Everest Base Camp - Cho La Pass Trek
This is one of Nepal most famous trek, set amongst breath-taking high mountain scenery, through the Khumbu - Sherpa country. The new itinerary through the Renjo (5345m), Cho La (5420m) and Kongma La (5535m) Passes accentuates the alpine aspect of the trek. It provides the opportunity to trek less frequented routes. After a magnificent mountain flight to Lukla we follow the Dudh Kosi valley to Namche Bazaar. The Renjo Pass (5345 m) route is off the usual beaten track. At the pass, a great view of the Gokyo lakes on one side, the Rermo Pokhari lakes on the other side, and a myriad of snowy peaks in the background provides this incredible atmosphere. From Gokyo village we climb Gokyo Peak (5480m) and enjoy stunning summit mountain scenery including Everest, Makalu and Cho Oyo. From Gokyo we follow a trail over Cho la pass and reach Lobuche . After the ascent of Kala Pattar (5545m) and the impressive up-close view of Everest, our return route passes through Tengboche, a magnificent location with a fascinating monastery. We rest here and savor the incredible scenery, including magnificent views of Everest, Ama Dablam (6856m), Kantega (6809m), Kwangde (6194m), Nuptse (7879m), and Lhotse (8511m), to name but a few.
Trip Facts
Maximum Altitude: 5545m (Kalapathar)
Activities:
Trekking + Tour
Accommodation:
Tea House (Lodge to Lodge)
Best Time:
Feb, March, April, May, Oct & Nov.
Per Day Hiking:
5-8 hours
Cultural Experience: Different Community with majority of Sherpa, Tamang & Tibetan
Trip Price: USD 1645.00 per person
Trip Highlight
- Scenic flight to Lukla
- Sherpa community
- Namche Bazaar
- Monasteries
- Amazing view of mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Amadablam, Thamserku
- Views of Khumbu Ice - Fall
- Tengboche Monastery
- Everest Base Camp
- Kalapathar and so on.
Day to day itinerary
Detail Itinerary
On arrival in Kathmandu you are met by our representative who will transport you to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu for the night.
After having breakfast enjoy a guide sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley. You will visit many Buddhist and Hindu temples which reflect the local culture and tradition of Nepalese society. In the evening you will return to the Hotel.
You have a scenic flight of 30 - 35 minutes to Lukla (2800m) from Kathmandu. In Lukla you can see the airline office and numerous lodges. The trail from Lukla leads you to Chablung (2700) and it descends steeply to the Tharo Kosi which is also known as Kusum Kangru Khola (river). Beyond the Tharo Kosi Bridge, the trail climbs to Ghat (2590) and again climbs to Phadking. In Phadking you can climb to the gompa to see your first view of the high peaks. Now you will really feeling like you have arrived in the Himalayan Kingdom. Stay at Guest house- Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast. O/N at Phadking.
From Phadking the trail follows the Dudh Koshi River and reaches Zamphuti. From here you can see excellent views of Thamserku peak. Then the trail climbs to Chomoa, the site of an agricultural project, an interesting place to have a look around and gain an insight into the farming way of life of these people. From Chomoa, the trail again climbs to Monjo (2840m) and enters the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park (1148sq km, established in 1976). Walking some distance up hill you will be at Jorsale (2830m) and after a long climb with views of Mt. Everest peeking over the ridge of Nuptse (7879m) the trail reaches the street of Namche Bazaar. Stay at Guest house- Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast. O/N at Namche Bazaar (3420m).
After having breakfast take some sightseeing around Namche Bazaar. Then you can hike to the Everest View Hotel, the ideal place to overview some of the outstanding mountains such as Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Lhotse etc. Make sure you have your camera to capture this moment. You can walk around the Khumjung valley, Hillery School and Khunde Hospital and then return back to Namche. In the centre of Namche you can visit the mountaineering museum and visit the Sagarmata Pollution Control Committee (SPCC). In Namche Bazaar you can spend some time interacting with the fun-loving Sherpa and Rai people. In Namche above the police check post you will see Sagarmatha National Park headquarters and if you want to look at the visitor centre it is open from 8am to 4pm except Saturdays and holidays. Stay at Guest house- Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast. O/N at Namche.
The trek continues along the rushing glacial waters of the Dudh Kosi with magnificent views of the mountains. We trek to an altitude of 3860meters today. On reaching Tengboche you will see the local monastery. Inside the monastery are incredibly ornate wall hangings, a 20-foot sculpture of Buddha, and the musical instruments and robes of the Lamas. The group will be taken to observe a prayer ceremony either in the evening or morning depending on how the days trekking went. Overnight at Guesthouse.
From Thyangboche the trail drops to Debuche, crosses another exciting suspension bridge on the Imja Khola, and climbs to Pangboche amongst thousands of mani stones. Our uphill trek continues, taking us to the quaint traditional Sherpa village of Dingboche with its exquisite views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam. We take our time so we avoid getting affected by the altitude. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Today you can enjoy another day for acclimatization. We will have trip to Chhukung valley via the Imja Khola valley to get a marvellous view of the surrounding mountains, especially Lhotse�s massive south wall, then return to Dingboche in the evening. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Today, the trail continues along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and passes by stone memorials for climbers who have perished on nearby summits.We continue to climb as we are heading to the altitude of 4910 meters at Lobuche which is really just a few huts at the foot of giant Lobuche peak. Some breathing problems may arise today due to the altitude. Overnight at Guesthouse.
This is another big and difficult day walk along the Khumbu Glacier and up to Everest Base Camp at 5365meters. , the closest you can get to Mt. Everest without mountaineering equipment. There will likely be a team there about to attempt the summit. The view of the Khumbu Icefall from Base Camp is spectacular. We return back to Gorak shep for the night. Overnight at Guesthouse.
This will be one of the most difficult yet rewarding days of the trek. Most of morning in this day is spent climbing Mt. Kala Patar, a small peak (by Himalayan standards) at 5555meters. The ascent is demanding but the climber gets the most magnificent mountain panorama: Everest, the highest point on the planet at 29028ft, 8848meters, towers directly ahead and on all sides loom the other giants, Nuptse, Pumori, Chagatse, Lhotse and countless others. We make a quick descent to Gorak Shep, a tiny hamlet at 5180 meters then trek down to Periche. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Trek back to Tengboche via Pangboche.Overnight at Guesthouse.
A steep descent to the Dudh Kosi and another climb up to Namche Bazaar.Overnight at Guesthouse.
Finally we return to Lukla where the trek began, which will seem like a lifetime ago. Enjoying time to reflect on the trek as a group and the personal achievement of all those who took part. Also giving you time to explore the town. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Enjoying your last glimpse of the mountains you have recently visited for one last time on the 35 minute Scenic flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu we are met and transferred back to our starting hotel. Overnight at hotel.
It's also spare day in case of bad weather in Lukla.
The trip ends, our Airport Representative will drop you to the Kathmandu International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.
Altitute Sickness
Altitude sickness often known as acute mountain sickness (A.M.S.) in general may occur when people ascend too quickly normally in altitudes of over 3000 m. We ensure minimal risk by building in rest days into our trekking itineraries. Most people will feel some affect of altitude, shortness of breath and possibly a light headed, which is fairly common. Acute mountain sickness is very different and normally involves a severe headache, sickness and loss of awareness. In almost every potential case there are enough warning signs to take appropriate action.
Our expert and trained guides will advise you about any health requirements and also altitude sickness while you are trekking, so you should not worry about it, we do however recommend you get advice from your travel doctor or health advisor before you leave. The following information gives you an idea about high altitude sickness and how to minimize the affects
There are three stages of altitude sickness and symptoms.
1. Normal AMS Symptoms - Should expect but not worry.
Following are the normal altitude symptoms that you should expect but not be worried about. Every trekker will experience some or all of these, no matter how slowly they ascend.
- Periods of sleeplessness.
- Need more sleep than normal (often 10 hours or more)
- Occasional loss of appetite.
- Vivid, wild dreams especially at around 2500-3800 meters in altitude.
- Periodic breathing.
- The need to rest/catch your breath frequently while trekking, especially above 3500 meters.
- Runny nose.
- Increasing urination while moving to/at higher altitudes (a good sign)
- Dizziness.
2. Mild AMS Symptoms - NEVER GO HIGHER
Many trekkers in the high valleys of the Himalaya get mild AMS, admit or acknowledge that you are having symptoms. You need have only one of the following symptoms to be getting altitude sickness.
- Mild headache.
- Nausea
- Dizziness.
- Weakness.
- Sleeplessness.
- Dry Raspy cough.
- Fatigue/Tired.
- Loss of apatite.
- Runny nose.
- Hard to breath.
What to do if a mild symptom doesn't go way?
- If you find mild symptoms developing while walking, stop and relax (with your head out of sun) and drink some fluids. Drink frequently.
- If mild symptoms developing while walking, stop have rest, drink some fluids and take 125-250mg Diamox. Diamox generally takes one to four hours to begin alleviating symptoms. Drink more water and consider staying close by.
- If symptoms develop in the evening, take 125-250mg Diamox and drink plenty of fluids again.
- If symptoms partially go away but are still annoying it is safe to take another 250mg Diamox 6-8 hours later.
- If mild symptoms continue getting worse try descending for a few hours which may be more beneficial than staying at the same altitude. Going higher will definitely make it worse. You're here to enjoy trekking not to feel sick.
3. Serious AMS Symptoms - IMMEDIATE DESCENT
- Persistent, severe headache.
- Persistent vomiting.
- Ataxia (loss of co-ordination, an inability to walk in a straight line, making the sufferer look drunk)
- Losing consciousness (inability to stay awake or understand instructions)
- Mental confusion or hallucinations.
- Liquid sounds in the lungs.
- Very persistent, sometimes watery, cough.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Rapid breathing or feeling breathless at rest.
- Coughing clear fluid, pink phlegm or blood (a very bad sign).
- Severe lethargy/fatigue.
- Marked blueness of face and lips.
- High resting heartbeat (over 130 beats per minute)
- Mild symptoms rapidly getting worse.
Dangerous cases of AMS
High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)
This is a build-up of fluid around the brain. It In most cases the first five symptoms on the mild and severe lists previously. Coma from HACE can lead to unconsciousness are death within 12 hours from the onset of symptoms, but normally takes 1-2 days to develop. At the first sign of ataxia begin treatment with medication, oxygen and descent. Usually 4 to 8mg of dexamethasone is given as a first does, then 4mg every six hours, Diamox every 12 hours and 2-4 liters /minute oxygen. Descent is necessary but a PAC (portable altitude chamber) bag will often be used first if available.
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)
This is an accumulation of fluid in the lungs and is very serious. It is responsible for all the other mild and serious symptoms and it is often accompanied by a mild fever. By far the treatment is oxygen at 4 liters a minute but using PAC (portable altitude chamber) bag treatment is a good substitute. If there is no PAC bag or oxygen then descent will be life saving. HAPE can lead to unconsciousness are death very quick.
Prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
- Allow sufficient time for acclimatization (After 3000 meters).
- Don't make rapid Ascent. Don't go too far too fast.
- No Alcohol, Sleeping pills and Smoking.
- Drink more fluid 3-4 Liters a day, clean water-boiled or treated / tea / coffee / soup / juice etc.
- Climb high and sleep low.
- Do not trek/travel alone, take guide/porter.
- Follow the advice from your guide, hotel, local, guide book.
- Descent if mild symptoms rapidly getting worse.
- Never leave or descent sick person along.
- Avoid getting cold.
- Take an easy and comfortable trekking route even if its longer.
First Aid Kit
This is the basic list to cover the more common ailments that affect trekkers. Climbing groups, expeditions and trekkers going to isolated areas will need a more comprehensive kit.
- Bandage for sprains
- Plasters/Band-aids
- Iodine or water filter (optional)
- Moleskin/Second skin - for blisters
- Antiseptic ointment for cuts
- Anti-bacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic)
- Aspirin/Paracetamol - general painkiller
- Oral rehydration salts
- Broad-spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxin)
- Anti-diarrhea medication (antibiotic)
- Diarrhea stopper (Imodium - optional)
- Antibiotic for Guardia or similar microbe or bacteria
- Diamox 250/500mg (for altitude sickness)
- Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution)
- Gel hand cleaner.
What to Pack
Essential Equipment List
Luggage should be restricted to a frameless backpack which must not weigh more than 20kgs (ideal – 15kg). We recommend a backpack over a suitcase for ease of transportation.
- Passport/Tickets/Vaccination Certificates/Spare Passport Photos/Travel Insurance Policy
- Money Belt
Recommended general packing list
- Travel towel (i.e microfibre material)
- Toiletries
- Biodegradable Laundry Soap
- Torch/Spare Batteries
- Sun Hat
- Anti-bacterial hand wipes/santitizer
- Sunglasses
- Camera – film/batteries/memory card/charger
- Travel alarm clock
- Sewing kit
- Reading material/Guide Books
- Padlocks
- Travel pillow
- Swiss army knife
- Travel clothesline
- Universal sink plug/Laundry Soap
- Student ID (if applicable)
- I-pod/MP3/Discman
- Pens and Notebook
Clothes and Footwear
- Light versatile clothes – cotton and quick drying (dark colours recommended)
- Underwear/socks
- Swimwear
- 2 x long trousers, these should be lightweight and comfortable, preferably cotton.
- 2 x shorts
- Skirt/dress
- Sarong/headscarf (particularly useful if you need to cover up quickly)
- 4 T-Shirts/2 Long-sleeve t-shirts
- Fleece (for cooler evenings)/Thermal underwear for high altitude areas
- 1 smart/casual outfit for evenings out
- 1 Waterproof/windproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes – trainers/sandals
- Hiking boots if any trekking involved
- Flip Flops/Thongs/Jandals – also for the showers
Recommended First Aid Supplies
- Sunscreen
- Plasters/Bandage/Steri-Strips
- Antiseptic
- Blister pads
- Pain killers
- Diarrhorea remedies
- Moisturiser/after sun cream/lip balm
- Malaria Tablets (if required)
- Any prescription medication required (please inform the tour leader at your pre-departure meeting about these)
- Contact lenses and solution
- Cold/flu decongestants
- Antihistamines
- Travel motion-sickness tablets (i.e. natural ginger tablets)
- Contraceptives
- Mosquito Repellent
- Insect bite cream
- Tampons
- Tweezers
- Rehydration salts (Gastrolyte)
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Airport pick up & transfer by car / Van / Bus.
- 4 nights accommodation with breakfast at deluxe hotel in Kathmandu as per above program.
- Kathmandu City Tours inclusive of all entry fees, tour guide, car / van.
- Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with Tea & coffee during the trek.
- Accommodation during the trek.
- 1 highly experienced, helpful and friendly Guide, porters (1 porter for 2 people), their food, accommodation, salary, equipments, insurance.
- Round Trip flight to & from Lukla & Domestic airport taxes in Kathmandu and Lukla.
- First Aid medical kit.
- Sagarmatha National Park permit.
- Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS).
- Government taxes.
- Office Service charge.
Cost Excludes
- Any meals in Kathmandu other than breakfast.
- Travel insurance (if you want us to arrange your travel insurance, we would greatly be happy to assist). For detail information regarding the travel insurance, please contact us
- International air fare to and from Nepal.
- Nepal Tourist Visa fee US$ 25 or equivalent foreign currency with multiple entry for 15 days, US$ 40 or equivalent foreign currency with multiple entry for 30 days. You may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport - Kathmandu.
- Disembarkation Airport Tax in Nepal - approx. US$ 24.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Any kind of alcoholic drinks, hot water, hot shower, cold drinks, laundry, phone call, internet.
- Trekking Equipments (down sleeping bag and down jackets are available to hire or buy in Kathmandu, which would cost approximately US$ 1 per day per item to hire and US$ 60 to US$ 100 per item to buy).
- Tips for guide, porters, driver..
- Expenses occurred due to unavoidable Events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.
