The best thing about the Everest Chola Pass trek is that it will provide you with an offbeat experience. While travelling throuh Gokyo Chola Pass, you will enjoy majestic sightings of Mt. Everest (8849 m), Makalu (8475 m), Lhotse (8501 m), and Cho You (8153 m). Gokyo Valley is a remote Himalayan valley which offers views of mountains, glaciers and Gokyo lakes.
During Everest Chola pass trek trek you also get a chance to enjoy the Dumje festival which is celebrated in April and the Mani Rimdu Dance which is performed in the monasteries of the Sherpa people.
The trail is difficult, as you climb over 5,000m three times – at Gokyo Ri, Chola Pass, and Kala Patthar. When looking down you will see the Ngozumpa glacier which is the longest glacier in the Himalayas as well as the three of the five amazingly beautiful blue-green Gokyo lakes.
Domestic airport transfer, Flight to Lukla, trek to Phakding.
An early morning start – dressed for trekking – with a transfer to the airport for the short flight to Lukla. The flight itself (by small Dornier / Twin Otter) is a fantastic experience as you fly into the mountains and land at one of the world’s most exciting airports – Tenzing Hillary Airport, Lukla. Here our Sherpas will be waiting to meet us and will arrange the baggage so comfortable to carry (15kg per porter). And then … here we go! Today we are going to hike for approximately 3 to 4 hours. The day is just a glimpse of our walking days ahead. To begin we descend gradually to Thado Koshi (2 hours), then start to make the first ascent of the trek, gradually uphill all the way Phakding which will take another 2 hours. We reach Phakding about lunch time. |
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar.
Continue along the Dudh Koshi River with majestic views all around, crossing back and forth via many suspension bridges, including the Hillary Suspension Bridge. Our trail passes through a pine forest as we continue up the Benkar Valley passing Chumoa and Monjo villages before reaching the entrance of the Everest National Park. Continuing up via Jorsale village, follow the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers to Namche Bazaar, the largest town in the Everest region. |
Acclimatization day – hike to Syangboche.
Today is an acclimatization day with a short (3-4 hour round trip) to Syangboche (3860m).
Start our hike with steep uphill walk to the National Park headquarters from where we have the opportunity to enjoy a majestic panorama of Himalayan Peaks including Everest, Lhotse, Amadablam, Thamserku, Kusum, Khangru, Kongde, Phachhermo, Melungtse, Khumbila and Taboche. Along our trail, we have all the opportunity to enjoy the Flora and fauna found in this Himalayan Region.
After visiting Syangboche descend back to Namche Bazaar for lunch. The afternoon is free to wander around Namche Bazaar, visit local bakeries and shops and do last minute shopping (if required) to buy or hire any trekking gear you may need for the trek. Please also talk with your trekking leader if you feel discomfort from the altitude or have any concerns.
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole.
From Namche the route heads up all the way to Khumjung, a picturesque village with its own gompa at the top end of town. Here you have excellent views of Thamserku, Kantega and Ama Dablam. Soon after leaving Khumjung the trail climbs to a large chorten atop a ridge which descends from Khumbila, a 5734m peak, which is said to be the abode of the patron God of the Khumbu region. A steep descent to pass through Phortse Tenga is followed by a steep climb to Dole through rhododendron and birch forest festooned with hanging moss and lichen. |
Trek from Dole to Machhermo.
From Dole climb steadily along the side of the valley as small thorny bushes give way to scrub juniper with the increase in altitude. Hike past many summer settlements used when yaks are taken to these high pastures to graze in the summer months. Ahead of you are excellent views of Cho Oyu, whilst back down the valley you can see the peaks of Kantega and Thamserku.
Trek from Macchermo to Gokyo.
Following the valley high above the river, we commence the ascent to Gokyo village. There are excellent views of Cholatse at the village of Pangka and we stop to enjoy them. We are now in high alpine country and as we approach the Ngozumpa Glacier we trek onto the moraine and rock that extends down from it. Enjoy excellent views of Kantega to the south and Cho Oyu to the north. Each mountain has its individual character and presence and you can understand why the Nepalese give them such religious significance. Once we have ascended the snout of the glacier the path levels and passes the first of the lakes, Longpongo, before reaching the second, Taoche Lake, a larger body of water and a place where ducks are often seen swimming in the freezing waters. As we walk up the valley our path parallels the Ngozumpa Glacier, separated from us by the massive lateral moraine. The views from Gokyo Village, on the edge of the third lake, are mind blowing. |
Excursion hike to Gokyo Ri and trek to Thagnak.
Setting out early, hike up to the Gokyo Ri (Gokyo Peak). Climbing to Gokyo Ri is obviously strenuous as it is steep, and it takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach the top. Here you have a vast, panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. The effort has been well worth it to arrive as the first rays of sun touch Everest which, from here, clearly towers over its neighbours.
Return to Gokyo for a much-needed breakfast before heading to Thagnak for the night, passing by the second lake and the Ngozumpa Glacier.
Trek from Thagnak to Dzongla via Cho La Pass.
Today will be one of the most challenging and longest walks of the trek. The Cho La Pass itself is not difficult, but it is steep and includes a glacier crossing on the east side. We must be careful because the path is vertical, and smooth ice rocks can make the trail slippery. The route from Phedi leads through a gorge along a rocky path. Skirting a frozen lake we reach the top of the pass, which is decorated with prayer flags. The pyramid shaped Ama Dablam presides over a series of mountains including Cholatse in the west and Lobuche in the east. Eventually we reach Dzongla, a village which affords great views of Cholatse, Lobuche and Ama Dablam, as well as Pheriche Village in the distance. |
Trek from Dzongla to Lobuche.
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Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp and return to Gorakshep.
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Trek to Kala Patthar (5545m) and return to Dingboche.
This morning,rise early to hike to Kala Patthar to see the sunrise over Mt. Everest. Kala Patthar which means “Black Rock ” in Nepali, is a 5645m hill just beside Gorakshep. The trail is stony and windy up the hill to a big rock which we must climb over. After enjoying the sunrise, return to Gorak Shep for breakfast before starting the trek back to Dingboche. |
Trek from Dingboche to Tengboche. Today, we will take the reverse route from Dingboche and trek back to Tengboche. |
Trek from Tengboche to Monjo.
Descend steeply down along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing it before continuing along the opposite bank to Jorsale. A few more river crossings and you will arrive at Monjo where you’ll stay overnight
Trek from Monjo to Lukla.
Start the day trekking through rhododendron and pine forests; passing Benkar and Phakding before reaching Chaunrikhara. Leaving the main trail at Chaunrikhara make the short climb to the small airstrip of Lukla. The trail follows the river the whole way with frequent bridge crossings. |
Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Transfer to Hotel.
We will take an early morning scenic flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. You will be transferred to the hotel after landing at the airport. |