Everest Cho La Pass Trek

Everest Base Camp

Elevation: 5,364 meters

The base camp is the dream destination for trekkers and climbers worldwide. Upon reaching here, you will be standing at the foot of a higher mountain, Mount Everest. The site also offers stunning views of other mountains, such as Lhotse and Ama Dablam. You can also witness the close-up views of the Khumbu Icefall and the surrounding peaks.

Gokyo Ri

Elevation: 5,357 meters

Gokyo Ri is a renowned viewpoint in the Everest region. It provides some of the best panoramic views of the Himalayan giants. From the summit of Gokyo Ri, you can enjoy spectacular views of four of the world’s highest peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

Cho La Pass

Elevation: 5,420 meters

Cho La Pass is a challenging high-altitude pass that connects the Gokyo Valley with the Everest Base Camp trail. Crossing this pass, you will have an adventurous experience. It offers stunning views of surrounding peaks, glaciers, and rugged terrain. However, with more difficulty, you must pass the pass miz with rocky and glacial crossing.

Gokyo Lakes

Elevation: 4,700 meters

The Gokyo Lakes are a series of six glacial lakes in the Gokyo Valley, renowned for their striking turquoise color. Reaching here, you will see the tranquil and scenic surroundings. This place is sacred for both Hindu and Buddhist people. It is the perfect place for relaxing and enjoying the beauty.

Namche Bazaar

Elevation: 3,440 meters

Namche Bazaar is the central trading hub and gateway to the Everest region. You can explore the local markets, visit the Sherpa Cultural Museum, and stop by cafes, bakeries, and lodges. It is also a great place to acclimatize, with scenic day hikes to surrounding viewpoints.

We usually wake up around 6:00 AM with a warm cup of tea or coffee brought to our tent or room. We will have breakfast and begin our trek around 7:30 to 8:00 AM. The morning walk is often the most enjoyable. It provides us with fresh air and clear views of the mountains. We hike at a steady pace, taking short breaks to rest and hydrate.

Around noon, we stop for lunch at a tea house or a designated picnic spot. The lunch break usually lasts about an hour, giving us time to rest and recharge. Meals of ten include local dishes like dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, or potatoes. After lunch, we continue our hike. This trek section can be pretty challenging, with steep climbs and descends.

By mid to late afternoon, we reach our destination for the day. We check into our tea house or set up camp, enjoying well-deserved rest. You usually have to explore the surroundings, visit local villages, or simply. Upon arrival, we are often greeted with a hot beverage and a light snack, which provides a nice break before dinner.

We get dinner at around 6:00 to 7:00 PM. Meals are hearty and filling, often including soup, rice or pasta dishes, vegetables, and sometimes meat. After dinner, our guide briefs us on the next day’s trek. We always go to bed early, around 8:00 to 9:00 PM.

Pre-Monsoon (Spring) Season: March to May

During this period, the weather is generally stable with clear skies. Temperatures are moderate, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) at lower elevations. Higher up, temperatures can be below freezing at night. The trails are in good condition, and the blooming rhododendrons add to the scenic beauty. This is one of the peak trekking seasons, so expect more trekkers on the trail and busier teahouses.

Post-Monsoon (Autumn) Season: September to November

The weather is stable and transparent after the monsoon season, similar to the spring season. Daytime temperatures are comfortable, comparable to spring, with cooler nights. At higher altitudes, it can get quite cold, especially at night. The trails are generally dry and in good condition. Like spring, autumn is a peak trekking season, so many trekkers will be on the route.

Additional Considerations

Winter Season (December to February): This season is less popular due to the harsh cold, especially at higher altitudes, and the potential for heavy snowfall, making crossing the Cho La Pass more difficult and dangerous. However, this can be an option for those seeking solitude and are well-prepared for cold weather.

Monsoon Season (June to early September): The monsoon season brings heavy rains, making trails slippery and increasing the risk of landslides and flooding. The Cho La Pass can be particularly treacherous. Clouds often obscure views, and leeches are common at lower elevations. This season is generally not recommended for trekking.

The Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass trek is a strenuous and challenging trek. It combines high-altitude trekking with the technical challenge. Here are some factors that contribute to the difficulty of the trek:

Altitude

The trek reaches altitudes over 5,000 meters (16,404 feet), with the highest point being the Cho La Pass at approximately 5,420 meters (17,782 feet). This leads to thinning of oxygen levels at higher altitudes. Thus, it makes the trek more challenging.

Terrain

The trail over the Cho La Pass is rocky and can be icy, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. You can encounter slippery paths, which need a careful footing. The route further includes steep climbs and descends, making it physically demanding.

Weather

Weather in the high Himalayas can change rapidly, bringing snow, strong winds, and low temperatures, particularly at the pass. Even during the best trekking seasons, temperatures at night can drop significantly, and it can be very cold on the past.

Physical Fitness

The trek requires a high level of physical fitness and endurance. Daily trekking can range from 5 to 8 hours, with longer days when crossing the pass. Physical preparation and training before the trek are essential to handle the physical demands.

Technical Difficulty

The Cho La Pass involves crossing a glacier covered with snow and ice. Some sections may require basic mountaineering skills, such as using crampons and an ice axe. There may be crevasses on the glacier, which require careful navigation.

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit:

This permit is mandatory for entering Sagarmatha National Park, which encompasses the Everest region. The permit fee is NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 30) per person. You can get it from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or at the entry checkpoint in Monjo, on the trekking route.

Khumbu Rural Municipality Entry Permit (Local Permit):

This permit is necessary to enter the Khumbu region, which includes villages like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Everest Base Camp.
The permit fee varies but is approximately NPR 2,000 to 2,000 (USD 20) per person. You can obtain the permit at the Monjo checkpoint or other Khumbu region entry points.

During the trek, we provide you with all your meals, while in Kathmandu, only breakfast will be available. There will be a welcome dinner featuring typical cuisine and a menu-selected farewell dinner. On the trek, teahouses or lodges provide you with breakfast and dinner, and we will take lunch to the next destination. Common menu choices include Nepalese, Tibetan, continental, and Indian cuisines.

Breakfast: Porridge, Pancakes, Eggs, Tibetan Bread, Chapati
Lunch and Dinner: Dal Bhat, Noodles, Momos, Pasta Soup, Fried Rice

It’s possible to find vegetarian options, but vegan and gluten-free choices are more limited. Informing your guide or teahouse staff about dietary needs in advance can help. Food hygiene standards can vary. Stick to hot, freshly cooked food to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses. As you go higher, the cost of meals increases due to the difficulty of transport.

During the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass trek, accommodation primarily consists of teahouses and lodges. These establishments offer basic yet comfortable lodging with twin beds, mattresses, pillows, and blankets. At lower altitudes, you might find attached bathrooms with hot showers. However, bathrooms are usually shared at higher elevations, and hot water may incur an additional cost. Rooms are typically unheated, with heating available only in the common dining areas, making a warm sleeping bag essential.

In Kathmandu, accommodation before and after the trek includes hotels offering more comfort and amenities than the teahouses on the trail. During your stay in Kathmandu, you will be given breakfast, a special welcome, and a farewell dinner featuring typical Nepali cuisine. It’s advisable to book teahouse accommodations in advance during peak trekking seasons and carry enough cash for expenses, as credit cards are rarely accepted.

The 16-day Everest Base Camp trek is moderate in difficulty. The trek covers 10-15 kilometers on varied up and downhill trails daily. It is suitable for travelers who can walk 6-7 hours daily. To prepare for this physically demanding trek, engaging in regular morning jogging and an hour of exercise each day for at least a month before the trek is advisable.

Those with previous experience in high-altitude trekking will find the journey more manageable. Although past hiking experience is beneficial, it is not mandatory as no technical skills are necessary. Before making your journey towards the Chola Pass, it is important to consult a doctor if you have any medical problems. If you are a patient with heart and lungs, we recommend not taking this trial. If you are trekking with us, you must inform us for your safety.

Acclimatization is very important if you are trekking to Chola Pass Trek. It helps to prevent altitude sickness and ensures a safe and enjoyable trekking experience. Proper acclimatization allows the body to adapt to these conditions gradually. The itinerary typically includes planned acclimatization days, especially at key points such as Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. These rest days allow the body to adjust to the altitude.

These days, you undertake short hikes to higher elevations and then return to sleep at a lower altitude, following the principle of “climb high, sleep low.” This helps stimulate the body’s adaptation process and reduces the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). In addition to planned acclimatization days, you should maintain a slow and steady pace, stay well-hydrated, eat nutritious meals, and avoid alcohol and smoking.

Travel insurance is essential for the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass trek due to the challenging nature of the journey and the potential risks involved. Here are the key aspects to consider when choosing travel insurance for this trek:

Coverage

• High-Altitude Trekking
• Emergency Evacuation
• Medical Expenses
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption
• Loss/Theft of Belongings
• Travel Delays

If you are looking for insurance, it is essential to choose reputable insurance. The provider should have experience covering high-altitude treks and good customer reviews. You should read the policy carefully to understand the terms, conditions, and exclusions. Please consider the altitude limit and ensure it matches the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass trek requirements. Make sure the insurance covers the entire duration of your trip, including extra days in case of