Chola Pass Trek

Upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, a member of our team will meet you and transfer you directly to your hotel. This first day is yours to unwind and acclimatise to the local time and atmosphere.

We highly recommend taking a stroll through the lively Thamel area. As the city’s tourist hub, Thamel is a sensory feast with its narrow streets packed with colourful shops, bustling restaurants, in a truly vibrant energy. The perfect introduction to the Nepali culture and a great place to pick up any last-minute trekking gear. You will feel the anticipation building for the incredible adventure that awaits you in the Himalayas.

Your Himalayan journey kicks off the moment you touch down at Kathmandu’s International Airport. After clearing customs, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from our team and escorted to your hotel. This initial day is left free for you to settle in and begin to observe the local culture at your own pace. We encourage you to head out and explore the famous Thamel area. 

This area is an absolute where the sights, sounds, and smells of Nepal come alive. When did fruits mazelike alleys where you find everything from your traditional handicrafts and the intricate textiles to modern trekking equipment.

Take a moment to enjoy your meal at one of many cafes or restaurants offering a wide variety of Nepali and international cuisine. The vibrant neighbourhoods serve you the first taste of the country’s unique spirit, building excitement and anticipation for the breathtaking mountain expedition that lies ahead.

Your incredible Himalayan adventure kicks off with an early morning drive to Rammechhap, giving you a look at Nepal’s beautiful countryside along the way. 

Once you reach Mathali Airport in Ramechhap, you will board a small plane for a thrilling 15-minute flight to Lukla’s  Tenzing, Hillary Airport. Prepare for a truly unforgettable landing on its famous short, sloped runway, an adventure in itself.

Keep in mind that flying from Ramechhap is the most common option during the busy trekking season, which runs from September to November and March to May. Outside of this month’s flight to Lukla typically departs directly from Kathmandu. 

As soon as you land, it looks like the official gateway to the Everest region, your trip begins. You will start with a relaxed three to four-hour hike to Phakding, a charming village located right on the Dush Koshi River. The trail winds through stunning valleys past colourful prayer stones in a suspension bridge decorated with prayer flags, giving you a perfect first taste of the Khumbu valley’s natural beauty with Sherpa culture.

Today, your trip truly gains momentum as you make your way to the bustling hub of Khumbu Valley, Namche Bazaar. Starting from Phakding, the morning walk is a delightful experience following a pleasant trail that meanders through a lush forest of pine and rhododendron trees. As you walk, you will be treated to intermittent views of snow-capped peaks, as a stunning preview of the magnificent scenery to come.

 The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River upstream, passing several suspension bridges before reaching the official entrance to Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. This park, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, is a protected area of immense natural beauty and ecological importance. After the brief stop for permit checks, you will cross the iconic high suspension bridge, a moment of exhilarating excitement for many travellers, and begin the final steep ascent.

 This demanding climb leads you to the Namche Bazaar, a vibrant amphitheatre-shaped village perched high on the hillside. Often called the “Sherpa capital”, Namche is a lively town that serves as a central hub for travellers and locals alike. It is the last place on the trek with a wide range of modern amenities, including ATM’s, banks, cyber cafes, bakeries, and an area of shops selling everything from trekking gear to traditional crafts.

As you settle in, you’ll be rewarded with your first clear view of some of the region’s stunning peaks, including the formidable Kwangde.

After a well-deserved rest in the town of Namche Bazaar, your trip continues on a pleasant, wide trail. Today’s journey is truly a feast for the eyes, offering you some of the most spectacular vistas of the trip. As you walk, you will be treated to magnificent views of the iconic peaks like Mount Everest and Lhotse and the stunning pyramidal peak of  Ama Dablam, all standing majestically on the horizon. 

The route gradually separates from the main Everest Base Camp trail, leading you towards the less-traveled path to Gokyo Valley. You’ll ascend to the Mong Hill, a scenic ridge that offers panoramic views of the entire valley. From here, the trail descends steeply to Phortse Tenga, a small settlement nestled beside the Dudh Koshi river and surrounded by dense forest. After a brief rest, you’ll begin the steady climb towards your destination for the day.

The final ascent to Dole is a gradual but continuous climb. Dole is a small collection of lodges and is the first village you will encounter on the way to the Gokyo lakes. This marks a significant change in the landscape, as you will leave the lush tree-filled environment behind.

As you arrive at  Dole, you will notice the thinning air and the absence of three lines signalling your entry into the High altitude wind-swept alpine zone. The lodge is there are simple but provides welcome comfort after the day of trekking. Enjoy well-earned rest, as this will be your highest overnight stay at a crucial step in your accommodation for the days to come. 

Today’s trek is a captivating journey through the high alpine landscapes of the Khumbu Valley. You’ll begin with a brief uphill climb, which then levels out into a pleasant, undulating trail. As you walk, you’ll be rewarded with a truly grand and expensive view of the surrounding high peaks. The terrain opens up, and you’ll find yourself in the region dominated by Yak grazing pastures, a clear sign of the high altitude environment.

Continuing on the slow, easy path, you will pass through a few scattered settlements, all existing these seasonal homes for the Yak herders. The walk culminates as you reach a crest overlooking Machhermo. From this vantage point, you’ll be greeted with an extraordinary view of Mount Cho Oyu, the world’s sixth-highest peak, which dominates the northern skyline.

After soaking in the magnificent scenery, you will descend into the small but welcoming village of Machhermo. Upon arrival, you’ll check into the lodge for lunch and an overnight stay. The afternoon is intentionally free, providing a crucial opportunity for acclimatisation. 

You can use this time to take a short exploratory walk around the area, which helps your body adjust to the thinner air. Machhermo is a beautiful and serene spot, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the dramatic Himalayan scenery. We’re continuing your ascent towards the renowned Gokyo lakes.

Today marks a major highlight of your trip as you journey to the spectacular Gokyo Valley, home to a series of stunning glacial lakes. This is a relatively short trekking day, allowing your body to acclimate slowly to the significant gain in altitude.

The walk begins with a gradual climb, taking you higher into the impressive Gokyo valley. Through a small settlement called Panga, a sign that you are nearing the famous lakes. The scenery truly transforms as you come up on the first of the Gokyo lakes, its turquoise waters gleaming under the Himalayan sun.

Continue along the trail, passing the second leg before arriving at the third and the largest lake, where the lodges are located. The lodges are perfectly situated, offering breathtaking views of the emerald coloured lake and surrounding peaks. 

Upon arrival, you will have a well-deserved lunch. The afternoon is yours to relax and soak in the incredible scenery. Take a peaceful stroll along the Lakeshore where you can admire the magnificent reflections of the surrounding peaks like Cho Oyu, the world’s sixth-highest mountain, and Gyachung Kang.

The tranquil beauty of Gokyo Lakes provides a perfect backdrop for rest and appreciation, preparing you for the next day’s climb to Gokyo Ri.

Today is a crucial and rewarding rest day in Gokyo, designed to allow your body to adapt fully to the altitude of 4,800m, where you have risen from the lower elevations before. The main activity of the day is an invigorating pre-dawn hike to the summit of Gokyo Ri, the highest point of this leg of the journey at 5,357m (17,575ft).

You’ll start this morning’s climb well before sunrise to experience one of the magnificent spectacles in the Himalayas: a panoramic sunrise over the world’s highest peaks. The steep, 2-3 hours steep ascent to the top is challenging, but every step is worth it.

From the summit will be treated to the breathtaking 360° panorama view includes four of the world’s highest mountains: the iconic Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. The view also extends over the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and the massive Ngozumpa glacier, the largest in Nepal. 

After spending some unforgettable moments at this summit, you will descend back to your lodge in Gokyo for a well-deserved breakfast.  The remainder of the day is free for you to relax, explore the village, or simply enjoy the serene beauty of the Lakes.

This day of “climb high, sleep low” is a vital part of the recommendation process, ensuring you’re strong and ready for the next phase of your trip.