Everest Chola Pass Trek

Trekking to the Everest Region without the help of a Guide is possible. However, even with previous trekking experience, we highly recommend all trekkers hire a guide for high-altitude trekking in Nepal, including Everest Cho La Trek. This trek involves challenging terrain with heights well above 5000m, a high altitude pass that is higher than Everest Base Camp, and a crossing of glaciers (Ngozumpa Glacier), which can be difficult for novice trekkers. The trekking trails, mainly around the Cho La Pass and the glacier, are challenging due to being poorly marked.

A guide helps you to stay on track, offering invaluable support in tricky sections.

Apart from this, they provide useful information about the Everest region's local culture (Sherpa), traditions, myths, stories, and history.

Note: We, the Nepal Hiking Team, only organize guided tours and treks.

Everest Cho La Pass Trek offers everything from acclaimed Everest Base Camp, the peaceful and calm Gokyo Lakes to the thrill of crossing the high-altitude Cho La Pass.

What sets this tour to Cho La Pass is its utter diversity. Starting from luscious pine and rhododendron forest, crossing well-known bridges alongside the rushing glacial Dudh Koshi River and over snow-covered passes well above 5000m. More than that, the views are unmatched.

Standing at the Kala Pattar (highest point of the trek) or at Gokyo RI with the 360-degree panoramic views of the world's tallest peaks, including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu and many more- these moments make you feel like you are in heaven and the memory will stay with you forever.

Cho La Pass trek is not all about challenges and mountains. This trek features cultural experiences in villages like Namche and the spiritual warmth of the local Buddhist community in Tengboche Gompa. This 19-day tour in Nepal will challenge you physically, inspire you emotionally, and leave you with memories full of suitcases that you will remember for a lifetime.

The seasons matter when planning to trek in Nepal. Nepal's weather conditions fluctuate occasionally and significantly impact one's trekking experience. The best seasons to plan your trek to Cho La Pass with Mount Everest Base during the springtime (late March to May) and Autumn (Early September to Late November).

Seasonal Notes for Cho La Pass:

During the off-trekking season, winter (December to February) and monsoon (Summer) can be harsh in high-altitude areas. So, we at NHT highly recommend this trek in spring and autumn.

EBC trek with Chola Pass is rated as a strenuous trek, best suited for those who are ready for a challenging adventure in the Himalayas. This 19-day trip consists of a standard EBC trek along with the high-elevation Cho La Pass, making it one of the most challenging treks in the Everest Region.

One of the challenges is altitude itself; trekkers need to hike above 4000m for 7 - 8 days, reaching the highest point at 5,545m (Kala Patthar). Additionally, with high altitude, trekkers need to cross the Cho La pass (steep ascent, glacier pass, and rocky sections), which is itself an actual test of endurance.

If you are prepared to walk for 6 - 8 hours daily on uneven and rugged trekking trails at high elevations with a good mentality, then you are ready for the EBC Cho La Pass Trek in Nepal.

Nepal Hiking Team, established in 2009, is one of Nepal's most trusted and successful tour and trekking companies.

We provide highly experienced local professional guides who are familiar with the trekking trails of the Everest region, Sherpa communities, teahouses, and every information about the region like the back of their hand.

Our 19-day Everest Base Camp Trek with Cho La and Gokyo itinerary has been carefully planned with our 15 years of experience. The trip includes two additional days in Kathmandu (for jet lag recovery, preparation, and buffer day), as well as two acclimatization days while trekking (Namche and Dingboche).

Our main motto is the safety of our trekkers. It's not our saying, but our 27,000+ happy clients and their reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor, Trustpilot, Social Media, and others.

From the moment you land at Kathmandu Airport, we will handle everything: pickup and drop off, all trekking permits of EBC and Cho La pass in advance, flight, medical kit, accommodation, and even some complimentary trekking gear. With us NHT, your 19 days in Nepal will be an unforgettable experience tour, just the way it should be.

Cho La Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass located in the Solukhumbu District (Everest Region) of northeastern Nepal. It sits at an impressive altitude of 5,420 meters (17,782 feet) above sea level.

The pass acts as a bridge between two villages, Dzongla (4,830 meters) to the east and Thagnak (4,700 meters) to the west side.

Booking with us is simple and easy. First, before you book your trip, take a good look at the detailed itinerary of the 19-day EBC with Cho La Pass. 

Procedure to book:

• Check out the departure section (you can click it from the navigation bar); choose the best time and day you plan to go and click the "Book this date" button on the website.
• As you click, you will be redirected to our booking form, where you must complete all the necessary info.
• Once you've submitted the form, confirm your booking by selecting a payment method. You can secure your spot instantly by depositing 20% of your total package cost online.

If you want customization or are uncomfortable with this 19-day itinerary, you can customize it according to your needs and preferences. If you have any queries, feel free to reach out via phone at +977 9851058678 (it is available on WhatsApp) or email at [email protected].

If you need to cancel your Everest three Pass trip, here's how it works:

• The 20% deposit you make at the time of booking is non-refundable. This covers the upfront costs like Everest region permits, government taxes, flight arrangements to Lukla, and reservations.
• If you've paid the entire trip amount, the remaining balance (after deducting the deposit) will be refunded via the same payment method.

We understand plans can change, so we recommend informing us as early as possible. If you want to reschedule instead of canceling, we're happy to work with you to shift your booking to a later date.

Yes, you can get a visa on arrival in Nepal, and it is a simple process. As you land in Kathmandu, Nepal (Tribhuvan International Airport), you can fill out an arrival card & a visa form. You can complete the form online before your trip or use the kiosk machines at the airport if you forget to do so.

Once that's done, you can make the payment using different currencies like EUR, USD, NPR, or other accepted currencies. Grab the receipt and head to the immigration section with your passport, form, and receipt. After the officer does the checking process, you will get your visa.

Special Note: A few countries, namely Nigeria, Palestine, Ethiopia, and others, do not get visas from Nepal's immigration entry points. Check our Nepal visa information manual for complete details.

Yes, we provide both pick-up and drop-off services. When you arrive at Nepal’s airport, one of our team members will be there to welcome you. They’ll be holding a Nepal Hiking Team signboard, making it easy for you to locate them. From the airport, they’ll transfer you directly to your hotel.

For your departure, we’ll arrange transportation to the airport approximately three hours before your flight back home.

No, we don't arrange any international flights. We're a local trekking agency. We only focus on organizing tours and treks within Nepal. However, once you land in Kathmandu, Nepal, we will handle your 19-day Everest Cho La Pass trip.

Travel insurance is mandatory for the Everest Cho La Pass Trek. This trip takes you to heights as high as 5,500 meters, which comes with risks like AMS, injuries, or emergencies.

Your travel insurance must cover medical expenses and emergency evacuations, including helicopter rescues, as these are often the only ways to get help in remote mountain areas.

Coverage for trip cancellations, baggage delays, lost or stolen items, and missed departures can be incredibly helpful in managing unexpected situations.

You need to pack wisely for a high-altitude trek such as Cho La Pass with Everest Base Camp, as the weather can change rapidly. Bring a comfortable daypack (Wider straps, multiple sections and hip belts) and well-fitting footwear—boots you’ve used before (not new ones) to avoid blisters. Pack layers for both upper and lower sections, as temperatures can drop significantly at night. Don’t forget basic toiletries, trekking poles, and a personal medical kit for emergencies.

Add some additional expenses for hot water, Wi-Fi, electricity, and others. If you’re missing any gear, you can rent or purchase it near your hotel area in Thamel at reasonable prices.

For more detailed guidance, check out our guidebooks, which include all the essential items to pack for high-altitude treks in Nepal.

Yes, we provide some complimentary trekking gear. Trekking gear such as a 65 - 70-liter capacity duffel bag, a four-season sleeping bag (ranges up to -20°C), a down jacket (sizes in M, L, and XL), and an Everest Base Camp Trek with Cho La Pass map will be provided on the second day (preparation day) if required. Please note that all these items must be returned after EBC Chola pass trip.

As a gift to remember your 19-day experience with us, Nepal Hiking Team also provides a T-shirt, a cap, and a trip completion certification. The certificate includes your Full name, trip name, and the highest point (5545m, Kala Patthar) reached during the Everest Cho La Pass Trek.

The safety of our travelers is always our top priority. All our guides are highly experienced and certified by NATHM (Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management), with multiple years of trekking experience in high-altitude regions.

Our guides are equipped with first-aid medical supplies, Diamox for managing altitude sickness, an oximeter to monitor oxygen levels and heart rates above 3500m, and water purifying tablets. Minor health issues are addressed immediately on the trail. For severe conditions like AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), our guides contact our head office in Nayabazaar, Kathmandu, to arrange helicopter evacuation if necessary.

For groups with more than four people, we assign an assistant guide to monitor each trekker's condition closely.

Our guides are also skilled in identifying alternative routes or backup plans if high passes are blocked due to weather or other conditions.

In Kathmandu, complimentary Breakfast is served, but you have to manage lunch and dinner on your own.

While on the route to EBC, Cho La, and Gokyo, the teahouses offer simple but delicious and hearty meals. You can choose the options from the menu.

For Breakfast, there are options like Tibetan bread (with jam, chocolate, or honey), eggs (different varieties), warm porridge, and pancakes (wheat or buckwheat).

For drinks, tea (lemon, ginger, with or without honey), coffee, and hot chocolate are common, as well as Sherpa tea (a salty butter tea).

Lunch and dinner revolve around meals like Dal Bhat (Rice, lentils with vegetable curry and pickle). You'll also find Sherpa stew, a thick noodle soup with vegetables, instant noodles, garlic soups, Momos (Nepalese Dumplings), and Thukpa. In more popular spots like Namche Bazaar, you might even find pizza, bakery items, and pasta for a change of pace.

For vegetarians, the options are plentiful, with fresh vegetables sourced locally. Vegans can also enjoy many dishes by requesting minor adjustments, like skipping butter or ghee. If you have special dietary requirements, our guides will assist in finding suitable meals wherever possible.

Yes, you can find drinking water and hot water. While bottled water is available, it’s better to use fresh spring or tap water, which is plentiful. However, we suggest not to drink it directly—it’s essential to purify it first. You can either use purification tablets carried by your guide or use a high-quality water filter bottle. It is a more cost-effective option and helps reduce plastic waste in the mountains.

Hot water is available at the teahouses along the trail, but it does come at an extra cost. You can refill your water bottles or thermos with boiled water provided by the teahouses whenever needed.

You will stay at a 3-star category hotel in the Thamel area, such as Woodapple Hotel and Spa or a similar hotel, depending on availability. These hotels are centrally located, offering comfort and easy access to restaurants, shops, and other attractions in Kathmandu.

If you wish to upgrade your stay to a 4-star or 5-star hotel, it is absolutely possible. Let us know your preferred hotel, and we can arrange the upgrade at an additional cost.

Toilets on the Everest Base Camp route with High Cho La Pass are quite basic. Some tea houses in lower altitudes (Lukla, Namche) offer Western-style flush toilets, but as you elevate to higher altitudes, most tea houses have squat toilets (Asian-style). These are simple setups with a pan on the floor and a bucket of water with a mug for cleaning.

We suggest packing personal essentials like toilet paper, hand sanitizers, toothbrushes, and personal towels.

While trekking on the route between teahouses, you may not always find toilets. In such cases, look for a private spot (behind trees, bushes or big stones) far from the trail where you won’t disturb others.

A lightweight trowel can be handy to dig a small hole for waste, or you can carry a zip-lock bag for disposal at the next tea house. Always remember to leave no waste behind and respect the environment.