Everest Cho La Pass Trek With Gokyo Lake

Beautiful Scenery

Trekking to Cho La Pass offers some of the breathtaking mountain views and landscapes of the Everest Region. Some of the majestic mountains you can witness include Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. You will also witness scenic valleys, glaciers, and icy mountains along with traditional Gurung villages. Besides Cho La Pass, the other two high passes with similar views include Kongma La and Renjo La.

Cultural Experience

Not only does the trek offer you scenic adventure, but it is also a perfect option for you if you want to experience the unique culture of Nepal. Most of the people reading here are Gurungs and Magars, who follow the rich Buddhist culture and Sherpoa tradition. Also, there are many ancient monasteries and cultural heritage sites, which you can visit in a short time. The people here are welcoming and provide you with a home-like adventure in the Himalayas.

Gokyo Ri Peak & Lakes

The 18-day trek towards Chola Pass will also take you towards Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri. Upon reaching here, you will get a chance to witness the turquoise blue water reflecting the beautiful snow-covered mountains. This is also considered to be a sacred location among the Hindu communities. This area is one of the most beautiful spots in the Everest region, offering both natural beauty and spiritual significance.

Flora & Fauna

Cho La Pass lies within Sagarmatha National Park, where you can experience a rich variety of flora and fauna. While trekking, you may have a glimpse of some rare wild animals like the Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and the snow leopard, the most elusive of them all, amidst lush vegetation. The region’s diverse ecosystem offers a vibrant backdrop to your trek, adding to the adventure and natural beauty you will witness.

Trekking the Everest Cho La Pass via EBC is possible throughout the year. However, every season of the year brings a few unique challenges along with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Still, the Spring and Autumn season offers the best trekking conditions. Summer and Winter, on the other hand, come with their own set of challenges, making it quite difficult to trek the Everest Cho La Pass.

Spring (March to May)

Spring is considered one of the best seasons for trekking, including Cho La Pass. The weather is moderate, with clear skies and temperatures ideal for trekking. You will also see blooming rhododendrons and other wildflowers and enjoy spectacular views as the landscape comes alive, making it a popular trekking season. The temperatures are comfortable, and the region is less crowded than in autumn, allowing for a more peaceful experience.

Summer/Monsoon (June to August)

The summer monsoon season is typically not recommended for trekking to Cho La Pass. While temperatures may still be relatively warm, the heavy rainfall during this period makes trails slippery, and there is an increased risk of landslides. The weather is also quite unpredictable, and visibility can be poor, which may hinder the scenic views. Therefore, most trekkers avoid this season due to the difficult and sometimes unsafe conditions.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is another ideal season for trekking, especially to Cho La Pass. You will get the stable weather, with clear skies and crisp temperatures. The landscape is often clear of the monsoon rains, and the fall colors add an extra layer of beauty to the surroundings. You will experience stunning panoramic views of the peaks, and the trails are in the best condition, free of mud and puddles. With fewer rain chances and mild temperatures, autumn provides the ideal trekking environment.

Winter (December to February)

You will find plenty of tea houses along the route that offer simple but hearty meals to fuel your trek. Breakfast typically includes items like bread, eggs, pancakes, or porridge, while lunch and dinner often feature dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), noodles, momos (dumplings), or fried rice. Many tea houses also serve hot beverages like tea, coffee, and hot lemon, comforting in the cold mountain climate. Some places may even offer baked goods and chocolate bars to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Accommodation along the Cho La Pass route typically consists of basic tea houses and lodges. These provide essential amenities like a bed, blankets, and sometimes shared bathrooms with limited hot water. Rooms are usually twin-shared with a bed, blankets, and pillows. Most tea houses have a communal dining area with a stove where you can gather to warm up and socialize. You need to understand that the facilities become more basic as you ascend to higher altitudes.

Drinking water along the Cho La Pass trek is generally not safe to consume directly from natural sources without treatment. Having direct water from streams, rivers, and tap water can be harmful as they may contain harmful bacteria or parasites. So it is essential to purify the water before drinking. You can use water purification tablets, a portable filter, or a UV purifier to ensure the water is safe.

Many tea houses offer boiled water, which is a safer option, but it may come at a small cost at higher altitudes. To reduce waste, avoid buying bottled water and carry a reusable water bottle instead. Staying hydrated is crucial during the trek. Make sure you drink purified water at least 3 to 4 liters a day to protect yourself from dehydration and altitude sickness during the adventure.

Altitude Sickness

As you trek via the Everest Base Camp and Cho La Pass, you may face the challenge of altitude sickness due to the high elevation. Symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath can slow you down, so you need to acclimatize properly and ascend gradually. Drinking plenty of water, eating nutritious meals, and resting when necessary will help you manage this risk effectively.

Adverse Weather Risks

Weather conditions in the Everest region can change rapidly, and you might encounter sudden snowstorms or freezing winds, especially near Cho La Pass. Sudden weather changes may also lead to life-threatening situations. To avoid this, make sure you check the daily forecasts. It would be best if you also prepared for unpredictable weather by carrying appropriate gear, including warm clothing and waterproof equipment.

Technical Difficulty

You may be wondering how difficult the Cho La Pass trek is. That’s quite an adventurous trek with steep ascents, icy trails, and rocky paths. Demanding good physical fitness and mental resilience, the trek navigates through glaciers and navigates challenging terrains. You can carry trekking poles and wear sturdy boots to make your journey safer and more comfortable.

Remote Location and Scarce Lodging

The route takes you through remote areas where lodging becomes scarcer as you ascend higher. You might encounter basic accommodations with limited facilities, so you need to plan your stops and book rooms early where possible. Carrying a sleeping bag and being adaptable to minimal comforts will make your experience more manageable.

Physical Fitness

Trekking to Cho La Pass requires excellent physical conditioning to endure steep ascents, rocky paths, and long trekking days. You should start training a few months in advance with activities like hiking, running, cycling, and strength-building exercises. Including flexibility and core strength exercises in your routine will help prevent injuries and improve balance on uneven terrain. Remember to break in your trekking boots and gear during training to ensure comfort on the trail.

Mental Assurance

Being mentally fit is essential for you if you are trekking to Cho La Pass. As the trek involves some huge challenges, you should be confident enough to handle those. You should focus on your goals, and stay motivated throughout the journey, which will help you overcome tough moments. Mental resilience will allow you to enjoy the trek even when conditions are difficult. You can also try visualization techniques for enhanced preparations.

Considered to be a challenging adventure, the Cho La Pass Via EBC demands a high level of physical fitness and mental preparation. The trek passes through Chola La Pass at 5,420 meters. Thus, crossing over 5,000 meters, the chance of getting altitude sickness is also high. You will navigate through steep ascents, rocky trails, and icy terrains. Having some proper experience can somehow make your journey easier.

Hinking for a long day, over 2 weeks of adventure, can also be tiring for you. The difficulty of the route, remote location, and unpredictable weather conditions can further heighten the challenges. With the involvement of all these factors, the Cho La Pass trek can definitely not be the proper option for beginners with an average fitness level. Proper preparation, both physically and mentally, is key to making the Everest Cho La Pass Trek via EBC a memorable and successful journey.

To trek the Everest Cho La Pass via EBC, you need two main permits: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. Having these permits means you will have legal assurance that you will be traveling to this area. Both permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or Monjo, depending on your starting point.

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

The Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, including the Cho La Pass trek, is essential for accessing the Everest region. This permit ensures you can legally enter Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This permit costs NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 23) for foreigners, excluding VAT. You can obtain it in Kathmandu or Monjo, the checkpoint at the park’s entrance.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit is mandatory for all trekkers in the Khumbu region. It replaces the need for a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card and ensures that local authorities can monitor and maintain the trekking trails. This permit costs NPR 2,000 (around USD 15) per person and is available at Lukla or Monjo.

Additional Notes

If you are flying directly to Lukla, these two permits are sufficient for the trek. However, if your itinerary includes trekking outside the Khumbu region, such as Jiri or Salleri, you might need a TIMS card, which costs NPR 2,000 for group trekkers and NPR 3,000 for solo trekkers. Always carry passport-sized photos and your passport when obtaining permits, and confirm current rates as they may change periodically.

If you are trekking to higher elevations above 5,500 meters, it is essential for you to get travel insurance. Having travel insurance offers you financial security and helps you peace of mind.This ensures that you are protected in case of altitude sickness, accidents, or emergencies requiring helicopter evacuation. Travel insurance also helps you cover cover emergency medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and other risks.

Before purchasing travel insurance, ensure that it includes helicopter evacuation, as this is the only viable option for emergencies at high altitudes. Carefully review the policy details, including exclusions and limits, to ensure they match the specific risks of the trek. Always carry a copy of your insurance policy and emergency contact numbers while trekking for quick access during emergencies.

There are multiple travel agencies you may find while researching, and choosing the right one can definitely be difficult for you. Also, the risk of getting scammed by the companies is also evicted. So while considering the travel agency, make sure you do a thorough research. But here we, Himalayan 360, are waiting for you. You can choose us for your trip to EBC with Cho La Pass if you are looking for some perks while booking with us.

Authorized Company

Himalayan 360 is a government-registered trekking agency in Nepal. From thetrip package we sell, Nepal receives payments that can enhance the environment and help the people of Nepal. Along with the government, we are also certified by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN), Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), and other institutions.

Expert Guides

The guides we offer are experienced enough to handle all the trips. One of the founding members, Amrit Nepal, personally chooses the guide with careful consideration. Similarly, the guides we hire are well-educated and updated about the regions, thus offering you accurate information about the areas. Having a guide means you increase your safety throughout the journey.

Responsible & Eco friendly

Himalayan 360 organizes fully responsible trekking, tours, and peak climbing activities. We are fully aware of preserving the environment by properly disposing of litter. We perfectly follow the Leave No Trace rule as responsible citizens. Being knowledgeable, we respect local culture, festivals, and traditions and make efforts not to disrupt the lives of our local people.

Avoid Hidden Charges

We are clear on our trip policies and costs. Our estimates will include both your costs for our services as well as other items not covered in our fees that many other clients incur while traveling to and within Nepal. We will make every effort to have you leave Nepal with wonderful memories and no surprise costs.

If you are trekking to Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lake, it is essential fo r you to be fully prepared. To overcome the challenges that the trek offers, you should properly pack all the essentials. As the trek will last more than two weeks, proper planning of your list is essential. Make sure your bag does not exceed 10 k g. Also, do not miss out on any necessary gear and essentials.

But you may be wondering, what to pack? Here is a perfect packing list for you. Make sure you do not miss out on all the below-mentioned essentials:

Clothing

• Base Layer (Thermal Underwear) – 2-3 sets
• Middle Layer (Insulating Layer) – Fleece or down jacket
• Outer Layer (Weatherproof) – Waterproof jacket & pants
• Trekking Pants – 2 pairs
• Down Jacket
• Thermal Gloves – 1 pair
• Warm H at
• Sun Hat
• Scarf orBuff
• Trekking Socks – 4-5 pairs
• Warm Socks – 2 pairs
• Gaiters (optional)

Footwear

• TrekkingBoots – Waterproof, with good ankle support
• Lightweight shoes or sandals
• Sunglasses
• Headlamp
• Trekking Poles
• Water Bottles/Hydration System – 2L capacity
• Water Purification Tablets or Steripen

Sleeping Gear

• SleepingBag – Rated for -10°C to -20°C
• Sleeping Bag Liner

Personal Items

• Passport and Permits (TIMS, Sagarmatha National Park)
• Travel Insurance
• Camera/Smartphone
• Toiletries – Biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes
• First Aid Kit – Painkillers, band-aids, blister treatment, antiseptic, meds
• Altitude Sickness Medication (Diamox)
• Sunscreen – SPF 30 or higher
• Lip Balm with SPF
• Food and Snacks
• Power Bank
• Travel Adapter/Charger

Safety and Emergency Gear

• Whistle
• Multi-tool (optional)
• Cash – Nepali Rupees