Overview
- Duration 17 days
- Max Altitude 5540m/18,176ft m
- Group Size 02-10
- Best Season Mar-May,Sep-Nov
- Per Day Walk 06-07 hrs
- Accomodation Hotel / Teahouse
- Start/End KTM / KTM
- Difficulty Challenging
- Trip Type Solo / Group /
- Location Khumbu Region
The Everest Chola Pass Trek is a high-altitude trekking adventure that combines beautiful landscapes and close-up views of the Himalayan ranges and glaciers. Cho La Pass Trek is a popular trekking destination for adventure lovers in the Everest Region of Nepal.
The Cho La pass is a route connecting the villages of Dzongla and Gokyo valley in the Everest Region. The unique thing about the Gokyo Chola Pass Trek is that you will walk on a glacier on some trails. Chola Pass is also one of the three passes during the Everest Three passes trek. The other two passes are Kongma La Pass and Renjo La Pass.
Everest Chola Pass trek takes you through stunning mountain views. It includes the famous Khumbu region, continuing to the beautiful turquoise Gokyo lakes, and finally arriving at the base camp of Mount Everest. You’ll see magnificent views of snow-covered peaks and glaciers during your trek, making it an extraordinary experience.
Hiking through a scenic trail of Sagarmatha National Park, you witness many wildlife species. Himalayan Thar, Snow Leopard, Red Panda, and Musk Deer are some animals you might encounter along the path, including a few rare birds!
Start and End of Everest Chola Pass Trek
The trek starts in Kathmandu, a beautiful city with many historical sites, cultural events, and restaurants. Next, the trek goes through the remote parts of the Khumbu region, which is famous for its incredible views of mountain ranges and valleys and is the gateway to Mount Everest.
The trekking trail to Cho La Pass is the same as the Everest Base camp Trek. Still, we take a route from Dole to Gokyo valley, then Pass through Cho La Pass, advancing further to Everest Base Camp.
During the trek, trekkers enjoy the majestic view of the Himalayan ranges, including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Island Peak, Amadablam, etc. Up close views of twelve Himalayas that range above 6000 meters makes you feel like you are on top of the world.
The trek ends at Lukla after descending from Everest Base Camp following the classic EBC trek. While returning to Lukla, we spend 2 nights at Gorak shep and Lobuche each.
Preparing for the Everest Chola Pass Trek
Like other high-altitude treks in the Everest region, for Gokyo Chola Pass, you need to be physically fit before starting. This trek requires moderate physical fitness because of the altitude. It’s not recommended for those with any health issues or heart problems.
You should be able to walk up to 5-6 hours per day which can be challenging if you are not physically fit. If you have never been to such altitudes, acclimatization is essential. As the altitude increases, the oxygen level decreases. Hence, proper acclimatization is much needed to prepare your body to push forward towards a higher altitude.
In addition, you need to carry all the necessary equipment along with you while hiking. A good pair of trekking poles with knee rest helps reduce fatigue and pain during steep climbs and while you descend. Other essential items include a down jacket, hat, gloves, water bottle, sunscreen lotion, headlamp, water purification tablets, sunglasses, and extra batteries for your devices. You don’t want to miss out on incredible views of mountains captured for your travel album to show at home.
Also, don’t forget essential medicines if you take any. Other medicine dosages won’t hurt if you get stuck for a few days due to bad weather.
Trekking permits are required to enter restricted areas of Sagarmatha National Park (Everest). Permits are issued by the Department of Tourism, Government of Nepal. We arrange all the trekking permits and Flight details for you. Keep your passport and essential documents in a waterproof pouch.
You are accommodated in the teahouses along the route to Gokyo Lakes and Everest base camp. You can enjoy Nepali cuisine and other food items as offered on the menu at teahouses. The teahouse accommodation includes bedding, mattress, blankets, pillows, tableware, cooking utensils, hot drinks, tea, coffee, snacks, and breakfast.
Includes
- Airport Transfer
- 3-star hotel in Kathmandu
- Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu Flight
- Accommodation in Teahouse during trekking
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during the trek
- English Speaking guide
- Porter (2:1)
- Guides and Porter’s meals, insurance and salary
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit fee
- All government taxes
- Assistance in arranging rescue operation in case of emergency
- Mountain Routes T-Shirt
- Farewell Dinner at the end of the trek.
Excludes
- International airfare
- Nepal Visa fee
- Travel Insurance including Hight altitude rescue
- Excess baggage charges( max limit is 9kg per Person)
- Meals in Kathmandu
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, early return from trekking.
- Personal expense (snacks, boil bottle water, hot and cold drinks, hot shower, Alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-charge )
- Personal clothing
- Tips for guide and porters
- Additional costs due to natural calamities
Everest Cho La Pass Trek Map
- Day 1 :
Arrival at Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,600 ft)
- Day 2 :
Lukla ( 2,840 m 9,318 feet) to Phakding (2,610 m / 8,563 feet)
Distance: 8.2 km / 5.1 miles
Duration: 35 min flight / 03-04 hrs walk - Day 3 :
Phakding to Namche Bazaar ( 3,440 m / 11,286 ft)
Distance: 10.9 km / 6.8 miles
Duration: 06-07 hrs walk - Day 4 :
Namche Bazaar Acclimatization walk to Everest view hotel ( 3,880 m / 12,730 ft)
Distance: 5.4 km / 3.4 miles
Duration: 03 hrs walk round trip - Day 5 :
Namche Bazaar to Dole (4040 m / 13,255 ft)
Distance: 11.5 km / 7.15 miles
Duration: 06-07 hrs - Day 6 :
Dole to Machhermo Village (4150 m / 13616 ft)
Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
Duration: 04-05 hrs walk - Day 7 :
Machhermo to Gokyo (4750 m / 15,584 ft)
Distance: 6.8 km / 4.2 miles
Duration: 05 hrs walk - Day 8 :
Gokyo Valley Side Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m / 17,575ft)
Distance: 3.8 km / 2.36 miles
Duration: 03-04 hrs walk - Day 9 :
Gokyo to Thanknak (4700m / 15,420ft)
Distance: 4 km / 2.48 miles
Duration: 03-04 hrs walk - Day 10 :
Thaknak to Dzongla (4830m / 15,846 ft) via Cho La Pass (5,420m / 17,782 ft)
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Duration: 08-09 hrs - Day 11 :
Dzongla to Lobuche (4,910m 16,109 ft)
Distance: 6.6 km / 4.1 miles
Duration: 03 hrs - Day 12 :
Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,125 m / 16,814 ft) and EBC 5,364 m/ 17,598 ft)
Distance: 4.5 km / 2.8 miles and 7.2 km / 4.5 miles
Duration: 03 hrs walk and 04 hrs walk round trip - Day 13 :
Gorakh Shep to Kalapathar ( 5,540m / 18,176 ft) and Gorakh Shep to Pheriche ( 4,240 m / 13,911 ft)
Distance: 3.7 km / 2.3 miles ( round trip) and 11.5 km / 7.1 miles)
Duration: 03 hrs walk ( round trip) and 05 hrs - Day 14 :
Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286 ft)
Distance: 19.5 km / 12.1 miles
Duration: 06-07 hrs walk - Day 15 :
Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,840 m / 9,318 ft)
Distance: 19.1 km / 11.9 miles
Duration: 06-07 hrs walk - Day 16 :
Lukla to Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,600 ft)
Duration: 30 min flight - Day 17 :
Depart Kathmandu
Itineraries
Day 1 : Arriving at the Capital – Kathmandu
On the first day, our representatives will pick you up from Tribhuwan International airport and transfer you to your hotel. Then, they will brief you about the trek and the necessary details to remember. After that, you can rest for a while, then go outside to explore the beautiful city of temples.
Day 2 : Fly to Lukla (2,840 m) and Trek to Phakding (2,610 m) Trip Duration: 35 min flight and 03-04 hrs
The second day begins with an early morning breakfast followed by a flight from Tribhuwan International Airport to Lukla airport. During the 35 minutes flight to Lukla airport, you can enjoy the adventure flight’s views and thrill. Upon reaching Lukla, you meet your team, guides, and the potters to help you throughout the trek.
From Lukla, we start hiking to Phakding. This hike starts with a gradual descent till Phakding via Chheplung and Ghat village. Then, the trek follows a gentle climb up the mountainside of the Dudh Koshi river that takes roughly 3 and a half hours. After reaching Phakding, we rest there for the day, enjoying the beauty it has to offer.
Day 3 : Phakding to Namche Bazar (3,440m)
We begin our day with an early breakfast and then head to the vibrant town of Namche Bazaar. This trek part is interesting as it takes you through two famous glacial rivers – Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi. During the hike, you follow the two beautiful snow-capped mountains, Kusum Kanguru (6369 m) and Thamserku (6623 m). The trek traverses through pine forests, suspension bridges, rhododendron forests, and Sherpa villages. You will enjoy the scenic and cultural beauty of the region.
Shortly in our trek, we reach the confluence of two rivers – Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi. From there, we continue to walk down the path to witness spectacular mountain views of Mt. Everest (8848 m) and Mt. Lhotse (8516 m) until reaching Namche Bazar.
Namche is a sherpa village surrounded by mountain ranges on three sides. It is the region’s central hub for food and essential goods like trekking gears.
It is also the last stop for luxury in the region. Once you start hiking, you leave the luxury of Namche behind.
Day 4 : Acclimatizaation at Namche Bazar
Today is acclimatization day at Namche to prepare the body for the region’s climate and altitude conditions. To utilize this time, we explore Namche Bazar and its nearby places.
You will visit the Sherpa Culture Museum, Sagarmatha National Park museum, Namche monastery, and Tenzing Norgay memorial museum. You can also enjoy the sunrise view over the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Kongde, and so on. After that, we will have our meal and take a rest for the night.
Day 5 : Trek to Dole Village (4040 m) Trip Duration: 06-07 hrs
Our destination for the day is Dole village. On this day of hiking, we climb out of Namche Bazar up to the Khumjung village, which is a steep climb. In between at Kyangjuma village, we can enjoy the fantastic view of Mt. Thamserku and Mt. Ama Dablam.
Mong La, our next stop, is another vantage point with great snow-capped mountains. Today’s trek provides an excellent view of plant and animal vegetation, including Rhododendron forests. From here, we follow the steep descending trail, passing through Phortse Tenga, where the steep trail starts until you reach the Dole village. We spend the night at Dole village.
Day 6 : Dole to Machhermo Village (4150 m) Trip Duration: 04-05 hrs
On the sixth day, we start from Dole to Machhermo village. It takes about 4-5 hours to reach Machhermo and is relatively easy. During the day trek, trekkers slowly ascend higher. The trail passes through many summer settlements at a high altitude. These settlements are used while taking yaks for grazing in the summer.
During the trek, amazing views of the mountains Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku can be enjoyed. Machhermo is the last major settlement on the way to Gokyo Lake. A beautiful stream flowing down from Kyajo Ri and Phari Lapche mountains runs through the middle of the village, which is an extraordinary view to admire. We spend the night here.
Day 7 : Machhermo to Gokyo valley (4,750 m) Trip Duration: 05 hrs
Today on the 7th day of our adventurous trek of the Everest region, we make our way up to Gokyo. The trail starts with a very scenic path to Pangka. From there, the trekking route descends slightly, following the river bank, then climbs up to the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. This trail leads to the first of the holy lakes, Longpongo, at 4690 m. After walking for some time, we arrive at the second lake, which heads across the glacier to Cho La. Shortly after, we see the third lake, called Dudh Pokhari. Finally, we can see the eastern shore where the settlement of Gokyo lies. Walking through the bank of these lakes, we will reach our destination for the day. We spend the night at Gokyo, nearby Gokyo Lake.
Day 8 : Acclimatization at Gokyo and Side walk to Gokyo Ri 5,357m Trip Duration: 03-04 hrs
We spend a day acclimatizing, exploring the other remaining Gokyo lake, and climbing to the Gokyo Ri peak for an awe-inspiring sunrise view over the mountains.
Early morning is spent climbing the Gokyo Ri peak to enjoy the sunrise. The peak provides a panoramic view of the mountains from all sides. From the peak, you enjoy the fantastic view of the 4th lake, Thonak Tsho, and the 5th lake, Ngozuma Tsho. In addition, Gokyo Ri provides astounding views of great peaks, including Mt. Everest, Mt. Cho-Oyu, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Gyachung, Mt. Makalu, and Mt. Nuptse. We then return to our lodge to spend the night.
Day 9 : Trek from Gokyo to Thagnak (4,700m) Trip Duration: 03-04 hrs
Today’s journey is a short one. We travel to Thagna today, and there are only a few lodges. The trail for Thagna from Gokyo changes rapidly as the Ngozumpa Glacier increases in size daily. We start early in the morning to catch the fantastic sunrise and save some time during the daylight. We take a left turn from the 2nd Gokyo lake to reach Thagna. We stay overnight at Thagna.
Day 10 : Trek from Thagnak to Dzongla ( 4,830m) through Cho La pass (5,420m) Trip Duration: 08-09 hrs
The 10th day of our trek takes us from Thagna to Dzongla, which is strenuous. So, we start early this day. The Pass is not so tricky, but its rocky terrain and steepness while traversing through glacier makes it challenging. The way is vertical, and the rocks covered with ice make it difficult for the trekkers to travel. So, we need to be very careful while trekking.
The view gets increasingly captivating as we climb higher through the Cho La Pass. The fantastic view of the mountains Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Lobuche East, and Baruntse motivates us and drives us further. After the Cho La Pass, the trail descends quickly towards Dzongla through some crevasses and pine forests. After reaching Dzongla. Stunning views of Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Lobuche, and the Pheriche village far below are rewarding. We stayed the night at Dzongla.
Day 11 : Dzongla to Lobuche (4,910m) Trip Duration: 03 hrs
Today’s trek from Dzongla to Lobuche is much shorter and more straightforward than the day before. After starting the trek, we cross a bridge to follow a grassy trail with an astounding view of Lobuche Peak. Mountains Ama Dablam, Kangtega and Thamserku Taboche adds to the scenic beauty. Curving around the wide river bed, we then reach Lobuche. We can rest for the rest of the day or roam around to explore the area. Finally, we spent the night at Lobuche.
Day 12 : Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,125m) to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) Trip Duration: 07 hrs
On the 12th day of our trek, we follow the trail to the Everest Base Camp through Gorak Shep Lake. After lunch there, we trek to the most awaited moment of the journey – Everest Base Camp, which offers breathtaking views of the Everest Range.
The trail from Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorak Shep takes about 4 hours. The fantastic view of the magnificent Khumbu Glacier and ice fall will leave us dumbfounded. The view of mountains Nuptse, Khumbutse, and Pumori add to the scenic beauty. After spending some good time at the Everest Base Camp, we head back to Gorakshep. We spend a night there.
Day 13 : Gorakh Shep to Kala Patthar ( 5,540m) to Pheriche (4,240 m) Trip Duration: 08 hrs
To achieve our goal of viewing the magnificent sunrise from Kala Patthar, we head out early this day. We enjoy the astounding panoramic and up-close view of Everest and the Himalayas at Kala Patthar. After viewing the sunrise, we head to Pheriche. Gorak Shep to Pheriche trek distance is about 7 hours. The trail from Kalapathhar to Pheriche is downhill, so it will be easy to follow the trail. We stay the night at Pheriche.
Day 14 : Trek form Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) Trip Duration: 06-07 hrs
The trek from Pheriche to Namche is relatively easy to follow. It is mostly downhill, and you the enjoy the fantastic view along the trail. First, we hike through many small villages such as Shomare and Pangboche, following the trail to reach an ancient Buddhist monastery, the Tengboche monastery. It is the biggest monastery in the region. The trail then descends to Phunki Tenga and Kyanjuma.
We pass through the Rhododendron and lush forest of Pine to cross the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi river, finally reaching Sannyasa. From here, the trail slowly descends to Namche. Finally, we reach Namche Bazaar and stay the night.
Day 15 : Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,840 m) Trip Duration: 06-07 hrs
On the 15th day of our fantastic trip, we start from Namche Bazaar to Lukla, steeply downward. We descend on a rocky trail to pass through villages such as Jorsalle, Monjo, Check Post (Sagarmatha National park), Phakding, Chepplung, etc. It takes us about 6-7 hours to reach Lukla. We cross several suspension bridges along the way before walking on the flat path trail to finally reach Lukla. We stay at Lukla for a night.
Day 16 : Lukla to Kathmandu (1,400m) Trip Duration: 35 minutes Flight
Today on the 16th day of trekking, we return to the capital city, Kathmandu. We take a domestic flight back to Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, our team at Mountain Routes will handle the airport transfer and take you to your respective hotel. After you rest for a while and finish lunch, you have a day to yourself to enjoy the beautiful city of Kathmandu. At night, you can enjoy the nightlife of Thamel.
Day 17 : Departure
Finally, the day of departure. You can go shopping in the morning, before your flight. Then, we will pick you up from your hotel and the Tribhuwan International Airport. Finally, we will share our final goodbyes and wish you a safe flight back home. With all the fantastic experiences and excellent memories, you will be heading back home with some part of you touched in the last two weeks.
Everest Cho La Pass Trek- Frequently Asked Questions
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How long is the Gokyo Cho La pass trek?
Cho la Pass is located in the Everest region inside the Sagarmatha National park in the Solukhumbu district of Nepal. The summit of the Cho La lies at 5420 meters. It takes 17 days to complete the Cho La pass trek, including the Everest Base Camp Trek with our standard itinerary. In addition, we can provide a customized itinerary at your convenience.
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How challenging is the Gokyo Chola pass trek?
Cho La pass trek is a challenging trek as one needs to continuously walk for the 5-6hours day for 17 days. The difficulty also depends on the trekking season and the trekker’s present physical condition. Chola Pass becomes almost impossible in winter due to the heavy snowfall and freezing temperature. One of the most challenging things about this trek is the unpredictable weather. Sometimes the weather puts the trekker in a very uncomfortable situation. But with good planning, this problem can be overcome easily. Another element that makes this trek difficult is the altitude and glacier. Still, one can complete the Cho La pass easily with proper acclimatization and the right gears.
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Do I Need a Guide to Complete Chola Pass trek?
Well, Cho la Pass can be done without a guide, but considering the Pass’s difficulty, completing Cho la Pass without the guide increases the risk. The weather in Cho la Pass is sometimes unpredictable, and the trails are confusing.
The trekker trek on rocky slopes, icy trails filled with ice while crossing a glacier. If a trekker takes a wrong turn might get lost even before realizing it. In addition, the harsh weather might take a toll on the start of panicking and confusion. An excellent guide is insurance for your trip. They guide you through the right trail, analyze the weather, assess the risk, and take necessary measures to avoid accidents and mishaps.
They are responsible for your safety and successful completion of the trip. A guide is not just someone who shows you the trail, but they are also your caretakers. They know what is best for the trekkers, and a guide will do everything on his behalf to meet your expectations of the trek.
