Gokyo to Lobuche via Cho La Pass 5,420 m
The trail from Gokyo to Lobuche crosses the spectacular but challenging Cho La Pass (5,420 m). It connects the Gokyo Valley with the Khumbu Valley and is one of the region’s absolute scenic highlights. In Lobuche, the trail joins the Everest Base Camp route.
The trek takes 2 to 3 days from Gokyo. The tour is classified as moderately difficult and very strenuous. Excellent physical fitness and sure-footedness are required. The route over the pass requires experience in rocky, sometimes unstable terrain. In the event of fresh snow or strong winds, the Cho La Pass can be dangerous or impassable. Crampons may be necessary for the ice field on the pass.
Gokyo to Lobuche - Day 1
Start: Gokyo (4,750 m)
Destination: Dragnag (4,700 m)
Elevation gain: 250 m
Distance: 4 km, Duration: 2-4 hours
From Gokyo, the trail leads across the Ngozumpa Glacier to Dragnag. The path winds up and down across the glacier, over gravel and rocks with ice beneath—a barren landscape with a unique atmosphere. It’s different. The trail across the ice and scree is constantly changing due to glacial movement and is marked by small cairns. It’s a constant up-and-down trek over moraine hills.
Many use the afternoon to rest up for the strenuous pass crossing.
Gokyo to Lobuche - Day 2
Start: Dragnag (4,700 m)
Destination: Dzonglha (4,843 m)
Elevation gain: 740 m
Distance: 9,5 km, Duration: 7-8 hours
This is the most strenuous day. The ascent to the pass leads over steep, loose scree and large boulders. At the top of the pass, you’ll often cross a snowfield or hard ice, for which micro-spikes or crampons are strongly recommended.
Setting out very early (before sunrise) is essential to reach the pass while the weather is stable. The trail winds through a barren landscape. In the morning, it can be freezing cold in the shade. Once you reach the pass, if the weather is good, you’ll be standing in the sun looking down into the next valley. The trail descends steeply, dropping nearly 600 meters in elevation, and is very slippery in places. After a short climb, you’ll reach Dzonglha.
Gokyo to Lobuche - Day 3
Start: Dzonglha (4,843 m)
Destination: Lobuche (4,920 m)
Elevation gain: 250 m
Distance: 3 km, Duration: 2-3 hours
A relaxing day. The trail winds along the flanks of Arakam Tse and Cholatse, offering fantastic views of Ama Dablam. Below the trail lies a turquoise glacial lake. The trail follows the high valley, past the yellow tents of the Lobuche Base Camp (6,135 m). Finally, above Thugla, the trail joins the main route to Everest Base Camp and leads on a flat stretch to Lobuche.
