Cho-la Pass Trekking 18 Days

Cho-la Pass Trekking

There are some short and interesting "climbs" of Gokyo Ri, Chukkung Ri and Kalapatthar for the classic views of icefalls and glaciers of Mahalangur Himalayan range which comprises of five major 8000+ m. peaks - Everest, Cho O Yu, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar and Makalu. Gokyo & Kalapathar via Cho La pass itinerary, one of Nepal's most famous treks to the Khumbu Mountains & Sherpa country. After a magnificent mountain flight to Lukla we follow the Dudh Kosi valley to NamcheBazaar. The trail to Gokyo is a gradual ascent up the valley passing through patches of birch and rhododendron forest where the elusive musk deer can sometimes be seen. Through small yak-grazing settlements we reach the Gokyo lakes where we climb the Gokyo Peak (5480m) and enjoy stunning summit mountain scenery including Everest, Makalu and Cho Oyo. After the Cho La pass, we reach Dzongla. The views of Ama Dablam and Taweche are spectacular. After the Zhongla ascent, we continue towards Gorak Shep and climb to Kala Pattar (5545m) from where we enjoy an impressive up-close view of Everest. Our return route passes through Tengboche, a magnificent location with a fascinating monastery, where we rest and savor the incredible scenery, including magnificent views of Everest, Ama Dablam (6856m), Kantega (6809m), Kwangde (6194m), Nuptse (7879m), Lhotse (8511m) and many more.

Trip Details

Itinerary
Detail Itinerary
Trip Info
Weather
Equipment
Useful Info

Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu [1,338m] Transfer to the Hotel. (Car).

Day 02: Mountain Flight to Lukla [2,810 m], Trek to Phakdaing [2,640 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (40 m fly and 03-04 Hrs).

Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazaar [3,440 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (05-06 Hrs).

Day 04: Rest day at Namche [3,440 m] side trip to Everest view point. "B,L,D". Trek (02-03 Hrs).

Day 05: Trek to Dole [3,620 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (06-07 Hrs).

Day 06: Trek to Macchermo 4,440 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (05-06 Hrs).

Day 07: Trek to Gokyo [4,750 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (05-06 Hrs).

Day 08: Trek to Ascent of Gokyo- Ri [5,357 m]. And Back To Gokyo [4,750 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (05-06 Hrs).

Day 09: Trek to Thangna [4,700 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (05-06 Hrs).

Day 10: Trek to Dzongla [4,843m]. Via Chola-Pass. "B,L,D". Trek (05-06 Hrs).

Day 11: Trek to Lobuche [4,930 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (05-06 Hrs).

Day 12: Trek to Gorakchep [5,170 m]. / Everest Base camp [5,350 m]. trip in the afternoon. "B,L,D". Trek (07-08 Hrs).

Day 13: Trek to Kalapattar [5,545 m]. And Back To Pheriche [4,250 m] "B,L,D". Trek (07-08 Hrs).

Day 14: Trek to Namche Bazaar [3,440 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (07-08 Hrs).

Day 15: Trek to Lukla [2,810 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (06-07 Hrs).

Day 16: Fly Back to Kathmandu [1,338m]. "B". (40 m fly and drive to hotel). (Car).

Day 17: Free day in Kathmandu [1,338m]. "B".

Day 18: Trip ends! Fly back home, taking with you the memory of a life time. "B". (Car).

Note: If the above itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences.

Detail itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival to Kathmandu [1,330 m]: Adventure Treks Nepal representative will be waiting outside the Tribhuwan International Airport to pick you according to your flight time and will transfer you to the Hotel. A short briefing session will be conducted about the trek and if there are any queries regarding things you want to do in Kathmandu please do let us know.

Day 02: Flight to Lukla [2,652m] Trek to Phakding - (B/L/D): Early in the morning you will be transferred to the domestic airport from where you fly to Lukla, a 45 min thrilling mountain flight. Once you land in Lukla, you will meet the supporting crew members who will be carrying your duffle bags throughout the trip. We will descend in the direction of Dudh Koshi River, a irate river that comes from the glacier of highest mountains. We walk around the fields of potatoes and wheat on a smooth path that reaches to Phaking where we will be spending the night. Average trekking time is (03/04 hours).

Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazaar [3,440m] - (B/L/D): On this day we will treak to Namchhe Bazzar through the Rhododendron and pine forests. After crossing the Dudh Koshi river twice this day we will finally enter the Sagarmatha National Park. While walking on the path to Namche Bazzar, amazing mountain peaks like Nupla (5,885m), Kongde Ri (6,093m) and Thamserku (6,808m) rise majestically above us throughout the clear day. Many yaks can be seen transporting goods during our trek on this day. Average trekking time is (05/06 hours).

Day 04: Acclimatization day, day hike to Shyangboche [3,833m] - (B/L/D): This is a free day in Namchhe Bazzar for acclimatization. It is really important to stay a extra day in Namchhe due to the decreasing air pressure. During afternoon you can take hike upto Everest View Hotel in Shyangboche from where you can witness beautiful view of Ama Dablam and Mount Everest. Average trekking time is 2 hours.

Day 05: Trek to Dole [4,090 m] - (B/L/D): Once your body is familiar with the thinning air we continue ahead with our trek. We climb upwards the hill to Khumjung followed by a descend to the east of the sherpa settlement below the board valley heading to the Dudh Koshi River. The trail then separates from the Everest Base Camp trail and heads towards Phortse Tenga where we will have our lunch. On our way we will walk pass a large chorten on the ridge top at 3,973m. From Phortse Tenga we will proceed towards Dole climbing steeply out of the valley. The route passing through a herders’ hut at Tongba climbs gently to Dole (4090m). Overnight stay at Dole. Average trekking time is (06-07 hours).

Day 06: Trek to Macchermo [4,410 m] - (B/L/D): After your breakfast, we begin our trek with a steep climb up to Lhabarma (4,330m) through Gyele. The trail then moves along the banks of a large stream at Luza (4,340m) and up to Machhermo while you walk high above the river and along the side of the valley. Average trekking time is (05-06 hours).

Day 07: Trek to Gokyo [4,750 m] - (B/L/D): After a good sleep in Macchermo we begin our trek. We reach Pangka, from where we descend slightly to a large cave area, Nilibuk. We again then ascend on a steep rocky path that heading inside the valley along the side of the glacier. The trek continues ahead passing 3 holy lakes and across the glacier to Cho - La. The major and third lake is known as Dudh Pokhari and are located on eastern shore in the settlement of Gokyo. The reflection of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang in Dudh Koshi's emerald green water is just stunning. Overnight stay at Gokyo. Average trekking time is (05-06 hours).

Day 08: Trek to Gokyo - Ri and back to Gokyo [4,750 m] - (B/L/D): This is the higlight of the trek. On this day we will trek up to Gokyo Ri and then again return back to Gokyo. You will see splendid view of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse and Tawachhe from above the Gokyo Ri. Overnight stay in Gokyo. Average trekking time is (05-06 hours).

Day 09: Trek to Thangna [4,700 m] - (B/L/D): We will start our trek in the morning after your breakfast at Gokyo. The trail is a smooth ascend along the glacier for about 45 min which then changes into a descend across the valley to reach Thangana (4,700m) which is also the base camp of Cho La Pass. While trekking you will withness great mountain views and natural beauty. In Thangna we have basic and limited teahouse facilities. Average trekking time is (05-06 hours).

Day 10: Trek to Dzongla [4,843 m] via Chola Pass [5,335 m] - (B/L/D): This day is probably the day you all will be waiting for. Today we will be crossing the Chola Pass (5,335m). We will begin our trek early in the morning to take benefits of stable morning because in day time it is extremely windy in the pass and hence you might find it difficult to cross the pass. After we trek up to Cho La Pass we will then walk downhill into the valley called Dzongla. The feelings of crossing the mighty Cho La Pass cannot be described in words and the views are just stunning. Average trekking time is (05-06 hours).

Day 11: Trek to Lobuche [4,930 m] - (B/L/D): The early morning sun brings amazing panoramic views of the Himalayas after a wintry night. We then walk in the direction to meet the busy trail to Everest Base Camp. We will be trekking high in the flanks of Awi Peak, above the village of Chola and head towards Cholatse Lake from where you will see the Chola glacier flowing from the saddle between the cliffs of Cholatse and Tawache peaks with the uneven display of natural beauty. We continue walking on the barren landscape above the tree line from where we will observe different peaks such as Cholatse, Lobuche and Pumari . Many Rock cairns can be seen at the Dugla Ridge dedicated the mountaineers who departed while attempting for higher peaks. From Dugla we walk up to the marine of Khumbu Glacier which is the longest glacier of Nepal and trek to Lobuche for overnight stay. The temperature in Lobuche falls as we will be close to the glacier marine. Average trekking time is (05-06 hours)..

Day 12: Trek to Gorak Shep [5,140 m] Visit Everest base camp [5,350 m] in the afternoon (B/L/D): After your breakfast we will walk on the rocky trail of Khumbu Glacier towards the settlement in Gorakshep. We will reach Gorakshep for our Lunch and continue our hike towards the Everest Base Camp (5,340m) from where we will again descend back to Gorakshep for overnight stay. This wonderful village is surround by beautiful mountains including Pumori (7,145m), Lingtren (6,697m), Nuptse (7,745m) and of course Everest (8,848m). Average trekking time is (07-08 hours).

Day 13: Climb Kalapattar, Trek to Pheriche [4,252]- (B/L/D): On this day we will be heading to Kala Pattar (5,545m), famous view point for Everest and other mountains and peaks of Everest Region. It will take 2 to 3 hours to reach upto Kala Pattar which treats you with world's best mountain view once you reach at the top of the hill.After spending some time here we then descend to Pheriche for overnight stay. Average trekking time is (07-08 hours).

Day 14: Trek to Namche Bazaar [3,440m] - (B/L/D): After your breakfast we will gradually descend back to Namchhe Bazzar via Tsuro, Orsho, Shomare and Pangboche. On our way back we will visit the famous Pangboche Monastery, the oldest in this region. We can also stop at the village to admire the view of Ama Dablam. Average trekking time is (07-08 hours).

Day 15: Trek to Lukla [2,810 m]-(B/L/D): From Namchhe Bazzar we unwaveringly ascend down the Dudh Koshi River and cross the suspension bridge after which the trail becomes flat. We walk through dense Rhododendron forests and the beautiful village in Phakding to reach Lukla for overnight stay. If time permits you can visit around the shops in Lukla. Average trekking time is (06-07 hours).

Day 16: Fly Back to Kathmandu [1,338m]-(B): Finally we say goodbye to the crew members in Lukla (Porters) and we take a flight back to Kathmandu. Once you land in Kathmandu you will be transferred to the hotel and the remaining day is at leisure. This day also acts as a buffer day in case of any flight cancelled before or after for weather reasons.

Day 17: Free day in Kathmandu [1,338m]-(B): This is a free day for you. There are many places to visit around Kathmandu Valley like Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square and we are always ready to offer you suggestions if you want to visit. You can also walk down the Thamel streets which have plenty of souvenirs shops.

Day 18: Kathmandu - Departure-(B): You will have breakfast in your hotel and Adventure Treks Nepal representatives will drop you to the airport according to your flight time. The adventurous Chola Pass Trek finally ends as you fly back home, taking with you the memory of a life time.

Note: If the above itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences.

Trip Cost Includes:

Arrival and Departure Transfers by private Car international and domestic flights.
Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
Duffle Bag using for Trekking.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during the Trekking.
Accommodation in simple Tea house (mountain lodge) while trekking.
Kathmandu Lukla Kathmandu flight ticket with Airport Tax.
Trekking Porter with Insurance. (We Provide 01 Porter for 02 Pax).
Trekking Guide with insurance.
Everest Trekking Region map.
TIMS, Pasang Lhamu Village Development Tax, Everest (Sagarmatha) National park (Conservation) entry fees.
Government taxes.
Office services charge.

Trip Cost Excludes:

International Airfare.
Your travel insurance of any kind
Nepal entry Visa fee (US$ 50 for 30 days and US$ 30 for 15 days you should get visa open your arrival)
Drinks, Dessert, Juice, Mineral Water, Heater charge, Hot Shower, Wifi etc during the Trekking and main meals in cities.
Tips for Guide, Porter and driver.

Weather information

We offer trekking in Nepal from mid-September to May. However within this period there are clear seasons in the weather. From early September the monsoon rains decrease. By mid-October through to December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights and clear views. Daytime temperatures can reach 25-30 deg C at low altitude in October and nights can drop to below 0 deg C at higher altitudes.

Winter trekking, from December to February, offers cool to mild and clear days with often very cold nights. Daytime temperatures at low altitudes will be mild, around 20 deg C and at night may drop to 0 or as low as -10 deg C at the higher points. Occasionally winter storms can bring snow as low as 2500m.

In March the cold, dry winter season begins to give way to warmer, wetter spring conditions. Mornings are usually clear with cloud build-up occasionally bringing afternoon rainstorms. Daytime temperatures increase quickly in March, with temperatures of up to 30 deg C and mild nights at low altitudes. The increase in rainfall in the hills is more than compensated for by the spectacular displays of rhododendrons and other wildflowers at this time of year. Late spring conditions, as in April and May, are generally hot at low elevations and as the clouds build up to the next monsoon, daily afternoon rainstorms are common. This is a period that generally has clear weather at the higher altitudes and is traditionally a time when mountaineering expeditions commence their ascents.

The monsoon creates a rainy season in Nepal, which lasts from mid-June to mid-September. During this time the Nepal Himalaya is unsuitable for trekking, with the exception of a few remote valleys. We offer treks during this period in Low altitude Treks in the Nepal Himalaya, Tibet & India (Kulu, Ladakh).

The post-monsoon period: From early September the monsoon rain starts to decrease. By mid-October through to mid-December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights and clear views. Daytime temperatures can reach 25-30 degrees Celsius at lower altitudes and decrease as you gain height. Over 3000 meters the daytime temperatures can vary as much as 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, and may be hotter or colder, depending on whether it is sunny or windy etc. At night at lower altitudes, temperatures do not normally drop much, although as you approach November it does get colder and the days shorter. Up high it can drop sharply at night, from 0 to minus 10 or 15 and more when camped on the ice or snow.

The pre-monsoon period:In March the cold, dry winter season begins to give way to warmer, wetter spring conditions. Mornings are usually clear with cloud build-up bringing occasional afternoon rainstorms. Views of the mountains in the middle of the day and afternoon may often be obscured. Daytime temperatures increase quickly in March with temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius and mild nights. At higher altitudes it is similar to the conditions of the post-monsoon period, however there is usually more snow, which has accumulated over the winter period. There are spectacular displays of rhododendrons and wildflowers at this time of year. Late spring conditions ie April and May, are generally hot at low elevations and as the clouds build up to the next monsoon, daily afternoon rainstorms are common.

List of Clothing Equipments & Personal Effects

Lightweight Trekking (walking) (Waterproof) boots and spare laces. If new one is being bought, “walk then in” to avoid blisters. Also bring spare laces.
A pair of track shoes for evening and walk around campsite.
Warm Jackets (Fiber fill or down) down should be adequate.
A rainproof jacket with hood or ponchos (Get guaranteed Waterproof)
Woolen shirts and thick sweaters.
A pair of lightweight/heavyweight trousers. Jeans are unsuitable to wear on treks.
Thermal underwear.
A tracksuit.
2 pair of loose fitting long shorts/skirts.
Few pairs of cotton T-shirts.
At least 1 lightweight long sleeved shirt is particularly to avoid sun born.
A woolen hat for morning and evening and Sun cap (Hat) during the day and ensure it has a wide brim to cover the face and neck..
A pair of gloves.
A pair of sandals to shower and campsite.
Few pair of thin and thick woolen socks.
Underwear: normal quantity and swimming costume.
Sleeping bags for night. (At least -20 Celsius)

Equipment and Accessories

Duffle bag or kit bag to carry gears while trekking. (We provide)
Daypack to carry personal day requirements. (25-30 Ltr) This is a small rucksack to carry personal requirement for the day
Water bottle.
Snow glasses and sunglasses.
2-5 large plastic bags to separate clean and dirty clothes. Some small plastic bags for garbage.
Toiletries with large and small towels. Toilet paper can be by in Kathmandu and some villages in the mountains.
Wallet or money belt with compartment for coins.
Headlamp or torch light with spare batteries and bulbs.Candles or lighter to burn toilet paper and to lit on.
Snow gaiters essential during winter and High Altitude trekking.
Walking poles. (If you like to have).
Camera with spare batteries and films
Reading materials, game items (optional), note book, rubber band, pen and pencil, envelopes, a diary, a calendar, a pocket knife, binoculars (optional), a small pillow or headrest (optional). Thermoses (optional)- an inflatable sleeping mat, trekking map, adequate quantities of
passport photograph
First aid kit with enough Personal medicine.

Physically prepare yourself: It is important that your body is adequately prepared for the physical challenges of trekking. It is thus important that you assess your own condition and train accordingly. In general, the fitter you are, the easier it will be for you to handle the rigors of the trek. A well-rounded training program would include strength training, aerobic cross training, and hiking (ideally at high altitude but not necessary).

Mentally prepare yourself: Mental preparation is often overlooked. You should always keep a positive state of mind, but not ignore the signals your body sends you. Your mental stamina will, without a doubt, make the most difficult parts of the trekachievable.

We will keep the packing list update asnew equipment becomes available. If you have reviews or suggestions please send us an email.

Trekking in Nepal need not be considered risky affair as far as your health is concerned. Nevertheless, preventive measures such as a through medical checkup and inoculations before you start trekking can save you from unexpected hazards. Since the remote places of Nepal are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern medical facilities and as the rescue and evacuation are measured in days, it is imperative to make a comprehensive first aid box consisting of basic drugs and accessories as part of the paraphernalia for trekking. Modern dentistry is unknown in the hill of Nepal so it is advised to have a checkup before departure from home. Tooth fillings; sometimes loosen in cold temperatures and high altitudes, so it is recommended to have them checked. Travelers are requested to bring medicine prescribed by their doctor at home. Common medicine for stomach problems, headache, and malaria is available in Kathmandu. Medicine is usually not available in remote areas. So necessary medicine is advisable to carry with you. Before going to Nepal, it is advised to get injections against typhoid, meningitis and hepatitis.

OVERCOMING ALTITUDE PROBLEM: This is often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which is particularly a matter of important medical consideration while trekking in the Himalayas. Altitude Sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations above 3000 meters. Early mountain sickness will manifest itself in headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue; etc can be encountered as initials of the sickness. The major information source on prevention and treatment of the sickness is Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) and Adventure Treks Nepal (P). Ltd. is the confide life member of it. We assure every trekker that all our guides have followed the training conducted by HRA with the understated information.

CAUSE/FACTOR OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS
1. Less Oxygen
2. Low Pressure i.e. Barometric Pressure
3. Rapid Ascent
4. Possible Dehydration
5. Hypothermia TYPE OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS

TYPES ALTITUDE SICKNESS
1. AMS - Acute Mountain Sickness
2. HAPE - High Altitude Pulmonary Edema
3. Hace - High Altitude Cerebral Edema

SYMPTOMS
1. (AMS) ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS
Mild symptom feels like hangover/not feeling good
a. Headache
b. Fatigue/Tiredness
c. Nausea
d. Shortness of breath
e. Loss of appetite
f. Sleep disturbance
g. Dizziness

2. (HAPE) HIGH ALTITUDE PULMONARY EDEMA (Water in lungs)
a. Increasing shortness of breath even at rest
b. Severe cough-dry/Productive
c. Very tired-Unusual fatigue while walking
d. High Pulse rate i.e. 110
e. Blueness of face, lips, finger nails that means inability to transport Oxygen into the blood

3. (HACE) HIGH ALTITUDE CEREBRAL EDEMA (Water in the head)
Severe symptoms of altitude sickness
a. Severe Headache
b. Vomiting
c. Walking like a drunk (Ataxia)
d. Mental confusion/Altered mental status
e. Irritable-Does not want to be bothered by other people
f. Unconsciousness or Coma
TEST - Tandem walking test, Heel to toe step fall off from the line.

DECISION MAKING
1. Find out the main problem i.e. at altitude. Assume all problems are Altitude Sickness unless proven otherwise.
2. If it is an altitude problem with mild symptoms, stay at the same altitude until the symptoms are completely gone. Take an Aspirin tablet, try to go up but listen to your body. If symptoms are worsening, go down.

PREVENTION
1. Acclimatization: - After a 1000m. Ascent, stay one more night for acclimatization.
2. Do not make RAPID ASCENT; don't go too fast too high.
3. No alcohol, sleeping pills and smoking.
4. Drink more fluid 3-4ltrs a day… clean, boiled or treated water/tea/coffee/soup/juice etc.
5. Do not carry heavy packs.
6. Climb higher sleep lower.
7. Do not travel alone.

TREATMENT
1. DESCENT is the best medicine; do not wait for the Helicopter.
2. Medicine:
a. Oxygen.
b. Diamox…for AMS 125mg. Before dinner, for sleeping problem if feeling suffocated.
c. Nafedipine for HAPE
d. Steroids/Dexamethasone for HACE
3. Hyperbolic Bag - Gammow Bag
4. Golden Rules
a. Awareness of ALTITUDE SICKNESS
b. If you have mild symptoms, do not go higher. Take Aspirin.
c. If you have worsening symptoms, go down.
d. Do not leave your team member behind unattended, either trekker or porter.
5. IMPORTANT
a. Go up slowly.
b. Drink plenty of fluids (at least 3 liters per day)
c. Get all information about Altitude Sickness before your trekking tour that will make you confident to make your tour successful.

Our advice: Drink 3-4 ltr of water minimum a day, don't exhaust yourself so much and breathe deep and take rest more than usual.

We will keep the packing list update asnew equipment becomes available. If you have reviews or suggestions please send us an email.

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