Cho La Pass Trek

This moderate to challenging graded trek takes to you to the foot of Mt. Everest traversing across the high Cho La pass at an elevation of 5420 m. Also included is the opportunity to trek to the summit of both Gokyo Ri [5340m.] and Kala Pattar [5554m.] for magnificent views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. A visit to Everest Base Camp will give you the chance to have a closer look at the spectacular Khumbu Icefall.

Itinerary at a glance

Day01: Arrival in kathmandu, Overnight at hotel with welcome dinner
Day02: Kathmandu – Swoyambhu – Patan City
Day03: Flight to Lukla & Trek to Phakding [2656m]
Day04: Trek to Namche [3450m] 
Day05: Rest day in Namche:
Day06: Trek to Dole [4084m]
Day07: Trek to Machermo [4410m]
Day08: Trek to Gokyo [4750m] 
Day09: Rest day - Ascent of Gokyo Ri [5483m] 
Day10: Trek to Tragnag [4690m] 
Day11: Trek to Lobuche [4928m]
Day12: Trek to Gorak Shep [5184m] 
Day13: Trek to Everest Base Camp [5357m] & return to Gorak Shep
Day14: Trek to Pangboche [3985m] 
Day15: Trek to Namche [3450m]
Day16: Trek to Lukla [2800m]
Day17: Fly to Kathmandu
Day18: Departure

 

Detailed Itinerary

Tribhuvan International airport

Tribhuvan International airport

Arrival in Kathmandu

Meet, assist upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, by our representative who will escort you to your hotel.

Overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu – Swoyambhu – Patan city
(While we will be processing to get the permit for the trek, you will be accomplishing the sightseeing tours.)
AM: Commence on sightseeing tour to Kathmandu city & Swoyambhunath stupa.
PM: Commence on sightseeing tour to Patan city.
Overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Lukla

Lukla

Flight to Lukla & Trek to Phakding (2656 m)

Transfer to the domestic airport to connect the flight to Lukla. We fly from Kathmandu to Lukla [2800m], a small airstrip high above the Dudh Kosi valley. After meeting our trekking crew and sorting out our gear, we begin the trek by descending to Chaunrikharka and heading up the Dudh Kosi valley to Phakding.
Overnight at the Lodge.

Trek to Namche (3450 m)

From Phakding, we cross and re-cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and preserve this fragile mountain environment. We then ascend up to Namche and along the way, if the weather is clear, catch a first glimpse of Mt Everest in the distance. Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu and has a busy Saturday market - a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed the glaciated Nangpa La.
Overnight at the lodge.

Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar

Rest day in Namche

Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu. It has an abundance of lodges, tea shops, and souvenir shops. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day, acclimatizing to the new altitude before heading off towards Gokyo. Options for acclimatization walks include a visit to Khunde Hospital, which was set up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or a one hour walk up to the Everest View Hotel above Namche. From there you can watch the sunset over Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. There are also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the village.
Overnight at the lodge.

Trek to Dole (4084m)

Today is a spectacular day in terms of scenery as we follow the main trail north out of Namche. A short climb to a crest reveals a wonderful view towards Everest and Lhotse. We follow this main trail for a while, passing many traders selling Tibetan handicrafts, to a crossroads high above the Dudh Kosi. The trail to Everest drops down the hill but we turn off here and climb to cross the Mon La before reaching Phortse Tenga. From Phortse Tenga, the trail climbs steeply to Dole, through rhododendron and birch forest festooned with hanging mosses and lichens.
Overnight at the Lodge.

Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park

Machhermo

Machheromo

Trek to Machermo (4410 m)

From Dole, we climb steadily along the side of the valley, where the rhododendron forests give way to scrub juniper as the altitude increases. The trail passes many summer settlements, which are used when yaks are taken to these pastures to graze in the summer months. Ahead of us are excellent views of Cho Oyu, while at the rear are the peaks of Kantega and Thamserku. Today’s trek is a short one and we will arrive at Machermo in time for lunch.
Overnight at the Lodge.

Trek to Gokyo (4750 m)

We head for the lakes at Gokyo. We follow a very scenic path to Pangka and then descend slightly, following one of the rivers which flow down the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. We climb a steep rocky incline into the valley by the side of the glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes. We soon arrive at the second of the lakes, crossing the path which heads across the glacier to Cho La - our route to Lobuche and Everest, later in the trek. The third lake is known as Dudh Pokhari and on its eastern shore is the settlement of Gokyo. Walking by the side of the lake, the scenery is breathtaking with the summits of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang reflected in its emerald green waters.
Overnight at the Lodge.

Gokyo Lake

Gokyo Lake

Gokyo Ri

Gokyo Ri

Rest day - Ascent of Gokyo Ri (5483 m)

Gokyo Ri looms above the village on the northern edge of the lake. Following a steep path up the hillside. As we climb, the summits of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu slowly come into sight and the view from the summit of Gokyo Ri itself, is one of the finest in the Everest region - some say it is even better than that from Kala Pattar. For those who still have some energy, there are more good views one can get by dropping back down to the main path and following it north to the fourth and fifth of the Gokyo lakes, the latter being about three hours from Gokyo.
Overnight at the Lodge.

Trek to Tragnag (4690 m)

Fit and acclimatized, we leave Gokyo to cross the Ngozumpa Glacier. We descend to the second lake and drop down onto the glacier. The route across the glacier is marked by cairns and is generally quite well defined. We climb off the glacier by a small dwelling known as Tragnag and follow a shallow valley to our camp by a small kharka.
Overnight at the Lodge.

Tragnag

Tragnag

Lobuche

Lobuche

Trek to Lobuche (4928 m)

An early start is necessary today, as we have to cross Cho La and make the long descent to Lobuche. Continuing up the valley, we cross a ridge and an old lateral moraine, before beginning the rocky scramble to the pass. From the pass, there are excellent views, across to the Rolwaling Valley in the west and Ama Dablam to the southeast. The descent from the pass involves the crossing of a small glacier which is fairly straightforward. There are more excellent views of Ama Dablam and the forbidding north face of Cholatse as we descend to the pastures below. The way to Lobuche contours the grassy slopes above a lake, the Tshola Tsho, to join up with the main Everest trail from Pheriche and Thyangboche. The trail flattens out and follows the valley on the west side of the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche.
Overnight at the Lodge.

Trek to Gorak Shep (5184 m)

To reach our next objective, Kala Pattar, the trail continues to follow the valley beside the Khumbu Glacier, and offers superb views of the surrounding mountains, especially where the path is forced to rise to cross a tributary glacier. Later in the afternoon, when the sun begins to set over the Everest, we make our way to the top of one of the finest viewpoints in the Khumbu, Kala Pattar [5549m]. As the light begins to fade we stroll back to Gorak Shep and have an early night in preparation for our trek to Everest Base Camp the following day.
Overnight at the Lodge.

Gorak Shep

Gorak Shep

ebc

Everest base camp

Trek to Everest Base Camp [5357m] & return to Gorak Shep

For the trek to Everest Base Camp, a very early start is required. It takes several hours on a trail across the Khumbu Glacier which weaves its way along translucent ice pinnacles and past seemingly bottomless crevasses. At Base Camp, there will hopefully be an expedition 'in residence' and there are great views up into the Khumbu Icefall where there is often some climbing activity. On the return leg, we can take a higher route to get a spectacular view of the Khumbu icefall and the route to the south Col. We then return to Gorak Shep.
Overnight at the Lodge.

Trek to Pangboche (3985 m)

It is downhill most of the way today, past Lobuche to Duglha and Pheriche. The Himalayan Rescue Association has trekkers’ aid post here which is interesting to visit. After lunch, we cross the Khumbu Khola on a wooden suspension bridge and follow the Imja Khola to the village of Pangboche.
Overnight at the Lodge.

Pangboche

Pangboche

Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar

Trek to Namche (3450 m)

We continue to follow the river and, after crossing it, climb up through birch and rhododendron forest to Thyangboche and its famous monastery. There are magnificent views from here and Kwangde, Tawache, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kantega and Thamserku are just a few of the Himalayan giants which can be seen. From Thyangboche we descend to the bridge over the Dudh Kosi at Phunki Tenga, where there are water driven prayer wheels, before making our way back to Namche.
Overnight at the Lodge.

Trek to Lukla (2800 m)

Our final day's trekking follows the Dudh Kosi back down to Lukla.
Overnight at the Lodge.

Lukla

Lukla

Departure

Departure

Fly to Kathmandu

We pack up early and head for the airstrip to hop in a flight back to Kathmandu. Transfer
to the hotel from the domestic airport in Kathmandu. Remaining day will be at leisure. To
browse around or for last moment’s shopping.
Overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu

Departure
Free until departure later, transfer to the International airport to connect the flight to onward destination.

airpot

Airpot

includes

Two way airfares for Kathmandu / Lukla / Kathmandu sectors with domestic airport tax.

Equipments, clothings for porter.

14 days trek as specified in the itinerary with the accommodations at the Tea Houses on the trail on full board (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner).

All the airport transfers as specified in the above itinerary by private vehicle.

All the surface transfers in kathmandu, airport arrival / departure, by private vehicle

excludes

Any international airfares, Airport tax, Visa fees etc.

Insurances of any kind and any extra cost arises during the trip due to the natural calamities, political disorder or due to any reason which is beyond the control of Yacca Travels & Tours.

Excess baggage charges more than 16 kg and hand bag more than 5 kg in domestic flights

Any other services which is not specified in the COST INCLUDES section above.

Expenses of personal nature such as alcoholic, non-alcoholic beverages, telephone & laundry bills, camera fees etc.

Gallery

TRIP INFO

TRIP GRADE:

Moderate to fairly challenging trek:
Longer treks going right into high mountain country, to some of the famous mountaineering Base Camps over high passes. Physically quite tiring, involves approx 6-8 hours trekking along rocky ridges of high Himalayan peaks. No previous experience required, you should be moderately fit, used to some regular exercise and enjoy walking in the high altitude conditions.

TREKKING TYPES:
Lodge or Tea House trek: Although simple, the teahouses or lodges do provide shelter and warmth and are normally run by friendly local families. The lodge or tea house treks are less expensive than camping trek and are largely suitable for small group. Includes: Accommodation in Lodge, guide, porters and all meals

ACCOMMODATION:
There are plenty of clean and friendly lodges along the trail. Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow and blankets. A few have electric lights and all have a spacious dining room-lounge. We will accommodate you and your group in local lodge available each day. We send a porter ahead of us to book the required rooms for the group (rooms cannot be booked in advance). Please remember that some of them are very basic and a sense of adventure is necessary. It is cheaper to stay in lodge rather than organizing a camping trek.
Camping trek means sleeping in tents. On a camping trek, the tents provided are ‘Two men dome’ or ‘A’ shaped. Clients need to have their own sleeping bag. Bags or cloth packs are used as pillows. If you wish, you can bring your own ‘Air pillow’.

FOOD:
Lodge Trek OR Tea House Trek:

Meals are included in our price and are taken in lodges available along the trail. You can find a wide variety of Nepali and Western food as well as drinks (coffee, tea, milk, soft drinks, beers….).

WATER
We recommend you to bring water purification pills. On the trail, water from the streams is safe if away from settlements. You can also buy the bottled water which is found at the shops on the trail.

LUGGAGE WHILE TREKKING
During trek your main luggage will be carried by porter. You simply carry a daypack with water bottle, camera, suns cream, spare jacket, etc – a small load that allows full enjoyment of the trek. A trek bag is ideal for your main luggage, plus a small lockable bag for travel clothes or anything that you do not need during trek which you can leave at hotel’s locker room/safe deposit box in Kathmandu for free of charge. Weight allowance at Nepal’s domestic airlines is 15 Kg, excess weight is chargeable @ USD 1 or more per Kilo depending on sectors.

PERSONAL EXPENSES
Personal expenses depend largely on the type of trek, duration and the trekking region.
On Tea house’ trek all meals will be provided. You only need money for table drinks (alcoholic/non alcoholic beverages), snacks while walking (a few smaller shops are available along the trail in some areas) tips, souvenirs, hot shower (available in some places).

COMMUNICATION
While trekking in the remote areas you may not have an access to telephone facility for some days or weeks. However, en route there may be few places where telephone facilities may be available and likely to be working.

TREKKING GEARS & EQUIPMENT
Trekking: You will need walking boots, sleeping bag (4 seasons/ -20C rated), waterproof jacket and trousers, fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves, sunglasses, water bottle, sun-screen and day pack.

TYPICAL DAY ON TREK
Each morning after packing our bags and a hearty breakfast, we set off on the day’s walk. After walking for 3-4 hours we stop for lunch at around midday. The afternoon’s walk is generally shorter and we usually arrive at our destination in time for afternoon tea. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent exploring the village, doing a bit of washing or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days we will arrive at our destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free. After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and reliving the day’s adventures, before retiring for a well-earned sleep.

CLIMATE AND BEST TIME TO GO
The most preferred seasons for this particular trek are autumn (from mid-September till November end) and spring (from the beginning of March until mid- May). Temperatures will drop considerably as you trek higher everyday. The nights are cold (between -5*C to 5*C) and if the days are sunny and hot (between 10C to 30C). The mornings are usually clear, with clouds building up during the afternoon, disappearing at night. The trek can be done any time of the year except during monsoon [July & August]. Trekking during the monsoon is not recommended, as the visibility during monsoon is limited. Trekking in the winter is possible; however, it is much colder than Autumn and Spring.
March, April, October and November are the most popular and favored months for traveling.

TREK DURATION
We ensure liability as per indicated itinerary and list of services. If the holiday is cut short or completed earlier than the projected period upon client’s wish, we shall not be responsible or make refund against unutilized days or services. Clients need to pay extra for Hotels/services incurred in Kathmandu or elsewhere in such cases.

HEALTH ISSUES & VACCINATIONS

As vaccination requirements change frequently, we suggest you to consult your doctor at least 2 months prior to the beginning of your trip. We recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis and polio.

Altitude Sickness has the potential to affect all travelers from 2500m and higher. Your body needs time to adjust to smaller quantities of oxygen in the air at 5500m/18,044ft or more; the air pressure is approximately half that of sea level, i.e. there is half the amount of oxygen. Acute Mountain Sickness is caused by going up high too fast and can be fatal if the entire warning signals are ignored. However, one needs to be careful and take all the necessary precautions.

FIRST AID KIT
We supply a first aid kit with standard medicines prescribed by trekking doctors. Since our staffs/guides do not possess much knowledge about medications. Hence, we would request you to use the medicines by yourself. It would be better if you bring your own medical supplies. We suggest that you take enough medicine for cold, diarrhea, nausea and fever. Some nasal ointment and throat-moistening pills will greatly be of help for those who are sensitive to chilly or freezing weather conditions. Age is no barrier to take an unforgettable trekking experience.

RESCUE/EVACUATIONS
In case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we believe will not happen; we will do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital. Since you are entirely liable for all the expense incurred in evacuation please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back to Kathmandu.

INSURANCE
Before joining a tour, we recommend you to take a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
Wonderful environment of the Himalayas is also an extremely fragile one. Increasing population density and number of trekkers threaten the very beauty of Nepal. At Yacca Travels & Tours, we are extremely conscious about the environment and aim to minimize our impact as much as possible. As deforestation is one of the greatest environmental threats, we do not have camp fires and use kerosene for cooking as an alternative fuel to wood. We also discourage trekkers from using wood-fuelled hot showers in lodges along the way. Many lodges, however, now provide solar hot showers, a far more eco-friendly alternative.

Garbage disposal is another major problem and some of the busier trails can, at times appear strew with litter. Our staff members are well motivated towards eco-friendly practices. We carry out all our garbage, apart from that which can be safely and easily burnt. Our aim is to protect and preserve this beautiful environment for future generations of trekkers to enjoy.

TRIP EXTENSIONS
In addition to your trek, we can organize extensions both within Nepal and other neighboring countries. You may want to try water rafting or a jungle safari in Nepal or Nepal Cultural Tour. You may as well take a trip to Tibet, India or Bhutan, whichever is more appealing to you.

CARE FOR PORTERS AND STAFF
We ensure that all the porters and other staffs going into high altitude conditions are provided with adequate clothing and equipments. We run the trek according to the guidelines of the International Porters Protection group (IPPG – www.ippg.net).

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