A 21-day circuit that links the emerald lakes of Gokyo to the ice-scarred route to Everest Base Camp. Expect high passes, tea-house nights, Sherpa villages, and glacier travel on Cho La.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A cold wind threads prayer flags as you step off the short Lukla runway and into the Dudh Koshi valley. The trail climbs through forests of rhododendron and juniper, opens onto terraced Sherpa villages, and finally narrows to ice-polished moraines where the Ngozumpa Glacier groans beneath Gokyo Ri and the great walls of Everest and Lhotse.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
21 days
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness with prior multi-day hiking experience; ability to hike 5–8 hours a day at altitude is required.
Wildlife
History
The trail follows historic trade routes into Tibet and runs through Sagarmatha National Park; Hillary’s legacy is evident in regional healthcare projects like Kunde Hospital.
Conservation
Sagarmatha National Park is a protected UNESCO site—pack out waste, use local water purification, and support tea houses that follow waste-reduction practices.
Reserve your spot on the Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Ri Trek today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Pace your ascent
Add rest/acclimatization days (Namche, Gokyo) to reduce AMS risk and preserve energy for Cho La.
Layer for big temperature swings
Bring a warm insulating layer plus a windproof shell—mornings are frigid, days can be surprisingly warm when the sun is out.
Prepare for Cho La
The Cho La involves icy scree and crevassed glacier sections—carry crampons, a helmet if you have one, and hire a knowledgeable guide.
Drink more than you feel like
Cold suppresses thirst; aim for 3–4 liters per day at altitude and use electrolyte supplements to prevent headaches.
Sturdy hiking boots (waterproof)
Support and grip for long days on rocky trails and icy approaches to passes.
Insulated down jacket
Keeps you warm during sub-zero nights and windy high camps.
winter
Light crampons and trekking poles
Improves traction on icy slopes and reduces knee strain on descents—helpful on Cho La.
Breathable rain shell (Gore-Tex or similar)
Protects against monsoon showers and wind at high elevations.
summer