A little bit tougher than the Everest Base Camp yet not impossible, this Everest Chola Pass Trek leads you to the most amazing parts in the Everest Region.

Mode of Trekking (Lodge Trek) 
23 Days Trip 
18 Days Trek, 4 nights in Hotel.
Challenging

High places summon the utmost in resilience, tranquility in character. This high altitude alpine trek explores the heart of the Sherpa homeland, visiting Namche Bazaar and Khumjung village before ascending the stunning Gokyo Valley. Here a string of glacial lakes is set like pearls in a beautiful high-altitude wilderness dominated by the great peaks of Cho Oyu and Gyanchungkang on the boarders of Tibet. We ascend Gokyo Ri which is one of the finest vantage points for Mount Everest, Makalu and Lhotse. Crossing into the Khumbu Valley by way of the high and challenging Cho La, we then climb to the trekkers summit of Kalapathar which affords more stunning views of Everest. Then it's onto the Everest base Camp scene of triumph and tragedy where the close up views of the Khumbu Glacier can be had.

Day 1. In Kathmandu 
Arrive in Kathmandu. Your group leader or the office representative will meet you at the airport and will transfer you to Hotel. Remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down jacket at 5 pm.  
Welcome dinner is organized at 6:30 pm in one of the traditional Nepali restaurants and this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the fellow group members before the trip.  
 
Day 2.  In Kathmandu 
In the morning we explore Kathmandu on an organized sightseeing tour visiting Boudhanath and Pusupathi Nath, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world and the most famous Hindu temple in the country.  The early afternoon is free to relax in the spacious hotel garden or you may wish to visit Thamel for any last-minute shopping. In the afternoon you will be supplied with trek departure information. 
 
Day 3. Fly to Lukla 
After breakfast in the hotel we take a bus/car to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu Airport for the 40-minute flight to Lukla. As we land we become struck by the scale of huge peaks that surround the village, which is only a taste of what is to come. We will have time to explore the village while the Sherpa crew sort and load the trekking equipment. To assist with acclimatization, we allow 3 days for the walk up to Namche Bazaar.  It is a very short walk today only 2 and half hours to Phakding. 
 
Day 4. Phakding to Monjo 
We continue trekking along the banks of the Dudh Koshi, crossing this majestic river many times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. We meet many porters from the south ferrying supplies to Namche Bazaar. The trail keeps close to the river valley and is lined with beautiful blue pine and rhododendron forest that is very spectacular in the spring months when the flowers are in bloom. We cross the Dudh Koshi at Benkar where there are tantalizing glimpses of the snow peaks Kusum Kangaru and Thamserku. From here it is only a short walk to Monjo where we arrive in time for lunch. In the afternoon your group leader will organise the village tour. The day has been deliberately kept short for proper acclimatisation. 
 
Day 5. Monjo to Namche 
This morning we cross the seas green waters of the Dudh Koshi and pass through the gates of the Sagarmatha National Park. We will then cross the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and the Bhote Koshi on a high suspension bridge and climb steeply for about two hours to reach Namche Bazaar. This is a prosperous trading town and the capital of the Khumbu region. Many Tibetans cross the nearby border to trade their wares and the local market is a fascinating spectacle. This is a good place to buy genuine Tibetan artifacts. Just across the valley to the east stand the peaks of Thamserku and Kangtega, both very impressive mountains. 
 
Day 6. Rest day at Namche 
We will spend a day in Namche Bazaar resting and allowing our bodies to become acclimatized to the altitude of 3,450m. Namche is a colorful village with many wonderful and interesting shops and vendors, fabulous food, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It is advisable not to ascend too quickly especially into the Gokyo area where we are eventually going and suffer drastically from AMS. This is something that can be avoided by acclimatizing steadily over a period of days. With our walk to Thamo we gain valuable time acclimatizing as well as being a good chance to visit another valley in the Khumbu area. Thamo is a lovely little place and well worth the effort in trekking here and back in a day. After breakfast in Namche we steadily plod along the valley passing a large amount of beautifully sculpted chortens and mani stones. We pass through a number of very small villages where the local people are always pleased to see us. It is a short day hike through the tranquil forest with occasional wild life to see. In the afternoon, we can visit the Sherpa Museum that houses and exhibit on traditional Sherpa lifestyle and a fabulous photography display by a local Nepalese naturalist. One room highlights the Sherpa traditions and in another, Sherpa high altitude climbers are presented. 
 
Day 7. Trek to Khumjung 
Leaving the main trail we climb steeply out of Namche Bazaar. We pass Shyangboche Airstrip and proceed further on to the Everest View Hotel. This hotel was built with Japanese money to provide very expensive accommodation for people flying into Shyangboche. This has never really worked as Shyangboche at 3900m is too high to just fly into from Kathmandu and many people doing this suffer serious altitude problems. However the hotel does provide a wonderful view of Everest. We can perhaps have a cup of tea and enjoy the spectacular views of many beautiful mountains including Amadablam. We then descend down to a very unique and traditional village of Khumjung. It is a likely chance that we encounter a brightly colored Danphe Pheasant, the national bird of Nepal, which lives only at high altitude. It is a beautiful village under the Supreme protection of Mount Khumbila. In the afternoon you have an opportunity to visit the Khumjung School built by Sir Edmund Hillary and witness the scalp of the Yeti in the monastery. 
 
Day 8. To Dole 
Leaving the main trail to Mt. Everest, climb high on the ridge to 4000m past a large chorten at the village of Mong, said to be the birth place of the Saint Lama Sange Dorje, the reincarnate lama of Rongbuk Monastery in Tibet who introduced Buddhism to the Khumbu.  The trail then descends steeply towards the Dudh Koshi, leaves the main route through to Phortse and Pangboche, and instead turns north towards Gokyo. We will have a lunch at the bottom. After lunch a  stiff but attractive climb leads to Dole which lies just above the tree-line. 
 
Day 9. To Machhermo 
Another short day today starting with a climb out of the small Dole Valley before ascending more gradually up the Dudh Koshi Valley, high above the river. The trail passes many summer settlements, used when Yaks are taken to these pastures for breeding and grazing in the summer months. Ahead of us are excellent views of Cho Oyu while back down the valley are peaks of Kang Taiga and Thamserku. This is a short day, essential for acclimatization and we will arrive at Machhermo in time for lunch. It was here in 1974 that a Yeti was reported to have attacked a Sherpini and killed two Yaks. There is time in the afternoon for acclimatization walks in the surrounding hills for even better views of the surrounding mountains. 
 
Day 10. To Gokyo 
Following the valley high above the river, we commence the ascent of Gokyo Village. There are excellent views of Cholatse at the village of Phanka and we stop to enjoy them.  Mount Cho Oyu dominates the skyline to the north as we climb the moraines on the left flank of the Ngozumpa Glacier.  The climb is steep to the first of the four lakes that lie in the Gokyo area but the trail levels off towards the second lake. Finally ascend a path past the largest of the lakes Dudh Pokhari to Gokyo at 4750m. Gokyo is a small settlement of lodges on the shores of an azure blue lake. In the afternoon we can walk up the hill behind for incredible views of the Ngozumpa Glacier. 
 
Day 11. Ascent of Gokyo Ri (peak) 
We will rise early for an ascent of Gokyo Peak, a straight forward but steep climb, and tiring due to the altitude. As we climb the views become even more fantastic and from the top we can see four of the seven highest peaks in the Nepal Himalaya: Everest, Makalu, Lhotse and Cho Oyu. Countless other towering snow-peaks and rock spires fill the horizons, including Gyachung Kang to the east of Cho-Oyo, Cholatse, Taweche and Kangchung. Stretching out for miles below us is the longest glacier in Nepal, the Ngozumpa Glacier, which tumbles down from the slopes of Cho Oyu. The striking color of the Gokyo Lakes completes the picture. It takes about 2 hours to get to the top and an hour to get back to Gokyo so there is plenty of time to sit for a while absorbing the magnificent scenery. We return to Gokyo for lunch. Over night stay at Gokyo.  
 
Day 12. To Thangnak 
It is a very short walk today allowing our body a rest for the challenging Cho La Pass. Descending to the second lake, we then climb to the crest of the moraine overlooking the Ngozumpa Glacier. The route across the glacier is well marked by cairns  and takes about 50 minutes. We climb off the glacier to our lodge at Thangnak. Keep an eye open for Himalayan Thar on the rocky slopes. As they are not hunted and are not too shy. 
 
Day 13. To Dzongla 
The day begins very early to reach the top of the pass in the best possible conditions. Depending on the snow conditions, it will take us approximately 4 hours to reach the saddle of the pass. The upper part of the route can be snow covered particularly after November. There will be time on the crown of the pass to drink in the experience before the descent into the valley on the other side. It is a true mountain experience as the snow peaks and glaciers now surround us. Do not wander around the snow field as there are crevasses. We descend to the grazing pastures below, the trail becoming more and more defined as we approach to our lodge at Dzongla. 
 
Day 14. To Lobuche 
The early morning sun is welcome after a cold night and reveals a dramatic panorama of spectacular peaks. Today we traverse around the flanks of Lobuche Peak, bearing left into the upper Khumbu valley.   After a steep ascent, we gain the main Everest trail and the village of Lobuche. Where the volume of  people and yaks may come as quite a shock. 
 
Day 15. Lobuche to Gorekshep 
About 3 hours of walk along the bolder fields and glacier debris to the edge of the Khumbu Glacier then continue up to Gorekshep nestled under the snow corned summit of Pumori and the sheer west face of Nuptse. Sunsets here can be stunning. The afternoon can be spend exploring or gazing at the peaks with the option of visiting Everest Base Camp if the weather is good and we are feeling fine. The trail to Base Camp contours along the valley side, the trail leads on to the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and becomes quite vague, weaving between mounds of rubble. Keep an eye on your Sherpa guides and fellow trekkers on this section. The trek to the base camp can be achieved in around 5 hrs, back and forth. For those visiting base camp in the spring, it is a chance to meet teams making an ascent of the mountain. From Base Camp we do not get views of Everest but we will be able to see the notorious Everest Ice Fall that flows from the Western Cwm, which is regarded as technically the hardest and most dangerous section of the mountain. We get back to Gorekshep for a cup of tea. 
 
Day 16. Kalapathar to Lobuche 
An early start is made to avoid the crowds that can converge on Kalapathar at sometimes of the year and to get the clearest views. Kalapathar is the rocky hilltop below Pumori; it is a tough walk but the view from the top surpasses the wildest imagination. It will probably take a minimum of an hour and a half to reach the summit from Gorakshep, although lower viewpoints will provide views almost as good. All around are the giants of the mountain world, Everest, Pumori, Changtse, Nuptse and Lhotse. The Khumbu icefall can easily be seen and even the tents at Everest Base Camp can be picked out. 
After returning to Gorekshep, we will have a hot lunch and have a final last look at Kalapathar and the surrounding mountains. We then descend to Lobuche to our lodge. 
 
Day 17. Lobuche to Debuche 
Our path is along the old valley floor through the village of Pheriche. From Pheriche we cross the Khumbu Khola. We then descend to the small settlements at Orsho and Shomare, where we take lunch, and later pass through Lower Pangboche to reach the suspension bridge over the Imja Khola River and re-trace our steps to Debuche.

Day 18. Debuche to Namche 
From Debuche it is just 30 minutes of climbing through birch, silver fir and rhododendron forest to the ridge where Thyangboche monastery is located. It is the spiritual center for the Khumbu, a training center for new monks. The Rimpoche (incarnate Lama) of Thyangboche resides here and the area is considered holy, nothing may be haunted or killed. With the treasures of Ama Dablam and Mount Everest in the background, the spirituality and scenic value of the site never fails to impress. We have plenty of time to look around Thyangboche. Our trail then descends through forest to the bridge over the Dudh Koshi at Phunki Tanga where there are water driven prayer wheels. We then climb and contour around the hillside to Sanasa where we have a lunch. After lunch our trail contours around the Syangboche hill towards our lodge at Namche.  

Day 19. To Phakding 
Retracing your steps you descend from Namche Bazaar and leaving the Sagarmatha National Park behind continue on to Phakding. 
 
Day 20. Phakding to Lukla 
Our last day of trekking. It is only a short walk along the valley before we make the final climb up to the airstrip at Lukla. We will take lunch at our lodge and the afternoon is free for you to wander around, relax or perhaps have a hot shower! In the evening, a farewell dinner may be followed by a few celebratory drinks with our Sherpa friends and crew. 
 
Day 22. Fly to Kathmandu 
We rise early in the morning to be ready for the arrival of your aircraft for the flight back to Kathmandu. We will be met at the airport and transferred to the Hotel. 
 
Day 23. Kathmandu 
In Kathmandu at leisure. 
 
Day 24. Trip concludes (Unless further plans are made) 
After breakfast we transfer you to the airport for your flight home.

The day-to-day schedule should be taken only as a general guide. A variety of factors, including adverse weather conditions, difficulty with transportation and politics can lead to enforced changes. Because of this it is not possible to guarantee that any of our holidays will run exactly according to the planned itinerary. The trip leader will make any changes, which are necessary.

There are a variety of interesting extensions you might choose to add on either before or after your trek. These options include:

Chitwan National Park: It provides excellent opportunities to view the rare species such as sloth bear, bison, rhinoceros, leopard and the exclusive tiger. Early morning jungle walks and safaris on elephant back are amongst the most popular activities. The jungle lodge can be reached from Kathmandu either by air or by private vehicle.

White Water Rafting: On the Trisuli or Seti Rivers.

Mount Everest Scenic Flight: An hour flight departs Kathmandu early morning and provides spectacular views of Mount Everest and the surrounding mountains.

Cultural Tour: 
Nepal boasts a rich cultural diversity, and it is well worth exploring. The Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal is a dream-world for many and reality for some. Once experienced they can never be forgotten, never dismissed from memory whether ones experience of them is visiting age-old Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries and royal palaces with amazing sculptures, paintings, legends and living rituals. Nepal is not only regarded as "Shangri-la" for adventurers but a scenic revelation and an educational in itself to all visitors. Once seen they become a part of you, habit-forming and intrusive. We have put our best effort to incorporate all cultural delights as well as natural beauty that Nepal has to offer, which you can chose depending on your time availability.

Please contact the Alps in Nepal office if you plan to extend your trip and let us know in advance.

• Expert leadership ( Local Group Leader)
• Accommodation in Kathmandu on bed and breakfast basis (two people sharing unless single supplement has been requested)
• Trek Map/City Map
• All the accommodation and food in local lodges are provided (two people sharing unless single supplement has been paid), occasional hot shower facilities (which your group leader will advice you), guides and porters.
• Alps in Nepal provides you to use quality down sleeping bag and down jacket, inner liner and most importantly the hot water bag will be given every night to keep you warm.
• Gamow bag( a life saving device in altitude)
• National Park entrance fees
• Alps in Nepal t-shirt, duffle bag and a memorable gift package as a souvenir
• Welcome dinner in a traditional Nepali restaurant
• Group medical kit
• Airport transfers
• Half day sightseeing tour
• City Guide
• Sight seeing tours entrance fees
• Domestic airport taxes
• All staff Insurance
• Warm clothing and other required trekking gear for porters like Gortex jacket & trousers, trekking shoes / boots, sleeping bag / blanket, woolen hat, woolen gloves, woolen socks, sun glasses etc.

• Your international flights
• Visa fees and visa extension costs
• Medical examination(if required) and vaccination costs
• Personal expenditure, bar bills, laundry, telephone calls etc.
• Tipping at the end of the trip (tipping is a tradition through out Indian sub- continent. The staff works very hard and looks forward to your tip as an indication of a job well done. You should budget around 300 rupees for each trek day. If you wish to tip the leader, please do this in addition to the crew's tip.)
• Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu.
• Personal clothing and equipment
• Travel insurance
• Optional trips
• Charges incurred as a result of flight delays or cancellation which is beyond Alps in Nepal's control. Although we provide insurance letter which you can claim to your insurance company.
• Anything not mentioned in the trip cost includes list

The trekking day typically starts at 6:30 a.m. with the appearance of smiling Sherpas at the door of your room or tent bearing a mug of steaming tea or coffee. This is soon followed by a bowl of hot water for washing. During breakfast the porters set off. We start walking after breakfast between 7:30 and 8:30 am. Everyone is free to walk at their pace, which is comfortable for them, stopping along the way to explore villages and take photographs. Lunch will be around 11:00 am and usually takes between 1 and 2 hours. The camping place/lodge is usually reached at around 4 pm. After tea and biscuits are served, and at around 6:30 to 7:00pm the evening meal is ready.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. We have a very good selection of local leaders who are professionally trained and are among the most experienced in Nepal. Who better to look after you than your professional local leader, who speaks the language and knows the culture, intimately? The following people regularly lead this trek: 
 
Peter Chettri: Peter holds a very good sense of humour and adventurous spirit which has made him an asset to the company. He was born in Nepal and brought up in Sikkim. As a graduate in Arts, he has a good command over both spoken and written English. He has been leading treks with Alps in Nepal for four years. He has done a first aid training specialised in Acute Mountain Sickness. His excellent leadership has always earned a good reputation to the company. 
 
Ashim Subba:Ashim is a travel enthusiast who has always been keen on adventure. He went to the University in Calcutta and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce. Apart from being fluent in Nepali and English, he also speaks Japanese and has been involved in trekking for last two years. He has completed the first aid training including high altitude medicine. His expertness as a leader is one of the keys to our success.

We recommend that you begin a fitness program as soon as you have decided you are going trekking. Hill walking, up and down the steps, cycling, running and swimming are the main exercises to help prepare you for a trek. It is advisable to see the doctor before you come for trekking. Although we carry a comprehensive medical kit on each and every trips, we recommend our clients to inform us their medical problems in advance if any and also carry their personal first aid kit covering the basics.

Alps in Nepal, combines the best of international standards with the deep knowledge of local experts. It offers you services and an experience that surpass those offered by the large international companies; with the reliability that local outfits lack. With over 15 years of experience we have successfully organized tours and treks for several thousand patrons who can testify the unique class of service we offer. Please feel free to ask us about the selection of your trip or for any further information.