Everest Chola Pass Trek

Our EBC Trek welcomes an average of eight hikers (2-10 people maximum). Based on Nepal Hiking Team's commitment, we guarantee scheduled Everest Cho La Pass trek departures, no matter the group size. We also provide individual trekking arrangements for a more intimate, tailored adventure.

We confirm all reservations and deliver guaranteed Everest Base Camp, Chola Pass, and Gokyo Trek experiences. Still, we recommend backup plans during exceptional situations, including political instability or environmental disasters.

Of course! We welcome solo trekkers on all our fixed departures. Even if you are the only participant on your chosen date, we will still run the Everest Cho La Pass Trek at individual rates with full support.

Yes, we organize private Everest Cho La Pass Treks for families, friends, and solo travelers. Private trips let you pick your own dates and walk at your group's pace, whether it's two people or more. No need to join strangers as the entire trek belongs to your group alone. For solo travelers, the journey is still very much possible, though it does come with an additional cost.

The Gokyo–Everest Base Camp route takes a straightforward path through the Gokyo Valley with no technical crossings. The Cho La Pass trek covers identical highlights but includes the challenging high pass crossing at 5,420 meters.

The Gokyo route is suitable for trekkers who want a less demanding experience. You'll get to see beautiful lakes and viewpoints without facing more alpine conditions. This path requires moderate fitness levels and stays on well-established trails.

The Cho La route demands stronger physical preparation. Expect steep climbs, icy sections, and rough high-altitude terrain. Trekkers often need microspikes for safe passage across snow and ice patches. This route is suitable for trekkers who want more challenge alongside the standard EBC experience.

Yes, travelers from most countries can obtain visas upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. We recommend filling out the online application beforehand and bringing cash or a card for the visa fee. Your passport must remain valid for a minimum of six months beyond your Nepal arrival date, plus you'll need one empty page for the visa stamp.

For comprehensive details, check our Nepal Visa Information page.

Yes, airport transfers are included with every Everest Cho La Pass Trek reservation. Our team member will wait for you outside the terminal holding a "Nepal Hiking Team" sign during pickup.

Following completion of your Everest Base Camp Trek with Chola Pass, we'll arrange your departure transport three hours prior to your scheduled flight. If you reach Nepal ahead of schedule or choose to prolong your stay, we'll modify the transfer timing to match your plans.

Your Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Trek package covers 4 nights at 3-star accommodations in Thamel, including hotels like Woodapple Hotel & Spa. We can arrange upgrades to 4- or 5-star properties upon request, though additional charges will apply depending on your hotel selection.

Accommodation rates are USD 45 (single room) or USD 50 (twin or double room) per night, covering breakfast and all taxes. If you choose to arrive ahead of schedule or remain longer following your trek, our team will gladly arrange your booking.

At the pre-trek meeting, we'll present your guide, gather your passport and travel insurance copy, and settle any outstanding trek payment. Our guide will check your gear while we supply you with a down jacket, sleeping bag, cap, comprehensive Everest Cho La Pass trek map, and duffel bag. Feel free to raise any questions or concerns with our staff during this session.

To reserve our Gokyo Everest Cho La Pass Trek, complete the booking form with your travel information and participant details. Flight and insurance information can be submitted at a later time. Secure your spot by paying a 20% deposit, which will guarantee your trip confirmation.

You can settle the outstanding amount in cash or by card when you reach Nepal for the Everest Cho La Pass trek.

The 20% deposit cannot be returned if you cancel your trip due to any circumstances, including injury, sickness, or unexpected events. However, we appreciate our clients and provide complete credit (without expiration) that can be applied toward any upcoming trips or treks with our company.

Direct flights to Lukla operate only during off-peak trekking periods. During busy months (March-May, September-November), flights depart from Ramechhap Airport, requiring a 5-hour drive from Kathmandu.

We typically leave Kathmandu between 1:00 and 2:00 AM to reach Ramechhap for morning departures to Lukla. Specific departure times will be confirmed during your pre-trek meeting.

Yes, private bookings allow you to travel to Ramechhap the evening before your Gokyo Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp trek begins. Even group trekkers can drive a night before if everyone in the group agrees.

We offer helicopter transport for $450 per person when flights face cancellation or delays. This option requires unanimous consent from all trek participants. Without complete group agreement on the helicopter alternative, we'll arrange your flight for the following day instead.

Yes, helicopter transport from Kathmandu to Lukla is available at roughly USD 450 per person (a shared flight) for a one-way journey. You must make this request beforehand to ensure we can secure helicopter availability for your Everest Cho La Pass trek.

The Everest Cho La Pass trek falls into the moderate to challenging category because of elevated altitudes, rough landscape, and daily hiking. The daily hike lasts around 6-7 hours (covering 10 to 11 kilometers daily). Prior trekking background isn't necessary; maintaining good physical fitness and an active lifestyle is sufficient.

We maintain a steady pace to ensure proper altitude adjustment throughout Sagarmatha National Park.

The Everest Chola Pass Gokyo Valley trek spans 136-140 kilometers (84-86 miles) of dramatic Himalayan terrain, culminating at Kala Patthar's 5,545-meter summit with unparalleled Mt. Everest views.

Starting and finishing in Lukla, this epic route weaves through legendary destinations: the vibrant trading hub of Namche Bazaar, the renowned Everest View Hotel, Tengboche's ancient monastery, the high-altitude settlements of Dingboche and Lobuche, and the remote outpost of Gorak Shep.

The adventure continues beyond Kala Patthar's iconic Everest viewpoint to Dragnak, then onward to the pristine turquoise Gokyo lakes and the spectacular panoramic vistas from Gokyo Ri.

Begin training 4-6 weeks before your Everest Cho La Pass Trek. Focus on cardio exercises like stair climbing and jogging, plus weekly 5-6 hour hikes with a loaded pack. Break in your hiking boots early to prevent blisters, and prepare mentally for the challenge ahead. This preparation ensures you'll enjoy the trek rather than just endure it.

Travel insurance is mandatory for all Everest Cho La Pass trek participants. Your policy must cover high-altitude trekking up to 6,000 meters, emergency evacuation, and helicopter rescue services.

Based on feedback from our past trekkers, we recommend these trusted providers: Genki Traveler, AXA Travel Insurance, Allianz Travel Insurance, and World Nomads. These companies have proven reliable when trekkers needed emergency assistance in the mountains.

We've compiled this list from actual trekker experiences to help you choose coverage that works when you need it most.

Our licensed guides bring decades of high-altitude experience and carry first aid kits plus oximeters to monitor your oxygen levels. We include enough acclimatization days to help your body adjust properly.

If trekkers feel unwell, guides adjust the pace, provide extra rest, or arrange descent as needed. We select reliable teahouses with good hygiene standards and coordinate helicopter evacuations for serious emergencies.

These safety measures come standard with every Everest Cho La Pass Package.

The best months for the Everest Cho La Pass Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, you'll experience stable weather, clear Himalayan views, and good trekking conditions.

No, we don't recommend trekking during the summer and winter seasons. Summer brings monsoon rains that frequently cancel flights and create muddy, dangerous trails. Winter conditions include icy paths, heavy snowfall, and blocked routes that make trekking risky and uncomfortable.

While these seasons offer fewer crowds, the weather challenges outweigh the benefits. Flight cancellations can extend your trip by days, and winter conditions require extreme caution on already difficult terrain. We strongly suggest sticking to spring and autumn for the safest, most enjoyable Everest Cho La Pass experience.

Nepal requires no vaccinations for entry or the Everest Cho La Pass Trek. You might consider rabies vaccination given the stray dogs present in Sherpa villages. Consult your physician for personalized medical advice.

Maintain a steady walking pace, stay well-hydrated with 4-5 liters of water daily, and stick to our carefully planned acclimatization schedule. Eat balanced meals and avoid alcohol throughout the trek. Our Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Itinerary includes strategic rest days for proper altitude adjustment.

Speak up immediately if you feel unwell, as our guides regularly monitor oxygen levels and watch for altitude sickness symptoms. Emergency helicopter evacuation remains available when serious situations arise.

Your safety depends on following these guidelines and communicating openly with our team about how you're feeling at each stage.

No worries at all! Our experienced guides are happy to assist you across suspension bridges during the Everest Cho La Pass trek. These bridges might feel intimidating at first, but most trekkers find their confidence grows quickly after the initial crossings.

By your third or fourth bridge, you'll likely be walking across with ease, maybe even pausing to snap photos of the rushing rivers below. What starts as a heart-pounding moment often becomes one of the trek's memorable highlights.

Our experienced porters handle shared equipment for two trekkers, carrying up to 25 kilograms of combined gear. You'll only need to manage your personal daypack throughout the journey.

Since porters travel ahead on the trail, pack your daypack with daily essentials: a water bottle, phone, camera, and energy snacks. This keeps everything you need within reach while your main luggage arrives safely at each overnight stop.

This lets you focus on the trek itself rather than heavy loads, while ensuring your gear reaches every destination.

Lukla flights allow 15 kilograms per person for the Everest Cho La Pass adventure. Exceed this limit and you'll pay excess baggage fees or your luggage takes a later flight, depending on space availability. Consider packing smart, as mountain flights have strict weight limits for safety reasons.

Yes, your Kathmandu hotel provides free luggage storage in secure lockers while you're in the mountains. Simply leave your extra belongings behind and collect them upon your return from the trek.

This service lets you head to the mountains carrying only essential gear, making your Everest Cho La Pass journey much more comfortable.

Yes, we supply essential gear for your Everest Cho La Pass trek, including a sleeping bag, down jacket, and duffel bag. Our Nepal Hiking Team sleeping bags and jackets handle temperatures down to -15°C, keeping you warm through cold mountain nights.

Your gear package also includes a detailed trek map, a complimentary Nepal Hiking Team T-shirt, and cap, everything needed for a comfortable high-altitude adventure.

Yes, we present you with a completion certificate recognizing your achievement in completing the challenging Everest Cho La Pass trek.

We provide twin-sharing lodge rooms with beds, mattresses, and clean sheets. Lower villages like Lukla, Phakding, and Namche have private bathrooms with hot showers. Higher up from Namche Bazaar, you'll find shared toilets and basic rooms as facilities become more limited with altitude.

Yes! Grab local NTC or Ncell SIM cards in Kathmandu, or buy Nepal Airlink data cards at mountain teahouses. Pay USD 10-15 for 7-10 GB or USD 15-20 for 20 GB coverage.

Share those summit photos, call family from base camp, or handle work messages while trekking through the world's most spectacular mountains.

Yes, teahouses offer device charging for NPR 200-500 per device throughout the trek. Solar power at higher elevations depends on weather conditions, so bring a power bank for reliable backup charging.

Yes, teahouses in Lukla, Phakding, Namche, and along the route provide Western-style toilets. During the winter months, higher elevation locations may only have squat toilets available due to frozen plumbing systems.

The Everest Cho La Pass package includes twin-sharing rooms as standard. Private rooms are available for an additional $250, depending on availability at each location.

Teahouse menus offer diverse cuisines, including Nepali, Indian, Italian, and Chinese dishes throughout the trek. Order whatever appeals to you from the available options, plus enjoy desserts and cold beverages when desired. All meals are freshly cooked and provide the necessary energy for high-altitude trekking.

Yes, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available throughout the Everest Cho La Pass trek. Inform us if you have any allergies or special dietary needs during booking so we can coordinate with lodges along the route to meet your requirements.

Note: Share any food allergies with our guides upon arrival. They will ensure you receive suitable meals that work well for your body during the trek.

Several water options exist for the Cho La Pass trek with Everest Base Camp. We recommend using spring water with purification tablets provided by our guide, or bringing a filtered water bottle for convenience. Teahouses also sell boiled water throughout the route.

Bottled water remains available, but we strongly discourage this choice due to high costs and environmental impact.

Yes! We provide complete customization for private bookings that allows you to adjust pacing, add extra rest days, and include sightseeing tours in Kathmandu. We tailor trips to match your specific preferences. However, the customization options are available only for private trips, not for group departures.

Yes, we arrange Kathmandu day tours before or after your Everest Cho La Pass trek. Visit sacred temples and UNESCO World Heritage sites throughout the city during this excursion.

For longer stays, we offer additional day tours to Bhaktapur and Patan, giving you more opportunities to explore Nepal's rich cultural heritage.

Give tips to your guides and porters in Lukla before leaving, based on how much you can afford and how happy you were with their work. This shows appreciation for their hard work during your Everest Cho La Pass trek. How much you give depends on your trip experience and your budget.

Bring NPR 25,000 to 30,000 for mountain costs during the Gokyo Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp trek, covering Wi-Fi, showers, charging, and snacks. ATMs in Lukla and Namche Bazaar often don't work, so withdraw cash from Kathmandu ATMs before going to the mountains.