If you want to experience the 360 degrees aerial views of the mountains combined with the thrilling adventure of trekking through the treacherous paths of the Himalayas, Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek and Return by Helicopter is the ideal choice. Exciting Nepal offers you this one-of-a-kind exploration of the Everest region.

Everest Base camp trek via the Gokyo Chola Pass route is an amazing trail that passes through the remote terrains of beautiful Gokyo Valley and Cho La Pass. And when we combine this trek with a return by helicopter, it is one unforgettable experience. This expedition will take you through rugged terrains, breathtaking vistas, and remote settlements of the Himalayas.

Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return Trek informations

Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek and Return by Helicopter is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity filled with adventure and exploration of the divine beauty of the Himalayas. This expedition will take you above the altitude of 5000 meters from sea level. You will cross through high passes, long glaciers, and dense forests. This trek is both mentally and physically demanding.

This uniquely combined expedition is also an opportunity to experience the Himalayan lifestyle and learn about the local culture and community. Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek and Return by Helicopter is your chance to explore the heart of the Himalayas of Nepal i.e. the Khumbu region. The warm hospitality and diverse cuisine of the local people will make this experience more memorable.

This remarkable trek by Exciting Nepal is for both novice and experienced trekkers. It is a lifetime experience in the Himalayas, where you can explore the rugged trails of the Khumbu region, explore the breathtaking vistas of the tallest peak in the world, and return by helicopter. The ride back to Kathmandu and a tour of the Himalayas by helicopter is what sets this trek apart from other expeditions.

Highlights of Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp Helicopter Return

The major highlights of Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek and Return by Helicopter are:

• 360-degree panoramic views of Mount Everest along with other stunning peaks like Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Island Peak, and so on.
• Explore all five Gokyo lakes and climb Gokyo Ri peak
• Cross the longest glacier in the world Ngozumpa glacier
• Reach the high Cho La Pass located at 5,420 meters above sea level
• The warm hospitality and diverse culture of the local people
• An unparalleled experience in the form of a helicopter tour of the Himalayas
• The incredible view of sunrise from the summit of Kalapathar
• Explore around the Everest base camp and take in the up close and clear view of Mount Everest from there

Day 1 : Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding.
Day 2 : Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m)
Day 3 : Acclimatization day at Namche
Day 4 : Trek to Dole (4000m)
Day 5 : Trek to Machhermo (4450m).
Day 6 : Trek to Gokyo
Day 7 : Hike up to Gokyo Ri and trek to Dragnag(4600m)
Day 8 : Cross the Chola pass and trek to Dzonghla (4830m)
Day 9 : Trek to Lobuche (4980m)
Day 10 : Trek to Gorekshep and trek to Everest Base camp (5360m.), back to Gorakshep
Day 11: Climb up to Kalapather and fly to Kathmandu by Helicopter

Day 1 Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding.

Lukla’s altitude- 2860 meters

Phakding altitude- 2700 meters

Flight distance- 50 minutes

Trek distance- 3 hours

After arriving at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will catch a short flight to Lukla. It takes 30-45 minutes to reach Tenzing Hillary Airport, the world’s most dangerous airport. It is a scenic flight with incredible views of snow-capped mountains and steep hills.

From Lukla, it is a short hike to Phading. We pass through Dudhkoshi Valley, climbing uphill on the rugged paths of the Himalayas. The trek is demanding, but the exposure to the untamed beauty of the region makes it all worth it. After 3 hours of climbing uphill, you will reach the beautiful Phading and stay overnight at a local teahouse.

Day 2 Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m)

Phadings altitude- 2700 meters

Namche Bazar altitude- 3440 meters

Trek distance- 5 to 6 hours

After a brief breakfast, we extend our journey to Namche Bazar. From Phading, we cross the Dudhkoshi River many times following various suspension bridges with prayer flags spread along the way. After crossing the river we climb up a steep path that leads us to Jorsale. At Jorsale, we pass through Sagarmatha National Park, a destination for the rare flora and fauna of Nepal. From there it is a 2-hour climb to our final destination i.e. Namche Bazar a major tourist destination.

It is a 5 to 6 hours long hike to Namche Bazar located at an altitude of 3440 meters from sea level. It is the most popular destination among trekkers. It is also known as the Sherpa capital as it has diverse Sherpa settlements. There are various teahouses and lodges available here for you to stay overnight.

 Day 3 Acclimatization day at Namche

Namche Bazar altitude- 3440 meters

You need a proper rest for the upcoming intense Everest Base Camp Gokyo Chola Pass Trek. Accimilization is very important while trekking at such high altitudes, as your body requires some time to adjust to the change in the atmosphere.

You will be already feeling a bit worn out by the time you reach Namche Bazar. Therefore you will be in great need of rest at the time. So you will spend this day, resting and building up stamina for the rest of the expedition. You can spend the day visiting nearby places and exploring the popular Namche Bazar.

Day 4 Trek to Dole (4000m)

Namche Bazar altitude- 3440 meters

Dole altitude- 4000 meters

Trek distance- 7 hours

It is a beautiful trail following Dole from Namche Bazar. The scenic route leads you to the small Kyajuma village. You get to experience stunning peaks up-close such as Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Kongde, Thamserku, and the magnificent Mt.Everest from there.

From Kyanjuma, the trail parts into two directions. One takes you to Everest Base Camp and the other to Gokyo Lakes. Take the standard road to Gokyo lakes passing through dense rhododendron forests and stunning mountain views. After a few hours of hiking, you will reach Dole, a small village located in the remote hills.

Day 5 Trek to Machhermo (4450m).

Dole altitude- 4000 meters

Machhermo altitude- 4450 meters

Trekking distance- 5 hours

From Dole, it is a 5-hour-long hike to Machhermo, a small village in the Khumbu region. It is located at an altitude of 4450 meters from sea level, south of Gokyo Valley. The longest glacier on the Himalayas, Ngozumpa lies just above the village.

You have to walk through steep trails of the Himalayas, encountering the picturesque views of Mount Cholatse and Mount Taboche. Machhermo is a popular spot for Everest Baase Camp Gokyo Chola Pass Trek. So there are various tea houses and lodges here offering great services.

Day 6 Trek to Gokyo

Machhermo altitude- 4450 meters

Gokyo altitude- 4700 meters

Trek distance- 3 to 4 hours

Today we make the trek to our final destination, Gokyo Lake. We ascend toward our destination enjoying the stunning view of Dudh Koshi Valley, Cho- Oyu peak, and Thamserku. The valley passes through a Chorten on the way to Phangga.

From there, we climb downwards following the river trail before climbing up the terminal moraine of the longest glacier of the Himalayas, Ngozamba Glacier. Before reaching Gokyo, we pass through Longpongo, Raboche Tsho, and Dudh Koshi. We can also see the footprint of a Lama on the trail next to the first lake. We spend the night at Gokyo Valley.

Day 7 Hike up to Gokyo Ri and trek to Dragnag(4600m)

Gokyo altitude- 4700 meters

Gokyo Ri altitude- 5445 meters

Dragnag altitude- 4600 meters

Travel distance- 5 to 6 hours

Today, we climb up to Gokyo Ri and the fifth lake. We also hike to the fourth lake, located at a 3km distance from Gokyo. Fifth Lake is a little bit further from there. Giokyo Ri has amazing vistas of snow-capped mountains and terrace hills. Mountains like Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Lhotse, Everest, Nuptse, and Makalu could be seen clearly from the nearby hills.

This spot is also famously known as Scroundel’s viewpoint as we can see a lot more than just mountains from here. The vista is truly breathtaking. We can also get an up-close view of Ngazumpa Glacier, the longest glacier from the fifth lake along with Mount Cho-Oyu.

On the way back, it is a short trek to Dragnag. You will cross Ngozumba Glacier to reach there. You will stay overnight at Dragnag.

Day 8 Cross the Chola pass and trek to Dzonghla (4830m)

Dragnag altitude- 4600 meters

Chola Pass altitude- 5368 meters

Dzonghla altitude- 4830 meters

Trek distance- 6 to 7 hours

You have to start the trek quite early as it is a long hike to Cho La Pass. It is located at an altitude of 5368 meters from sea level. The trek to chola pass is very demanding as we have to cross glaciers and walk up rocky hills.

You pass through remote and quiet terrains of the Himalayas, crossing the high passes. After exploring the Chola Pass, we need to descend towards Dzonghla.

Day 9 Trek to Lobuche (4980m)

Dzonghla altitude- 4830 meters

Lobuche meters- 4980 meters

Trek distance- 2 to 3 hours

Today is a short hike comparatively. You will descend from Dzondghla passing through grassy trails. Magnificent views of Mount Lobuche will give you company along the trail. We eventually ascend upwards joining the path from Pheriche and Dingboche. You will get to enjoy the stunning vista of Mount Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Taboche, Thamseku, and Taboche.

Following the trail along the riverside, we will reach Lobuche and spend the night there.

Day 10 Trek to Gorekshep and trek to Everest Base camp (5360m.), back to Gorakshep

Lobuche meters- 4980 meters

Gorakshep altitude- 5140 meters

Everest Base Camp altitude- 5360 meters

Trek distance- 7 hours

You will start the hike early morning from Lobuche. The trail from Lobuche is challenging and physically demanding. First, you will trek to Gorakshep, a beautiful settlement in the Khumbu region. It will take up to 3 to 4 hours to reach Gorakshep.

After a quick lunch at Gorakshep, you will begin your journey to the Everest Base Camp. The trail is quite challenging from here. Along with the increase in difficulty level, the vistas also get a lot better, We pass through the beautiful trail covered in rhododendrons and get an up-close view of the magnificent Mt. Everest

We descend back to Gorakshep after a quick exploration of the base camp and stay overnight at a tea house.

Day 11 Climb up to Kalapather and fly to Kathmandu by Helicopter

Gorakshep altitude- 5140 meters

Kalapathar altitude- 5545 meters

Trek distance - 2 to 3 hours

We start the hike before dawn to experience the beautiful sunrise from the summit of Kalapathar. It provides one of the best views of Mount Everest along with other beautiful mountains. You get to observe the very first beam of light falling across the shiny snow-capped peaks; the view is unbelievable.

You get to fly back to Kathmandu on a helicopter from the peak of Kalapathar. The helicopter tour is the major highlight of this expedition. You get to explore the stunning peaks up close and have an incredible tour of the Himalayas. The helicopter tour reduces the difficulty level of the trek and makes the whole experience memorable.

Trip Cost US$ 2900 Per person

FAQ’s

1. Do I need prior trekking experience?

No, you do not require a prior trekking experience for this trek. But it is a bonus point while embarking on such a unique expedition. It is a difficult hike so you must be physically fit to complete the expedition. The trek requires you to walk through the rugged paths of the mountains for more than 5 to 6 hours a day. And it is 11 days hike filled with ups and downs. You must go through intensive training and cardio workout before the trip. You can also go on small hikes before embarking on this one.

2. Are guides licensed by the government?

Yes, guides need to be licensed by a government organization. They should first aid training and a license from National Academy for Tourist and Hotel Management. (NATHM). You can only hire a licensed guide and must be aware of it. The licensed guides have extensive knowledge and experience in trekking. They are also fluent in the English language as well as the local language and act as translators as well. They will be your companion throughout the hike and will help you to navigate through the tough terrains of the Himalayas. They will also inform you about the historical and cultural monuments in the area along with the culture and traditions followed by the locals.

3. How high is Everest Base Camp?

Everest Base Camp is located at an altitude of 5,380 meters above sea level. It is naturally the highest base camp in the world. It lies at the foot of the tallest mountain in the world Mount Everest which is 8840 meters above sea level. Everest Base Camp Trek provides an up close and clear of the giant Mount. Everest. The journey to Everest base camp begins from Lukla by a short flight from Kathmandu. From there is a challenging hike up to the base camp.

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

It is a moderate trek, which means that some days require extensive physical endurance while some days it is just a few hours of hike. Any novice trekker can go on this expedition but physical fitness is a must as you have to climb above 5000 meters. As mentioned you have to climb at high elevation, you will be prone to altitude sickness as well. You need to understand the difficulty level of this trek before embarking on it. There are various hurdles you have to cross before reaching the summit of Kalapathar.

5. Is there wifi available on this trek?

Wifi is available at some of the tea houses along the way but you need to pay extra charges to access it. You can even purchase aN Everest Link Card from nearby stores to use the wifi services. It only costs NRS 2000 for around 10 GB. The network availability is not so strong in the Himalayas, so you may not be able to access mobile data.

6. Is acclimatization necessary?

The Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo trek is a high-altitude trek. You have to climb more than 5000 meters and acclimatization is a basic necessity on such high altitude treks. No matter how experienced a trekker you claim to be, you are prone to altitude sickness or AMS. There are several symptoms of AMS like headache, insomnia, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, common cold, swelling of feet, and so on. To avoid these symptoms acclimatization is recommended. You need to take proper rest and not hurry towards the destination.

7. How old do you have to be for the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo trek and Return by helicopter?

There is no age limit for this expedition but you need to be physically fit and determined to kick off this challenging journey. This is a challenging trek that involves hiking to high altitudes, so you need to be in good health for this expedition. Before starting the trek you might go to see a doctor and take necessary advice and permissions required.

8. Are there ATM services on the trail?

There are some ATM services available in Namche Bazar and Lukla. However, you need to carry some cash with you as you may not find banking services further on the trail. You might need cash for buying snacks and gifts of remembrance along the trail.

9. Is there a risk of an avalanche on the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo trek?

Yes, there is some chance of avalanche on the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo trek as it is located in an active earthquake zone. The most recent avalanche event occurred in 2015 AD which sadly killed more than 20 people. It is a challenging adventure with a risk to take.

10. What to expect on Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo trek?

You can expect a thrilling adventure filled with beautiful scenarios and breathtaking mountains. You can also expect a tiresome journey filled with ups and downs. Along with the trekking experience you can also expect warm hospitality from locals and exploration of their culture and traditions. Apart from this, the most important thing that you can expect on this expedition is a lifetime full of unforgettable memories. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity filled with a lot of memories.

Why return by helicopter?

From the peak of Kalapathar, you will be swept off your feet on an exhilarating helicopter ride back to Kathmandu. The helicopter return to Kathmandu is the best part of this expedition. The various benefits of this added feature are:

Unparalleled experience

Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek and Return by Helicopter is a unique blend of various adventurous treks by Exciting Nepal. You get to experience the 360 degrees panoramic views of Mount Everest along with other stunning peaks such as Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Island Peak, and so on. This trek brings you the unparalleled experience of the Khumbu region. Along with the breathtaking vistas of the mountains, you can also view the remote villages, rhododendron-filled trails, Gokyo lakes, and high passes from the air. This is a unique trekking adventure only experienced by a few trekkers.

If you want to participate in this phenomenal experience of the Himalayas, you can book this customizable adventure with Exciting Nepal

Safe and sound adventure

It is a moderate trek with various challenges along the way. As you need to hike at high altitudes, you might be prone to Altitude sickness, physical weakness, and other health hazards. Along with health hazards, you might also face the difficulty of challenging terrains, strong winds, and rocky trails. You can simply avoid any of these hazards by flying back to Kathmandu in a helicopter ride. You don’t have to face extreme challenges and can enjoy a safe ride back to Kathmandu.

Time effective

If you are returning to Lukla by food from Gorakshep it will take days, but a helicopter ride from Kalapathar only takes 30 to 45 minutes. This saves time from your trekking expedition which you can utilize for acclimatization and sightseeing. Also, if you have less time for a wonderful experience, you can easily go on this trekking expedition and have the time of your life. You can avoid the tiresome hike back the same route to Lukla, explore the Himalayas from the air, and save a lot of time.

Comfort and convenience.

You can easily avoid the long trail back to Lukla following the same route by hopping on a helicopter ride back to Kathmandu. This makes the trail much more convenient. You can unload your backpacks and have an amazing experience back without having to face any more challenges.

How difficult is the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek and Return by Helicopter?

Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek and Return by Helicopter is one difficult expedition. It is a combination of a series of treks in the Everest region all equally challenging. Everest Base Camp trek is already a very tough expedition in the Khumbu region, the combination of Cho La Pass and Gokyo Trek makes it more tricky.

It is a both physically and mentally demanding hike, so you must prepare accordingly. You need to have high physical endurance and mental strength to kick off this adventure. You have to increase your physical fitness and strength with a lot of practice. You can do this through intensive training and short hikes before the trek

You will be walking for several hours every day on the hike. The trails are rugged and steep passing through the remote settlements of the Himalayas. You need to navigate your way through some challenging terrains along the way. However, the journey is equally majestic. You get to explore the beautiful trails and take in the breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas. This makes the journey worth the hurdles.

The most important thing you need to consider on your trek is proper rest and hydration. Acclimatization is very important when you are climbing at such high altitudes. You should also be aware of your diet and hydration. As it is said “ Precaution is better than care”, be aware of the difficulty level of the expedition and prepare accordingly. You can easily tackle this hard adventure with proper training and determination.

How to be prepared for the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek and Return by Helicopter?

Permit

You will require two permits for Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek and Return by Helicopter expedition. They are

• Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit - You have to pass through Sagarmatha National Park on your way to Everest Base Camp. It is home to thousands of rare floras and faunas. It is the first national park in Nepal and a world heritage site recognized by UNESCO. The permit costs up to NRS 3000 for foreigners and NRS 1500 for citizens of SAARC countries. For Nepalese, the cost is only NRS 100.

• Khumbu Pasang Lamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit- This is a newly introduced permit required to enter the Khumbu region. The permit costs up to NRS 2000 for foreigners for four weeks and after four weeks and longer the cost will increase to NRS 2500.

Travel Insurance

Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek and Return by Helicopter is an 11 days expedition with challenging trails, rocky hills, and high elevations. You are prone to various hazardous events from getting extremely sick to any uncertainty along the way. You cannot avoid the hurdles but you can be prepared for it.

Travel insurance provides you with financial protection and mental strength to deal with the various ups and down in this adventurous journey. It covers events like, medical emergencies, immediate evacuation by helicopter, lost luggage, flight cancellations, etc. It is the most crucial aspect of any trekking expedition. You must be aware of the various importance of travel insurance and buy one before starting your journey

Guide/Porter

Guides and Porters both are very important for going on this expedition. As solo travel I banned in Nepal, you must have a guide to get a permit. Also with the help of guides and porters, you can easily navigate through difficult terrains and explore the local culture, traditions, and natural wonders of the Everest region.

Guides are experienced trained professionals. They have exceptional survival and trekking skills, They will be of great help while trekking through the remote trails of the Himalayas. They have extensive knowledge of the local culture, traditions, and cultural landmarks. You can explore the deepest and remotest parts of the Himalayas with the help of a Guide. They also act as a humble companion on this challenging journey.

Similarly, the porters are also of great help while climbing upwards on this Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek and returning by Helicopter expedition. You can share your load with them and they will share their intensive knowledge about the Khumbu region with you. But as you will return by helicopter from Kalapathar, you will not need a porter from there.

See also: Hire a guide or a porter for the Everest Base Camp trek

Gears

It is important to pack all the necessities before embarking on this 11 days long expedition. However, you should also be mindful of what you are packing and not pack recklessly. The following items are the basic requirement:

Essentials

• Sleeping bag
• Water Bottle
• Trekking poles
• Waterproof trousers
• Trekking boots
• Down jackets
• Fleece jackets
• Thermal
• Woollen cap
• Gloves
• raincoat

Personal items

• Toothbrush
• Sunscream
• Moisturizers
• Toiletries
• Lip balm
• Sunglasses

Medical kit

• Band-aid
• ORS
• Altitude sickness medicine
• Antiseptic
• Paracetamol and other necessary medicines

Electric Gadgets

• Power bank
• Torch
• Batteries
• Charger etc

Best time to Visit

Autumn and Spring are the best seasons for Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek and Return by Helicopter. These seasons are the best time to experience the unique helicopter tour and the thrilling trek adventure as the skies are clear and days are warmer. You can also have an off-season experience if you are ready to take in the extreme weather of the Himalayas.

Spring season

The spring season falls from March to May. It is the most preferable season for this expedition as the weather is clear and the temperature is comparatively warmer. Spring spread the trails with vibrant blooming flowers and green scenery. Even the sky is clear, leading to a wonderful helicopter ride with stunning vistas.

At the time, the temperature of the Everest region ranges from -5 degree Celsius to 12 degrees Celsius in the daytime and drops to -10 degree Celsius during the night and the mornings. There is less chance of rain and strong blizzards. But the weather is rarely predictable in the Himalayas, so you should be prepared.

Autumn season

The Autumn season falls between September and November and is regarded as the first choice for this trekking expedition. The weather is stable and being the post-monsoon season, the scenery is much more beautiful. You can have an unforgettable helicopter ride back to Kathmandu.

The temperature ranges from -10 degrees Celsius to 10 degrees Celsius during the daytime and falls up to -15 degrees Celsius at night. There is minimal rainfall and dry weather. It is a popular time for trekking, so the trails are filled up with crowds.

Off-season - Winter and Monsoon

Monsoon and winter are considered off-season. Some of the trekkers favor off-season time to trek, as the trails are less crowded, the cost is low, and the trek is much more challenging. However, off seasonal trek is not recommended to someone looking for a wonderful time exploring the beauty of the Himalayas. During the monsoon season, there is frequent rainfall making the trails slippery and hazardous and the cloudy atmosphere hides the stunning views around. Similarly, the winter season is also not a preferable time to hike, the temperature is extremely cold and the weather is unpredictable. There are snow blizzards and strong winds.

Food and accommodation

Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek and Return by Helicopter is a teahouse trek. You will stay in easily available teahouses spread along the trail. These tea houses offer excellent yet basic facilities. You will get a bed to sleep in with pillows, bedsheets, warm blankets, etc. You also have access to toilets. Most of the rooms are shared but you can get a single room by paying extra. You also need to pay extra for hot baths and charging electronics. As we elevate the condition of accommodation slowly declines in quality, so you shouldn’t expect a luxurious stay in the Himalayas.

There are a variety of food options available on the Everest trekking route from pizza, burgers, momos, pasta etc. But as we elevate these many options may not be available. The most common food item available in this trek is Dal Bhat, a famous Nepalese dish filled with nutrition. It is the best food item to consume in our physically draining journey as we will receive a lot of nutritional value and stamina from it. You can also carry some snacks with you.

Drinking water is another essential factor. You shouldn’t drink water directly from the streams although it may be tempting. You can instead carry mineral water bottles with you or some purifying tablets. You can also boil the water to make it drinkable.