Trip info
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Min 1 Max 12
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Grade: Challenging
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Mar-May, Sep-Nov
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Max. 5,545m/18,193ft.
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Duration: 20 Days
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Private Vehicle/ Flights
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Hotel/ Teahouse/ Lodge
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All meals are included
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Highlights of the Everest Cho La Pass Trek
- Breathtaking views of mountains, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu, as well as the emerald lakes of Gokyo.
- Witness the most majestic sight of mountain peaks, glaciers, and Everest Valley from the two major viewpoints: Kalapathar and Gokyo Ri.
- Stand at the base camp of the world’s highest Peak, Everest Base Camp, and navigate one of the challenging passes, Cho La Pass.
- Walk through the Sherpa villages, beautiful landscapes, and spiritual ambience.
- Walk through the varied landscape of the Sagarmatha National Park Area while witnessing diverse flora and fauna.
- Explore the largest monastery in the region, Tengboche, which offers a spiritual ambience and panoramic mountain views.
- Navigate through one of the longest glaciers in Nepal, Ngozumpa.
- Walk through the massive glacier of Khumbu, flowing from Mount Everest.
- Walk alongside the milky white glacial river of Dudh Koshi.
Everest Cho La Pass Trek is an incredible three-week adventure to the Himalayas that combines the iconic Everest Cho La Pass journey with the breathtaking beauty of the Gokyo Valley, taking you across the challenging Cho La Pass at 5,420 meters. This trek offers many unique experiences, from exploring enchanting Gokyo Valley to marveling at the serene Gokyo Lakes, hiking up Gokyo Ri for spectacular vistas, and ascending to the iconic viewpoint, Kalapathar.
The Everest Cho La Pass Trek perfectly blends adventure, natural beauty, and cultural immersion, offering all-in-one experiences. The trek begins from the lower hills & heads up by the banks of the Dudh Kosi River on your way to the bustling town of Namche and the Sagarmatha National Park. In addition, you don’t have to be a skilled climber, but the Everest Cho La Pass Trek require some level of fitness to enjoy the trails.
This 20-day Everest Cho La Pass trek offers a chance to visit major highlights of the Everest region such as Namche, Gokyo, Gokyo Ri, Everest Base Camp, Kalapathar, Tengboche whilst avoiding the crowds. Thus, trekkers prefer this itinerary instead of the other due to the level of solitude and views it offers.
Similarly, your trip is well-crafted with well-placed walks focusing not only on reaching the destination but also on being safe and comfortable throughout the trip. Our well-placed itinerary also allows for gradual altitude gain, ensuring higher success and an easier walk. Similarly, our acclimatization plan includes 2 days during the trip at Namche and Machermo, letting trekkers adapt to the increasing altitude and minimize the risk of altitude-related issues.
The Everest Cho La Pass itinerary provided by AlpineTrav is quite different, allowing a chance to visit the Everest region but with a different perspective. Therefore, the uniqueness of our itinerary and the chance to let trekkers experience an experience worth every penny make the package a preferable choice among trekkers worldwide. In addition, our unique itinerary includes two nights in Kathmandu post trek for contingency, and weather delays are why you prefer the 20-day Everest Cho La Pass Trek.
Customize Your Everest Cho La Pass Trek:
- This is a general itinerary, which can always individually be “tailormade”. The Everest Cho La pass trek package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste, For more information please contact us.
20-day Everest Cho La Pass Trek Itinerary
We recommend that you schedule your arrival in Kathmandu in the morning or afternoon. This will give you enough time to relax and recover from jet lag before starting your adventure. Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel where you will be served welcome drinks. After you have freshened up, your trek guide will brief you about your trip in the lobby of your hotel in the evening.
Get familiar with your surroundings by taking a walk down the street. Visit to Thamel, the main tourist hub. Overnight at Kathmandu's in a Hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Moonlight
In the morning, you visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath, as part of a guided sightseeing tour. The tour lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours. In the afternoon, you will be briefed about your upcoming adventure. If you have any doubts, check your equipment and visit the Swayambhunath Monkey Temple near your hotel. Spend the night in Kathmandu.
Accommodation: Hotel Moonlight
Meals: Breakfast
Depending on your travel month, your flight to Lukla will depart either from Kathmandu or Ramechap Airport. During the high season, flights to Lukla are typically operated from Ramechap, 130 km east of Kathmandu, requiring a 4-hour drive. If your flight departs from Ramechap, you must wake up around 2:00 am to begin the drive to Ramechap, and the flight takes only 15 minutes. Once in Lukla, you will immediately be impressed by the towering peaks surrounding the village. After meeting your crew, your trek starts up the Dudh Koshi Valley on a well-marked trail, making your way to Phakding for the night. The trek to Phakding marks the beginning of your trek route. Overall elevation gain tonight from the previous night: 1,250m/4,100ft.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today you will continue your journey along the Dudhkoshi River, which takes you through a pine forest. After crossing suspension bridges at several points and passing through the small settlements of Zapute, Toktok, Benkar, and Chumoa, you will reach Monjo. Ahead of Monjo is the entry to the Sagarmatha National Park, which is planned to protect and preserve the fragile mountain environment. You should check in your trek permit there to continue the hike. Lowering down from the park and crossing another suspension bridge, you will proceed towards the high Hillary Bridge at the foot of the hill. Crossing bridge, you will climb uphill to the Namche Bazaar. You can get a view of Thamserku Mountain. If the weather is clear, you can also view Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and the Kusum Khangru mountains first. Overall elevation gain tonight from the previous night: 850m/2,788ft
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today, you remain at Namche for a second night to allow for proper acclimatization to the altitude. Namche is a prosperous village situated in a large, protected hollow. After breakfast, you hike to the Everest View Hotel, 3962m/13000ft. You spent some time here and retraced our steps to Namche for Lunch. After lunch, you have free time to explore Namche Bazar.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today, it’s a steep climb from Namche Bazaar to Kyangjuma Village. At Kyangjuma, you can contemplate the terrific views of himalaya; Thamserku, Kantega, and Ama Dablam. The tough part of today is undoubtedly going to be the ascent of the Mong La, a very appealing place hanging on the spur of Mt. Khumbila. A medieval historical Chorten stands at the center of the settlement of Mong La. You spend some time at the top of Mong La to look with awe at the surrounding snow-capped mountains and valleys while enjoying lunch. Then, most eye-catching feature of the trail is the wealth of plant and animal vegetation, including wildflowers and Rhododendrons that you see on the way. You may even spot wildlife like pheasants, mountain goats, and the subtle musk deer. Continuing your hike through forests, some waterfalls, and bridges, you reach Dole, a small village with few teahouses. Overall elevation gain tonight from the previous night: 750m/2,460ft.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today, another short day, starting with a climb out of the small Dole Valley before ascending more gradually up the Dudh Kosi Valley, high above the river. The walking is easy, but you will still feel the effects of altitude on even the smallest hillock. The barren alpine scenery, with only small clusters of scrub juniper, contrasts with the snowy white peaks and deep blue skies. After two hours, you will arrive at Luza (4360m), and after a further hour’s walk, you will reach your lodge at Machhermo (4465m), where you will spend the evening.
After lunch, an option is to excursion across rocky moraines to the base of Kyajo Ri (6168m) and Machhermo Peak (6073m). However, keep an eye open for the Yeti! In 1974, three yaks were killed, and a Sherpa girl was injured when trying to fight off a hairy, ape-like intruder that could have been a hungry grizzly bear! The overall elevation gain tonight from the previous night is 270m/856ft.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
You are approaching an altitude of 4500m, so you stayed an extra day at Machhermo to acclimatize by getting your bodies used to the thin air as you climbed up. There are plenty of outlets for exploration around the camp, and just above the village, there is a gracious vista that encircles Cho Oyu (8210m) and the mountains that flank the Ngozumpa Glacier.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, you climb through a crest, Chorten, where you enjoy master views of the valley below and Mt. Kangtega, Thamserku, and the northern part of Cho-Oyu at (8153m). Beyond the ridge, the valley opens as the trail passes through a Chorten and reaches Phangka at (4480m) after a brief soft hike. Then you descend to the river bank before climbing up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. It is a steep climb on the moraine.
After crossing an iron bridge over a stream, the trail levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, Longpongo, at 4690m, where you get a chance to see the footprints of a lama on a stone. As you see the sights of the second lake, Taboche Tsho, you watch the glimmering turquoise blue mass of water dazzling in the sunshine. Just ahead of the second lake, you reach the third lake, which is connected by a heaving stream, which signifies you have reached Gokyo village. Cho-Oyu Mountains stand tall in the backdrops, setting off stunning scenery, an ideal spot for your video cameras to go on overdrive in this awesome area. Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 320m/1,050ft.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today will be one of the highlights of your trip as you climb Gokyo Ri early in the morning to catch the spectacular sunrise over Everest and the surrounding peaks from the summit of Gokyo Ri. Afterward, you retraced back to your hotel in Gokyo. After relishing a warm breakfast, you trek down to Thagnak for overnight scaling by the second of the Lakes; cairns identify the route across the glacier and are determined. You climb off the glacier by a small dwelling known as Thagnak and follow a low valley to your camp by a small kharka. Overall elevation gain tonight from the previous night: -90m/-296ft.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Cho La Pass is another show-up on this trip. Today is the toughest day, and you need to start early (4-6 am) compared to other days on the trip. The pass is not difficult in itself, but it is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side. You must be careful as the trail is vertical, and the rocks glazed by ice add trouble to the trekkers, making the trail slippery. While trekking by the side of a frozen lake, you reach the top of the pass, which is decorated with prayer flags.
The pyramidal Ama Dablam presides over a range of mountains on the south, even as Cholatse soar on the west and Lobuche East and Baruntse rise sharply to your right. You need to pass through some crevasses before you reach Dzongla, another beautiful place with a complete view of Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Lobuche Peak, and the Pheriche village far below. The navigation to Cho La is a part of the Everest Base Camp route. The overall elevation gain tonight from the previous night is 135m/443ft
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
From Dzongla, you plod higher onto the pretty risky moraine of the Khumbu glacier, passing a chain of stone monuments built in memory of Sherpas and Climbers who have died on mountaineering expeditions to Mt Everest. From here, the trail descends from the valley’s west side to Lobuche, taking route to the main Everest Base Camp. From this point on, the sunset on Nuptse is an amazing sight. The overall elevation gain tonight from the previous night is 75m/246ft.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today’s trek takes you to Everest Base Camp! It’s an early start as you embark on an 8-10 hour trek. The trail winds through ice pinnacles and past the crevasses of the Khumbu Glacier. From Lobuche, it’s a 3-hour trek to Gorekshep. After a brief lunch and rest, you continue the final stretch to Everest Base Camp, passing the once-vast Gorakshep Lake. The trek to Everest Base Camp from Gorekshep takes about 2-3 hours. Once at Everest Base Camp, spend some time soaking in the incredible surroundings before retracing your steps back to Gorekshep for an overnight stay. Overall elevation gain tonight from the previous night: 230m/754ft
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
An early morning hike to Kala Patthar, one of the significant points of the trek, offers stunning panoramic views of Everest and the surrounding peaks today. You start early at dawn to catch the dramatic views from Kalapatthar, witnessing the first light of day shining on Mt. Everest. Be prepared for a cold morning with temperatures of -5 to -10°C. From Gorekshep, it’s a 2-3 hour hike to the top of Kala Patthar. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower to the east, with Everest emerging majestically between its west shoulder crest and Nuptse. You’ll spend some time at the top, snapping as many pictures as possible, before returning to Gorekshep for breakfast. After breakfast, you begin your return trek to Pheriche via Lobuche and Thugla, marking the return journey from the route to Everest Base Camp.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today, you descend, reverting to your previous route to Kyanjuma. You crash out here for the night before heading down to Monjo the next day. You cross the Khumbu Khola on a wooden suspension bridge and follow the Imja Khola to the village of Pangboche and another. Your lodge at Kyanjuma offers one of the finest views of Everest, Lhotse, and Amadablam.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
The trail to Namche Bazar hangs on to a steep wooded slope beyond Kyanjuma, meandering through several bends. While passing through the forest on the trail, you look out for fauna that include mountain goats, snow leopards, and colorful pheasants. You have enough time in Namche to shop and freak out in a bakery that serves coffee and cakes and provides Internet access. A steep descent from Namche Hill leads to the suspension bridge crossing the Dudh Kosi River near the confluence of the Dhudh Koshi and the Bhote Koshi Rivers. You cross the Dudh Koshi River twice at separate locations before reaching Monjo. After exiting from its official entrance near Monjo, you are out of the Sagarmatha National Park and finally reach Monjo Village. Not only is Monjo a quieter place to stay than Namche, but it also means your porters will have a less strenuous walk back to Lukla tomorrow.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today, your last day of trekking, following the Dudh Kosi River down to Lukla. From Phakding, it’s a steep descent for a few hours, and then it’s mostly a gradual walk along the Dudhkhosi River. You’ll have lunch on your way, and then you make the final climb up to the airstrip at Lukla. The rest of the day is free, and you can relax under the warm sun and reflect on the emotional experiences you had while hiking through these massive mountains, which have probably helped you re-discover ourselves in ways you least expected. This is your final day in these fantastic mountains. Later, you celebrate your successful completion of the trek with your Sherpa guides and porters, whom you’ve gotten to know so well and who are now good friends.
Accommodation: Teahouse/ Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, you wake up early in the morning have breakfast, and prepare for your aircraft’s arrival at Ramechap Airport. Upon landing at Ramechap, you will be transfer for a 5-hour drive back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free to relax, where you can relax or explore the city’s vibrant streets and markets. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Accommodation: Hotel Moonlight
Meals: Breakfast
A free day in Kathmandu to rest, explore, and shop. There are no activities scheduled for today. This day also serves as a contingency day in case of any delays with the flights. If you would like to do any sightseeing today, please reach out to us, and we can assist you with arranging sightseeing tours around Kathmandu.
Accommodation: Hotel Moonlight
Meals: Breakfast
Thank you for joining us on this trek and it has been a pleasure getting to know you during this time. We hope this venture has enriched your experience with happy memories. You will be assisted in your last minute preparation. Our representative will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport three hours before your scheduled flight. Bon voyage for a safe and pleasant trip home. Safe Journey!! We hope to see you again.
Meals: Breakfast
Everest Cho La Pass Trek - 20-Days Cost Details
Cost Includes
- Twin-share accommodation at Hotel Moonlight in Kathmandu for 4 nights
- Accommodation with private bathroom at Phakding, Namche and Lukla
- Cozy accommodation with shared bathroom at other places
- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek
- Tea/ Coffee with Hot boiled water for drinking purposes on the trek
- Kathmandu – Lukla airfare with 20kgs baggage allowance
- Lukla – Kathmandu airfare with 20kgs baggage alllowance
- International Airport Pickup and Drop as per your flight time
- Other transportation as per itinerary on tourist vehicle
- Sagarmatha (Everest), National Park Permit Fees
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Fee
- Experienced English speaking local trekking guide
- Assistant guide to client ratio for personalized attention and support
- 1 porter for every 2 trekkers: Porterage of your duffel bag (15kgs)
- Duffle bag for porter use (1 duffel bag per trekker)
- Comprehensive first aid kit with high altitude medicine
- Trekking Area Map, and Water Purifications Tablet
- Staffs salary, food, equipment, and insurance, included on-trip cost
- Official expense, all local and government tax and VAT.
- Sleeping bag if needed (it is refundable)
- Farewell celebratory dinner in Kathmandu with AlpineTrav
Cost Excludes
- International flight tickets and Nepal entry visa fee
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu during stay
- Disembarkation Airport Tax in Nepal - approx. US$ 24. al equipment
- Personal hiking equipment
- Personal expenses. Additional expenses due to unforeseen circumstances such as other events beyond control.
- Drinks except tea and coffee. (Bar Bill, laundry and telephone calls.)
- Travel Insurance: Liability of insurance against any kind of medical expenses etc.)
- Emergency rescue evacuation if needed
- Tips for treks guide and porter (it is appreciated)
20-Days Trip Cost Details
- The trip cost always depends on group size, hotel accommodation category and client’s desire budget
- The included itinerary is a guideline and standard pattern which AlpineTrav you. This trip itinerary can be modified according to your time and requirements
- The itinerary shall be changed after an understanding between both AlpineTrav and the client. Additional activities could be either added or reduced as per client’s request before the trip confirmation
- Price shall be adjusted in our mutual understanding, if the client intends to add some services we shall charge him/ her for those additional services and if he/she intends to lessen some services, we shall wave the charges accordingly
- The Everest Cho La Pass Trek itinerary has been published in 3-star hotel and tea house/lodge services for better understanding of the customers.
Please contact us on WhatsApp: +9779860751012 for any information about in your selected package.
Useful Info
Please take care to note: Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails traveling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather, the health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The trek guide will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.
Accommodation at Everest Region, During the Trek
Comfortable Stays in Cities and on the Trail Your comfort is our priority, whether in the bustling city or the serene mountains: In Kathmandu: Stay at Hotel Moonlight or a similar hotel, offering modern amenities for a relaxing experience(Room Arrangement: are on a twin-sharing basis, and during the trek stay in teahouse/lodge, known for their warmth and hospitality.
Accommodation at during trek: Twin-sharing accommodation with private bathroom at Phakding, Namche Bazaar and Lukla – Then – Twin-sharing accommodation with shared bathroom at other places
Meals at Everest Region, During the Trek
During the trek, meals are typically served in teahouses, offering a variety of Nepali and international dishes. Which you can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.).
- Breakfast and Dinner (On OPEN/CHOICE Menu) Served at the teahouse where you will spend the night.
- Lunch: Provided en route to the next destination, offering flexibility to enjoy the day’s journey.
- Special Touch: Breakfasts are provided your stay in Kathmandu you will also enjoy a specially prepared farewell dinner to celebrate the end of the trek.
Typical day on during the trek
Daily wake up calls will be between 6.00 am to 7.00 am while on the trek. The wake-up time and breakfast time will be decided a night before during the briefing time. The time table for each day will entirely depend on your walking duration for that particular day.
After breakfast, you set off on the day’s walk. Before breakfast, you are required to pack your duffel bag as it will be loaded by the porter while you are having your breakfast. Then you few hrs walkimg and you will stop for lunch mid-day. The afternoon’s walk is generally shorter and you’ll usually arrive at your destination in time for afternoon tea.
What is the best time for Everest Cho La Pass Trek?
The best time to trek to the Everest Cho La Pass are Autumn (latter half of September mid-December) and Spring (latter half of March until mid-May). On both seasons, Mornings are usually clear, with clouds building up in the afternoon and disappearing at night. The given temperature may raise or lower with the change in weather factors: (Sunny, Snow, Rain etc.): Here are the weather and temperatures Everest Cho La Pass faces during the Spring and Autumn months:
- Spring (March-May): Daytime temperatures in the spring range from 5°C to 10°C. (41°F to 50°F). With a possible -10°C drop at night or lower.
- Summer (June–August): Daytime highs are between 10°C and. Even at night, temperatures can drop to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). A chance for temperatures to fall below freezing.
- Autumn (September-November): Daytime highs and lows varied. 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), but it can get cold at night. Frigid, possibly falling to -10°C or lower.
- Winter (December–February): The average daytime temperature is five degrees Celsius. At night, the temperature can drop to -10°C, while during the day, it can reach 12°C (41°F to 54°F) between 14°F and 23°F or 5°C. In severe cold, temperatures can drop to -10, nighttime temperatures of 20°C to -30°C (-4°F to -22°F).
Overall, spring and autumn stand out for their pleasant conditions, while the monsoon and winter offer unique experiences with challenges to overcome.
Is the Everest Cho La Pass trek suitable for you?
The Everest Cho La Pass Trek is suitable for you if you are physically fit and comfortable walking 6-7hrs on average each day for multiple days. Previous trekking experience is beneficial, but it’s not mandatory to take part if you are active, have a good level of physical fitness, and do regular exercise.
The trek to Everest Cho La Pass takes you above the elevation of 5,000m, demanding both physical and mental resilience. Thus, if you are physically and mentally ready for the challenges, the trek is ideal for you. Our itinerary allows for proper acclimatization to ensure you adapt well to the altitude. Each day, you should expect to walk 6-7 hours on average, and the day you cross the Cho La Pass will be 8-9 hours long. Likewise, the Everest Cho La Pass trek fits those seeking off-beaten paths on less crowded trails.
Where does the Cho La Pass trek start andfrom which route does it take?
Our trek to Everest Cho La Pass with Gokyo Lakes follows clockwise route through the Khumbu Valley. It covers the key highlights of the region, including Kalapathar, Everest Base Camp and the Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri, and crosses the Cho La Pass. This route offers a complete Khumbu experience in one trek.
The journey takes around 20 days and starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. From Lukla, the trail follows the classic Everest Base Camp route up to Namche Bazaar.
From there, the route turns toward the Gokyo Lakes before crossing the Cho La Pass to reconnect with the Everest Base Camp trail. This section of the trek is both challenging and highly rewarding, combining high passes, alpine landscapes, and iconic Himalayan views.
How much does a Everest Cho La Pass trekking cost?
The cost of a Everest Cho La Pass trekking depends on the travel preferences and duration of the trek. Factors that affect these costs are accommodation, transportation, permits, guides, porters, and duration of the trek. So before purchasing the price, check the inclusions and exclusions section mentioned above.
Our 20-day trek costs USD 2,100 per person, which is an all-inclusive cost. In addition, a group discount is also available for the trek, if you are in a larger group, feel free to contact us for trip cost and availability.
The cost covers lodging in Kathmandu and throughout the trek, meals, permits, domestic flights, a trekking guide, a porter, all ground transportation. This all-inclusive cost ensures trekkers are worry-free and only focus on the journey rather than the logistics.
How difficult is the Everest Cho La Pass trek?
The Everest Cho la Pass Trek is graded as challenging. This is a high altitude trek that lasts over two weeks where Cho la pass reaches a maximum elevation of 5,545 meters or 18,190 feet.
The trek is physically demanding, with daily walking hours averaging six to seven hours across varied terrain. Previous trekking experience is not required, but you should be physically fit and have good endurance. A strong fitness level will help you manage the long days and fully enjoy the trek.
How safe is it to embark on the Everest Cho La pass trek?
Trekking to Everest Cho La pass is generally considered safe for individuals who are in good health and eager to undertake the adventure. Based on our experiences, it’s important to note that high altitude presents a significant challenge during this trek, and altitude sickness can affect anyone. It is difficult to predict altitude sickness which can strike at any time. When you’re in the mountains, mental preparedness is just as important as physical fitness.
Regarding the trekking trails to Everest Cho La pass, given its elevation of 5,420m – 5,545 meters above sea level, it’s expected that you will need to ascend high hills to reach your destination. However, the trail has been designed to be accessible to individuals with good physical health and determination.
Having said that, at AlpineTrav safety is our top priority. To ensure that, our certified guides are equipped with oximeters and first aid training and we provide one guide for small groups of up to 4 people and an associate guide for larger groups above them. Along with that we tag 1 Porter for every 2 clients which have weight limits of 30 kg or 15 kg for each client. Not only that, but we be emphasize acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness. Furthermore, proper gear and optional oxygen support will also be available at an additional cost.
Important note: It’s important to acknowledge that the real danger during the trek is the unpredictable natural calamities and disasters beyond anyone’s control. It is strongly recommended to obtain travel insurance before starting your journey.
How to prevent altitude sickness during trek?
Altitude sickness poses a serious and potentially fatal risk, especially during the Gokyo Lake Trek. Prevention measures are crucial due to their unpredictability. Consulting medical experts beforehand for a physical exam and risk assessment is essential. Therefore, avoiding substances like alcohol and tobacco, while limiting caffeine, aids in acclimatization. Whereas, adhering to safe altitude gain rules, maintaining hydration, and a carb-rich diet is a key factor while trekking.
Likewise, gradual acclimatization through slow ascents and hiring experienced guides are highly recommended. When you recognize symptoms such as nausea and dizziness and immediately decide to descend to a lower altitude or rest or go on a trek, they will immediately make decisions and advise according to your situation. For such cases carrying altitude sickness medications, a first aid kit, and testing local remedies are prudent precautions. For more inform navigate in detail the vital aspects through our blog about Altitude Sickness Prevention.
Detail information about flying into Lukla
Lukla Airport, also called Tenzing Hillary Airport, is one of the world’s most dangerous airports at 2,840 meters high serving as the entry and exit point for Everest region treks via flight. However, there are some operational changes involving flights from Ramechhap/Manthali airport at times.
Lukla flight from Ramechhap/Manthali Airport
Ramechhap/Manthali Airport is in Nepal’s Terai region, about a 5 to 6-hour drive from Kathmandu from there you’ll have a 20-minute flight to Lukla. In peak months such as March, April, May, October, and November, Lukla flights are redirected to Ramechhap/Manthali (474 m) due to increased air traffic.
Lukla flight from Kathmandu Airport
Similarly, in months like January, February, June, July, August, September, and December, Lukla flights originate from Kathmandu, which will take you about 35 minutes to reach Lukla. However, it is important to understand that the decision regarding the operation of Lukla flights is entirely up to the airlines and is influenced by the number of travelers each month.
Therefore, factors like unfavorable weather, airport congestion, runway issues, and geographical challenges often lead to flight delays or cancellations to Lukla. To account for this, it’s recommended to add an extra day or two to your Everest Trekking plan. This buffer time can be valuable in case of flight disruptions, ensuring you catch your scheduled international flight back home. More inform about Lukla flight →
Baggage allowances in Lukla Flight
Please remember that the maximum weight allowed for the Lukla flight is 15 kg (about 33 pounds), which includes both your duffel bag and daypack. If your daypack is heavier than this limit, you can pay an extra fee of USD 2 to USD 5 for each kilogram over the limit. However, sometimes even with the extra payment, you might not be allowed to bring more weight. To avoid any issues, it’s best to stick to the 15 kg limit when packing.
FAQs Related to Everest Cho La Pass Trek
One of the most popular and common routes is to go to Gokyo Lake first and then to Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass. However, the decision depends on the trekker’s trekking goals, personal preferences, and chosen itinerary plan.
Yes, you can take an alternative route to Gokyo that avoids Cho La Pass, but the journey can be lengthy. The option/ alternative route involves returning to Phortse after completing the Everest Base Camp and taking the Dole route to Gokyo.
Yes, it is possible to complete Everest Cho La Pass within 15 days if you opt for a helicopter flight back. which covers all the attractions of this trek but has a helicopter return making it a total of 15 days trip.
Winter (December to February) to Summer (June to August) is the most challenging part of the Everest Cho La Pass trek due to its difficulty. While winter has harsh weather with temperatures below minus degrees, summer comes with heavy rainfall, making the trail slippery and difficult for trekking.
The combined route to Gokyo with Everest Base Camp is relatively more difficult than the classic route to EBC. The major factor making the combined route difficult is the section of Cho la Pass, which is considered challenging to navigate.
Both Gokyo Ri and Kalapatthar are the best viewpoints of the Khumbu Valley, offering a panorama of numerous mountain peaks and glaciers. Both viewpoints also provide a sight of Mount Everest and a different perspective. However, trekkers claim that Kalapatthar is a better viewpoint due to its close view of the mountain ranges.
Cho La Pass is the most challenging part of the trek in terms of terrain, as the section involves a steep, icy, and slippery trail and the crossing of a glacier.
Yes! The adventurous Everest region trek always relies on the weather conditions. Sometimes a flight gets postponed or even canceled due to unpredictable weather changes at frequent intervals. Kathmandu to Lukla is a 30-minute flight that lands at 2,840 meters / 9,318 feet airstrip at Tenzing Hillary Airport. Please be prepared accordingly with a few contingency days in case of cancelation of the domestic flights to and from Lukla.
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