Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass and Everest Base Camp Trek Highlights
- Thrilling and scenic flight to Lukla.
- Gorgeous glacial lakes.
- Acend Gokyo-Ri for the spectacular mountain view.
- Crossing the Ngozumpa Glacier (the longest glacier in the Himalayas).
- Going over the glacial mountain Pass of Cho La.
- Being at Everest Base Camp, gateway to the world's highest mountain.
- Summit Kala Patthar @ 5545m for the extravagant panoramic mountain views.
- Witness the world's renowned peaks like Everest, Cho-Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, Nuptse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, etc.
Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass and Everest Base Camp Trek Overview
The Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass and Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the marvelous and thrilling trekking routes in the Everest region. If you are thinking of doing Everest Base Camp differently, bypassing the regular traditional route, then this route will be a perfect choice. Furthermore, it is a combination of two different enchanting valleys of Gokyo and Everest Base Camp. The trek takes you through the daring Cho La pass (5,420 m/17,782 feet) that delivers a real wilderness experience.
It's especially for travelers who are keen to experience the real luxury of the Everest Region going through diverse landscapes. Unlike the regular commercial trekking trail to Everest Base Camp, this trekking route via Gokyo provides anyone more opportunity to experience the beauty of the region.
It's an adventure from the very first day as you take the most scenic flight to the mountain airport of Lukla. Landing at the shortest inclined airstip of Lukla airport is certainly the most thrilling experience that cannot be found elsewhere. After Namche Bazaar, the diversion from the commercial trekking trail and taking the less-trodden valley of Gokyo is exceptionally remarkable.
This serene trail gradually takes you to the secret valley of Gokyo with a series of magnificent turquoise blue lakes. As you trek further into the valley, you will realize that this is more of a sacred and sanctified place that connects you with nature. The Gokyo Valley is certainly blessed with an exceptional mountain and landscape setting with amazing natural beauty.
It's a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists. Like Gosaikunda Lake in the Langtang region, during one particular festival season, many Hindus from around the world visit Gokyo to take a holy bath in the lake.
Soon, we will cross the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas, and head towards EBC. Crossing the Cho La Pass, which stands as a bridge between the Gokyo Valley and EBC, we enter a new valley. Gradually, we will conquer EBC and Kala Patthar and head back down a different route to Lukla.
Gokyo Lake (4,790 m/15,715 feet)
Gokyo Lake, situated at an elevation of 4,790 meters / 15,715 feet, is a natural wonder that captivates and lures travelers from around the world. This pristine freshwater lake is a hidden gem concealed away from civilization into the Himalayas, surrounded by towering peaks. This beautiful Gokyo Lake sits at the base of the famous Mt. Cho Oyu, the world's sixth-highest peak, which offers a breathtakingly stunning environment.
The lake is a shimmering turquoise jewel that beautifully reflects the surrounding landscapes. Most significantly, Gokyo offers a stunning environment with a peaceful ambiance that gives you a sense of tranquility and a deep connection with nature. Furthermore, Gokyo Lake holds religious significance for the local Sherpa people. It is considered sacred and is part of a pilgrimage route for both Hindus and Buddhists. Every year, thousands of trekkers and pilgrims visit the lake for both adventure and religious purposes.
Near Gokyo Lake sits the most prominent Gokyo Town, where spending a couple of nights is like being in heaven. This heavenly town serves as a base camp for thrilling treks, including the popular Gokyo Ri Trek and the challenging Renjo La Pass Trek or Cho La Pass Trek. These treks offer a chance to explore the dramatic landscapes and the stunning beauty of the Everest region.
Characteristics:
- Gokyo Lake, which is also called Gokyo Cho or Dudh Pokhari, is primarily fed by glacial meltwater from the Ngozumpa Glacier, and surrounding snowmelt.
- All the lakes in Gokyo Valley, including the main Gokyo Lake, are classified as freshwater lakes.
- These lakes drain into the Dudh Koshi River, which eventually feeds into the Ganges.
- The presence of aquatic life has been found in these lakes, such as certain algae and microorganisms adapted to cold, high-altitude conditions
Conquering Cho La Pass (5,420 m/17,782 feet)
Leaving behind the gorgeous town of Gokyo, the next morning, we head towards Cho La, going over the Ngozumpa glacier, one of the longest glaciers in the Himalayas. Shortly after, we will reach Thangnak for an overnight stay. Anyone can sense the real wilderness experience while staying in the isolated village of Thangnak.
Leaving Thangnak early in the morning, we eventually make it to Cho La Pass, a beautiful high mountain pass situated at an elevation of 5,420 meters / 17,782 feet. Cho La serves as a crucial route and a bridge between the valley of Everest Base Camp and the Gokyo Valley.
The pass is known for its challenging and rugged terrain. Cho La Pass is a glacier pass where you will literally be walking on an active glacier. The summit of this high-altitude pass is covered by an active glacier that offers a thrilling wilderness experience to anyone who dares to go over it. Furthermore, the summit of the pass offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
The trail leading to Cho La Pass involves steep ascents and descents, often navigating through moraines and boulders. It offers a thrilling adventure and a unique opportunity to experience the pristine beauty of the Himalayas.
Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters /17,598 feet):
After walking the untouched valley over the Cho La Pass, we will now connect with the regular, traditional EBC Trail. Overnight at Lobuche and Gorekshep can be a little overwhelming due to limited lodges and the crowd.Eventually, this 18-day Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass and Everest Base Camp trip takes you to the iconic Everest Base Camp. Significantly, being at the base of the world's highest mountain gives you a great sense of achievement.
Standing at Everest Base Camp is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The base camp is an amphitheater surrounded by towering peaks, including the mighty Everest itself. Though every year thousands of trekkers and mountaineers take their journey to this Base and Everset Climbers spend clost to 2 months here, still the surrounding seems pristine. You can still feel the excitement and tranquility as you stand at this legendary spot, knowing that you have followed in the footsteps of legendary explorers.