Everest Cho-la Pass Trek - 17 days

 

Accommodation and Food Options in Everest Cho la Pass Trek

On the Everest Cho La Pass Trek, accommodation is typically in tea houses/lodges, offering basic rooms with shared bathrooms.

Food options include:

• Daal Bhat (lentil soup with rice), is a staple.
• Trekking snacks (muesli, noodles, soup, bread).
• Western and Nepali dishes like pasta, pizza, eggs, and vegetables.
• Expect simple, nutritious meals to fuel your trek.

Difficulty of Everest Cho La Pass Trek

The Everest Cho La Pass Trek is challenging due to its high altitude (up to 5,420m), steep ascents, and technical crossing of the Cho La Pass, which involves icy, rocky terrain. It's suitable for experienced trekkers with good fitness and altitude acclimatization.

Altitude Sickness and Remedies

Altitude sickness is a risk on the Everest Cho La Pass Trek due to high elevations (up to 5,420m at Cho La Pass).

Symptoms:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

Remedies:

• Acclimatization: Spend extra rest days in key locations (like Namche and Dingboche) to adjust.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water.
• Medications: Take Diamox (acetazolamide) to prevent and treat symptoms.
• Slow Ascent: Ascend gradually, not more than 500m per day above 3,000m.
• Descend: If symptoms worsen, descend to lower altitudes immediately.

Prevention:

• Avoid alcohol and ensure good nutrition.
• Follow a slow, steady pace to give your body time to adapt to the thinning air.

Weather in Everest Cho La Pass Trek

The weather on the Everest Cho La Pass Trek is cold and variable.

• Spring (March) and Autumn (September–November) are the best seasons with clear skies and mild temperatures (10–15°C during the day, below freezing at night).
• Winter (December–February) is very cold, with temperatures dropping below -10°C, especially at higher altitudes.
• Summer/Monsoon (June–August) brings heavy rain, making the trail slippery and difficult.
• Expect snow and chilly conditions at Cho La Pass, regardless of the season.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for the Everest Cho La Pass Trek should cover:

• High-altitude trekking up to 5,420m.
• Medical emergencies and evacuation (including helicopter rescue).
• Trip cancellation, delays, and lost baggage.
• Search and rescue in case of emergencies.
• Ensure the policy specifically covers trekking in Nepal and high-altitude conditions insurance is a type of coverage that protects you against financial losses and emergencies while traveling.It helps reduce risks and provides financial security during travel. It is very necessary to purchase travel insurance. We also Provide travel insurance.

Permits

To trek the Everest Cho La Pass, you need the following permits:

Sagarmatha National Park Permit

• Cost: NPR 3,000 (approx. $25) for foreigners.
• Where to get it: Kathmandu or Monjo (near Lukla).

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

• Cost: NPR 2,000 (approx. $15) for foreigners.
• Where to get it: Lukla or Monjo.
• These permits are required to access the trekking areas and the Sagarmatha National Park. Make sure to carry them during the trek.

Guide and Porter

For the Everest Cho La Pass Trek, hiring a guide and porter is highly recommended.

Guide:

• Role: Provides navigation, ensures safety, offers cultural insights, and helps with altitude-related issues.
• Cost: Around $25–$40/day.
• A guide is crucial for crossing the challenging Cho La Pass safely, especially in technical conditions like snow or ice.

Porter:

• Role: Carries your luggage (up to 20–25kg), allowing you to focus on trekking.
• Cost: Around $15–$25/day.
• Porters are essential if you prefer not to carry heavy gear while navigating difficult terrain.
• Both guide and porter enhance your trekking experience by offering expertise and support throughout the trek.

Lukla Flight Information

• Flights to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla depart from Kathmandu or Ramechhap.
• Duration: 30–35 minutes with stunning mountain views.
• Aircraft: Small planes (15–20 seats).
• Cost: $350–$400 for round-trip.
• Weather can cause delays or cancellations, so allow extra days for potential flight issues

Packing List for Everest Cho La Pass Trek

Here’s a packing list for the Everest Cho La Pass Trek:

• Thermal tops and bottoms (moisture-wicking).
• Fleece jacket or down vest.
• Waterproof jacket and pants (Gore-Tex or similar).
• Insulated jacket (down or synthetic).
• Trekking Pants and Shorts
• Trekking Socks (3–4 pairs)
• Warm Hat & Beanie
• Sun Hat/Caps
• Liner gloves and warm, waterproof gloves.
• Buff or Neck Gaiter
• Trekking Boots (waterproof, broken-in).
• Camp Shoes or Sandals (for evening use).
• Gaiters (for snow or muddy conditions).
• Sleeping Bag (rated to -15°C or lower).
• Sleeping Liner (optional).
• Trekking Poles
• Sunglasses (UV protection).
• Headlamp (with extra batteries).
• Water Bottle/Bladder (insulated in cold weather).
• Water Purification Tablets (optional).
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and biodegradable soap.
• Wet Wipes/Tissues.
• Toilet Paper.
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+).
• Lip Balm (with sunscreen).
• Hand Sanitizer.
• First Aid Kit: (Band-aids, antiseptic cream, blister treatment).
• Altitude Sickness Medication (Diamox or similar).
• Personal Medications (keep in original packaging).
• Moisturizer (for dry skin at high altitudes).
• Camera and extra memory cards.
• Phone & Charger (solar charger or power bank recommended).
• Plug Adapter (Nepal uses Type C, D, and M plugs).
• Passport (with a photocopy).
• Travel Insurance Policy.
• Trekking Permits (Sagarmatha National Park & Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit).
• Flight Tickets (for Kathmandu-Lukla).
• Snacks (energy bars, nuts, chocolates).
• Money (Nepalese Rupees for local expenses).
• Dry Bags or Zip-Lock Bags (to keep clothes dry).
• Camera or Notebook (for memories).
• Note: Pack light and in layers to adapt to varying weather and temperatures on the trek!