Overview
This is a splendid opportunity for adventurous trekkers for the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Trek. Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Trek takes the enthusiastic team to fabulous Gokyo Valley. It is the source of grand Dudh Koshi River the large Ngojumba Glacier. Since It is famous as it offers the views of Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar while the team treks to Everest Base Camp. The trek traverses the magnificent landmarks of Everest region. As you will experience the lush landscape, forests, monasteries, people, culture, mountainous lifestyle, glaciers and glacier lakes. Above all, your walk to the Everest Base Camp will be an achievement; a trophy for a lifetime. Hence, You can experience the best views of mountains.
We can experience diverse wildlife in their natural habitat and breathtaking views of enchanting lakes. For the amazing trekking in Nepal journey Everest Base, Camp Cho La Pass Trek includes the Everest Three High Passes Trek too. From Gokyo, Ri several views of the mountains can be observed. Some of popular are Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Choyou, Cholatse, etc. Especially, It features with the snowy mountain peaks, blue lakes, and glaciers. This compels trekkers to visit the valley as a side trip during their Everest Base Camp Trek.
We can have a look at the marvelous ice edge standing between Gyachung (7922m) and Cho Oyu. This is the most spectacular part of the trek. And, traversing Cho La, a high pass set 5420m height into Khumbu is just awe-inspiring. So, Book the amazing trekking in the Everest Base Camp and the Cho La Pass trekking with us ty and quality service. Bharal Adventure Pvt. Ltd. Therefore, You will experience the amazing journey of Nepal with us with the best hospitality.
Additional Info
Accommodations
We will be staying at Apsara Boutique Hotel, a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu; and teahouses during the trek. All accommodations are on twin-shared basis and Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional USD 100. Bharal Adventure will arrange rooms with attached washrooms; however, teahouses in some places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.
Meals
All meals will be provided during trekking while only breakfast will be available in Kathmandu. There will also be welcome or farewell dinners for guests. While on trek, we have breakfast and dinner in the tea-houses/lodges we spend the night and lunch on our way to the next destination. Nepalese, Tibetan, the more common continental and Indian cuisines are common choices in the menu.
Leader(S) & Staff Arrangements
All the staffs in the trek would be well skilled, experienced, courteous and helpful and the crew members with the ability of operating our days on the mountain smoothly. Our trip will be led by the best experienced and most professional leaders. All of Bharal Adventure's leaders are carefully selected on the basis of their appropriate experience, leadership skills and personal aptitude. With an objective of sustaining local communities, Bharal Adventure only employs local staffs who have adequate knowledge about culture, ecosystem, flora, fauna, geography, and history of their local region(s). The trek and expedition leaders have undergone the following trainings:
- Intensive Wilderness First Aid
- Trekking Guide Training
- Eco Trekking Workshop and Adventure Meet
- English, French and Chinese Language
- Conservation and Biodiversity
- Rock climbing, Ice Climbing and Mountaineering (for expedition leaders)
Porter Care
None of the trek is successful without a porter who always keeps supportive in the entire journey. Porter’s always have been a backbone for the trekking. It is their tireless efforts carrying supplies, equipment and baggage that make journeying to these remote areas possible. Therefore, we are firmly committed to porter rights. We make sure that all our porters are well treated, well paid and we provide the level of shelter, clothing and footwear that these harsh environments demand. Porters who become sick are treated with the same care and attention as other team members and we have previously used helicopters - at our expense - to rescue porters from dangerous situations. We support the work of the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG), making our resources available to them to help improve the working conditions of the porters. (International Porters Progress Group
Environmental Concerns
The Everest Region is no doubt an amazing wonder in Nepal. Future generations have just as much of a right to appreciate it as much as we do. Therefore, we believe that the tourism industry has an obligation to protect and preserve it. Bharal Adventure employs a 'zero impact' policy on the natural environment and the traditional communities that live there. Bharal Adventure, therefore, enforces a number of do's and don'ts. Please talk to your trek leader to avoid environmental impacts.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition upon joining any of Bharal Adventure's trips that all clients be insured for comprehensive expenses that might incur due to medical issues or accidents (this includes air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please note that we don't arrange or sell insurance.
Acclimatization
This trek’s itinerary is planned with a high degree of awareness of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Experts agree that gaining elevation without proper consideration of AMS could be fatal. The higher the altitude, the less oxygen will be in the air. Therefore, our body needs time to adapt to an environment with less oxygen. During this trip, we take rest in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche which will help us acclimatize to the high altitude thus resulting in a successful trip.
Physical Condition & Experience Requirements
The Long Everest Base Camp Trek is a moderate trek. Travelers who can walk up to 6-7 hours a day on an uphill and downhill trail will find this trek fulfilling. It is best that we prepare ourselves for the Everest trek by jogging and exercising regularly at least a month prior to the start of the trek. Trekking to the Everest Base Camp should be relatively easier for those who have experience walking/trekking in a high altitude environment. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. It is also important that we consult our doctor. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Bharal Adventure before booking the trek.
Best Time To Travel
The best time to trek to the Everest Base Camp Cho La pass Trek is Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). The temperature is moderate in these seasons and guarantees amazing views through the trip. Although this trek can be undertaken during winter, the cold temperature might not be suitable for everyone.
Equipments & Packing List
This list is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure. Also understand that the items listed below will vary a little according to the season and the trek duration. Those items marked by an asterisk are provided by Bharal Adventure inclusive in the service. The weight limit for your luggage is 33 pounds or 15 kg. Remember that your luggage will be carried by your porter but you are required to carry a day-pack (with your valuables or anything important) on your own. We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu [1300m/4264 ft]
The guests shall be greeted by a representative of Bharal Adventure who is responsible for taking them to their hotel upon their arrival. The dinner comprising of authentic Nepali food is the preliminary firsthand experience of the Nepali culture that the company offers you.
Day 2 : Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
A guided tour around the historically and spiritually significant landmarks in Kathmandu will be scheduled after breakfast. These landmarks constitutes of Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath – the Monkey Temple, Boudhanath and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the afternoon, pre-trip discussion session will be arranged enabling the interaction between trek leader, crew and the guests.
Day 3 : Kathmandu – Lukla [2,800m/9,184 ft] – Phakding [2,652m/8,700 ft]: 3 – 4 hrs
An early morning flight from Kathmandu rewarded by breathtaking views of green and white mountains takes the team to the gateway destination, Lukla from where the trek begins. After assembling other crew members in Lukla, the convoy shall commemorate their trek through the prosperous village of Lukla to Phakding.
Day 4 : Phakding – Namche Bazaar [3,440 m/11,283 ft]: 5 – 6 hrs
A pleasant walk through Dudh Koshi River rewarded with the magnificent view of Mt. Thamserku (6,608m/21,675 ft) at Benkar village begins just after breakfast. Passing through the villages, trails and bridges takes the team to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. Descending from there to Jorsale village, team starts the climb to Namche Bazaar as they arrive at Hillary Suspension Bridge. The mystifying sights of Kwangde Peak, its sister peaks Kusum Kangaru, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Tawache and many other enchanting snowcapped mountains compels the convoy to take a break at Chautara and admire the spectacle. An hour walk further and the team reaches Namche Bazaar, the colorful city and main trading center of the region.
Day 5 : Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization Day
For acclimatization, either a day’s hike to Thame or Khunde is recommended. If not, exploration of Namche Bazaar itself could be arranged where the travelers will have a chance to discover and learn about the Sherpa culture, biodiversity of the Everest region and assortment of things related to the first Everest ascenders. Namche is the major trading center of the region that has restaurants, ATMs, a bakery and colorful market each Friday evening and Saturday. Also a few hours’ side trip to Khumjung Valley could be arranged where the travelers could take delight in local culture existing amidst the glorious mountain views.
Day 6 : Namche Bazaar – Dole [4,110m/13,152 ft]: 6 – 7 hrs
A steep climb up to Kyangjuma Village is accompanied by the views of Thamserku, Katenga and Ama Dablam peaks. From here begins the most strenuous ascend of the day to Mong La, an extremely charming place perched on the vicinity of Mt. Khumbila accommodating an ancient historical Chorten at the center of its settlement area. A relaxing lunch in the area and the trek ahead is pleasing with the scenery of abundant plants and vegetation including wildflowers and rhododendrons accompanied by wildlife throughout the journey to Dole.
Day 7 : Dole – Machherma [4,470m/14,663 ft]: 4 – 5 hrs
The trail starts up with scenic ridge above Dole and proceeds through amiable summer settlements and fascinating hamlet of Luza (4360m) along the Dudh Koshi Valley towards Maccherma, the last major settlement on the way to Gokyo. This is also the place where the Khumbu people first sighted Yeti in 1974. A visit to Himalayan Rescue Hospital is scheduled where the team attends a lecture regarding the altitude sickness, its precaution and primary treatment.
Day 8 : Machherma – Gokyo [4800 m/15,744 ft]: 4 – 5 hrs
Climbing through a ridge Chorten, the team moves through Pangka (4480m) to terminal of Ngozamba Glacier towards Lake Longpongo on the bank of which is consigned the Lama footprints on a stone, passing through Lake Taboche Tsho towards the third lake by which Gokyo Village is settled. A relaxing lunch will be further rewarded with an amusing walk along Dudh Pokhari, the third lake.
Day 9 : Gokyo Valley: Acclimatization Day – Optional Hike to 5th and 6th Lakes
For acclimatization, a trek to Gokyo Ri will be arranged on this day with the exciting prospect of visiting the other three mesmerizing lakes of the Gokyo Valley. Thonak Tsho and Ngozuma Tsho are the fourth and fifth lakes beyond which the base camp of Mt. Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang being only a stone’s throw away. The further exploration to the sixth lake shall depend upon the interest and time available.
Day 10 : Hike to Gokyo Ri [5357 m/17,570 ft] – Thaknak [4750 m/15,580 ft]: 4 – 5 hrs
Gokyo Ri will be scaled today if it hadn’t been done the previous day. The three to four hour climb is arduous, however, totally worth it! The views of the glaciers, lakes and peaks are awe-inspiring and mystifying. More mesmerizing is the sight of sunrays kissing the Everest. After descending the Gokyo Ri, lunch will be served just before we proceed on our trek to Thaknak.
Day 11 : Thaknak – Cho-La Pass [5367 m/17,604 ft] – Dzongla [4830 m /15,939 ft]: 7 – 8 hrs
One of the toughest days of the journey, trek to Cho-la Pass and Dzongla starts early at around 4-6 am. The steep trek includes a glacier traverse on the eastern side. Passing through frozen lake, steep and rocky trails and some crevasses, the convoy descends to Dzongla after the tough ascend to Cho-La Pass.
Day 12 : Dzongla – Lobuche [4940 m/16,207 ft]: 2 – 3 hrs
A short walk with more time for observation and relaxation fills this day with the transfixing views of Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku, Thaboche until the team arrives at Lobuche.
Day 13 : Lobuche – Gorak Shep [5170 m/16,961ft] – Everest Base Camp [5364 m/17,594 ft] – Gorak Shep: 8 – 9 hrs
The trail to Gorak Shep goes through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier convoyed with the revelation of Mt. Everest, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Lingtern and many more. A small ascend to Thangma Riju with further steep climb through the torrent of Changri Glacier takes us to Gorak Shep. A quick lunch and rest enables us to trek along the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once immense Gorak Shep Lake.
Day 14 : Gorak Shep – Kala Patthar – Pheriche [4280 m/14,070 ft]: 8 – 9 hrs
An early morning trek to Kala Patthar will commence on this day to witness the mesmerizing view of first day light embracing Mount Everest. Since it begins before the first light of dawn, dark and cold temperature is expected. After descending from Kala Patthar, breakfast is served. Descend to Pheriche shall commence as soon as all the team members have returned from their morning trek.
Day 15 : Pheriche – Pangboche – Tengboche – Namche Bazaar: 5 – 6 hrs
The route traverses through Dunghla, Khumbu Khola, Pheriche, Orsho and Shomare until Pangboche from where the footsteps are retraced down to Imja Khola and up through the forest to Debuche. If the trek is organized during the full moon of November or December, the convoy acquires a chance to witness the Mani Rimdu festival in Tengboche. After lunch in Tengboche, the trail follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through pine forests disembarking at Sansa moving further down up to Namche Bazaar.
Day 16 : Namche Bazaar – Lukla: 6 – 8 hrs
Despite the route being the same, the journey from Namche Bazaar to Lukla feels completely different blessed with the views of open plains, rhododendron and pine forests and snowcapped mountain peaks.
Day 17 : Fly Back to Kathmandu
The forty minute early morning flight to Kathmandu enables the team to either plan more sightseeing in Kathmandu or spend the rest of the day relaxing and shopping for souvenirs in Thamel with or without assistance of representative from Bharal Adventure. To commemorate the end of the adventurous expedition in the land of mountains, a farewell dinner shall be organized where the guests will have one more chance to indulge in the delicacy of authentic Nepali meal before they plan their next tour to the country.
Day 18 : Final Departure
The mountain expedition marks its end today with the team bidding goodbye to each other and sharing their farewell and well wishes during and after breakfast. The guests shall be escorted to the airport by a representative of Bharal Adventure three hours before their scheduled flight.