Trip Detail Information
Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek tips
Trekkers are requested to follow a specific schedule to cover all the Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek aspects with the help of guides and porters to lead the way. Since the trek is at a certain height and cannot be done in a hurry, resting and sightseeing in Kathmandu after a few days of arrival are suggested.
Also known as the Everest Circuit trek, the Gokyo Cho La Pass trek requires patience and a leisure hike to enjoy the Himalayas truly. A short 35 min flight takes you to Lukla, then places like Namche Bazaar, Gokyo Valley, Cho La Pass, and Kala Patthar come in the way before returning to Namche Bazaar again.
The beautiful tranquil Gokyo Lake is the start of the wonderful experience that the Trek provides. Not to forget the Khumbu Valley that welcomes you with friendly Sherpa service and love. Even if ascending Everest is impossible, Kala Patthar allows you to closely view the authenticity of the world’s highest peak, Mt Everest.
The famous monastery at Tengboche is also worth visiting as it reflects the monk’s daily routine and the Sherpa culture. The primary perk is the peaks like Mt. Amadablam, Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Kangana, Mt. Kwangde, Mt. Nuptse, etc., that introduce you to the unbeatable charisma of the Himalayas.
Health and Fitness
One of the most adventurous treks in the Everest region is the Gokyo Cho la Pass trek, which passes through Lobuche and proceeds over challenging northern terrain. In addition, you’ll need to push yourself energetically to trek to Kalapathhar summit, which is 5555 meters above sea level. Your fitness level and general health should be at their peak for the Gokyo Cho La Pass trek.
Furthermore, you shouldn’t have any respiratory issues that might make this expedition difficult for you to complete. Only with the right level of physical fitness is it feasible for oxygen to circulate smoothly through your system during the trek. Therefore, to get in shape for the expedition, doing pre-trek workouts is critical.
Additionally, you should carry your Covid-19 vaccination card to confirm that you had the immunization. You might require the immunization card at a specific entrance point. Likewise, running, muscle-strengthening, swimming, and cycling exercises can make your joints more flexible and strengthen the body segment that will support you during the trek.
Consequently, your endurance will be tested by the continuous elevation above Thank and Gokyo Lake. Since the height gain will increase steadily while you trek through these two locations, you must invest the most effort. So, to complete the Gokyo Cho La pass trek, you must be in exemplary fitness level and in better health.
Best time for Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek
Spring Season
During the spring season, the Everest region seems to be in prime condition. The weather turns out to be very accommodating for the Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek from February to May. During this time of year, the Everest region seems to shimmer with extraordinary, vibrant splendor. Additionally, the brilliant sun shining in the sky makes the glaciers sparkle.
Trekking during This season satisfies you with the fantastic view of the lush green countryside, the snowy summits, the brilliant blue glaciers, and the clear blue sky. You will experience light heat when trekking during the day, at a temperature of about 10 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, you may stargaze in the shadow of Gokyo Ri during this season, even with a -5 degree Celsius and admire the evening sky.
Autumn Season
There is nothing like experiencing the atmosphere of the Autumn Season in the Everest Region from September to November. The Rhododendron Wave will lead you through the adventurous trekking from Namche Bazaar to Dingboche. The vegetation and wildlife appear to be abundant.
In Everest Region, at this time of year, a clear view of the various mountains is also possible with the mild rain during this season. The Gokyo RI, together with several glaciers to the edge, illuminates majestically through the Everest Region. The temperature would be approximately 15 degrees Celsius during the warm midday trek. Likewise, the temperature drops to around -5 and -8 degrees Celsius at night, bringing on the coldness.
Winter Season
From late November through the last week of January, the cold blankets the Everest region in a thick layer of snow. The intense cold will make the Gokyo Cho La pass trek a little harsh. As a result of the daytime temperature falling below -15 degrees Celsius during this season, Gokyo Lake also wholly freezes.
Similarly, the temperature drops to minus -20 degrees Celsius at night, making it much chilly. The thick snows from Namche Bazaar up to the Gokyo RI make the trek a bit complex. Furthermore, Gokyo Cho La pass trekking during the winter may be a favorite activity for trekkers with previous snowy weather trekking experiences.
Summer Season
The Everest Region will welcome you with sweltering heat and torrential rain from June through August. Around Lobuche and Namche Bazaar, a decisive easterly wind blow is responsible for the heavy downpour. The trail will be wet, making it virtually unpleasant to trek. Also obscuring a clear picture of the scenery and rich greenery are the fog and clouds hovering above the mountains.
The daytime temperature, which might be around 15 and 20 degrees Celsius, makes trekking occasionally unusual. However, a summer jersey and shorts are perfect for trekking. During the night, the temperature drops to -2 degrees Celsius, with sporadic rain. Gokyo Cho la Pass trekking is famous this time of year among those who enjoy severe adventure and rainy weather.
Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek Difficulty
The Gokyo Cho La Pass trek ranges from moderate to challenging. As it lies in the western portion of the Everest region, the Gokyo Cho La pass won’t be effortless to trek to. The Everest region’s western trials include mild ups and downs and various obstacles. You must gain more than 200m elevations from Lobuche to Gokyo Ri.
In the same vein, Kala Pathar, with a height of 5555m, will be the highest elevation we must overcome throughout the Gokyo Cho La pass trek. Above 5000 meters, the trek won’t be so simple. Like the lingering danger of altitude sickness, you should take precautions before and throughout the trek. Trekking will be smoother for you if you have the appropriate cognitive and emotional preparation before the trek.
Trek Route
The 30-minute flight from Kathmandu (1,400m) brings us to Lukla (2,800m). We will trek in the direction of Phakding (2,652m) from Lukla. Similarly, the twisting sceneries and trials will propel us to Namche Bazaar (3,400m) in less than two hours from Phakding. After around 4 hours of trekking, we will reach Tengboche (3,860m) after gaining a different altitude from Namche Bazar. In Similar Manner, we will eventually arrive at Dingboche (4,410m) after passing through Sherpa villages and rhododendron woods alongside the trail.
Eventually, we will get to Lobuche by trekking steadily via several monasteries. Furthermore, Gorakshep (5,170m) will greet us after a 3 to 4-hour trek from Lobuche (4,910m). Similarly, the ascent begins from this point, and a vigorous, consistent ascension will take us to the summit of Kala Patthar (5,555m). Returning from Kalapathhar, we will be at Dzongla (4,830m) within 3 hours after following the western trail. After crossing a barren snowy landscape from Dzongla, we will finally approach Cho La Pass (5,420m).
Trekking farther from Thangnak, Ascending to Gokyo Lake (4,790m) via Cho La Pass is our next objective. In addition, we will ascend Gokyo RI (5,483m) steadily for an hour before returning to Dole. Moreover, we will take the southern trial from Dole and go through several Sherpa communities before arriving at Namche Bazaar. From Namche Bazaar, we will trek the same route to Lukla before flying back to Kathmandu to conclude our excursion.
Electricity and Charging Facilities
The Everest Region is home to several teahouses where you may utilize the charging facilities. Nowadays, the Everest region’s electricity hardly goes out. Suppose you can charge all of your electronic gadgets at Dingboche, Gokyo, and Namche Bazaar. In that case, it’s common practice for certain teahouses above 3000 meters of elevation to charge extra for the charging facilities. Similarly, bringing a charging adaptor before trekking would assist you throughout the trek.
Insurance, Rescue, and Evacuation
The Gokyo Cho La pass trek is more complicated than other mountain treks. Over 5000 meters of elevation gain is a moderately severe degree of ascent for trekkers. However, because of how arduous the Gokyo Cho La pass trek is, there may be several circumstances where you need assistance or an emergency evacuation.
Travel insurance is essential in this regard. Likewise, it would help if you had travel insurance to pay for your rescue operation. It is preferable to get travel insurance policies that include helicopter rescue operations and coverage for altitudes exceeding 5000 meters. Furthermore, if an emergency scenario arises, our evacuation and medical teams will always be ready to assist you.
Duration
17 Days
Meals
Accommodation
Activities
