This is a typical day-by-day plan for the Gokyo, Cho La and Everest Base Camp route. Altitudes are approximate and exact stops can change with the lodge availability and conditions.
Day by day
Altitudes and walking times on this page are approximate and differ a little between maps, GPS devices and lodges. Treat them as planning figures, not survey data.
- Fly to Lukla and walk to Phakding (about 2,610 m).
- Phakding to Namche Bazaar (about 3,440 m).
- Namche rest day with an acclimatisation hike.
- Namche to Dole (about 4,200 m) via the Khumbu Sherpa villages.
- Dole to Machhermo (about 4,470 m).
- Machhermo to Gokyo (about 4,790 m), passing the lakes.
- Gokyo rest day with Gokyo Ri (about 5,357 m).
- Gokyo to Thangnak (about 4,700 m) across the Ngozumpa glacier.
- Thangnak over the Cho La (about 5,420 m) to Dzongla (about 4,830 m). A long day.
- Dzongla to Lobuche (about 4,910 m), or on to Gorak Shep.
- Gorak Shep (about 5,164 m) and Everest Base Camp (about 5,364 m).
- Kala Patthar (about 5,545 m), then down to Pheriche (about 4,371 m).
- Pheriche to Namche Bazaar.
- Namche to Lukla and the flight out.
The pass day
The Cho La day is the hardest. It starts early, climbs steeply on rock, crosses a glacier section near the top and descends over loose ground. Expect 7 to 9 hours. In fresh snow it can be closed.
Why Gokyo first
Gokyo is lower than base camp but high enough that by the time you reach Lobuche your body has been at altitude for a week. Many trekkers find this makes the base camp days easier.
Spare days
Add at least two spare days. The Cho La can be delayed by snow, and Lukla flights can be delayed by weather. See Lukla delay plan B.
Package
Our Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes package follows a plan like this. Tell us your dates for a fitted itinerary.
How the long days feel
Day 4 to Dole is long and steep, with a strong climb after Namche. The Cho La day starts around 4 or 5 a.m., and the walk after the pass to Dzongla is rocky. Plan to sleep soundly the night before, avoid late-night packing and carry food that you can eat on the move.
Variation: skipping Gokyo Ri
If the weather turns, Gokyo Ri can be dropped without changing the rest of the plan. Gokyo village at about 4,790 m already gives good lake views. The alternative is to climb it for sunrise from the village.
Common questions
How long is the Cho La day?
Typically 7 to 9 hours, starting early.
Where do I sleep before the Cho La?
Usually Thangnak or Dragnag.
Is it safer to go Gokyo first or base camp first?
Gokyo first is the usual choice because it builds acclimatisation before the highest nights.
