1 daysEasy5,364 mEverest Base Camp Helicopter Tour — 1 Day
From / person
$1,680
TrekChallenging
EBC & Cho La Pass Trek — 15 Days
15 days5,545 mFrom Lukla (fly from Kathmandu)Best: Oct–Nov, Mar–May
Photo by Volker Meyer on Pexels
01 / 09
Duration
15 days
From
$2,400/person
Max Altitude
5,545 m
Difficulty
Challenging
Starts
Lukla (fly from Kathmandu)
Group Size
2–12 People
Stay
Tea House
Meals
Breakfast & Dinner
Best Season
Oct–Nov, Mar–May
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Trip Highlights
Cho La Pass (5,420 m) — dramatic glacier crossing between Gokyo and Khumbu valleys
Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar sunrise (5,545 m)
Gokyo Lakes — five sacred turquoise lakes above 4,700 m
Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) — four 8,000 m peaks visible from the summit
Ngozumpa Glacier — Nepal's longest glacier
Classic high-pass adventure combining two iconic Khumbu destinations
Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Lhotse South Face views throughout
Sherpa villages, monasteries, and highland culture at every stage
Two valleys, one high pass, and Everest Base Camp — cross the legendary Cho La Pass (5,420m) to link Gokyo's turquoise lakes with the classic EBC route in one epic 15-day circuit.
Day-by-Day Itinerary(15 days)
Altitude Profile
Peak: 5,164 m · Day 8Early morning 30-minute flight to Lukla through breathtaking Himalayan scenery. Begin trekking south along the Dudh Koshi river through pine and rhododendron forest to the riverside village of Phakding.
2,610 m3–4 hours8 kmB, DTea House
The Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass itinerary covers the complete Khumbu circuit — EBC, Kala Patthar, the glacier crossing at Cho La (5,420 m), Gokyo Lakes, and Gokyo Ri — in 15 days, making it the most scenically comprehensive Everest region trek available at this duration. It requires more fitness and altitude experience than the standard EBC trek, but delivers a proportionally richer experience: two iconic high points (Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri), a genuine glacier crossing, and the full contrast between the EBC moraine landscape and the turquoise Gokyo valley.
The Cho La glacier section takes approximately 2–3 hours on crossing day. Fixed ropes are in place on the steepest sections during the main trekking seasons; crampons are required and are provided by Travel Himalaya Nepal as part of the standard gear kit for this itinerary. Guides are trained in glacier travel and carry emergency equipment including ropes, altitude medication, and emergency oxygen above 5,000 m.
Overnight is at Dzongla before the crossing and at Gokyo after — both excellent acclimatisation stages that allow gradual adaptation to the 5,000+ m threshold before the pass day itself.
Experience Required
We recommend this itinerary for trekkers who have either previous multi-week Himalayan experience OR very strong cardiovascular fitness combined with good cold-weather tolerance. The physical demands on the Cho La day are comparable to a long alpine day hike at sea level — sustained effort at 5,000 m elevation. First-time trekkers are welcome; we ask that you complete our pre-booking fitness assessment so we can help calibrate expectations.
Best seasons: October–November and March–May. Crampons: Provided. Max altitude: Kala Patthar 5,545 m.
What's Included
Included
- Government-certified English-speaking senior trek guide
- Porter (1 per 2 trekkers; 18 kg max)
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit
- TIMS card
- Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu round-trip flights (scheduled)
- All teahouse accommodation on trek
- 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Kathmandu hotel and airport transfers
- Altitude illness prevention kit and pulse oximeter
- All government taxes and service charges
Not Included
- International flights
- Nepal visa
- Travel insurance
- Lunches
- Personal gear
- Tips
Best Time to Go
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Prime season. October is perfect — clear skies, stable weather, 4–6 week dry window. November gets cold at altitude but still excellent. EBC trail at its busiest.
Low: -10°C at EBC High: 15°C Namche October: minimal. November: possible above 5,000 m
Spring (Mar–May)
Climbing season — expeditions on Everest. Good trekking weather. Rhododendrons in Namche area. Pre-monsoon cloud builds in afternoon from May. Slightly warmer than autumn.
Low: -8°C at EBC High: 18°C Namche March: possible at pass level. May: mostly clear
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Very cold. Khumbu trails remain open but temperatures extreme at EBC (-20°C+). Experienced cold-weather trekkers only. Fewer crowds. Lodges may be closed above Namche.
Low: -25°C at EBC High: 5°C Namche Heavy above 5,000 m
Monsoon (Jun–Aug)
Not recommended. Trails wet and unstable. Cloud cover obscures mountain views. Risk of landslides on lower sections.
Low: 5°C High: 20°C Namche None at low altitude
Permits Required
Sagarmatha National Park Permit
USD 30Required for all trekkers. Checked at Monjo gate.
TIMS Card
USD 20Trekkers Information Management System — required for all Nepal treks
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee
NPR 2,000 (approx USD 15)Local municipality entry fee introduced in 2023
All permits are arranged and included in your package price. Nothing to organise yourself.
What to Pack
Moisture-wicking base layers (top + bottom)
Fleece mid-layer jacket
Down jacket (800+ fill power — essential above 4,000 m)
Waterproof shell jacket and pants
Trekking trousers (2 pairs)
Merino wool socks (5–6 pairs)
Liner socks (3 pairs)
Warm hat / beanie
Balaclava for Kala Patthar and EBC
Sun hat or cap
Lightweight gloves
Insulated waterproof gloves or mittens
Neck gaiter or buff (2×)
Thermal underwear set
A detailed packing list will be sent with your booking confirmation. Gear rental available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Frequently Asked Questions
From the trail · EBC & Cho La Pass Trek
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