Accommodation
- Teahouse/lodges during the trek
- Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner during the trek
- Breakfast in Kathmandu
Permit required for Everest Basecamp trek via Gokyo Cho la pass
- Sagarmatha National Entry Park Permit
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
- TIMS card. LINK: CLICK HERE (sometimes optional for EBC)
Altitude sickness during Everest Basecamp trek via Gokyo Cho la pass
Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), occurs when you ascend to high altitudes too quickly and your body struggles due to a lack of adequate oxygen. It typically affects people after ascending beyond 2500 metres (8,200 ft) and can escalate if ignored.
Common signs and symptoms.
Symptoms usually begin 6-24 hours after ascent and can range from mild to life-threatening. It’s crucial to recognise early signs:
Mild Symptoms
- Headache (Most common)
- Nausea or Vomiting.
- Loss of appetite.
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness
- Fatigue or unusual tiredness
- Difficulty sleeping.
Moderate to severe symptoms:
- Persistent, worsening headache.
- Confusion or disorientation
- Shortness of breath, even at rest.
- Difficulty walking (ataxia)
- Tightness in the chest.
- Severe fatigue.
- Bluish lips or fingernails.
Serious Symptoms:
- High-altitude cerebral edema.
- Swelling of the brain.
- Symptoms include Confusion, hallucinations, poor coordination, Drowsiness or even coma.
- Life-threatening and requires immediate descent.
High altitude pulmonary oedema.
- Fluid builds up in the lungs.
- Symptoms include breathlessness at rest, coughing (Possibly with pink froth), Tight chest, and blue lips.
- Fatal if untreated.
Preventive measures.
- Ascend gradually.
- Stay hydrated and avoid beverages like alcohol and caffeine, especially in the early days of the trek.
- Consumers consume a high-calorie diet with carbohydrates. And avoid overeating and spicy food. That could lead to stomach upset.
- Climb high, sleep low.
- Consider medication. Often recommended for the high elevation trekkers, Acetazolamide is often taken 1-2 days before reaching high altitudes.
- And most importantly, know when to stop or descend.
Best time to trek for Everest Basecamp trek via Gokyo Cho la pass
pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (September to November)
The best time to trek EBC is during the two main trekking seasons:
Spring (March-May)
- Weather conditions: Spring is known for its warm temperatures and clear skies, providing optimal trekking conditions. The days are pleasantly warm, while the nights can be chilly, especially at higher elevations.
- Flora: This season is also marked by the blooming of rhododendrons and other wildflowers, adding vibrant colours to the landscape.
- Views: clear visibility allows for stunning panoramic views of the mountains, including Mount Everest, enhancing the overall trekking experience.
Autumn (September to November)
- Weather conditions: Autumn offers stable weather patterns with crisp air and clear skies. The temperatures begin to drop as winter approaches, but it remains comfortable for trekking.
- Visibility: This season is known for its exceptional visibility, allowing trekkers to fully appreciate the beauty of the breathtaking landscapes and mountain peaks.
- Cultural events: Many local festivals, including Dashain and Tihar, occur during this time, providing trekkers with a unique cultural experience and the opportunity to engage with the local community.
- Crowd: Like spring, Autumn is a popular time for trekking, so expect to see more fellow adventurers along the trail, fostering a sense of camaraderie.
A typical day at the destination during the Everest Basecamp trek via Gokyo Cho la pass
Morning Wake-up call (6:00 am-8:00 am): So the typical day at the destination starts followed by a wake-up at around 6:00 am. Your guide or porter will give you a knock on the door, and following that, you’ll be provided with a warm sip of light beverages.
- Freshen up & pack: You’ll freshen up (limited facilities- think basic sink & wet wipes) and pack your gear before breakfast.
- Breakfast (7:00 am-7:30 am): Served in a tea-house dining hall with options including porridge, Tibetan bread, egg toast, pancakes, or muesli with tea or coffee.
- Start trekking (8:00 am): You’ll hit the trail while the sun is still soft and warm and the views are crisp. Morning treks are quieter and more pleasant.
Mid-day (11:00 am – 1:00 pm)
- Trekking continues: you’ll walk for a few hours, with breaks along the way to hydrate, take photos or catch your breath- especially in higher elevations.
- Lunch stops (noon): You’ll walk for a few hours, with breaks along the way to hydrate, take photos or catch your breath- especially at higher elevations.
- Rest and recharge: You’ll rest for around 30 minutes to an hour, letting your body acclimate and adapt, and food settle before hitting the trail again.
Afternoon (1:00 pm-4:00 pm)
- Final stretch: After trekking resumes, it often involves more elevation gains. The pace slows down a bit, especially above 3,000 meters.
- Arrival at destination (3:00 pm-4:00 pm): You’ll reach the next teahouse village by late afternoon. Upon arrival, you check in, drop your pack, and order dinner in advance.
Evening (4:30 pm-9:00 pm)
- Unwind and explore: You can take short acclimatization walks, write a journal, chat with fellow trekkers, or explore the villages. Some places have bakeries or shops.
- Dinner (6:00 pm- 7:00 pm): Everyone gathers in the warm dining hall. Dal Bhat is the most common meal, along with comforting soups and carb-rich dishes.
- Trek briefing: Your guide may brief you on the next day’s route terrain, weather, and any altitude concerns.
- Early to bed (8:00 pm- 9:00 pm): With early mornings and physical exhaustion, trekkers usually go to bed early. Teahouses get chilly fast, so you’ll feel cosy in your sleeping bags.
Extras to Expect during Everest Basecamp trek via Gokyo Cho la pass
- No hot showers daily- Even if available, for a few days, for free.
- Charging costs extra: power banks are lifesavers.
- Wi-Fi is rare or costly_ best to unplug and enjoy the immersion into nature.
- Toilets vary- Western at lower elevations; squat-style or basic higher up.
Hiring a guide and porter during the Everest Basecamp trek via Gokyo Cho la pass
- Decide early: independent or through an Agency?
- Trekking agency (most reliable):
- Offers licensed, insured guides and porters.
- Handles all logistics: flights, permits, accommodations, etc.
- You pay more, but it’s stress-free and safer.
Independent guide/porter
- Slightly cheaper, but you’ll need to ensure they are licensed and experienced.
- You’ll need to coordinate everything yourself ( permits, itinerary, bookings)
Recommended: Use a government-registered trekking agency in Kathmandu or online ahead of time for verified and insured staff.
- Verifying Credentials and Experience
Guide:
- Must be government-licensed.
- Should have basic English and first aid knowledge.
- Experience in high-altitude trekking is a must.
Porter:
- Usually from the local sherpa or rai communities.
- Can carry 20-25 kg of loads.
- Often have limited English but are incredibly strong and helpful.
If you’re booking independently, ask for their trekking licence, insurance details and past client reviews.
- Permits and documents (usually handled by guides/agency)
You’ll need:
-
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit.
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.
- TIMS card: (if trekking solo without a guide, guided treks, may not require this anymore)
4. costs ( as of 2024-25 estimates)
- Licensed guides: $25-35/day (including food, lodging, and insurance)
- Porter: $ 18- $ 25/day (same inclusions)
- Guide-porter (combined role): $20-30/day- good for budget solo trekkers.
- Formal agreement and payment
With agency:
- You’ll sign a contract with clear terms on cost, itinerary, responsibilities, and cancellations.
- You may pay 50% advance and the rest on arrival.
Independent hire
- Draft a basic written agreement (many guides carry a template).
- Agree on payment terms, workload, and responsibilities.
- Make sure they’re insured against high-altitude accidents.
- Insurance Requirements
- You should have travel insurance covering trekking up to 5,500m and emergency evacuation.
- Guide/porter.
- Must be insured by the agency or employer. Ask for confirmation.
Electricity and the Internet during the Everest Basecamp trek via Gokyo Cho la pass
Kathmandu to Namche Bazaar (up to 3,440m)
- Reliable electricity in all teahouses- charging is usually free in low elevations.
- Plug types: Mostly type C and D
Above Namche (Tengboche,DIngboche,Lobuche, etc)
- Electricity becomes scarce and solar-powered.
- Charging your devices often comes at a fee, especially after Tengboche.
Pro tip: Carry a high-capacity power bank (20,000 mAh or more) and a solar charger if possible. Charging is limited above 4,000m.
Internet access on the EBC
Wi-Fi availability:
Strong wifi in most teahouses, free or with small charges.
Wi-fi has become less reliable and expensive.
Most tea houses offer Everest Link or Airlink cards for purchase.
Everest link internet card
You can buy from tea houses or shops, or for multiple uses.
Pricing:
Speed is good for WhatsApp, email, and occasional social media posts, but not for Netflix and YouTube.
Mobile network.
- Ncell and NTC work up to Namche and patchily beyond that.
- Travellers often prefer Ncell, saying it has slightly better coverage up to the Everest base camp.
- By a local SIM card in Kathmandu with a passport copy.
Essentials to bring for Everest Basecamp trek via Gokyo Cho la pass
- High-capacity power bank.
- Solar Charger ( for off-grid charging).
- Local SIM with a data package.
- Preload offline maps, books and music.
- Extra batteries for the camera, GoPro.
Note: Anyone who needs to be under regular medication, please bring an adequate amount of medication while on the route and also have insurance in case of emergency evacuation by helicopter.
Equipment list to pack for Everest Basecamp trek via Gokyo Cho la pass
Hands
- Mittens
- Woollen gloves
- Hand-warmers
- Trekking poles
- Fist wraps
Footwear
- Four pairs of woollen socks
- well-gripped waterproof boots
- Flip-flops
- Crampons
Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Mid-sized towel
- Sanitary napkins
- Shampoo sachets
- Soap bars
- Shaving kits
- Nail kits
- Hand-sanitisers
Additional
- Water bladders of min. 2-liter capacity
- Chargers and power banks
- First-aid kits
- Regular medicines
- Notebooks
- Cameras
- Multi-purpose Swiss army knife
Key notes for Cho la pass 12 days trek in peak season
- During peak seasons, particularly from mid-September to November and from March to May, flights from Kathmandu to Lukla will be rerouted to Ramechhap to Manthali.
- It’s wise and advisable to have an additional day in case of unexpected flight issues like delays and cancellations in Lukla, ensuring a well-paced overall trip.
From Sherpa Culture to Mighty Peaks: Epic Adventures on the Everest Base Camp
The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the best alternatives for starters who are curious to embark on their Himalayan trekking. As you fuel up your preparations for trekking and hit the route, you’ll find a completely new universe of beauty waiting for you to explore. The trip takes you to Everest Base Camp, which is situated at an altitude of 5,364 m, offering you an abundance of thrill and adventure along with everlasting memories. You’ll have the chance to witness the stunning Himalayan grandeur, the very king of peaks Mt.Everest, all in a comparatively shorter duration. The majestic beauty of Everest draws adventure seekers from all around the world.
You will get a full day dedicated to resting and experiencing the uniquely vibrant sherpa culture by immersing in it. For many enthusiasts of the mountains, steeping on the basecamp of the tallest mountain on earth is a once in a lifetime experience. However, the trek to Basecamp brings numerous rewards, specifically in the demanding landscapes above the treeline.
