo Valley is very beautiful.
- Less Crowded: The Gokyo trail is quieter than the extremely crowded Everest Base Camp trail. You will have more time and space to enjoy nature.
- More Adventurous: The mountain pass on this trek gives a sense of achievement. It is great if you prefer a little extra difficulty.
- Combination of two Treks: In a single journey, you can see both Everest Base Camp and the Gokyo Valley. It is a wholesome Himalayan experience.
How difficult is this High-Altitude Trek Nepal?
The trek is rated as moderate to challenging. The altitude and crossing Cho La Pass are the hardest part. You should walk for 5-7 hours a day, sometimes more. The temperature can drop in the early hours of the day.
You should be physically fit but you don’t have to be a skilled climber. You can do this trek if you enjoy walking and can hike for a few hours with a backpack.
It is important to acclimate. Rest days are included in the itinerary to help your body adjust to the high altitude.
Best Time for Gokyo Trek
The Glacier Trek Nepal is most enjoyable during spring and autumn.
- Spring Trek Nepal: Spring season in Nepal starts from March to May. The clear skies, rhododendron blooms, and warm days are features of spring season.
- Autumn Trek Everest: In Nepal, autumn season falls between September to November. The beautiful mountain views and cool, dry weather are great for Remote Trekking Everest.
Avoid the Winter Trek Everest from December to February. The snow and ice can make the Cho La Pass dangerous. The Summer monsoon between June to August is also unpredictable and less crowded.
Packing List for Remote Trekking Everest
Here is a basic list of items you will require:
- Layers of warmth (thermals, fleece, and down jacket)
- Excellent hiking boots
- Sunglasses, hat, and gloves
- Sleeping bag (it can be provided by your guide)
- Purification tablets and water bottles
- Basic first aid and a flashlight
- Energy bars and other snacks
- Poles for trekking (particularly useful for Cho La Pass)
You don't have to carry anything yourself, so don't worry. You only need to bring a tiny daypack, and a porter can handle your larger bag.
Costs and Permits of Adventure Trek Nepal
The firm and services you select will determine how much this trek costs. The majority of packages consist of:
- Travel to and from Lukla by air
- Porter and guide
- Meals and lodging during the trek
- Permits for Khumbu Pasang Lhamu and Sagarmatha National Park
The price of the 18 days package ranges from $1,700 to $2,250 USD, depending on the number of days, the services, and whether you want luxury alternatives.
Selecting a Trekking Agency
In Nepal, using a certified click here is quite beneficial. They help to keep you safe, handle permits, and offer professional guides. Seek out:
- Positive online reviews
- Treating staffs and porters fairly
- Clear cost breakdown
- Insurance and emergency support
One reputable local agency that provides this trek with complete support is Nepal Trekking Routes.
Conclusions
The Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek is a beautiful mix of adventure, peace, and stunning mountain beauty. Although it is not a simple trek, that’s what makes it unique. In addition to Everest, you also come across quiet lakes, hidden valleys, and a part of the Himalayas that many people are unaware of. This Sherpa Culture trek is perfect for you if you are searching for a scenic and challenging alternative. It takes you off the main trail and into the heart of the Himalayas. Report this page