The Everest Cho La Pass Trek

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be welcomed by an airport representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, explore the city, or enjoy a delicious dinner in one of Kathmandu’s many restaurants. This day is an opportunity to rest and prepare for the exciting days ahead. Your accommodation for the night will be in a 3-star hotel.

Day 2: Flight to Lukla and Trek to Phakding

Your adventure begins with a thrilling 35-minute flight to Lukla, a gateway to the Everest region. Upon arrival, you will meet the rest of your trekking team and begin your trek toward Phakding. The trek follows the Dudh Koshi River, descending through forested paths, and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. You’ll trek for about 3-4 hours, covering 8.7 km, before arriving in Phakding for the night.

Day 3: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Today’s trek takes you from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, the bustling Sherpa village that serves as the gateway to the high Himalayas. You’ll trek along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing it several times via suspension bridges. The trail also passes through Sagarmatha National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna. After a 6-7 hour trek covering 11.3 km, you will reach Namche Bazaar, where you’ll spend the night.

Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar

Today is an acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the village, visit local markets, and observe Sherpa culture. For acclimatization, you can take a short hike to Khumjung village and the Everest View Hotel, offering breathtaking views of Mount Everest and surrounding peaks. This day allows your body to adjust to the high altitude before you continue ascending.

Day 5: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tyangboche

Leaving Namche Bazaar, you’ll trek to Tyangboche, one of the most scenic parts of the journey. The trail offers spectacular views of Mt. Kantega, Kusum Kanguru, and Thamserku. You’ll descend to the river and then make a steep ascent through lush rhododendron forests to reach Tyangboche. After a 5-6 hour trek covering 10 km, you’ll arrive at the village, where you can visit the famous Tengboche Monastery.

Day 6: Trek from Tyangboche to Dingboche

In the morning, you’ll visit Tengboche Monastery, one of the oldest and most important monasteries in the region. Afterward, you’ll trek downhill through rhododendron forests to the Imja Khola River. Crossing a suspension bridge, the trail takes you through pastures before reaching Dingboche, a beautiful village surrounded by mountains. The trek covers 11.8 km and takes 5-6 hours.

Day 7: Rest Day at Dingboche for Acclimatization

Today is another acclimatization day, this time in Dingboche. You’ll have time to explore the village and take in stunning views of Ama Dablam’s north face, along with Lhotse and the Nuptse ridge. A short hike to Nagarjan Peak or Chhukung Valley will further help your body acclimate to the altitude, preparing you for the higher altitudes ahead.

Day 8: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche

The trail continues north, where you’ll pass a stupa and descend to Pheriche village. After crossing a river on a wooden bridge, you’ll begin a steep ascent to Dugla before making your way to Lobuche. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of mountains such as Ama Dablam, Tawache, and Pumori. The day’s trek covers 7.7 km and takes about 4-5 hours.

Day 9: Trek to Everest Base Camp via Gorakshep and Return to Gorakshep

Today is one of the most exciting days of the trek as you make your way to Everest Base Camp. The trek takes you along a rocky moraine, offering views of icy glacial ponds and icebergs. After a short stop at Gorakshep, you’ll continue to Everest Base Camp, where you can spend time soaking in the incredible surroundings. Afterward, you’ll return to Gorakshep for the night, completing a 15 km trek in 7-8 hours.

Day 10: Trek from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar and Trek to Zongla

Start early today for a hike up to Kala Patthar, one of the best vantage points for a 360-degree view of Mount Everest and other surrounding peaks. After enjoying the sunrise, you’ll descend to Zongla for your overnight stay. This day involves 6-7 hours of trekking, covering 10 km.

Day 11: Trek from Zongla to Thannak via Cho La Pass

Today, you’ll cross the challenging Cho La Pass, which offers stunning views of several snow-capped peaks, including Taboche, Cholatse, Baruntse, and Thamserku. The trail is rocky and steep, but the rewarding views make it worthwhile. After reaching the top, you’ll descend to Thannak for the night, completing a 12 km trek in 7-8 hours.

Day 12: Trek from Thannak to Gokyo

The trek today takes you across the Ngozumpa Glacier on a sandy and shifting trail. You’ll pass the second Gokyo Lake before arriving at Gokyo village. Known for its serene beauty, Gokyo offers comfortable lodges and unbeatable views of the surrounding mountains. Today’s trek covers 9.2 km and takes about 4-5 hours.

Day 13: Hike to Gokyo Ri and Trek to Machhermo

Early in the morning, you’ll hike to Gokyo Ri, a steep climb that rewards you with breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. After taking in the scenery, you’ll descend to Machhermo, trekking a total of 11.5 km over 6-7 hours.

Day 14: Trek from Machhermo to Namche Bazaar

From Machhermo, you’ll descend to Dole and continue through rhododendron forests to Phortse Tenga. After some ascents and descents, you’ll finally reach Namche Bazaar, where you’ll spend the night, having trekked about 11 km.

Day 15: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla

The trail descends steeply today as you retrace your steps from Namche Bazaar to Lukla. You’ll cross suspension bridges and walk through forests of pine and rhododendron. After 18 km and 6-7 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Lukla, where you’ll stay overnight.

Day 16: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu

Today, you’ll take an early morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. Once in the capital, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the city, do some last-minute shopping, or simply relax at your hotel.

Day 17: Departure from Kathmandu

Your trek concludes as you are transferred to the airport for your departure, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the Everest Cho La Pass Trek.