Gokyo Lakes, Cho La Pass & Everest Base Camp — 11 Days by Helicopter Return
Lukla to Kala Patthar via Gokyo Valley, three high-altitude passes, and Everest Base Camp — helicopter return to Kathmandu
This 11-day route in Nepal's Solukhumbu District combines two of the Khumbu region's most substantial trekking circuits into a single continuous traverse. Beginning with a flight to Lukla (2,860m), the itinerary moves north through Phakding and Namche Bazaar before diverging from the standard Everest Base Camp corridor toward Gokyo Valley — a less-trafficked approach that passes through the Sherpa settlements of Dole and Machhermo and reaches the chain of five Gokyo Lakes at elevations between 4,700m and 5,000m. From Gokyo, trekkers ascend Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for direct sightlines to Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, and the Ngozumpa Glacier, then cross Cho La Pass (5,420m) to rejoin the main Everest trail via Dzonghla and Lobuche. The route then follows the established path through Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp (5,360m) on day ten, before an early-morning ascent to Kala Patthar (5,644m) on the final day. The return to Kathmandu is made by helicopter from Gorakshep, covering in roughly 45 minutes terrain that took ten days to walk. In addition to Cho La Pass, the route crosses Thok La Pass (4,830m) and Lobuche Pass (5,110m), making high-altitude pass navigation a defining feature of the second half of the trek. Accommodation throughout is in tea houses; an acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar is built into the schedule.
Best time to go: Spring and Autumn
Highlights
- Ascent of Gokyo Ri (5,357m) with views of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, and the Ngozumpa Glacier
- Circuit of all five Gokyo Lakes (4,700m–5,000m), including Dudh Pokhari, Thonak Cho, and Ngozumpa Cho
- Crossing Cho La Pass at 5,420m (17,782ft), one of the highest trekking passes in the Khumbu region
- Passage over Thok La Pass (4,830m) and Lobuche Pass (5,110m) on the approach to Everest Base Camp
- Arrival at Everest Base Camp (5,360m) at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall, with views across the Khumbu Glacier
- Pre-dawn ascent to Kala Patthar (5,644m) for a 360-degree panorama of Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Island Peak
- Helicopter return from Gorakshep to Kathmandu, with aerial views of the Himalayan range, Sherpa settlements, and glacial terrain
- Transit through Sagarmatha National Park, home to distinct high-altitude flora and fauna including the Himalayan tahr and red panda
- Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar (3,440m), the principal trading hub and administrative center of the Khumbu region
- Views of ancient chortens, mani walls, and Buddhist monasteries along the Gokyo and Lobuche corridors
Day by day
1Fly to Lukla and Trek to PhakdingPhakding · Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu · Lukla Airport · Lukla to Phakding
The trek begins with a roughly 45-minute flight from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu to Lukla Airport, also known as Tenzing Norgay Airport, at 2,860m. Flight times vary by aircraft type, weather conditions, and air traffic. The flight passes over forested hills, terraced agricultural land, and towns of the Solukhumbu valley, with the Mahalangur Himal range visible to the north as you approach. Upon arrival in Lukla, the principal access point for Everest Region treks, you'll rest and prepare before beginning the trek to Phakding. The trail descends gently through the settlements of Chheplung and Nurning, running alongside the Dudh Koshi River for much of the roughly six-hour walk. The route passes through forested terrain where wildlife and birdlife are occasionally observed, though sightings are not guaranteed. The modest elevation loss—from 2,860m to 2,700m—makes this a comparatively gentle introduction to trekking in the region. Overnight in a tea house in Phakding.
2Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)Phakding to Namche Bazaar · Namche Bazaar · Hillary Suspension Bridge · Sagarmatha National Park entry gate
Departing Phakding, the trail follows the Dudh Koshi River northward through forested terrain. You'll cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge, a steel span above the river gorge, before the trail steepens toward Monjo. Here, at the Sagarmatha National Park entry gate, trekking permits are checked; permits not already obtained can be purchased at the checkpoint.
From Monjo, the route winds through Jorsalle and Larja Doban. As you climb above 3,000 meters, views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Lhotse emerge across the ridgelines when conditions allow. The final section ascends steeply into Namche Bazaar (3,440m), the principal commercial hub of the Khumbu region, where tea shops, lodges, and shops line the steep hillside.
The day covers approximately six hours of trekking with an elevation gain of 740 meters. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
3Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar (3,440m)Namche Bazaar
Day three is designated for acclimatization at Namche Bazaar. At over 3,000 meters, the body requires time to adjust before moving to higher elevations, and the standard practice of ascending during the day and returning to a lower sleeping altitude applies here. Adequate rest, hydration, and nutritious food intake are recommended. Trekkers' oxygen saturation and pulse are monitored twice daily using a pulse oximeter as an included measure for detecting early signs of acute mountain sickness. Namche Bazaar offers several short hike options for those who wish to move without gaining significant altitude. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
4Namche Bazaar to Dole (4,000m)Namche Bazaar to Dole · Dole · sections above Phortse Thanga
Departing Namche Bazaar via the left-side trail, the route passes through Khyangjuma near the Dudh Koshi River before climbing to Phortse Thanga and continuing upward to Dole (4,000m), a gain of 560 meters over five to six hours. The trail passes through several Buddhist settlements, and chortens, mani walls, and prayer flags mark the route throughout. Views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam are visible from sections above Phortse Thanga when weather permits. Dole is a small high-altitude settlement with tea house accommodation, situated at the lower approach to the Gokyo Valley. Overnight in Dole.
5Dole to Machhermo (4,450m)Machhermo · Dole to Kele · Kele to Machhermo
An early start from Dole leads along the trail toward Kele, situated near the Dudh Koshi River. Vegetation becomes sparse at this altitude, though the river valley and the peaks of the Mahalangur range remain prominent in the landscape when conditions allow. From Kele, the trail continues approximately one and a half hours to Machhermo (4,450m). At this altitude, the risk of altitude sickness increases and trekkers are advised to monitor their physical condition throughout. Overnight in a tea house at Machhermo.
6Machhermo to Gokyo Valley: Five Lakes Circuit (4,700m–5,000m)Machhermo to Gokyo Valley · five lakes — Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari), Thonak Cho, Gyazumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, and Ngozumpa Cho · Gokyo village
From Machhermo, the trail heads toward Gokyo Valley, passing through the Buddhist settlement of Phangga and then alongside several lakes of the Gokyo chain. The five lakes — Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari), Thonak Cho, Gyazumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, and Ngozumpa Cho — sit between approximately 4,700m and 5,000m and are fed by glacial meltwater. In colder months the lakes may freeze, altering visual and terrain conditions along the route. The trail first reaches Longpungu Tsho, then Taboche Tsho and Gokyo Tsho, before arriving at Gokyo village (4,790m). The day involves six to seven hours of trekking and an elevation gain of 250 to 550 meters depending on the lake circuit undertaken. Overnight at a lodge in Gokyo village.
7Gokyo Ri Ascent (5,357m) and Trek to Dragnag (4,600m)Gokyo Ri · Dragnag · Gokyo to Dragnag
The day begins with an early-morning ascent of Gokyo Ri (5,357m), a viewpoint that offers direct sightlines to Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, the Ngozumpa Glacier, and several surrounding peaks when visibility is clear. The climb is typically timed to reach the top at or before sunrise, though conditions vary. After descending back to Gokyo, the route continues southeast to Dragnag (4,600m), a small Sherpa settlement that serves as the staging point for the Cho La Pass crossing the following day. Trekking time for the descent to Dragnag is approximately five to six hours, with a net elevation loss of 190 meters from Gokyo. Overnight in a tea house at Dragnag.
8Cho La Pass Crossing (5,420m) to Dzonghla (4,830m)Cho La Pass · Dzonghla · Dragnag · Cho La Phedi
An early departure from Dragnag is required for the Cho La Pass crossing. The trail exits the village on the right side and heads toward Cho La Phedi, following rocky and at times glaciated terrain. The degree of glaciation and snow cover varies by season and year; ice axe use may be necessary in certain conditions. From Cho La Phedi, the ascent to Cho La Pass (5,420m / 17,782ft) takes approximately two hours. Snow and ice are commonly present on the upper section, and the crossing requires steady footing and appropriate cold-weather gear. After crossing the pass, the trail descends to Dzonghla (4,830m), roughly two hours below the pass. Total trekking time is approximately six hours. Overnight in a tea house at Dzonghla.
9Dzonghla to Lobuche (4,980m) via Thok La PassDzonghla to Lobuche · Lobuche · Thok La Pass
From Dzonghla, the trail descends before climbing through the Chola valley toward Chola Tsho, a lake that may be frozen depending on the season. From there, the path reaches Dughla (4,620m) in approximately one and a half hours. North of Dughla, the trail passes through Buddhist settlements marked by chortens, mani walls, and a Tibetan monastery before ascending Thok La Pass (4,830m). The ascent from Dughla provides expanding views of the surrounding Himalayan ridgelines when conditions allow. The trail then descends toward Lobuche (4,980m) over a total trekking time of approximately five hours, with a net elevation gain of 150 meters. Overnight in a tea house at Lobuche.
10Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5,360m) via Gorakshep, Return to GorakshepEverest Base Camp · Gorakshep · Lobuche Pass
The longest trekking day of the itinerary covers the approach to Everest Base Camp, with seven to eight hours of walking and a total elevation gain of approximately 380 meters. Departing Lobuche, the trail first climbs to Lobuche Pass (5,110m), with the Khumbu Glacier visible to the right throughout this section. From the pass, the route descends toward Gorakshep, passing Gorakshep Tsho lake and entering the highest permanent Sherpa settlement in the Everest Region — a cluster of stone structures at the edge of the Khumbu Glacier. From Gorakshep, the onward trail to Everest Base Camp (5,360m) takes approximately four hours return. Base Camp sits at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall and, when clear, offers direct views of the Mahalangur Himal range and the upper flanks of Everest. After time at Base Camp, trekkers return to Gorakshep for the night. Overnight in a tea house at Gorakshep.
11Kala Patthar Summit and Helicopter Descent to KathmanduKala Patthar · Gorakshep · Tribhuvan International Airport
An early start from Gorakshep leads to the final climb of the trek: Kala Patthar at 5,644 meters. The two-hour ascent gains approximately 284 meters through high-altitude, low-oxygen conditions. From the summit, a wide panorama includes Everest, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Island Peak, with the Khumbu Glacier visible below when skies are clear.
After descending from Kala Patthar, trekkers return to Gorakshep, where the helicopter departs for Kathmandu. The flight takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour depending on conditions and routing, passing over the Khumbu Valley, Sherpa settlements, glacial lakes, and river systems before touching down at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Flight times and routing are subject to weather and operational conditions.
From the airport, transfer to your hotel for the evening. Breakfast is included; other meals are at your own expense.
Where you go
- 1Phakding
- 2Phakding to Namche Bazaar
- 3Namche Bazaar
- 4Dole
- 5Machhermo
- 6Cho La Pass
- 7Lobuche
- 8Gorakshep
- 9Kala Patthar
- 10Gorakshep
- 11Tribhuvan International Airport
Included
- Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch & dinner) with a cup of hot drink (Tea/ Coffee) with each meal.
- Fresh fruits every night after dinner.
- Trekking lodge(Tea house)accommodations during the trek.
- All necessary trekking permits, Sagarmatha National Park entrance fees and Khumbu Pashang Lhamu Rural Municipality fees
- Flight (Kathmandu – Lukla low season) (High season Ramechhap-Lukla) including airport transfer.
- Helicopter from Gorekshep- Kathmandu.
- English speaking well trained, Government license holder guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, Transport and insurance.
- A Strong, helpful porter with proper equipment including his meals,accommodation and insurance (one porter for two people).
- Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service (paid by your Travel insurance company).
- Use of sleeping bag, down Jacket and walking Poles (if you don’t have your own, To be return after trip completed). Using these 3 items you pay $10 USD each as maintenance and washing charge
- Nepal Eco Adventure T-shirt cap cap and duffel bag.
- Government taxes, service charge and official expenses.
- Oxymeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) Which will ensure you trek is in the safest hands possible for all levels of trekker.
- Assistant guide group size above 6+ person.
Not included
- Expenses for international flights and airport costs.
- Airport pick-up and drop-off for international flights.
- Cost of Nepali Tourist Visa (Approx. US$ 30 for 15 days).
- Expenses for travel and medical insurance ( recommended that you should get it).
- Personal expenses that are not included in the package cost.
- Any additional food and beverage services that are not included in the itinerary (Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic).
- Expenses of additional snacks, desserts, or sweets that trekkers purchase en route.
- Cost of extra baggage (15kg weight limit for the baggage on Lukla flight).
- Cost for charging phones and hot showers during trekking.
- Tips for guides, porters, and drivers (Although it is expected).
- Employment of extra crew members during the trek.
Activities: TREKING