Cho La Pass Trek

Upon touching down at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our private vehicle transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. You meet your Sherpa guide for a comprehensive pre-trek briefing, equipment check, and permit review.

In the evening, enjoy an authentic traditional Nepali welcome dinner featuring cultural dance performances. Prepare your gear for Cho La glacier crossing and settle in for a restful night.

Board an early morning scenic flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla (2,860m), providing dramatic aerial views of Himalayan peaks. Meet your porter team and begin descending along the Dudh Koshi River valley.

The trail winds past pine woodlands, ancient carved mani stones, prayer wheels, and Sherpa hamlets like Ghat. Arrive at Phakding teahouse for your first mountain dinner alongside the river.

Cross suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags, entering Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. Cross the high Hillary Suspension Bridge spanning the Dudh Koshi gorge before embarking on the famous climb up Namche Hill.

Halfway up the climb, catch your very first glimpse of Mount Everest peeking through pine trees. Emerge into the amphitheater of Namche Bazaar, the historic Sherpa capital.

First essential acclimatisation day. We undertake a morning ridge hike up to Everest View Hotel (3,880m) for panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam.

Descend through Khumjung village to visit the local monastery housing a Yeti skull relic. Return to Namche for afternoon rest, hydration, pulse oximeter monitoring, and bakery visits.

Trek along high contour paths above the Imja Khola, descending through rhododendron forests to Phunki Tenga for lunch beside the river.

Ascend through pine woodlands to the sacred plateau of Tengboche Monastery. Attend evening Buddhist prayer chants led by resident monks, surrounded by sunset views of Ama Dablam.

Descend through conifer forests to Deboche, crossing the Imja River via a steel bridge. Pass ancient chortens into the alpine stone-walled fields of Dingboche valley.

Check into your lodge with clear views of Island Peak and the South Face of Lhotse. Hydrate with hot lemon tea while your guide reviews your altitude metrics.

Second critical acclimatisation day. Hike up Nangkartshang Peak (5,083m) above Dingboche to stimulate red blood cell production for high elevation adaptation.

Enjoy 360-degree vistas of Makalu (8,485m), Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Kantega. Descend for afternoon recovery in warm lodge sunrooms.

Traverse the alpine plateau to Thukla for lunch before tackling the steep moraine climb up Thokla Pass. Pay respects at the stone cairn memorials dedicated to fallen Everest climbers.

Follow the lateral moraine of the giant Khumbu Glacier into Lobuche. As the air thins, rest early in your teahouse to prepare for Base Camp tomorrow.

The highlight day of your trip! Trek along glacial moraines to Gorak Shep (5,164m), drop main packs, and press forward along the Khumbu Glacier to reach Everest Base Camp (5,364m).

Stand beside the iconic EBC rock marker beneath the Khumbu Icefall. Take celebratory photos before returning to Gorak Shep teahouse for dinner.

Pre-dawn summit climb up Kala Patthar (5,644m) for golden sunrise views over Mount Everest, Nuptse, and Changtse. Descend to Gorak Shep for breakfast.

Trek back past Lobuche and branch west across alpine ridges toward Dzongla village at the base of Cho La Pass.

Early morning start up rocky boulder fields onto Cho La Glacier. Attach microspikes to safely navigate the icy glacier snowfields to Cho La Pass summit (5,420m).

Descend steep scree and rock paths to Thagnak village on the edge of Ngozumpa Glacier for hot soup and rest.

Cross the Ngozumpa Glacier moraine ice field to 3rd Gokyo Lake (Dudh Pokhari). Check into your teahouse beside the turquoise lake.

Afternoon summit climb up Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for magnificent 360-degree views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

Begin descending along the Dudh Koshi Valley, passing Machhermo and high alpine pastures.

Trek through birch and rhododendron woodlands to overnight at Dole lodge.

Descend to Phortse Tenga and climb back up Mong La ridge before joining the main contour path to Namche Bazaar.

Enjoy warm showers, Wi-Fi access, and celebratory bakery treats in Namche. Reconnect with fellow trekkers.

Descend Namche Hill for the final time, crossing high suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River.

Walk past Monjo and Phakding on your final trail day back to Lukla. Host a festive farewell dinner for your Sherpa team.

Board an early morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu or Manthali Airport. Transfer to your Thamel hotel for a shower and rest.

Our representative provides private airport transfer three hours prior to your international flight home. Safe travels and Tashi Delek!