Chola Pass Trek (17 Days)

Attractions

  • Sunrise over Everest from Kala Patthar and Goko Ri.
  • Magnificent Glacier views.
  • Tengboche Monastery the largest temple in the Khumbu region of Nepal.
  • Challenging high level trekking experience.
  • Chance to experience the Sherpa culture.
  • Beautiful Gokyo Lake.

OVERVIEW

Reach For The Heights

We first take a spectacular flight to the tiny uphill runway at Lukla. You will then trek through the heartland of the Sherpa people and staying in their villages. You will also experience their culture and visit Buddhist monasteries. Our trek follows the Dudh Kosi River, and along its route you will see ever closer views of Everest. There are also many other spectacular views such as the spectacularly beautiful peak of Ama Dablam.

Trekking towards Gokyo Lake, Chola pass and Everest Base Camp you will witness views of the famous Khumbu Ice-fall. The highlight for most will be the early morning ascent of Kala Patthar (5,550 m/18315 ft). Standing on its peak, with the sun rising and Mt Pumori (7165 m/ 23644 ft) in the background you will have an unrivalled panoramic view of the Khumbu glacier, Nuptse and the southwest face of Everest itself

The trail from Gokyo ascends through Thangnak on the famous pass “Cho la”. You will wander past small yak-grazing settlements and eventually arrive at Gorag Shep then on to an exciting excursion to Everest base camp.

Leaving Gorag Shep, we trek back to Lukla and your flight to Kathmandu in relative comfort whilst reflecting on our accomplishments and experiences.

Why we love it ?

Guest House

Mountain view

Camping

Hiking

Dining

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly greeted by a representative from Apoorva tours who will welcome you with Khada/garland (this is a welcoming Culture in Nepal). We will then drive you to your hotel and get you booked in so you can unwind from your travels, rest and relax. Later we will show you around the popular for tourist area that is the Thamel District where you will find all the services you require including restaurants, supermarkets ATM machines and money exchange facilities. In addition if you have forgotten anything you may need on the trip you will have an opportunity to buy it now.
Once back at your overnight hotel we will have a chat about the upcoming tour and possible options, and you will get to meet our team and the guides who will accompany you throughout the tour.
Overnight in your hotel.
Accommodation: 3 star.
Lunch and dinner: no.
Hours: 3.
Wifi Signal: Available.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

SIGNAL

Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing

Today you will be visiting some of the many places of interest around Kathmandu, for example:
The Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most important Temples in the world for Hindu devotees and it is located close to a location for Hindu cremations on the banks of Bagmati River.
This highly decorative Hindu Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is dedicated to the Lord Shiva. The Temple features a pagoda style of architecture and has a gilded roof, its silver plated entrance doors are guarded by statues of various deities In the rafters you can see effigies of various members of Shiva’s family. However, whilst only Hindus are permitted inside the Temple its exterior is remarkable and well worth the visit. Outside you will see many Sadhus (holy men), and during February or March the annual festival Maha Shivaratri which is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva is celebrated here.
The Boudhanath Stupa – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the holiest Tibetan Buddhist Temple outside Tibet. The main section is over 328ft (100m) in diameter and its length is about 360ft (120m). Boudhanath is one of the largest Stupa in the world, it has 4 eyes to represent the all-seeing ability of the Buddha; they face four prime directions constantly seeking out human success and virtuous behaviour. Nirvana is represented by the Stupa’s nose.
The Swayambhunath – is an ancient religious Temple site possibly dating back to 460 A.D it is the oldest of its kind in Nepal and important for both Buddhists and Hindus. This Stupa and has many shrines and monasteries on its premises and is widely known as the “Monkey Temple”. This may be due to the colonies of monkeys that live there, or perhaps it is because “Monkey Temple” is much easier to pronounce than “Swayambhunath”.
Overnight stay in your Hotel.
Accommodation: 3 star.
Lunch and dinner: no.
Hours: 5.
Wifi Signal: Available

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

SIGNAL

Day 3: Flight to Lukla airstrip and trek to Phakding 2,652m/8,700ft

Flight Duration: 30 min, Walking Duration: 3½ hours.
Early today morning we will be driven to Kathmandu airport for our flight to Lukla. Landing at Lukla airport is a memorable experience in itself. The 30 minute flight offers outstandingly beautiful views of the middle hills and mountains of Nepal. At Lukla we will meet the porters who will carry our main luggage from place to place as we go. We will then start our trek for real as we head on towards the small village of Phakding which we will reach after a three and half-hour trek on a gradual downhill trail. Phakding nestles on the bank of beautiful Dudh Kosi River. Here we will stay overnight at a Local Lodge.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

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Day 4: Phakding to Namche Bazaar 3,440m/11,283ft

Walking Duration: 5 hours.
After breakfast we start our hike to Namche Bazaar. The route is mainly uphill and crosses several suspension bridges from which we will have spectacular views of the valleys and gorges below. Our efforts will be handsomely rewarded by views of the phenomenal beauty of the Himalayan peaks and the captivating destination town of Namche Bazaar which is the main trading centre and hub for the Khumbu region. The Sherpas who are world renowned for their mountaineering skills are largely from the Namche Bazaar area. Perhaps the most famous amongst the Sherpas is Tenzing Norgay who was given the birth name of Namgyal Wangdi but is better known as Sherpa Tenzing. Along with Edmond Hillary he was the first person to climb Mount Everest.
There was an expedition much earlier in 1918 where Mallory and Irvine made an attempt using the most primitive of equipment, some believe they made the summit but both perished close to the top, we are not sure if it was on the way up or on the way down. The Sherpa tribe have their roots many centuries ago in Tibet. Sherpa households in Namche bazaar have benefited from tourism and many run the lodges and hotels.
Overnight at Namche Bazaar.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

SIGNAL

Day 5: Acclimatisation day at Namche Bazaar 3,962m/13,00ft

Walking Duration: 1½- 5 hours.
Today is set aside for the acclimatisation process. The best way to achieve this is to make a brisk uphill climb and back down again. We will be climbing up to the famous Everest View Hotel. On our way we will pass past the Syangboche Airport which is essentially a helipad. Once we arrive we can take a hot drink and enjoy a panoramic view of the awe-inspiring peaks including Mt. Everest itself.
In 2004 the Hotel Everest View was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the Highest Hotel in the world at 13,000ft (3,962.4m).
You may also wish to make a visit to the Sherpa Museum situated above Namche. Some of the breathtaking views we will witness en-route include Ama Dablam, Tawoche, Everest, Kantega and Thamserku.
On our return we will pass through Khumjung village and possibly stop by to see the Edmund Hillary Hospital and School. Once back at Namche Bazaar we will return for our overnight stay in our local lodge.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

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Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Phorste Thanga 3,680 m/12,074 ft

Walking Duration: 6 Hrs.
From Namche we head up through forests of rhododendron (Nepal’s national flower), birch and juniper.
We are at high altitude and so we recommend that from this point you do not rush or overexert yourself, we believe this is the best way to stay comfortable and avoid altitude sickness, however at this level you will enjoy a wonderful trekking experience as well as increasing your fitness levels. Along the way we will encounter a number of small villages and local culture. The village of Phorste Thanga at 3,680m.
From here we will be treated to a superb view of Taboche Peak which has an elevation of 6,495 m /21,309 ft
Overnight in a local lodge.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

SIGNAL

Day 07: PhorsteThanga to Machhermo 4,470 m/4,666ft

Walking Duration: 6 Hrs.
Today’s trek starts with a steady climb up onto a scenic ridge. As always in the high Himalayas we will be captivated by the mountain views which include sightings of Cho Oyu, Kangtega and Thamserku.
Eventually we reach Luza, and following some undulations we get close to the Ngozumpa glacier.
We now climb up above the river until we arrive at Machhermo.
The rescue hospital here has basic treatment facilities.
Overnight in a local lodge.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

SIGNAL

Day 08: Machhermo to Gokyo 4,790 m/15,715ft

Walking Duration: 6 Hrs.
Today’s trek is a steady climb with a height gain of 320 meters the trek follows some interesting and rugged pathways and passes several Chorten’s which we always pass on the left hand side. Following the trail, we reach to the river bed and climb across terrain created by the Ngozumpa glacier moraine. Our final climb takes us up to Longpongo Lake, we then pass the Second Gokyo Lake, Taboche Tso, at 4720 m/15482 ft. and finally we press on to Gokyo itself nestling besides its picturesque sparkling blue lake.
Overnight in a local lodge.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

SIGNAL

Day 09: Hike to Gokyo RI 18,483 m/18,00ft and back to Gokyo and trek to Thangnak (4,500 m)

Walking Duration: 7 Hrs.
First thing today is a sharp climb to Gokyo RI. At the summit we can view Everest itself and also it overlooks the largest glacier in the Himalayas (Ngozumpa glacier). There are also incredible views of Makalu, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and the surrounding peaks.
We now return to our lodge for breakfast before continuing our journey to Thangnak. Along the way we will once again be within sight of spectacular mountain scenery with views of peaks such as Lhotse, Nuptse and Makalu.
Overnight in a local lodge.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

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Day 10: Cross the Cho La pass (5,420 m) to Dzongla 4710 m/15,453 ft

Walking Duration: 8 Hrs.
The Cho La Pass peaks at an elevation 5,420 metres. It connects the villages of Thagnak and Dzongla.
Today we have an early morning start to trek to ensure we are not caught by inclement weather. We set off climbing steeply over a rough rocky trail. Throughout we will have ample opportunity to absorb the magnificence of our surroundings.
In the event of snow we will have appropriate climbing equipment available.
From the summit it is a steep and sometimes tricky descent to Dzongla.
Overnight in a local lodge.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

SIGNAL

Day 11: Dzongla to Lobuche 4,910 m/16,100ft

Walking Duration: 4 Hrs.
Unlike yesterday today’s walk is relatively easy. Our fascinating views now will be of the glacial panoramas and snow covered mountains. After crossing a bridge we follow a grassy trail until we reach Lobuche with ample time to take a deserved rest.
Overnight in a local lodge.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

SIGNAL

Day 12: Lobuche – Gorakshep 5,164 m/16,942ft – Everest Base Camp 5,364 m/17,600ft

Walking Duration: 9 Hrs.
Gorakshep is a small settlement that sits beside a frozen lakebed which is covered with sand
It is not inhabited all year-round
Our trail is again quite rugged and undulates through mountains and glacial moraine. At Gorakshep we will have our lunch at a tea house; this will be our resting place tonight. After lunch we will follow the trail over the glacier where we will be fascinated by the sculptures that nature has created in the ice. Although we cannot see Everest from base camp the views are nonetheless spectacular and we will have a great sense of exhilaration when we arrive. After pausing to take photographs and absorb the atmosphere of the base camp of the world’s highest mountain we will trek back to Gorakshep.
Overnight at local lodge.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

SIGNAL

Day 13: Climb to the summit of Kalapathar: 5,545m/18,519ft and down to Pheriche 4,200m/13,780ft.

Walking time: 7 hours.
First thing in the morning we will make a steady steep climb to the summit where we will be rewarded with a panorama of stunning mountains including Mount Everest,Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Taboche, Cholatseand Lobuche East.
The sun rising over Everest from Kalapathar is a once in a lifetime experience, it is simply one of the most stunning views in the world. From the summit you cannot miss the view of Pumori behind us. It looks incredibly close and towers imposingly above us. Back at Gorakshep we take breakfast before a pleasant descent along the trail to Pheriche.
We will stay overnight in a lodge.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

SIGNAL

Day 14 Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

Walking Duration: 5 to 6 hours (14.5km)
The route from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar is full of natural splendour. Since we will be descending the walk becomes easier and the more we descend the lower is the risk of altitude sickness. We pass through Tengboche and its wonderful monastery and then take a steep descent from Tengboche to Pungi Thenga.
The trail continues over the Dudh Kosi River on a suspension bridge.
At length get a glimpse of Namche Bazaar where we will have our overnight stay.
Overnight in a lodge

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

SIGNAL

Day 15: Namche Bazaar to Lukla

Today is the last trekking day of our tour which will be completed when we reach our destination for today which is the village of Lukla. After breakfast at the lodge we will start our trek by following the trail largely downhill until we reach Monjo. The trail continues alongside the Dudh Koshi River past Phakding to Lukla. Now we can relax and celebrate our achievement and reflect on our superbly successful adventure. This will be our last night spent in a local lodge.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

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Day 16: Lukla to Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel, evening free to enjoy Kathmandu

At 2,860m (9,383ft) above sea level our flight from Lukla Airport is a fantastic way to return to Kathmandu and say goodbye to the Everest region. As we wait for our flight we will see aircraft taking off and landing on the uniquely sloping runway which ends with a precipitous drop into the valley below, fortunately the aircraft take to the air well before the end of the strip is reached. Once on board we have another chance to take a mid-air view of the scenery and the stunning mountains which surround us. From Kathmandu Airport we will be driven back to our hotel.At our hotel we can unwind and relax before we have a stroll around Thamel and return to our hotel for the night.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

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Day 17: Departure

It is sadly now time to say goodbye to Nepal so we will drive you to the airport in sufficient time (3 hours) to make your flight home and we will wish you a “bon voyage” but we sincerely hope to see you again in the not too distant future.

ACCOMMODATION

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Our Price

At Apoorva tours we recognise that not all of our visitors require a set and rigid experience, and there are many options based on the potential tours we have identified. We hope that these have whetted your appetite. Also we realise cost is a prime factor in choosing a tour so we wish to give you the best overall package to suit your needs.

Please contact us with your requirements and we will tailor a package for you. No need to hesitate, it costs you nothing and you can always say no.Our overriding aim is to give you the best, and your satisfaction is our reward

Important notes

A Few reasons to choose our Tour package

If your vacation involves any degree of risk or is subject to weather conditions our guides and tour leaders are instructed to make any essential changes to the itinerary that are required for your own health and safety. Your well being is important to us and we want your tour to be memorable for all the right reasons. However we will always make every effort to ensure that you are happy and that your hopes and expectations are realized.

Believe And Achieve

Top Reasons to Visit

History and Temples

You will love our tour of Kathmandu which is full of temples and palaces as well as many wayside shrines hidden away in this bustling and vibrant city packed with world heritage sites. One day is really not enough!

Best Everest Views

The best views of Everest are from the high vantage points of Gokyo Ri and Kalapathar, the opportunity to see the sun rise over the roof of the world is an absolute treat and a memory to last a lifetime.

Sherpa Culture

Embrace the rich culture of the Sherpa people. The trek encompasses their picturesque villages, a variety of traditions, colourful festivals, pure religion, and exceptional lifestyle. The Sherpas are completely at home in the Himalayas and are heroes of many Everest expeditions.