Cho La Pass Trek

based on 12+ reviews

Country
Nepal

Duration
17 Days

Maximum altitude
5545m/18187ft

Activity
Trekking

Difficulty
Moderate/Difficult

Best Season
September, October, November, December, February, March, April

Accomodation
Mountain Lodge

Meals
Included

Start/End Point
Lukla

Trek Overview

The Cho La Pass trek is one of the most exciting high-altitude experiences in Nepal because it combines three iconic destinations into one incredible trek. The trek takes adventurous trekkers up and into the heart of the Everest region, offering breathtaking views of the tallest peaks in the world while pushing trekkers physically and mentally.

The adventure begins with a thrilling mountain flight to Lukla, and you are immediately in a special place that is the Himalayas. After proper acclimatization in the busy Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar, adventure seekers will then walk the beautiful trail to the breathtaking Gokyo Lakes system. At over 4,790 meters, the stunning, turquoise glacier lakes were the symbolic start of our adventure. The famous trek to Gokyo Ri at 5,480 meters rewarded us with amazing panoramic views of Everest, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

The true test of the Cho La Pass trek starts with the most notoriously challenging part of the trek, the crossing of the Cho La Pass (5,330 meters). Local people refer to Cho La Pass as Chhugyuma La, the crossing is not for the faint-hearted. The glacial landscape requires skills, equipment, and determination. The terrain is icy and rocky, with crevasses and steep ascents requiring ropes and ice axes, which challenged even strong mountaineers.

Once you have made this monumental achievement, you truthfully find yourself heading to the Everest Base Camp trek. To be standing at the very foot of the tallest mountain on the planet gives you a unique sensation of achievement and amazement. The excursion finishes as you summit Kala Patthar at 5,545 meters, which offers you the best access to view the Everest summit without getting out ropes and crampons.

Then we return via the Tengboche monastery, which adds cultural value to this incredible adventure. The monastery is a sacred Buddhist site, situated among the peaks of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtega, where you have the opportunity to deeply consider the journey you have just been on, particularly after the stresses of the physical part.

What makes the Cho La Pass trek different from all the standard Everest Base Camp itineraries is that the Cho La Pass route is a total circuit. This circuit includes, almost entirely, glacial lakes, some technical high-altitude passes, base camps, and the cultural experience, all in one single expedition. The 18-day trek certainly pushes limits, but it rewards courage by showing you some of the most dramatic and impressive mountain scenery you will see on Earth.

If you are an adventurer looking for the ultimate Himalayan challenge, the Cho La Pass trek will provide an experience that will turn average hikers into mountain legends, providing lifelong memories while conquering one of the most challenging but rewarding trekking circuits in Nepal.

Trek Highlights

Exciting mountain flight Kathmandu / Lukla.

Namche Bazaar gateway of Mt. Everest

Sherpa culture and lifestyle in Khumjung

Tengboche Monastery

Everest Base Camp and Khumbu glacier

Climbing Kalapathar (5555m)

Great view of Mt, Everest, Mt Lhotse and other mountains from Kalapathar

Cross Cho La pass (5300 meters)

Tranquil Gokyo lake

Stunning view of Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse, Mt Makalu, Mt Cho you and surrounding Khumbu mountain range.

Excursion to the fifth lake

Ngozumpa’s biggest glacier in the world.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrival in Kathmandu International airport. Transfer to hotel. Preparation about the Trek.

Day 2

Fly Kathmandu to Lukla. Trek to Phakding

Fly Kathmandu / Ramechap to Lukla. The flight is thrilling and adventure to the Lukla airport(2846 m). Trek to Phakding ( 2610 m).

Day 3

Trek Phakding to Namche Bazaar

The trail cross Suspension bridge over the Bhotekoshi river. Monju and Jorsalle. The trail ascend to the Namche bazaar (3340 m) with incredible view of Mt Everest (8848 m) and other mountains

Day 4

Akclamatizetion in Namche Bazaar

Day excursion to the Syangboche(3780m). Panoramic views of Mt everest, Lhotse, Amadablum and Thamserku mountain, Visit Khumjung village and explore the Buddhist culture.

Day 5

Trek Namche Bazar to Dole

From Namche bazaar trail contour to the kyangjuma 3550m, enchanting view of everest Himalaya. The trail ascend to the Mongla danda (3978m), down to the Phortse thanga and climb to the Dole (4,090m) through the Rhododendron forest.

Day 6

Trek Dole to Machhermo

The trail continues to ascend arid land with amazing view of Cho Oyu (8,201m) to the Machhermo(4,470 m).Walking 5 hours. Distance: 6 km/ 3.7 miles.

Day 7

Trek Machherama to Gokyo Lake

Enjoy walking in rough trail of Dudh Koshi valley. Beautiful Gokyo Lake at 4,750 m lap of the Mount Cho-Oyu(8188m). Explore Ngozamba Glacier. Walking 6 hours.

Day 8

Climb Gokyo ri and back to Gokyo

Early morning starts to climb from Gokyo (4,800 m/ 15,748 feet), after 3 hours high-altitude climb you will reach Gokyo Ri (5,357 m / 17,575 feet). From top close-up view of the mount Everest (8848 m) and other mountains.

Day 9

Trek Gokyo to Thangnak (4,700m / 15,400ft)

From Gokyo (4,790m / 15,584ft) walk through the Ngozumpa glacier, and cross the several small glacier lake to Thangnak (4,700m / 15,400ft) .4 hours walking /3.7 km.

Day 10

Thagnag Kharka - Chola pass to Dzongla

Life time experience, make a history of high altitude trek Cho la pass 5,420 metres (17,782 ft). After pass trail decend to the Dzongla(4,830 metres (15,850 ft).Walking 7-10 hours

Day 11

Trek Dzongla to Lobuche

Trek Dzongla (4,860m/15,950ft) to Lobuche (4,910m/16,100ft). 6.5km. The pleasent walking with stunning mountain view of the Cholatse and Lobuche peak.

Day 12

Trek to Gorakhashep. Day hike EBC

Trek Lobuche to Gorakshep at 16,942 ft (5,164 m). After lunch hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m /17,598 ft) and return. Total walking distance of 11.2 km (7 mi).

Day 13

Hike Kalapattar. Trek to Pheriche

Early Morning climb Kalapather (5,545m),admire the 360 degree views Himalayas range including Magestic Mount. Everest. Trek back to the Gorak shep to Phereche 4270 meters / 14009 feet. 9.8 KM.

Day 14

Trek Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

Trek Pheruche (4,240m/13,911ft) to Namche bazaar (3,440m/11,285ft) Trekking hours 8 to 10. (19.5km/12.1miles). Amazing backdrop view of the Ama Dablam (6,812 m /22,349 ft), and Thamserku (6608 m) mountains.

Day 15

Trek Namche Bazaar to Lukla

After breakfast trek Namche Bazaar (3440m/11290ft) to Lukla (2800m/9100ft) Trek duration: 6-7hrs, 17.9km. End of the trek. Refreshment.

Day 16

Fly back to Kathmandu

Fly Lukla to Kathmandu (Ramechap). Transfer to hotel. Refreshments. Shopping.

Day 17

Departure

Transfer to Kathmandu International airport. For final departure.

Package Price

Price Table

Travelers	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Silver	USD 1790	USD 1275	USD 1270	USD 1080	USD 1070	USD 1060	USD 1050
Gold	USD 2280	USD 1765	USD 1760	USD 1570	USD 1560	USD 1550	USD 1540

Book Now

Enquiry Now

Semi-Full Board Option

The silver price is a semi-full board package that offers flexibility, allowing you to pay for your own food and mountain lodge accommodation according to your personal choices and preferences. All other services included are the same as the Gold price.

Price Includes

Airport to hotel pick up and drop by private vehicle
Two-night hotel in Kathmandu at three-star categories in BB plan
One highly experienced mountain Guide and Porter
One dinner with a typical Nepali culture show in Kathmandu
Accommodation food, drinks, salary, insurance, transportation of both trek guide and porter
Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bags, duffel bag, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
Group medical supplies (first aid kit)
All necessary papers work and Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
TIMS Card (Trekker’s Information Management System card)
Khumbu Village community entry fees
All additional government tax
All ground transportation is by private vehicle.
Kathmandu/ Lukla / Kathmandu airfare.(Ramechap - Lukla / Lukla-Ramechap)
Trek Guide airfare.

Price Excludes

Other ground transportation
Nepal entry visa fee (USD 30 for 15 days/ USD 50 for 30 days from the date of issue) (You may easily get a Nepal visa upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu)
Accommodation in Mountain Lodge run by local people during a trek
All meals during trekking
International airfare
Travelers Insurance
Cold and hot drinks (Alcohol and cold drinks)
Boiled water, Hot shower, Mineral water, Batteries charge, and hot drinks (in a pot)
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Bar bills, telephone bills, and other personal expenses (shopping/ laundry)
Tips to guide and porter
All expenses due to unavoidable events e.g. Personal illness strike etc.
Helicopter evacuation charge in case of emergency whilst trekking
We don't include drinking water on the trek which you can buy at several places for between $1 and $3 a bottle (it gets more expensive towards base camp). A better solution is to buy water tablets in Kathmandu for around $2 and treat the water (your guide can help you find good places to fill your water bottle).
The other things not included on the trek are like Wifi, charging batteries, and hot showers. Wifi is available in some tea houses for $3 to $5 an hour. Hot Showers are also available in a few for around $4 and charging costs about $1.50 an hour.
Unforeseen costs due to flight cancellation, weather conditions, etc. You are responsible for extra hotel nights ($30/night) and meals in Kathmandu for any extra days in Nepal due to flight delays.
.

Full Board Option

The Full Board package is an all-inclusive plan that covers three daily meals and accommodation in mountain lodges throughout the trek. It offers complete peace of mind, eliminating the need to think about daily expenses for food or lodging—everything is arranged in advance, so you can focus entirely on enjoying your trek.

Price Includes

Airport-to-hotel pick up and drop-off by private vehicle
Two-night hotel in Kathmandu at a three-star category in BB Plan.
Accommodation in the Mountain Lodge run by local people during a trek
A meal on full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), a cup of tea/coffee with each meal during the trek
One dinner with a typical Nepali culture show in Kathmandu
One highly experienced mountain Guide and Porter
Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bags, duffel bag, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
Accommodation, food, drinks, salary, insurance, transportation of both the trek guide and the Porter
Group medical supplies (first aid kit)
All necessary papers, work, and Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
TIMS Card (Trekker’s Information Management System card)
Khumbu Village community entry fee
All additional government tax
All ground transportation is by private vehicle.
Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu airfare. (Ramechap-Lukla-Ramechap)
Trek guide airfare.

Price Excludes

Other ground transportation
Nepal entry visa fee (USD 30 for 15 days/USD 50 for 30 days from the date of issue) (You may easily get a Nepal visa upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.)
International airfare
Travelers Insurance
Cold and hotel drinks
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, or early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
Boiled water, Hot shower, Mineral water, batteries charged, and hot drinks (in a pot)
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Bar bills, telephone bills, and other personal expenses (shopping/laundry)
Tips to guide and porter
All expenses due to unavoidable events, e.g., personal illness, strike, etc.
Helicopter evacuation charge in case of emergency whilst trekking
We don't include drinking water on the trek, which you can buy at several places for between $1 and $3 a bottle (it gets more expensive towards base camp). A better solution is to buy water tablets in Kathmandu for around $2 and treat the water (your guide can help you find good places to fill your water bottle).
The other things not included on the trek are things like Wi-Fi, charging batteries, and hot showers. Wifi is available in some tea houses for $3 to $5 an hour. Hot showers are also available in a few for around $4, and charging costs about $1.50 an hour.
Unforeseen costs due to flight cancellation, weather conditions, etc. You are responsible for extra hotel nights ($30/night) and meals in Kathmandu for any extra days in Nepal due to flight delays.

Trek Map

Detailed Itinerary

Extend Your Trip

Kathmandu valley sightseeing

Day yoga retreat tour

Elephant safari tour in Chitwan National Park

Day 2-3

Chitwan national park tour 2 nights 3 days

Trek FAQs

All foreign nationals, except Indian citizens, need visas to enter Nepal. You get Nepalese visa from Nepalese Embassy or consulate in your home country.

Yes, you can obtain your entry visa at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu upon your arrival.

You need a valid passport, two passport size photos and the visa fee.

Visa Valid for Fee 15 days US$ 25 30 days US$ 40 90 days US$ 100

Yes. You can book a trekking. For trek booking confirmation you can send scanning copy of your old passport. After issuing your new passport we will request you to send scanning copy of your new passport for air ticket reservation.

You are met just outside the arrival lounge of the Kathmandu International airport by our officer.

Our officer can be identified easily. They are standing with your name play card. After meeting you are taken to our private vehicle then transfer to the hotel. He also helps you in the hotel check in formalities.

According to airport rule as the visitors can meet our officer only outside the arrival lounge, you have to carry your luggage in the trolleys through the custom lobby up to the exit point on your own. After meeting our officer you can hand over it to him. He takes care of your luggage till your check in at the hotel.

You don’t need to carry all your stuff which is not required for trekking. You can be left at your hotel or Himalayan Smile Treks office in Kathmandu. Nearly all hotels have a luggage deposit but we do not store clients valuables in our office. Also the hotel you will provide locker their you can store your valuables things. After you come back from trekking, we handover your luggage and other stuff to you.

We assign one of our officers to look after you, who constantly stay in touch with you during your stay in Nepal. We give you his mobile number. Or you may directly contact to our office number also.

In fact you don’t need to be a mountaineer with rippling muscles to enjoy trekking. If you are reasonably fit, have a spirit of mountain journey and like walking, you are always qualified for any trekking in Nepal. You do not need any previous experience. However we suggest you some physical fitness programs such as running, swimming, hiking before you embark on journey.

Almost in all popular trekking trails in Nepal (Everest, Annapurna, Langtang), local villagers have built tea-house lodges. In tea house trek you stay at those mountain lodges and have breakfast, lunch and dinner in their restaurant. Normally the tea houses are more like hotels with hot showers, continental and Nepali food and comfortable private rooms (twin sharing). If you stay in local hotels, you will also get an opportunity to interact with local hoteliers and their family members and get information about their lifestyle and culture.

Toilets are usually Asian squat style and vary in how clean they are. Normally toilets are outside the lodge but now some lodges have attached or indoor toilets. Now it is improvement sanitary conditions on the tea houses although conditions are still not always perfect. Because cold the water is frozen in winter. Nearby has water tank or drum of the water with jug for toilet water. The rubbish bin in the toilet is kept for your used toilet paper.

If you’re doing camping trek we offer standard meals as well as a vegetarian meal option. Just let us know if you want vegetarian meals when you book your trek. But we can’t fulfill every trekkers requirement(i.e., dietary requirements or special meals ). Also tea house trekking you will get vegetarian meal. Please tell about your trekking guide about details of your food allergy.

If your solo trekkers we will provide you on single room in tea house. In peak season (October, November, December , March, April) you have to share room with a member of the same sex but it is rarely.

In a camping trek you will sleep in our tents. The tents are roomy. The sleeping pads/ mattresses are comfortable. All food are prepared and served by our camping crew. Food you get is hygienic and fresh.

You should bring your personal wear like walking boots and sand shoes, sandal, a water-and wind-proof jacket, woolen shirts, T-shirts, a thick pullover, shorts/skirts and trousers/track suits. Thermal underwear is necessary for high altitudes and cottons are best for lower and warmer altitudes. Also don’t forget a water bottle, sleeping bag, gloves, walking stick, knife and sewing kit, torch light with spare batteries, extra boot laces, sun glasses, sun cream, rain coat and personal medical supplies. Bring a duffel bag to put your clothing and equipments in. We provide you porter to carry your kit bag.

We will recommend you walking boots which is support to the ankle which reduces the risk of injury especially high mountains. It is important that your boots are comfortable and well worn-in and not brand new. Many people prefer to trek in tennis shoes but extra care should be taken. We do not recommend trekking in sandals or using new boots or hiring boots prior to the trek.

You will be served freshly cooked food during trekking. In all tea houses/ lodges along trekking trail Western, Continental and Nepali dishes are available. Three meals a day will be provided you in full board (Gold) package.

Up to a maximum of 5-6 hours a day with lunch breaks along the trail. The maximum altitude is depends upon which trek you are going. In Nepal normally the maximum altitude of most of the trekking falls between 3500m to 5000m.

The best time for trekking in Nepal is from mid September to early December and from March to April. Beside them in other months also you can do trekking in Nepal but in selected regions. In January and February the climate is colder. So, at that time high altitude trekking is not recommendable. For January and February, we suggest Langtang trekking, Ghorepani trekking, Jomsom Muktinath trekking. Likewise June July August is the rainy season in Nepal. During this time here occurs heavy rain fall. Mountain views are not clear. For this period we recommend Upper Mustang, Dolpo trekking. These are rain shadow areas where rain falls very little. June July August is also the best time for Tibet/ Lhasa Tour, Mt. Kailash Tour.

Trek Video

"Embark on an epic journey through the Himalayas with our EBC trek video. Witness stunning landscapes, towering peaks, and vibrant cultures along the way. Join us as we trek to Everest Base Camp, immersing ourselves in the awe-inspiring beauty and adventure of this iconic trail. Dare to dream. Dare to explore."

Best Price Offer

Start From

US$ 1020 Person

Get Offer

Speak with a Nepal Adventure Travel Expert

Get personalised guidance for any Nepal adventure — with expert planning and safety support.

Ask Now

We offer expert advice, flexible options, and tailor-made itineraries.

Not sure about trip prices or plans? Travel dates don't align? No problem! Contact us now - your unforgettable Himalayan adventure starts with one message!

More Categories