EBC via Cho-La Pass trek is for those willing to try something different from the hype others are usually after. No matter, if you have already tried the regular Everest Base Camp trek or not, we recommend you this trip. The alternative trail we follow during this trip is equally enjoyable for it leads to the eminent cliffs surrounding a picturesque valley. It also offers dreamlike views of four eight-thousanders, while we also see the rich culture of the world-famous Sherpa people.
Everest Cho La Pass trek is completely an adventure trekking through the challenging landscapes of the Great Himalayas. It combines almost all the best vantage points situated in the Everest region which gives you a 360-degree panoramic view of Mt. Everest. The diverse flora and fauna of Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site captivates you at a glance. The lush rhododendron and pine forests inside the highest altitude conservation area in the world welcome you to their vicinity.
On Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar, you have a chance to reach the highest-altitude hotel, Hotel Everest View. It is one of the best viewpoints of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotese, Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt. Ama Dablam and many more. Similarly, to learn more about various Sherpa expeditions to Everest, you can visit the Sherpa Museum in Namche Bazaar. The Hall of Fame of this museum has protected the photos of the 1953 Everest Expedition made by Hillary and Tenzing.
The ancient monasteries like Phakding Monastery, Namche Monastery, and Tengboche Monastery are important landmarks of Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition. Tengboche Monastery which is closely connected with Rongbuk Monastery of Tibet, is the largest Buddhist shrine of the whole Solukhumbu region. Visiting this shrine not only gives you peace of mind but true insight about Buddhist art and artifacts carved on the pillars and painted on the walls. If you plan an Everest trip in November, you can observe the Mani Rimdu Festival with the local Sherpa people at Tengboche Monastery.
Another significant natural site of EBC trek via Cho La Pass is Gokyo Lakes Valley where you will have another acclimatization day. The group of six glacial lakes interlinked with one another and the Gokyo Village are fascinating things to observe. The view from the Fifth Gokyo Lake is extraordinary in that it shows the four 8,000m+ peaks of eastern Nepal. Gokyo Ri climbing is another vantage point that shows more breathtaking vistas of the Mountain Giants and amazing Himalayan landscapes. The Sacred Lakes of Gokyo Valley make a pilgrimage especially, in August when thousands of Hindus gather here for holy dips.
Crossing Cho La Pass, one of the three high passes of the Mount Everest region makes your Everest Base Camp trek more meaningful. Although it is quite a challenging Himalayan pass, the scenery of the snowcapped peaks, the glacial lakes and the valleys are the rewards. If you are making Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass Everest trek, it proves to be more challenging due to the snow-covered path. This trek takes you to the base camp of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, the closest place from the summit.
Some of the Alternative Treks are Everest Base Camp Short Trek, Gokyo Lake Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return, Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour, and Everest Panorama Treks.
Trek to Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass follows a well-established trail leading to deep valleys in the Khumbu region. You also traverse to Kalapatthar (5,545m), undoubtedly the best viewpoint on earth from where you can almost touch Mt. Everest. Moreover, this trek involves exploration of lovely Sherpa settlements and ancient monasteries including the incredibly warm hospitality of the Sherpa community.
FAQs:
1. Which is the highest-placed hotel in the world?
According to the Guinness Book of World Records 2004, Everest View Hotel is the highest-placed hotel in the world. Established by a Japanese traveler, Takashi Miyahara in 1971, it is located at 13,00 feet within Sagarmatha National Park. It is popular for the 360-degree panoramic view of the snowcapped peaks of the Everest region. Most of the trekkers hike to Everest View Hotel during the acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar to relish the jaw-dropping vistas of the Great Himalayas.
2. Which is the highest altitude place I can reach without any permit?
Kala Patthar (Black Rock) at an altitude of 5,550m is the highest altitude place you can reach without any permit. Located on the south ridge of Mt. Pumori, it is the must-not-miss place to have a magnificent view of the Everest Summit.
3. Why can’t I see the Everest summit from other places of the Everest region?
You can’t see the Everest Summit from other parts of Everest region because Mt. Nuptse blocks it. This is the result of the geographical structure of the Everest Massif.
4. What is an additional attraction of the Sherpa Museum?
The Hall of Fame is the additional attraction of the Sherpa Museum which has a gallery of the photos of different Everest expeditions. The photos of Hillary and Tenzing right from the 1953 Everest Expedition are preserved in this section. Looking at the antique photos gives you enough mental strength to complete the Everest Base Camp trek successfully.
