Cho la pass

Overview

Cho-La is a summit pass that is located at the height of 5420m, in the Everest region, Solukhumbu district. Cho-la pass trek is considered to be one of the most difficult treks which take us through the trail of Everest base camp, Kalapathhar, Gorakshep, and Gokyo Lakes. Mount Everest base camp via Cho-la pass is a very beautiful and adventurous journey. This pass basically connects the main Everest base camp with the Gokyo region. The glacier portion of this trek makes the Cho-La pass very hard and requires basic mountaineering skills and the use of crampons. The trail passes through Sagarmatha National park which includes lots of rare flora and fauna, several Sherpa settlements, remote alpine highland areas, beautiful landscapes, and the Khumbu glacier. From Cho-la pass we can see the amazing view of Mount Everest, Cho-oyu, Mount Makalu, and Mount Lhotse. Even though the Cho-La pass trek comes along with the other 2 high passes, Kongma La and Renjo La, you can also choose only Cho-la pass to trek.   

Temperature and weather– Cho-La pass trek is very challenging in terms of temperature since it is very harsh and extremely cold. The temperature in high passes can be as low as -12⁰C with a wind speed of around 6 mph. The average temperature in the spring season is around 15⁰C during the daytime and 1 in the night. During the autumn season, it can be a little cold with the temperature of -5⁰C to -10⁰C. 

This trek is a very difficult trek but good weather can help you in many ways. The best time to trek 3 passes is in spring and autumn. The bearable temperature, the clear skies, and atmosphere, stunning views of Rhododendrons and mountains, the best condition of the trails, all features make these seasons best for trekking. 

Food and accommodation 

There are enough teahouses throughout the way to Everest Cho-La pass. The teahouses are basically run by local Sherpa people. They have basic facilities like a warm room, blankets, and pillows. But they have to be shared with other trekkers as well. Also, the washroom and toilets have to be shared. Sometimes, you can get a single room with attached bathrooms. They also provide home-cooked meals like Dal, Bhat, vegetables, noodles, pasta, soup, and western food. Tea, coffee, soft drinks, hot chocolates, etc are also available on the teahouses. No camping is necessary unless you want to experience the camping trek. Staying in teahouses or lodges may cost up to 5- 10$ (500 -1000 NRS) per night. Teahouses have proper facilities of bathroom, hot shower, and internet access. 

Transportation 

The gateway for the Cho-la pass trek is Lukla and the easiest and the fastest way to reach Lukla is to take a flight from Kathmandu which only takes 35 minutes. You can also travel by bus but it is certainly a tiring route. There is no direct connection between Kathmandu and Lukla and you need to travel via Jiri. The flight to Lukla only operates in good weather so it is better to check the weather before you plan to go. If the flights to Lukla get canceled, you can also take a helicopter ride from Kathmandu to Lukla and it only cost around 150$ to reach but might cost you a little expensive to return back from Lukla.  

Electronics and communication 

As we all know, the Everest region is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal. Considering this fact, there are several teahouses which provide all kinds of facilities including electricity, telephones or other communication service and the internet. There is no problem with charging your electronics or talking to your friends and families. You can also be updated on your social media. Satellite phones are also available in higher altitudes. 

Guides and porters- Being one of the most challenging treks, this trek is not recommended for solo travelers or without a guide. Guides have enough knowledge about the directions, accommodations, food, and many more things. A professional guide who can handle the situation is very much important in this trek. They usually charge 40$ per day. Since the trek is long and difficult, it is quite impossible to carry all the stuff by yourself. Porters are more than important in this trek. They usually charge 25-30$ per day. 

Permits and fees-

1) Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit 

• NON-SAARC countries- 3000 (excluding VAT)
• SAARC countries- 1500 (excluding VAT)

2) Pasang Lhamu VDC permit – 2000 NRS

3) Trekkers Information Management System card (TIMS)- 1000NRS

Safety and difficulties of EBC 

Cho La pass trek is categorized as a challenging and difficult trek. However, the level of difficulty entirely depends on your physical and mental fitness. But you can build your muscle strength, make your body flexible by practicing some light exercise, running, and jogging. The trek to Cho La is all about walking 5-7 hours per day for at least 17 days. you also need basic mountaineering skills like the use of crampons, at least in some parts of the trek. This only reason is enough to make this trek challenging. The trails are rugged, steep, maybe snowy in off-seasons. The maximum height in this trek can be Kalapathhar (5644m) with other high passes on the way. There is also a high risk of mountain sickness. The primary cause of altitude sickness is a decrease in the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere. It’s important to carry handheld oximetry. Oxygen saturation below 75% may be a risk.

*Symptoms of Mountain sickness

-Headache

-Dizziness

-Loss of appetite

-Shortness of breath

-Fast heartbeats

*Preventing mountain sickness 

-Walk slow

-Stay hydrated

-Have nutritional food 

-Have enough rest

-Avoid smoking and alcohol 

*Medicines for mountain sickness 

-Acetazolamide 

-Ibuprofen, paracetamol (for headache)

-Promethazine (for nausea) 

Other requirements

Travel insurance– Trekking to high altitudes can always be risky. Travel Insurance is something you might want to do before trekking anywhere. Sometimes in emergency cases, people need to be evacuated through a helicopter and get medical service. So, in such cases, your travel insurance will be bearing the cost for you. Seeing all these benefits, the government of Nepal has made travel insurance mandatory thing before trekking. However, it is very important to mention the heights and all the places you will be reaching during your trek. Your insurance entirely depends on the details you have provided earlier. Travel insurance costs you around 150$ which is good for 1 month. 

Visas/passports– If you are not a Nepalese or Indian citizen, then a visa and a passport are mandatory. You can get your Nepalese Visa at Tribhuvan airport in Kathmandu. The passport must hold a visa of a minimum of 6 months.