Gokyo Cho La Pass trekking

Gokyo Cho La Pass trekking is also known as Everest circuit trekking. Cho La Pass trekking is one of Nepal’s most famous trek to the Khumbu mountains and Sherpa country (Homeland of Sherpa’s). After a magnificent mountain flight to Lukla we follow the Dudh Kosi valley to Namche Bazaar. The trail to Gokyo is a gradual ascent up the valley passing through patches of birch and rhododendron forest where the elusive musk deer can sometimes be seen. Through small yak-grazing settlements we reach the Gokyo lakes where we climb the Gokyo Ri (Peak, 5357 meters) and enjoy stunning summit mountain scenery including Everest, Makalu and Cho Oyo.

After the Cho La pass, we reach at Dzongla. The views of Ama Dablam and Taweche are spectacular. After the Zhongla ascent, we continue towards Gorak Shep then climb to Everest base Camp (5364m) and Kala Pattar (5545m) from where we enjoy an impressive up-close view of Everest. Our return route passes through Tengboche, a magnificent location with a fascinating monastery, where we rest and savor the incredible scenery, including magnificent views of Everest, Ama Dablam (6856m), Kantega (6809m), Kwangde (6194m), Nuptse (7879m), Lhotse (8511m) and many more.

Our below given trek itinerary is first go to the Gokyo-Cho La Pass then ascend to the Everest base camp which is common trek route but it is also possible first go to the Everest Base Camp then go to the Gokyo valley over the Cho La Pass (5368 meters) if you like.

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu
Day 02: Sightseeing to Swayambhunath, Kathmandu and Patan
Day 03: Kathmandu flight to Lukla trek to Phakding (2610m)
Day 04: Phakding trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m)
Day 05: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar (3440m)
Day 06: Namche Bazaar trek to Dole (4090m)
Day 07: Dole trek to Machhermo (4410m)
Day 08: Machhermo trek to Gokyo (4750m)
Day 09: Day Hike to Gokyo Ri (5357m)
Day 10: Gokyo trek to Thangna/Dragnag (4700m)
Day 11: Thagna trek to Dzongla (4830m) Over the Cho La Pass ( 5368m)
Day 12: Dzongla to Lobuche (4910m)
Day 13: Lobuche trek to Gorak Shep (5140m) then visit Everest base camp (5364m)
Day 14: Hike to Kala Pattar (5545m) then trek to Dingboche (4410m)
Day 15: Dingboche trek to Tengboche (3867m)
Day 16: Tengboche trek to Monjo (2835m)
Day 17: Monjo trek to Lukla (2840m)
Day 18: Lukla flight to Kathmandu (1350m)
Day 19: Sightseeing to Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Bhaktapur
Day 20: Leisure day in Kathmandu
Day 21: Depart Kathmandu [/tab]

While you are on trekking, days begin with breakfast at the tea house you stay, you will need to pack up your duffle bags / trekking bag before breakfast, as porters will set off early. After breakfast approximately 2-3 hours of trekking you take a break for lunch somewhere in the trail. After a relaxing lunch, you typically spend around 2-3 hours or even more sometimes on the trail before reaching your stopping point. Throughout the day, you will take frequent rest beaks and take time to admire the fascinating mountains views. You take plenty of pictures of yourself with incredibly panoramic mountains, rivers, landscapes, prayer flags, temples, shrines, cairns, monasteries, etc. Once you arrive at your teahouse, you take a brief rest or simply relaxing with a book and catching up on your diary. Dinner is generally around 7pm.

What you carry

Your baggage is restricted to 25kgs in two people. The duffle baggage is carried by porters and is not available to you during the day. Your daypack should contain all that you need during the day. This generally consists of warm clothing, water bottle, camera gear, sunscreen, lip salve etc. Your guide will let you know each evening of any extra items you will need for the following day. If you have a comfortable daypack you load will only be a few kilograms and hardly noticeable.

Food

Kathmandu part we includes breakfast but trekking we includes three meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) a day in tea house / lodges that you can choose from teahouse / restaurant menu but if you are on big group at that time your guide / team leader will choose the food for you. Meals are generally available Nepalese and continental on different taste in everyplace but you have to eat the meals in same tea house where you are going to staying at night but if you are staying in tented camp (Camping) then our cook prepare food and provide to you.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Kathmandu is on a twin share basis with private facilities. Whilst trekking accommodation is in Trekkers lodges / teahouses and is of a basic (normal) standard. Twin Rooms or multi share with basic shared toilet facilities. Hot Showers are available in some places but they will charge directly to client when they ask for hot shower and if you wish to book tented camp (Camping trekking) instead of teahouse we will provide two men tent for two people to share the accommodation on tent camp.

Transportation

Transportation within Kathmandu valley is done with Cars or Jeeps, Van, Hiace, Coaster bus, Mini bus, Coaches depending upon the group size. In trekking region, transportation mean is hiking and in some cases Yaks / horses / mules / donkeys are used for baggage carriage. In this trekking route, hiking is the major mean of transportation while your baggage will be carried by porters and/or animals.

Trekking Staff

The Guide is in overall charge of the trek and looking after you. This is the person you should go to with all problems, concerns and questions. All our guides are trained in all aspects of trekking, conservation, high altitude medicine, and first-aid and emergency procedures. They are professionals selected for their knowledge and passion for Nepal and its peoples, remember they are local guides and their English may be basic and limited to trek-related topics.

Porters

Transport your duffle bags / rucksack – one porter for every two trekkers in Tea house trekking and camping (Tented camp) trekking it is depend on luggages/equipments that we need for your camping trekking.

Trek Grading

it is impossible to have a ‘foolproof’ grading system as everyone has different expectations and perceptions of their own fitness level. Remember that no trek in the Himalaya is a stroll as all involve going up and down at altitude and that altitude affects everyone differently. Regardless of age or fitness, preparation before you arrive is essential. Aerobic activity, swimming, cycling or brisk walking is recommended or, at the very least, walk up and down stairs in your trekking boots but some can do this trekking without did any preparation of trekking.

Money

It is best to bring a mixture of cash and traveler’s checks in major currencies-In Nepal, some of the currencies are banned for conversion and you must find the convertible currencies in Nepal. USD, CAD, EUR, and AUD are generally convertible. Ensure you have a mixture of large and small denominations.

You should exchange enough money into Nepalese Rupees to last the entire time of your trek before leaving Kathmandu. You can find the money exchange counters near your hotel and there are no exchange facilities in villages / trekking trails.

Tipping

Tipping is a personal and voluntary matter and tips are not included in the trip price but who will working for you they are expect the trips so you can give trips directly to them at end of your trekking / tours and tipping is not any limitation so you can give trips as much you like if they will make you happy.

Insurance

your Travel insurance is not included in the trip price. It is essential that you take out comprehensive travel insurance prior to your trek. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, medical expenses, emergency evacuation and repatriation (including helicopter evacuation) and personal liability. We also recommend that it cover cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects but our company is included trekking crews’ against personal accident.

Health

There are no specific health requirements for travel into Nepal. However, for the trekking in Himalayas, you are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have positive attitude, self confidence and strong determination, you can accomplish this trek successfully but you should consult your doctor for up-to-date information regarding vaccinations, high altitude medication and medications for any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst traveling in Nepal. Some part of trekking have a small health post for emergency treatment with limited equipments, limited health workers and medication. Be aware that some drugs, including anti-malarial, have side effects at altitude. Please discuss this carefully with your doctor.
Please be aware that you will be in remote areas and away from medical facilities for some time during this trip. We strongly recommend that you carry a personal First Aid kit as well as sufficient quantities of any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses).

Altitude Sickness

AMS (acute mountain sickness) is a serious issue. It is the result of the failure of the body to adapt to high altitude and can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness. It usually occurs above 1,800 meters and the likelihood of being affected increases as you ascend. The way to reduce the affects of altitude is to ascend slowly, 300 meters per day above 3,000 meters until you have acclimatized. Poor acclimatization results in headache, nausea, sleeplessness, difficulty breathing and swelling of fingers and glands. The only cure for AMS is to descend to lower altitude and your guide’s decision on this matter is final. When you are planning to trek above 3,000 meters we recommend not walks faster. If you will get altitude sickness please consult with your guide to go down at least 500 meters to recover.

Nepal Visa

Multiple entry visas are available on arrival at Kathmandu airport and all land borders except the citizens of Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, and Palestine, Afghanistan. Multiple entry visas can be obtained from the immigration points costing US Dollars 25 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto for 15 days multiple entry visas, US Dollars 40 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent there to for 30 days multiple entry visa, US Dollars 100 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto for 90 days multiple entry visa.

Packing for your Trekking

you will need to bring a comfortable medium sized daypack to carry the things you will need during the day. This should have a waist strap or (better) a padded waist belt.

• Walking shoes / trekking boots
• Socks, several pair of heavy wool outer socks and a few pairs of nylon inner socks.
• Some pairs of Pants, shirts, T shirts
• Skirts med-calf to above the ankle
• Worm sleeping bag and  jacket
• Water bottle and Trekker’s bag
• Flashlight
• Toiletries ( soap, towel , toothbrush, washcloth ,paste , Comb and shampoos )
• lighter and Sunglasses
• Umbrella, raincoat ( monsoon season )
• Hand bag / day bag
• Walking shoes with new waffle soles(monsoon season)
• Waterproof jacket.( monsoon season)
• Plastic sheeting for covering the bag ( monsoon season)
• Shaving paraphernalia for men
• Woolen hat (high place or snowy place)
• Woolen sweater or down jacket (high place or snowy place)
• Woolen long Underwear (high place or snowy place)
• Good Trekking boots (high place or snowy place)
• Sun cream and Sandal for night
• Some other worm cloths .
• Some dry food