Everest Base Camp Via Cho La Pass

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Cho La Pass tests your balance, freezes your fingers, and still manages to make you smile at every step in the Everest region. Trekking to Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass is an adventurous route that connects the Gokyo Valley to the Classic Everest Base Camp trail. The trek covers about 130 km and usually takes 15-20 days. You’ll cross the 5,420 m Cho La Pass, one of the toughest but most scenic passes in the Khumbu region.

This trek is recommended for experienced trekkers with proper acclimatization. The trail reaches above 5,000 m, making altitude sickness a real concern. You’ll also encounter fewer crowds compared to the standard route of 12 Days EBC Trek. Gokyo Lakes, Ngozumpa Glacier, and the surrounding peaks add unique natural beauty. The journey requires strong fitness, careful planning, and proper gear, but the rewards are beautiful Himalayan panoramas that few other routes can’t match.

12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek

12 Days 5.0 (7)

gokyo village on the way from gokyo village to gokyo ri

Everest Base Camp Trek Via Gokyo Lake

15 Days 5.0 (6)

Top Reasons to Trek to Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass

Challenging adventure: Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass offers one of the toughest routes in Nepal, where you have to cross the Cho La Pass at 5,420 m and Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m.
Spectacular views: You’ll enjoy stunning views of Mount Everest (8,848.86 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,485 m), and Cho Oyu (8,188 m) from multiple points along the trail.
Gokyo Valley Experience: The route passes through Gokyo village, home to six turquoise lakes: Gokyo Tsho, Thonak Tsho, Gyazumpa Tsho, Longpongo Tsho, Ngozumpa Tsho, and Tanjung Tsho.
Ngozumpa Glacier: Witness Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal, about 36 km long.
Sherpa Culture: You’ll pass traditional Sherpa villages like Dzongla and Thangnak, which offer insight into local culture, monasteries, and lifestyles.
Acclimatization Opportunities: The route allows proper acclimatization at villages like Machhermo and Dzongla, which reduces the risk of altitude sickness.
Unique Photography Spots: Frozen lakes, glacial landscapes, and snow-covered peaks make the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass perfect for photography.

Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass Day by Day Itinerary

The EBC via Cho La Pass trek begins with a flight to Lukla from Kathmandu or Manthali and then a walk to Phakding. From there, you’ll climb to Namche Bazaar and spend a day acclimatizing with a short hike to Everest View Hotel. The trail then goes to Dole, Machhermo, and the beautiful Gokyo Valley. A rest day at Gokyo includes the hike to Gokyo Ri.

Next, you cross Thangnak and the adventurous Cho La Pass to reach Dzongla. The journey then continues to Lobuche and then to Everest Base Camp, with a night at Gorak Shep. A sunrise hike to Kala Patthar gives the best Everest View. After that, you trek back through Pheriche, Namche, and Lukla. The trek finally ends with a flight back to Kathmandu or Manthali.

Day	Route / From–To	Distance / Duration	Altitude
1	Kathmandu/ Manthali- Lukla – Phakding	8 km / 4–5 hrs	2,610 m
2	Phakding- Namche Bazaar	10-11 km / 5–6 hrs	3,440 m
3	Acclimatization day at Namche	3–4 hrs hike	3,440 m
4	Namche Bazaar-Dole	11 km / 5–6 hrs	4,200 m
5	Dole-Machhermo	6 km / 4–5 hrs	4,470 m
6	Machhermo-Gokyo	7 km / 4–5 hrs	4,790 m
7	Rest Day at Gokyo	3–4 hrs hike	4,790 m
8	Gokyo-Thangnak	4 km / 3–4 hrs	4,700 m
9	Thangnak-Dzongla via Cho La Pass	14-15 km / 7–8 hrs	4,830 m
10	Dzongla-Lobuche	6 km / 4–5 hrs	4,940 m
11	Lobuche-Everest Base Camp-Gorak Shep	12 km / 6–7 hrs	5,164 m
12	Hike to Kala Patthar-GorakShep-Pheriche	13-14 km / 7–8 hrs	4,371 m
13	Pheriche-Namche Bazaar	15 km / 6-7 hrs	3,440 m
14	Namche Bazaar-Lukla	19 km / 7–8 hrs	2,860 m
15	Fly back to Kathmandu/Manthali	30 min flight	1,400 m

“A Journey We’ll Never Forget”

We were two couples traveling together, and the trek turned out to be the highlight of our whole Nepal trip. The route was incredible, especially around Manang and Yak Kharka. The altitude hit us a bit, but the team handled it so calmly, adjusting things when needed. We never felt rushed. Just well taken care of. Honestly, we talk about going back for Everest Base Camp next with HC Treks, of course.

Laura, James, Priya & Matt Calgary, Alberta, Canada · November 2023

“Ama Dablam Views That Stay With You”

While everyone rushes to Everest Base Camp, I picked Ama Dablam and I’m so glad I did. Fewer crowds, insane views, and this peaceful, untouched feeling that’s hard to explain. Trekking solo with HC Treks felt totally safe and well-managed. The lodges were cozy, and I’ll never forget watching the stars from Pangboche village. It felt like the sky was performing just for us.

Rebecca Hill Leeds, England · May, 2024

“An EBC Trek to Remember”

I went on the 17-day Everest Base Camp hike with HC Treks, and it was incredible! The trek was challenging but rewarding. The guides helped us adjust to the altitude and made sure we were always comfortable. I went with a small group, and we had a lot of fun, sharing stories along the way. The experience of standing at Everest Base Camp was emotional, and I’m so happy I did it!

Emma Wilson California, USA · June 2025

Optimal Seasons to Experience the Cho La Pass Journey

Spring makes the Cho La Pass trail colorful and alive. Rhododendron bloom, and the skies are clear. The glaciers around EBC, Kala Patthar, and Cho La sparkle under the sun. Days are warmer, and the nights are still cold but manageable. The temperature ranges from 4°C-18°C at Phakding to -15°C to 5°C at the EBC. It feels like the mountains are welcoming every step you take.

Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass best season

Autumn brings fresh air and stable weather. The view of Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu looks grand and beautiful. Trails from Gokyo to Dzongla stay dry and safe. This season is the best time for the EBC trek through Cho La Pass. Fewer weather shifts mean more peace of mind for trekkers.

How Tough is Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass, & is it the Route for You?

Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass difficulty

The Everest Base Camp trek via Cho La Pass is more challenging than the classic EBC trek. The trail adds glaciers, high passes, and remote villages that can make it tougher. Here are the main Everest Base Camp difficulties you should know:

Crossing the Ngozumpa Glacier near Gokyo can be tricky.
The trek to Gokyo Ri is steep and challenging, but essential for acclimatization.
Trekking over the Cho La Pass is the hardest part, with ice and snow.
The descent from Cho La Pass to Dzongla can be slippery and tough on the knees.
The weather in the Gokyo Valley is unpredictable, often colder and windier than in Namche or Tengboche.
High altitude villages like Thangnak offer fewer facilities, so resting here can be less comfortable.
River crossing along the Dudh Koshi and Khumbu streams can be challenging during snow or icy conditions.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 15 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   Pankaj R 
 
 
 
 Verified A fantastic and memorable experience that I would like to repeat in the not too distant future.
My friend Kulvinder and I had discussed some time ago about doing a trek in Nepal. The lure of majestic mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes, and varied scenery finally drew us, along with another friend, Binesh, to embark on the Annapurna Trek with Tilicho Lake with Himalayan Challenge Treks.From the moment we were collected at the airport by our guide Chatur Man Tarang, to the end of the trek, we were not only provided with useful advice and information, but Chatur also infused the trek with his own special brand of humour.The two porters, 'Ashish' and 'Rajan', quickly became friends and helped fill in the quiet evenings by joining in a few games of Dhumble.The treks were challenging for us, 65+ year olds. Still, Chatur and the porters were always encouraging and provided helpful advice on how to deal with the various challenges of walking up and down safely, dealing with the low oxygen air at altitude, staying safe in rockfall areas, and dealing with the incoming traffic of ponies and local residents carrying bulky goods from one place to another.The locations were absolutely stunning and the local rambling through villages, visiting the Buddhist Stupas and Gumbas and enjoying the hospitality of the tea houses along the trek routes remains truly memorable. I hope to return sometime soon to pick up where we left this trek.
  
 
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   Macarios 
 
 
 
 Verified Scenic Wonder!
I had the best time doing the ABC trek! As a solo traveler everything was organised accordingly (transport, hotel, guide, porter, guesthouse, meals)H.C.Y was very responsive in communication from pre trip to the actual trip itself.
  
 
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   Finn H 
 
 
 
 Verified Great trekking company
I did the Mardi Himal trek with Himalayan challenge treks and loved it! Our guide Ram was great with over 25 years of experience of leading treks throughout Nepal. He had a great sense of humour and worked extremely hard. I would recommend this company if you're thinking about trekking in Nepal.
  
 
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   Lucy H 
 
 
 
 Verified Mardi himal
We did the Mardi himal walk with the most amazing guide ram! He is super friendly and will make you laugh!! He is filled with knowledge that will give you insight into Nepal and he will look after you very well. Everything was so easily organised and made our travels super easy. Would recommend challenge treks to everyone !
  
 
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   Fatma Ö 
 
 
 
 Verified This trip is so beautiful with Himalayan Challenge Treks
It was an incredibly beautiful trip...it was difficult but this mental feeling made everything easy..Our loving tour guide was there for us around the clock❤️Without Himalayan Challenge Treks it's half as beautiful.Thank you..Namaste
  
 
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   Dilara E 
 
 
 
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I would like to thank the team who hosted us very well from the beginning to the end of the trip and ensured that we completed it with minimal fatigue.
  
 
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   Filiz I 
 
 
 
 Verified Unforgettable Trip to Heaven
It was such an amazing trip .once in a life time experience.The company and the guides organizing this trekking trip are so proffesional that they have made everything perfect and easy for all team. Nature is unique holly magnificent. You are as if you are in a different holly land. The scenery and view also worthseeing . Thank you for Himalyan Challenge Treks.
  
 
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   davidhaverkamp 
 
 
 
 Verified Day walk with Shirish
Some time ago my wife and I did a short day walk with Shirish Tuladhar of Himalayan Challenge Treks and enjoyed the day immensely. We were in Katmandu for only about a week and so had no time for a multi-day trek. Shirish was a great guide and very patient (as I was recovering from surgery and moving rather slowly.) This was pre-Covid, while we were living in Malaysia, but while moving back to the US/EU I found Shirish's card and wanted to commend him and HCT. +David+
  
 
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   Adam 
 
 
 
 Verified Fantastic Tailor Made Honeymoon
After establishing an excellent connection with Shirish online, we worked to put together a bespoke itinerary which was absolutely perfect for what we wanted on our honeymoon. Shirish and his team (Ram and Raju) delivered a trip which far exceeded our expectations. Their local expertise provided a personal touch to our trip which made it incredibly special and unique. I thoroughly recommend Nepal as it has so much to offer visitors. We experienced white water rafting, trekking in the Annapurna foothills, sunrises over snow topped mountains, paragliding over Pokhara, safari in Chitwan, the history and culture of Kathmandu and much, much more. The Nepalese people are incredibly friendly and welcoming. I put my trust in Shirish and his team and they delivered something professional, personal and so wonderfully memorable that the trip to Nepal will always have a very special place in our hearts.
  
 
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   Cippo 
 
 
 
 Verified Trek in Annapurna e Raft
Super nice time (a full week) spent with the friendly (and very professional) guys of Himalayan Challenge Tr.! Safe trip and Challenge!

Reliving the Thrill of EBC via Cho La Pass Trek

Completing the trek to Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass is memorable. You’ll explore Gokyo Lakes, Cho La Pass, and Sherpa villages very closely. The trek tests you, but it also brings a sense of accomplishment and personal growth. So don’t be threatened by the difficulty; with preparation, it is manageable. The journey is adventurous, exciting, and stays in your heart forever. For anyone considering an Everest Base Camp Trek in October, this adventure is waiting. Plan your trek with us and create memories that last a lifetime.