Essential Information - Everest Base Camp Trek with Cho La Pass
Everest base camp trek with Chola pass Information:
Everest base camp trekking with Cho-La Pass is a wonderful adventure that takes you on the high valleys of scenic Khumbu.
Trekking around the picturesque region of Khumbu within the world’s highest peaks base camp with scenic Gokyo valley crossing high Cho-La Pass.
Everest base camp trekking with Cho-La Pass, a marvelous combination, visiting both exciting scenic areas of high Khumbu. Everest base camp is one of the most sought adventure destinations around the Himalayas, not only as of the world’s highest peaks.
As well as its spectacular scenery, where trekkers can stand right beneath number one Mt. Everest at base camp. In the close canopy of Khumbu Ice-Fall and glaciers, enclosed by giant peaks of Lhotse and Nuptse.
Everest base camp trekking with Cho-La pass allows trekkers to experience both beautiful high sides of the Khumbu valleys. Around scenic areas of Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes, crossing high Cho-La Pass at 5,367 m high.
Located in Nepal in North Mid-East of Mahalangur Himalaya at a Longitude and Latitude of 27.8981° North with 86.7776° East.
The main highlights of Everest Base Camp Trekking with Cho-La Pass:
Daily scenic views of high snow-capped peaks in the close shade of Mt. Everest.
Lively, exciting cultures of the Sherpa, the highlanders of Everest, are interwoven with the Buddhism religion of age-old heritage.
Walking into lovely Sherpa villages adorned with colorful religious monuments prayer walls and spinning wheels.
Located within Sagarmatha National Park enriched with rare flora/fauna, the park is designated in UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From Lukla to Gorakshep, near Everest base camp where one can find nice and cozy accommodation with a comprehensive food menu.
Lodges of various classes, from the simple budget, standard to luxury inns and tea-house.
Standing beneath the world’s highest Mt. Everest, at base camp close to notorious scenic Khumbu Ice-Fall and glaciers.
Visiting both Everest and the world’s 4th highest Mt. Lhotse base camps at 5,364 m / 17, 598 feet high.
Climb to high Kalapathar Hill at 5,643 m / 18,514 feet high with the closest views of Mt. Everest and Mt. Pumori.
Tour of the famous Tengboche Monastery, where the colorful Mani-Rimdu festival is held every year in October-November, as per the Buddhist calendar. Tengboche Monastery is a beautiful spot surrounded by an array of snow peaks with views of Mt. Everest and majestic Ama Dablam.
Staying an extra day in Namche Bazaar at 3,440 m high for acclimatization, and scenic hikes to scenic viewpoints.
Walking from the lovely enchanting forest of rhododendron, juniper, pines, and first trees to arid and barren mountainous country.
Crossing high Cho-La Pass at 5,367 m high after visiting Everest base camp and Kalapathar hilltop.
From Cho-La Pass glorious panorama of the surrounding high peaks of Cholatse, Lobuche, and Nirekha peaks with Mt. Cho-Oyu.
Traverse from Everest base camp to beautiful Gokyo valley and the lakes via the high Cho-La Pass. At Gokyo, hike to the scenic viewpoint hill of Gokyo-Ri at 5,357 m facing a breathtaking panorama of the world’s four highest peaks. Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho-Oyu with a series of snow peaks and an excellent view of Gokyo valley and the lakes.
Grand views of Ngozumba world’s longest glacier, about 36 km / 22 miles long. Extends from 4 700 m up to above 8 000 m, located within beautiful Gokyo valley.
Routes to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Valley via Cho-La Pass:
Everest Base Camp Trekking with Cho-La Pass trekking begins from the popular Lukla town with a short airstrip. Where a smaller plane flies to and from Kathmandu to Lukla on a clear fine day, from early morning till mid-day. Sometimes in the high season, the flight operates till late afternoon also due to the mass flow of trekkers visiting various destinations.
Most porters and trekking crews, as well as guides, are stationed in Lukla, during the best seasons of the year.
The first part of Everest base camp trekking with Cho-La Pass begins heading towards Namche Bazaar. An easy walk on leaving Tenzing & Hillary airport and Lukla town, following downhill close above Dudh Kosi River. The walk leads past the nice villages of Choplung and Ghat lined with impressive Buddhist monuments with prayer walls and spinning wheels.
Normally all trekkers spend first overnight at Phakding village, and then the next morning heading towards the famous Namche Bazaar.
Following short ups and down and then on a gradual path to cross a bridge, then reaching lovely Monjo village. From here, enter Sagarmatha National Park, the word Sagarmatha for Mt. Everest in Nepalese, while Sherpa calls as Chomolungma.
From the park entrance, follow Dudh Kosi towards the last bridge, and then wind uphill to fame Namche Bazaar.
Namche Bazaar is the heart, and capital of Khumbu, was once a week a colorful busy Saturday market is held, hence the name Namche Bazaar provides various facilities.
Namche is an ideal and perfect place for rest to support acclimatization at 3,440 m high, before heading to higher terrain. From Namche Bazaar, the first part of the adventure leads on the main trail to Everest Base Camp.
A scenic trail facing the grand vista of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam with an array of snow peaks. The walk leads down and then up to beautiful Tengboche and its famous monastery, located on a small plateau.
Tengboche stands amidst a lovely alpine forest facing a stunning panorama of Everest and a series of peaks.
Tengboche offers a stunning panorama of Everest and surrounding peaks, a lovely spot with a majestic colorful monastery.
The Tengboche area provides nice lodges for travelers, as well as fresh bakeries café, one can enjoy a tour of the monastery.
From Tengboche onwards, tree lines fade for short high, altitude bushes and shrubs as the route leads closer toward the mountainous region.
After Tengboche, walk to Pangboche, the last permanent village, towards Everest base camp. Also, a route to Ama Dablam base camp, Pangboche onwards, with options to choose either walk to Pheriche or Dingboche. The most popular and favorite among trekkers is Dingboche, a large settlement with many good lodges.
Located on beautiful Imjatse Valley, beneath towering Ama Dablam North Face and Lhotse with Nuptse, facing views of Island Peak.
Normally spends an extra day at Dingboche, which is 4,340 m high, a scenic settlement enclosed by high snow peaks.
A perfect place for acclimatization day, as well for a short acclimatization hike to high view-point hills.
Spending time at Dingboche, a slow walk above Imjatse and Pheriche valley, takes you to a small settlement at Thugla. A favorite spot of trekkers for a lunch stop or refreshing break before a steep climb up to Lobuche.
From Thugla top, a pleasant walk towards Lobuche, a settlement located on the west corner of the main wide trail.
Spending an overnight at Lobuche, in one of its nice lodges, a morning walk leads to Everest base camp. A nice pleasant start reaching a spot where the route to Gorakshep and Metrological station splits.
Time permitting, visit the Metrological station of huge glass pyramids, a joint venture of Italian and Nepal scientists. Here the movement of glaciers, snow, and moisture is recorded, after an interesting moment a slow walk up to Gorakshep.
Gorakshep is placed on a flat glacial field below Mt. Pumori and Kalapathar rocky hill, on route to Everest base camp. At one time Gorakshep was the earlier base camp till the 1970s, a place with few lodges.
From Gorakshep, walk for a few hours at a distance of 6 km to Everest base camp. Everest base camp is livelier during mountaineering expeditions; enjoy the dramatic views of surrounding high peaks.
After an exciting moment at Everest base camp, the next adventure from Gorakshep takes you on a steep climb to the top of Kalapathar.
A scenic hill and the highest point of the adventure reward the grand vista of surrounding giant peaks. As well as the closest views of Mt. Everest, as you stand on Mt. Pumori, from here towards our next destination.
On the high trail from Everest base camp trek with Cho-La Pass and Gokyo valley:
Completing the first phase of the adventure, the walk leads to a small place at Dzongla, situated away from the main trail. A settlement with few simple lodges with grand views of Taboche and Cholatse, located at the eastern base of Cho-La Pass.
An early morning a steep climb on rocky ledge slopes, then reaching on top Cho-La Pass at 5,367 m high. The pass marked with rock cairn and prayer flags offers grand views of surrounding peaks, then head downhill to Thank. After a tough climb, traverse from Everest base camp to Gokyo via Cho-La, then reach beautiful Gokyo valley.
Beautiful Gokyo valley, in its early days till the present, remains as a summer pasture for yaks and other cattle grazing fields. As the flow of tourism increased, several temporary settlements flourished with nice and cozy lodges known as Tea House.
Gokyo lakes are situated on a scenic valley enclosed by high snow-capped peaks, with two high passes, Renjo-La and Cho-La. Renjo-La, at 5,344 m, is located south of Gokyo Lake, and Cho-La towards the North-East at a height of 5,367 m high. Crossing the Cho-La pass from Gokyo valley takes you to Everest Base Camp around the eastern region of high Khumbu.
The charm and beauty of Gokyo valley are its five glacial lakes, with views of the world’s 6th highest Mt. Cho-Oyu. Which is at 8,201 m / 26, 906 feet, straddles the border between Nepal and Tibet / China. Located close to Gokyo’s last and remote 5th lakes, which offer grand views of the northern side of Mt. Everest.
The main highlight of Gokyo it’s the view-point Gokyo-Ri at 5,357 m, which offers excellent views of the world’s four highest peaks, where trekkers can enjoy overlooking the grand panorama of snow peaks with Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu with Cho-Oyu.
On completing all major highlights and goals of the adventure, return journey downhill towards Lukla for a flight to Kathmandu.
Everest base camp trek with Chola pass Best Season & Weather:
Everest Base Camp via Cho-La Pass trekking to Gokyo Lake for nearly all seasons of the year. But the best high seasons for this wonderful adventure are spring and autumn/fall times.
Springtime from March till May, when days are clear for a pleasant trek and scenic views. This is the time for wildflowers to be in seasonal bloom, especially the rhododendron and magnolia. You can notice from Lukla onwards till Tengboche, around dense tree lines, the late afternoon can get cloudy. Chances of snow and light rains sometimes, but most days are full of sunshine. Morning, late afternoon, and nighttime will be very cold, where the wind-chill factor adds more freezing temperatures.
The temperatures of a minimum of -10 degrees Celsius and a maximum of + 18 to 21 degrees Celsius. Higher altitudes are bright and sunny with strong UV due to thin air, depending upon altitude wise.
The next best time is autumn/fall from September till November, the weather is fine with crystal clear blue sky. Chances of snowfall sometimes during the trek and on Cho-La Pass, but most days are fine with sunshine. Days are shorter during autumn times due to short sunlight hours. Morning and late afternoon will be cold as well in the nighttime, but clear nights with a bright starry sky.
The temperatures of minimum -15 degrees Celsius and maximum of + 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. Higher altitudes are bright and sunny with strong UV due to thin air depending upon altitude wise.
Necessary equipment for the Everest base camp trek with Chola pass:
As suggested and provided on booking with Vertex Holidays, long list of personal clothing as per season-wise. Normally down Jackets and Sleeping bags are issued by the company, depending upon trip cost if it’s added. Besides, personal clothing, water bottles, torch as well crampons, and ski pole as options. Good trekking boots, snow-gaiters, sunglasses, snow goggles, and headwear for sun and cold weather. Moderate-size backpacks to keep necessary items for the day, as well as waterproof gear.
Everest base camp trek with Chola pass Food and accommodation:
Food and Accommodation are some of the best that one can find on this type of adventurous trekking on Everest base camp with Cho-La Pass.
From Lukla onwards till Namche Bazaar, where trekkers can enjoy various options from the simple budget, standard to luxury class lodge accommodation and best foods.
From Tengboche onwards, all room accommodation is nice and simple with the large warm dining hall. In high season single supplements in rooms are hard to find, need to book well in advance. Most rooms with non-attached bathrooms and toilets. All need to share common toilets and bathrooms.
As for food, nearly all lodges on overnight stop as well on lunch stops provides an excellent food menu to enjoy delicious meals.
Lukla to Tengboche, some lodge restaurants provide fresh bakeries also, where one can have a delightful time.
Meals served in all lodges from continental, Indian, Chinese, and Nepalese meals and snacks. Some lodges also provide Mexican, Italian, Japanese, and Korean food also.
Everest base camp trek with Chola pass Permits and TIMS card:
Trekking Permits are very necessary all around Nepal Himalaya, as for Everest region, where the village community charges an entry fee. Where Vertex Holiday staff will do the necessary formalities, TIMS, which Trekking Information Management System applies to another region, is not for the Everest area. Before leaving Lukla town, where one has to pay a certain amount to enter high Khumbu around the Everest region.
The other permit required is Sagarmatha National Park, which you will enter on the second day as you walk past Monjo village, where National Park is located. Your guide will buy the park entrance fee at the entry point before heading towards Namche Bazaar onwards.
Why Choose Everest Base Camp With Chola Pass Trek:
For a number of reasons, and depending upon one interest as this trek takes you to an amazing scenic country. Where one enjoys the adventure of a lifetime experience, besides wonderful scenery on daily walks. Trekkers will encounter lovely traditional Sherpa villages full of culture and religions enriched with monasteries, prayer symbols of interesting Mani, stupa, and spinning wheels. Along the walks and, villagers are friendly greet you with smiles wherever you stay in local lodges, you will be in the warm harmony and hospitality of Sherpa natives.
Besides views of majestic peaks and fascinating culture, walking into the lovely forest in springtime, the hills are alive with wild-flower, especially the rhododendron, the national flower of Nepal.
Apart from mentioning the highlight of the trek, joining on this adventure, testing your ability, and taking the challenge of a lifetime, in the end, you feel in high spirits trekking around the scenic high-altitude country of Khumbu.
Everest base camp trek with Chola pass Challenges:
Depending upon one physical fitness and medical background, actually, trekking is not that hard and tough, except at rising altitudes.
Taking slow and steady, taking much rest in between, will overcome the challenges. The other challenge is crossing over Cho-La Pass.
Normally the climbs and steep downhills are not difficult, the toughest challenge is if there is much snow on the pass. Which will make the trek longer with a tiring climb. Adventurous grade treks like this one have to be physically fit with sound health, for higher altitude challenging treks long days walks with altitude to acclimatize on walks, must be fitted with a strong and positive attitude.
Everest base camp trek with Chola pass Travel Insurance:
It is very important that one must buy travel and medical insurance for safety and precaution. An unfortunate thing can take place anywhere, such as sudden bad weather, even at the best time of the season.
Where Himalayan weather can be unpredictable sometimes, and crossing over Cho-La pass could be not possible on heavy deep snow. Where the company might have to re-route towards other destinations, as well in case of political situations and roadblocks.
Your travel insurance will cover extra expenses, as well, if one gets very sick due to high altitude or other causes. In serious medical conditions, one needs immediate evacuation by the fastest means of transport, like a Helicopter Service, to bring the victim to the nearest good hospitals or Kathmandu. In this situation, your medical insurance will support you with extra expenses that occurred. We suggest that all trekkers joining the adventure must obtain medical / travel insurance for necessary accidents and unfortunate events and should cover transportation by all means of transportation, including Helicopter service.
