Cho La Pass Trek – 18 Days
TOP
SELLER
SELLER
Budget
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
2-16
Duration
18 Days
Accommodation
Hotel,Teahouse
Best Time
Mar - May, Sep - Nov
Max Alt
5,550m (18,209ft)
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trip expert
Trek Overview
The Cho La Pass Trek leads trekkers through one of Nepal’s most spectacular trekking routes in the Everest region. The trek combines Gokyo Lakes’ peaceful beauty with the excitement of climbing the 5367-meter high Cho La Pass and the complete experience of reaching Everest Base Camp.
It is best suited for trekkers who are looking for more than the regular Everest Base Camp trek and who wish to experience breathtaking views, fewer crowds, and a more intimate experience with nature.
Prime Holiday Travel and Tours operates the Cho La Pass Trek through its specially designed itinerary which provides trekkers with challenging paths while they acclimatize to the altitude and experience breathtaking views. From the colorful Sherpa villages to the glaciers and scenic viewpoints, each day of the trek promises to reveal another facet of the Himalayas.
The complete Everest region adventure of Cho La Pass Trek offers visitors cultural exploration and high-altitude trekking through its glacial valleys and famous Himalayan viewpoints. The 18-day itinerary provides a safe and complete trekking experience which enables trekkers to acclimatize properly while exploring Gokyo Lakes, Cho La Pass, Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.
Trip Highlights
- The trip will continue for 18 days.
- The highest point reaches an altitude of 5,550 meters at Kala Patthar.
- The height of Cho La Pass measures 5,367 meters.
- The trek presents challenges which range from moderate difficulty to challenging conditions.
- The accommodation provides guests with lodging at nearby teahouses.
- The trek begins and ends at Lukla.
- The trek takes place in the Everest region which includes the Khumbu area.
- The best times to visit occur between the months of March and May and between September and November.
Trek Gallery
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
You receive a friendly welcome at Tribhuvan International Airport which takes you to your accommodation in Kathmandu. The short 15-minute drive from the airport to the hotel exposes you to the streets, prayer flags, and historic buildings in Nepal.
This day is kept relaxed. You can take rest after your long journey, explore the nearby streets, or taste the traditional Nepali meal. On the first evening, there might be a short briefing on the plan, schedule, and safety measures regarding the Cho La Pass Trek.
2
The current day combines two elements which are cultural immersion and practical preparation. You visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites which include the Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu site, and Boudhanath Stupa, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, and Swayambhunath, which provides sweeping views of Kathmandu Valley.
The day includes a sightseeing program together with a complete trek briefing and final equipment checking and permit processing activities. The preparation day for you to start the Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass Trek will provide you with complete knowledge and confidence.
3
The trek covers a distance of 9 kilometers which takes between 3 to 4 hours to complete. The day starts with an early morning flight to Lukla, which is known for its short runway and spectacular views. Upon arrival, the Cho La Pass Trek starts.
The trail leads gently down through Chheplung, Ghat, and Chhuthawa, past mani walls, prayer wheels, and Sherpa houses. Alongside the Dudh Koshi River, you arrive at Phakding, a peaceful riverside village that is perfect for the first overnight stay.
4
The trek covers a distance of 12 kilometers which takes between 5 to 6 hours to complete. The trek today shows hikers typical Everest area landscapes. The trail passes through Zamfute, Toktok, Benkar, Monjo, and Jorsalle, crossing several suspension bridges draped with prayer flags.
Once entering Sagarmatha National Park, the trail begins a steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. Your first glimpse of Mt. Everest is seen on the way up to Namche. The Khumbu region has its main commercial and cultural center in Namche which has bakeries, cafes and shops together with scenic mountain vistas.
5
Acclimatization is a crucial factor to make a successful trip to Cho La Pass. Today, we will hike to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m), also known as the world’s highest luxury hotel. The location provides you with complete mountain views that include Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku.
You can go to both the Sherpa Culture Museum and the Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center. You will spend the day resting while drinking water because your body needs time to adjust to the high altitude.
6
The group will hike from Namche to Dole which has an elevation of 4200 meters on Day 6 of their trek. The trek will cover a distance of 7 kilometers and take between 5 to 6 hours to complete.
The path to Kyangjuma and Mongla starts from the main Everest Base Camp route and ascends to a point where travelers can see Cho Oyu. The path leads down to Phortse Tenga before it ascends through rhododendron forests to reach Tongba and Dole. This is the quieter part of the route, which marks the beginning of the Gokyo Valley trekking experience.
7
The trek covers a distance of 4 kilometers which takes between 4 to 5 hours to reach Machhermo. The route gradually climbs through alpine scenery, villages like Lhabarma and Luza, and increasingly open terrain with large valleys and mountain vistas.
Machhermo is a small settlement with towering peaks surrounding it. In the afternoon, you have the option to attend an altitude awareness session or take short walks to aid in acclimatization.
8
The Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo begins at an elevation of 4790 meters. The distance of the trek covers 6.8 kilometers and takes 3 to 4 hours to complete. Today marks the most beautiful day of the Gokyo Lakes Trek. The route goes through the villages of Pangla and Longpongo, offering a view of the vast Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal.
Upon reaching Gokyo, you are rewarded with the sight of the magnificent turquoise Gokyo Lakes, which are considered sacred and among the most beautiful alpine lakes in the Himalayas.
9
This is a rest and acclimatization day. The weather might also be unpredictable, so we will be ready for anything. The hike to Gokyo Ri provides a spectacular view from any point in the Everest region. One can see all four 8000-meter peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu from this single point.
You can also explore the lakes, take photos of the reflections of the snow-capped peaks, or just relax and recharge for the high pass ahead.
10
The trek covers a distance of 8 kilometers which takes between 6 to 7 hours to complete. Early morning climb to Gokyo Ri will reward the climber with spectacular views of the Himalayas at sunrise. The trail then continues along the edge of the Ngozumpa Glacier to the small village of Thaknak, which serves as a base for the crossing of Cho La Pass.
11
The trek covers a distance of 9.5 kilometers which takes between 5 to 6 hours to complete. This is the most challenging but rewarding day of the Cho La Pass Trek. The climb to the pass is steep, rocky, and sometimes icy. Scenic views of glaciers and mountain peaks can be enjoyed from the top of Cho La Pass. The descent to Dzongla is slow and careful, which is a major milestone in the journey.
12
The trek covers a distance of 4 kilometers which takes about 3 hours to reach Lobuche. This is a short day of trekking, which will give us a chance to recover from the pass crossing. The trek will soon merge with the popular Everest Base Camp trek and will pass by memorials for climbers who lost their lives in the Himalayas.
13
The Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass Trek has a highlight on Day 13, as you will be trekking across the glacial area to reach the Everest Base Camp, which is at the base of the Khumbu Icefall. After taking the photos and celebrating, you return to Gorakshep for the night.
Activity: Distance: 11.4 km | Duration: 5–6 hours
14
An early morning hike to Kala Patthar is the best way to get close-up views of Mount Everest. The trail then leads to Dingboche, where the air is noticeably warmer and the valleys are wider.
Activity: Distance: 8 km | Duration: 7–8 hours
15
The trail leads to monasteries, forests, and villages as you descend through Pangboche and Tengboche. . Coming back to Namche is a celebratory experience, signifying the nearing end of the trek.
Activity: Distance: 22 km | Time: 8 hours
16
The last day of trekking follows the same course back along the Dudh Kosi River valley. Passing through familiar bridges and villages, you arrive back at Lukla, which marked the beginning of your adventure.
Activity: Distance: 19.8 km | Duration: 8-9 hours
17
The flight back to Kathmandu takes 30 minutes and provides a scenic view. The entire day is yours to spend either relaxing or shopping or having your final dinner.
18
Your Cho La Pass Trek officially concludes today. You can choose to leave Kathmandu or stay longer while participating in cultural tours and wildlife safaris and short treks in the area.
Note:
If you have a private group and prefer a personalized experience, we can organize a custom trip tailored to your requirements and group size, running it any day you choose.
Trip Information
Overview of the Cho La Pass Trek
The Cho La Pass Trek connects Gokyo Valley to Everest Base Camp through the high-altitude Cho La Pass. The route leads through the well-known Everest Three Passes area which includes multiple passes but most trekkers choose Cho La Pass.
The trip leads to Gokyo Lakes which provide a peaceful hiking experience through beautiful mountain views that include Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and many other peaks. The main attraction of the location involves travelers climbing Cho La Pass which is difficult yet witness visually stunning path that leads through rocky areas and glacial fields to the Khumbu Valley.
What Makes the Cho La Pass Trek Special
The Cho La Pass Trek stands out because it connects three Everest region attractions through its single path. The route features three main attractions which include the Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri viewpoint and Cho La Pass which reaches a height of 5367 meters and the famous Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.
The trek provides an ideal combination of scenic landscapes and cultural experiences and physical challenges. Trekkers walk through traditional Sherpa villages, cross high suspension bridges, navigate glacial terrain, and witness some of the world’s highest peaks from multiple perspectives.
Best Time to Do the Cho La Pass Trek
The best seasons for the Cho La Pass Trek in Nepal occur during spring which lasts from March until May and during autumn which lasts from September until November. The months provide stable weather conditions which gives excellent visibility and create perfect trail conditions needed to cross high mountain passes.
Trekking in the winter season is also possible, though challenging, as the snow and cold weather can be very harsh. During the monsoon season, rain and poor visibility normally exist.
Difficulty and Fitness Level
Cho La Pass Trek can be rated as moderately difficult to challenging. Long days of trekking, high altitudes, and the technicality of the Cho La Pass demand a certain level of physical and mental fitness. The trek requires prior trekking experience at high altitude.
The trek becomes accessible to dedicated trekkers through proper acclimatization and the expertise of experienced guides and the use of a well-planned itinerary.
Altitude Sickness and Acclimatization
The trekkers need to focus on altitude sickness which represents the most critical danger during the trek. The itinerary includes progressive height increases and provides acclimatization days which help decrease potential altitude-related health risks. Drinking a lot of fluids, keeping a steady pace, and following the advice of guides are important for safety.
Accommodation, Meals and Drinking Water
Accommodation during the trekking route to Cho La Pass is available in the form of teahouses. The Cho La Pass Trek provides accommodation through teahouses which deliver basic yet comfortable sleeping arrangements. The meal service provides local Nepali food which includes dal bhat and international dishes that include pasta, soup and rice dishes.
Safe drinking water is available throughout the route. Trekkers should use purification tablets or filters because these methods help decrease plastic waste.
Communication and Charging
The teahouses provide Wi-Fi and charging services which visitors must pay extra to use, but Wi-Fi services at higher altitudes might experience connectivity issues.
Required Permits
Trekkers need the following permits:
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
Prime Holiday Travel and Tours handles all permissions required for their trips before the departure date.
Travel Insurance (Mandatory)
The Cho La Pass Trek requires all visitors to obtain travel insurance. The insurance should cover:
- High-altitude trekking up to 6 000 meters
- Emergency helicopter evacuation
- Medical treatment
The insurance should cover three specific requirements.
Packing Essentials for Cho La Pass Trek
The essential items for this trek include:
- Multiple layers of warm clothing.
- The down jacket needs to be worn with thermal wear.
- Hikers require durable boots which can handle rough terrain.
- The sleeping bag provides insulation for temperatures below freezing.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and trekking poles.
The process of packing properly leads to comfortable travel and safe protection during the entire trip.
Why Trek with Prime Holiday Travel and Tours?
The advantages of trekking with Prime Holiday Travel and Tours include their experienced licensed trekking guides and their commitment to ethical porter treatment and insurance protection and their planned itineraries which include acclimatization and their various trekking options which include private and group trekking and their company prioritizes safety and customer service above all else.
Final Thoughts
The Cho La Pass Trek offers a complete Himalayan experience which combines three elements of adventure, cultural exploration and natural beauty. The trek provides an exceptional experience which starts from the tranquil Gokyo Lakes and continues through the challenging Cho La Pass and reaches the famous Everest Base Camp.
For those looking for a thrilling and highly fulfilling trekking experience in the Everest region, the Cho La Pass Trek with Prime Holiday Travel and Tours is an exceptional option.
TOP
SELLER
SELLER
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
2-16
Duration
18 Days
Accommodation
Hotel,Teahouse
Best Time
Mar - May, Sep - Nov
Max Alt
5,550m (18,209ft)
Got questions?
Cho La Pass Trek – 18 Days route map
Frequently Asked Questions
The Cho La Pass Trek is more challenging trek than the Everest Base Camp trek because it involves higher elevations and longer trekking periods and requires trekkers to navigate through the difficult terrain of Cho La Pass.
The trek becomes accessible to determined trekkers who have proper fitness when they complete their acclimatization process.
The highest point of the trek reaches its peak at Kala Patthar which stands 5,550 meters above sea level.
Cho La Pass is safe if you are trekking with guides and in good weather. The trail may be icy, so it is a matter of timing.
The Cho La Pass Trek offers three trekking options which include private treks, family treks and group departures.
The trek reaches its lowest temperature point at nighttime when temperatures drop to below freezing. Proper winter clothing is required.
Any trek that reaches high altitudes creates the possibility for people to develop altitude sickness. However, the itinerary has been designed with acclimatization days built in to minimize the risk.
Yes, these facilities are available at an extra cost.
