OVERVIEW
Gokyo Chola Pass Trek is the hidden gem of the Himalayas that allows you to avoid the crowds of people heading to Everest Base Camp with less busy trails and stunning views of the world's highest mountains. Your extraordinary trek will begin with a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. After landing, the trail will take you along the Dudh-Koshi River through the villages of Phakding and Monjo to Namche Bazaar, the entrance gate to the 8,000 m high-strong giant mountains.
Namche Bazaar- the gateway to Mount Everest is the largest village in the Khumbu Valley, where most travelers spend at least two days acclimatizing. This historic Sherpa village is a trade center for Tibetan and Nepalese trade. As soon as you leave Namche, you will walk down the main busy trail that will take you to the peaceful villages of Dole and Machermo. On the way, you can witness dramatic landscape changes as broad meadows suddenly turn into narrow paths with steep ascending paths that will take you to the beautiful and charming village of Gokyo with emerald white lake Dudh Pokhari.
After two or three hours of steep ascent, the peak of Gokyo Ri (5357 m) rises above the village. A well-deserved reward for your efforts will be viewed not only of the lakes but also of Nepal's longest glacier Ngozumpa. And that's not all; in good weather, you will have majestic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
The Gokyo Chola Pass Trip offers a calm trip with the Mountain ranges providing a serene alternative to the bustling Everest Base Camp route. It starts with a short yet attractive trip from Kathmandu to Lukla where travelers start their walking along with the Dudh-Koshi River.
EXPLORING THE ROAD TO GOKYO CHOLA PASS TREK
The Gokyo Chola Pass Trek begins with a trip to Lukla, which can be taken by a breathtaking trip or a bus flight from Kathmandu. From Lukla, trekkers begin going through a course with picturesque towns like Phakding and Monjo. As travelers ascend they experience serene towns such as Dole and also Machermo gradually gaining altitude.
The trail leads to the charming settlement of Gokyo, snuggled next to the gleaming Dudh Pokhari Lake. From Gokyo, trekkers encounter tough ascents towards the direction of Chola Pass, navigating high slopes along rocky terrain. The route offers panoramic views of towering mountains like Everest (8848.86 m), Lhotse (8516m), and Cho Oyu (8188m), offering a feeling of both accomplishment and wonder.
After conquering Chola Pass, travelers come down to explore new areas, running into awesome landscapes and tranquil environments. Throughout the journey, the road to Gokyo Chola Pass Trek provides an extraordinary adventure in the middle of stunning Himalayan views.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF GOKYO CHO LA PASS TREK
The Gokyo Chola Pass Trek is matched for trekkers of differing capabilities, from beginners to seasoned trekkers. It's taken into consideration modest walking in Nepal, with steady increases in altitude together and well-kept trails. However, the journey involves 5-6 hours of hiking each day over challenging terrain, so being in good physical shape is important. Regular exercise, like walking and aerobics, can help build stamina for the trek, especially since higher altitudes have less oxygen, making it tougher to adjust.
The highest point of the trek is at Chola Pass, reaching around 5,420 meters above sea level. Trek days are prepared with shorter distances to ensure trekkers’ health and comfort. Rest breaks at teahouses along the way help alleviate fatigue and stress. There’s a danger of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) due to the high altitude, so precautions for altitude safety are crucial. Even though the risk of AMS is lower, maintaining good health is still important to avoid any complications. While it’s possible to trek alone, it’s not recommended, as being alone in the mountains can be challenging in case of emergencies.
The ascent to Chola Pass is the most challenging part of the trek, but the breathtaking views from the Gokyo Chola Pass viewpoints make the effort worthwhile, providing trekkers with a memorable experience amidst the stunning Himalayan scenery.
BEST SEASON OF GOKYO CHOLA PASS TREK
Autumn, from September to November, stands out as the prime time for trekking the Gokyo Chola Pass route. This period sees clear skies after the monsoon rainfall offering spectacular sights of the mountains surrounding scenery. The weather is mild and pleasant, with very little rain, making it perfect for trekking experiences. Spring, from March to May, rates as the second-best time for discovering the Gokyo Chola Pass. Throughout this duration lively blossoms like rhododendrons blossom, creating a colorful backdrop for trekkers.
On the other hand, the summer season from June to August, brings warm temperature levels as well as constant rainfall plus rainstorms, making trekking conditions challenging as well as muddy. Fewer individuals trek throughout this time providing a quieter experience however the trails can be unsafe and also dangerous. On the other hand, the winter months from December to February see most trails covered in snow, with cold and completely dry weather conditions dominating. Hefty snow loss along with avalanches might shut hill passes, making winter months hiking much less prominent. Heavy snowfall and avalanches may close mountain passes, making winter trekking less popular. However, the snow-capped landscapes offer a unique and picturesque sight for those willing to brave the cold.
ACCOMMODATIONS AND MEALS
During your trek, food and accommodation are taken care of at guest or tea houses, which are traditional Sherpa houses serving authentic local cuisine. The lodges are basic and can be cold, so it’s essential to bring warm clothing. As you ascend, prices for accommodation and food increase, while quality may decrease. Extras like hot showers, charging electronics, and Wi-Fi come at an additional cost.
During peak trekking seasons, finding a room, especially a single one, can be challenging as they’re often booked in advance. It’s advisable to ask your guide or porter to make reservations or be prepared to share a room with other guests. Meals offer a variety of options, from local Nepali cuisine like Dal Bhat Tarkari (Lentil soup, Rice, and Vegetable) to Chinese cuisines like Momos (dumplings) and Chow Mein. Also, International options like pizza, sandwiches, and sizzlers are available. Additionally, beverages like tea, coffee, fruit juice, and alcoholic drinks can be purchased for an extra charge.
GOKYO CHOLA PASS TREK COSTS
For the Gokyo Chola Pass Trek, the total cost typically ranges from $1500 to $2000 per person. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll need to purchase a Nepal Visa, which varies depending on the duration of your stay. However, it is suitable that you acquire a Visa for 30 days which costs you $50 per person. Your trip commences with a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (one of the most dangerous airports in the world) and ends with a domestic flight to Kathmandu. A flight from Kathmandu to Lukla can cost you anywhere between USD 434.00 per person. On the contrary, it can be quite expensive on your return.
Hereby, your tour options, hotel accommodations, and mode of transportation all impact the cost of the trek. Your budget, choice between normal and deluxe trip plans, and the size of your group will also influence the overall price.
