Everest Cho La Pass Trek - 17 Days

When you first step off the plane at Tribhuvan International, your adventure officially kicks off. You’ll head into the arrivals hall to sort out your visa formalities. If you want a head start, filling out the entry form online before you fly lets you scan a QR code at a touch-screen kiosk and skip the data-entry lines. It’s usually fastest to pay the visa fee in cash using crisp US dollars.

​Once you've claimed your bags and pushed through the exit doors, just look for our representative waiting in the crowd with a “OutFitter Nepal” placard. They’ll lead you to our vehicle for the drive into the city. After we get you checked into your hotel, the rest of the day is entirely yours. You can catch up on some sleep to shake off the jet lag or just take a slow, easy walk through the winding neighborhood alleys to get your bearings.

We’re up early today for the flight that everyone talks about. Depending on when you're traveling, we'll either fly straight from Kathmandu or take the seasonal detour through Ramechhap. If it’s the latter, expect a bit of a road trip in the middle of the night to reach Manthali Airport.

​The touchdown at Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla is a memory that sticks with you. The runway is short, sloped, and carved right into the mountainside. Once we’re on the ground and the adrenaline settles, we’ll grab our bags and meet up with the rest of our team. This is where you’ll get to know your Sherpa guide and the porters who will be taking care of your heavy gear throughout the journey.

​Before we officially hit the trail, we’ll stop for a hot lunch in Lukla to fuel up. We get our first local permit, the Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry, just past the memorial gate as we leave town. From there, the adventure truly starts.

​The first day of walking is actually quite gentle. The trail is mostly downhill, winding through lush pine forests and small Sherpa settlements like Chheplung and Thado Koshi. You’ll hear the constant rush of the Dudh Koshi River far below as we cross our first suspension bridges draped in colorful prayer flags. Don't forget to walk clockwise around any mani stones or prayer wheels we pass; it's the local way to wish for a safe trip.

​If the sky is clear, keep an eye out for Thamserku Peak towering over the valley. After about three hours of easy pacing, what we call "bistari, bistari" (slowly, slowly), we’ll finally reach the quiet riverside lodges of Phakding. It’s a perfect introduction to teahouse life, where you can settle in, grab a cup of ginger tea, and listen to the river as you rest up for the climb ahead.

After a slow start in Phakding, you’ll head out following the turquoise Dudh Koshi River as it rushes downstream. The morning walk is actually quite pleasant, weaving through thick forests of pine and rhododendron that smell incredible in the crisp mountain air. You'll cross several suspension bridges draped in prayer flags, which might test your balance a bit if you aren't used to them, but the views of the river below are worth it.

By early afternoon, you'll roll into Benkar and then Monjo, the last stop before Sagarmatha National Park begins. There's a bit of a pause here while your guides sort through the permit scans and registrations. Not the most thrilling part of the day, but it doesn't take long. Then comes the Hillary Suspension Bridge, and that's where things get real. It sways high above the river confluence , high enough to make your stomach drop if you look down, and it's probably the most photographed spot in the whole Khumbu. There's a reason for that.

Once you’re across, the "gentle" part of the day is over. The trail turns into a long, steep zigzagging climb through the trees. It’s a tough walk that will definitely remind you of the altitude, but if the weather is stable, you’ll be rewarded about halfway up with your very first proper look at Mount Everest and Lhotse peeking over the mountain ridges.

We’ll eventually pull into Namche Bazaar, which is a sight you won't forget. It’s a colorful, horseshoe-shaped town built right into the side of a steep mountain slope. As the commercial heart of the region, Namche has a bit of everything—from bakeries and trekking gear stores to Irish pubs where you can grab a drink and swap stories with other hikers before we settle in for the night to acclimatize.

We’re staying put in Namche today, but don't call it a "day off." This is a vital part of the trek where we let our bodies adjust to the thinner air using the classic "climb high, sleep low" approach.

Our morning starts with a steady hike up to the Everest View Hotel at 3,880 meters. This is one of the highest hotels on Earth, offering a panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. There’s nothing quite like grabbing a hot coffee or tea on the terrace and just watching the clouds swirl around the majestic peaks.

If you have the energy, we can push a bit further into the twin villages of Khumjung and Kunde to get a real feel for rural mountain life. In Khumjung, you’ll find the Hillary School, established by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1961 to provide education for Sherpa children. We’ll also visit the Khumjung Monastery to see their most famous and controversial relic: an actual "Yeti scalp" kept under lock and key. Nearby in Kunde village, we can see the Kunde Hospital, which has been providing essential medical care to this remote region since 1966.

On the way back, we pass Syangboche Airport, a tiny emergency landing strip that offers a fantastic view of Namche Bazaar tucked into the mountains below. Once we’re back in town, we’ll visit the Sherpa Culture Museum. It’s a great way to spend the afternoon, as the museum is packed with climbing history and local artifacts that show exactly how the Sherpa people have lived and thrived in the shadow of Everest for generations.

Today’s walk is a classic Himalayan journey that feels like a tale of two very different halves. You’ll start by winding out of the busy streets of Namche Bazaar on a scenic, mostly flat trail that hugs the side of the mountain. This part of the day is all about the views; on a clear morning, you’ll have Everest, Nuptse, and the iconic Ama Dablam right in your line of sight for hours.

By midday, the terrain becomes easier as the trail drops sharply through rhododendron and pine forests toward the Dudh Koshi River. You’ll cross a suspension bridge and find yourself in Phunki Tenga, a small settlement that makes for a perfect lunch stop. Look for the water-powered prayer wheels near the river to take pictures and videos.

Eventually, the effort of the hike pays off the moment you arrive the ridge at Tengboche. The village is home to the Dawa Choling Gompa, the oldest and largest monastery in the Khumbu and the spiritual heart for the local Sherpa people. After you’ve dropped your bags at the lodge, it’s worth heading to the monastery courtyard to witness the evening prayers. There is something incredibly grounding about listening to the low hum of the monks’ chants and the occasional blow of a conch shell while the sun sets behind the massive Lhotse and Nuptse.

Today’s journey starts with a gentle walk through the quiet, shaded forests of pine and rhododendron toward Deboche. It’s a peaceful stretch that leads down to a suspension bridge over the rushing Imja River. From there, it's uphill to Pangboche. The monastery is worth a stop if you have the time. It's one of the oldest in the Khumbu, and you can feel that when you're standing in it, the kind of place that clearly means something to the people who've lived around it for generations.

As we leave Pangboche behind, you’ll notice the landscape around you begin to change. The trees thin out and then disappear altogether, and suddenly you're walking through open alpine meadows. Shortly after, the trail climbs steadily past old stone walls and yak corrals that look like they've been there forever.

The stretch of trail after the small settlement of Somare has very little vegetation and is often quite exposed to the elements. We’ll follow the open valley along the shores of the Imja River, where you might notice your breathing getting a bit heavier as the air starts to feel thinner.

Finally, we’ll reach Dingboche, a unique village where stone houses are scattered across a wide valley floor between high ridges. It is often called the "Summer Valley" because of the stone walls built to protect crops from the wind. It’s definitely colder and windier than your last stop, but the 360-degree views of peaks like Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam are some of the best you'll experience on the whole trip. We'll settle into a local tea house for the night to rest and recharge.

Today you’ll climb up Nangkartshang Hill, a steep trail that will test your legs. The path gets harder as the air becomes thinner, so trekkers need to move slowly and pace themselves.

This acclimatization hike follows the smart rule of high-altitude trekking: climb high during the day, then sleep low at night.

Cholatse and Island Peak also come into perfect view, while the whole Imja Valley stretches out below like a frozen river. After taking in these stunning mountain sights, you'll walk back to your cozy lodge in Dingboche for a big lunch and an afternoon break.

After leaving the wide meadows of Dingboche, the trail starts to angle upward. Today is a steady, slow-paced trek, about 5 to 6 hours in total, where the focus is more on maintaining a steady pace rather than rushing the distance.

The first big challenge of the morning is the ascent toward Thukla. As we move higher, the vegetation thins out, leaving us with a rugged, high-alpine environment. The climb up to Thukla Pass (sometimes called Dughla Pass) is the toughest section of the day. It’s steep, and the altitude definitely makes its presence known, but the view from the top makes the effort worth it.

At the top of the pass, we’ll stop at a memorial spot on the trail. You’ll see rows of stone cairns and fluttering prayer flags. These are dedicated to the brave climbers and Sherpas who lost their lives on Everest. It’s a reflective place that serves as a reminder of the power of these mountains before we continue our own journey.

From the pass, the trail levels out slightly as we navigate across the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. The ground here is a mix of massive boulders and loose scree, creating a grey, moon-like landscape that feels like another planet. Keep your camera ready for close-ups of Pumori, known as “Everest’s Daughter,” and Khumbutse.

Finally, we’ll reach the small settlement of Lobuche, tucked right under the shadow of the Lobuche summit. There are only a few tea houses here, nestled along the banks of the Lobuche River. Once we drop our packs and settle in, make sure to catch the golden hour in the early evening. When the sun starts to set over the surrounding giants, the entire valley glows in a way you really have to see to believe.

Today is the big day you finally reach the base of the world’s tallest peak. We’ll leave Lobuche early, navigating high-altitude meadows that eventually open up to a view of the massive, rubble-covered Khumbu Glacier. It looks more like a rugged landscape than a typical river of ice.

Our first goal is Gorak Shep, the highest settlement we’ll stay in this trek. After dropping our gear at the lodge, we’ll push on toward the legendary Everest Base Camp itself. The trail doesn't actually gain a huge amount of elevation from here, but don’t let that fool you. You’re walking on glacier moraine, which means constant small ups and downs over loose, shifting rock. Combined with the thin air at 5,364 meters, where oxygen is roughly 75% of what you'd find at sea level, every step requires a bit of extra effort and patience.

After about 3 hours of steady hiking, you’ll finally stand at the edge of the camp. You’ll be surrounded by the prayer flags and (during the spring) the yellow tents of climbers preparing for the summit. The view of the Khumbu Icefall is particularly intense from here; it’s a jagged, moving wall of ice where the real climbing expeditions begin their journey upward. While the summit of Everest is actually obscured by the massive ridgelines of Nuptse and Lhotse from this specific spot, the sheer scale of the surrounding peaks like Pumori will stay with you forever. Once we’ve finished exploring and taking photos, we’ll head back to Gorak Shep to rest.

We’re starting the hike early,around 4:30 AM. It’s going to be cold, and the air will feel thin, but the hike to Kala Patthar is the reason many people come to Nepal in the first place. "Kala Patthar" translates to "Black Rock," and from its 5,545m summit, you get a full 360-degree view of the Everest massif. Seeing the sun hit the top of the world while the valleys are still in shadow makes every freezing step worth it. For most, this is the highest they’ll stand during the entire trek, and that feeling of accomplishment is hard to beat.

Once you've had your fill of the view, you head back down to Gorakshep for breakfast, something hot, something filling. You've earned it. The trail takes you back through Lobuche and past the Thukla memorials. Stone cairns built for the climbers who never came home. You've passed them before, maybe glanced at them, moved on. But now you've stood at Base Camp yourself, and that changes something. These stone cairns, built for those who lost their lives on Everest, carry a weight that hits you differently now that you've stood at Base Camp yourself.

You’ll want to be out of your sleeping bag and moving by 4:00 or 5:00 AM to beat the afternoon winds and catch the best visibility at the summit. The trek out of Dzongla starts with a steady climb that quickly turns into a scramble through steep, boulder-strewn chutes. This isn't just a simple walk; you’ll need to watch your footing carefully as you pick your way over loose rock and talus slopes to reach the edge of the glacier.

Once you hit the ice, it's time to pull out your microspikes or crampons. Walking across the live glacier at 5,420 meters is unforgettable, with the crunch of ice under your boots and the massive Ngozumpa Glacier stretching out below you. Reaching the prayer-flag-draped summit of the Cho La Pass delivers a massive hit of adrenaline and pride. The 360-degree views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam are your hard-earned reward for the morning’s grind .

The descent toward Thagnak is just as punishing on your legs as the climb was. You’ll navigate steep moraine paths and winding gravel routes that require a slow, steady pace . By the time you reach the small mountain hamlet of Thagnak, your legs will definitely feel tired. We suggest you walk slowly with trekking poles.

While today’s trek is one of the shorter walks on paper, covering only about 3 or 4 kilometers, it’s also one of the most unique because we’ll be walking directly across the Ngozumpa Glacier. Since this massive river of ice stretches over 36 kilometers, it holds the title of the longest glacier in the entire Himalayan range.

The morning starts with a relatively steady trail from Thagnak until we hit the edge of the glacier.Once we reach the glacier, the ice starts to create an impressive and beautiful landscape. The glacier continues to shift as it moves and melts, meaning the layout of the ice will be different than it was last time you were on it.

We’ll navigate a maze of loose rock, grit, and sand, passing by tiny emerald pools formed by the glacier’s meltwater. You’ll need to keep a sharp eye on your footing; the trail can be slippery, and there’s always a risk of loose rocks falling from the moraine walls. In certain locations we will be traversing, we may need to use fixed ropes for safety; this will depend on where the ice has moved that week.

The "wow" moment happens when we finally crest the far side of the glacial moraine, and Gokyo village comes into view. It’s a small, peaceful settlement tucked right against the shore of the third Gokyo Lake, with the enormous face of Cho Oyu, the world’s sixth-highest peak, looming directly behind it. After we drop our gear and grab some lunch at the tea house, the afternoon is all about slowing down. I recommend taking a short, easy walk over to Dudh Pokhari, also known as the "Milk Lake". It’s a sacred spot for locals and the perfect place to sit quietly and soak in the scale of the mountains before the sun dips behind the ridges.

The climb to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) is a bit of a grind, but the effort is worth it once you reach the top. The reward is a 360-degree show that’s hard to put into words. You’ll see the first light paint the summits of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu in golden hues, while the massive Ngozumpa Glacier—the longest in the Himalayas stretches out below like a giant, frozen highway.

Looking down, the turquoise Gokyo Lakes shine in the morning light, reflecting the surrounding giants like Cholatse and Taboche. After soaking in the view, we’ll head back down to the village for a well-earned breakfast. Leaving the valley behind, your guide will announce a short break by the shores of the third lake, Dudh Pokhari. This water is more than just a picturesque spot; it’s deeply sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.

The native believe these waters are protected by the Nag Devata (serpent deities) and the Lake Goddess, Gokyo Ma. If we have time, we can even take a quiet stroll toward the fourth lake, Thonak Tsho, which offers a sense of solitude.

In the afternoon, we’ll start our descent back toward Machhermo. As we walk down the ridge, you’ll likely feel a sense of rejuvenation. Keep an eye out for the Himalayan Tahr or the colorful Danphe bird (Nepal’s national bird) along the alpine pastures.

By late afternoon, we’ll reach Machhermo, a cozy village surrounded by rocky hills. Besides, according to local legends, the Yeti was once spotted.

Before we leave the high alpine region, we get one last chance to walk past the first and second lakes of the Gokyo system. You’ll notice the second lake is quite a bit larger than the first, and as we cross the iron bridge near the edge of the valley, it marks the end of our time in the upper Gokyo region.

From Dole, the path drops significantly through birch and rhododendron forests until we reach the river at Phortse Tenga. This is where the work starts again; a solid, steep climb up to Mong-la Danda. But it's a great place to stop, catch your breath, and look back at the Khumbu Valley from a whole new angle.

After you conquer that hill, the terrain levels out as we head toward Kyangjuma. From here, the trail softens and starts to feel more like a proper road as it leads us straight into the heart of Namche Bazaar. At the teahouse, it’s the perfect time to grab a hot shower, hop on the Wi-Fi to share your photos, and finally relax in a cozy lodge, realizing just how much ground you’ve actually covered.

Leaving Namche Bazaar this morning feels different. Your legs are likely tired, but there is a strange mix of accomplishment and a little bit of sadness knowing this is your final day on the trail. You’ll begin with a steep descent, retracing those high-altitude steps that felt so much harder two weeks ago.

After passing through the quiet villages of Monjo and Phakding, you’ll notice the terrain starts to level out, but don't be fooled. The final hour of the trek involves a steady uphill climb to Lukla. Reaching the Pasang Lhamu Memorial Gate in Lukla is a powerful moment. Tonight is your chance to celebrate with your guides and porters.

During the busy spring and autumn trekking months, flights are often diverted to Ramechhap to avoid air traffic congestion in Kathmandu. If that’s the case for your trip, you’ll take a quick 20-minute flight followed by a scenic four-to-five-hour drive through the rolling green hills and winding riverside roads of the middle hills back to the city.

Either way, make sure you get a window seat. This 30–35-minute flight offers one final, spectacular look at the massive peaks you’ve spent the last two weeks walking under. Once we get you settled back into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to spend however you like. You might want to grab a long-awaited hot shower and a nap, head out into Thamel for a celebratory meal, or just sit back and start processing the incredible journey you’ve just finished.

Start your morning with a hearty breakfast before we head to the airport. We’ve arranged a smooth transfer via a private vehicle to Tribhuvan International, timed perfectly for your departure. We hope your stay in Nepal was an unforgettable moment with memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. As the journey ends, we hope you are taking beautiful memories back home and lots of love from Nepal.

If you want to extend your stay in Nepal, then our team of experts will help you by guiding you to some lovely places to visit in Nepal according to your available schedule.

If you want to take other tours in Nepal such as Chitwan Jungle Safari, Bardia Jungle Safari, Pokhara Tour or Lumbini tour then you can start from today and do let us know if you want to take any tour as we also arrange those tours.