Everest Chola Pass Trek- 17 days

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17 Days

Trip Duration

Difficulty

Difficult

Activities

Trekking

Group Size

Min 1 People

Max. Altitude

5545m./18192ft.

Destination

Nepal

Meals

17 Breakfast
14 Lunch
14 Dinner

Accommodation

3 star hotel in Kathmandu
Guest house during the trek

Transportation

Flight
Private Vehicle

Highlights of Everest Chola Pass Trek- 17 days

A stimulating 25 to 30-minute mountain flight to and from Lukla.
Meld into the dynamic culture and tradition of sherpa and the zest of Tibetan Buddhism as we explore the vicinity of Namche bazaar (the sherpa capital), Gorak Shep, Khumjung Village, and so on.
Experience the enchanting and marvelous view of majestic Mt. Everest by strolling amidst Kalapathar (5550m) and Gokyo Ri(5357m), two famous spots that offer a different perspective of the mountainscape.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Cho La Pass, one of the highest passes in the world, and discover the magnificent Gokyo Valley, where you’ll encounter five breathtaking glacier lakes that will leave you amazed.
Experience a delightful pace through the lavish alpine vegetation and witness diverse wildlife in the Gokyo Valley, Sagarmatha National Park, or Khumbu region.
Experience the rich Sherpa culture and hospitality by visiting traditional villages, and monasteries, and interacting with local Sherpa communities along the trek.

Trip Overview of Everest Chola Pass Trek- 17 days

The Everest Cho La Pass Trek, an extension of the Everest base camp trek and is technically more challenging than other treks. It offers adventurous travelers an opportunity to experience the exhilaration of ambitious adventure and is packed with thrill and frenzy. Throughout the trek, you’ll pass through one of the highest passes in the world, Cho La Pass (5520 m), and catch a glimpse of the awe-inspiring Mt. Everest as well as the stunning sight of Gokyo Valley at the rim of Gokyo Lakes.

The trek is fascinating and adventurous as you’ll stumble upon stupendous Sherpa villages and experience their rich culture and tradition. You’ll also get a closer look at the wonder of Tibetan Buddhism, charming and beautiful alpine vegetation and wildlife as you walk through Sagarmatha National Park. Additionally, you’ll be able to witness the glaciers, natural falls, landscapes, and high pasturelands, as well as the miraculous sight of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Amadablam, and areas like Kalapathar, Tengboche Monastery, Gorakshep, and Gokyo-Ri.

This 17-day trek is an unforgettable adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Detail about Everest Cho La Pass Trek :

The Everest Cho La Pass Trek presents an exciting and exhilarating journey through high passes and sublime landscapes. The Cho La Pass, standing at an elevation of 5420 meters, is situated between the Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp. The trek entails crossing icy pathways over the Khumbu and Chola glaciers and exploring the natural and cultural attractions this trek offers..

The trek begins at Lukla Airport, one of the world’s shortest runways and high-elevation airport. The trek will take you through dramatic mountain flights, and as it progresses, you will encounter famous Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar, Khumjung Village, Tengboche, and Lobuche. The route passes through Sagarmatha National Park, recognized as a UNESCO-listed natural heritage site. This area, also known as the Khumbu region, is home to Mt. Everest (8848 m) and several other peaks over 8000 m.

The journey to Cho La is genuinely admirable, as it follows the footsteps of Tenzing Norbu Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary, culminating at the Kala Pathar Hill station. Along the way, you will come across the Khumjung Hillary School, founded by Sir Edmund Hillary in the Khumjung villages. The path meanders through lush alpine forests, replete with rhododendrons – the national flower of Nepal – as well as oak, pine, high pasturelands, and a diverse range of wildlife such as Mountains Goat, musk deer, Ghoral, and Himalayan Thar as well as red-billed chough, pheasant, blood pheasant, and yellow-billed chough.

During the Cho La Pass Trek, you will experience a cultural journey as you merge with the rich culture and tradition of Sherpas and gain insights into Tibetan Buddhism. You’ll visit the oldest and biggest monastery, one of the most significant monasteries in the Khumbu region, the Tengboche Monastery. Tengboche Monastery is a place of great significance and has been home to hundreds of monks. Its location affords a breathtaking view of the Himalayan Mountains, adding to the charm of the experience.

Explore Gokyo Valley’s diverse landscape, vegetation, and wildlife; witness the beauty of Gokyo lakes and icefall; cross glaciers; and visit the Gokyo villages on the third Gokyo lake, Dudh Pokhari. Reaching Gokyo Ri (5,357m), where you can enjoy sweeping views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu, are some of the main headliners of the Everest Chola trek.

Detail Itinerary of Everest Chola Pass Trek- 17 days

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

A Representative of our team will meet you at Kathmandu airport and escort you to your assigned hotel. According to your arrival schedule, you can take a short trip around the lively area of Thamel, where you can stroll through the streets and enjoy the glimmering lights, fascinating shops, and the constant flow of people. Afterward, you can relax and spend the night at the hotel.

Activity & Duration

30 mintues drive

Highest Altitude

1335m. (Kathmandu)

Meals

Breakfast included

Accommodation

3- star hotel

Day 2: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2652m/8699ft) Duration: 3 hrs

In the early morning, you will fly from Kathmandu domestic airport to Lukla. This 30-minute flight offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the mountain range of Nepal’s eastern part of the Himalayas. Upon arrival at Lukla airport, your first day of walking begins. It is an easy three-hour walk, where you will pass through Chaurikharka village, take a short descent to Dudhkosi Valley, cross the local-style suspension bridge, and climb up to reach Phakding. Along the way, you will encounter majestic views of the mountains, landscapes, Tibetan words carved in rocks, and multi-colored Buddhist flags hanging around the mani walls.

Activity & Duration

25 mintues flight and 3 hours hiking

Highest Altitude

2652m. (Phakding)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft). Hiking Distance: 10 to 12 km, Duration: 6 hours

As you continue your trek, you will follow the bank of the Dudhkosi River and cross several suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags. You will climb uphill through a lush forest of pine cedar and rhododendrons, giving you an exceptional view of Thamserku Peak. The village of Monju, which is the entrance gate of the Sagarmatha National Park, is your next stop. After registering your permits, you will enter the dense woods where you can catch a first glimpse of Mt. Everest. You will then move downhill to reach the village of Jorsale (2805 m). After crossing the last suspension bridge, famously known as the Hillary Suspension Bridge, you will take a steep ascent to reach Namche. Namche is a famous trading town located in the heart of the Khumbu region and is blessed with a beautiful mountain view. It is a hub for climbers and trekkers, where you will stay overnight at the Lodge in Namche.

Activity & Duration

6 hours hiking

Highest Altitude

3440m. (Namche)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Day 4: Acclimatization Day – Hike to Everest View Hotel | Walking Distance - 3 to 4 km, Duration: 3 to 4 hour

Today is a day for acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness. You will take a short hike to the Everest View Hotel, where you can get a mesmerizing view of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho-Oyu, Thamserku, and many other mountains. After that, you will continue to descend to Khumjung, where you will have a chance to visit the Hillary School and a 500-year-old monastery that has housed a “Yeti skull” since 1995. While descending to Namche, you will also see a big yak farm on the way down. Once you arrive in Namche, you will visit the Sherpa Museum to learn about the traditional customs of the Sherpa people, as well as a mountain photo gallery.

Activity & Duration

3-4 hours hike

Highest Altitude

3880m. (Everest View Hotel)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Day 5: Trek to Tengboche 3,860m/12,677ft- 4/5hrs.

As you continue the trek, you will leave Namche behind and head towards Tengboche. Along the trail, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the landscape and snow-capped mountains. You will descend deep down the Dudh Koshi River until you reach Phungki Thanka, crossing a suspension bridge adorned with prayer flags. After crossing the bridge, you will begin your ascent to Tengboche, which will be steep but well worth it for the stunning views of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, and more. Along the way, you will also pass through a rhododendron forest. The Tengboche monastery is the largest in the Khumbu region and serves as a spiritual landmark. In the evening or morning, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset or sunrise over the panoramic mountain views.

Activity & Duration

4-5 hours hike

Highest Altitude

3860m. (Tengbouche)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Day 6: Trek to Dingboche (4,410m/14,464ft), Duration: 5 Hours

Today, on your trek, you will continue descending through the beautiful rhododendron forest and cross the lively Imja River via a suspension bridge. You will climb steadily to reach Pangboche village, which is well-known for being the largest community inhabited mainly by the Sherpa people, as well as the Pangboche Monastery. As you continue your ascent towards Dingboche, you will be greeted by a breathtaking view of Mt. Amadablam, Mt. Lhotse, and other magnificent peaks. A short climb will bring you to Dingboche, which is also known as the Summer Valley. You will spend the night at a lodge in Dingboche and rest up for the next day’s journey

Activity & Duration

5 hours hike

Highest Altitude

4410m. (Dingbouche)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Day 7: Dingboche to Nagerjun (5,100m/16,728ft) and Return, Duration: 4 Hours

You have one more day of rest to acclimatize properly. Today, you will take a short hike up to Nagerjun hill and the surrounding valleys of Chhukung and Imja, which connect with Island Peak, the high passes of Amphu Laptsa, and Makalu Barun National Park. To the southwest, you will get an unusual view of the picturesque peak of Amadablam from the eastern face. With an exceptional view of the mountains and surrounding landscape, this short trek is one of the trip’s highlights. Afterward, you will return to Dingboche.

Activity & Duration

4-5 hours hike

Highest Altitude

5100m. (Nagerjun Hill)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Day 8: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910m/16,105ft), Duration: 5 Hours

After departing from Dingboche, you will head towards Lobuche while walking alongside the tip of Khumbu Glacier, Thugla. As you leave behind the Trekkers Aid Post at Pheriche, located at 4240 m, the trek will gradually become more challenging as you gain altitude. You will need to climb up a short but steep hill to reach Chukpo Lari, from where you will observe memorials built in honor of the people who lost their lives while climbing Everest. Finally, you will arrive and rest for the night at Lobuche, a small mountainous settlement with stunning views of Mt. Lobuche, Mt. Pumari, and the Nuptse.

Activity & Duration

5 hours hike

Highest Altitude

4910m. (Lobuche)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Day 9: Trek from Lobuche (4910m) to Gorakshep(5140m) then to Everest Base Camp (5364m), back to Gorakshep, Duration: 8 Hours

You will depart Lobuche early in the morning and make your way towards Gorakshep, the last human settlement along the Everest base camp trail. The hike to Gorakshep takes around 2–3 hours and involves walking across flat grassland before following the Khumbu Glacier northwards and making a short climb up. The straight trail to Everest Base Camp is more challenging, as it involves traversing a rocky ridge and moraine, which is essentially a buildup of unconsolidated glacial debris while walking along the side ridge of the Khumbu glacier. After walking on the ridge for roughly one and a half hours, you will finally reach Everest base camp. Here, you will be rewarded with stunning views of several peaks, including Ama Dablam, Tawache, Nuptse, Khumbuste, Pumori, and of course, Everest itself. The sight of the Khumbu Icefall and Khumbu Glacier from this location is awe-inspiring. You will then return to Gorakshep for the night.

Activity & Duration

7-8 hours hike

Highest Altitude

4910m. (Gorakshep)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Day 10: Hiking to Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,188ft) - Gorak Shep and Trek to Dzongla (4,830m/15,840ft), Duration: 7 Hours

Today, you will embark on a 1.5 to 2-hour hike in the early morning to reach Kalapthar, situated on the south ridge of Mt. Pumori. Here, you will be able to witness the stunning sight of a sunrise on the majestic Himalayas from every angle, including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori, Chhangtse, and many more. After enjoying the excellent views of Everest Base Camp and Khumbu Glacier and spending some time in Kalapathar, you will head back to Gorekshep for breakfast before continuing your journey to Dzolgla. To reach Dzolgla, you will need to trek via Lobuche from Gorekshep, which should take about 2 hours. From Lobuche to Dzolgla, it should take another 2 hours, totaling 7-8 hours of hiking for the day. You can rest in Dzolgla for the night before continuing to the Chola pass.

Activity & Duration

7 hours hike

Highest Altitude

5545m. (Kalapathar)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Day 11: Trek to Dragnak/Thangna (4,700m/15,415ft) via Cho La Pass (5,420m/17,780ft), Duration: 7 Hours

You will start your hike from Dzongla via Chola Pass in the early morning, heading towards Dragnak /Thangna. You will cross the rugged terrain and reach a barren valley after passing through the spur forest. From there, you will climb up the vertical path to Chola Pass, which stands at an elevation of 5,420m. The rocky terrain will make the ascent more challenging, and you will also have to pass through an icy path along the Chola Glacier before traversing the pass. This trail is hazardous and challenging, but it offers an incredible view of the surrounding mountains. After reaching Chola Pass, we will descend down the rock-strewn path before arriving at Phedi. From Phedi, we will walk down to Thangna, a small village that has lodges and tea shops. Thangna also rewards you with stunning views of peaks like Machhermo and others.

Activity & Duration

7 hours hike

Highest Altitude

4700m. (Dragnak)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Day 12: Trek from Dragnak/Thangna (4,700m/15,415ft) to Gokyo Lakes (4,790m/15,710ft), Duration: 2-3 Hours

You begin your trek to Gokyo Lake by crossing the Ngozumpa Glacier, renowned as the largest glacier in Nepal, which stretches over 36 kilometers. It will take around 2–3 hours to reach the holy Gokyo Lake at an altitude of 4,790m from Thangna. Before discovering Gokyo, you will pass along a series of Gokyo lakes in harmony—Longpongo, Toboche Tsho, and Dudh Pokhari. You can also explore the stunning Gokyo Valley with a background view of Everest, Cho-Oyu, Lhotse Makalu, and others, making the vibe more alluring. You will spend the night in Gokyo.

Activity & Duration

2-3 hours hike

Highest Altitude

4790m. (Gokyo Lake)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Day 13: Hiking to Gokyo RI (5483m/19083ft) and trek to Dole (4200m/13775) Distance: 16.5 Km, Duration 7-8 Hours

Today, you will hike for about 3 hours to reach GokyoRi. GokyoRi is located at an altitude of 5,483m on the northern side of Gokyo Lake and the west side of the Ngozumpa glacier. From the peak of Gokyo Ri, you will be able to see four 8,000-metre peaks: Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Additionally, other mountains, such as Pumori and Nuptse, will also be visible from the top. You will also see five tranquil glacier lakes, including the famous Dhudpokhari and Ngozumpa glacier. After spending some quality time there, you will climb down to Gokyo and trek to Dole, which is at an altitude of 4,200m. You will follow the Dudh Koshi River to get to Dole.

Activity & Duration

7-8 hours hike

Highest Altitude

5483m. (Gokyo Ri)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Day 14: Trek to Namche (3440m/11285ft) Distance: 11.5 Km, Duration 5-6 Hours

After spending a night in Dole, the trek from Dole to Namche will take around 6 hours. Along the way, you will also pass through Phorste Tenga and Khumjung village while walking on the base of Mount Amadablam before finally reaching Namche, where you will spend the night.

Activity & Duration

5-6 hours hike

Highest Altitude

3440m. (Namche)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Day 15: Trek to Lukla (2,800m/9,184ft), Duration: 7 Hours

Today, you will trek from Namche to Lukla and follow the route along the Dudh Kosi River. After that, you will walk towards Monjo and then Phakding, which takes about 5–6 hours. From there, it’s an easy walk to Lukla; from Namche to Lukla, it will take you around 7-8 hours. Spend your afternoon and night in Lukla before heading back to the capital. Take some time to relax and enjoy your surroundings after a long trek.

Activity & Duration

7 hours hike

Highest Altitude

2800m. (Lukla)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Day 16: Fly back to Kathmandu

After completing your trek, you will take a scenic flight from Lukla to reach Kathmandu. On a clear day, you will have a superb view of the Himalayas from the plane. Upon arrival, we will drive you to your hotel where you can rest for a while. Later, we will take you to Thamel, a popular tourist hub in Kathmandu, where you can buy souvenirs for your friends and family. In the evening, we will host a dinner party at a restaurant in Thamel. You will spend one more night in Kathmandu before your departure.

Activity & Duration

25 mintues flight

Highest Altitude

1335m. (Kathmandu)

Meals

Breakfast and Dinner included

Accommodation

3-star hotel

Day 17: Departure

We will bid you farewell at Tribhuvan International Airport and welcome you to visit us again. We hope you have a wonderful experience with us.

Activity & Duration

30 mintues drive

Highest Altitude

1335m. (Kathmandu)

Meals

breakfast included

Includes and Excludes

What is included?

All ground transport in a private vehicle, including airport transfers.
Two nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu.
Three daily meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
Best available twin-sharing lodge for accommodation during the trek. Private bathrooms with hot showers are provided at Phakding, Namche, and Lukla.
Snacks of seasonal fruits during the trek.
One highly experienced, helpful, and friendly guide. Porters (1 porter for two people) including their food, accommodation, salary, and equipment. Accident insurance for all staff.
Round-trip to/from Lukla, including transfers. (Flights operate via Ramechhap Airport during peak season).
Use of down jacket and sleeping bag while trekking.
Duffle bag for trekking.
Trekking map and trip achievement certificate.
First aid medicine kit including oximeter to monitor oxygen level and heartbeat.
Farewell Dinner hosted by Hike Holiday Treks after trek.
Sagarmatha National Park Permit fee.
TIMS Fee- Trekkers’ Information Management System (Please bring two passport-size photos for the permit).
Government taxes & office service charge.

What is excluded?

Lunches and dinners while in Kathmandu.
Personal travel insurance.
International airfare.
Nepal entry visa. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a visa can be obtained quickly. A multiple-entry tourist visa for 30 days is available for US $50 or equivalent in foreign currency. Similarly, a multiple-entry tourist visa for 90 days can be obtained for US $100. Please bring two passport-size photos.
Soft drinks, including water.
Local/guided tours in Kahtmandu.
Snacks and other personal expenses.
Hot showers during the trek, except in Phakding, Namche, and Lukla.
Personal trekking equipment.
Wi-Fi internet and phone calls unless they are free.
Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and drivers.