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.
