Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Trek

trek Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Trek, via the Chola (Pass), is an uneven and adventurous alternative to the Regular Everest Base Camp Trek. You get the best of both worlds: a wilderness experience, plus alternate attractions of the classic Everest Base Camp trek.

Highlights of the Everest base Camp Chola Pass Trek

Enjoy the classic Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Trek while adding extra attractions to the experience
Feel the sense of achievement after passing the high Chola (Pass)
Marvel at the highest freshwater lake system in the world, the Gokyo Lakes
Be amazed by unobstructed views of Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu

This route avoids many of the busy paths, which can get very crowded in peak season, and explores the higher valleys of the Khumbu region.

In the Gokyo Valley trek the Gokyo Lakes are a major attraction in themselves, with their pristine turquoise waters. The views of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and the Everest Massif from Gokyo-Ri, a peak above the lakes, are also some of the best in the Khumbu region.

While parts of this trek are demanding (especially the Chola pass at 5330m), there is also more time to acclimatize to the altitude. There will also be fewer nights spent at very high altitude than on the standard Everest Base Camp Trek. This means you will likely feel more physically prepared for the challenges of the trail.

The Route Followed

Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Trek starts with an exciting flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway to Mt. Everest. While this airport is notorious, you will probably forget any fears amid the excitement of the approach and the Spectacular Mountain and hill scenery.

After two days’ walk to Namche Bazaar, the heartland of Sherpa culture, the trail turns off from the Gokyo Valley trek route and enters to the famous Everest Base Camp Trek

Spend a day at Dingboche (4220m) to aid acclimatization. This day can be used to hike up to Nagarjuna Viewpoint or optional walk to Chhukung valley.

The trail continues down the valley, towards the beautiful view of the massive towering peak from the trekking trail to Everest base camp trek.

As you climb in altitude, the views of the mountains become more impressive. Stop at small towns along the way, such as Tengboche, with its famous monastery where Everest climbers stop to be blessed by the head lama. You will also pass many strings of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, sending mantras through the air, as well as carved mani stones with Tibetan mantras carved on them, and prayer wheels you can spin.

Gorakshep (5164m) is the highest point on the trek at which you will sleep. From here, the trek to Base Camp itself, and up Kala Patthar (5545m), for views of Everest, Lhotse (8516m), Pumo-Ri (7161m), Thamserku (6623m), Kangtega (6782m), Kangtega (6782m), AmaDablam (6812m) one of the beautiful mountain in the world.

Letter on you turned to the right after walking 30 minutes from Lobuche leaving the popular trekking trail of Everest Base camp Trek Behind and reach Dzhong-La, a tiny place with only a couple of lodges and the only village between Cho La and Lobuche. After crossing the Chola, head up the Gokyo Valley trek and stay at Gokyo, situated on the third lake among the five major lakes that comprise the Gokyo Lakes area.

Gokyo Valley Trek.

There are 19 lakes in the system, although there are six main lakes accessible to visitors. The main lake is called Dudh Pokhari (the milk lake), and the town of Gokyo sits on its shore.

A couple of hours’ hike above the lakes is Gokyo-Ri (5360m), which is actually at about the same altitude as Everest Base Camp. The viewpoint at the summit provides one of the best views in the region, including Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m) and Cho Oyu (8201m), three of the top ten highest mountains in the world. From where you can also see the longest Ngozumpa Glacier of Nepal.

After this viewpoint, the route goes down to the main Everest Base camp trail at Kyangjuma (3700). The return route to Lukla descends into the main valley and passes through Luza (3370m), Mong-La (4013m) and Namche (3440m).

Accommodation

Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Trek can be done as a tea-house trek, where you will stay in lodges along the way. Lukla, Namche Bazaar and along the Everest Base Camp route, the variety and quality of tea houses are especially good. Luxury lodges are even available! We can match your lodging to your budget and tastes.

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Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Trek Short Itinerary;

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu. (1338 meters).
Day 02: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation.
Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2810 meters) and trek to Phakding. (2610 meters).
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar. (3440 meters).
Day 05: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar.
Day 06: Trek to Thyangboche. (3860 meters).
Day 07: Trek to Dingboche. (4400 meters).
Day 08: Acclimatization day at Dingboche.
Day 09: Trek to Lobuche. (4900 meters).
Day 10: Trek to Gorakshep (5180 meters).
Day 11: Climb Kala Patter (5545 meters) and trek to Lobuche. (4900 meters).
Day 12: Trek to Dzong Lha. (4830 meters).
Day 13: Cross Cho La (5330 meters) and trek to Dragnag. (4700 meters).
Day 14: Trek to Gokyo Lake (4790 meters).
Day 15: Explore around Gokyo Valley.
Day 16: Trek to Luza. (3370 meters).
Day 17: Trek Phortse (2950 meters).
Day 18: Trek to Namche Bazaar. (3440 meters).
Day 19: Trek to Lukla. (2810 meters).
Day 20: Fly back to Kathmandu.
Day 21: Free day at Kathmandu.
Day 22: Final Departure to your Home Country.

Detail Itinenary

Day 01:

ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU. (1338 METERS)

A representative from Visit Himalaya Treks with the company’s display board will greet you outside the arrival terminal and transfer you to your Hotel. (Overnight at Hotel).

Day 02:

SIGHTSEEING AND TREK PREPARATION.

A half day guided tour to several historical and spiritual attractions enlisted under the World Heritage Sites. The trek leader will meet the group for a meeting and provide a detailed briefing on the trek. All the required information regarding the trek would be provided. (Overnight at Hotel. Breakfast included).

Day 03:

FLY TO LUKLA (2810 METERS) AND TREK TO PHAKDING. (2610 METERS).

An early morning scenic flight to Lukla (35 minutes) is followed by a leisurely breakfast at Lukla. We meet up with our crew and after a brief introduction and a quick sorting of our daypack and the main bags, our adventure starts. The trail gradually drops into the Dudh Koshi Valley and passes through the lovely Sherpa villages of Chauri Kharka, Cheplung, then undulates through villages of Thado Koshi, Ghat, and finally arrives at Phakding. First views of Kusum Kanguru (6367 meters) can be viewed at Thado Koshi just before a small climb at Thado Koshi. During the day and in most of the other days on the trek, we follow the Dudh Koshi river and pass through a couple of suspension bridges and several mani walls, mani stone, chorten, stupas and prayer flags with snowcapped mountains in the background. (3 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).

Day 04:

TREK TO NAMCHE BAZAAR. (3440 METERS).

During the day, we follow the Dudh Koshi River and cross the river several times on the suspension bridges. Views of Thamserku (6608 meters) and the holy mountain Khumbi Yui Lha (5761 meters) shows themselves for the first time as we trek through small villages of Tok Tok, Ghat, Benkar and Monjo. The trail keeps undulating for the whole morning and enters into the Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. The path drops down to Jorsalle and steadily follows the river for a while until the start of the steep climb with a dramatic suspension bridge (situated at more than 50 meters above the river) joining the two different valleys. The first glimpse of Everest (8848 meters) with the Lohtse face infront of it can be enjoyed on the midway of the climb through the pine forests, on the way to Namche Bazaar. This famous town in the lap of the Himalayas also offers the best views of the Kongde Range. (6 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).

Day 05:

ACCLIMAZATION DAY AT NAMCHE BAZAAR.

A walk to the twin village of Khunde (3840 meters) and Khumjung (3780 meters) through the Syangboche Airport (3720 meters) is considered as one of the interesting days of the trek. With the benefit of gain in altitude, this day trip also offers a chance to visit a hospital and school started by Sir Edmund Hillary himself. Breathtaking views of Mount Everest (8848 meters), Lohtse (8414 meters) and Ama Dablam (6856 meters) are also an added incentive for the day hike. (6 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).

Day 06:

TREK TO THYANGBOCHE. (3860 METERS).

The trek continues on a well-maintained path in the morning with towering mountains on almost every direction. After passing a couple of teahouses at Kyangjuma, the path starts to drop down to the river passing small teashops at the villages of Sanasa, Lausasa and finally reaches Phunki Tenga at the bottom of the valley. Yet another suspension bridge helps us to cross the river at Phunki Tenga and then an identical climb to Namche waits. The climb through a thin Rhododendron forest finally ends at Thyanboche. Thyangboche is famous for the Thyangboche Monastery, the biggest and the most important monastery of the region. Thyangboche also offers stunning panoramic views of Everest with the Lhotse face, Ama Dablam (6856 meters), Khangtega (6685 meters) and the Kongde Range. (6 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).

Day 07:

TREK TO DINGBOCHE. (4220 METERS).

The path drops down passing through some teahouses at Deboche and after a brief period on easy terrain, crosses the Dudh Koshi once again. A small ascend leads to Pangboche, the village with the oldest monastery of the region. The trek continues in the valley and passes small villages of Somare and Hortse. After Hortse, the path drops in and out of a valley and then a steady walk finally ends the day at Dingboche. At Dingboche, views of another snowcapped pinnacle add to the already impressive list of mountains, as the view of Island Peak (6189 meters), one of the most popular trekking peaks in Nepal, appears in the North. (5-6 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).

Day 08:

ACCLIMATIZATION DAY AT DINGBOCHE.

A climb on the ridge of Nangkar Tshang for couple of hours or a hike to Chukkung further into the valley are the two options available at Dingboche for acclimatization. The climb on the ridge offers better views of the mountains and also a good couple of hundred meters gain in altitude. A leisurely lunch and a good rest can be enjoyed in the afternoon. (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).

Day 09:

TREK TO LOBUCHE. (4910 METERS)

After a short climb, the tail continues to gradually ascend for the most part of the morning. After crossing a small river, the trail climbs to Thukla, followed by a steep climb that ends at the top of Thukla Pass (4830 meters). The pass is filled with memorials dedicated to the mountaineers perished in the mountains of Khumbu region and also provides serene views of the mountains responsible for those memorials. An easier walk in the afternoon ends the day at Lobuche. (6 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).

Day 10:

TREK TO GORAKSHEP. (5180 METERS).

An early start leads us into the undulating trail and into the Khumbu Glacier for a while. After getting out of the glacier, the path leads to Gorakhshep (5180 meters). After a brief stop and lunch, the trail again enters the Khumbu Glacier and undulates all the way up to Everest Base Camp. At Base Camp, one can enjoy the close-up views of Nuptse (7861 meters), Pumori (7165 meters), Lingtren (6749 meters), Khumbutse (6665 meters), Changtse (7653 meters) and Lho La (6026 meters). We return to Gorakhshep through the same route on the glacier. (6-7 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).

Day 11:

CLIMB KALA PATTER (5545 METERS) AND TREK TO LOBUCHE. (4900 METERS)

A steep climb to Kala Pattar (2 hours) is rewarded with the proper view of the southwest face of Everest. Kala Pattar is also the highest point of the trek. After returning to Gorakhshep, we return to Lobuche via the same route. (3 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).

Day 12:

TREK TO DZONG-LA. (4830 METERS)

After a comfortable walk in the morning, the trail leaves the traditional Everest trail and leads to a gradual ascent. The path drops briefly into a valley and is followed by a final climb that ends at Dzong-La. (4 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).

Day 13:

CROSS CHO LA (5330 METERS) AND TREK TO DRAGNAG. (4700 METERS)

Another early start to the day with a brief easy walk in the valley is followed by a long steep climb to the top of the pass. After the top, a steep drop follows and changes into a climb for a brief moment. Again, the trail keeps descending and only ends at Dragnag. Dragnag is located under a huge rock face, across the Ngozumpa Glacier. (7-8 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).

Day 14:

TREK TO GOKYO. (4790 METERS).

After crossing Ngozumpa Glacier (the longest glacier of Nepal), the trail joins the Gokyo Lake Valley near the first lake. A short and easy day ends at the third lake (commonly known as Gokyo Lake), with Cho Oyo towering in the background. (3 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).

Day 15:

EXPLORE AROUND GOKYO.

After breakfast, a walk further into the valley on an easier terrain leads to the fourth and fifth lakes of the valley. These lakes are considered to be sacred and holy to the people of the Khumbu region. Walking shape of one of the biggest Ngozumpa glacier toward to Cho Oyu Oyu base camp. Reaching Cho Oyu base camp provided inspiring views of the mount Cho Oyu, Everest and Gyachung Kang and fifteen highest peaks in the world and back to the following trail as you walked before. (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included) .

Day 16:

EARLY MORNING HIKE TO GOKO RI (5357METERS) AND BACK TO GOKYO. AFTER BREAKFAST TREK BACK TO LUZA

An early morning climb to Gokyo Ri (3 hours) offers stunning views of Cho Oyo (8153 meters), Makalu (8475 meters), Lhotse (8501 meters) and Everest (8848meters); four of the top ten highest point on the planet. Apart from these, many more mountains of the Khumbu region can be enjoyed from Gokyo Ri, making it a popular viewpoint in the region. And back to the hotel have Breakfast at Gokyo and begin 3 hours to trek along the retracing trail back towards Luza (3370 meters). (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).

Day 17:

TREK TO PHORTSE. (2950 meters)

It is an easy walk back (almost all downhill) as far as Machhermo and beyond to Dole with nothing really distracting you from your trekking. The only slightly tricky bit of the whole day is the hike down after leaving Dole to Phortse Tenga and after Phortse Tenga Cross the River climb uphill about 40 minutes and you reach your today’s destination Phortse 2950 meters. (4-5 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).

Day 18:

TREK TO NAMCHE BAZAAR. (3440 METERS)

A steep drop through the Rhododendron forest leads to Phortse Tenga and after crossing a river at Phortse Tenga, a steep climb passing through the Pine forest and hill you reach the villages Mong-La and continue takes down to Kyangjuma. A gentle walk from Kyangjuma with views of the valleys for the next day leads to Namche Bazaar. (5-6 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).

Day 19:

TREK TO LUKLA. (2810 METERS)

We trek back to Lukla via same route taken before and end the trek at Lukla. We also bid farewell to our support crew and formally end their trek for them as well. (6-7 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).

Day 20:

FLY BACK TO KATHMANDU.

A 25 minutes flight to Kathmandu and a whole day to explore the capital. Further adventure activities like rock climbing, hiking, biking around the Kathmandu valley with bungee jumping, rafting near the valleys can be done on this free day. (Overnight at Hotel. Breakfast included).

Day 21:

FREE DAY AT KATHMANDU.

A leisure day in Kathmandu which can be used for an early morning mountain flights to Everest or can extend into further more tours to Chitwan, Lumbini etc. (This is also spare day in case of cancellation of flights) (Overnight at Hotel. Breakfast included).

Day 22:

DEPARTURE.

A representative from Visit Himalaya Treks Pvt. Ltd. will check your flight tickets and transfer you to the airport before two hours from your flight with a hope of seeing you again in the future. (Breakfast included).

Gear List

Visit Himalaya Treks has always been keen on safety on the journey. We have prepared Trekking Equipment List which the trekkers will need during their trek in Nepal. The following list should help you with your packing. Generally, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. The weight of your trek bag while trekking should be no more than 15 KG. You must bring the following items:

Fleece jacket or warm jumper	Thermal shirts/underwear	Nightwear thermals
Fleece/sweatpants	Day-wear shirt/rain pants	Trekking pants
Wind pants	Warm hat/balaclava	Neck gaiter
Sunhat	Warm hat	Sunglasses
Mittens/gloves	Water bottle	Torch / Flashlight
Quick drier Towel	Sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen 35++
Water purification	A set of Earplugs	Trekking Poles
Hiking Boots	Socks	First aid kit
Antiseptics	Camera and video camera

Medical

Betadine / Dettol.	Hand-plaster	Bandage
Eye drop.	Eardrop	Sinex.
Gauge	Cotton	Move / Spray
Digene	Diamox	D-Cold
Vicks	Paracetamol	Medicine for diarrhea
Medicine for a toothache