About CHOLA PASS TREK (17 Days)

The Chola Pass Trek combines the thrill of the Everest Base Camp with the stillness of the Gokyo lakes as well as the adventure of crossing the Chola Pass, making it one of the best value-for-money treks in the Everest region. The trek is a high-altitude trek that offers cultural immersion, stunning mountain vistas, and the opportunity to see some of the world’s tallest peaks up close.

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our staff will receive you at the Tribhuvan International Airport and take you to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day resting or visiting places like Thamel, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath. Early next morning, you will fly to Lukla airport (the gateway to Mt. Everest) in a small aircraft. It is a short flight (30 minutes). Once you land at Lukla, your trek begins. You will hike through green and lush landscape, covered with forests of pine and rhododendron. The path is gentle, allowing you to adjust to the pace of trekking in the mountains, and giving you a first glimpse into the lives and culture of the Sherpa people as well as the stunning views of the Himalayas, beginning with a grand view of the sacred Khumbila (God of Khumbu).

Your first destination is Phakding, a quiet settlement by the Dudh Koshi River. The trail up to Phakding is relatively easy. You will pass through quiet jungles and villages along the Dukh Koshi river. From Phakding, the journey continues to Namche Bazaar, the central village of the Everest region. It is a short journey but the path is steep. The trail to Namche ascends steadily, crossing multiple high suspension bridges. While in Namche, you will take a short hike to the famous Everest View Hotel, from where you get a great view of Ama Dablam, Mount Everest, and several other mountains. You will also visit small villages around Namche, particularly Khumjung, a charming, little village popular among the locals for its school. After Namche, you make your way to Tengboche, where you will get to visit the legendary Tengboche Monastery.

Continuing on, the path leads you toward Dingboche, situated at over 4300 meters. Dingboche, a small Sherpa village at an altitude of around 4300 meters. This village is a popular stop for trekkers, offering stunning views of Ama Dablam and other peaks. The terrain changes as you move into a more barren, alpine environment, with fewer trees and more open ground. The next day at Dingboche is set aside for acclimatization. You will hike to the top of Nangkartshang Peak (5083 meters), which takes about 3 hours. The hike is great not just for acclimatizing but also for the spectacular views it offers. You can see Ama Dablam up close, along with Lhotse, Pumori, Mt. Tawache, Island Peak, and Everest. If time permits, you can also hike to the villages and mani walls nearby to explore the local culture.

The trek from Dingboche to Lobuche takes you higher into the Khumbu Valley, offering a steady ascent toward 5,000 meters. As you leave Dingboche, the landscape becomes more rugged, and the trail is marked by stupas and memorials to fallen climbers. In Lobuche, you’ll be at the foot of Mount Pumori, and the surrounding views of the Khumbu Glacier are spectacular. From Lobuche, you’ll trek to Gorak Shep, the last settlement before Everest Base Camp. This is a challenging day as you’ll ascend towards the base of Everest, passing through the Khumbu Glacier. Once at Everest Base Camp, you’ll have the chance to take in the awe-inspiring surroundings, with views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and other towering peaks. After a short visit to Base Camp, you’ll return to Gorakshep for the night. The following day you will trek to Kalapatthar, from where you can see Everest and surrounding mountains from a different angle. After that you will descend to Dzongla, a small settlement where you can rest after the day’s efforts. The descent offers sweeping views of the surrounding peaks, including Ama Dablam and Makalu.

Next day, you will tackle the Chola Pass, a challenging section of the trek that crosses 5420 meters. The trail up to the pass is long and strenuous, but the view from the top is breathtaking. You will pass through a village called Dragnag and the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas, to eventually reach Gokyo, a place filled with tranquil lakes. Once in Gokyo, you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings and lakes. This area is also known for its excellent hiking routes to nearby viewpoints like Gokyo Ri, where you can catch a panoramic view of the surrounding Himalayan range. After spending a restful night at Gokyo, you will descend to Dole. The trek from Gokyo to Dole is a gradual descent, offering stunning views of the Gokyo Lakes and the Khumbu Valley. Along the way, you’ll pass through Sherpa villages and forest trails, with opportunities to observe local culture and wildlife. Eventually you will head back to Namche, after which you will trace your steps back to Kathmandu following the same route.