Trip Details

  • Destination: Nepal

About Cho La Pass Trek

The Cho La Pass Trek is standing at an elevation of 5420 meters (17782 feet), which is one of the most thrilling and scenic route in the Everest region of Nepal. Cho La Pass offers a challenging yet rewarding high-altitude crossing for trekkers seeking the Khumbu region. This trek allows adventurer to experience diverse landscapes, from serene glacial lakes in Gokyo to the rugged terrain and panoramic Himalayan vistas atop the pass, including views of giants like Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.

The journey typically begins with a flight into Lukla, followed by a gradual ascent through traditional Sherpa villages such as Namche Bazaar, Dole, Machhermo, and trekkers finally reach the beautiful Gokyo Lakes. Crossing the Cho La Pass itself requires navigating a steep, icy trail and sometimes involves the use of micro spikes or crampons, especially during colder months. The descent leads into the Dzongla valley, from where trekkers continue towards Lobuche and eventually to Everest Base Camp or Kala Patthar.

We set the Cho La Pass trek apart is the combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and physical challenges. Trekkers encounter glacial moraines, crevasses, and High Mountain passes while also getting the opportunity to learn about Sherpa culture and Buddhist tradition in remote villages and monasteries. While it is not a technical climb, the Cho La Pass demands good physical fitness, proper acclimatization, and preparation for unpredictable mountain weather. Overall, the Cho La Pass trek is an excellent choice for seasoned trekkers looking to experience a more adventurous and scenic alternative to the standard Everest Base Camp route.

Cho La Pass Trek Routes

The Cho La Pass trek is the high-altitude trekking route in the Khumbu region of Nepal, forming a dramatic connection between the Everest Base Camp (EBC) and the Gokyo Valley. The trek typically begins with a flight to Lukla, progressing through famous Sherpa villages such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboch before heading towards Lobuche and Everest Base Camp. After visiting Everest Base Camp and the vantage point of Kala Patthar for sweeping views of Mount Everest, trekkers descend to Dzongla, where the trail diverges towards Cho La Pass. This section is more challenging due to the steep ascent and potential snow or ice, with the pass sitting at an elevation of 5420 meters (17782 feet).

Once over the pass, the route descends into the Gokyo Valley, leading to the tranquil, turquoise Gokyo Lake and the challenging hike up Gokyo Ri (5357 meters). The trail returns via Dole and Machhermo to rejoin the main Everest Base Camp route at Namche Bazaar before concluding back in Lukla. The Cho La Pass Trek is physically demanding and requires good acclimatization, but rewards trekkers with a rich combination of landscapes, cultures, and some of the most iconic views in the Everest Region.

Highlights

  • Allows adventurers to experience diverse landscapes, from serene glacial lakes in Gokyo to the rugged terrain
  • Trekkers encounter glacial moraines, crevasses, and High Mountain passes
  • Opportunity to learn about Sherpa culture and Buddhist tradition in remote villages and monasteries of Everest region
  • Excellent choice for seasoned trekkers looking to experience a more adventurous and scenic alternative to the standard Everest Base Camp

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 1Arrive in Kathmandu
  • Day 2Sightseeing and preparation for trekking
  • Day 3Kathmandu-Lukla (30-minute flight)-Phakding
  • Day 4Phakding - Namche Bazaar
  • Day 5Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
  • Day 6Namche Bazaar - Dole
  • Day 7Dole - Machhermo
  • Day 8Machhermo - Gokyo
  • Day 9Gokyo - Thagnak
  • Day 10Thagnak - Dzongla
  • Day 11Dzongla - Lobuche
  • Day 12Lobuche - Gorakshep
  • Day 13Gorakshep - Pheriche
  • Day 14Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
  • Day 15Namche Bazaar - Lukla
  • Day 16Fly back to Kathmandu
  • Day 17Departure day
Day to day details itinerary

What's Included

  • Airport pickup and drop by private vehicle
  • Three times meal (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during trekking
  • Fluently English-speaking and government licensed holder guide
  • Domestic flight ticket (Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu)
  • All necessary permit and local permits fees
  • Salary of porter and guide
  • Personal expansion
  • Tips for Guide and porter
  • Lunch and dinner at Kathmandu
  • Extra accommodation at Kathmandu
  • Travel insurance and rescue operation cost

Useful Information

Difficulty level of Cho La Pass Trek

The Cho La Pass trek in the Everest region of Nepal is considered moderately to highly challenging, depending on the trekker’s experience and fitness level. The pass itself sits at an altitude of 5420 meters, which presents a significant risk of altitude sickness. The trek involves steep ascents and descents, often on rocky, icy, or unstable terrain, especially near the pass. Weather conditions can change rapidly, adding to the difficulty, and snow or ice can make certain sections particularly treacherous without proper gear and preparation.

What sets Cho La apart from other high-altitude treks is the technical nature of crossing the pass itself. Although it does not requires advanced mountaineering skills, the presence of glaciers and crevasses demands careful navigation and sometimes the use of crampons. Trekkers must also be prepared for long trekking days, limited facilities in remote areas, and the need for good acclimatization schedules. Overall, while the Cho La Pass trek is incredibly rewarding, offering stunning views and a challenging adventure, it is best suited for those with prior high-altitude trekking experience or excellent physical conditioning.

Is Cho La Pass trek worth it?

The Cho La Pass trek is absolutely worth it for experienced trekkers seeking adventure and dramatic Himalayan scenery. This high-altitude pass, sitting at around 5420 meters (17782 feet), connects the Gokyo Valley with Everest Base Camp trail, offering a unique chance to explore both iconic routes in one journey. The views from the pass itself snow-draped peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and towering ice walls are nothing short of breathtaking. Along the way, you will also pass through remote Sherpa villages, including Gokyo with its beautiful lakes and the panoramic viewpoint of Gokyo Ri, making the experience rich in both natural beauty and cultural immersion.

However, this Cho La Pass trek is physically demanding and not suited for beginners. The crossing of Cho La requires proper gear, stable weather conditions, and good acclimatization due to its steep ascents, icy sections, and unpredictable terrain. While the challenge adds to its allure for seasoned hikers, those less prepared may finds it grueling or unsafe.