The Everest Chola Pass Trek takes you on an exciting journey that encompasses the challenge of traversing the Chola Pass with the breathtaking view of the spectacle from the Everest Base Camp. On this amazing trek that typically spans no more than 16 days but can be extended to include 18 days, trekkers touch on some of the highest altitudes they would ever reach in the Everest region. Lukla, Namche, and the sacred Tengboche are visited, whose mystical shadow leads to the memory of everything heard at Everest Base Camp. The trip culminates with the climb of Chola Pass, which is a magnificent high pass that joins Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Valley.
The ethnic groups of Sherpas continue to charm every trekker traveling across the Everest Chola Pass Trek. Communities showcasing intense Tibetan Buddhist practices entirely immerse trekkers in culture. Sherpas are very knowledgeable about mountaineering, making them famous for their warmth and hospitality. Regarded as the “Gateway to the Himalayas,” Namche Bazaar offers the opportunity to explore Sherpa lifestyles, taste the local Sherpa cuisine, and get acclimatized. There is an almost serene and spiritual atmosphere in the small monasteries as you hike higher along with a sense of calm and acceptance.
As you walk along the trails, you will be treated to some magnificent vistas of the world’s surrounding mountains, including some of the highest peaks that are indeed visible in all their glory. You will be thrown into the laps of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other Himalayan giants while moving closer to Base Camp. An image of the vast Khumbu Icefall, a representation of the might and beauty of nature, will always be in your memory.
Following the Everest Base Camp, the Gokyo Lakes are a must-visit on the Everest Chola Pass Trek for their magical turquoise waters in the background of snow-capped hills. Gokyo Ri, at a chill-inducing 5,357 meters elevation, is the highest point to get the best panoramic views of the region, with an awe-inspiring view of Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Everest before you.
At an altitude of 5,420 meters above sea level, Everest Chola Pass Trek is one of the main hurdles for trekking. This formidable pass presents stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and connects Everest Base Camp to the Gokyo Valley. While proper acclimatization and physical fitness are required to cross this high-altitude pass eventually, the sense of achievement on top is beyond words.
The highly adrenaline-charged struggle, up steep, rugged trails, through glaciers, and snow-filled landscapes, offers glimpses of unparalleled natural beauty and physical challenges. The majestic view from Chola Pass of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Everest, is simply overwhelming.
As you walk through this particularly attractive landscape, you will grasp how diversified the area is from its aroma and wildlife presentation. Rhododendrons, alpine shrubs, and blue pine trees outnumber the most common lower-altitude vegetation, while tougher plants withstanding severe climatic conditions charm upper elevations.
It leads to a once-in-a-lifetime, brief sighting of rare creatures such as the snow leopard, the musk deer, and the Himalayan tahr on this trail of the Everest Chola Pass Trek. The Sherpa people use yaks and hybrids, which will carry supplies and merchandise. The avifauna is outstanding in the forest and alpine meadows, with birders being delighted with Nepal’s national bird, the brilliant Himalayan monal.
An Everest Chola Pass Trek is a trip for adventure seekers, a mixed bag of physical hardship, extraordinary views, and extensive cultural exposure you will never forget. It is considered one of the most famous treks anywhere on earth due to the combination of grand mountain views, rugged terrain, and a very interesting Sherpa culture.
This trek will offer a unique experience, the mixture of amazement with physical hardships as one crosses over the Chola Pass at such a height, gazing at majestic crowns around or discovering the fun-filled Sherpa village. Therefore, if you are a hearty trekker who craves an extraordinary expedition that tests your limits, the Everest Cho La Pass trek should be added to your list.
On arrival in Kathmandu, you are going to get some rest and get accustomed to the fresh air for some days in the city before kicking off your adventure. You can stroll through some exotic streets of Kathmandu for the day. Or maybe sit somewhere in a good and happening place like Thamel for some coffee, and relaxation, and check out photographs for the Everest Chola Pass trek. In the evening, a meeting will be conducted during which your guide will be briefing you on the walk ahead, and you will also be introduced to fellow group mates.
You will tour this entire day and make last-minute preparations so that you will be all set for the journey of the Everest Chola Pass trek. Here, you will witness some of the wonders of Kathmandu, a city with a rich cultural history, commencing with the Monkey Temple, another name for Swayambhunath Stupa, from where the views of the valley are at their best.
Later, pay a visit to the UNESCO-designated Bouddanath Stupa and the major Hindu pilgrimage site that is Pashupatinath Temple. The trekking information will be given, which will include the trek itinerary, safety measures, and some expected happenings on the way; and a quick gear/food check at your hotel (a guesthouse). The next day you will be getting to Lukla from where the trekking starts.
Your trekking expedition kicks off today with 45 minutes of mountain viewing flight to Lukla from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, presenting a stunning view of the Himalayas. After reaching Lukla Airport, hike down towards Phakding (2,610m), a small settlement sitting at the Dudh Koshi River.
This very easy day to have everyone acclimatize to the altitude will take you through several small villages, go over several suspension bridges, and get captured by the enchanting scenery of the valley. You are going to sleep in another good teahouse in Phakding. This will conclude the first day of the Everest Chola Pass trekking.
After eating breakfast, you will trek now to Namche Bazaar (3,440m), an extremely bustling area in the region of Everest. As you come up from the Sagarmatha National Park, the trail climbs rather steeply, passes through beautiful forests of pine, and crosses the Dudh Koshi River on swinging bridges. You will see Mount Everest for the first time on the way.
Trekking for a few more hours will bring you to the bustling town of Namche Bazaar, also popularly known as the “Gateway to the Himalayas.” You will be spending your night here, and this is a very good location for acclimatization. The following days in the higher region will be a piece of cake if you do it right by acclimatizing by now to avoid altitude sickness.
Since your body needs to adjust to the altitude, today is an acclimatization day. For the Everest Chola Pass trek the destination for the acclimatization is the Everest View Hotel which is about five minutes away from here. Feel free to go for a walk around and absorb the vibes of culture and nature by visiting the Sherpa Museum.
Spend the rest of the day getting to know the locals or exploring markets. After spending this night at this altitude, you will be better suited to move into higher regions of the trek, still preventing altitude sickness.
On the sixth day, you will march on your way to Tengboche (3,860m). The trail of the Everest Chola Pass trek climbs through the rhododendrons and pine trees. Before you arrive at Tengboche, you will go through a couple of settlements, including Kenjoma and Phunki Thenga.
The Gompa commands an attractive eye view and surrounds mountains such as Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Mount Everest. After seeing the monastery, spend the night in the tranquil town enclosed by magnificent mountains.
The trail is continuously ascending today towards Dingboche (4,410m). From Deboche, the trek leads to Pangboche, where you may take some time to check out a monastery. Ama Dablam’s silhouettes get only more breathtaking as the elevation grows.
As the Everest Chola Pass Trek trails go uphill, the trek gets more and more difficult, but the jaw-dropping sceneries and heights to be reached keep any trekker going. At Dingboche, an opportunity presents itself to spend the night in this peaceful village, too, to aid the acclimatization of the trekker.
Dingboche provides a peaceful ambiance for acclimatizing well before entering the lofty reaches of the Himalayan. Trek to Nangkartshang Peak (5,100 m) is planned for the day-water-marked by the cold breath of the chilling wind that calls forth great vistas of the presence of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Mount Makalu, and their fellow high-peaks. The body will be alert to the raised altitude and gradually prepare for harder days to come during this day trek. The balance of the day is rest; one such as this is spent at Dingboche in preparation for tomorrow’s day of the Everest Chola Pass Trek.
Hiking from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940 m) will take you through the Khumbu Glacier at the foot of the world. The up-and-down trail exposes stunning views of Khumbu Icefall and surrounding mountains waiting to make their ascent to Lobuche. Increased altitude means it shall be physically challenging but shall be well complemented by the awesome views of nature. The rest of the night will be at the teahouse accommodation featuring marvelously silhouetted peaks of the Himalayas following your arrival at Lobuche.
This is one of the thrilling and most glorious days of the expedition as you proceed to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) via numerous rock heaps and modest memorials to those who have fallen on Mount Everest on Khumbu Glacier. Upon arriving, one recognizes the fantastic view of the Khumbu Icefall and Everest’s proud South Face. After a relatively short period at Base Camp, return to Gorak Shep to pack for the night.
Next up, you wake up so early that it becomes quiet calling for a summit of supreme importance. Nothing can ever be said to completely capture the sunrise from the top of Pumori (5,545m) – where Mount Everest and the neighboring peaks unfurl themselves in all their glory. Say with your eyes and heart “never again” to Mount Everest when seeing Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Everest from Kala Patthar. Resaddle down toward Dingboche after some more time at the summit.
Today see you off to a small settlement of Chhukung (4,730m) within the Chhukung valley. The skyline only appears littered with the peaks, including Island Peak in the background, from where they show clearly; a relatively short day of walking ahead. Chhukung offers tranquility and an ideal environment to relax and prepare for the crossing of the Chola Pass.
The Everest Chola Pass Trek (5,420m) ascent starts early on an excursion that will rally for it. Academically, the pass’ prominence is probably due to its challenging climb to the snow-clad the greatest achievement is to be atop the pass itself. The summit affords wonderful views of Gokyo, Makalu, Choyo, and Everest. A beautiful pathway will drop you down into the fabulous Gokyo Valley, where you will stay overnight.
Today, you will walk towards Gokyo Ri (5,357 m), another sublime viewpoint. You may see into the Everest region from the top of the Ri. The Holy Gokyo Lakes, formed by a chain of marvelous turquoise ponds hidden in the valley, are next in line for exploration. Today is ideally spent admiring the Gokyo landscape and resting ahead of the descent.
Today, start descending to Dole (4,200m), walking through the villages of Luza and Machhermo; there will be more views of spectacular scenery with every single minute talking to the locals. Dole will be where an evening of relaxation must be eyed.
Today starts the descent towards Namche Bazaar. Now you can view the massive Himalayan peaks in the distance as you walk through the only forests and small towns along this beguiling trail. Your time to relax and discover Namche Bazaar will come as the final respite before Lukla.
Today back to Lukla and you are almost at the end of your journey until you reach the Dudh Koshi River valley. As accomplished, enjoy the end of the trail in Lukla.
Return to Kathmandu in the morning by catching a flight from Lukla. Once in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure or for exploring, sightseeing, and resting.
On the day ahead of your departure, you’ll have some free time to relax. Depending on your flight schedule, the day could also be used to make a last-minute purchase or take in some scenery. Your transfer will then bring you to the airport for your international flight back home.
The best times for the Everest Chola Pass Trek are during the March to May (spring) and the September to November (fall) seasons. During this period, the sky is free of clouds, temperatures are moderate, and there is little chance of rain or snow. The Spring season makes for an abundance of blooming Rhododendrons in the middle of fantastic temperatures.
With summer (June to August) hitting, heavy monsoon rains will cause the paths to become muddy and slippery and create the possibility of landslides. Winter (December to February) on the trails is possible yet dangerous due to the cold, snow, and difficulties on the passes. Spring and fall are, therefore, the best times to go.
Depending on the route, the Everest Chola Pass Trail covers various distances from a minimum of 130-150 km (80 to 93 miles). The trails ascend to higher elevations, of which the Chola Pass (5,420 meters/17,782 feet) is the highest one.
Kala Patthar (5,545 meters/18,192 feet) and Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters/17,598 feet) provide two of the many high-altitude locations where people enjoy watching Mount Everest and its nearby peaks. Due to the trek’s high altitude and challenging nature, fitness and preparation beforehand are vital for the success of the trek.
Due to its elevation, Everest Chola Pass Trek demands serious acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness. On the 5th day and the 8th day of our trek, we will have 2 days of acclimatization in Namche Bazar and Dingboche respectively, allowing a great chance for the body to adapt to the thinner air.
Namche Bazaar and Dingboche are key stopover locations to be used for moderate height gains. Eating well, drinking plenty of water, and taking rests when required can significantly help to prevent altitude sickness.
The Everest Chola Pass Trek is a tough walk, which requires a lot of stamina, physical health, and the ability to adapt to a high-altitude environment. The journey includes long days of walking on rough terrain. Trekkers above 3,500 meters will feel altitude sickness and signs may include headaches, dry heaves, dizzy feelings, breathlessness, and others. This harsh reality should become understood: If you get a sign of a serious illness, then act by descending at once.
If you average the daily route length being traversed during the Everest Chola Pass Trek without considering the maximum or minimum, the trekker could expect to walk for 6 to 8 hours every day. For acclimatization days, the minimum distances are usually around 5 to 6 kilometers (3 to 4 miles), while the total distance may go up to even 12 to 14 kilometers (7.5 to 9 miles) on a given day for those longer pathways between villages.
Some days will always be rather more demanding than others due to technical rough terrain made up of long ascents and descents. Enough time has been allocated in the itinerary for acclimatization and relaxation.
To survive Everest Chola Pass Trekking, a high level of physical fitness must be achieved. In practice, a trekker should be able to endure six to eight hours of walking along tough terrains, but you do not have to be an accomplished athlete.
The usual aerobic muscle groups the quads, hamstrings, glutes, and core should be strenuously worked out by cycling, running, hiking, or similar exercises in preparation before the trek. To better prepare yourself strength-wise, going out for an aerobic exercise is important. Observe anaplasia in the enjoyment of standing, and stair climbing will have a lot of preparatory benefits.
The Everest Chola Pass trek the teahouse accommodation is very simple. A room comes with comforters, mattresses, and maybe a medium-sized heater. Facilities get simpler the higher altitude you go. Some settlements in high altitudes might not provide heating and electricity at all. They serve numerous food items, ranging from Nepali, Tibetan, and foreign cuisines.
Including pasta, rice, noodles, momo (dumplings), and dal bhat (a set of rice, lentil soup, and vegetables). Try to eat only cooked food and drink water that has been boiled; this will keep you away from being sick during the trek. Traveling is aided by fast food like nuts, muesli bars, or highly nutritious food such as fruits for those breaks on the trek.
Internet services are offered at both high and low elevations while trekking the Everest region. Nevertheless, the connections may be average and expensive. Major towns like Namche Bazaar and Lukla have installed WiFi facilities, but as one goes up, most facilities are likely to start attracting more money. Despite most teahouses having electricity run by a diesel generator, they are regularly cut off, most often where trekking in very remote areas is considered.
The upper reaches could charge a small fee for gadget power. Nepal has different power points such as types C, D, and M, so you might want to carry a universal power plug adapter. A worthwhile power bank comes in handy for days when you will not have charging spots for your gadgets.
Booking a guide and porter is a good option for the Everest Chola Pass Trek. The guides, besides showing the trails, will impart knowledge on the geology and culture of the region and be a great help in times of emergency.
The porter, carrying personal belongings, removes the participant’s physical load, leaving him to focus on the trek at hand. Engaging local people on such trips is good as it boosts the local economy. Guides with good expertise and knowledge make trust to ensure safety and fun throughout the journey.
Upon arrival at Lukla, a tiny airport situated in the middle of the hills and the runway, the flight is expected to be one of the most frightening in the world, which usually starts the many journeys such as trekking to Everest Base Camp, Everest Chola Pass Trek to name a few.
It is mandatory that you have trekking and travel insurance plans with emergency helicopter evacuation up to 6,000 meters. Make sure the coverage includes medical issues, lost luggage, and cancellations before you dare to venture. Even before your trek, foreign contractors may require proof of your insurance.
While trekking in Nepal, it is required to carry a tourist visa. Most tourists can get a 30-day visa from the airport in Kathmandu immediately upon arrival. Besides, it is required for the Everest Chola Pass Trekking packages to obtain permits for the region.
The two main permits that are useful for trekkers are the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. In the case of the trek climbing adjacent territory, a Conservation Area Permit may be necessary.
The thrill comes as you take on the challenging and adventurous Everest Chola Pass trek. The rich and fragmented air of Sherpa village atmosphere, decorated with prayer flags all over the places, immersion in the local culture, and delightful mountain scenery are all in store for you.
A long day of hiking on foot over rocky terrain will also have you looking at panoramas of Makalu, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Mount Everest. Even though the walk is highly demanding, you will feel the fulfillment of accomplishing Everest Base Camp, Chola Pass, and Gokyo Ri.
The spring and fall seasons are the best time to go for this trek. The time between March-May and September-November is the best. The weather conditions are fine these months. Mountains are visible and the environment will also be beautiful during these times of the year.
The trek is said to be a moderate yet challenging trek due to its high-altitude trails. The trekkers need to have some experience of hiking before this trek, be physically fit, or be capable of walking for long hours, then it will be very useful.
The Everest Chola Pass Trek normally lasts for 14-15 days of trekking. However, due to the weather conditions and acclimatization, a few more days are added to the itinerary. The total distance of the trek covers around 130km to 150 km and daily hiking takes a maximum of 6- 8 hrs.
It is always essential to be mentally and physically fit for the Everest Cholo Pass trek. Strength training and aerobic exercises like cycling or running should be done to prepare one’s legs for high ascents. Hiking with a weighted backpack is extremely important to get used to loading and simulating the conditions of an expedition. When fully prepared, you’ll be able to navigate through difficult terrains and have great fun at high elevations.