The Cho La Pass Trek is one of Nepal’s most exciting and rewarding trekking routes. It combines the world-famous Everest Base Camp (EBC), the stunning Gokyo Lakes, and the challenging Cho La Pass (5,420 m / 17,782 ft) into one unforgettable journey. This trek is also widely searched as Chola Pass Trek, EBC Cho La Pass Trek, EBC Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek, and EBC–Kala Patthar–Cho La Pass Trek.
Cho La Pass Trek – most trekkers choose between Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes — two extraordinary but distinctly different Khumbu experiences. The EBC route follows the Dudh Koshi valley to the foot of the world’s highest mountain — dramatic, culturally rich, and historically iconic. The Gokyo route follows the Ngozumpa Glacier valley to a chain of sacred turquoise lakes with arguably even more spectacular mountain panoramas than EBC itself.
The Cho La Pass connects both routes, and choosing to cross it rather than retrace your steps means you get everything. You earn both destinations, cross a serious high-altitude pass in between, and experience the Khumbu in its full geographical breadth rather than a single valley. For many experienced trekkers who have done EBC alone and returned to Nepal for the Cho La route, the Gokyo valley and the pass crossing are considered even more memorable than the base camp itself.
The Cho La Pass at 5,420m is one of the more technically demanding sections of any standard Khumbu trekking itinerary. The approach from Dzonglha climbs through a boulder field before reaching the glaciated upper section — a steep slope of permanent snow and ice where crampons are typically required. The final metres to the col are the steepest, and your guide will use fixed ropes to assist the crossing if conditions demand.
The crossing itself takes 4–5 hours from Dzonglha to Thagnak on the Gokyo side. The descent from the pass is steep on rock and scree — trekking poles and careful footwork are essential. The reward for crossing is immediate — the view into the Gokyo valley from the col is one of the finest panoramic reveals in all of Himalayan trekking.
The pass is generally best crossed from east to west (as in this itinerary — Dzonglha to Thagnak) in the morning before afternoon clouds build. Departing Dzonglha at 5–6 AM allows you to cross in the early morning window when snow is frozen, and conditions are most stable.
Kala Patthar (5,545m) is a black rocky promontory on the south ridge of Pumori, rising above Gorakshep at the head of the Khumbu Glacier. It is the closest point accessible to trekkers to the summit of Mount Everest and the finest viewpoint for the mountain available without technical climbing equipment.
The pre-dawn ascent from Gorakshep takes 2–3 hours in the dark with headlamps. Arriving at the summit as the first light touches Everest’s summit pyramid — turning the ice and snow from deep purple to gold — is one of the most profound experiences in adventure travel. The panorama from Kala Patthar includes Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Nuptse (7,861m), Pumori (7,161m), Changtse, and the full sweep of the Khumbu Glacier below.
The Gokyo Lakes are a chain of six glacial lakes in the upper Dudh Koshi valley — the largest chain of glacial lakes in the Himalayas and protected as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. The third lake at Gokyo village (4,750m) is the most famous — a deep turquoise colour set against the white expanse of the Ngozumpa Glacier and the peaks of Cho Oyu, Everest, and Lhotse above.
Gokyo Ri (5,357m) — the steep hill above the village — offers one of the five or six finest mountain panoramas in all of Nepal. The view from the summit encompasses Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and dozens of lesser peaks across a 360-degree sweep — with the full length of the Ngozumpa Glacier stretching away below you in the opposite direction.
The itinerary includes two dedicated acclimatization days — in Namche Bazaar (3,440m) on Day 5 and in Dingboche (4,350m) on Day 8. Both are essential and non-negotiable. The Namche rest day typically involves a hike to the Everest View Hotel at Syangboche (3,780m) for classic acclimatization practice. The Dingboche rest day involves a hike toward Chhukung or Nangkar Tshang hill for 4,000m+ exposure before returning to sleep lower.
Following the established acclimatization schedule significantly reduces altitude sickness risk on the high sections — Lobuche (4,940m), Gorakshep (5,164m), Kala Patthar (5,545m), and the Cho La crossing (5,420m).
The Cho La Pass Trek is rated challenging — primarily due to the sustained altitude, the length of the itinerary, and the technical demands of the Cho La crossing. Daily walking of 3–7 hours on well-established trails is manageable for trekkers with good base fitness. The Cho La Pass crossing requires crampon use and comfort on steep snow — your guide provides full instruction and leads all technical sections. Prior experience on trails above 4,000m is recommended but not mandatory.
The two best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Autumn is generally preferred for this route — October offers the clearest skies, most stable weather, and best snow conditions on the Cho La crossing. Spring brings blooming rhododendrons on the lower trails and excellent mountain visibility. Both the monsoon season (June to August) and winter (December to February) are not recommended — monsoon brings cloud and rain, winter brings extreme cold and deep snow on the Cho La.
Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m / 4,430ft)
Day 2 Kathmandu Sightseeing & Trek Preparation
Day 3 Kathmandu (1,350m) - Fly to Lukla (2,853m) and Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
Day 4 Trek Phakding (2,610m / 8,563ft) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,286ft)
Day 5 Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,286ft)
Day 6 Trek Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,286ft) to Tengboche (3,860m / 12,664ft)
Day 7 Trek Tengboche (3,860m / 12,664ft) to Dingboche (4,350m / 14,272ft)
Day 8 Acclimatization Day in Dingboche (4,350m / 14,272ft)
Day 9 Trek Dingboche (4,350m / 14,272ft) to Lobuche (4,940m / 16,210ft)
Day 10 Trek Lobuche (4,940m / 16,210ft) to Gorakshep (5,164m / 17,598ft)
Day 11 Kala Patthar Sunrise (5,545m / 18,192ft) & Trek to Dzonglha (4,830m / 15,846ft)
Day 12 Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m / 17,782ft) & Trek to Thagnak (4,700m / 15,420ft)
Day 13 Trek Thagnak (4,700m / 15,420ft) to Gokyo (4,750m / 15,584ft)
Day 14 Full Day in Gokyo — Gokyo Ri (5,357m / 17,575ft) & Lake Exploration
Day 15 Trek Gokyo (4,750m / 15,584ft) to Dole (4,200m / 13,780ft)
Day 16 Trek Dole (4,200m / 13,780ft) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,286ft)
Day 17 Trek Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,286ft) to Lukla (2,860m / 9,383ft)
Day 18 Fly Lukla to Kathmandu (1,350m / 4,430ft)
Day 19 Final Departure from Kathmandu to home country
The Cho La Pass Trek is one of Nepal’s most exciting and rewarding trekking routes. It combines the world-famous Everest Base Camp (EBC), the stunning Gokyo Lakes, and the challenging Cho La Pass (5,420 m / 17,782 ft) into one unforgettable journey. This trek is also widely searched as Chola Pass Trek, EBC Cho La Pass Trek, EBC Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek, and EBC–Kala Patthar–Cho La Pass Trek.
|
Mountain |
Height (m) |
Height (ft) |
| Mount Everest |
8,848.86 m |
29,031 ft |
| Lhotse |
8,516 m |
27,940 ft |
| Nuptse |
7,861 m |
25,791 ft |
| Ama Dablam |
6,812 m |
22,349 ft |
| Cho Oyu |
8,188 m |
26,864 ft |
| Makalu |
8,485 m |
27,838 ft |
| Thamserku |
6,608 m |
21,680 ft |
| Kangtega |
6,782 m |
22,251 ft |
Proper preparation is the key to a safe and enjoyable Chola Pass Trek.
Start training at least 6–8 weeks before the trek:
This trek is long and challenging. Be ready for:
Prepare well, trek wisely, and the Himalayas will reward you with memories for a lifetime.
Choosing the right trekking company makes a huge difference in the Everest region.
“Trek with confidence, trek with locals, trek with Alliance Treks.”
|
Package Type |
Price (USD per person) |
|
Standard 17–19 Days Package |
$1,789 – $1,950 |
|
Luxury Package |
$2,300 – $3,000 |
|
Guide/Porters and Lodge only Packages |
$720 – $880 |
Guides and Porters for EBC – Gokyo Trek:
A smart packing list makes your trek comfortable and safe.
We even recommend to visit Everest Trekking packing list for your better preparation.
The Cho La Pass Trek is considered difficult to challenging so you need to be aware yourself about your physical fitness and should have good knowledge about the high passes like Annapurna Circuit trek, Manaslu Circuit trek etc.. so that you will be familiar and good fit enough to do Chola Pass trek. You sincerely follow your trekking and guide and visit Himalayan Rescue Association Nepal (HRA) in Pheriche for the free information in terms of prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
|
Season |
Months |
Conditions |
| Spring |
March – May |
Best weather, rhododendrons, clear views |
| Autumn |
September – November |
Most popular, stable weather, excellent visibility |
|
Winter |
December – February |
Very cold, possible heavy snow at Cho La Pass |
|
Monsoon |
June – August |
Rainy, cloudy, slippery trails, flights may be delayed |
The best time for the EBC Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek is April–May and October–November.
Flights to Lukla are the gateway to the Everest region.
|
Route |
Flight Duration |
Notes |
| Kathmandu → Lukla |
35 minutes |
Main option in off-peak season |
| Ramechhap → Lukla |
20 minutes |
Common in peak seasons due to Kathmandu air traffic |
Alliance Treks can arrange:
Before and after your trek, staying in Thamel, Kathmandu is the most convenient option.
Altitude sickness is one of the biggest concerns on the Cho La Pass Trek.
In severe cases, helicopter evacuation may be necessary. Therefore, travel insurance with helicopter rescue coverage is essential. Make sure you that your travel insurance has good coverage of Personal accidental, Medical and Search & Rescue expenses chartering the helicopter. Alliance Treks will be guaranteed for your arrangement but rescue expenses (in case needed) is yours. Furthermore, you might have curiosity to know about helicopter and planes so we would like you to visit Airlines Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN).
The Cho La Pass Trek is more than just a trek. It is a complete Himalayan journey that combines:
If you want one Everest trek that gives you adventure, scenery, culture, and achievement all together, the EBC Cho La Pass Gokyo Trek is the perfect choice.
Ready to experience the Cho La Pass Trek with a trusted local company?
Contact : Alliance Treks & Expedition (P.) Ltd.
We offer:
J.P. School Road, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
www.alliancetreks.com
alliancetrek.com
WhatsApp:-+977-9851022814
Alliance Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. Once is not enough for naturally and culturally Himalayas
