Everest Chola Pass Trek

5.0/5 from 713 reviews
The 19-day Everest Cho La Pass Trek combines Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, and pass crossings. This adventure offers mountain passes, glaciers, Sherpa villages, excitement, views, and authentic culture.
  • Destination
    Nepal
  • Duration
    19 Days
  • Trip Difficulty
    Strenuous
  • Activities
    Trekking
  • Accommodation
    Hotel/Guesthouse
  • Meals
    B.L.D
  • Max. Elevation
    5545m.
  • Group Size
    Min. 1 Pax
  • Best Time
    March to May & Sept - Dec

Top Experiences on the Everest Cho La Pass Trek

  • Trek to Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri for extraordinary Himalayan sunrise views
  • Stand at Everest Base Camp and witness the Khumbu Icefall up close
  • Travel to Gokyo Lake's stunning turquoise waters, settled in the valley
  • Cross Cho La Pass, one of the Himalayas' adventurous high-altitude routes
  • Explore Sherpa culture and traditions at Namche Bazaar's fascinating museum
  • Visit Tengboche Monastery, a peaceful spiritual sanctuary surrounded by towering peaks
  • Enjoy incredible 360-degree views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and other giants
  • Stay at Hotel Everest View, the world's highest luxury hotel with mountain views
  • Trek through Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage mountain paradise
  • Fly into Lukla Airport, one of the world's most thrilling mountain runways
  • Experience vibrant Sherpa hospitality in the Everest region

Everest Cho La Pass Trek Overview

The Everest Cho La Pass Trek combines Himalayan adventure with rich Sherpa culture, where you’ll walk around 136-140 kilometers. This 19-day journey includes 13 trekking days through the world's most famous mountain region. The route include destinations like Kala Patthar, Everest Base Camp, Cho La Pass, and the turquoise Gokyo Lakes. Starting and finishing in Lukla, this moderate to challenging trek demands good fitness of trekkers. The highest elevation of the trek is Kala Pathhar at 5545m (18188 ft).

The Everest Cho La Pass trek starts with an exciting flight into Lukla's mountain airstrip before winding through lively Sherpa villages. The landscape changes completely each day, from thick pine forests giving way to barren glacial terrain. Local teahouses welcome trekkers with basic comforts, filling meals, and the kind of hospitality these mountain people are known for. Most people trek during spring and autumn when the weather cooperates, but hardy adventurers tackle this trail throughout the year.

This trek saves its best for the classic viewpoints and tough high passes. The morning at Kala Patthar rewards climbers with Everest glowing in sunrise colors. Cho La Pass demands everything trekkers have as they look over loose rock and steep terrain. Then Gokyo Lake provides the perfect mirror-calm waters. This journey connects trekkers to a landscape shaped by nature's power and the remarkable strength of mountain communities.

Everest Cho La Pass Trekking Route Overview

The Everest Cho La Pass trek starts in Kathmandu with airport pickup and hotel transfer to a 3-star property. A mountain flight to Lukla's famous airport begins the trek through Nepal's Khumbu region. The trail follows Dudh Koshi River into Sagarmatha National Park, reaching Phakding village for the first night.

The path goes to Namche Bazaar, the busy trading center. Two nights here help with altitude adjustment while short walks to Hotel Everest View show great Everest views.

Local monasteries show centuries-old Sherpa traditions that still shape mountain life today. The route goes through rhododendron and pine forests toward Tengboche's big monastery under tall Ama Dablam.

The trail crosses Imja Khola and passes Pangboche village before reaching Dingboche's "Summer Valley" with old-style houses. Wide mountain meadows surround this village where yaks eat grass quietly.

Moving toward Lobuche and Gorak Shep, trekkers reach the last village before Everest Base Camp. The trail goes to Base Camp at 5,364 meters, where Khumbu Icefall creates amazing, dramatic views.

Early morning climb to Kala Patthar gives the trek's best Everest viewpoint with Nuptse and Pumori peaks. The route goes to Dzongla before reaching Cho La Pass at 5,420 meters with beautiful high mountain terrain.

Gokyo Valley welcomes trekkers with beautiful glacial lakes surrounded by tall peaks, creating perfect mountain reflections. Climbing Gokyo Ri gives wide views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and other big summits nearby.

The return trip passes through Dole and familiar Namche Bazaar before reaching Lukla for departure. A mountain flight back to Kathmandu ends this complete exploration of the Khumbu region.

Alternatives to Gokyo Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp Trek

Gokyo - Everest Base Camp (No Chola Pass)

The Gokyo Lake with EBC Trek explores the stunning Khumbu region without crossing high-altitude passes. This trip allows trekkers to go to Gokyo Valley lakes with a visit to Everest Base Camp.

This trek plan skips the difficult Cho La Pass, focusing only on the beautiful places.

EBC Trek with Chola and Renjo La Pass

The EBC Trek with Cho La and Renjo La Pass is a thrilling high-altitude journey. It blends the Everest Base Camp sights with the beauty of Gokyo Lake.

The 21-day expedition takes trekkers through isolated mountain settlements, ancient glacial terrain, and rich Sherpa communities. Trekking to both Cho La and Renjo La passes transforms this from ordinary base camp hiking into serious mountain exploration.

Best Trekking Agency in Nepal for Everest Chola Pass Trek

At Nepal Hiking Team, we lead every Everest Cho La Pass trek with experienced mountain guides, skilled porters, and reliable support. With our attention to detail, we ensure that you’ll get to enjoy Everest Base Camp excitement with the crossing of the famous Cho La Pass.

Each of our Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass treks follows personalized schedules matching individual fitness levels and altitude adjustment requirements for mountain safety. 

We provide dedicated attention, creating memorable Himalayan experiences for both group departures and private expeditions.

We keep trekkers safe with experienced guides, proper rest days for altitude adjustment, first-aid equipment, and emergency rescue plans. Our strict safety rules and careful trekking methods make every Himalayan trip in Everest Region safe and dependable.

Book Everest Base Camp Chola Pass trek package with us for 2025!

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA - KTM) Kathmandu

At Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll have to handle immigration formalities and collect luggage. One of our representatives will wait outside holding a “Nepal Hiking Team” placard for easy identification.

The hotel transfer provides an exciting introduction to Kathmandu's lively streets filled with colorful markets and bustling energy. Following check-in, the rest of the day remains open for relaxation or gentle neighborhood exploration at leisure.

  1. Accommodation:Hotel

Cost Includes

Accommodation

  • In Kathmandu: Stay four cozy nights at a good 3-star hotel with shared twin rooms and breakfast every morning (before your trek starts and when you get back).
  • During the Trek: Rest in handpicked mountain lodges with shared twin rooms, including private bathrooms and hot showers in Phakding, Namche, and Lukla.

Meals

  • Breakfast in Kathmandu: A filling morning meal to power your time in Nepal's capital city.
  • Full Board Meals During the Trek: Complete food service with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included every day of your 13-day mountain journey.
  • Tea or coffee: Hot drinks served three times per day (up to three cups each day).
  • Fresh fruit snacks: Served after dinner to help keep your strength up on the mountain paths.

Transportation and Flights

  • Full airport pickup and drop-off service plus all ground transport in comfortable private tourist cars.
  • Complete travel coverage between Kathmandu and Ramechhap airports during peak trekking months.
  • Trekkers are provided with return flights to and from Lukla airport.

Guide and Staff

  • Skilled English-speaking trek guide with an official government license and plenty of mountain knowledge.
  • Reliable porter helps with one porter for every two trekkers (carrying up to 25 kg total, about 12-13 kg per person).
  • Full support for all team members, covering pay, meals, rooms, equipment, insurance, and health coverage.
  • Important safety gear, including medical supplies, an oxygen checker, and altitude pills, travels with your guide for daily health monitoring.

Permits

  • Entry ticket for Sagarmatha National Park
  • Access pass for Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality
  • Tengboche Monastery entry permit

Equipment and Extras

  • Free Nepal Hiking Team down jacket and sleeping bag for your trek (total weight 3-4 kg; stays within airline baggage rules)
  • Personal 70-liter trekking bag for each person
  • Gift pack with detailed Everest Base Camp route map, company T-shirt, and memory cap
  • Official Everest Cho La Pass trek finishing certificate

Administrative and Taxes

  • All needed government taxes and paperwork fees are covered

Cost Excludes

  • 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 Kathmandu.
  • 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.

Why Book Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Trek with Nepal Hiking Team?

  • Nepal Hiking Team brings over 15 years of solid experience running treks all across Nepal
  • Skilled guides and porters make sure your trek stays safe, fun, and teaches you about local culture
  • We take care of every part of your trip, from picking you up at the airport to finding you good places to stay
  • Our committed team gives you help around the clock before, during, and after your trek
  • The trek schedule includes the right rest days to keep you safe and comfortable
  • Getting over Cho La Pass and seeing Gokyo Lakes goes much better with our smart planning
  • We bring all the medical supplies needed and follow strict safety rules the whole time
  • We change our pace and support based on how fit you are and what you want from the trek

We mix expert knowledge, dependable trekking services, and personal attention to make your Best Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Trek package something you'll never forget. With Nepal Hiking Team, every part of your journey stays safe, enjoyable, and worth it.

Everest Chola Pass Trek Route Map

Everest Chola Pass Trek Map

Know Before You Go

Cho La Pass

Cho La Pass sits at 5,420 meters (17,782 feet) and gives you one of the most thrilling parts of the whole trek. It links the Gokyo Valley with the Everest Base Camp trail, making your journey both tough and totally worth it. 

The path over the pass takes you across rocky ground, slippery ice patches, and snowy hillsides, with incredible views of Awi Peak, Cholatse, Lobuche, and nearby peaks.

Most trekkers start climbing early in the morning when the snow stays hard and walking feels safer. When you reach the top, the huge mountain views spread out everywhere, and you get this amazing feeling from standing on such a high mountain crossing. 

Cho La Pass doesn't just connect two popular trekking paths; it brings adventure and stunning beauty that sticks with you long after you go home.

Travellersโ€˜ Reviews

Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.

  • EBC - Chola Pass - Gokyo Lakes

    We traveled to Nepal in mid-September for the 19-day Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lakes trek and had a great experience with Nepal Hiking Team.

    Our guide Madan, played a key role in making the trek successful. He adjusted the itinerary to match our pace and encouraged us to cross Cho La Pass when we were unsure if it would be too demanding. With his guidance, the pass crossing turned out to be well within our abilities and became one of the highlights of the journey.

    Madan has strong knowledge of the Khumbu region and good connections with local people along the route. This became especially important when we encountered heavy rain and flooding. We trusted his decisions completely, and he made sure we stayed safe while still reaching Lukla in time for our return flight.

    Our porter was incredibly strong on the trail and always friendly, which made the long trekking days much easier.

    The trek covered everything we hoped to experience, from Everest Base Camp to Gokyo Lakes and across Cho La Pass. The route and acclimatization plan were well designed, allowing us to walk at a steady and comfortable “slowly, slowly” pace.

    We had a memorable time in this beautiful region and would confidently recommend Nepal Hiking Team’s Everest Base Camp  Cho La Pass Trek to anyone looking for a well-managed and reliable trekking experience in Nepal.

    Inke Charlotte
    - Excellent

    Mr. Inke Charlotte

    21st Dec 2025
  • Everest Base Camp and Cho La Pass

    I recently completed the Everest Base Camp & Cho La Pass trek with the best Nepal Hiking Team, and I am extremely happy with the unforgettable and once-in-a-lifetime experience. Everything was very well organized – from the airport pick-up to the lodges along the way and the daily planning of each trekking stage. The itinerary was well thought out, and the whole trip allowed me to really enjoy the stunning scenery without having to worry about any logistics.

    A special highlight for me was the amazing hospitality of my guide, Sabin Sapkota. He always went out of his way to make the trek as comfortable and unforgettable as possible – checking in on how I felt, adjusting the pace when needed, explaining the culture and mountains, and making sure I was well taken care of in every tea house. Thanks to him, I felt safe, supported, and truly welcomed the entire time. I can highly recommend Nepal Hiking Team and especially Sabin as a guide to anyone planning to do the Everest Base Camp & Cho La Pass trek.

    D
    - Excellent

    Mr. Dominik H

    17th Nov 2025
  • Everest Base Camp Trek with High passes Trek

    My friend and I did the EBC/Three Passes trek a few weeks ago (a mutual friend had already gone to EBC with the Nepal Hiking Team and loved the experience, so we were repeat customers of sorts).

    Our guide, Uttam, and our porter, Nima, were incredibly professional and helpful for the ~20 days that we were on the trail.

    Their skills, care, and guidance really made a difference during the few times we had to traverse rough terrain in snowy, rainy, and windy weather, as well as when dealing with the effects of altitude and dry mountain air.

    Over and over we met other people on the trail whose guides/companies delivered a noticeable lesser experience, and each day we were more grateful to have booked with NHT.

    On top of everything, Uttam and Nima proved to be warm, friendly, patient, wonderful trail companions, routinely going above and beyond to deliver a fantastic experience.

    If you’re already considering spending the time and money on a Nepal trekking vacation, do yourself a favor and book with Nepal Hiking Team!

    W
    - Excellent

    Mr. Wagon Hopper

    9th Jun 2025
  • Incredible 18-Day Trek to Everest Base Camp and the Cho La and Renjo La Passes

    Jos and I started our 18-day trek to Everest Base Camp, the Cho La and Renjo La Passes on the 6th May 2025, and over the course of the journey, we saw the most incredible sights, met the kindest people, and gained a deeper appreciation for the Himalayas.

    I honestly cannot recommend our guide Bishal highly enough, he was so knowledgeable about our surroundings, as well as always keeping Jos and me entertained and enthused about our walk. He regularly joined us to play cards, even occasionally winning a game of Monopoly Deal and chatting with us about the day just gone, or the adventures that awaited us. Indra, our porter, was also amazing. I am still so impressed with the ease with which he seemed to carry our bags and race up the mountains. Without him and Bishal, Jos and I would absolutely not have been able to complete our trek, and I am so grateful to them for all they did.

    The couple of weeks I spent in the Himalayas, catching peaks at Everest and trekking along incredibly stunning trails, will stay with me forever, and I am so appreciative to Nepal Hiking Team for accommodating such a special experience.

    Bella xx

    B
    - Excellent

    Ms. Bella F

    5th Jun 2025
  • EBC + Chola Pass: Unforgettable

    What an unforgettable experience. We completed the EBC + Chola Pass trek, which took us through the most stunning landscapes and brought us to tea houses and villages rich in culture and authenticity. The Nepal hiking team staff were incredible, and their attention to detail was excellent. Safety was paramount, and our amazing guides Ram and Ramgi were beyond accommodating to all of our needs.

    Pickup at the Kathmandu airport was seamless, and the hotel was centrally located, offering easy access to attractions around the city. I highly recommend Nepal Hiking Team, and I look forward to returning for more trekking.

    J
    - Excellent

    Mr. Jack G

    2nd Jun 2025

Everest Chola Pass Trek FAQs

Why Nepal Hiking Team
Arrival in Nepal & Visa Process
Booking, Deposit & Payment
Transportation and Lukla Flights
Trek Difficulty: Who Can Trek?
Trekkerโ€™s Well-Being & Safety
Trek Preparation and Gear Packing
Accommodation and Connectivity
Meals and Drinking Water
Customization: Private vs Group (Tips & Cost)

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