Cho La Pass Trek Guide
The Cho La Pass trek links Everest Base Camp and the Gokyo lakes over the icy 5,420 m Cho La, combining the iconic walk to base camp and Kala Patthar with a demanding glacier-and-boulder pass crossing and the turquoise lakes of Gokyo, one of the harder standard Khumbu routes.
Overview
The Cho La Pass trek is one of the most rewarding and demanding standard routes in the Khumbu, joining the two great highlights of the region, Everest Base Camp and the Gokyo lakes, into a single high-altitude circuit over the icy Cho La at around 5,420 m. It rewards strong, well-acclimatised trekkers with the iconic walk to base camp and Kala Patthar, a dramatic pass crossing over a glacier and boulder field, and the serene turquoise lakes of Gokyo, all in one journey.
Most trekkers complete the route in 16 to 18 days round trip from Kathmandu, including the flights to and from Lukla and the careful acclimatisation the high passes demand. A common direction is to walk up the main Everest trail through Namche, Tengboche and Dingboche to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar (5,545 m) first, then cross from Dzongla over the Cho La to Thagnak and on to Gokyo, climbing Gokyo Ri before returning down the Gokyo valley.
The Cho La itself is the crux: a steep climb to the pass, a crossing of a small glacier that can be icy and slippery, and a boulder-strewn descent, all at well over 5,000 m. In good conditions it is a non-technical but serious walk; in snow or ice it demands extra care, an early start and sometimes crampons. Several nights are spent above 4,700 m, so the route is firmly in high-altitude territory.
The trek is graded strenuous and is one of the harder standard Khumbu routes, best suited to fit trekkers with good acclimatisation and ideally some high-altitude experience. The payoff is unmatched: two of the region's signature destinations and a thrilling pass crossing between them. It can be extended over the Renjo La into the full Three Passes circuit for the ultimate Khumbu challenge.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
This is a classic Cho La itinerary linking Everest Base Camp with the Gokyo lakes via the pass. It can be extended over the Renjo La into a full Three Passes circuit. Allow buffer days, as the Lukla flights from Kathmandu are weather-dependent and the pass can be closed by snow.
Day 1: Fly Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840 m), trek to Phakding (2,610 m)
An early scenic flight to Lukla, then a gentle walk down to Phakding. (3-4 hours.)
Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Crossing suspension bridges and entering Sagarmatha National Park, then a steep climb to Namche Bazaar. (5-6 hours.)
Day 3: Acclimatisation day at Namche
An active rest day hiking to the Everest View Hotel viewpoint and Sherpa villages. (4-5 hours of hiking.)
Day 4: Namche to Tengboche (3,860 m)
A scenic traverse to the great Tengboche monastery, with Ama Dablam behind it. (5-6 hours.)
Day 5: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m)
Climbing above the treeline through Pangboche to the high village of Dingboche. (5-6 hours.)
Day 6: Acclimatisation day at Dingboche
A second acclimatisation day with a hike up a nearby ridge for views of Makalu and the Imja valley. (3-5 hours of hiking.)
Day 7: Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940 m)
A climb past the memorials at Thukla up the Khumbu glacier moraine to Lobuche. (5-6 hours.)
Day 8: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,160 m) and Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)
A demanding day to Gorak Shep, then out along the glacier to Everest Base Camp at around 5,364 m and back. (7-8 hours.)
Day 9: Climb Kala Patthar (5,545 m), descend to Dzongla (4,830 m)
A pre-dawn climb up Kala Patthar for the classic sunrise view of Everest, then descend and traverse to Dzongla beneath the Cho La. (6-8 hours.)
Day 10: Cross the Cho La (5,420 m) to Thagnak
The crux day: a steep climb to the Cho La at around 5,420 m, a crossing of a small, often icy glacier, and a boulder-strewn descent to Thagnak on the Gokyo side. An early start is essential. (7-9 hours.)
Day 11: Thagnak to Gokyo (4,790 m)
Crossing the rubble of the vast Ngozumpa glacier to the village of Gokyo beside its turquoise lake. (3-4 hours.)
Day 12: Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) and explore the lakes
An early climb up Gokyo Ri for a close-up of Everest and the Ngozumpa glacier, then time at the upper lakes. (4-6 hours.)
Days 13-15: Descend Gokyo valley to Lukla
Retrace the Gokyo trail down through Dole to Namche and on to Lukla over two to three days. (5-7 hours per day.)
Day 16: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
The morning flight back to Kathmandu. With buffer days for flights and the pass, the full trip runs around 16-18 days. (Flight plus transfer.)
Difficulty & Fitness
The Cho La Pass trek is graded strenuous and is one of the harder standard Khumbu routes, combining the high altitude of the Everest Base Camp trail with a demanding glacier pass.
- Very high altitude. You reach Kala Patthar at 5,545 m and cross the Cho La at around 5,420 m, with several nights above 4,700 m. Altitude sickness is a serious risk, so the long, acclimatisation-rich itinerary is essential.
- The Cho La crossing. The pass involves a steep climb, a small glacier that can be icy and slippery, and a boulder-strewn descent. In good conditions it is a tough walk; in snow or ice it demands extra care and sometimes crampons.
- Long, demanding days. Several days, including the base-camp day and the Cho La crossing, involve 7-9 hours of hard walking at altitude.
- Good infrastructure with exposed sections. The Everest and Gokyo trails are well served, but the Cho La crossing itself is remote and committing, with no facilities between Dzongla and Thagnak.
You should be a fit trekker comfortable walking 6-9 hours a day on rough mountain terrain for over two weeks, with strong cardiovascular fitness and ideally some prior high-altitude experience. No technical climbing skills are required in normal conditions, but the glacier crossing demands sure footing and care. Train hard beforehand and treat the Cho La day with respect.
Permits & Regulations
The Cho La Pass trek runs entirely within the Khumbu, so you need the standard Everest-region permits. Note that TIMS is not used in the Khumbu; instead two local permits apply:
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit, around NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals, usually issued at Monjo or in Kathmandu through an agency.
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry permit, around NPR 2,000-3,000, paid locally (typically at Lukla).
Since 2023, Nepal requires trekkers on organised treks to use a licensed guide rather than walking fully independently. On a high, committing route like the Cho La, where the pass crosses a glacier and can be closed by snow, a guide who can judge conditions is especially important. Carry your passport and several passport photos, keep both permits handy for the checkpoints at Lukla and Monjo, and, because fees and rules can change, confirm the current requirements with a registered agency in Kathmandu before you travel.
Cost & Budget
The Cho La Pass trek costs more than a single base-camp or Gokyo route because it combines both over a longer itinerary, with the Lukla flight as the major fixed cost.
- Guided package: typically around USD 1,500-2,600 per person depending on group size, the number of days and the level of service. This usually covers the guide, porter, permits, the Lukla flights, accommodation and meals on the trek.
- Lukla flights: the round-trip flight between Kathmandu (or Manthali) and Lukla is the single biggest cost and varies by season. Build in a buffer for weather delays.
- Permits: the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit (around NPR 3,000) plus the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit (around NPR 2,000-3,000).
- On-trail spending: Namche has unreliable ATMs, so carry enough Nepali rupees in cash for meals beyond your package, hot showers, charging, wifi and tips. Prices rise sharply at the highest villages such as Gorak Shep.
Smaller groups pay more per head, while larger groups spread the guide and flight-handling costs. A generous tip for guides and porters is customary, and you should budget a contingency for extra nights if a Lukla flight is delayed or the Cho La is closed by snow and you must wait or reroute.
Best Time to Trek
The Cho La Pass trek follows the same seasonal pattern as the rest of the Khumbu, and because the pass crosses a glacier and can be closed by snow, conditions there are decisive.
- Spring (March-May) brings warm days, blooming rhododendron in the lower valleys and generally clear mountains, with the pass usually open, though early spring snow can still make the Cho La harder.
- Autumn (late September-November) offers the most stable weather and the clearest air after the monsoon, with the best chance of a safe, clear Cho La crossing. It is the prime season for this route.
Avoid the monsoon (June-early September): cloud hides the views, the glacier crossing is hazardous, and Lukla flights face the worst delays. Winter (December-February) brings very clear, cold days but heavy snow frequently closes the Cho La entirely and shuts high lodges. For the best balance of clear views and a safe pass crossing, plan for spring or autumn, with autumn the safest bet for the glacier.
Packing, Safety & Tips
Acclimatisation
With a high point of 5,545 m at Kala Patthar, the 5,420 m Cho La and several nights above 4,700 m, altitude sickness is a serious risk. Do not skip the acclimatisation days at Namche and Dingboche, ascend steadily, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and watch for symptoms of acute mountain sickness, HACE or HAPE. Discuss altitude medication with your doctor and descend immediately if serious symptoms appear.
Gear & packing
Pack for cold, high mountain weather with a glacier pass crossing: a warm sleeping bag (rated well below freezing), a heavy down jacket, layered clothing, sturdy broken-in boots, trekking poles, glacier sunglasses, sun protection and a headlamp. Bring a reliable water-purification method, high-energy snacks, and a first-aid kit. Microspikes or crampons are worth carrying for the Cho La, as the glacier is often icy.
Communications & money
Mobile signal and wifi reach Namche, Gorak Shep and Gokyo for a fee but are patchy in between and absent on the Cho La. Namche has unreliable ATMs, so carry enough cash in Nepali rupees for the whole trek. Charging, hot showers and wifi cost extra and are cash only, with prices highest at Gorak Shep.
Safety & insurance
Buy comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking to at least 5,600 m and includes helicopter evacuation. The upper Khumbu is remote and the Cho La is committing, so a rescue is far easier to arrange with cover in place. Trek with a licensed guide who can judge pass conditions, start the Cho La crossing very early, and be ready to wait or reroute if the pass is unsafe.
Combining with other treks
The Cho La links the Everest Base Camp trek and the Gokyo Lakes in one journey, and it can be extended over the Renjo La into the full Three Passes circuit for the ultimate Khumbu challenge. Base yourself in Kathmandu before and after to arrange permits, the Lukla flight and a guide.
Altitude Sickness (AMS) & Trek Safety
The Cho La Pass trek climbs to 5,420 m, well into the zone where acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a serious, potentially fatal risk, careful acclimatisation is non-negotiable. This section covers how to recognise altitude sickness, prevent it, prepare physically, and stay insured, it is general guidance, not medical advice.
Recognise the symptoms
| Level | Signs | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mild AMS | Headache, nausea or loss of appetite, dizziness, fatigue, broken sleep. | Stop ascending, rest, hydrate. Do not go higher until symptoms clear; descend if they do not. |
| Severe, HAPE (lungs) | Breathlessness at rest, persistent cough, frothy or pink spit, chest tightness, blue lips. | Descend immediately and treat as a medical emergency, arrange evacuation. |
| Severe, HACE (brain) | Confusion, clumsiness or loss of balance, crushing headache, drowsiness, hallucinations. | Descend immediately, HACE is life-threatening within hours. Evacuate. |
Prevent it: the golden rules
- Ascend slowly. Above 3,000 m, raise your sleeping altitude by no more than ~300–500 m per day and take the built-in acclimatisation days.
- Climb high, sleep low. Day-hike higher, then come back down to sleep.
- Hydrate (3–4 litres/day), eat well, and avoid alcohol, sleeping pills and smoking at altitude.
- Never ascend with AMS symptoms, and descend at once if they worsen, going down is the only reliable cure.
- Consider acetazolamide (Diamox) as a preventive/treatment aid, but only after discussing it with your doctor.
Get trek-fit
Start training 6–8 weeks out: build aerobic base with running, cycling or brisk hill walking 3–4 times a week; add stair and hill repeats carrying a loaded daypack (6–8 kg) to ready your legs for long descents; and finish with a couple of back-to-back long hiking days to rehearse multi-day fatigue. Strong quads and good cardio make altitude far more manageable.
Insurance & evacuation
Buy travel insurance that explicitly covers trekking up to 5,420 m and helicopter evacuation, a rescue from altitude is essential and very expensive without cover. Carry your policy number and your operator’s emergency contact, and keep the booking details of any guide with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days does the Cho La Pass trek take?
It usually takes 16 to 18 days round trip from Kathmandu, including the flights to and from Lukla, acclimatisation days at Namche and Dingboche, the walk to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, and the Cho La crossing into the Gokyo valley. Always build in buffer days for weather-dependent flights and the pass.
How hard is the Cho La Pass trek?
It is graded strenuous and is one of the harder standard Khumbu routes. You reach 5,545 m at Kala Patthar and cross the 5,420 m Cho La, with several nights above 4,700 m. The pass involves a steep climb, a small glacier and a boulder descent. Good fitness and proper acclimatisation are essential.
How high is the Cho La?
The Cho La pass tops out at around 5,420 metres. On the same trek you also climb Kala Patthar at 5,545 m, the highest point of the route. Several nights are spent above 4,700 m, so the Cho La trek is firmly in high-altitude territory and demands careful acclimatisation.
Is the Cho La crossing technical?
In good dry conditions it is a non-technical but serious walk: a steep climb, a crossing of a small glacier and a boulder-strewn descent. In snow or ice it becomes harder and more hazardous, calling for an early start, sure footing and sometimes microspikes or crampons. A guide who can judge conditions is important.
What permits do I need for the Cho La Pass trek?
You need the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit (around NPR 3,000) and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry permit (around NPR 2,000-3,000). TIMS is not used in the Khumbu. Since 2023 organised trekking requires a licensed guide. Confirm current fees and rules with a registered agency.
How much does the Cho La Pass trek cost?
A guided package typically costs around USD 1,500-2,600 per person depending on group size, days and service level. This usually covers the guide, porter, permits, the Lukla flights, lodging and meals. The Lukla flight is the biggest fixed cost, and prices for food and services rise sharply at the highest villages.
What is the best time to do the Cho La Pass trek?
The best times are spring (March-May) and autumn (late September-November). Autumn is the prime season, with the most stable weather and the safest, clearest Cho La crossing after the monsoon. Avoid the monsoon, when the glacier crossing is hazardous, and winter, when heavy snow often closes the pass entirely.
Do I need a guide for the Cho La Pass trek?
Yes. Since 2023 Nepal has required a licensed guide for organised trekking, and on a committing route where the Cho La crosses a glacier and can be closed by snow, a guide who can judge conditions is especially important for safety. Most people trek the Cho La with a guide and a registered agency.
Does the Cho La trek include Everest Base Camp?
Yes, in the usual itinerary. Most Cho La treks walk up the main Everest trail to Everest Base Camp at around 5,364 m and climb Kala Patthar at 5,545 m for the classic Everest sunrise, before crossing the Cho La into the Gokyo valley. This combines the region's two signature destinations in one trip.
Is altitude sickness a risk on the Cho La Pass trek?
Yes, it is a serious risk. With a high point of 5,545 m and several nights above 4,700 m, altitude illness including HACE and HAPE is a real danger. Do not skip the acclimatisation days, ascend steadily, stay hydrated and descend immediately if serious symptoms appear. Insurance with helicopter evacuation is essential.
Can the Cho La be combined with the Renjo La or Three Passes?
Yes. The Cho La is one of the three high passes of the Khumbu, and from Gokyo you can continue over the Renjo La, or combine all three passes (Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La) into the full Three Passes circuit. These extensions add several demanding days for the ultimate Khumbu high-altitude challenge.
Which direction is best for crossing the Cho La?
Many trekkers go up the Everest Base Camp side first and cross the Cho La from Dzongla towards Gokyo, as the climb from the east is steep but the descent into the Gokyo valley is manageable. Either direction works; your guide will advise based on acclimatisation, conditions and snow on the pass.
Compare with Other Nepal Treks
How Cho La Pass stacks up against other popular Nepal treks, at a glance, to help you choose and plan.
| Trek | Difficulty | Max Altitude | Duration | Best Season | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cho La PassThis trek | 🔴 Strenuous | 5,420 m | 16–18 days | Mar–May & Sep–Nov | Khumbu, Solukhumbu |
| Everest Base Camp | 🟠 Challenging | 5,545 m | 12–14 days | Mar–May & Sep–Nov | Khumbu, Solukhumbu |
| Gokyo Lakes | 🟠 Challenging | 5,357 m | 12–14 days | Mar–May & Sep–Nov | Khumbu, Solukhumbu |
Why these grades?
Cho La Pass 🔴 Strenuous, Links Everest Base Camp and the Gokyo lakes over the icy 5,420 m Cho La, with a glacier and boulder section, several nights above 4,700 m and long days; one of the harder standard Khumbu routes.
Everest Base Camp 🟠 Challenging, Reaches 5,364 m at base camp and 5,545 m on Kala Patthar over 12+ days at altitude, with the dramatic Lukla flight, but a busy, well-marked trail and excellent teahouses keep it within reach of fit first-timers.
Gokyo Lakes 🟠 Challenging, Climbs to 5,357 m on Gokyo Ri above turquoise glacial lakes, with sleeping altitudes near 4,790 m and an optional 5,420 m Cho La pass; the altitude is demanding, though the teahouses are excellent.
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By the BriefNepal Travel Desk
Researched and maintained by our Nepal-based editorial team and reviewed for accuracy. Last updated June 22, 2026. Prices, permits and conditions change, always verify before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
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