The Everest Chola Pass Trek is regarded as one of the most thrilling routes in the Everest region of Nepal. It offers breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, a challenging high-altitude pass crossing, and the opportunity to explore iconic locations such as Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp.
The trek continues to grow in popularity due to its stunning views of turquoise lakes, vast glaciers, rugged trails, and dramatic mountain scenery. Along the way, trekkers encounter centuries-old monasteries, rich Sherpa traditions, and warm, welcoming mountain communities.
The Cho La Pass itself stands at approximately 5,420 meters and presents a true challenge. Its steep, windy, and icy terrain rewards trekkers with unparalleled panoramic beauty. This trek is ideal for those seeking more than a standard journey to Everest Base Camp—perfect for adventurers who want physical challenge, cultural depth, and the raw, untouched nature of the high Himalayas.
Quick Facts
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Region: Everest (Khumbu) Region, Nepal
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Trip Duration: 17-20 days on average
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Best Months: March-May and September-November
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Difficulty Level: Challenging
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Max Elevation: Cho La Pass: approx. 5,420 meters, Kalapatthar: approx. 5,545 meters
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Key Attractions: Crossing the icy and thrilling Cho La Pass, Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri viewpoint, Everest Base Camp & Khumbu Glacier, Panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Makalu & Cho Oyu, Sherpa villages such as Namche, Khumjung, and Machhermo, Ancient monasteries, local culture, and alpine scenery
Understanding the Everest Chola Pass Trek
The Everest Chola Pass Trek is a demanding route that links two of the most captivating valleys in the Everest region: the Gokyo Valley and the Everest Base Camp area. Unlike the standard EBC trek, this trail takes you across both sides of the Khumbu, allowing you to experience the classic Everest Base Camp route along with the tranquil, glacier-fed Gokyo Lakes.
The Cho La Pass is a high-altitude, rugged crossing with steep slopes and icy terrain, offering breathtaking Himalayan views. Trekkers navigate glacier paths, rocky ridges, and challenging ascents. While the obstacles are significant, the rewards are unparalleled—panoramic mountain vistas, pristine blue lakes, and peaceful high-altitude landscapes far removed from the main trekking crowds.
What Makes The Everest Chola Pass Trek Special?
You experience both the Everest Base Camp and the Gokyo Valley
This trek lets you enjoy two iconic routes in a single journey:
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The renowned trail to Everest Base Camp
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The shimmering Gokyo Lakes
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The wide, panoramic view from Gokyo Ri
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The demanding yet rewarding Cho La Pass crossing
It’s essentially two premier treks combined into one seamless adventure.
Cho La Pass adds true adventure
Standing at 5,420 meters, Cho La Pass is one of Nepal’s most exciting mountain crossings. The ascent includes:
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Steep rocky sections
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A glacier walk
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Breathtaking views from the top
It’s tough, but the sense of achievement is unforgettable.
It offers incredibly diverse landscapes
Throughout the trek, you will pass through:
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Forested trails
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Open alpine meadows
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Glacial valleys
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Frozen terrain
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Traditional Sherpa villages
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High-altitude lakes
The Chola Pass route offers international trekkers a complete and varied Himalayan experience, showcasing the very best of the Everest region.
Trek Insights
How To Reach The Location
The trek begins in Lukla, a small mountain town that serves as the gateway to the Everest region. To reach Lukla:
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Kathmandu or Ramechhap: Most trekkers fly from Kathmandu to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla. During peak season, flights may be diverted to Ramechhap.
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Trek-in option: Those avoiding flights can start from Jiri or Salleri, adding a few extra days to the journey.
The flight to Lukla is an unforgettable experience, offering views of towering mountains, scattered villages, and a thrilling short-runway landing.
Transportation Options
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Domestic Flight: The quickest and most common option, taking 25–35 minutes from Kathmandu (or Ramechhap in peak trekking season).
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Jeep/Bus + Trek: Travelers can take a road trip to Salleri or Phaplu, then trek 2–4 days to Lukla.
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Helicopter: Available for groups or solo travelers, though more expensive. Often used during bad weather or emergencies.
Once on the trail, trekking is your primary mode of travel, supported by porters or yaks carrying gear.
Accommodation
Accommodation along the Everest Chola Pass Trek consists mainly of teahouses that typically provide:
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Cozy private or twin rooms
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Blankets (bringing a sleeping bag is recommended)
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Local Nepali and Tibetan meals
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Hot drinks, basic Wi-Fi, and cold or paid hot showers
At higher altitudes, teahouses become simpler, with basic rooms and shared facilities, but the hospitality remains warm and genuine.
Packing Essentials
Given the cold climate and high-altitude pass crossings, smart packing is essential.
Clothing
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Down or synthetic insulated jacket
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Waterproof jacket and trousers
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Thermal base layers
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Fleece jacket
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Lightweight trekking trousers and quick-dry T-shirts
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Warm gloves, hats, and gaiters
Footwear
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Sturdy, well-broken-in trekking boots
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Warm trekking socks
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Microspikes or crampons for the Cho La Pass
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Trekking poles
Other Essentials
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Sleeping bag (-10°C to -20°C)
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Sunglasses and sunscreen
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Water purification tablets
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Spare batteries for a headlamp
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First-aid kit
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Reusable water bottle
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Energy bars/snacks
Weather in the high Himalayas can shift within minutes, so preparation is key.
Estimated Costs (Packages)
Pricing varies based on season, group size, and services included. On average:
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Budget Package: USD 1,200–1,500
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Standard Package: USD 1,500–2,000
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Luxury/Custom Package: USD 2,000–3,000+
Packages generally include:
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Guide and porter services
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Lukla flights
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Accommodation and meals during the trek
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Permits
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Local transportation
Additional expenses may include:
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Hot showers (USD 2–5)
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Charging electronic devices (USD 2–5)
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Wi-Fi access
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Tips for guides/porters
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Personal snacks
Permits
Trekkers need two permits:
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Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
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Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
These can be obtained in Kathmandu or along the trekking route. Always carry passport-sized photos and keep permits secured, as multiple checkpoints are present.
Travel Experience
Scenery & Nature
The Everest Chola Pass Trek offers some of the most spectacular Himalayan scenery. You’ll walk through lush forests, cross suspension bridges over rushing rivers, and ascend toward icy cliffs and glaciers. The vibrant blue Gokyo Lakes look almost surreal, surrounded by snowy peaks and glacier systems.
From Gokyo Ri, trekkers are rewarded with a panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu in a single sweeping frame.
Crossing the Cho La Pass feels almost Arctic—icy paths, sharp ridges, and endless stretches of snow. As you approach Everest Base Camp, the massive Khumbu Glacier and towering peaks enhance the sense of adventure.
Culture & Local Life
The Khumbu region is home to the Sherpa community, celebrated worldwide for their mountaineering skills and hospitality. Passing through villages like Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, and Thame offers insight into mountain life.
You will see prayer flags fluttering, mani walls etched with Buddhist mantras, and monks performing rituals in ancient monasteries.
Teahouse meals are simple yet comforting—dal bhat, Tibetan bread, momo, and yak butter tea. Sharing food and stories with locals often becomes one of the trek’s most meaningful experiences.
Spiritual & Historical Sites
Throughout the route, trekkers encounter prayer wheels, stupas, and centuries-old monasteries. Tengboche Monastery—one of the spiritual centers of the Khumbu—is a common stop, offering a serene atmosphere and chanting rituals.
Many trails overlap with old trade routes once used by Sherpa traders carrying goods between Nepal and Tibet, adding historical richness to the journey.
Trekking Challenges
This trek demands both physical strength and mental endurance. Key challenges include:
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Altitude: Rapid elevation gain can cause AMS; acclimatization days are essential.
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Weather: Snowstorms, strong winds, and extreme cold can occur unpredictably.
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Cho La Pass Crossing: Steep, icy sections require microspikes, careful footwork, and patience.
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Daily Walking: Trekkers typically walk 6–8 hours per day; the Cho La day can be longer.
With preparation, pacing, and a skilled guide, the trek remains highly achievable.
Sample Itinerary
A standard itinerary often looks like this:
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Day 1: Fly to Lukla (2,860m) and trek to Phakding
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Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazaar
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Day 3: Acclimatization day in Namche; visit Khumjung or Everest View Hotel
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Day 4: Trek to Phortse Thanga
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Day 5: Trek to Machhermo
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Day 6: Trek to Gokyo
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Day 7: Climb Gokyo Ri at sunrise; explore Gokyo Lakes
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Day 8: Trek to Thaknak
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Day 9: Cross Cho La Pass; trek to Dzongla
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Day 10: Trek to Lobuche
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Day 11: Visit Everest Base Camp; overnight in Gorak Shep
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Day 12: Climb Kala Patthar; trek to Pheriche
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Day 13: Trek to Namche Bazaar
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Day 14: Trek to Lukla
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Day 15: Fly back to Kathmandu
Extra rest days or alternative routes may be added depending on the weather and fitness levels.
Tips & Recommendations
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Acclimatize slowly and avoid rushing any part of the hike.
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Stay well hydrated, as your body requires more water at high altitude.
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Pack in layers since temperatures can change within minutes.
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Carry or rent microspikes to safely cross the Cho La Pass.
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Check weather updates frequently, especially for pass conditions.
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Carry extra cash, as ATMs in Namche can sometimes run out of cash.
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Hire a guide for safety, better route decisions, and valuable local insight.
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Respect local culture and ask for permission before taking photos.
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Make sure you have travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation.
FAQs
1. Is The Everest Chola Pass Trek Suitable For Solo Travelers?
Yes, solo travelers can safely complete this trek with the help of a professional guide. Most foreign hikers travel independently but join guided groups, especially for the Cho La Pass crossing.
2. How Technical Is The Glacier Walk On Cho La Pass?
The glacier section is manageable but requires caution. Depending on the season, there may be icy patches and minor crevasses, so staying close to your guide is essential.
3. Do I Need Prior Mountaineering Experience For This Trek?
No, prior mountaineering experience is not required. However, good physical fitness and experience with multi-day trekking are highly recommended.
4. Are There ATM Facilities On The Everest Chola Pass Route?
The last dependable ATM is in Namche Bazaar. There are no ATMs on the Gokyo or EBC sections, so trekkers should withdraw enough cash in Namche or Kathmandu.
5. What Is The Biggest Challenge Of The Cho La Pass Section?
The steep trail, snow conditions, and high altitude make this section physically and mentally demanding. Starting early is crucial to avoid unpredictable weather.
6. How Early Do Trekkers Need To Start The Cho La Pass Crossing?
Trekkers typically begin between 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM to take advantage of firm morning snow and safer weather conditions for the descent to Thangnak.
7. Can Vegetarian Trekkers Find Food Options On This Route?
Yes, vegetarian meals are widely available. Common options include dal bhat, noodles, soups, fried rice, spaghetti, and pancakes. Many hikers choose vegetarian meals for easier digestion at altitude.
8. Is Drinking Water Easily Available On The Trek?
Bottled water is available in some areas, but most trekkers refill at teahouses and purify their water using tablets or filters to save money and reduce plastic waste.
9. What Happens If The Cho La Pass Is Closed Due To Weather?
Your guide will either adjust the route or wait until the pass reopens. Safety comes first, so having buffer days—especially in off-seasons—is highly recommended.
10. How Reliable Is Mobile Network Coverage On This Trek?
Ncell and NTC networks work in lower regions, but higher areas like Dzongla, Thangnak, and the pass have little to no signal. Most teahouses offer Everest Link Wi-Fi.