Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp Trek

January:

It is possible to trek to Gokyo and Chola Pass in January because there isn’t always much snow, but the weather will be freezing. Even in January, the Everest region has a comfortable daytime temperature of 8-12 degrees Celsius. The temperatures are also not especially cold at night.

February and March:

In February and early March, Nepal’s off-season for trekking continues, with low temperatures and fewer visitors around the nation. Although the weather in February and early March is cold, especially at night, the spectacular views and empty routes make this a desirable season to trek if you are well prepared.

March and April:

Late March and April are popular trekking months, with the weather warming up and crimson rhododendrons blooming lower down the trails. In late March and early April, when the temperatures are still cooler, the weather in the Everest region is ideal for trekking. On the EBC trails, this is the busiest month of the year. Although the skies aren’t as clear as they are in the winter in March and April. As the Everest region is the region of Buddhist culture, you can get to see the Buddha Jayanti celebration in the monasteries, which falls at the end of April.

Early May:

Trekking to EBC in early May is still doable before the monsoon arrives because it is the transition period between the two season’s spring and summer. Light showers are more likely at higher elevations, and you may need to plan for unexpected weather changes.

Late May, June, July, August, and early September:

During the rainy season, which lasts from late May to early September, it rains every day, making routes muddy with leeches and mountains high with clouds, resulting in landslides. During May -July you can see red, blue, purple, and yellow rhododendrons beyond the trek from Namche. For the nature lover, May and June is the best time to trek.  Although September isn’t as wet as July or August, rain should still be expected. September is a pleasant month to visit, with temperatures falling below freezing only at higher altitudes and at night. The most important festival of Sherpas, “Dumji festival” falls during the end of June or early July.

Late September to early November:

While September marks the start of Nepal’s busy autumn season, routes do not become very crowded until October. While October is the busiest trekking month in Nepal, November is a close second, with even better conditions. This time of year, especially from October to early November, is marked by clear skies and fresh air, making it ideal for trekking. Although the weather is cooler presently than it was in the spring, the days are still dry, and the sights are breathtaking. In late Oct or early Nov the full moon, people in the Everest region celebrate the famous 19 days long colorful festival “Mani Rimdu” in Tengboche Monastery, but the last 3 days of this festival is only open for the public. Do the booking of flights and lodges in advance if you are planning to participate in this festival.

Late November to December:

November is the driest month of the year. Except for the most courageous trekkers, the trekking trails become vacant as winter approaches. Late November to December is also a great time to go

Trekking, although the weather will be chilly, with temperatures dropping well below zero at night. If you’ll be prepared for harsh cold, December is an excellent time to hike in the Everest region.

• Almost every trip to the Everest region begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla, a small single-landing runway airport high in the Himalayas. It is the easiest way for the Gokyo Chola to pass the Everest base camp trek.
• Lukla Airport is also known as the most dangerous airport in the world. This airport, which is only open when the weather is calm, and visibility is excellent.
• The Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is about 30 min and the flight from Manthali to Lukla is about 20-25 min. Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla through helicopter is about 45 min.
• Flight to Lukla is operated by Tara Airlines, Sita Airlines, and Summit Airlines.
• It’s impossible to say whether your Lukla flight will be canceled. If this occurs, your trip may be extended by one or two days. So, plan and save buffer days in your itinerary to ensure you don’t miss your international flight back.
• Flights to and from Lukla are currently operated from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap rush hours at Kathmandu Airport during the high season (spring and autumn). Kathmandu is 138 kilometers (4 hours and 30 minutes) away.
• Helicopters have a little more flexibility when it comes to arriving at Lukla, as it can frequently make the flight in poor visibility weather. It is sometimes ok to switch your flight to a helicopter, but this can be expensive and there is no guarantee that you will arrive on time.

Altitude sickness is a sneaky monster that may attack even the fittest trekkers. These demands dotake everything in your power to prepare for altitude trekking and taking things carefully throughout your Everest region journey. With increasing altitude, the amount of available oxygen decreases, which is the primary cause of high-altitude sickness. Gokyo and Chola Pass are located at an elevation of over 5000 meters above sea level, where the atmosphere is depleted of oxygen, they do take air gets thin, which makes it difficult in breathing.

The Gokyo Lakes Trip is a high-altitude trek that needs proper acclimatization. Your body requires time to adjust to thin air, so start at a lower altitude and work your way up. Some of the symptoms of Altitude sickness are:

• Increased breathing.
• Increased urination.
• Restless sleep.
• Periodic breathing at night because of altitude.
• Dehydration.
• Shortness of breath.
• Extreme fatigue.
• Respiratory failure.
• Cerebral edema.
• Coma.

Certain care should be made to ensure that the situation does not worsen. However, if the symptoms worsen, you may need to return to a lower height and seek medical help. There are, however, several other precautions you may take while trekking in the Everest region to lessen your risk of altitude sickness.

• Trekkers can modify their bodies by slowly and gradually climbing, as our bodies require time to adjust to the oxygen level. At least one day of acclimatization rest is required for high altitude trekking, and you should go as high as possible before returning to a lower height for the night.
• You should do various strength training exercises such as running, cycling, jogging, push-ups, and going to the gym to acquire strength and stamina for your adventure.
• As the air gets increasingly thin, an increase in elevation reduces oxygen levels, and in the Everest region trek, an increase in altitude also means less vegetation. The consumption of alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and tobacco decreases the body’s water content.
• The greatest remedy is to always stay hydrated. On your walk, instead of drinking cooled water, drink warm water.
• Diamox is the most effective altitude sickness medication; thus, you should bring a subscription with you on the trek. However, you should consult with your physician to see whether it is advantageous.
• Avoid sleeping pills to treat insomnia because they suppress breathing,
• If symptoms get worsen, do not travel any higher and consider descending to a lower altitude (approximately 300-600m). But if descent is not possible, a portable hyperbaric chamber (Gamow bag) can be used to simulate a lower altitude.

Drinking-Water

Especially for trekkers, it is very necessary to hydrate your body at a higher altitude than in lower elevations to avoid dehydration and altitude sickness. Lack of fluid can be the main hindrance during the trek. You should hydrate your body with at least 3-4 liters of water daily (Tea, soup, or normal drinking water). Throughout the trek, you will come across tap and spring water, but it is not safe to drink without purifying it. You can buy the plastic bottle water in the teahouses but get expensive as you climb in the higher altitude, and it causes pollutes the local ecosystem, therefore we recommend you to use a Reusable water bottle or water pouch favorable for both hot and cold water.

During this trek, you may have to pay from 1$ to 5$ (at Gorakshep) for a sealed bottle of water. Here are some ways that you can use to make the water drinkable.

1. Boiled water

Boiling water is the best way to purify the water. As we are climbing to a higher altitude you need to boil the water for about 3-minute and season it with a pinch of salt before drinking. You can get free cold water in the teahouse but for boiled water, it cost around 1-2$ per liter and 3$- 10$ for a large pot.

2. Purification tablets or electrolyte powder.

Purification tablets like chlorine or iodine tablets are commonly used tablets by trekkers to disinfect the water. 1 tablet is enough for a liter of water. It takes around 30 min for the tablets to dissolve and become drinkable. Water, purify by tablets may leave a taste in your mouth.

Electrolyte powder is another option. Electrolyte powder is a better way to purify water than tablets because electrolyte powder contains minerals such as salt, Potassium, Magnesium, which are important for your body during the trek. This is a highly recommended method of purifying water.

3. UV Light water purifier/ SteriPEN.

It is a simple, effective, economic, and environment-friendly way to purify water. It kills the bacteria and virus within 10 sec by exposing them to ultraviolet light using Steripen, without changing the flavor of the water.

Electricity facility.

Despite the challenging geography and weather conditions, the Everest region has been able to provide electricity and access to the Internet.

The lower part of the Everest region (Lukla, Phakding, Namche) is hydroelectrically powered, thus you can enjoy free electricity and internet service but as you climb up to the higher part (Dingboche, Gorak shep, Kalapatthar, Everest base camp, Pheriche) of Everest Region, they rely on solar power electricity so there will be no charging socket in your room. There is a commonplace for charging usually in the dining area, and you will be charged extra from the use of electricity on different bases and voltage of your device.

Charging a mobile phone cost 1.5$- 5$ per hour (from Dingboche onward)

Internet Facility and Service

Internet and network facility is needed to contact your family, friends, employee, to post updates and upload photos during the trek.

Everest link has been providing an internet facility throughout the Everest region.

You can purchase an Everest Link WI-FI card at the lodges and use the Everest Link hotspots to connect to the internet anywhere on the path within Everest Region.

Cost of Everest Link WI-FI card:

-10GB= NRP 2000/ 17$

-20GB= NRP 3000/ 25$

(Valid for 30 days)

NCell and NTC cellular service has been providing the network and internet facilities in Everest Region. You can buy the NCell or NTC sim card from the stores either in Kathmandu for 1$ or in Lukla and Namche Bazaar for 3$-4$. By taking data packages you can use the internet from NCell and NTC up to Tengboche. NTC network service is also available in Gorak shep.

NTC cellular service is most preferred over NCell. NTC provides good service and signal connectivity, in comparison to NCell.

Document needed to buy a sim card.

For foreigner = 1 passport size photo, Passport photocopy, or valid identity card.

For Nepali = 1 Passport size Photo, Photocopy of Citizenship.

Some useful tips to reduce the use of electricity.

• Extra batteries for the camera.
• Power bank with 5000-10000mAh.
• The solar charger and solar lamp (LuminAID Lamp).
• As possible less usage of a device with low brightness, GPS, and WI-FI off.

The bag of a trekker also reveals the trekker’s level of experience. A good trekker should be a smart backpacker. You should be pre-prepared for the things that you need in the trek.

Here are some of the things that you need to take with you for the trek.

Travel documents

• Airline tickets with the itinerary.
• Travel insurance policy documents.
• Valid passport.
• Copies of passport.
• Passport-sized photos.
• Nepalese cash.
• Travel permits.

Clothing

• A pair of waterproof trekking shoes or hiking boots.
• A pair of flip flop slippers or running shoes.
• 2 sets of thermals (leggings and tops)
• 5-6 pairs of hiking long sleeve shirts or tops.
• Pairs of hiking shorts and pants.
• Fleece jumpers or a set of tracksuits.
• Good quality windproof down jacket.
• Lightweight waterproof rain jacket and pants.
• Neck gaiter, leg warmer, and packet of pocket hand warmers.
• 4-5 pairs of quick-dry socks, underwear, sports bra.
• Pair of inner and outer gloves.
• Knitted Hat, sun cap, beanie, or bandana.
• Glacier Sunglasses and eyeshade.

Trekking equipment

• Waterproof trekking bag of 40-50liter and Rucksack of duffel bag (if your backpack is not enough for all your item and need a potter).
• Reusable water bottle (both hot and cold) of at least 1-2litre.
• A sleeping bag and sleeping bag liner.
• Trekking stick/ poles.
• Pair of ice traction (crampon).
• LED Headtorch or solar lamp (LuminAID lamp).
• Stuff sacks, plastic bags.
• Plug adapter, Charging appliances, power bank, batteries.
• Pocket knife.
• Travel Wallet.

Toiletries

• Rolls of Toilet paper, wet wipes, and tissue.
• Medium-sized quick-drying towel.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Sunscreen, lip balm, body lotions.
• Deodorants.
• Portable mirror.
• Shampoo and soap.

Personal First Aid Kit

• Antibiotics
• Painkillers, Paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin, Nicole
• Sanitary pads
• Bandage.
• Anti-inflammatory spray.
• Anti-Nausea tablets.
• Anti-diarrhea pills or power.
• Altitude sickness tablets.
• Water purifying tablets or electrolyte powder.
• Mosquito and Insect Repellent
• Salt or anti-leech oil (If traveling in the guides season, July- Aug)
• Earplugs.

You can buy or hire trekking clothes and equipment in Kathmandu. If you are buying it, you have to allow an extra day for shopping; however, if you are hiring it, you must inform us in advance so that we can arrange it before you arrive in Kathmandu. This way you can reduce the weight of your luggage and save time and money.

Branded trekking clothes and equipment are available around the Thamel area at a reasonable price.

Note- Kathmandu- Lukla flight has a luggage allowance of 15 – 20 kg per person. For extra baggage, they charge 2$ – 3$ per kg. So, you can wear your trekking boots and jacket to reduce the weight. Have a hand carry bag for your passport, money, medicine, and pair of clothing. You can leave some unnecessary items in a hotel in Kathmandu also.

Accommodation

We will accommodate in star hotel during our stay in Kathmandu. In Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar we will stay in lodges. For the rest of the stop, we stay at teahouses.

Meal

During the trek, we will provide you three-time meals. You can choose from the given menu.

Breakfast– French toast, cornflakes, cereal, pancakes, Bread butter, eggs, oatmeal, porridge, tea, etc.

Lunch– Dal Bhat (Rice, vegetable curry, meat curry, Lentils, Tomato Chutney, Salad, Papad) Vegetable noodle soup, Chicken noodles soup, Garlic soup, Fried noodles, Fried rice, Thukpa, Fried potato, Mo: Mo, etc.

Dinner– Dal Bhat (Rice, vegetable curry, meat curry, Lentils, Tomato Chutney, Salad, Papad) Vegetable noodle soup, Chicken noodles soup, Garlic soup, Fried noodles, Fried rice, Thukpa, Fried potato, Mo: Mo, etc.

Besides these, there are a variety of other options of food. You can buy it from your pocket.

Transportation

By Bus- from Kathmandu airport to hotel at Kathmandu and vice-versa.

By Air- Flight to Nepal.

Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and back.

Throughout the trek, all your activities will be handled by our well-qualified and professional staff. We will do all the escorting. We are providing you with a highly experienced and licensed local Sherpa guide with fluent English speaking and has excellent communication skills. We will accompany you from Kathmandu and guide you throughout your Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base camp trek. Each group of 4-5 trekkers will be assigned an assistant guide, as well as a porter for two trekkers (2*15kg =30kg). If your luggage weighs more than 15kg you will be provided a porter individually but you will be charged of 2 people.

All our lead guide, assistant guides, and potters are well professional and experienced. So, we hope for your respect and cooperation with us throughout the trek.

Every day will begin with the ringing of your alarm clock at 6 a.m. and a knock on your door from your guide with the invitation of breakfast. Get up, have breakfast, pack your backpack and get ready to start your day’s walk by 7 a.m. We need to start our trek early to avoid the scorching sun as in midafternoon the wind gets stronger compared to morning in higher altitudes.

You’ll wander along the trail enjoying the scenery, clicking photos, creating memories, passing by other travelers, interacting with your guide, hearing each other’s stories. Lunch will be served at a local teahouse in the late afternoon (1-2 am). Having lunch and an hour of rest, we will proceed to the day’s final destination as per the itinerary. On arrival at the destination, check into your accommodation. Get freshen up and some rest. As every teahouse where we stay has a large common dining area with a wood-burning stove in the center, there you will get to meet other travelers. You can sit there, laugh at each other stories, play cards, sing songs, play music, and have a good time. This will help you forget all the tiredness of the day. Later in the evening, you will have your dinner together. After dinner, your guide will give a short briefing about the next day’s trek regarding when you must get up when we have to start our trek the next day, where we will stay the next day, how many hours we have to walk, and so on.

During the acclimatization day, hike around the small peak or viewpoints. At night enjoy the view of sparkling stars floating in the clear sky above the cold wind. The pristine blue and green water of Gokyo lakes, colorful magical sunset and mountains from Gokyo Ri, the reflection of Ama Dablam in Cholachen lake, Sunrises view from Kala Patthar, hike to the Everest Base camp will be your lifetime memory. Every stop might not be iconic but these 17 days trek of Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base camp will give you unforgettable emotions. Your hard walk will be paid off on reaching the destination with lifelong memories.

Visa procedure.

To travel to Nepal, you’ll need a tourist visa that is valid for the period of your stay in Nepal. Better, if you have a tourist visa valid for at least 2 months because anything can happen during the trip, and staying in Nepal after your visa expires would result in you paying a penalty.  Apply for a visa at your nearest Embassy of Nepal or obtain an On-Arrival visa at immigration in Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. But it’s better to contact your nearest Nepalese Embassy.

Here are the documents that you need, to apply for the tourist visa.

• The Tourist Visa Application Form for Nepal (Fully completed online and printed)
• Original Passport with at least 2 blank pages and validity of at least 6 months.
• Photocopies of your passport’s information page.
• At least 2 recent passport-sized photos of yourself with white background.
• Proof of accommodation in Nepal.
• Valid travel and return flight tickets.
• A bank statement from the last 3 months with a minimum closing balance of NPR 2, 00,000.
• Receipt of the visa fee for Nepal.

Note: 15 days visa costs USD 30 but our trip is of 16 days, so apply for 30 days tourist visa that costs USD 50.

Entry permits and Requirements

The Entry permits that you need for the trekking in the Everest region are;

Note a Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance permit must be obtained from the Rural Municipality desk at the Lukla checkpoint.

Permits for the Sagarmatha National Park can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board in Bhirkuti Mandap, Kathmandu, and from the Sagarmatha National Park entrance gate at Monjo. To save time, we recommend that you obtain a Sagarmatha National Park Permit in Kathmandu.

For more information about Trekking Permit here is the link.

(If you are traveling from a travel/trekking agency your agency will arrange all the Permits.)

Documents required to get the Trekking permits.

• Complete the form with your passport details.
• 2 Passport size photo.
• 2 Photocopy of passport valid for at least 6 months.

Trekking in Nepal is an adventurous and occasionally dangerous activity, especially at high altitudes. Trekkers must have travel insurance before visiting Nepal for trekking. During these 16 days trek to Gokyo Chola pass Everest base camp trek may encounter a physical injury, illness, or an unexpected accident, and you will be responsible for all medical expenses and losses.

So, you need to have travel insurance that will cover all our risk up to the altitude of 5,600 m (Everest base camp).

You need to choose an insurance policy that covers all of your possible risks from the start of your journey to your final destination. The following threats should be covered by your travel insurance:

• Cancellation of Domestic and International flights.
• Lost and stolen baggage and passport.
• Hospital and Medical expenses (physical injury, Acute Mountain sickness, Altitude sickness, sudden accident)
• Emergency rescue such as Helicopter.
• All high-altitude trek dangers up to 5,600m.

You need to buy your travel insurance wisely so that if in case you come across any such incident, your travel insurance will bear it.

You can have your travel insurance in your home country or Nepal also.

As the Everest region is not only the gateway to Mount Everest but is also the homeland of Sherpa. Besides being called the mountainous region, the Everest region is also renowned for the Sherpa’s traditions, cultures, Tibetan culture, and eco-friendly environment. Gokyo valley is also one of the most popular destinations of the Everest Region because the world’s highest freshwater lake system i.e., Gokyo lakes, is located in Gokyo valley. Gokyo lakes have both natural, religious, and spiritual importance. All travelers should travel responsibly in these regions. Majority of People in the Everest region practice Buddhism and Tibetan culture.

You have to respect the local people, their culture, and religion and try to limit any negative activities that will impact their local culture and environment. You can learn some Nepali greetings words to greet them respectfully. We expect you to properly dispose of the plastic garbage (food wrappers, plastic water bottles). You might encounter many rare species on the way to Gokyo valley, avoid disturbing them. While visiting the monasteries you have to follow the norms of the monastery. Ask for permission before entering and to click photos in any monasteries.

The people of the Khumbu region are always at threat of the outburst of Ngozumpa Glaciers. The glaciers in the Khumbu region are slowly melting over the years due to global warming and some human activities. Though we can’t control the melting process due to global warming, we can do some control over our activities to stop climate change and control this fast melting process of glaciers.  Your one small step can make a big impact and change on them and their daily life.

Your responsible travel will help Nepal achieve long-term sustainable tourism