Do you intend to trek to the Everest region during your next summer break? If so, there are a few things you need to know before commencing this dauntless hike. But worry not! We're here to help you get the most out of your summer vacation. May is the month when the trekking trails of Nepal are flooded with trekkers from all across the world. Trek to Everest Cho La Pass in May is the perfect occasion for you to engage in exciting travel stories with like-minded travelers.
Imagine sipping a cup of hot tea in a teahouse situated above 5000 meters and sharing your trekking experience with a bunch of adventure seekers like you. It is an experience of a lifetime. Furthermore, interacting with the locals and getting to know their Himalayan lifestyle adds more value to your journey.
Trek to Everest Cho La Pass extends the usual Everest Base Camp Trek and takes you to the surreal Gokyo Valley crossing the Cho La Pass at 5370 meters. The highest altitude of the trek is Kala Patthar at 5545 meters, from where you can witness a dreamlike sunrise with a 360 view of Mt. Everest. The summer month of May is an excellent time to enjoy the trail, and the sky is crystal clear with the minimum possibility of rainfall.
Let's be real! The Everest Cho La Pass trip is not recommended for the faint of heart. Even though the Everest region is one of Nepal's well-known treks and has decent lodging and cuisine, it is still a high-altitude trek. You'll need to keep moving through the challenging, chilly Himalayan terrain for days. If you're a beginner, we suggest you take shorter hikes first to prepare your body for this high-altitude trek.
May, however, is a full-blown summer month in Nepal, making the trek to Everest Cho La Pass far more tolerable. The best month for hikers who aren't used to braving frigid conditions is May since the days are longer and warmer with more daylight than any other month.
As we continue the blog, we delve more into the benefits of trekking to Everest Cho La Pass in May, some of the journey's highlights, and potential difficulties. Please keep reading for a detailed description of the Everest Cho La Pass trek in May.
Highlights of the Trek to Everest Cho La Pass in May
Everest Cho La Pass in Spring
All of Nepal's trekking sites shine in spring, and the hike to the Everest Cho La Pass is no exception. After the chilly winter, nature awakens in the spring, and the trees regenerate into their lushest shapes. As soon as you start the hike, the lush green woodlands and vibrant wildflower blossoms that blanket the entire trail will fascinate you.
In May, the sky is more transparent than ever. Anyone would be amazed by the flawless color combination created by the white clouds drifting in the vast blue sky. The vista is to die for, with the multicolored flowers creating a striking pattern against the lush woodlands. The musical lullabies of rare Himalayan birds make a hike more refreshing.
The Rhododendron, Nepal's national flower, blooms during spring, adding more color to the already vibrant sight. The hike's lower elevation features rhododendrons forests that wonderfully beautify the Everest Cho La Pass path. With stony routes, snow-capped mountains, and the least amount of flora, the scenery eventually appears solid as you ascend up north.
Weather and Temperature
The weather is unpredictable in the Himalayas, especially in the area around Mount Everest. However, based on climate and meteorological information, the weather in May is often consistent with warm sunny days and chilly nights. The temperature varies according to altitude zones, so it is typically higher at lower elevations than at higher ones.
Around this month of the year, sunny daytime temperatures range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. The lowest temperature during the night and early morning hours is -12 degrees Celsius, which is actually warmer than some of the Everest region's daytime highs during other seasons.
You will benefit from 7 hours of everyday sunshine during May. However, given that you'll be climbing beyond 5000 meters above sea level, it doesn't hurt to be prepared and bring a few layers of warm clothing if the weather turns sour.
Since the monsoon begins in June in Nepal, you may encounter light showers towards the end of May, so get a rain jacket to protect yourself from rain.
Lively Trails
The spring season is usually the busiest in the Nepalese Himalayas. As a result, you'll come across many like-minded trekkers as you trek to Everest Cho la Pass in May. If you enjoy meeting new people, this is your ideal chance! Isn't it wonderful to meet hikers who share the same passion for the Himalayas as you and swap trekking tales at the teahouse?
Extraordinary Flight to Lukla
With a 450 m long and 20 m wide runway that is inclined at a staggering 12%, Hilary Tensing Airport, also known as Lukla Airport, is considered one of the most dangerous airports in the world. Given the alarming numbers, you're certainly up for a thrill. The 30-minute flight would be worthwhile, though, if the weather allows you to see magnificent snow-capped mountains from above.
Glorious Himalayan Town of Namche Bazar
If you're familiar with the Everest region, you've probably heard of the legendary Namche Bazar. The entrance to the high Himalayas is this tiny village in the Khumbu region. Despite being 3340 meters above sea level, the town offers upscale lodging and a diverse dining scene. You'd be amazed to discover restaurants serving international cuisine that high up. Most trekkers acclimate here before climbing uphill the Everest Cho La Pass and spend the day lounging on the way down.
May Festivities
Several festivals in Nepal begin in May. Buddha Purnima, one of the most auspicious Buddhist holidays, falls in May and is reverently observed throughout Nepal. You may participate in the event with the inhabitants of the Everest region, which is home to a mixture of Nepalese and Tibetan individuals. Although Nepal is renowned for its natural beauty, its cultural relevance further enhances the real Nepali experience.
Lodging and Fooding
Like the majority of Nepal's high-altitude treks, lodging is provided in tea houses. Even if you don't get lavish accommodations so far up in the mountains, you will undoubtedly have a decent bed to sleep in. Locally produced cuisine, mainly the traditional "Daal Bhat" dish of Nepal, is served by the tea house proprietors, which will keep you moving the entire day.
Trek Difficulty in May
The Cho La Pass Trek is challenging since it involves traversing the perilous Cho La Pass. There are numerous ascents and descents on the rocky, steep path. The high altitude makes the journey a little strenuous. We urge individuals who are new to trekking to go on a few treks or gain some exercise before starting the Everest Cho La Pass trip. However, the expedition is made easier in some ways by May's bright, sunny days.
A Unique Trip to the Everest Region
Everest, the word says it all. Seeing the highest mountain peak up close is a dream for avid hikers. Cho La Pass and Gokyo lakes are the highlights of the Everest Cho La hike. It takes enormous strength to ascend more than 5400 meters to pass via the treacherous Cho La Pass, but the panoramic view of the surrounding mountains makes all the pain disappear.
Similarly, learning more about the Sherpa way of life by traveling to charming and historically significant Sherpa towns and villages of Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Gorakshep is an unforgettable experience in itself.
Additionally, paying homage to the climbers who lost their lives on the Everest summit will always be in your memories. The trek to Everest Cho La Pass in May is undoubtedly the best to make the most of this Himalayan expedition.
Challenges You May Face
The biggest challenge for hikers who aren't used to high altitudes is altitude sickness. You should take the proper medications, drink enough water, and rest to avoid getting sick in the mountains.
Regardless of the preparation, it is nature's call to decide your fate once you're out in the wild. Avalanches and other natural disasters could occasionally occur. Therefore, you must be ready for the worst. It is advised to purchase travel insurance so you may be securely rescued in the event of any unfavorable events.
Your flight to Lukla could occasionally be delayed or even canceled because of the erratic weather in the Himalayas. It is, therefore, wise to have a few extra days on hand.
Things to Remember Before Beginning the Trek
- Get emotionally and physically ready for the hike.
- Your trek will be safer and more comfortable if you hire a guide and a porter.
- Do everything you can to prevent altitude sickness.
- Set aside a couple of buffer days.
- Choose a reputable travel agency to make your reservations.
You're all set! You now have all the knowledge you need to trek to Everest Cho La Pass in May. If the aforementioned factors favor you, don't hesitate and schedule a trip with us. Outfitter Nepal has been in operation for more than ten years. Our top priority is to provide an excellent service, and our satisfied trekkers are evidence of that. Happy trekking!
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