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.
Highlights
- Everest View Hotel for the 360-degree panoramic view of Mt. Everest and other peaks
- View of the four eight-thousanders: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu from Gokyo Ri
- Gokyo Lakes Valley for the group of six glacial lakes
- One of the three high passes of Everest region- Cho La Pass
- The highest altitude place without any permit that shows the Everest Summit