When it comes to untamed natural beauty, breathtaking landscapes, and varied wildlife, there’s no place quite like Nepal with Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek, It’s an idyllic realm for wayfarers with a myriad of places to visit and explore. They can have the entire Himalayan ranges to play on including Everest.

The one that’s most rewarding and easily accessible is Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek. The hike is incredibly popular among trekkers, whether it be local or outsider. Climbers see Everest Base Camp as an essential stop to relax before making the final push to the summit.

Its 16.4 km far afield is another most visited hiking spot, Gokyo. It’s a small village at the base of Gokyo Ri on the eastern shore of the Dudh Pokhari. Trek to Gokyo is adventurous but challenging with some difficult walks.

Most of its routes are accessible, so visitors can explore lots of the places in the region. The Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek starts after a short and scenic flight of Lukla. From there, we’ll pave our way to Phakding before joining the rugged and steep trails of Namche.

Along the course, we’ll cross several suspension bridges and passes many remote villages, Including Monjo and Jorsale. The trail then works its way through Tengboche in Khumbu Valley, where the oldest Tibetan monastery is located.

Upper section of Cho-la Pass Trek,

It’s hard to find well-marked paths from Tengboche as most of them are rugged with steep hills. We’ll have to walk from the side of a hill, cross bridges, and pass the glacial moraine to reach Everest Base Camp.

The trek will offer us an impressive view of surrounding snow peaks, glaciers, and serene lakes. It’ll also take us to some incredible places like Thangnak and Kalapathhar, one of the major tourist attractions.

You can see a wide range of mountains from the hilltop, including Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Lobuche, and Kangtega. The trek to Gokyo starts after we return from Kalapatthar to Gorakshep, which takes a couple of extra days. It’s quite difficult to travel on the uneven and rocky trails of Gokyo that cross Ngozumpa Glacier.

Since the glaciers are slippery, we might use crampons for better traction. Long-distance hiking through the Cho La Pass offers a thrilling adventure to hikers. Similarly, the trek will enable us to bond with nature. You’ll get to enjoy the mesmerizing view of diverse landscapes, vibrant valleys, and glistening snow peaks.

You can see five main oligotrophic lakes at Gokyo, including Thonak and Gyazumpa. You’ll also spend a day at the village ascending steep slopes and mountain ridges to summit Gokyo Ri at 5,357 meters.

Highlights of Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek

• A pristine view of Mt. Everest and its neighboring snow peaks
• Epic trek adventure with a cultural shift
• Awe-inspiring scenery of subtropical forests and verdant meadows
• Enjoy a leisurely walk through the charming villages and towns of Khumbu
• Simple yet delicious local meals

Outline Itinerary 

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to your hotel,

Day 02: Free and Arrangement day.

Day 03: Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2700 meters)

Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 meters)

Day 05: Rest / Acclimatize in Namche (3440 meters)

Day 06: Trek to Tengboche. (3860 meters) 5 hours.

Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche (4350 meters) 5.30 hours.

Day 08: Day trip to Chhukung valley and back to Dingboche. ( Acclamatazation )

Day 09: Dingboche to Lobuche (4910 meters) 5 hours.

Day 10: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5365 meters) then back to Gorak Shep (5180 meters).

Day 11: Hike up to Kalapattar (5545 meters) and trek back to Dzongla (4620m.)

Day 12: Dzongla to Thangna (4650 m.)

Day 13: Thangna to Gokyo (4750m.)

Day 14: Climb Gokyo Ri (5483m.) and trek to Machhermo (4410m.)

Day 15: Machhermo to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.)

Day 16: Namche to Lukla

Day 17: Morning flight back to Kathmandu. 30 minutes.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to your hotel

As was agreed, our representative will receive you at the airport on the day of your arrival. They’ll welcome you with warm greetings and have a quick exchange. Shortly thereafter, the staff will transfer you to the hotel where you’re able to freshen up and get some rest. If you want, stroll along the streets or enjoy the service of a fine restaurant in the town. Whatever you decide to do, make sure to return to the hotel on time.

Day 02: Free and Arrangement Day

Your first day in Nepal will be centered on planning and preparing for the trip. It includes meeting with the crew members and guides for a quick overview. If you have any trekking essentials left to buy, this is the time to get them.

There are plenty of places to shop in Kathmandu, but Thamel has to be the go-to place for all. You can get all the required trekking equipment from here. In the day, we’ll explore a couple of historical and religious sites, including Kathmandu Durbar Square and Pashupatinath Temple.

If there’s spare time, we’ll get around some of UNESCO’s world heritage sites like Boudhanath Stupa and Swyambhunath. After exploring some of the best of Kathmandu, we’ll drive you back to the hotel and call it off a day.

Day 03: Flight to Lukla and Trek to Phakding

Lukla Altitude: 2,860 meters

Phakding Altitude: 2,610 meters

Walking Hours: 2 hrs

Overnight at: a lodge

Early in the morning, we’ll fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, which is short but adventurous. We’ll board the flight at Tribhuvan Airport, before flying over the valley and then across the towering hills. There’s a swift change in landscapes once you enter the Himalayan region.

The views are emotive and awe-inspiring as you descend the steep mountainous terrains surrounding Tenzing Hillary Airport. After the propellor makes the landing at the runway, we’ll meet our team and have breakfast.

After some time, we’ll leave the town and mount the trail off the hillside on the bank of Dudh Koshi River. After a short trek through Chaurikharka Village and a gentle ascend up a well-worn path, we’ll reach Phakding. The village will offer you breathtaking scenery and a safe haven to spend the night.

Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazar Altitude: 3,440 meters

Walking Hours: 6 hrs

Overnight at: A Guesthouse

The day starts off with a leisurely walk following the Dudh Koshi River Valley above and below, surrounded by rhododendron forests. After passing several villages along the way, we’ll enter Sagarmatha National Park.

On the way, we’ll use suspension bridges to cross the Dudh Koshi River and then continue an uphill climb. After a journey of more than two hours from Jorsale, we’ll finally be able to get to Namche Bazaar.

Day 05: Rest / Acclimatize in Namche

Trek from Namche is a bit challenging due to excessive gain in altitude. Therefore, to become accustomed to the temperature at a higher altitude, we’ll have a rest at Namche Bazaar. To make the most of the day, we’ll take a walk through the village, before climbing up the hill to Syangboche.

The trail here is rugged and continuously upward, so the trek can take anywhere from one to two hours to reach the viewpoint. Once you’ve arrived in the town, enjoy the magnificent view along with a warm breakfast at the Hotel Everest View.

Day 06: Trek to Tengboche

Tengboche Altitude: 3,860 meters

Walking Hours: 9.2 km

Overnight at: a Guesthouse

The journey from Namche to Tengboche is relatively easy and fun, but the start is not so much. We begin the trek with a steep climb off the hill for almost 20 minutes before the path gets easier. After two hours of hiking, the trail descends to the river losing all the elevation gained.

Once you’ve crossed the river, the trail leads the steep slope passing several teahouses and forests. The final race to Tengboche is quite challenging due to lower oxygen at high altitudes. After a slow and steady walk of more than two hours, we’ll arrive at the beautiful village of Tengboche.

Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche

Dingboche Altitude: 4,410 meters

Walking Hours: 5-6 hrs

Overnight at: a Guesthouse

Early in the morning, we’ll visit Tengboche Monastery to offer prayers and receive a blessing.

After a round trip of the pilgrimage, we’ll leave the village, taking a gentle walk downhill and crossing the river. The trail on the other side is steep and continuously upward, so the trek becomes a bit strenuous.

We’ll be walking along the Lobuche riverbank before entering the Imja Valley where the paths are rough. There are fewer trekkers and porters from here, but you may see some lovely teahouses to stop in on the way.

After an uphill trek of three hours, we’ll finally come to Dingboche. Unlike other stops, you’ll find fewer teahouses and more tent camps in the village for accommodation. Apart from the shelter, Dingboche will provide us with a jaw-dropping view of snow-capped mountains and the Imja River, flowing from the east of the village.

Day 08: Day trip to Chhukhung Valley and back to Dingboche

Chhukhung Valley Altitude: 4,730 meters

Walking Hours: 2 hrs

Overnight at: a lodge

Provided the long tiring journey to Dingboche, we’ll let you take a well-deserved break at the village. Instead of continuing along the path, we’ll stroll through the village and use our spare time to visit Chhukhung Valley.

It’s one of the major attractions for trekkers in Khumbu given the magnificent view of beautiful landscapes and snow peaks. To visit it, we’ll have to head towards the southern slope of Lhotse and Nuptse besides the Lho Glacier.

The trek is mostly uphill with steep slopes and off

Day 09: Dingboche to Lobuche

Lobuche Altitude: 4,940 meters

Walking Hours:

Overnight at:

After breakfast, we’ll leave for an extended and strenuous walk to Lobuche. The trek begins with a gentle ascent from the edge of a hill above Chhukhung Valley, which provides a mesmeric view of Island Peak at the rear end. Most trekkers often stop here to catch a breath and prepare for a long march ahead.

On this day, we’ll trek more than six hours, passing through remote settlements and crossing bridges. After briefly stopping at Dugla for lunch, we’ll continue the excursion with an uphill trek of an hour long. The walk will provide you with a spectacular view of Khumbu Valley and Ama Dablam. Meanwhile, the village at the fore will give us a place to stay.

Day 10: Trek to Everest Base Camp then back to Gorak Shep

Gorakshep Altitude: 5,164 meters

Everest Base Camp Altitude: 5,364 meters

Walking Hours: 6-7 hrs

Overnight at:

From Lobuche, we head towards Gorakshep navigating an off-the-beaten path full of rocks and boulders. The paths are unclear traveling up, which adds to the difficulty level. After 3 miles of long and tiring walk, we’ll finally arrive at Gorakshep.

Before going further, we’ll make a quick visit to one of the local teahouses for lunch. After a while, we’ll wind up at the rocky trail that leads us to Everest Base Camp. The final three hours walk to base camp is extremely challenging, with steep and unpaved trails.

You’ll have to walk along the glacial moraine and over the rocks and debris, which is quite strenuous. After trekking much of the day, we’ll finally arrive at the base camp, facing Mt Everest.

From the end of the Khumbu Glacier, you can see gigantic rocky mountains and ice cliffs surrounding the base camp. After spending some time at the camp, we’ll turn back to Gorakshep, which takes another 1 to 2 hours. We’ll stay the night in a teahouse.

Day 11: Hike up to Kala Patthar and trek back to Dzongla

Kala Patthar Altitude: 5,644 meters

Working Hours: 5-6 hrs

Overnight at: a teahouse

Before leaving Gorakshep, we’ll make a quick run to Kala Patthar, one of the prominent landmarks in the region. This rocky mountain lies on the south ridge of Pumori, just 480 meters above Gorakshep. After more than two hours of steep ascent, we’ll finally summit Kala Patthar.

The view along the way and atop is surreal. You can see a wide range of mountains such as Thamserku, Kangtega, Taboche, and Chumbu from the ridge. After the sightseeing has been done, we’ll descend the trail and pave our way to Dzonghla covering 9 miles distance. Overnight stay at Dzonghla.

Day 12: Dzongla to Thangna

Thangna Altitude: 4,500 meters

Walking Hours: 4-5 hrs

Overnight at: a lodge

The day starts with an easy walk on a flat rock and across an arid valley. From there, we’ll ascent steep slopes heading towards Cho La Pass. The route is physically challenging even for pro hikers let alone beginners. It requires the trekker to use crampons to ascend slippery glacier and loose rocks with ice.

From there, we’ll descend the trail to Thangna, passing the remote village of Phedi. The trek is 6 hours long and expects you to traverse mixed terrains with steep inclines. Along the path, it offers us a mesmerizing view of shimmering snow peaks and rugged hills.

At Thangna, we’ll see a lot of small and familial-run teahouses built to provide accommodation to hikers. The village also has a wonderful view to offer its visitors, including the rare glimpses of Machhermo Peak.

Day 13: Thangna to Gokyo

Gokyo Altitude: 4,790 meters

Walking Hours: 7-8 hrs

Overnight at: a teahouse

On this day, we’ll travel from Thangna to Gokyo, taking more than 7 hours. The initial trip begins through glacial terrains made of ice and boulders. We’ll follow the trail from the west end of Ngozumpa Glacier, passing the first and second lakes.

On the eastern shore of Dudh Pokhari is the small village of Gokyo. It’s nestled right underneath the Gokyo Ri at an elevation of 4,750 meters. The village has been commercialized with lodges and guesthouses aimed to facilitate visitors.

Day 14: Climb Gokyo Ri and trek to Machhermo

Machhermo Altitude: 5,357 meters

Walking Hours: 4-5 hrs

Overnight at: a teahouse

At 5,357 meters, Gokyo Ri is one of the most trekkable mountains with a moderate hiking trail.

Located on the west of Ngozumpa Glacier, this side trek is more popular among hikers than the Gokyo Valley. They use it as an alternative trekking route and a practice ground to climb mountains.

The ascent to Gokyo Ri isn’t easy, with a continuous uphill walk just from the south of Taujun Lake. It features high cliffs and mountain ridges, which are incredibly difficult to climb. But, once reach the acme, you’ll enjoy the magnificent scenery along with surrounding snow peaks.

Following the exploration, we’ll plummet the trail and continue the expedition from the base of Ngozumpa Glacier. After an hour of trek, we’ll cross the wild grazing field and trek along the Dudh Koshi River. On the way to the village, you’ll see the dramatic landscapes and yak pastures.

After hiking more than 8 km, we’ll arrive at Machhermo. The village lies in the Dudh Koshi River Valley below the terminal moraine of Ngozumpa Glacier. Machhermo welcomes visitors with the impressive scenery of lofty mountains and lush green farms.

Day 15: Machhermo to Namche Bazaar

Walking Hours: 4-5 hrs

Overnight at: a teahouse

After having breakfast, we’ll leave the teahouse and return to Namche following the same trail as previous. We’ll make our way through Phortse Tenga where most trekkers stop for tea and lunch. From here, the trail runs through rhododendron and pine forests before going up to Monglo.

You’ll find the routes relatively easy from the village. It's mostly a downhill walk from Khumjung and therefore, doesn’t take much time to finish. A slow descent to the river valley and we’ll end up at Namche Bazaar.

Day 16: Namche to Lukla

Walking Hours: 6-7 hrs

Overnight at: a teahouse

The hike to Lukla is easy compared to any other trek. Most of the walks are downhill through the densely forested area and some remote Sherpa villages. After a gentle descent to Bhote Koshi River and a leisurely walk, we’ll eventually end up at Namche. Overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 17: Morning flight back to Kathmandu

After wrapping up Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass and Gokyo Trek, we’re now ready to fly back to Kathmandu. We’ll take the morning flight out of Lukla, which lasts 30 minutes or so. On the journey, you can see many fascinating waterfalls, lakes, and forests. After your flight has landed at Tribhuvan Airport, our staff will transfer you back to the hotel.

Best time for Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek

Autumn is a peak tourist season in Khumbu Valley. Even though it’s the busiest time of the year with an incessant crowd, the season is an ideal time to explore the base camp. It has the nicest and coziest weather with long sunny days, which makes traveling easier.

The weather is cooler in Autumn, with the temperature dropping slowly after the scorching summer heat. It seldom rains in the season, the weather can be windy, especially after mid-day. The temperature is at maximum at the start of September but lowers as time passes.

The average low temperature is 6 Degree Celsius in base camp, but as you ascend Cho La Pass, the temperature drops significantly. By the end of November, days start getting shorter and colder. With the falling of tree leaves and migrating birds, you can tell the spring has come to an end in November.

Like Autumn, spring is warm and beautiful, lasting from March till the summer rolls again. The season starts with a wintry climate and finishes off with a summer vibe. As soon as the temperature rises, the snow melts away clearing the path for visitors.

It also provides them with a stunning view of lush green hills, terrace farms, and subtropical forests that are home to varied wild species and birds. Following the clear sky, you can watch a series of mountains in Khumbu, including Everest, Thamserku, Gokyo Ri, and Lobuche.

Winter is cold and unwelcoming in the upper Himalayas. The weather is harsh and bitterly cold from late November till January. It snows at different parts of Khumbu but mostly at a higher elevation. The temperature drops up to -17 Degree Celsius in the wake of winter, but the days remain warmer with the rising temperature of up to 4 Degree Celsius.

Those who enjoy playing with snow will find winter a perfect time to visit Everest Base Camp and Gokyo, But, you have to be careful of the trail at Cho La Pass and bring crampons to walk over.

While it’s possible to trek Everest Base Camp and Gokyo in Summer and Monsoon, most people don’t cherish the season as much as others. Due to the changing weather and climate, trekkers find it more difficult to relate to the

Preparation for the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek

Although trekking is meant to be an adventurous sport, it can be tough at times depending on the terrain, altitude, and weather. Moderate trekkings are relatively less challenging and don’t require excessive planning and preparation.

Hence, trekkers climbing Everest Base Camp don’t have to make lots of arrangements for the hike. Knowing a thing or two about the trek destination will be enough and super handy. It’ll give you a brief idea about the trails and the training required to hike the terrains.

Physical Preparation

Hiking in Khumbu in the rugged hills at an elevation of 5,364 meters isn’t easy. It’s super intense and difficult with severe challenges. Hence, training and exercises are a must for walking the trails of Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass and Gokyo.

You have to maintain your fitness levels before and during the hike. For that, you’ll assess your present physical condition and prepare the fitness schedule accordingly. Don’t push yourself past the limits instead, take your time and finish the routine one at a time. Improve your stamina with cardiovascular exercise.

Running and briskwalking will help you keep the pace even on the extended trail. If you’re a beginner and coming from a lower elevation, give yourself time to acclimatize. Straining the body can have an adverse effect on your health, so take proper rest before traveling to a higher altitude.

Mental Preparation

Trekking Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Ri together can be mentally challenging. It takes great resilience and self-will to face the challenges and overcome them. Therefore, trekkers have to be mentally strong and tough for the long day of hiking.

You have to think strategically and be well-prepared for the hike. Also, be aware of the challenges coming along the way; otherwise, you’ll lose focus and be stressed out quickly. Not to mention, train yourself ahead of the trek as it helps to beat the tough stretches of the trail.

It’s better to use your past experience of hiking as it’ll help you deal with the rugged terrains and maintain persistence even after six hours of trekking. Set small goals and keep working on them before you take a long and steep ascent.

Essential Equipment

Trekking equipment is the basic the most essential need for a hiker. If you don’t have sufficient essentials, the hike will be extremely tough and strenuous. They are supposed to make your travel easier and more convenient despite the poor weather and temperature.

However, choosing the items for the trek must be carefully done. Useless and unnecessary items are not worth bringing on the trail as they just make backpack heavier. Although trekking items for Everest Base Camp are primarily affected by climatic conditions, there are a few things you can’t avoid packing.

Clothing

• Waterproof jackets
• Short and long sleeve shirts
• Moisture-wicking shirts
• Light sweatpants
• Fleece or wool trousers

Footwear

• Sturdy hiking boots
• Woolen socks

Other items

• First-aid kits and medicine
• Personal toiletries
• Water bottles and purification
• Insect repellent
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Sun-shielding hats

What are the difficulties of Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass and Gokyo Trek?

1. Altitude Sickness

Everest Base Camp may seem to be a moderate hike, but with an elevation of 5,364 meters, it possesses a high risk of altitude sickness. You may experience varied symptoms of it at higher elevations, especially when not acclimatized.

Therefore, trekkers hiking base camp must give their bodies proper rest and sufficient time to adjust to the weather and temperature in the mountains. You should go slow on the trail and avoid gaining excessive elevation as much as possible to face altitude sickness.

2. Unpredictable Weather

Weather in the Himalayas is often hard to predict. It keeps fluctuating from unnoticeable to a considerable degree following increased altitude and thinner air. Hence, you have to be prepared for the extreme weather while heading to the mountains. If needed, retrace the steps back or use the right equipment to walk through stretches of snow.

3. Poor Preparation

Whether it’s a day or multi-day hike, preparing for a trek aforehand will help you prevent the challenges and overstocking. It’ll help you organize the needed supplies, making the travel more comfortable and easier. Trekkers who don’t bring enough equipment will face trouble during the trek.

Beginners are more likely to have difficulties due to an over or under preparation of the trek. Therefore, you have to be more careful while preparing for the hike as it’ll make the venture less challenging. Moreover, you’ll have to wear appropriate clothing to protect against cold and wind.

4. Extended Trails

Walking the trails of Everest Base Camp Gokyo via Cho La Pass may not be as easy as it looks. It’s a long journey with a trekking distance of more than 130 km on a round trip. Trekkers have to spend an average of 5-6 hours each day walking mixed terrain of rocks, boulders, ice slopes, and glaciers.

Along the course, they will make several stops on multiple villages with basic accommodations. Trekkers can expect to get a first-class service in the local teahouses and lodges, which comes as a disappointment for many of them.

The trails crossing Cho La Pass are the most challenging trek route of all. It requires a few skills like ice climbing and using crampons. Trekkers climbing base camp and Gokyo should also be fit and strong otherwise, they won’t stand a chance to reach the ultimate destination.

Food and Accommodation

Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek is a multi-day hike with long extended trails where you have to make several stops. During the trip, we’ll have to stop in many places, some more uptown than the other. But, mostly it’s the rural villages with small lodges and teahouses offering accommodation to the visitors.

They aren’t as luxurious as in the cities with basic facilities like shared bedrooms with little or no furniture. However, they do come with a sleeping bed, mattress, blanket, and pillow for a small price. The cost to rent these houses is seemingly low at lower elevation but, as you go up, the price will be higher due to lack of transportation.

Locals will have to carry goods all the way up using porters and yaks, which are quite expensive. This is also the very reason why foods are so expensive at the teahouse in higher regions. Foods offered anywhere in the Himalayan region are usually traditional Nepali dishes consisting of rice, lentils, vegetables, and pickles.

For breakfast, they have bread, tea, cereals, porridge, and other healthy stuff. But these days, hotels have started providing numerous dining options, including some popular Asian and western European dishes like pizza.

Trip Cost US$ 1,500 Per person

Cost Includes:

Cost Excludes:

1. Where is Everest Base Camp?

Everest Base Camp is located on the foot of Khumbu Glacier at an elevation of 5,364 meters. It’s almost 130 km from Lukla, taking almost two weeks of the hike after a flight to the Sherpa town.

2. What is the weather like at Everest Base Camp and Gokyo?

Spring and Autumn have the loveliest weather at Everest Base Camp. They have nice and warm sunny days with a temperate climate, but the temperatures are quite extreme in the higher elevation.

Winters are typically cold in Everest Base Camp and Gokyo, with temperatures dropping as low as -10 Degree Celsius. The weather is frigid, following heavy snowfall and blizzards, making it extremely difficult to ascend trails.

Summers are comparatively hot but not scorching as you can experience the chilly wind in the mountains. Expect the temperature to go high in the valley, which makes trekking slightly inconvenient. But, until the sky is clear and the trails aren’t slippery, you’ll enjoy the weather.

3. How much is the entrance fee into Sagarmatha National Park?

Permits are required for the day hike of Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo. Trekkers have to buy an entry ticket to get inside the Sagarmatha National Park. The entry fee costs US$30 for foreign visitors but the SAARC visitors can have it for US$15. Apart from that, you also need an entry grant from Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural municipality which costs US$20.

4. How hard is Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek?

Since it’s considered a moderate hike, climbing Everest Base Camp and Gokyo via Cho La Pass isn’t too hard. But, their trials can trick you sometimes and even force you to give up. The trail passing Cho La Pass is one of the most difficult sections in the entire trek. It’s rugged and full of rocks, boulders, and ice slopes, making the walk incredibly tough.

5. Do I need travel insurance for the trek?

It’s wise to buy travel insurance during Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek as it provides you solid financial protection. The travel insurance covers the financial risks during travel, such as flight cancellation or delay, emergency medical evacuation, and other unforeseen mishaps.