Are you looking for a trek to the Everest region via a high pass? If yes, we have a trekking package- Everest Chola Pass Trek for you. It combines the standard route of Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes by crossing the Cho La Pass at 5,520 meters.
The most interesting feature or landmark of this trek is the Gokyo Lake. The Gokyo Lake is a sacred holy lake that is situated near the village of Gokyo. On a sunny day, the lake shines bright blue and looks stunning. Every year in Janai Purnima Festival, the Hindu devotees take a bath in the lakes and worship Lord Vishnu and Shiva.
Additionally, the views from Cho La Pass is also something to look forward to. As you ascend to the top, you can see the views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Mt Everest, and other surrounding mountains.
Continuing, the journey takes you across other exciting landmarks in the Khumbu region. It has so much to offer, from the majestic Himalayas, tranquil lakes, icy glaciers, Buddhist monasteries, and beautiful landscapes are never seen before.
Major Highlights
- Immerse yourself in the rich culture by visiting the World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple.
- Hop on an exciting flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
- Enter the Sagarmatha National Park, home to various flora and fauna.
- Cross high soaring suspension bridges on the way to Namche Bazaar.
- Walk around and explore the Sherpa Museum.
- Visit the largest Buddhist monastery- Tengboche Monastery, and sit with the monks for the evening prayers.
- Cross a high mountain pass — Cho La Pass at 5,420 meters, and gaze at the beautiful views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Everest, Nuptse and other ranges.
- Hike to two of Nepal’s most famous viewpoints — Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri.
- Explore the base of the mighty Mount Everest.
- Roam around Gokyo Lake and take beautiful pictures of the lake.
- Get a glimpse of Khumbu Glacier, Khumbu Icefall, and Ngozumpa Glacier.
- Enjoy the marvelous sight of the rugged mountains, including Mt. Everest, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Pumori, Makalu, Thamserku, etc.
When is the best time for Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Trek?
You chose a trek for you; now, what is the next step? Well, after choosing the trek, you now need to choose the most favorable time of the year to pack for this trek. I know it is confusing, but we are here to help you.
Nepal has four seasons- Spring, Summer/monsoon, Autumn, and Winter. The ideal seasons are Spring and Autumn. These seasons lie in March-April ( Spring) and Autumn ( September-November).
The Spring season is characterized by sunny days and clear days. If you book during this season, you’ll enjoy the views of the mountains more clearly. Likewise, in the autumn season, sunny days and breezy weather will make your hiking more interesting.
If you are considering the winter season ( December- February) and summer/monsoon season( May-August), the path will mostly be muddy, wet, and slippery in the snowy season. Trekking during the winter season is not recommended due to the chances of heavy snowfall. This will result in the blockage of the routes. Trekkers may face a high level of difficulty, and there are possibilities of severe injuries.
Difficulty Level
Is the Everest Chola Pass Trek difficult? Well, the trek can be rated as moderate to strenuous in difficulty. Only those who are physically fit and healthy can book this trek. However, we are still encouraging beginners.
Beginners can also choose this trek by following some measures. You must hike regularly and include cardio exercises in your everyday routine to prepare for the trek.
The trails have steep uphill and downhill terrains, especially in Tengboche, Chola Pass, and a way to Lobuche. Hence, you must exercise regularly and target your thigh and leg muscles to fit perfectly for the hike.
Moving ahead, your maximum altitude is 5644m at Kala Patthar. This high altitude level can increase the risk of suffering from high-altitude sickness. Since you’ll be trekking above 5,000 meters, coping with the elevation is a must, and prior experience is preferred.
However, you can set out on this memorable journey with our team of experts and live a lifetime’s worth of experiences. Although this is not an easy trek, we will cater to your needs with years of experience and expertise. We assure you that our field staff will handle the logistics and accommodation with concern during the trek.
Route Overview
The 19-Day Everest Chola Pass Trek begins upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport; one of our staff will be waiting for your arrival to greet you with a “Nepal Hiking Team” sign board. He’ll then escort you to the hotel in Kathmandu.
Then, a sightseeing tour will be organized in Kathmandu, followed by a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla the other day. You will pass through villages like phakding and Monjo from Lukla to Namche Bazaar. In Namche Bazaar, you can rest and acclimatize to the weather. This is the first acclimatization day when you can check how your body responds to the altitude. Then, you’ll pass through Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche — you’ll make your way toward the foothills of the mighty Everest. You can enjoy the other-worldly sight of the Khumbu Glacier, Khumbu Icefall, and the surrounding mountains from the base camp.
The following route leads from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp. You’ll be mesmerized by the fantastic views of the Everest Base Camp, where you can click so many pictures with your group members. After that, you’ll descend and stay at Gorakshep. We’ll start an early morning hike to Kala Patthar at 5,544 meters, where you can witness the glorious sunrise above the Himalayan panorama. After that, you’ll descend toward the village of Dzongla.
Then, you’ll cross the Cho La Pass at 5,420 meters, stay overnight at Dragnak, then head towards the Gokyo Valley. Then, you’ll hike to another vantage point of Gokyo Ri to enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayas.
You’ll then descend to Lukla after walking past Dole and Namche Bazaar. Finally, you’ll catch a flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla Airport to conclude the trek.
Alternative Trek
Are you looking for other trekking locations besides the Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Trek?
If you are, you need not worry. We have several packages that you can choose from.
In our recommendation, we have Gokyo Lakes with Everest Base Camp Trek ( No Chola Pass). This trek has no Chola pass, making it less complex than the one mentioned above. The 19-day trekking package is rated moderate in difficulty level; therefore, regular hikers can also opt for this trek.
Secondly, if you want to add another pass, you can look at Everest Base Camp with Chola and Renjo La Pass Trek for 21 days.
Did you like any of the packages mentioned above? If you do, please send us an inquiry so that we can organize this trek for you! Everest Chola Pass Trek is indeed a wonderful trek that you surely need to experience.