Everest Circuit Trek - 19 Days

Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Chola Pass
based on 28 reviews
Everest Circuit Trek
Gokyo Everest base camp journey
Chola pass
Trip Photos
At a Glance
Duration19 Days
Trip GradeStrenuous
i
Maximum Altitude5550 m
Best TimeOct-Nov / Mar-April

Trip Overview

The Everest Circuit Trek in Nepal is one of the ultimate adventures in the iconic Khumbu region, home to the highest mountain peak in the world, Mount Everest (8,848.86 m) above sea level. Also called the Cho La Pass Trek, it takes you to the hidden gems of the Everest Himalayas, Gokyo Lakes, and valleys through the adventurous Cho La Pass (5,420 m) above sea level, one of the major Himalayan passes from the Everest Three Passes Trek.

The 19-day Everest Circuit Trek itinerary kicks off with an exciting mountain flight to Lukla. Also called the gateway to the majestic world of the tallest mountain range of the globe, full of mystery and legends, perched at an elevation of approximately 2,860 m above sea level, Lukla has Tenzing Hillary Airport, famed as one of the most dangerous airports in the world. During this trip, you will not miss out on visiting either the Everest Base Camp or the Kala Patthar (5,644 m).

Combining multiple trails in a single trip, this Everest Circuit Trekking itinerary of 16 days rewards you with the mythical views of several mountain ranges, such as Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Makalu, including Mount Everest dominating the sky horizon. Therefore, brace yourself for a journey through the diverse landscapes, sections that are both physically and mentally challenging, making everything worth a hike, giving you access to serene beauty like never before.

Make this adventure yours at Mountain Monarch. Book this adventure seeker’s dream-come-true package with professionals. The Everest Circuit Trek cost at Mountain Monarch is reasonable. The Everest Circuit Trekking Cost, including for the years 2025 and 2026, designed by Mountain Monarch, covers meals, lodging, permits, guides, required porters, essential trekking gear and equipment, an extra sleeping bag, and an oxygen cylinder.

Our over two decades of experience make us stand out in crafting seamless treks, tours, and expeditions in Nepal. Through the enchanting Dudh Koshi River, a seamless Himalayan experience to the Everest Circuit Hiking is our guarantee! Through the Sherpa villages, slowly pursuing the adrenaline-pumping challenge to observe, explore, and marvel at the unique Everest Circuit Hike is a must-add to your bucket list for 2025 and 2026!

What to expect during the Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek?

Including reaching the base of Mount Everest, locally called Sagarmatha and in Tibet Chomolungma, the highest point on earth, via Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass, the Everest Circuit Hike, otherwise referred to as the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Trek via Gokyo Lakes, is an off-the-beaten-path way to make it to one of the most popular trekking destinations worldwide, Everest Base Camp (5,364 m).

The high altitude is challenging and can be exacerbated by unpredictable Himalayan weather. Every day hiking for 5-7 hours a day, sometimes entering remote and rugged terrains with steeply ascending and descending trails, can be both physically and mentally taxing, especially for complete beginners. Altitude sickness can be concerning at 3,000 m above sea level.

Offering you a rich Sherpa culture, the region’s best panoramic mountain views, and a sense of achievement from conquering iconic Gokyo Ri, Cho La Pass, EBC, and Kala Patthar altogether, Everest Circuit Trekking is an epic Himalayan adventure. At least once a visit for someone looking for a less trodden route to Everest Base Camp (EBC).

How do the Gokyo Lakes enhance the scenery of the Everest Circuit Trip?

The Everest Circuit Trekking in Nepal is a journey through the diverse landscape of the Everest Trekking region. I.e., from lush rhododendron forests in the lower areas to high alpine terrains, glacial valleys, and turquoise lakes, it has it all. Right from the trek starting point, Lukla, trekkers are treated to amazing mountain views opening further from Namche Bazaar onwards. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu: the serenity of mountain peaks perched high up in the sky is unmatchable.

The glacial lake being talked about here is none other than the Gokyo Lakes. At 4,700 m above sea level, it is a group of six stunning freshwater glacial lakes that further boasts mind-blowing reflections of snow-bathed Cho Oyu and Gyachunung Kang, which trekkers on the classic Everest Base Camp Trekking trails often miss. Far away from modern chaos, nearby are Ngozumpa Glacier and Gokyo Ri, offering 360-degree views of emerald-blue lakes that are simply out of this world, creating memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Where is Gokyo Ri? Why is it a must-visit during the Everest Circuit hike?

Rising up to an elevation of 5,357 m/17,575 ft above sea level, Gokyo Ri is one of the scenic viewpoints with one of the most spectacular Everest views. Located in the Gokyo Valley, one of the highly isolated valleys within the Sagarmatha National Park, the Everest Trekking region, climbing here as a side trip of the Everest Circuit Trek, adds much to the adventurous spirit. Remote, rugged, and expansive mountain views above bluish lakes below—a heavenly sight to take a pause, do nothing, and delve deep into nature’s grandeur.

On a clear weather day, from the summit, trekkers can see at least four of the tops of world: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Less crowded than Kala Patthar, the sunrise and sunset views from here are also one of a kind. Ascending from Gokyo village here often involves icy trails and boulder-strewn paths, so a good level of physical fitness and proper acclimatization are essential, while it itself also serves as one of the best acclimatization stops before heading to Cho La Pass.

What makes Cho La Pass difficult?

Cho La Pass (5,420 m) is among three popular high mountain passes in the Solukhumbu District of northeastern Nepal. Others are Kongma La Pass (5,535 m) and Renjo La Pass (5,360 m), which, however, are not part of this Everest Circuit Hiking that includes arriving at Everest Base Camp through Gokyo Lakes via Cho La Pass. Situated between Dzongla and Thagnak, Cho La Pass on this Everest Circuit Trekking journey connects Gokyo Valley with the original Everest Base Camp route.

Due to steep, icy ascents and changing Himalayan weather in the rugged and remote Himalayas of Nepal, making it through this part of the Everest Circuit Trek is particularly the most challenging. The technicality can increase in winter, including using trekking gear like microspikes or crampons. Regardless, the pass has an incredible glacier, mountain, and Gokyo Lakes view, a mesmerizing display of dramatic Himalayan landscapes that only a few get to see.

Everest Base Camp vs. Kala Patthar: Is EBC the highest?

While the Everest Base Camp is often taken as the highest point on the Everest treks, including the Everest Circuit Trip in Nepal via Cho La Pass, Kala Patthar is higher at an elevation of approximately 5,644 m. EBC sits at an altitude of 5,364 m/17,598 ft and undoubtedly is the closest trekkers can get to Mount Everest, the tallest mountain range in the world.

Kala Patthar has the best 360-degree close-up view. Specifically during sunrise and sunset. The rising and hiding of the sun crafts an otherworldly sight. The snow-capped peaks shine in golden hues. Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Mount Everest, and several others from Kala Patthar—you can see all these sky-towering mountain giants in their finest form, naming it the ultimate Everest Viewpoint.

On this trip called Everest Circuit Trekking in Nepal, you will not miss out on reaching both of the iconic landmarks. The sense of achievement is immense, often with chances of meeting brave mountaineers preparing for the final summit at base camp in climbing seasons, spring and autumn, to the Himalayas in their full glory from Kala Patthar in serenity. Reserve your seat now for 2025 and 2026.

Which places on Everest are famous for enriching cultural experiences?

The Everest Region is within the Sagarmatha National Park and home to a diverse ethnic community of Nepal, including Sherpas, who are known for their legacy in alpine mountaineering; it is definitely more than majestic hills and mountains. The monasteries, villages, and prayer flags cherish people, nature, and wildlife; the cultural, spiritual, and wildlife experiences offer opportunities that charm a wide range of adventurers across the globe.

Relish the authentic culture and connect to the spiritual rhythm of the Khumbu region. Since the Everest Circuit Trekking also makes its way to the Gokyo Lakes, Cho La Pass, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar through numerous mountain villages like Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, Gokyo, Pangboche, and Thame, the journey is full of enhanced cultural experience.

The entire Everest is a cultural hub for the Sherpa people, a center of Tibetan Buddhist traditions evident in the life of locals. Among these, Tengboche Monastery along the classic Everest Base Camp Trekking Trail is the largest monastery that hosts the grand Mani Rimdu festival annually and daily rites and rituals, so you know what places to visit while you are on Everest treks.

The best Everest Circuit Trek itinerary for 19 days and the cost for 2025 and 2026

The Everest Circuit Trekking itinerary, though, begins traditionally with an epic mountain flight to Lukla from Kathmandu; after Namche, instead of ascending to Tengboche, trekkers rather hike to Khumjung, following the less trodden route. The journey progresses through tranquil villages and forests of rhododendron, more vibrant in the months of spring when the fresh blooms decorate the route. You will stop at Machhermo and Dole, while the Everest Circuit Trek trail thereafter finally takes you to Gokyo Lakes and Valleys.

An entire day is allocated at Gokyo Lake for acclimatization to explore serene surroundings and hike near Gokyo Ri peak for excellent sunrise mountain views. After that, according to the Everest Circuit Trek itinerary of 19 days, you will slowly begin ascending to Cho La Pass to reach Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar in the coming days. The journey goes at a pace; the rush isn’t there, and it descends from Pheriche to get back to Kathmandu. The Tengboche Monastery ensures a spiritual rejuvenation.

Like this, since the 19-day Cho La Pass Hiking offers you a balanced Everest Himalayan Trek experience, it is regarded as one of the best routes to add to your bucket list for 2025 and 2026. Our comprehensive package takes care of essential trekking logistics like meals, lodging, transportation during trek days, permits, and guides. In addition, for your safety, we provide one porter per trekker, an oxygen cylinder on standby, and essential trekking gear and equipment.

All included under Everest Circuit Trekking Cost, including for the years 2025 and 2026. Book with Mountain Monarch and get ready to explore the hidden gems of the Everest Himalayas, knowing you are in the right hands. For colder nights, extra sleeping bags are there. Guides check the hygiene of food and accommodation provided, and permits are arranged even before the trek departure date, so you have a hassle-free experience. Book early and reserve your seat!

Booking open for 2025 and 2026—join fixed departure trips in spring and autumn!

While the Everest Circuit Hiking in Nepal is doable throughout the year, even during winter and monsoon, typically called off-season for high-altitude trekking and climbing. Spring and autumn come with the most stable Himalayan weather, ensuring a fixed departure. Join our groups or customize private, solo, or family trips to Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass. Safety is paramount with MountainMonarch. Let us know your dream adventure so we can plan accordingly.

Booking open for Everest Treks and climbs in Nepal for 2025 and 2026. We also run the standard Everest Base Camp Trek, Everest Three Passes Trek, Mera Peak Climbing, Island Peak Climbing, and Lobuche East Peak Climbing in Everest, followed by the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, and off-the-beaten Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. Explore the stunning Himalayan corners of Nepal with professionals.

Everest Circuit Trek - 19 Days Itinerary

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Day 01
  • Max. altitude: Approx 1,400m 
  • Meal: Welcome-Dinner
  • Accommodation: Standard Hotel

Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, check the Mountain Monarch sign and meet our representative. After completing customs clearance, you will be transferred to your hotel. Rest for the remaining days or stroll around Thamel town, highly recommended.

Day 02
  • Max. altitude: Approx 1,400m 
  • Meal: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Standard Hotel

Early in the morning, join the guided UNESCO World Heritage Site sightseeing tour. Visit Pasupatinath Temple, Boudhnath, and several others. Later in the evening is a briefing session including checking of necessary trekking gear and equipment, ensuring you are prepared for the upcoming Everest Trek.

Day 03
  • Max. altitude: Approx. 2,860 m
  • Meal: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Accommodation: Local Tea House 

Early in the morning, trekkers will board an epic mountain flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. In Lukla begins the Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes walk, and today is to reach Phakding overnight. The dense forests, mountain villages, and suspension bridge make up for it.

Day 4-5
  • Max. altitude: Approx. 3,400m
  • Meal: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Accommodation: Local Tea House

From Phakding, now you will set out on a trail that gradually ascends to Namche Bazaar. Both the cultural and trade hub of the Everest Himalayas, the route also blesses you with the very first view of majestic Mount Everest, to spend an extra day and night for better adaptation to low oxygen levels.

Day 06
  • Max. altitude: Approx. 3,790m
  • Meal: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Accommodation: Local Tea House

Today, you leave Namche Bazaar behind and continue the Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes Hiking, which, however, progresses to Khumjung instead of Tengboche. Less trodden, deep dive into unspoiled Sherpa culture and mind-blowing Himalayan scenery.

Day 7-9
  • Max. altitude: Approx. 4,790m
  • Meal: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Accommodation: Local Tea House

From Khumjung, you will then ascend to Machhermo and Dole to finally arrive at the realm of turquoise gems, Gokyo Lakes. The change in landscape is notable, from lush valleys to glacial, characterized by icy lakes, rugged terrain, and, in stark visual contrast, snow-capped peaks above.

Day 10
  • Max. altitude: Approx. 5,400m
  • Meal: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Accommodation: Local Tea House

It is one of the major days of the Everest Circuit Trek when you will climb one of the major Everest viewpoints, Gokyo Ri, for stunning views of the surrounding Himalayas, which is also beneficial for proper acclimatization, and later embark on the descending trail to Thangana for an overnight.

Day 11-12
  • Max. altitude: Approx. 5,420m
  • Meal: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Accommodation: Local Tea House

One of the days you have been waiting for is here; crispy air welcomes you, and the 360-degree views of the majestic Himalayan ranges, including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam, reward you, including enjoying the superb natural beauty. The Everest Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass does not stop here, and you will hike down to Lobuche to climb EBC.

Day 13
  • Max. altitude: Approx. 5,644m
  • Meal: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Accommodation: Local Tea House

Early in the morning, before dawn from Lobuche, you will walk to make it to the top of Kala Patthar (5,644 m). The sunrise views of golden hues slowly embracing the snow-capped mountain ranges, including Mount Everest and the Khumbu glacier, are magical. Spending some time here for the night, you will descend to Gorak Shep overnight.

Day 14
  • Max. altitude: Approx. 5,364m
  • Meal: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Accommodation: Local Tea House

Today, you reach the foot of the tallest mountain in the world, EBC (5,364 m). The sense of achievement witnessing the shimmering Khumbu Icefall and Glacier is simply out of this world, while you also take in all the serenity EBC has to offer. Spend some time here while you descend to Pheriche.

Day 15-17
  • Max. altitude: Approx. 4,371m
  • Meal: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Accommodation: Local Tea House

Once you make it to Everest Base Camp (EBC), then begin the journey to return to Kathmandu. From Pheriche, at first you will hike down to Tengboche, with the largest monastery, the very next day to Namche Bazaar, and finally to Lukla. Consisting mostly of a descending trail, it is rather a pleasing experience.

Day 18
  • Meal: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Three-Star Hotel

This day marks the end of the Everest Circuit Trek or Cho La Pass hiking, as you board a Himalayan flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla. Early morning breakfast in the Everest Himalayan region and bid your final goodbye to majestic hills and mountains with a lot to offer us.

Day 19
  • Meal: Breakfast

As per the Everest Circuit Trek itinerary of 19 days, today, you leave for your home country or your next destination. At the end of the EBC Gokyo Cho La Pass Hike and three hours before your scheduled flight, our representative drops you off at TIA. Have a safe journey.

Route Map

Trekking map of Everest Circuit

Altitude Chart

Everest Circuit Trek elevation chart

Cost Details

Included

  • Airport arrival and departure transfers on both domestic and international flights.
  • The standard hotel in Kathmandu is on a twin share with breakfast as per the itinerary.
  • Welcome dinner with cultural program as listed on the itinerary.
  • A half-day guided city tour with entrance fees as on the itinerary.
  • Kathmandu Lukla Kathmandu flight with airport tax.
  • Accommodation in a comfortable lodge or Teahouse on a twin-share basis
  • Full board meals, tea, and coffee on the trek
  • Free use of quality trekking gear - sleeping bag, fleece inner liner, down jacket, rain poncho, etc.
  • Professional local trekking group leader well trained in Wilderness First Aid medicine and porters with proper insurance and gear
  • Supplementary Oxygen and a comprehensive First Aid Kit on a trek as a safety backup.
  • Complimentary trek Duffle bag, Mountain Monarch T-shirts, and trek map
  • Trekking permit, Everest National Park permit, and all government taxes.

Excluded

  • Nepal entry Visa fees.
  • International Airfare.
  • Your Travel Insurance.
  • All drinks and main meals in cities.
  • Tips and Items of a personal nature like a hot shower, phone calls, Internet, laundry, all drinks, etc.

Dates & Availability

Select a Departure Month
Oct 2025
Nov 2025
Mar 2026
Apr 2026
May 2026
Oct 2026
Nov 2026
Start DateOctober 04, 2025
End DateOctober 22, 2025
StatusAvailable
PriceUS$2050
Start DateOctober 18, 2025
End DateNovember 05, 2025
StatusGuaranteed
PriceUS$2050

Additional Info

Can you go for the Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass hiking in winter?

Yes, though winter is considered an off-season for high-altitude trekking and climbing in Nepal, including for the Everest Circuit Trek, it is manageable with some extra steps of packing and preparation to overcome winter-season trekking challenges. Such challenges can include heavy snowfall and cold temperatures, sometimes below freezing points, especially in and around high-altitude landmarks like Gokyo Lakes, Cho La Pass, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar, best suited for seasoned trekkers seeking solitude.

Therefore, if you are beginners, it is best to pursue the Everest Gokyo Cho La Pass trekking trails in the months taken as optimal time for alpine trekking and climbing, i.e., spring and autumn. Typically from March to May and September to November, Himalayan weather is favorable, meaning mostly stable; temperatures are mild, the sky is clear, and there are unobstructed views of the surrounding area. The flight delays and cancellations due to weather are also minimized, making this just the right time to go trekking to EBC Cho La Pass.

What are food, accommodation, and drinking water like in the Everest Circuit Hike Days?

The Everest trekking routes are well established to find teahouses, lodges, and guesthouses along the hiking trails. They take care of your daily needs, including meals, a place to stay, and drinking water as well. These teahouses are opened and managed by the Himalayan locals and in general consist of rooms with twin beds to share among trekkers, toilets and bathrooms located outside, and you are expected to eat where you stay overnight. With the increased altitude, remoteness, and ruggedness, options can get limited.

Otherwise, in larger and popular villages like Lukla, Namche Bazaar, and Tengboche, you can book lodges with attached bathrooms, hot showers, and internet services, usually at some additional cost. Western menus are available, and with some local touch, they can soothe your cravings for pizzas, burgers, and sandwiches. Lukewarm drinking water is refillable throughout the stopping places. In case of having to drink from natural sources, use a water purification system at first.

Do you need permits for the Everest Cho La Pass trekking?

Yes, for trekking and hiking in Nepal within its conservation, national park, or restricted areas of the country, trekkers must get the respective permits to do so. Since the Everest Circuit Trip is to the Everest Himalayas within the Sagarmatha National Park, you will need at least two permits for legal access to the area: the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality permit instead of the TIMS (Trekkers Information and Management System) Card.

These permits in Nepal are issued by the tourism governing bodies called the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) through local licensed trekking companies like Mountain Monarch. Free individual trekkers have been banned throughout the country strictly since April 1st, 2023, and procedures to manage permits by oneself can get extreme. Hence, it is always better to take service from a reliable trekking agency such as Mountain Monarch.

What is the difficulty level of the Everest Circuit Trek? Who can do it?

The Everest Circuit Hike, including reaching the Everest Base Camp through Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass, is rated as a moderate to challenging mountaineering journey. Spanning from 17 to 21 days and more, based on your physical fitness and experience level, involving steep ascents and descents, long daily hours of walking 5-7 hours a day, rugged terrain, unpredictable Himalayan weather, and finding happiness in minimalism, it is far beyond daily morning walks and exercising in the park.

A dream adventure for experienced trekkers and climbers. If you are first-timers, only those who are healthy with adequate physical and mental preparation are recommended to venture on this Everest Circuit trip to Everest Base Camp through Gokyo Lakes via Cho La Pass. At least a month before the trek departure date, consider cardiovascular training, muscle-strengthening exercises, and local route hiking practice with a backpack mimicking the high-altitude trekking environment in Everest.

Why must you hire guides and porters for a Trek to Everest Base Camp from Gokyo Lakes via Cho La Pass?

While the Everest Circuit Trekking to Everest Base Camp from Gokyo Lakes via Cho La Pass, reaching several high-altitude landmarks is manageable even for beginners with a good level of physical fitness and a positive mindset, it is a must that they travel with an experienced support system, and in the Himalayas, who else is better than well-trained professional guides and porters? Whether you do a solo, group, or private trek, guides are necessary for a safe and eco-friendly approach.

Guides navigate the tough Himalayan terrain for you and keep you aware of potential risks and challenges, followed by cultural insights, and coordinate logistics. Even in peak trekking season, their local connection can be beneficial to ensure you get food and lodging that suits your taste. Meanwhile, porters lift a heavy weight from your shoulder so you save energy, have enhanced mobility, and invest yourself fully in enjoying the journey. Our package with one porter per trekker is so you get the best out of the best experience.