Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Trek - 18 Days

based on 2 reviews
  • Duration 18 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Type Lodge Based Trekking
  • Best Season Spring (March - May) & Autumn (Sept - Nov)
  • Group Size 1 to 16
  • Maximum Altitude 5,545 m

Everest Base Camp and Chola Pass Trek in Nepal is certainly the best trek if you are looking for a more remote and spectacular trek that will test your stamina on a trail likely to challenge your comfort zone. Travel a trail that provides unsurpassed and stunning mountain views through some of the grandest mountain scenery on this planet. The quiet trails allow you to focus on the sheer natural beauty of your surroundings within a much more varied and dramatic landscape than on the classic trek.

Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Trekking in the Khumbu region is a lot more than just the extraordinary landscape; it’s a holistic experience that allows you to learn more about the rich and dynamic culture of the legendary Sherpa people. The route parts from the usual Everest Base Camp Trek at Namche Bazaar as we head up the Dudh Koshi valley and deep into the ancient hidden heart of the Sherpa people. The power of nature is so apparent as you hike through the boulder fields left in the wake of the extraordinary Khumbu Glacier on our route to Everest Base Camp. You visit the largest Buddhist monastery in the Khumbu region at Tengboche. Here, you can appreciate the beauty of the monastery and its serene setting.

The Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lake Trek via Chola Pass is challenging and physically demanding. This trek requires a reasonable degree of fitness and the desire to succeed. So why not join us on one of the most ultimate adventure experiences available in the region?

What you experience on Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Trek

  • Scenic flight to and from Lukla
  • Live with Sherpas for a few days.
  • The beautiful Gokyo Valley
  • Impressive views of the Khumbu Icefall
  • Climb Gokyo Ri at an elevation of 5,483 m.
  • Climb Kala Patthar at an elevation of 5,555 m.
  • Visit Tengboche Monastery.

Before The Trek:

Usually, Nepal Gateway Trekking itineraries include one night in Kathmandu before you start the trek. We sort out everything that is needed for this challenging trek and introduce your trekking guide. It also gives you some time to adjust yourself in Kathmandu. There is time to visit Nepal’s bazaars and vibrant, colourful markets and also to purchase any items you may need for the trek. Many shops are selling trekking gear from branded names such as North Face and Mountain Hardware, among others. There are also many other shops selling copies, with many of these offering very acceptable quality at much lower prices. An optional day visiting the World Heritage Sites around Kathmandu can be arranged on request. 

On the trail:

The trek begins with a thrilling flight (30 minutes) into the mountain airstrip of Lukla. It is named Tenzing Hillary Airport; Tenzing and Sir Hillary are iconic mountaineers. From here, you spend the first two days on the classic route to Namche Bazaar. You take an extra day to acclimatize in Namche where you do acclimatize hike to adjust your body with elevation and the thin air available in the atmosphere. On leaving Namche, you follow the route to Everest Base Camp through Tengboche, Dingboche and Lobuje. The trail will be very crowded in the high season. After reaching EBC and hiking to Kalapathar, the trail leads to Gokyo Valley crossing over Chola Pass. You pass through mountain Sherpa villages on your way to the pristine Gokyo Lakes. The hike over Gokyo Ri commands some of the best views in the Himalayas. Then you trek down to Namche bazaar and follow the same trail to Lukla for the overnight. You fly to Kathmandu on the next morning. 

Confronting Everest:

You are up early for the hike to Kala Pathar and Gokyo Ri, where an almost surreal 360-degree, dramatic panoramic view of Mt. Everest awaits you. The surrounding giants of Mt. Pumori, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, and many other ice-clad peaks in the range join the visual party. There is enough time in the thin air to just soak it all in and gather your thoughts before we leave back on the trail towards Lukla. On the way back, you get to appreciate the biodiversity of the region, with lush rhododendron forests and a variety of fauna along the way.

Itinerary

Expand allCollapse all

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our airport representative will welcome and escort you to the hotel. After hotel check-in, you can either rest or stroll around the street of Thamel. Evening: introduction to your guide and check necessities. 

  • AccommodationHotel
  • Maximum Altitude1,310 m

Today we board a flight to Lukla early in the morning. It takes 30 minutes to reach Lukla airport. Once in Lukla, we will meet our porters and take a breakfast. Then we begin our first day’s walk to Phakding, a fairly easy 3 hours walk through the Dudh Koshi Valley. We will walk north from the airstrip to Chheplung (2,700m). Here we will cross suspension bridge over Thado Khosi River: gradually Kusum and Kanggru (6,367m) comes into view. Next the trail rises a bit towards Ghat (2,590m) and cross a ridge marked with painted Mani Stones before climbing to Phakding.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2,860 m

After breakfast, we start our second day of trek through Dudhkoshi River valley. We cross the high suspension five times festooned with prayer flags on the way to Namche. After we cross the last suspension bridge, we make steep climb to Jorsale and eventually to Namche Bazaar. From Jorsale, we enter the Sagarmatha National Park where we get our permits checked. It takes 2 and half hours to climb up to Namche with two view points on the way.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,341 m

Acclimatization is very significant before heading higher to avoid the altitude sickness. We will make a day hike through the village of Khunde and Khumjung and trace back to Namche through the Everest View Hotel. At Khumjung, we visit Hillary School and local monastery which houses the scalp of Yeti. We also visit the restaurants and bakery at world’s highest altitude. We get to admire the view of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and many more (subject to clear weather). The view from Everest view Hotel is extra ordinary.

From Namche, we make steep one hour climb to Syangboche airstrip (3,790m) and then descend gradually to Khunde passing numerous chorten (stone Buddhist monuments), From Khunde, we walk east to Khumjung, the largest village in Khumbu nestled at the base of sacred Khumbila peak. After lunch, we make a gradual climb to Everest hotel and then descend down to Namche

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,800 m

The trail to Tengboche goes in and out of side valleys with minors ups and downs, to the teashops of Kenjoma and joins the trail from Khumjung just before the Mani stones. The views of Everest and Ama Dablam are superb on the way. We walk across the small settlement of Sansa and drop towards Phunkithanga (3,250m). From here, the trail make a steep ascend through pine forest and Mani stones to Tengboche Monastery (3,870m). The view from here is extra ordinary: Kwangde (6,187m), Tawachee (6,542m), Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,860 m

After breakfast, climb down to the scattered stone village of Debuche (3,820m) dotted with a nunnery. Cross the Imja Khola to the north and climb gently to Pangboche (3,860m) with imposing view of Ama Dablam (6,856m). Later the trial follow the river and climbs to Dingboche: the last year round settlement in Khumbu. You can see a walled terraced fields with barely, buckwheat and potatoes grown on short growing season.  Wall protects the farms from icy winds and gazing Yaks

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,410 m

Today is second scheduled acclimatization day in Everest Base Camp Trek. To acclimatize: climb north to the Nagkartshang Gompa ridge (4,800m) to gaze the view of Nuptse Glacier, Chhukhung Ri (4,230m, which feds Lhotse’s glacier) and Imja Tse (6,189m). To the east along the Mahalangur Himal is imposing Makalu (8,463m) and to the south is Amphu Lapcha’s fluted ridge (5,845m) and Ama Dablam and its glaciers. Retrace your step back to Dingboche.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude5,050 m

Rise gently to the ridge and the settlement of Duse (4,500m) with the western views of Taboche and Cholatse. Walk through Kharkas to Duglha (4,620m) before climbing to the large stony terminal moraine of Khumbu Glacier. Here you will discover the stone memorials dedicated to the climbers who were perished during Everest summit. The Mahalangur Himal massif – Khumbutse, Lingtren and Pumori borders to the north. But the Everest hides on the imposing Nuptse-Lhotse wall. Continue further until Lobuche

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,910 m

After breakfast, we take a 2 hours hike up to Gorakshep. The initial part is easy and fair but after one hour, the trial gets harder; but the views keeps pushing you. Once we rise 150m up, the trail then gets better again. Soon we will get to the moraine and a short walk takes us to Gorak Shep, the world’s highest settlement (5,180m).

Once we take lunch, we start our hike to Everest Base Camp. We will walk on the side ridge of Khumbu glacier. After one and half hour, we cross the glacier and reach the Everest Base Camp at 5,364m. Here we will meet and intract with mountain climbers. We can enjoy the magnificent view of Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Ice fall. After some magical moments, we start our way back to Gorak Shep.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude5,364 m

An early start is needed to avoid mid-morning cloud and witness sunrise view. It takes several hours through ice pinnacles and crevasses of the Khumbu glaciers to reach Kalapatthar. As we reach the top at 5,545m, our eyes take in the unbelievable Himalayan Panorama, wandering from one mighty massif to another. On descending journey, we take a higher route to get a stunning view of Khumbu ice-fall and the South Col route. We trek to Dzongla via Lobuche.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude5,545 m

Early morning, as we get out of teahouse, we will see the magnificent sight of Cholatse looming over. Today is going to be the toughest day of our trip. Today we start through spur extending westward form Dzongla. The trail drops down to a basin across which flows a babbling stream crusted with ice at places. In about an hour, we reach the top of basin and continue towards Cho La Pass.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude5,330 m

Today, the trek is comparatively shorter (for about 3 hours only) but more challenging. We will walk across the Ngozumpa glacier on today’s trek. Leaving Thagne, we will head towards a frozen lake and follow the trail that goes above the lake. The most challenging part of the trek is traversing Ngozumpa glacier. After crossing this, we will descend down to Gokyo valley to spend the night comfortably. 

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,780 m

Getting up in the early morning, we will hike to Gokyo Ri to observe the outstanding mountain vistas and alluring surrounding. The top of the Gokyo Peak is marked vibrant flags that are always flapping with the moving air. This vantage point offers captivating panoramas of Cho-Oyu, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse and Tabuche. You will spend some precious moments in the summit of GokyoRi, and then trek back to Gokyo valley for overnight stay. 
If the time permits, you can explore the village, the local people, rural lifestyle and the traditions and cultures of the local people residing in Gokyo Valley. 

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude5,363 m

Our trek stats right after taking breakfast in the early morning. Firstly, we will follow the lateral moraine of Ngozumpa till we reach Taujung Tso. Continuing from here, we will pass through Longponga Tso, and Phangga village. Ascending from the Phangga village to hilltop, we can see beautiful chortens in the route. Then, passing through Luza and Lhabarma with some random ascends and descends, we will reach ultimate destination for this day – Dole.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,010 m

After taking early morning Breakfast, we leave Dole with gradual descend passing small stone houses, rocky waterfalls and some huge boulders to Tongba. From here, the trail goes steeply upward in a zigzag manner leading us to the birth place of Lama SangeDorje. Then, we trek to Sanasa and finally walk along the rocky ridge till Namche. On reaching Namche, we will check into the lodge, before dinner and spend the rest of the night here. 

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,441 m

You have done it; it’s the last day of your trek. The trial back to Lukla is festooned with prayer flags, Chortens, Mani Walls and Gompas; scattered throughout the villages. The roaring Dudh Koshi River gives you the vibe that it is hailing for your achievement to the base camp. On the way, bid final goodbye to Phakding. A gentle climb from Cheplung leads us to Lukla for the night.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2,860 m

Weather permitting, we take an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu on day 17 (approx. 35 minutes). Once at Kathmandu, we will return back to the hotel and enjoy free time during afternoon for further sightseeing or shopping. There many shops at Thamel for clothing, embroidery, carpets or ceramics. If shopping is not what you want, then drive along the Bagmati River to the pioneer city of Patan. Here you can explore abundance of medieval temples and monasteries. We enjoy our final night together, celebrating at typical Nepali restaurant – reliving the trek and our great achievements. 

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast & Farewell dinner
  • Maximum Altitude1,310 m

Time for your departure! Your adventure vacation in Nepal comes to an end today. A representative from Nepal Gateway Trekking will transfer you to the Tribhuvan International Airport right on scheduled time (3 hours prior the flight time). Farewell!

  • MealsBreakfast

This is our standard and recommended itinerary. If this itinerary doesn’t suit to you, we customize your holiday as per your requirements. Click for Tailor-Made Program.

Includes

  • All grounded transportation as per itinerary
  • Two nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu inclusive breakfast
  • Round flight ticket (Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu) inclusive domestic airport taxes
  • Three times meal (Breakfast/lunch/dinner) and accommodations during the trekking
  • One highly experience English speaking & friendly trekking guide and required porter including their expenses
  • Sagarmatha National Park permit and TIMS card
  • Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Trekking map
  • Nepal Gateway Company T-shirt
  • Local fresh fruit
  • First aid kit
  • Evacuation assist 
  • Government taxes
  • Office service charge

Excludes

  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
  • Your travel insurance (Compulsory) 
  • Nepal entry visa. 
  • Your international flight ticket to/from Kathmandu
  • Your personal nature expenses, equipment and medical kit
  • All kinds of hot and cold drinks and alcoholic beverage in trekking
  • Hot shower, internet and phone call unless it is free
  • Tipping to field staffs (Tipping is not mandatory but expected)

Dates & Price

Date StatusPrice 
Start DateStart: WednesdayMarch 20, 2024End DateEnd: SaturdayApril 06, 2024StatusAvailablePriceUS$1630
Start DateStart: SaturdayMarch 23, 2024End DateEnd: TuesdayApril 09, 2024StatusAvailablePriceUS$1630
Start DateStart: WednesdayMarch 27, 2024End DateEnd: SaturdayApril 13, 2024StatusAvailablePriceUS$1630
Start DateStart: SaturdayMarch 30, 2024End DateEnd: TuesdayApril 16, 2024StatusAvailablePriceUS$1630

This is our set fixed departure date. The arrival and departure date to/from Kathmandu, Nepal. The date and price are specified for group joining. 
For Private Trip  

Client Reviews

tatp
  • EBC and Gokyo via Chola Pass Trek

    I had a solo trip to EBC and Gokyo via Chola Pass in mid October 2022. My contact point was Raj, one of the partners of “Nepal Gateway”. He is very professional and prompt in his reply. When all of the flights to Lukla were cancelled due to bad weather, he took the extra effort to arrange a helicopter for me to reach Lukla. I met my porter/guide, Nir, at Lukla. He is extremely familiar with the route, very experienced, knowledgeable, and caring. Along the way, he explained the local Sherpa people and their lifestyle, beliefs, and culture. He fed me information about the peaks of Himalayas and plants, trees and fruits. He has a good eye to spot the rare species of Bark deer and Himalayan Monal, the national bird of Nepal. Nir is a very energetic, friendly, and responsible person whom you can rely on for your journey in the wild. He tried for the best possible tea houses to stay in and introduced me to various choices of food. He had access to internet connection at all times. I was grateful that he sent messages to my husband in Canada from each new stop. Raj is an extraordinary and down to earth person. Very helping in nature. He took me to different restaurants in Kathmandu to taste the various food of Nepal. Additionally, he called taxis for me when I was sightseeing in the city of Kathmandu. Overall, I am very pleased with Raj for his honesty and sincerity. I had a memorable experience with “Nepal Gateway” which I will cherish forever. I highly recommend “Nepal Gateway“ to make your memorable journey to the Himalayas.

    Saswati Ghosh
    Saswati GhoshCanada, Travel Date: 11/02/2023
  • Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trekking via Chola Pass

    In April/May of 2014, my partner and I joined a small group of trekkers to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes ( (Chola pass Trek)) with Raj as our team lead. Not only was this the most incredible trek with the most stunning scenery I have completed, but I credit our enjoyment of the trip to Raj. Raj looked after every member of the group, ensure we maintained a pace that kept us all healthy (minimizing the risk of altitude sickness!), knew our needs before we even did, and informed us along the trek so we could better appreciate what we were viewing and the culture we were visiting. Raj was flexible to our needs (itinerary, food) but always with safety first in mind! I would travel with Raj again in Nepal without a doubt and I highly recommend traveling Raj as a guide to anyone else considering one of these amazing treks he offers. You'll be in safe, knowledgeable hands as well as have a great travel companion along the journey!

    Orla Mc Gouran
    Orla Mc GouranIreland, Travel Date: 26/05/2014

Similar Packages

Ask a Question