What Cho La is
Cho La is the high pass that joins the Everest Base Camp side of the Khumbu with the Gokyo side. It is the middle of the three passes. Many trekkers also use it to make a loop: Everest Base Camp first, then Cho La, then the Gokyo lakes.
The pass is rocky, and just below the top on the east side there is a short glacier. In most seasons there is a clear path across it, but it can be icy or covered in fresh snow.
The crossing
Most people cross from Dzongla, at about 4,830 m, to Thagnak, the small village next to the Ngozumpa Glacier. From Dzongla the path goes up a valley, then climbs a steep, rocky slope. After that comes the glacier and the top, with prayer flags. On the west side the path goes down over big boulders and loose rock. This part needs care. Allow three to four hours up and three to four hours down to Thagnak.
Honest notes
- Start early. Later in the day the snow softens and loose rock moves more.
- Microspikes help a lot when the glacier is icy. Ask in Dzongla about the conditions the day before.
- In winter and after fresh snow the pass can be closed or very hard. Do not cross alone in bad weather. Read about the best time to trek in Nepal.
- Only cross if you feel well. If you have signs of altitude sickness, go back down towards Pheriche instead of going up.
- Carry water, food and warm clothes. There is nothing between Dzongla and Thagnak.
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