Trip Duration
19 Days
Trip Difficulty
Difficult
Group Size
1-16
Max. Altitude
5,420m. /17,782 ft.
Accommodation
Hotel/ Lodge /Tea House
Best Seasons
Mar-May/Sept-Nov
Activity per day
Trekking
Start/End
KathmanduTrip Overview
The majestic high pass, the glistening high snow-topped Himalayas, the shimmering alpine lakes, the admirable landscape, and the immersion in the rich Sherpa culture: all these define our Cho La Pass trek.
Our Everest Cho La Pass trek is truly an enchanting unique journey that will lead you deep into the region of Everest which enable you to step on the iconic grounds of Everest Base Camp (5364 m), the impressively high walls of Cho La Pass (5420 m), and the serene shore of Gokyo Lakes (4790 m).
If you want a harmonious combination of adventure, low tourist traffic trail, and the untouched beauty of Mother Nature, then our Cho La Pass trek is the one you should go for. As you go on traversing the Cho La Pass route, you will be much closer to the unparalleled adventure the Everest region promises.
Apart from the Gokyo Lake, Cho La Pass and the EBC, our Gokyo Cho La Pass trek also includes the attractions of ascending the breathtaking altitudes of Gokyo Ri (5357 m), the gigantic Kala Patthar (5644 m), and the sensational Ngarajung (5050 m).
With these each elevation on the journey, you will be treated with the endearing Himalayan panorama formed by the snowy walls of Pumori (7161 m), Lingtren (6749 m), Lhotse (8516 m), Taboche (6495 m), Ama Dablam (6812 m), Nuptse (7861 m), Cholatse (6440 m), Thamserku (6608 m), Khumbutse (6636 m), Changtse (7543 m), Lobuche (6119 m), and Everest (8848 m).
You will also get to mingle with the renowned Sherpa, and observe their uniquely beautiful Tibetan Buddhist culture and customs. Our Cho La Pass trek will also guide you to the largest Gompa (Monastery) of Tengboche, Pangboche and will also take you on the terrace of the tallest hotel of the globe.
The route of our 19 days Cho La Pass trek will also guide you into the UNESCO cited Sagarmatha National Park renowned for its diverse ecosystems.
Our Cho La Pass trek is favorable for those who are looking for a more demanding and less populated trail in the Everest. The journey requires a decent level of fitness but the extensive trekking experience is not a requirement.
The team of our Adventure Tansen trek understands that even the most fit and experienced trekker can suffer from altitude problems. It is the reason why we have ensured a gradual travel program throughout the 19 days duration so you can enjoy the Everest at your own pace.
Our Gokyo Cho La Pass trek will initially travel you by air towards Lukla from where you will go along the forested tracks through Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche to EBC and Kala Patthar.
Once this challenge is over, you will then divert your route to Gokyo Valley but not before traversing the colossal Cho La Pass. Once you are in Gokyo, you will not only climb the beautiful Gokyo Ri but will also get to see the amazing lake system of the entire Gokyo Lake.
Then the route running through Namche and Lukla will once again lead you back to Kathmandu.
Overall, our Cho La Pass trek promises you the captivating adventure through the land of imposing titans of the Himalayas and its extraordinary nature. Come with Adventure Tansen trek and together we will face the Cho La Pass and Gokyo challenge.
Highlights of Cho La Pass Trek
- Acquaintance with the unmatched beauty of Kathmandu
- A grandiose Himalayan air journey to Lukla
- Namche tour for a day with the upward hike to lovely Everest View Hotel on the way
- Sights of the red-white Gompas of Tengboche and Pangboche each describing their own tale
- Stand beneath Everest and in front of Khumbu Ice Fall at EBC
- Stand on the summit of Kala Patthar and see the incredible movie like awakening of the imposing Peaks
- Achieve the success over the high-elevated mountain pass of Cho La
- Relax by the calm blue waters of Gokyo and gloriously triumph at the height of Gokyo Ri
- Optional ascension of Nagarjung Ridge when resting at Dingboche
- Mingle with Sherpa and their customs
Itinerary of Cho La Pass Trek
Day 01: Welcome to Kathmandu (1340 m)
Greetings! Adventure Tansen Trek is pleased to be a partner of your Cho La Pass trek. For your gracious welcome, our polite correspondent will be at TIA and he will ride you comfortably to your assigned hotel in the city.
Once settled down, take a relaxing shower and re-energize from the fatigue of the long travel. In the evening, we will all gather as a group and discuss our Cho La Pass trek program with our guide.
Once done, please go ahead and enjoy your evening in Thamel.
Max. Altitude: 1340m./4,396ft. (Kathmandu)
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 02: Leisure Day in Kathmandu
Kathmandu’s Pashupatinath, Swyamabhunath, Boudhanath, and Durbar Square wait for your admiration today as you proceed to each of these monuments one by one.
Once the tour is over, our guide will then review your gear and facilitate with any rentals or purchasing if needed. We kindly urge you to sleep early as we have a Lukla flight to attend to tomorrow early morning.
Important Note
Kindly be informed that because of the increased air traffic demands at TIA in Fall and spring, the flight to Lukla will often be operated from Manthali Airport of Ramechhap.
In such case, we will have to journey to Ramechhap at midnight for which we offer you the comfort of private transport. On the way back, the same travel arrangement may be needed.
Activity: Rest
Max. Altitude: 1340m./4,396ft. (Kathmandu)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 03: Off we go to Lukla (2850 m) from Kathmandu/Ramechhap, 35 min/20 min, and then trek to Phakding (2450 m), 3 to 4 hours
A very early morning short air travel will fly us over Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Langtang, Everest, and Manaslu before we land at the very short runway of Lukla Airport.
Once at Lukla, we will meet the rest of the friendly accompanying team. Then we will head on a very charming and comfortable downhill trek to Phakding.
Walking down beside Dudh Koshi, we will see the lovely people of Chheplung, Chaurikharka, Thadokoshi, and Ghat before we are at Phakding for the night. Kongde Ri (6187 m), Kusum Kanguru (6367 m), and Khumbila (5761 m) will be the amazing sights in this village.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 2450m./8,038ft. (Phakding )
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 04: Trek upward from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m), 6 to 7 hours
Advancing forward with Dudh Koshi, we will journey through the lively towns of Toktok, and Benkar to reach Monjo. We get inside the Sagarmatha National Park, obtain and show our permits, and then proceed upward to Jorsale.
Around 40 minutes path upstream will lead us to the 60 m extended Hilary Bridge over the Bhote Koshi, Imja, and Dudh Koshi Rivers. The opposite track will go steeply up to Everest Viewpoint.
Another 200 m steep of increasing trail will finally take us to the cozy setting of Namche where we will have two nights to stay.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 3440m./11,286ft. (Namche Bazaar)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 05: Rest/ Acclimatization day at Namche
Before we reach EBC, we want you to be properly adjusted to the 3500 m air of Everest, so today, we will be engaging in short upward hikes to Khumjung (3790 m) and Everest View Hotel (3880 m).
Later in the cool air of the evening, you can shop and see the unique items at Namche Bazaar.
Activity: Rest
Max. Altitude: 3440m./11,286ft. (Namche Bazaar)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 06: Trek upward from Namche to Tengboche (3850 m), 5 to 6 hours
Dudh Koshi will once again take us up for a moment after which we will go down to move across another hung steel bridge. The path will again sharply move up to the 3250 m elevation of Phungi Thanga.
Now, a two-hour-long steep stretch will guide us to the spiritual center of Tengboche Monastery. The nearby tea house will be our overnight shelter for a warm night from where we will watch the astounding profiles of Kagntega, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Taboche, Everest, Kwangde, and Thamserku.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 3850m./12,631ft. (Tengboche )
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 07: Trek upward from Tengboche to Dingboche (4440 m), 5 to 6 hours
The seventh day of our 19 days Cho La Pass trek will lead us to almost 4500 m elevation. So taking each step gradually, we will first reach Debuche and then arrive at Pangboche Village (3900 m).
Its remarkable Gompa once housed the authentic Yeti scalp. With the guidance of Ama Dablam, we will step into the Imja Valley and climb through the scattered alpine grasslands to reach Dingboche.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 4440m./14,567ft. (Dingboche )
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Day 08: Day off at Dingboche
We can take advantage of this rest day by ascending the rocky walls of Nangkartshang or Nagarjung Ridge. Thamserku, Lobuche, Nirukhang, Baruntse, Island Peak, Makalu (8485 m), Tawache, Cholatse, and many others can be seen close and far from the ridge.
Activity: Rest
Max. Altitude: 4440m./14,567ft. (Dingboche )
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Day 09: Trek Upward from Dingboche to Lobuche (4850 m), 5 to 6 hours
A gradual uprising trail from Dingbcohe will take us through Dusa (4530 m) and Dughla (4620 m) settlements. Around 200 m long steep slope will lead us to over the 4830 m high Dughla Pass.
The symbolic stone tombs and the prayer flags remember all those who have died in triumphing the Everest and other Himalayas. Get ready for the alpine world of the Khumbu Glacier as we proceed up to Lobuche watching the grand Mahalangur mountain range.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 4850m./15,912ft. (Lobuche )
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Day 10: Trek upward from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5140 m) to EBC (5364 m) and head back to Gorakshep, 6 to 7 hours
We will now ascend the moraine next to Khumbu Glacier and reach Thangma Riju or the Lobuche Pass. Now the steep inclines of the Changri Glacier will guide us up to Gorakshep.
After a refreshing break, we will proceed up by the now-dried Gorakshep Lake and Indian Army Climbers’ Memorial to reach EBC. The Lhotse, Icefall of Khumbu, Lhotse and Khumbutse will be remarkably close to us.
For Everest glance, Kala Patthar awaits us tomorrow; for now, we will again march back to Gorakshep.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 5140m./16,864ft. (Gorakshep )
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Day 11: Ascension of Kala Patthar (5644 m) at Dawn and trek to Dzongla (4830 m), 7 to 8 hours
Today, we will reach the 5644 m height of Kala Patthar, the highest of our Cho La Pass trek. In the dark, we will navigate the icy and rocky slopes of the route to Kala Patthar.
After around 1 to 2 hours, we will be witnessing the golden walls of Lhotse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Everest, Changtse, Lobuche, Nuptse, Khumbutse, and Lingtren.
After this breathtaking moment, we will now redirect our steps to Gorakshep. After some meal, we will set forth towards Lobuche and walk on the right trail which will take us to Dzongla after around 3 hours
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 4830m./15,846ft. (Dzongla )
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Day 12: Trek from Dzongla to Thangnak (4530 m) via Cho La pass (5420 m), 7 to 8 hours
A very early morning trek will see us traversing the route to the Cho La Pass. The nontechnical steeply inclined path will take us guiding for around five hours till we reach the pass’s elevation.
In the Sherpa tongues, it is called Chhugyuma La which offer the incredible sightings of Nuptse, Rolwaling, Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse. We will now carefully move down the pass and reach Thangnak in approximately two hours.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 5420m./17,782ft. (Cho La pass)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Day 13: Trek from Thangnak to Gokyo Lake (4790 m), 2 to 3 hours
Our path today will direct us beside the longest Ngozumpa Glacier for around two hours. Slowly one by one, the amazing Gokyo lakes emerge before our eyes.
First, the Longponga, then Taujung and then Dudh Pokhari (the first three lakes of Gokyo) will be passed as we march to our lodge beneath the cool shadow of Gokyo Ri.
We will make our evening magically beautiful with Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Everest, and Nuptse.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 4790m./15,715ft. (Gokyo Lake )
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Day 14: Early morning hike to Gokyo Ri (5357 m) and trek to Dole (4350 m), 6 to 7 hours
A very early morning non technical journey along the glacial slopes will take us around 2 hours before we finally be at the top of Gokyo Ri. The Gyachung Kang, Renjo La Pass, the Ngozumpa Glacier, and the entire Gokyo Valley seem very dazzling.
After Gokyo Ri, we can also go further to look at the beauty of the two other lakes of Gokyo. We will then descend along the lush jungle track through Macchermo, Luza, Lhafarma, and Sunpati Kharka to reach Dole.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 4350m./14,272ft. (Dole )
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Day 15: Trek from Dole to Namche Bazaar, 6 to 7 hours
The sharp downward trail after Dole will lead us over Phortse Thanga. We will then ascend the tough Mong La Pass to join the path coming down from Sanasa.
Our journey will then continue through the forested hills near Kyangjuma. We can see the hill of the army camp that hints we are closing the gap to Namche.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 3440m./11,286ft. (Namche Bazaar)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 16: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla, 6 to 7 hours
Today is the last walking portion of our Gokyo Cho La Pass trek. The descending trail will lead us through Jorsale, Monjo, Toktok, Benkar, and Phakding to Lukla where we will part our ways with our team we met at Lukla at the beginning.
Max. Altitude: 2850m./9,350ft. (Lukla)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 17: Flight to Kathmandu
A very early morning air journey will either take us to Ramechhap or straight to Kathmandu. In case of Ramechhap arrival, our private transport from the airport will journey us back to the capital.
You can enjoy the rest of Kathmandu’s leisure time exploring its nearby locations.
Max. Altitude: 1340m./4,396ft. (Kathmandu)
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 18: Contingency Day in Kathmandu
If our Lukla flight don’t go as planned, then we will resume our travel today else we will be delighted to organize one more guided tour for you around Kathmandu.
Max. Altitude: 1340m./4,396ft. (Kathmandu)
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 19: Departure
Our Everest Cho La Pass trek is now over and its your last day to embrace the beauty of Kathmandu. Allow us to guide you to TIA so you can have a comfortable journey to your home.
Route Map & Altitude Chart
Trip Information
Cho La Pass Trek: Best Season
The best season to be the participant of Cho La Pass trek will fall in the Fall and Spring times in Nepal. September, October, and November (Fall), March, April, and May (Spring) remain pleasantly predictable offering the moments for the serene reflection by the Gokyo Lake and on the route to Cho La.
However, be prepared for the populated route and the high prices of accommodations and food. June, July, and August throw the hot climate with heavy rains on the trail while December, January, and February turn the route to the Cho La Pass, EBC, and Gokyo into snowy terrain almost making them impassable.
Everest Cho La Pass Trek: Difficulties
A B-class expedition with a level 2 moderate trekking route makes our Everest Cho La Pass trek a bit tough journey in the Everest. So reasonable fitness and health are the requirements for our Gokyo Cho La Pass trek but extensive experience and technical skill are not precisely a necessity making it a safe journey for beginners as well.
Most of the route in the Everest region is now well signposted both in Nepali and English. There is also the availability of numerous high end lodgings in the trail making the overnight stays fairly comfortable.
The challenge actually arises from the high altitude terrain which will begin from the initial phase of the adventure. From 1340 m elevations to 2850 m transition immediately within just 30 minutes followed by the gradual and sometimes sudden increase often arises the risks of acute mountain sickness.
Also, the route to the Cho La Pass frequently throws the obstacle of steep slopes particularly when ascending to Namche, Tengboche, Kala Patthar, Cho La Pass, and Gokyo Ri.
However, with a good physical shape, this hiking route is available to anyone who wish to pursue their high altitude adventure in the mountains of Nepal.
Who can be the participating members of the Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek?
Our Gokyo Cho La Pass trek is a very comfortable journey for the experienced trekkers but it also is a very recommended trip for the new hikers who are fit, motivated, determined and are ready to undertake the multi-day trekking trip amid the high Himalayas.
Please remember, that you have to succeed over the vertically inclined slopes of the rough Himalayan landscape. You will also have to pass up and down over the Cho La Pass, the Gokyo Ri, and the prominent Kala Patthar.
This journey will not be simple and easy but it will be thrilling and intriguing with the changing of not only landscape but also of weather. In return get ready to adore the Everest, and its numerous adjacent and equally stunning peaks.
Additionally, our 19 days Cho La Pass trek itinerary will offer you to progress in a very gradual pace with plenty of acclimatization chances. However, we request those who already are going through the lung and heart issues to consult and seek guidance from their doctor before proceeding in our Cho La Pass trek.
AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)and Acclimatization
We cant deny the fact that there is the possibility of altitude sickness which you may know as the acute mountain sickness (AMS) in our Cho La Pass trek.
To minimize its intensity, we have placed plenty of acclimatization days in between the journey so you will have ample chances to get comfortable with the high-environment air of Khumbu.
You will have two nights and days at Namche, and Dingboche first before you reach EBC. This approach will help you adapt to the highly elevated atmosphere after which you will be completely prepared to face the altitude of Cho La Pass and Gokyo Valley.
With even all these precautions, you may face the mild occurrence of AMS when ascending to EBC. Generally, the symptoms of AMS vary from one to another but most common ones include dizziness, headache, hands and feet swelling, decreased appetite, and nausea.
These are temporary and will diminish over one or two days. If not, our guide will help you get to a lower elevation and resume your journey only after you feel better.
We urge all our trekking participants to not ignore drinking 4 liter of water and to integrate garlic, ginger, lemon and honey on their diet. To get rid of mild occurrence of AMS, you can take aspirin, or ibuprofen and use Diamox in Kathmandu before ascending to higher altitudes.
Physical Preparation for the 19 Days Cho La Pass Trek
We request all our guests to prepare for the Gokyo Cho La Pass trek not only physically but also mentally as it is not a simple but several days journey in the higher zone of the Himalayas.
Please initiate your preparation and physical training 3 months ahead of your adventure. Concentrate on increasing your lung capacity, leg endurance, core muscle strength, and the overall stamina.
The simple weekly routines of cycling, swimming, jogging, hiking, and running along with stair climbing can prepare you for the extensive trekking and constant up and down terrain of Everest.
We also recommend you to go on some simple mountain hiking adventure to at least 3000 m so you are re-adapted to higher elevation. Because Nepal terrain and weather will be entirely different from what you are used to, we suggest you to go for the Gokyo Lake Trek or the EBC trek for your first trip.
Please also gather as much info you can get about the EBC and Gokyo Valley. Be prepared to follow what our guide says as he is the local of the area and expert in his field.
Secondary Trail to Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek
Our travel itinerary for the 19 days Cho La Pass trek goes on the counterclockwise route but the clockwise route also exists that will lead you to the Cho La Pass.
This route will first guide you to the Gokyo Valley through Namche, then you will traverse over Cho La Pass and travel further and higher to EBC and Kala Patthar.
Lodging, Food, and Transportation
Allow us to take care of your sleeping, dining and transportation arrangements during your 19 days Cho La Pass Trek. You will have a highly-rated three-star hotel in Kathmandu for your night stay.
The hotel will offer you twin room with generously large two single beds along with your own bathroom, hot shower and WiFi access for free. Your each morning will begin with hygienic breakfast in the hotel with the flexibility of selecting your own menu for dinners and lunches.
When your hiking part begins, all the overnight villages will offer you the comfortable mountain tea houses where you will have two beds again. In the Khumbu and Gokyo Valley, you may also get the private bathroom with hot water, and WiFi like in Kathmandu.
However, the WiFi, hot water and the charging of your camera or mobile or any other electric gear can cost you an extra minimal fee. Dinners, lunches and breakfasts will be on us which will be served at the dining room of the tea houses en route.
Dal Vat, pasta, pizza, bakery items, noodles, dumplings, eggs, porridge, and many more will be on the menu of the tea houses.
You will also have all-inclusive transportation services including international and internal airport transfers, private city tour, hotel transfers, and Kathmandu- Ramechhap transfer (when necessary).
The flight between Kathmandu/Ramechhap and Lukla will also be managed.
Permits for the Cho La Pass Trek
We will also take care of the two vital permits mandatory for our Cho La Pass trek. The first one is the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit (NPR 3000 per tourist) and the second one is the Khumbu local area entry permit (NPR 2000 per tourist).
Both are available from the counters at Lukla or Monjo while the National Park entry permit is also available from the counter of the tourism office in Kathmandu.
Travel Insurance
Please comprehend that AMS, injuries, accidents, and natural disasters are possible threats in the Himalayas. The turn of events can cause the need for an immediate search, and rescue mission by helicopter which is very pricey not only in Nepal but also in other countries.
Likewise, the medical facilities and care services are also quite priced in Kathmandu while they are not available in Everest and Gokyo Valley.
That’s why a travel insurance has been made compulsory for any type of multi day high altitude remote treks in Nepal such as the Cho La Pass trek.
Please include the hiking activities above 5000 m in the Himalayas along with the support for the Helicopter rescue and transport. It would also be wise if you add other coverage to protect yourself against trip and flight postponement, cancellation, baggage damage or theft and extended long stays in Nepal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unlike others, Adventure Tansen trek emphasize on the well-being of all its clients so we have included several rest days in between the travel days along with the slow and steady pace travel duration for each day hiking.
Certainly you can keep your mobile, camera, power bank, batteries and other electric gear charged at small fee at the tea houses you sleep.
Sure, you can either opt to use the WiFi available in the tea house at a small fee or purchase the suitable offer of the Everest Link or Airlink WiFi services or use the 4G plan of NTC or NCELL.
The ascension to the Cho La Pass will be quite tough and long.
It depends on your habit and preference but generally, US Dollars 30 for each day is more than enough.
We can either take you to Gokyo Lake or EBC.
No, it is very high- altitude adventure in the remotest part of Nepal which can be pretty tough on young children and seniors.
In such case, we can always adjust the travel plan and extend it by few days. The rest of the trekkers will go on based on the travel program already set and you can navigate lightly in the company of our guide.
