Everest Basecamp Cho-La Circuit Trek

RegionKhumbu, Nepal
Duration 16 Days
Max Altitude 5,545 m
Trekking Km.124 Km.
GradeChallenging

Trek Cost

Add-on Service
Transportations
₹4,000 +5% GST
Raxaul to Ramechap and return to Raxaul by car.

Starting From

₹60,000 +5% GST

Enquire

Summary

Everest Base Camp is widely considered the pinnacle of high-altitude adventure, but for those seeking a more comprehensive immersion into the Himalayas, Gokyo Lakes and Cho-La Pass offers an unparalleled experience. This 16-day odyssey is not merely a walk to the foot of the world’s highest peak; it is a high-octane traverse through turquoise glacial lakes, grueling mountain passes and very heart of Sherpa culture.

     Journey begins with a scenic flight into the dramatic landing strip of Lukla, gateway to the Khumbu region. Initial days serve as a vital introduction to the thin air, following Dudh Koshi River to vibrant hub of Namche Bazaar. Unlike standard EBC route, this itinerary detours toward sacred Khumjung village, allowing for better acclimatization and a glimpse into traditional lifestyle that thrives under shadow of Ama Dablam. 

     As trail peels away from the main Everest highway, trekkers enter serene Gokyo Valley. This segment is defined by the mesmerizing Gokyo Lakes, a series of high-altitude oligotrophic lakes that mirror the surrounding peaks in shades of sapphire and emerald. A pre-dawn ascent of Gokyo Ri (5,350 m) rewards the resilient with a panoramic view of four 8,000-meter giants: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

     Technical crux of this trek is crossing of Cho-La Pass (5,355 m). Connecting Gokyo Valley with Khumbu Valley, this pass demands physical grit and mental focus as trekkers navigate rocky terrain and glacial paths to reach remote outpost of Dzongla. 

     ​Rejoining the classic trail at Lobuche, journey culminates in rugged lunar landscape of Gorakshep. Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) is a spiritual milestone, placing adventurers amidst Khumbu Icefall where history’s greatest mountaineering feats began. However, true visual reward comes from summit of Kalapatthar (5,545 m), providing the most iconic, unobstructed view of Mount Everest’s southern face bathed in the golden light of sunrise.

     Return journey focuses on cultural landmarks of region. A stop at Tengboche Monastery, largest gompa in Khumbu, offers a moment of reflection amidst stunning vistas. Final leg back to Lukla is a test of endurance—covering 17 km on the penultimate day—marking the end of a 123.5 km loop that challenges the body and enriches the soul.

Overview

Trek Name: Everest Basecamp Cho-La Circuit Trek

Days: 16

Adventure Type: Trekking

Basecamp: Ramechap

Season: Summer | Autumn 

Month: March | April | October | November 

Country: Nepal

Altitude: 5,545 m

Grade: Challenging

Rail Head: Raxaul

Stay: Hotel and Tea House

Food: Thakali and Continental

Location: Khumbu Region 

Trek Distance: 124 Km.

Trail Type: Stair, Morrain, Glacier

AirPort: Ramechap and Lukla

Service: Ramechap to Ramechap 

Mandatory Documents & Key Points

1. Voter Card or Passport. 

2. Passport size Photo.

3. Travel insurance Mandatory (No trek permit will be issued without insurance).

4. Medical fitness certificate must for every Participant.

Fixed Departure Dates

05/05/2026 - 20/05/2026
16 Days
02/11/2026 - 17/11/2026
16 Days

Itinerary

Quick Itinerary

Day 1: Team will meet at Ramechap. Accommodation in Hotel. 

Day 2: Ramechap - Lukla (flight) - Phakding. Altitude: 2,630 m. Trek Duration- 4 hours. Trek- 7 km. Accommodation in Tea House. 

Day 3: Phakding - Namchebazar. Altitude: 3,440 m. Trek Duration- 8 hours. Trek- 10 km. Accommodation in Tea House. 

Day 4: Namchebazar – Everest View Hotel - Khumjung. Altitude: 3,780 m. Trek Duration- 4 hours. Trek – 7 km. Accommodation in Tea House.     

Day 5: Khumjung – Dole. Altitude: 4,038 m. Trek Duration - 6 hours. Trek- 9 km. Accommodation in Tea House. 

Day 6: Dole -Machermo. Altitude: 4,470 m. Trek Duration- 5 hours. Trek- 7 km. Accommodation in Tea House. 

Day 7: Machermo – Gokyo Lake. Altitude: 4,750 m. Trek Duration- 7 hours. Trek- 6 km. Accommodation in Tea House. 

Day 8: Gokyo Lake – Gokyo Ri (5,350 m.) – Dragnag. Altitude: 4,888 m. Trek Duration- 10 hours. Trek- 11 km. Accommodation in Tea House. 

Day 9: Dragnag – Cho-La (5,355 m.) - Dzongla. Altitude: 4,830 m. Trek Duration - 7 hours. Trek- 8 km. Accommodation in Tea House.   

Day 10: Dzongla – Lobuche. Altitude: 4,910 m. Trek Duration- 7 hours. Trek- 8 km. Accommodation in Tea House. 

Day 11: Lobuche – Gorakshep. Altitude: 5,140 m. Trek Duration- 4 hours. Trek- 4.5 km.

Same Day: After lunch we will visit Everest Basecamp (5,364 m.). Trek – 4 km. then back to Gorakshep. Accommodation in Tea House. 

Day 12: Gorakshep – Kalapatthar (5,545 m.) – Pheriche. Altitude: 4,240 m. Trek Duration- 10 hours. Trek- 16 km. Accommodation in Tea House. 

Day 13: Pheriche – Tengboche. Altitude: 3,860 m. Trek Duration- 6 hours. Trek- 8 km. Accommodation in Tea House. 

Day 14: Tengboche – Namchebazar. Altitude: 3,440 m. Trek Duration- 6 hours. Trek- 7 km. Accommodation in Tea House. 

Day 15: Namchebazar – Lukla. Altitude: 2,860 m. Trek Duration – 8/9 hours. Trek- 17 km. Accommodation in Tea House. 

Day 16: Lukla – Ramechap by flight. Trek End. 

Who Can Participate

Basic Criteria


•  Minimum age limit 16 years and Maximum 65 years.  

•  Anyone can join the trek must having prior experience and good physical conditions.


Fitness Criteria


•  The Trekker should have sufficient physical ability to complete a jogging activity of 5 km distance in 40 minutes or 7 km distance in 1 hour without stress.

•  If a trekker prefers cycling, he/she has to be completed a distance of 15 km within 45 minutes.

•  If a trekker wants to carry a backpack, then he/she should be able to carry an 8-10 kg backpack. If he/she is off-loading, then the trekker should be able to carry minimum 3 kg backpack.

Health & Fitness Information

Health & Awareness

Medical requirements & guidelines

Kids Guidelines

Special instructions for children

Fitness Required

BMI calculator & fitness criteria

Mandatory Documents

Useful resources & documents

Health and Awareness

1. Physical Preparation (Pre-Trek)

Conditioning your body is the best way to prevent injuries like sprains or extreme fatigue.

  • Cardio & Endurance: Focus on leg-based cardio such as cycling, swimming, and brisk walking. Aim for 30–45 minutes, 4–5 times a week.
  • Leg & Core Strength: Squats, lunges, step-downs, and calf raises help build strength and balance.
  • Weighted Training: Start 4 weeks before the trek. Walk with a backpack similar to your trek load. If offload service is availed, you must still carry 3kg or more.
  • Footwear Preparation: Never wear brand-new boots on a trek. Break them in with local walks to avoid blisters.

2. High Altitude Awareness (AMS / HAPE / HACE)

If your trek goes above 2,500m (8,000 ft), altitude sickness is a risk regardless of fitness.

HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema)

HAPE is a life-threatening condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs due to low oxygen pressure at high altitude.

Common Symptoms:

  • Extreme fatigue
  • Breathlessness even at rest (major red flag)
  • Persistent cough with frothy or pink sputum
  • Chest tightness
  • Bluish lips or fingernails (cyanosis)

Prevention & Action:

  • Climb high, sleep low
  • Ascend gradually (300–500m per day)
  • Drink 3–4 liters of water daily
  • Avoid alcohol and tobacco
  • If symptoms persist → descend immediately

HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema)

HACE is the most severe form of altitude sickness, caused by swelling of the brain due to low oxygen.

Key Warning Signs:

  • Loss of coordination (ataxia)
  • Confusion, hallucinations, or unusual behavior
  • Severe headache not relieved by medication
  • Loss of consciousness

Immediate Treatment:

HACE is a medical emergency. Immediate descent and hospitalization are critical.

3. Prevention Tips

  • Climb high, sleep low
  • Gradual ascent above 3,000m
  • Stay hydrated and avoid sedatives
  • If confusion or balance issues occur, descend immediately

4. On-Trail Health & Safety

  • Hydration & Nutrition: Carry ORS and high-energy snacks.
  • Sun & Eye Protection: Use SPF sunscreen, hat, and polarized sunglasses.
  • Medical Kit: Carry personal medication as advised by your doctor.
  • Hygiene: Use sanitizer and drink only filtered or boiled water.
  • Slowest Hiker Rule: Always match the pace of the slowest trekker.

5. Environmental Awareness

  • Weather Monitoring: Mountain weather changes rapidly; carry layered clothing.
  • Leave Only Footprints: Respect nature. Pack out all trash and stay on trails.

Kids Guidelines

Trekkers Age Policy & Guidelines

To ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, we have established the following age-related guidelines for our trekking expeditions:

Young Explorers (Under 15 Years)

Safety is our top priority for our youngest adventurers. Trekkers under the age of 15 years must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian throughout the duration of the trek.

This ensures a supportive environment where children can build confidence, resilience, and essential outdoor skills in a safe and controlled setting.

Independent Trekkers (15 to 18 Years)

Participants aged 15–18 years may trek solo with a Parental Consent & Disclaimer Form signed and submitted before the trek.

Why These Guidelines Matter?

  • Safety First: High-altitude trekking needs maturity.
  • Legal Compliance: Consent ensures emergency readiness.
  • Better Experience: Correct supervision improves safety.

Fitness Required

BMI

Calculate Your BMI

Your BMI value is

BMI Categories

BMI Range Category Trek Recommendation
Less than 16.5Severely UnderweightNot recommended
16.5 - 18.5UnderweightConsult coordinator
18.5 - 25NormalYou're fit!
25 - 30OverweightConsult coordinator
Above 30ObeseNot recommended

Mandatory Documents

    Mandatory Documents 

Inclusions


1.Accommodation

Day 1st accommodation in hotel. Day 2nd to Day 15th accommodation in Tea House. 

 

2. Food Service 

Food / drinking water and any other beverages at your own cost & choice.

 

3. Medical Support

Strong Medical kit, Oxygen can, Oximeter.

4. Transportation

Ramechap to Lukla & Lukla to Ramechap Both Way Flight fare included. 


5. Permit

 

All Necessary Trek permit. 


6. Offloading facility


10 kg offloading included for every Trekker. 

 

7. Group Leader

 

Trek Leader, Experience supporting staff.

 

8. Safety Equipment

 

Micro Spike and Gaiter (as per snow condition)

 

9. Additional Service

 

Cloakroom room facility available at Ramechap for additional luggage.

Trek Completion Certificate.

Exclusion

 

1. Food/drinking water or any other beverages not included with trek cost.

2. Transport - 4,000 INR + 5% GST. Raxaul to Ramechap and return to Raxaul. 

3. Emergency evacuation and hospitalization charges.

4. Insurance cost not included.

 

Any additional expense arising from various - unforeseen circumstance:

** In the event that an extra day is required for the trekking itinerary due to unforeseen weather conditions, government orders, socio political unrest, self-injury or any others illness during trek. Additional cost of 3,500 INR 5% GST (Three Thousand Five Hundred Indian Rupees) per day will be incurred. This cost must be paid by the trekkers.

In case any trekker is injured or medically not fit to carry out the trek, He or She has to descend. We could be arranged for the same however the trekkers have to bear the expenses for the descend. The same is applicable for someone wiling not to continue the trek. 

Booking Policy


30% of the entire amount as Advance for Booking.

Rest amount will be paid 15 days before date of journey.


Cancellation Policy


30 Days Prior: Full Refund as a voucher. 

15-29 Days Prior: 75% Refund as a voucher.

08-14 Days Prior: 50% Refund as a voucher.

0-7 Days Prior: No Refund.


Reschedule Policy


30 Days Prior: No Reschedule Charges.

15 – 29 Days Prior: 10% Charges will apply from Trek cost.

08 – 14 Days Prior: 20% Charges will apply from Trek cost.

0 – 7 Days Prior: No Reschedule or No Refund.


Non - appearance on the trek start day No refund.


Any additional expense arising from various - unforeseen circumstance:


** In the event that an extra day is required for the trekking itinerary due to unforeseen weather conditions, government orders, socio political unrest, self-injury or any others illness during trek. Additional cost of 3,500 INR (Three Thousand Five Hundred Indian Rupees) per day will be incurred. This cost must be paid by the trekkers.

In case any Trekker is injured or medically not fit to carry out the Trek, He or She has to descend. We could be arranged for the same however the Trekkers have to bear the expenses for the descend or discontinue. The same is applicable for someone wiling not to continue the Trek.

Trek Essentials

Essential Gear

Backpack
1. Rucksack with Rain cover, 2. Knapsack.

Footwear
1. Trekking Shoes (consult trek manager/trek leader), 2. Back belt Sandal.

Accessories
1. Sunglass (UV Protected), 2. Head Torch (with Extra batteries), 3. Water bottle, 4. Trekking Poles, 5. Power Bank, 6. Lunch Box & Spoon.

Clothing
1. Sun Cap, 2. Woolen Cap, 3. Buff/Balaclava, 4. Full sleeve T-shirts (2), 5. Half Sleeve T-shirts (2), 6. Fleece (1), 7. Feather Jacket (1), 8. Trek Pants (2), 9. Rain pants (1), 10. Socks (Cotton 4 + Woolen 1), 11. Gloves.

Personal Items 
1. Sunscreen, 2. Toothbrush, 3. Toothpaste, 4. Paper soap/Sanitizer, 5. Lip Balm, 6. Toilet tissue (Roll).

Download PDF

Trek Cost

Add-on Service
Transportations
₹4,000 +5% GST
Raxaul to Ramechap and return to Raxaul by car.

Starting From

₹60,000 + 5% GST

Enquire