Trek with Pemba

Chola pass Trek

Trip Facts

Duration

17

Difficulty Level

Moderate to challenging

Max. Altitude

5420m

Group Size

2 to 5

Trip Starts

Kathmandu

Trip Ends

Kathmandu

Group Style

Private & Group

Best Season

March-May to September-December

Duration

17

Difficulty Level

Moderate to challenging

Max. Altitude

5420m

Group Size

2 to 5

Trip Starts

Kathmandu

Trip Ends

Kathmandu

Group Style

Private & Group

Best Season

March-May to September-December

Highlights

Embark on an exhilarating adventure with the Cho La Pass Trek, a captivating alternative to the traditional Everest Base Camp route that promises breathtaking vistas and unforgettable experiences. This thrilling journey spans the majestic Gokyo Valley and winds its way through quaint Sherpa settlements, serene woodlands, and awe-inspiring high-altitude terrain.
As you traverse this remarkable trail, you’ll be treated to the splendor of the Gokyo Lakes, negotiate the thrilling Cho La Pass, and press on to Everest Base Camp, culminating in a triumphant ascent of Kala Patthar, where the majestic Mount Everest and surrounding peaks unfold in all their glory.
Compared to the conventional Everest Base Camp trek, this route boasts enhanced scenery, smaller crowds, and a more demanding yet gratifying challenge, making it an ideal choice for intrepid trekkers seeking a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and high-altitude adventure.
Here’s a more detailed overview:
  • Scenic Beauty: Witness the breathtaking beauty of the Gokyo Lakes, Ngozumpa Glacier, and the majestic high-altitude landscapes of the Everest region.
  • Cultural Experience: Explore traditional Sherpa villages, monasteries, and experience the rich culture and hospitality of the local people.
  • Adventure: Cross the thrilling Cho La Pass (5,420m), a high-altitude pass with spectacular views, and ascend Kala Patthar (5,545m) for panoramic views of Mount Everest.
  • Best Time to Trek: Pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (September to November) seasons offer the best weather conditions.
  • Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging, requiring good physical fitness and acclimatization.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
  • Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport.

  • Transfer to hotel in Kathmandu.

  • Trek briefing, permit preparation (Sagarmatha National Park Permit & Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit).

  • Overnight in hotel.

Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2,860m), Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
  • 30–35 minutes scenic flight to Lukla.

  • Trek distance: 8 km

  • Walking hours: 3–4 hours

  • Easy downhill walk along the Dudh Koshi River.

  • Overnight in teahouse.

Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
  • Distance: 11 km

  • Duration: 5–6 hours

  • Cross several suspension bridges including the Hillary Bridge.

  • Enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo.

  • Steep uphill before reaching Namche.

  • First distant view of Mount Everest (weather permitting).

  • Overnight in teahouse at Namche Bazaar.

Day 4: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
  • Important rest day for altitude adaptation.

  • Hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880m).

  • Panoramic views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse.

  • Explore Sherpa museum and local market.

  • Overnight in Namche.

Day 5: Trek to Tengboche (3,860m)
  • Distance: 10 km

  • Duration: 5–6 hours

  • Scenic trail with mountain views.

  • Visit famous Tengboche Monastery, the largest monastery in the region.

  • Overnight in Tengboche.

Day 6: Trek to Dingboche (4,360m)
  • Distance: 11 km

  • Duration: 5–6 hours

  • Pass through Pangboche village.

  • Landscape becomes more alpine and dry.

  • Overnight in Dingboche.

Day 7: Acclimatization Day – Hike to Nangkartshang Hill (5,083m)
  • 3–4 hours hike.

  • Excellent views of Makalu, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak.

  • Return to Dingboche for overnight

Day 8: Trek to Lobuche (4,910m)
  • Distance: 8 km

  • Duration: 5 hours

  • Pass Thukla and memorials for climbers.

  • Gradual climb to Lobuche.

  • Overnight in teahouse

Day 9: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) via Gorak Shep (5,164m)
  • Distance: 12–14 km round trip

  • Duration: 7–8 hours

  • Trek to Gorak Shep, leave bags.

  • Continue to Everest Base Camp.

  • Explore glacier and base camp area.

  • Return to Gorak Shep for overnight.

Day 10: Hike Kala Patthar (5,545m), Trek to Dzongla (4,830m)
  • Early morning hike to Kala Patthar for best sunrise views of Mount Everest.

  • Duration: 2–3 hours ascent.

  • Trek 4–5 hours to Dzongla.

  • Overnight in Dzongla.

Day 11: Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m), Trek to Thagnak (4,700m)
  • Duration: 7–8 hours (challenging day).

  • Steep climb and glacier crossing (may require microspikes in icy conditions).

  • Spectacular Himalayan views.

  • Descend carefully to Thagnak (Dragnag).

  • Overnight in teahouse.

Day 12: Trek to Gokyo Lakes (4,790m)
  • Distance: 10 km

  • Duration: 4–5 hours

  • Cross Ngozumpa Glacier (longest glacier in Nepal).

  • Reach beautiful turquoise Gokyo Lakes.

  • Overnight in Gokyo village.

Day 13: Hike Gokyo Ri (5,357m), Trek to Dole (4,200m)
  • Early morning climb to Gokyo Ri.

  • Outstanding panoramic views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Lhotse.

  • Descend to Gokyo.

  • Trek down to Dole (5–6 hours).

  • Overnight in Dole.

Day 14: Trek to Namche Bazaar
  • Distance: 11 km

  • Duration: 6–7 hours

  • Descend through rhododendron forests.

  • Return to Namche.

  • Overnight in Namche.

Day 15: Trek to Lukla
  • Distance: 18 km

  • Duration: 6–7 hours

  • Retrace trail via Monjo and Phakding.

  • Final celebration dinner in Lukla.

  • Overnight in Lukla.

Day 16: Fly Back to Kathmandu
  • Morning flight to Kathmandu.

  • Transfer to hotel.

  • Free time for shopping or rest.

  • End of trek.

Cost Includes

  • Airport pickup and drop-off services
  • Two nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Accommodation throughout the trek
  • Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit fee
  • Sagarmatha National Park entry fee
  • Wages, meals, and insurance for the guide and porter
  • Three main-course meals per day during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with one cup of black tea per meal
  • Round-trip domestic flights: Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu

Price Excludes

  • Personal expenses during the trek
  • Wi-Fi, hot showers, snacks, and dessert items on the trek
  • Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
  • Tips for the guide and porter

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