Everest Chola Pass Trek

Your adventure begins with an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a thrilling 30-45 minute journey offering breathtaking aerial views of lush landscapes, terraced farms, and Himalayan peaks. Upon arrival in Lukla, we’ll take a short break for brunch before setting out on the trail.
The trek starts with a descent to the Dudh Koshi River, where we’ll meander through pine forests, cross ancient Mani walls, and pass the quaint village of Ghat. The path undulates gently before bringing us to Phakding, where we’ll settle into a cozy lodge for the night.

We kick off the day crossing a small stream before ascending terraced hills to Benkar. The trail leads us along the Dudh Koshi River, surrounded by rhododendron and pine forests. Passing the village of Monjo, we officially enter Sagarmatha National Park.
We’ll cross several suspension bridges, including the iconic Hillary Bridge, before tackling the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. The final stretch is challenging, but the reward is immense: the bustling Namche Bazaar, surrounded by spectacular mountain vistas. Here, we’ll relax and spend the night at a charming lodge.

Today is all about acclimatizing to the altitude. We’ll explore the twin villages of Kunde and Khumjung, known for their serene beauty and traditional Sherpa culture. Along the way, we’ll stop at the Everest View Hotel for jaw-dropping panoramas of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku.
After soaking in the views, we return to Namche, where you can explore its lively market and quaint shops. Rest well at the lodge tonight.

After breakfast, we head toward Tengboche, starting with a relatively flat trail that gradually descends to Phungi Tenga. Crossing a wooden bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, we begin a two-hour uphill climb through rhododendron forests.
Upon reaching Tengboche, you’ll be greeted by the iconic Tengboche Monastery, set against the stunning backdrop of Ama Dablam. This serene village is a highlight of the trek, offering breathtaking views and spiritual tranquility.

We begin the day with a visit to Tengboche Monastery before trekking upward. The trail takes us past Mani walls and Chortens, offering mesmerizing views of Ama Dablam and Kantega.
The route splits at Pangboche, and we take the upper trail, climbing steadily toward the giant Mani Stupa near Dingboche. This quaint village in the Chukhung Valley offers magnificent vistas of snow-capped peaks like Imja Tse and Lhotse.

To prepare for the higher altitudes ahead, we’ll take a day hike to Chhukung Valley. The trail winds through stone-walled fields and glacial moraines, leading to stunning views of Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam.
For those seeking an extra challenge, optional climbs to Chhukung Ri (5,550m) or Nagarjun Peak (5,050m) provide even more spectacular vistas, including a glimpse of Mount Makalu. We return to Dingboche for a restful evening.

We trek through alpine landscapes, passing Pheriche and crossing a wooden bridge to reach Dugla. After lunch, we ascend a steep moraine to the Everest Memorial, a tribute to climbers who lost their lives on Everest.
The trail then flattens slightly, leading us to the remote settlement of Lobuche. Surrounded by towering peaks like Pumori and Cholatse, this is a picturesque stop for the night.

Today is a big day! We trek along the Khumbu Glacier to Gorakshep, where we pause for lunch before continuing to Everest Base Camp. The trail is rugged and challenging, but the sense of achievement and the views of Khumbu Icefall make it worthwhile.
After exploring the base camp, we retrace our steps to Gorakshep for a well-earned rest.

We start early to catch sunrise at Kala Patthar, known for its unrivaled views of Everest and neighboring peaks. The trek is steep but rewarding, with golden hues illuminating the Himalayas.
Afterward, we descend to Gorakshep and continue toward Dzongla. The trail is rugged but offers stunning vistas, making the journey truly unforgettable.

A thrilling day awaits as we cross the icy Cho La Pass. The ascent is steep and challenging, requiring careful navigation over snow and ice. At the summit, fluttering prayer flags and panoramic views reward our effort.
We descend to Thagnak, a serene village surrounded by glaciers and towering peaks, where we’ll rest for the night.
This humanized itinerary captures the adventure, challenges, and beauty of each day while keeping the experience relatable and inspiring. Let me know if you'd like adjustments and adding a vibrant touch to the rugged icy landscape. After soaking in the spectacular views of the towering peaks, we’ll begin our descent from Cho La Pass. The way down is equally challenging, as it involves navigating slippery paths and loose gravel.
After carefully making our way downhill, we reach the snowfields, which gradually transition into rocky trails. The descent continues to Tagnag (also spelled Thangnak), a small settlement tucked amidst breathtaking mountain views. Here, we’ll rest, recover, and enjoy a warm meal in the cozy comfort of a guesthouse.

After the previous day’s adventurous trek, today’s walk is relatively easier and shorter. Leaving Tagnag, we’ll traverse a glacier trail en route to Gokyo. The route involves crossing rocky moraines and icy paths that demand some careful footing. Along the way, the pristine beauty of the surrounding mountains will keep us mesmerized.
As we near Gokyo, the shimmering turquoise Gokyo Lakes start to come into view, nestled against the backdrop of towering snowy peaks. Upon arrival in Gokyo village, we’ll settle into our guesthouse. The afternoon is free to relax or explore the beautiful lakeside surroundings. Don’t miss the chance to soak in the serene views of the majestic Gokyo Ri and the Ngozumpa Glacier.

We’ll start the day with an early morning hike to Gokyo Ri, a renowned viewpoint that offers some of the most stunning panoramic views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu. The hike to the summit is steep but immensely rewarding, especially as the first rays of sunlight bathe the Himalayan giants in a golden glow.
After descending back to Gokyo, we’ll enjoy breakfast before resuming our trek. The trail to Machhermo is gentle compared to earlier days. We’ll follow the Dudh Koshi River, passing small settlements and alpine meadows. Along the way, the views of towering peaks and pristine valleys are a constant companion. We’ll spend the night in a comfortable lodge in Machhermo.

Today’s trek takes us back to Namche Bazaar, retracing our steps through the familiar trails. The path gradually descends, and we pass through vibrant rhododendron forests, crossing suspension bridges over glacial rivers.
As we approach Namche Bazaar, we’ll start to notice the bustling energy of this Sherpa town, which feels almost like a return to civilization after days in the high-altitude wilderness. Once in Namche, you can enjoy a hearty meal, explore local markets, or simply relax at your lodge.

Our final day of trekking begins with a descent from Namche Bazaar. The trail leads us through lush forests, past quaint villages, and alongside the roaring Dudh Koshi River. We’ll pass familiar landmarks from earlier in the journey, reflecting on the incredible adventure we’ve had.
As we approach Lukla, the trail begins to level out, marking the end of our trek. Once we reach Lukla, we’ll celebrate the successful completion of our journey with our trekking team. We’ll spend the night at a lodge in Lukla, preparing for our flight back to Kathmandu the next day.

After breakfast, we’ll catch a morning flight back to Kathmandu, bidding farewell to the spectacular Khumbu region. During the flight, enjoy the last glimpses of the towering Himalayas from the air. Once in Kathmandu, you’ll have the rest of the day free to relax, explore the city, or shop for souvenirs.