Overview Of The Trek:

The Himalayas are one of Asia’s most mysterious and difficult places to travel. The tall peaks towering above 8000 meters make this landscape extremely difficult to conquer. However, trekking enthusiasts and mountaineers often trek to this region for a sense of accomplishment. Out of many treks in Nepal, the Khumbu region has some of the most hostile weather conditions, which makes trekking extremely strenuous. Among these difficult treks, the Cho La Pass trek is one of the hardest.

The Cho La Pass is one of the highest passes in the country, at an altitude of 5420 meters. Trekkers must be well-prepared for this challenge. The pass connects two of the most famous trekking routes in the Khumbu region: the Everest Base Camp trek and the Gokyo Lake trek. This trek takes you through Sherpa Villages, home to legendary mountaineers who have guided countless expeditions to the summit of Everest. As you ascend, the landscape dramatically changes from dense green forests to dry barren lands and eventually to white snow-covered peaks. In this article, let’s look into this amazing trek, which gives some of the best views of the Himalayas.

Some Facts About The Trek:

  • Trek Duration: 15 days
  • Highest Elevation: 5545m, Kalapatthar
  • Trek Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Accommodation: Tea Houses and Lodge
  • Walking Duration Per Day: 5-6 hrs
  • Trek’s Start Point: Lukla
  • Trek’s Destination: Cho La Pass 

Highlights Of The Cho La Pass Trek:

  1. Stunning Mountain View: This trek offers some of the best views of the mountains of the Khumbu Region. Some famous mountains include Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. The view from Cho La Pass itself is quite mesmerizing. The up-close views of the surrounding mountains are picturesque. Along the way, the scenery changes as you cross valleys and rivers at a lower elevation below 4000 meters.
  2. The Gokyo Lakes: The trek takes you to the serene Gokyo Lakes, a series of six glacial lakes considered sacred to Hindus and Buddhists. Close to these lakes is Gokyo Ri, at an elevation of 5357 meters, which provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
  3. Sherpa Culture and Villages: The Cho La Pass trek passes through ancient Sherpa Villages like Namche and Khumjung, where trekkers can experience the warm hospitality of the Sherpas. On the way to Cho La, you’ll encounter numerous Buddhist Monasteries where you can learn about the region’s history and culture. All these things reflect the spirituality of the region.
  4. Wildlife: The trek passes through Sagarmatha National Park, which is home to many bird and animal species. Trekkers may encounter Himalayan Wildlife, such as the Musk Deer and snow Leopards, and birds like the Himalayan Monal.
Everest Region
Everest Trek (Source: Camping For Women)

 

Brief Itinerary:

  • Day 1- Fly to Lukla from Kathmandu and Trek to Phakding. Take a 30-minute flight to Lukla and start trekking to Phakding, 2700m.
  • Day 2-  Phakding to Namche Bazaar. On the second day, trek towards Namche Bazaar, 3440m.
  • Day 3- Explore Namche Bazaar. On the third day, take a rest at Namche and explore this beautiful town, 3440m.
  • Day 4- Namche Bazaar to Tengboche. On this day, you’ll walk along the ridge and ascend towards Tengboche Monastery, 3860m.
  • Day 5- Tengboche to Dingboche Trek. A 5-6 hour walk will get you to Dingboche, 4350m.
  • Day 6-  Acclimatization at Dingboche. This day is a rest day as well, and you’ll acclimate on the way to Cho La.
  • Day 7-  Dingboche to Lobuche. The trail continues along the Khumbu Glacier. After walking for 5 hours, you’ll reach Lobuche, 4910m.
  • Day 8- Trek to EBC. You’ll trek to the Everest Base Camp, 5365m, on this day. You can interact with the teams that are about to summit Everest at the base camp. You may return to Gorak Shep on the same day.
  • Day 9- Trek to Kalapatthar and back to Dzongla. At Kalapatthar, you’ll get the best views of Everest.
  • Day 10- Dzongla to Thangna. On this day, you’ll cross the Cho La Pass, 5420m. From Cho La, you’ll descend towards Thangna.
  • Day 11- Thangna to Gokyo. On the eleventh day, you’ll reach the Gokyo Lakes.
  • Day 12- Trek to Machhermo. On the twelfth day, descend back to Machhermo, 4410m.
  • Day 13- Machhermo to Namche. From Machhermo, hike downwards to Namche Bazaar.
  • Day 14- Namche to Lukla. This is the last day of trekking, and you’ll reach Lukla.
  • Day 15- Fly to Kathmandu from Lukla.

How to prepare for the Cho La Pass Trek

  • Acquire Permits: There are many permits needed inorder to trek in this region. Acquire them in Kathmandu.
  • Monitor the weather pattern: The weather can get extremely challenging in this region. Check the weather before you set out for the trek.
  • Be well prepared:  It’s pretty challenging, with super tricky trails that run hills, valleys, and mountains. Many people cannot continue over the elevation of 5000 meters, so proper acclimatization is needed. Be physically and mentally prepared for this trek.
  • Pack Wisely: This is a comparatively tougher trek, so pack all the essentials to have the best time in the Himalayas.

Also Read: Experience Everest: A Short Trek With Outstanding Views