Everest Cho La Pass Trek

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  • Duration 18 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Country Nepal

The Everest Cho La Pass trek is an advanced trekking program than the usual EBC trek, so it is much more adventurous and challenging. Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, and Cho La Pass are the main destination highlights of this 18-day trek in the Everest region.

The trek starts with the famous Lukla flight, and you will follow the main trail to Namche Bazaar. Spend an acclimatization day here and walk to Khumjung village to spend a night. It is more like two acclimatization days that will significantly lower the risk of altitude sickness.

You will then follow an offbeat, less-used route to Dole Village and hike to Gokyo Valley via Machhermo. On this part of the trail, you come across the biggest glacier in Nepal, Ngozumpa Glacier. You will walk past its moraines to reach Gokyo village.

Explore the beautiful Gokyo Lakes and hike to Gokyo Ri. The trail then descends to Dragnak and crosses Cho La Pass, bringing you back to the mainstream EBC trail. From here, hike to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.

While returning, you will descend through villages such as Lobuche, Dingboche, Tengboche, Namche Bazaar, Monjo, and Phakding to Lukla. Overall, our Everest Cho La Pass trek itinerary allows you to explore all the famous villages on the EBC route.

Highlights

  • An advanced Everest Base Camp trek itinerary, ideal for experienced trekkers
  • Trek through rhododendron forests, crossing many thrilling suspension bridges
  • Discover the picturesque Himalayan villages and get to know Sherpas closely
  • Visit ancient monasteries on the way
  • Spend night in the famous Namche Bazaar and enjoy two acclimatization hikes
  • Explore the beautiful Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Village, and Gokyo Ri
  • Cross Cho La Pass and witness the jaw-dropping mountain landscape from its top
  • Walk to the base camp of the tallest mountain in the world
  • Hike to Kala Patthar to see a gorgeous sunrise and mountain view
  • Witness diverse landscapes and mountains throughout the trek

What to expect during the Everest Cho La Pass trekking?

It is an adventurous trek and definitely a lifetime holiday in the Himalayas that you will cherish forever. The trip will be immaculate whether you do this trek alone or with your friends and family.

Discover the picturesque Himalayan villages, get to know Sherpas closely, learn about Nepalese life and culture and witness some of the tallest mountains on Earth. The journey is not easy but very rewarding.

All the sunsets and sunrises you will see, all the interactions you will have, and all the experiences will make your heart and soul full. You will push your limits and test your endurance, and in doing so, you'll discover a new level of strength and resilience within yourself.

From the start to the end of the trek, the landscapes will keep getting better and better. You'll be surrounded by the majestic beauty of the Himalayas, with mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Island Peak, and numerous others along the Everest Cho La Pass trek route.

Similarly, you will also visit ancient monasteries, which will bring you close to the locals' beliefs and faith. The locals are welcoming and friendly. They have great hospitality practices.

Physical training and preparation for Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass trek

Strength training, aerobic exercise, and day hikes/regular long walks are some of the things that you should do to train for the Cho La Pass trek physically. Strength training will build your core potency and resilience.

Aerobic exercises like running, swimming, and cycling will improve your stamina and VO2 max. These activities maximize your body's ability to use the highest volume of oxygen. Likewise, day hikes and regular walks will help you expand your brain capacity so you can stay on your legs longer.

Lastly, we also want you to practice long breathing. Yoga is a fantastic way to work with your breathing. It will help you calm yourself during overwhelming times. All these things will make you physically and mentally ready for the trek.

Guide and porter

Guide and porter are part of your Everest Cho La Pass trek in Nepal. Our package cost includes a native guide and porter from the Everest region who can help you cross the Cho La Pass safely and complete the trek.

Your guide will speak English or your language of choice. Likewise, the porter will carry a duffel bag during the trek. Trekking with them will make your journey more fun, entertaining, and satisfying.

You will learn in-depth about the Everest region, the villages, and the locals. Likewise, our guide and porter will ensure you get the best rooms and services in lodges. The trek becomes much more manageable with our guide and porter.

*Note: Your guide and porter play a huge role in the success and satisfaction of your trek in the Himalayas. So, we highly recommend that you tip them generously for their hard work. Tipping guides and porters is a well-appreciated culture in Nepal.

Is this trek suitable for you?

The Everest Cho La Pass trek is not for the faint-hearted. It is one of the most challenging Everest Base Camp itineraries and is best suited for experienced trekkers or travelers with good physical fitness.

We do not recommend that anyone cross a mountain pass over 5,000 meters as their first trek in the Himalayas unless they are expertly fit and have an athletic background.

Start with beginner-friendly treks like Ghorepani Poon Hill, Langtang Valley, Mardi Himal Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, etc. Once you have some experience, go on treks like Cho La Pass.

Why are we the best trekking partner in Nepal for you?

We, Himalayak Trekking, are one of the pioneers in the travel industry of Nepal. With over two decades of experience, our trips are spotless when it comes to service. You will be supported by professional trekkers and mountain people who know the Himalayas inside and out.

With us, there are no hidden costs or policies. You will get the best Everest Cho La Pass trek cost. Moreover, we welcome travelers who want to customize their trek in Nepal. Our team will help you curate the ideal trek.

Likewise, we offer many perks to our guests, such as free airport transfers, a duffel bag during trekking, and complimentary breakfasts. Our 24/7 support and friendly team ensure a safe, hassle-free, and satisfying Cho La Pass trek.

Itinerary
Trip Plan
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On your arrival day in Kathmandu, our team will help you with hotel transfers. They will welcome you and drop you off at the hotel. Spend some time resting and later meet us for a trek briefing. If you need to buy anything related to the trek, get it today.

  • Accommodation: Hotel

On this day, you will take a thrilling short flight to Lukla early in the morning. It requires a 4 to 5 hours drive to reach Ramechhap airport from Kathmandu. You will leave your hotel around 2:00 to 3:00 AM. It will be a comfortable ride.

Upon landing in Lukla, fetch your duffel bags and start trekking downhill with a guide and porter. The trail goes through forests and crosses multiple suspension bridges.

  • Max Altitude: 2,846 m/9,337 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 35 minutes flight & 3 hours trek
  • Distance: 6.2 km/3.8 miles

Packing to Namche Bazaar, the trail gradually ascends through lush forests and small villages. Before reaching Monjo, you cross the long Tenzing Hillary Suspension bridge. Register your permits here and start trekking officially within the Sagarmatha National Park. The final climb is steep.

  • Max Altitude: 3,440 m/11,290 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 5-6 hours
  • Distance: 7.4 km/4.6 miles

It is important to spend an acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar to avoid altitude sickness. For the hike, you will go to Thame. You will pass small settlements like Phurte, Thamo, and Samde. During the hike, you will visit the ancient Thame monastery and enjoy beautiful mountain views.

  • Max Altitude: 3,800 m/12,467 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Distance: 13 km/8 miles

The trail continues to Khumjung village. It is another short day, so you will begin the day leisurely and have a big breakfast before leaving Namche Bazaar. Enjoy a lovely walk to Khumjung, where you will explore another ancient monastery.

  • Max Altitude: 3,790 m/12,434 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Distance: 7.6 km/4.7 miles

Khumjung onwards, the trail is offbeat and less crowded. You will ascend to Phortse Thanga and continue to Mong La (3,973 m). From here, the trail descends to Dole. The view of Mt. Thamserku along the route is excellent.

  • Max Altitude: 4,100 m/13,451 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Distance: 9 km/5.5 miles

Continue trekking on rugged and rocky tracks. Pass by old shrines and prayer flags and reach Lapahram settlement. From here, you will trek past Luja village and follow an uphill route to Machhermo.

  • Max Altitude: 4,470 m/14,450 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Distance: 7 km/4.3 miles

Start trekking from Machhermo early. Navigate a landslide area called Phanga on the way and cross a suspension bridge. Soon, Longpongo Lake (4,690 m) arrives. From here, the trail crosses the Ngozumpa Glacier moraine and passes by the first two Gokyo Lakes to reach Gokoy Village.

  • Max Altitude: 4,790 m/15,584 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 4-5 hours
  • Distance: 5.7 km/3.5 miles

Spend the morning hiking to Gokyo Ri to witness a stunning sunrise and breathtaking mountain views. Later, you will descend from Gokyo village to Dragnak for the night.

  • Max Altitude: 4,690 m/15,387 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 6-7 hours
  • Distance: 8 km/5 miles

On this day, you will cross the challenging Cho La pass. From Dragnak, start walking on an uphill route. The terrain will be steep and rocky. You may also have to walk on snowy slopes. The view from the top of the pass is surreal. Further, descend to Dzongla for the night stay.

  • Max Altitude: 5,420 m/17,782 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 7-8 hours
  • Distance: 10 km/6.2 miles

Descend to Lobuche village. From here, follow a rocky track to Gorak Shep. The trail is steep, so you have to be careful while walking. From Gorak Shep, you will ascend to EBC. Explore and return to Gorak Shep to spend the night.

  • Max Altitude: 5,364 m/17,598 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 6-7 hours
  • Distance: 12.5 km/7.7 miles

Early in the morning, you will hike to Kala Patthar. It will be an easy hike. The sunrise and Mount Everest view from here is jaw-dropping. After the hike, you will retrace the trail back to Lobuche village.

  • Max Altitude: 5,545 m/18,129 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 7-8 hours
  • Distance: 4.5 km/2.7 miles

Today, you have a long descent ahead of you. Start trekking from Lobuche village early in the morning. Following the Khumbu Glacier, you will walk to Dhula. From here, the trail gradually ascends to Dingboche village. Further, you will walk downhill and pass by Pangboche and Deboche villages to reach Tengboche.

  • Max Altitude: 3,860 m/12,660 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Distance: 13.3 km/8.2 miles

From Tengboche, the trail descends to Phungi Tanga and continues to Kyajuma. From here, you will walk to Namche Bazaar and descend through rhododendron forests to Monjo.

  • Max Altitude: 2,835 m/9,301 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Distance: 13.5 km/8.3 miles

Leaving Mojo, you will keep trekking through rhododendron forests. You will reach Phakding and, from here, follow an uphill route to Lukla. Cross many suspension bridges on the way.

  • Max Altitude: 2,846 m/9,337 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Distance: 9.5 km/6 miles

On this day, fly back to Kathmandu. The guide will drop you off at the hotel. The rest of the day is free. You can rest and explore as you wish.

  • Max Altitude: 1,400 m/4,593 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 35 minutes flight

You have one more day in Kathmandu to enjoy. Explore local markets and buy souvenirs. There are many activities and places to enjoy in this city.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Our team will drop you off at the international airport departure gate. Be ready to leave the hotel on time.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
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Add-ons and Options
  • Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu: Explore the historical sites in Kathmandu with an experienced tour guide and get to learn deeply about Nepali history and culture.
  • Helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla: If you want to skip the commercial Lukla flight, add a comfortable helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
  • Helicopter flight from Lukla to Kathmandu: If you want to skip the commercial Lukla flight, add a comfortable helicopter flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Give a grand ending to your venture in the Himalayas.
  • Luxury Lodge: You can upgrade your accommodation to a luxury lodge that comes with a private washroom, WiFi, hot shower, charging, etc.
  • Single room while trekking: If you want a single room during trekking, add this upgrade to your package.

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The Everest Cho La Pass trek itinerary is customizable. You can make changes to the itinerary and services in the package. As per the changes made, there will also be a change in the price of the package. Likewise, we also want to inform you that if the situation demands, we may follow different routes while trekking in unseen events.

Essential Info

Everest Cho La Pass trek difficulty

The Everest Cho La Pass trek is challenging. It follows the higher route in the Everest region and crosses the Cho La Pass, the most difficult of the three high passes. The trail goes through varying terrain and altitudes, including dense forests and glacier moraine.

Continuous uphill and downhill walking demands decent fitness and willpower. On this trek, you will also explore the less famous Gokyo Valley. 5 to 6 hours of daily walking are needed.

Similarly, you will be exposed to different climatic conditions as the trail ascends and descends. We highly recommend this trek to travelers who have previous high-altitude experience and good fitness.

  • Trek distance: You will trek around 130 kilometers during the Everest Cho La Pass trek.
  • Daily walking hours: 5 to 6
  • Tourist infrastructure: It is fantastic on the main EBC trail and decent in Gokyo Valley and villages like Dole, Machhermo, and Dzongla.

Altitude Sickness

The Everest Cho La Pass trek carries a high risk of altitude sickness. Traveling to high elevations exposes your body to low oxygen levels, which causes altitude sickness.

Trekkers usually experience symptoms of altitude sickness in its milder forms, which are treatable. Some early symptoms of altitude sickness include Breathlessness, headaches, nosebleeds, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and insomnia.

You should tell your guide if you feel unwell or see any of these symptoms. Descending, resting, and altitude sickness medicine are the only ways to stop the symptoms from progressing.

  • Preventive measures: Ascend slowly, maintain your pace, drink at least 2 liters of water and other fluids a day, get ample rest, eat carbohydrate-rich food to keep up with your energy, and enjoy the trek.

Travel Insurance

We ask our guests to bring travel insurance to cover medical bills and helicopter evacuation to provide them with a reliable safety net while they are trekking in the Himalayas. See, the Himalayas have lots of underlying risks, like getting hurt or sick during trekking.

There are risks of altitude sickness and bad weather. Or, there can be a personal emergency that may require you to return to Kathmandu immediately.

In situations like this, helicopter evacuation is the only way to travel quickly to Kathmandu. Without travel insurance, arranging evacuation is a lengthy process, and you may have to pay a hefty rescue charge upfront.

Everest Cho La Pass trek permits

Foreigners need the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance permit and the Sagarmatha National Park Entry permit for this trek. Both permit fees are covered in our Cho La Pass trek cost.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance permit cost: USD 20 per person

Sagarmatha National Park Entry permit cost: USD 30 per person

The best time to do this trek

The best times to cross Cho La Pass are March to May (spring) and September to November (autumn). These months have steady weather and a moderate climate. There are no additional weather-related challenges to deal with while crossing the pass. Similarly, these months have fantastic mountain views and daylight hours.

In contrast to that, trekking between June and August is quite demanding. Heavy rainfall ruins the trail in the lower elevation. You have to trek on slippery, muddy trails that can have leeches and other bugs. The mountain views are also obstructed most of the time.

In winter (December to February), Everest Cho La Pass trekking is possible, but note that you have to deal with a freezing climate and cold air. During the winter, you also have to use special boots called crampos to cross Cho La Pass.

Accommodation & food during the trek

Accommodation during the Everest Cho La Pass trek is a lodge. It is simple, shared accommodation for trekkers. Washrooms and dining are common. Rooms are mostly twin-shared. The services are limited but good enough.

You will have three meals a day during trekking in package cost. The menu ranges from typical Nepali dal bhat, thukpa, and momo to a few Western options like pasta, burgers, French fries, etc.

In places like Namche Bazaar, Lukla, Phakding, and Tengboche, you can also get pizza, burgers, freshly brewed coffee, fruits, a bakery, etc. Stew, soups, porridge, eggs, toast, pancakes, chapati, fried rice, etc, are some other general dishes on the menu.

  • Rooms: Shared rooms during trekking with one other trekker. Single rooms cost extra money.
  • Washroom: Western-style toilets are available in many villages. However, in some places, you may have to use squat toilets. Pack toilet paper for the trek.
  • Services in the lodge: Charging, WiFi, and hot showers can cost extra money, ranging from USD 2 to USD 7. As a backup, have alternatives like a power bank, Nepali tourist sim, and wet wipes.
  • Drinking water: Boiled drinking water is available in all lodges. You can refill your water bottle at a minimal cost. Carry a water purification tablet as a backup in case you have to drink water from the tap.
  • Snacks: Buy ample snacks for the trek in Kathmandu. Budget USD 10 to USD 15 each day for the trek for additional snacks and beverages.

Everest Cho La Pass trek packing list

We have listed all trekking clothes, gear, and essentials required for the Everest Cho La Pass trek below:

  • Underwear
  • Base layer
  • Thermal layer
  • Trekking shirt & pants
  • Fleece jacket
  • Down jacket
  • Windbreaker/waterproof jacket & pants
  • Dry towel, cotton socks, woolen socks
  • Scarf, gloves, sunhat, beanie
  • Trekking boots
  • Casual shoes/crocs
  • Daypack
  • Duffel bag
  • Trekking poles
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sunglasses
  • Reusable water bottle and water purification tablet
  • Map
  • Pocket torch, traveler knife, hand sanitizer, GPS
  • SPF, lip balm, moisturizer, wet wipes, toilet paper, soap/shampoo bar, comb, toothpaste/brush, deodorant, etc
  • Antiseptic cream, band-aid, crack bandage, pain reliever spray, general medicine, electoral powder, insect repellent, etc
  • Adapter, charger, power bank, spare batteries for your camera
  • Snacks, journal/pen, travel insurance document, passport, visa, passport-sized photos, cash
FAQs

There is a fair chance of altitude sickness on the Everest Cho La Pass trek. Trekkers of all ages can suffer from altitude sickness regardless of their fitness. So, make sure you follow the preventive measures and ascend slowly.

The Everest Cho La Pass is a challenging trek. You will cross a difficult mountain pass and walk through glacier moraines. The trek is also challenging due to the high altitude and limited facilities.

Usually, we do not need crampons to cross the Cho La Pass. However, if the trail is covered with snow, we might need it. It depends on the weather.

The Everest Cho La Pass trek costs around USD 1,850 to USD 2,350 per person. The package's cost increases if you add luxury lodges or helicopter flights.

Paid WiFi services are available in lodges at lower elevations. However, you will not get WiFi in Gokyo Valley or above Dingboche village, and the network is also not that reliable.

You may have to walk on snow around Cho La Pass, even in the spring and autumn seasons. We will check the weather around your departure date and share a packing list with you accordingly.

The EBC Cho La Pass trek route perfectly balances the bustle of fellow trekkers and peaceful trails. However, as you mostly trek off the mainstream EBC trail, the trail is crowded.

Yes, Everest Cho La Pass trek is safe for female solo trekkers. You will do the trek with our reliable guide and porter. They are very trustworthy, and you will not feel uncomfortable at all. Likewise, the locals of the Everest region are very welcoming, respectful, and kind, so there is nothing to worry about.

We accept payment via credit/Debit cards, bank transfers, and cash.

Yes, you can store your unwanted luggage in your hotel's locker room or our office during trekking.

As a beginner, climbing Everest Cho La Pass will be very challenging. But if you have good fitness and willpower, you may consider doing this trek.

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