Everest Chola Pass Trek – 18 Days

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, attend a detailed trek briefing with your guide, complete a final gear check, and prepare for the adventure ahead.

An early morning flight to Lukla offers breathtaking Himalayan views. After landing, you'll meet your porters and begin trekking gently downhill along the Dudh Koshi River, passing through small settlements and prayer flag-draped bridges to the village of Phakding .

A challenging but rewarding day. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi, crossing several high suspension bridges. After entering Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, the trail climbs steeply for a few hours, finally revealing the horseshoe-shaped bowl of Namche Bazaar, the 'Gateway to Everest' .

We follow the 'hike high, sleep low' principle. After breakfast, we hike up to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m) for stunning first views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. We then explore the nearby villages of Khumjung and Khunde, visiting their monasteries and schools, before returning to Namche for the night .

Leaving Namche, the trail contours along the side of the valley with stunning views of Thamserku and Ama Dablam. We descend to the Phunki Tenga river before a steep climb through rhododendron and pine forests to Tengboche, home to the famous Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual heart of the Khumbu .

The trail descends through forests to Deboche, crosses a suspension bridge over the Imja Khola, and then gradually climbs through Pangboche. The landscape opens up into the wide Imja Valley, with Ama Dablam dominating the skyline, before we arrive at the windswept village of Dingboche .

Another crucial acclimatization day. We hike up to Nangkartshang Peak (5,083m) for breathtaking panoramic views of Makalu, Lhotse, and the surrounding peaks. This 'hike high' day prepares our bodies for the higher altitudes to come, and we descend back to Dingboche to sleep .

The trail climbs gradually out of Dingboche, passing through summer yak pastures and offering ever-closer views of the towering peaks. We stop for lunch at Thukla before continuing on a rocky moraine path, passing a poignant collection of stone memorials for climbers who have perished on Everest. The final walk to Lobuche is set against a dramatic glacial backdrop .

Today is a major highlight. We trek across the glacier moraine to Gorak Shep, drop our bags, and then push on to Everest Base Camp. Walking on the Khumbu Glacier, we finally arrive at the rocky expanse of Base Camp, dotted with prayer flags and offering a close-up view of the Khumbu Icefall. We then return to Gorak Shep for the night .

A pre-dawn start for the challenging climb to Kala Patthar. This is the absolute best place to witness the sunrise illuminating the summit of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks. After descending to Gorak Shep for breakfast, we begin our journey towards the Cho La, retracing our steps to Lobuche and then continuing on a quieter trail to the small settlement of Dzongla .

The most challenging and exhilarating day. We start early to cross the Cho La Pass. The trail involves a steep, rocky ascent, and near the top, we encounter a glacier which may require the use of microspikes or crampons for safe crossing. The effort is rewarded with stunning views of glaciers and peaks. A careful descent on the other side leads us to the village of Thagnak .

Today's trek takes us across the dramatic Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in the Himalayas, with incredible views of Cho Oyu. The trail is rocky and rugged but eventually leads to the first of the turquoise Gokyo Lakes. We follow the shore of the lake to the village of Gokyo, a serene and stunningly beautiful spot .

Another early morning climb, this time to the summit of Gokyo Ri. The viewpoint offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the entire Himalayan range, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, with the beautiful Gokyo Lakes spread out below. You'll have the rest of the day to relax and explore the lake area .

We begin our descent, leaving the high Gokyo Valley behind. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, passing through beautiful alpine forests and small villages like Phang and Luza before arriving at the village of Dole. The descent to lower altitude is a welcome relief and aids in recovery .

The descent continues through the lush landscapes, passing through Mong La and offering last stunning views of Ama Dablam. The trail eventually joins the main Everest Highway and descends back into the bustling Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar, a place for celebration and well-deserved rest .

The final day of trekking is a pleasant walk along the Dudh Koshi River. The trail is mostly downhill and flat, allowing for a steady pace. We pass through Monjo and Phakding, making the final ascent back into Lukla. This is a night of celebration with your guides and porters .

We take an early morning scenic flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for rest, souvenir shopping, or exploring the vibrant streets of Thamel. A farewell dinner in the evening can be arranged .

You will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final flight home, taking with you the unforgettable memories of conquering the Everest Chola Pass.