Everest Cho La Pass Trek
Trip Highlights of Everest Cho La Pass Trek
- Explore the beautiful Gokyo Lakes and hike to Gokyo Ri.
- Pass the high Cho La Pass at 5,368 m.
- Visit the popular Everest Base Camp.
- Have a panoramic view of the Kala Patthar at 5,644 m.
- Trek in Sherpa villages and Sagarmatha National Park.
- Stay in the local teahouse and experience local hospitality.
- See Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam and others.
Overview of Everest Cho La Pass Trek
The Everest Cho La Pass Trek is a full trip in the Everest region that integrates mountain panorama, Sherpa culture, mountain passes and popular trekking spots into a single adventure. This trek deviates off the usual Everest Base Camp path, visiting the serene Gokyo Valley and then crossing the difficult Cho La Pass on its way to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. It is a great option when trekkers wish to sightsee a larger part of Khumbu region within one trip.
The trek will take us through the traditional Sherpa villages, suspension bridges across the Dudh Koski River, pine and rhododendron forests before reaching the higher alpine terrain. The path will take us to the beautiful Gokyo Lakes and a walk to Gokyo Ri will allow us to see wide perspectives of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, and the Ngozumpa Glacier. It then proceeds along the Cho La Pass at 5,368 m and subsequently connects with the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Trek trail to Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.
Our Everest Cho La Pass Trek Itinerary is designed with adequate acclimatization to enable you to adapt safely to the rising altitude. Our guides will keep track of your progress, and create a comfortable pace, as well as support you on the journey. The cozy teahouse rooms, the local hospitality and the fresh food make every day a wonderful and fulfilling experience.
The Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek is ideal to those trekkers who are physically fit and are willing to spend long days of walking and high altitude conditions. If you are looking for a trekking experience that combines Gokyo Lakes, Cho La Pass, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar in one well planned adventure, our team will be with you from arrival in Kathmandu until your departure, ensuring a safe, organized, and memorable journey.
Itinerary of Everest Cho La Pass Trek
Arrival at Kathmandu Airport (1,400 m)
When you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will meet you and will drive you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Once you have checked in, you can either relax or visit the surrounding streets as there may be time.
Next, during the evening, we will hold a briefing of the trek, where our guide will show us the path, inspect your gear, and answer your questions before the adventure starts.
Fly to Lukla (2,840 m) and Trek to Phakding (2,610 m)
In the morning, we will take a scenic flight to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. During the busy spring and autumn trekking seasons, Lukla flights often operate from Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu, depending on airline schedules and weather conditions.
We will start walking along the Dudh Koshi River after meeting our porter team and doing the last preparations. The path goes through Sherpa villages, prayer wheels and suspension bridges to Phakding. The gentle walk allows us to become familiar with the mountain environment before the higher sections of the trek.
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,446 m)
We will proceed to follow the Dudh Koshi River after breakfast, crossing numerous suspension bridges before arriving at Monjo, where our guide will take care of the permit formalities at the gate of Sagarmatha National Park.
The path continues to ascend steadily through pine forests to Namche Bazaar. When the weather is clear we will have our initial distant glimpse at Mount Everest and then we will reach the busy town of Sherpa.
Acclimatization Day. Hike to Hotel Everest View and Visit Khumjung Village
We will have a day of acclimatization hike to make our bodies adapt to the altitude. The pathway leads to Hotel Everest View, where the weather is clear and offers great views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and other surrounding mountains.
After that we will proceed to Khumjung Village and visit the monastery and have a glimpse of Sherpa life back to Namche Bazaar at night.
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole (4,110 m)
We will not go along the main Everest Base Camp route but go along the less travelled path to the Gokyo Valley. The path will ascend to Mong La after which we will have lunch by the river, Phortse Thanga.
Then we will proceed upwards through pine, rhododendron and juniper forests to Dole. During the day, we will have a wonderful sight of Ama Dablam, Khumbila and Thamserku.
Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4,470 m)
Today, we will leave the forests behind and enter the open alpine landscape. The trail goes through the yak grazing fields and small seasonal settlements but has a clear view of the mountains around it.
We will have frequent rests and our guide will maintain a reasonable pace as we ascend higher. On arriving at Machhermo, we will have time to unwind and pack the next day to Gokyo.
Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (4,790 m)
We will then proceed to Gokyo after breakfast, along a picturesque path along the Ngozumpa Glacier. On our way to the altitude, we will be passing the first and the second Gokyo Lakes, and then reaching the third lake where the village of Gokyo is situated.
The peaceful surroundings and mountain views make this one of the most memorable stops of the trek. After checking into our teahouse, we will have time to relax and prepare for tomorrow’s hike to Gokyo Ri.
Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,360 m) and Explore the Gokyo Lakes
We will start the climb to Gokyo Ri, which is one of the best viewpoints of the Everest region before sunrise. We will have a panoramic views of the Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the Ngozumpa Glacier, as seen down the mountain.
We will spend the remaining day at the lakes, or resting after coming back to Gokyo and having a breakfast. This additional day also allows our bodies to acclimatize to Cho La Pass.
Trek from Gokyo to Thagnag (4,700 m)
Today, we will leave Gokyo behind, retracing a part of the trail before crossing the edge of the Ngozumpa Glacier towards Thagnag. The distance is not much but the surrounding is rocky and thus needs careful footing.
By the time we reach the little settlement we will have the afternoon to rest and get ready to cross Cho LaPass the following day, which will be a hard one.
Cross Cho La Pass (5,368 m) and Trek to Dzongla (4,830 m)
This is the most difficult day of the Everest Cho La Pass Trek. We will begin in the morning and gradually climb up to Cho La Pass. During different seasons, the trail can get snow-covered or covered with ice, and in this case, our guide will lead the group over the pass with caution.
We will take our time at Cho LaPass after which we will take time to descend cautiously through the rocks and occasionally, the icey rocks that we will encounter before arriving at Dzongla where we will spend the night.
Trek from Dzongla to Lobuche (4,910 m)
After breakfast, we will leave Dzongla and gradually join the classic Everest Base Camp trail on the way to Lobuche. The trail provides a superb mountain scenery and we will encounter trekkers in the conventional Everest Path. After reaching Lobuche we will rest and get ready to visit Everest Base Camp the next day.
Trek to Gorak Shep (5,140 m) and Hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)
This morning, we will trek to Gorak Shep, the final settlement before Everest Base Camp. We will then proceed on through rocky glacial terrain to Everest Base Camp after a brief rest and abandoning our main bags at the teahouse.
One will have time to explore the area, make photographs, and commemorate the arrival at this renowned place. We will spend the night at Gorak Shep later.
Hike to Kala Patthar (5,644 m) and Trek to Pangboche (3,930 m)
We will begin our hike to Kala Patthar before sunrise to enjoy some of the best mountain views in the Everest region. From the viewpoint, we will see Mount Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, and many surrounding peaks.
After returning to Gorak Shep for breakfast, we will descend through Lobuche, Thukla, and Tengboche before reaching Pangboche for the night. Sleeping at a lower altitude will help us recover after several days above 5,000 metres.
Trek from Pangboche to Namche Bazaar (3,446 m)
After breakfast, we will continue downhill through forests of pine and rhododendron, passing the famous Tengboche Monastery along the way. The trail then follows the Dudh Koshi River and then ascends gently back to Namche Bazaar.
Our journey will last several days in the high mountains, and then we will have an opportunity to have fun in the town, or visit the local stores and cafes.
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,840 m)
Today marks our final day on the trail. We will go back the same way through Sherpa villages, through suspension bridges and the Dudh Koski River to Lukla. Once in the town, we will rejoice over the successful completion of the Everest Cho La Pass Trek with our trekking crew and will spend our last evening in the Himalayas.
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
If the weather is clear, we will take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu. We get to see one final glimpse of the Himalayan scenery on our way back to the capital, making the short flight that more enjoyable.
On arrival, one of our representatives will take you to your hotel. The remaining day is at leisure to have a look around the city or even to buy souvenirs before you leave.
Final Departure from Kathmandu
Today we finish our Everest Cho La Pass Trek Itinerary. Our representative will take you to the Tribhuvan International Airport where you will continue your flight depending on your flight schedule.
We wish you to bring beautiful memories of the Himalayas with you when you leave Nepal and hope to see you again on another trekking journey with Nepal Wanderlust Treks.
Includes/Excludes
What's Included?
- Airport pickup and drop off by private vehicle.
- Two nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Round trip domestic flights between Kathmandu and Lukla.
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit.
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.
- An experienced, government licensed English speaking trekking guide.
- One porter for every two trekkers during the trek.
- Guide and porter salary, food, accommodation, insurance, and transportation.
- Accommodation in local teahouses during the trek.
- Three meals a day during the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Seasonal fresh fruits after dinner during the trek.
- Tea or coffee with breakfast during the trek.
- First aid kit carried by the guide.
- Duffel bag for use during the trek.
- Official trekking completion certificate.
- All government taxes and company service charges.
What's Excluded?
- International airfare to and from Nepal.
- Nepal entry visa fees.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
- Travel insurance, including emergency helicopter evacuation.
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing.
- Extra nights in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, or flight delays.
- Hot and cold drinks, bottled water, alcoholic beverages, and snacks.
- WiFi, charging fees, hot showers, and personal laundry during the trek.
- Tips for the guide, porter, and driver.
- Personal expenses and any services not mentioned in the cost includes section.
Essential Information - Everest Cho La Pass Trek
Best Time for the Everest Cho La Pass Trek
The Everest Cho La Pass Trek is best during spring (March to May) and in autumn (September to November). These months usually have stable weather, clear mountain views, and comfortable daytime temperatures. During winter it is very colder particularly at Cho La Pass and during the monsoon season it tends to rain, have cloud cover, and trail becomes slippery.
The Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Trek can be done in any other season with adequate planning, but spring and autumn are the most popular options. Our team will suggest optimal departure time depending on the existing weather and trail conditions.
Everest Cho La Pass Trek Difficulty
The reason why the Everest Cho La Pass Trek is seen as a difficult trek is due to high altitude, length of days spent walking and the passage through Cho La Pass at 5,368 m. The trekkers must also be in good physical shape and be willing to walk 5 to 8 hours on the majority of the trekking days.
To ensure you adapt safely, we have gradual increases in altitude and scheduled acclimatization. Throughout the Everest Cho La Pass Trek Itinerary, your condition will be monitored by the guides, who will set a comfortable pace and support you throughout the trip.
Altitude and Acclimatization
The maximum height of the Everest Cho La Pass Trek is Kala Patthar (5,644 m) and Cho La Pass (5,368 m). Hiking at these levels needs the appropriate acclimatization to minimize the chances of getting altitude sickness. During the trek, it is important to drink enough water, walk slowly and take the advice of your guide.
We will have an acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar and a second night in Gokyo before crossing the pass. The scheduled stops will assist your body to acclimatize to the elevation and make the Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek safer and more fun.
Food and Accommodation
On the Everest Cho La Pass Trek, you will be accommodated in comfortable teahouses that provide clean rooms and a friendly environment. Shared accommodation is usually on a twin sharing basis and most villages have shared bathrooms. In Kathmandu, we will be staying in a nice hotel prior and after the trek.
Our trekking package includes three meals each day during the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu has local and international foods (Dal Bhat, noodles, fried rice, soups, pasta, eggs, potatoes, and hot drinks) to ensure you stay active during the Everest Cho La Pass Trek Itinerary.
Transportation
The Everest Cho La Pass Trek begins and ends with a domestic flight between Kathmandu and Lukla. During the busy spring and autumn trekking seasons, many Lukla flights operate from Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu, depending on airline schedules and aviation regulations. These short mountain flights provide impressive Himalayan views and are the quickest way to reach the Everest region. Airport transfers are included in the package.
Flights in and out of Lukla are also affected by weather conditions and sometimes delayed or cancelled. Should this occur, our team will assist in making adjustments to your travel arrangements and the support needed to carry on with your Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Trek as seamlessly as we can.
Permits
In order to complete the Everest Cho La Pass Trek, all trekking participants are required to acquire the necessary permits to access the Everest region. These are the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.
All the necessary permits will be obtained by our team, and you will not need to worry about the application procedures, as the trek will be organized beforehand. The package includes the charges of the permit provided you specified it in your booking and can now enjoy the Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek without any fear.
Travel Insurance
The Everest Cho La Pass Trek is highly advised to have travel insurance. High altitude trekking to at least 6,000 m, emergency medical care, and helicopter evacuation should be included in your policy. The right insurance gives one peace of mind during the trip.
Prior to the trek, we will request you to send us a copy of your insurance details. In case of an emergency, our crew will help with the arrangements and liaise with your insurance company throughout the Everest Cho La Pass Trek Itinerary.
Communication and Charging
Mobile coverage is available in many villages through NTC and Ncell, although the signal becomes less reliable at higher elevations. Many teahouses also provide paid WiFi, but the connection speed depends on the location and weather conditions.
Practically all teahouses have phone, camera, and other electronic gadget charging facilities at a minimal fee. To ensure that your devices remain charged, we suggest that you carry a power bank, particularly when you are undertaking the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Trek.
Packing List
To have a safe and comfortable Everest Cho La Pass Trek, it is important to pack the right gear. We suggest warm layered clothes, waterproof jacket, comfortable trekking boots, gloves, warm hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, reusable water bottle, and a personal first aid kit. Higher elevations also recommend a good quality sleeping bag.
We will follow up on a detailed packing list after you confirm your booking and are also able to help in equipment renting in Kathmandu. The essentials that you pack will ensure that your Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek is more comfortable and enjoyable.
Most Asked Questions by Travellers
The trek is most appropriate to trekkers who have good physical fitness and prior hiking experience due to the high altitude and Cho La Pass crossing.
It is a combination of Gokyo Lakes, Cho La Pass, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar into one adventure.
No. Technical climbing equipment is generally not required, but microspikes may be handy in case of snow or icy conditions.
Our guide will assess conditions and select the safest alternative, should the need arise.
Yes. During the trek, it is possible to leave extra luggage in your Kathmandu hotel safely.
Bring enough Nepalese Rupees to spend on personal items like drinks, snacks, WiFi, charging, and tips.
Yes. Domestic flights normally permit up to 15 kg inclusive of hand luggage and checked baggage.
Yes. The itinerary can be tailored to fit your time schedule, fitness, and travel plans.
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