Best Chola Pass Trek Itinerary 18 Days | Everest Base Camp & Gokyo

The Chola Pass Trek is one of the most adventurous trekking routes in Nepal’s Everest region. This incredible journey connects two iconic destinations — Everest Base Camp and the Gokyo Lakes — by crossing the high-altitude Cho La Pass (5,420m). Trekkers experience dramatic Himalayan landscapes, Sherpa culture, glacial lakes, and breathtaking views of the world’s highest mountains.

Unlike the classic Everest Base Camp trek, the Chola Pass Trek itinerary forms a loop through the Khumbu region. This means trekkers don’t need to return the same way they came, making the journey more diverse and rewarding.

Most trekkers complete the route in 14 to 18 days depending on acclimatization, side trips, and trekking pace. In this guide, we provide a detailed day-by-day itinerary, route overview, and helpful trekking tips.

Overview of the Chola Pass Trek Route

The Chola Pass Trek combines three major highlights of the Everest region:

Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
Gokyo Lakes (4,700–5,000m)
Cho La Pass (5,420m)

The trek usually begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. From Lukla, trekkers follow the classic Everest Base Camp trail through Namche Bazaar before reaching EBC and Kala Patthar. The route then continues toward Lobuche and crosses Cho La Pass before descending into the beautiful Gokyo Valley.

This trekking circuit offers some of the best mountain views in the Himalayas, including:

Mount Everest (8,848m)
Lhotse
Nuptse
Ama Dablam
Cho Oyu

Chola Pass Trek Itinerary (18 Days)

Below is a typical Chola Pass Trek itinerary that includes Everest Base Camp, Cho La Pass crossing, and Gokyo Lakes exploration.

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

Your journey begins in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. After arriving at the airport, transfer to your hotel and meet your trekking guide. The rest of the day is free to explore the vibrant streets of Thamel and prepare for the trek.

Day 2: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, Trek to Phakding (2,610m)

Take an early morning flight to Lukla, one of the most exciting mountain airstrips in the world. After landing, begin trekking through Sherpa villages and forests before reaching Phakding.

Trekking time: 3–4 hours
Easy descent along the Dudh Koshi River

Day 3: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

This is one of the most important days of the Chola Pass Trek. After crossing several suspension bridges and entering Sagarmatha National Park, the trail climbs steadily to Namche Bazaar — the main trading hub of the Khumbu region.

Trekking time: 6–7 hours
First views of Mount Everest

Day 4: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

Acclimatization is essential for high-altitude trekking. Spend the day exploring Namche Bazaar or hike to nearby viewpoints such as the Everest View Hotel for panoramic mountain views.

Short hikes help your body adjust to the altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

Day 5: Trek from Namche to Tengboche (3,867m)

The trail offers spectacular views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse. After descending to the Dudh Koshi River, the path climbs steeply through forests to Tengboche.

The highlight here is the Tengboche Monastery, the largest monastery in the Everest region.

Day 6: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m)

The landscape begins to change as the trees disappear and alpine terrain takes over. Dingboche is a beautiful village surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks.

Trekking time: 5–6 hours

Day 7: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche

Another important rest day during the Chola Pass Trek. Trekkers usually hike to Nagarjun Hill or Chhukung Valley for acclimatization and stunning views.

Day 8: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910m)

The trail gradually climbs along the Khumbu Glacier. You will also pass the memorials of climbers who lost their lives on Mount Everest.

This section of the trek becomes more challenging due to thinner air and rocky terrain.

Day 9: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and Return to Gorakshep

Today is one of the biggest highlights of the Chola Pass Trek itinerary. After reaching Gorakshep, continue trekking to Everest Base Camp.

Standing at the base of the world’s highest mountain is an unforgettable experience.

Trekking time: 7–8 hours

Day 10: Hike to Kala Patthar and Trek to Dzongla (4,830m)

Early morning hike to Kala Patthar for the best sunrise view of Mount Everest. After enjoying the panorama, descend and trek toward Dzongla, the gateway to Cho La Pass.

Day 11: Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m) to Thagnak

This is the most challenging day of the Chola Pass Trek. The climb to Cho La Pass involves rocky terrain, glacier crossings, and steep ascents.

Once at the top, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Himalayas before descending to Thagnak.

Trekking time: 7–9 hours

Day 12: Trek to Gokyo Lakes (4,790m)

Today’s trek leads into the beautiful Gokyo Valley. The turquoise glacial lakes surrounded by snowy peaks create one of the most scenic landscapes in Nepal.

Day 13: Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m)

A sunrise hike to Gokyo Ri offers breathtaking views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Lhotse. Many trekkers consider this viewpoint even better than Kala Patthar.

Day 14: Trek from Gokyo to Dole

Begin descending through alpine valleys and yak pastures. The trail follows a quieter route compared to the busy Everest Base Camp trail.

Day 15: Trek from Dole to Namche Bazaar

Continue descending through forests and traditional Sherpa villages until you reach Namche Bazaar again.

Day 16: Trek from Namche to Lukla

Your Chola Pass Trek journey ends as you return to Lukla following the Dudh Koshi River.

Day 17: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu

Take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu and celebrate the successful completion of your Himalayan adventure.

Day 18: Final Departure

Depending on your schedule, transfer to the airport or spend more time exploring Kathmandu.

Difficulty of the Chola Pass Trek

The Chola Pass Trek is considered a moderate to challenging trek. The difficulty comes from high altitude, long trekking days, and the technical crossing of Cho La Pass.

Trekkers should have:

Good physical fitness
Previous trekking experience
Proper acclimatization schedule

Despite the challenges, the trek is achievable for most fit hikers with proper preparation.

Best Time for Chola Pass Trek

The best seasons for the Chola Pass Trek are:

Spring (March – May)
Autumn (September – November)

During these months, the weather is stable and mountain views are clear. Winter trekking is possible but Cho La Pass may be blocked by snow.

Highlights of the Chola Pass Trek

Everest Base Camp adventure
Crossing the famous Cho La Pass (5,420m)
Stunning turquoise Gokyo Lakes
Panoramic views from Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri
Experience Sherpa culture and Himalayan villages
Scenic flight to Lukla

Final Thoughts

The Chola Pass Trek is one of the most rewarding trekking adventures in Nepal. By combining Everest Base Camp, Cho La Pass, and the Gokyo Lakes, this trek offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Himalayas.

With proper planning, acclimatization, and preparation, trekkers can safely complete this spectacular 14–18 day Himalayan circuit. If you are looking for a trek that includes dramatic landscapes, high mountain passes, and iconic Everest views, the Chola Pass Trek itinerary is an excellent choice.