Cho La Pass, Nepal: Complete Travel & Trekking Guide

Cho La Pass: The Glacier Gateway Between Everest Base Camp and Gokyo

Cho La Pass (5,420 m / 17,782 ft) is a dramatic high pass in Nepal's Everest (Khumbu) region that links the Everest Base Camp valley with the turquoise lakes of Gokyo. It is the only pass on the Three Passes circuit with a glacier to cross near the top, and its prayer-flagged summit looks out over Cholatse, Ama Dablam, Lobuche East and Baruntse. For many trekkers, Cho La is the most adventurous and memorable day in the Khumbu.

Most trekkers cross Cho La as the second pass on the Everest Three High Passes Trek, after Kongma La and before Renjo La. Others use it to combine Everest Base Camp and the Gokyo Lakes in one journey. It is a demanding 7–8 hour day with a steep boulder scramble, an icy glacier traverse and a long rocky descent, but the reward is one of the finest mountain landscapes in Nepal.

This guide covers everything you need to know: location, route, difficulty, best time, permits, acclimatisation, teahouses, packing and expert tips, followed by the 15 questions trekkers ask most.

Cho La Pass at a Glance

Detail	Information
Altitude	5,420 m (17,782 ft)
Location	Khumbu region, Sagarmatha National Park, Solukhumbu District, Nepal
Connects	Dzongla (4,830 m), Khumbu Valley → Thangnak (4,700 m), Gokyo Valley
Crossing time	7–8 hours
Distance	About 10 km
Height gain / loss	About 590 m up / 720 m down
Difficulty	Strenuous; the most technical of the Three Passes
Special feature	Short glacier crossing near the top
Technical skills	None, but microspikes are essential when icy
Best seasons	Late September–November and April–May
Main views	Cholatse, Ama Dablam, Lobuche East, Baruntse, Taboche, Cho La glacier
Permits	Sagarmatha National Park + Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality
Trek that includes it	Everest Three High Passes Trek – 19 Days, from US$ 1,450 per person

Where Is Cho La Pass?

Cho La sits in the heart of Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northeastern Nepal. The pass crosses the high ridge between Cholatse (6,440 m) and Lobuche East, connecting two of the Khumbu's most famous valleys:

• East side: the Khumbu Valley, with Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.
• West side: the Gokyo Valley, with the Ngozumpa Glacier, the Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri.

Without Cho La, travelling between these two valleys means walking all the way down to Phortse and back up, which takes 3–4 extra days.

How to Get to Cho La Pass

Cho La can only be reached on foot after flying to Lukla and acclimatising gradually for a week or more.

1. Fly to Lukla (2,860 m). The Kathmandu to Lukla flight takes 30–40 minutes; in peak season many flights leave from Ramechhap (Manthali).
2. Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) with an acclimatisation day.
3. Continue via Tengboche and Dingboche with a second rest day.
4. Reach Lobuche (4,940 m), either via Thukla or over Kongma La on the Three Passes route.
5. Visit Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, then branch west above Chola Tsho lake to Dzongla (4,830 m), the last stop before the pass.
6. Cross Cho La (5,420 m) to Thangnak (4,700 m), then cross the Ngozumpa Glacier to Gokyo (4,790 m) the next day.

Treks That Include Cho La

Trek	Duration	Cho La role	Best for
Everest Three High Passes Trek	19 days	Second pass (anticlockwise), Dzongla → Thangnak	Fit, experienced trekkers
EBC + Gokyo via Cho La (custom)	15–17 days	Links Everest Base Camp with the Gokyo Lakes	Trekkers wanting both highlights without three passes
Gokyo + Cho La + EBC (clockwise, custom)	15–17 days	Crossed from Thangnak to Dzongla after Gokyo	Trekkers who prefer Gokyo first

Compare all options on our Everest Region Treks page, or extend the Gokyo Lakes Trek or Classic Everest Base Camp Trek with Cho La through our trip planner.

Crossing Cho La: Dzongla to Thangnak Step by Step

Pass day starts early. Most groups leave Dzongla between 4:30 and 5:30 AM with headlamps, so they reach the glacier while the snow is firm and cross before afternoon wind and cloud roll in. Here is how the day typically unfolds on the anticlockwise route.

Stage	Approx. time	Altitude	What to expect
Dzongla → upper valley	1–1.5 hrs	4,830 → ~5,000 m	Gentle climb up a grassy, then rocky valley beneath Cholatse
Boulder field & steep scramble	1.5–2 hrs	~5,000 → ~5,300 m	The toughest climb: large boulders and loose rock, sometimes using hands for balance
Cho La glacier traverse	30–60 mins	~5,300 → 5,420 m	Gently sloping glacier; can be icy and slippery; microspikes on
On the pass	15–30 mins	5,420 m	Prayer flags, photos and a snack with sweeping mountain views
Steep descent (west side)	1.5–2 hrs	5,420 → ~5,000 m	Steep, loose rock and scree; slow, careful steps
Valley walk to Thangnak	1–1.5 hrs	~5,000 → 4,700 m	Easier trail through a boulder-strewn valley
Total	7–8 hrs	~590 m up, ~720 m down	About 10 km

The Cho La Glacier

The glacier on the eastern side of the pass is what makes Cho La unique. In good conditions, it is a gentle, mostly flat walk of 30–60 minutes on snow and ice, with a well-trodden path. Early in the morning, after fresh snowfall, or in late autumn and winter, it can be hard and slippery. Microspikes, trekking poles and following your guide's line closely make the crossing safe. Crevasses are not usually a concern on the standard route, but always stay on the marked track.

What You See from Cho La

• Cholatse (6,440 m), rising directly above the pass with its sharp north face
• Ama Dablam (6,812 m) and Taboche (6,495 m) to the south
• Lobuche East and Baruntse to the east
• Chola Tsho, a turquoise lake below Cholatse, seen on the approach from Lobuche
• The Cho La glacier and the wild, rocky Gokyo side of the pass

Day After: Thangnak to Gokyo

From Thangnak (also called Dragnag), a short 2–3 hour walk crosses the Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal's longest at about 36 km, to reach Gokyo village on the shore of Dudh Pokhari. The route over the glacier's rubble changes every season, so follow your guide closely.

Clockwise Crossing: Thangnak to Dzongla

On the clockwise route, trekkers cross Cho La from the Gokyo side. The climb up the western side is shorter but much steeper, on loose rock and scree, and the glacier comes as a descent toward Dzongla. Both directions are possible. Most operators, including Nepal Trip Services, prefer the anticlockwise direction on the Three Passes for more gradual acclimatisation.

How Difficult Is Cho La Pass?

Cho La is graded strenuous and is widely considered the most technical of the Everest Three Passes, though not the highest. It needs no ropes or climbing skills, but it combines high altitude, a steep boulder scramble, a glacier crossing and a long, loose descent.

What makes Cho La challenging:

• Glacier crossing: icy and slippery early in the day or after snowfall.
• Boulder scramble: large rocks and steep sections where you may use your hands for balance.
• Steep descent: loose rock and scree on the western side, tough on knees.
• Altitude: at 5,420 m, there is about half the oxygen of sea level.
• Remoteness: no teahouses between Dzongla and Thangnak.
• Weather: snow can make the route slower and harder to follow, and sometimes impassable.

Cho La vs Kongma La vs Renjo La

Factor	Cho La	Kongma La	Renjo La
Altitude	5,420 m	5,535 m	5,360 m
Route	Dzongla → Thangnak	Chhukung → Lobuche	Gokyo → Lungden
Crossing time	7–8 hrs	8–9 hrs	7–8 hrs
Main challenge	Glacier, boulders, steep descent	Length, altitude, Khumbu Glacier	Long stone staircase and descent
Glacier on the pass	Yes	No (Khumbu Glacier below)	No
Best view	Cholatse and Ama Dablam	Makalu and Imja lakes	Everest above the Gokyo Lakes
Difficulty	Most technical	Hardest overall	Easiest

Who Can Cross Cho La?

• Fit trekkers comfortable with 7–8 hour days at altitude
• Trekkers with previous high-altitude experience, such as the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek
• Well-prepared first-timers who train for 8–12 weeks and trek with an experienced guide
• Not suitable for anyone with a fear of steep, rocky ground or with heart, lung or knee problems without medical advice

Acclimatisation and Safety on Cho La

By the time you reach Dzongla on the anticlockwise route, you have already slept above 5,000 m at Gorak Shep and climbed Kala Patthar, so you are usually well acclimatised. Even so, altitude sickness remains a serious risk.

1. Never cross with worsening symptoms, such as severe headache, vomiting, confusion or breathlessness at rest.
2. Start early to cross the glacier while the snow is firm and before the weather changes.
3. Agree a turnaround time with your guide and stick to it.
4. Stay together on the glacier and boulder sections.
5. Drink 2–3 litres of water on pass day and eat regularly.
6. Know the backup: if Cho La is closed by snow, the alternative is to descend via Pheriche and Phortse to reach Gokyo, which takes 3–4 extra days.
7. Carry insurance covering trekking up to 6,000 m and helicopter rescue.

Microspikes: Essential Kit for Cho La

Microspikes are lightweight chains with small steel spikes that stretch over your boots, giving grip on ice and hard snow. They are the single most important piece of gear for Cho La.

Detail	Information
Why you need them	Icy glacier traverse and frozen boulders near the top
Crampons needed?	Usually no; microspikes are enough unless snow is very heavy
Where to get them	Buy or rent in Thamel (Kathmandu) or rent in Namche Bazaar
Weight	About 300–400 g per pair
How to use	Fit before the ice, walk flat-footed with short steps, remove on bare rock

Best Time to Cross Cho La

The best months for Cho La are mid-October to November and late April to May, when the glacier is usually in good condition and the weather is stable.

Season	Months	Pass & glacier conditions	Day / night temp near the pass	Verdict
Autumn	Late Sep–Nov	Dry and clear; glacier firm but can be icy in the mornings	0 to 10°C / -10 to -18°C	Best
Spring	Late Mar–May	Old snow early; better by late April and May	3 to 12°C / -8 to -15°C	Excellent
Winter	Dec–Feb	Deep snow and hard ice; pass often closed	-8 to 3°C / -20 to -30°C	Not recommended
Monsoon	Jun–Aug	Rain, fog, poor visibility and slippery rock	5 to 12°C / -2 to -8°C	Not recommended

Temperatures are approximate; wind on the pass makes it feel much colder.

Seasonal tips:

• October and early November offer the clearest views, but lodges at Dzongla and Thangnak fill quickly, so book early.
• Late November is quieter but colder, with icier glacier conditions; microspikes are a must.
• March and early April may still have snow near the top; check conditions with your guide.

Permits and Costs

No special permit is needed for Cho La itself. The two standard Everest-region permits cover the whole route.

Permit	Fee for foreign nationals	Where checked
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit	NPR 3,000 + 13% VAT	Monjo
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit	NPR 3,000	Lukla

A TIMS card is not required in the Everest region. Both permits are included in our trek packages.

Everest Three High Passes Trek Price (Including Cho La)

Group size	Price per person
1 person	US$ 1,600
2 people	US$ 1,500
3–6 people	US$ 1,480
7–10 people	US$ 1,450

The Everest Three High Passes Trek package includes Lukla flights, permits, a licensed guide, porters, teahouses and three meals a day on the trek. Budget around US$ 20–30 per day extra for hot drinks, showers, charging and Wi-Fi. Microspikes can be rented in Thamel or Namche for a small fee.

Teahouses Before and After Cho La

Stop	Altitude	Teahouse standard	Notes
Lobuche	4,940 m	Basic	Busy lodges on the main EBC trail
Dzongla	4,830 m	Very basic	A few small lodges below Cholatse; book ahead in peak season
Thangnak (Dragnag)	4,700 m	Very basic	Small lodges beside the Ngozumpa Glacier
Gokyo	4,790 m	Basic–good	Lakeside lodges with views of Dudh Pokhari

• Expect simple twin-sharing rooms with beds and blankets, and unheated bedrooms.
• Toilets are shared, and showers are limited or unavailable at Dzongla and Thangnak.
• Charging and Wi-Fi are paid and unreliable; carry a power bank.
• Your Dzongla lodge can pack a lunch for pass day.

Cho La Packing List: Pass-Day Daypack

Your porter carries the main duffel, but everything you need for 7–8 hours above 5,000 m must be in your own 30–40 L daypack.

Category	Essentials
Traction	Microspikes (essential), trekking poles, gaiters (optional)
Warmth	Down jacket (rated -20°C), fleece, thermal base layers, windproof shell jacket and trousers
Head & hands	Warm beanie, buff, liner gloves + insulated waterproof gloves, Category 3–4 glacier sunglasses
Footwear	Broken-in waterproof boots with ankle support and good grip
Food & water	2–3 litres in insulated bottles, packed lunch from Dzongla, energy bars, nuts, chocolate, electrolytes
Safety	Headlamp with spare batteries, personal first-aid kit, blister plasters, altitude medication (on doctor's advice)
Sun protection	SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip balm; snow glare on the glacier is intense
Extras	Power bank, camera, toilet paper, small rubbish bag

Expert Tips for Crossing Cho La

1. Start before dawn: leave Dzongla by 5:00 AM to cross the glacier while the snow is firm.
2. Put microspikes on early: fit them at the edge of the glacier or first icy patch, not halfway across.
3. Use your hands on the boulders: three points of contact on the steep scramble make it much safer.
4. Stay on your guide's line: the route across the glacier and boulder field shifts every season.
5. Keep moving steadily: don't linger in exposed, windy spots; rest in sheltered places.
6. Protect your eyes: glacier sunglasses prevent snow blindness on bright days.
7. Descend slowly: the loose western side causes more slips than the climb; use poles and short steps.
8. Keep water from freezing: carry insulated bottles upside down inside your pack.
9. Check conditions in Lobuche or Dzongla: ask returning trekkers and lodge owners about ice and snow.
10. Respect the turnaround time: if weather or health turns, go back to Dzongla; the pass will still be there.

Responsible Trekking on Cho La

Cho La's glacier and alpine valleys are fragile and visibly affected by climate change. Help keep them clean:

• Pack out all rubbish, including wrappers, tissues and batteries.
• Use refillable bottles and purification tablets instead of plastic.
• Leave prayer flags and cairns undisturbed.
• Stay on the established trail across the glacier and moraine.
• Never pollute lakes such as Chola Tsho and the Gokyo Lakes.
• Hire licensed local guides and properly equipped porters, and make sure porters have microspikes and warm gear too.

Top 15 Frequently Asked Questions About Cho La Pass

1. What is Cho La Pass?

Cho La is a high mountain pass in Nepal's Everest (Khumbu) region that connects Dzongla, near Everest Base Camp, with Thangnak and Gokyo in the Gokyo Valley. At 5,420 m, it is the second-highest of the Everest Three High Passes and the only one with a glacier crossing near the top. "La" means pass in the Sherpa and Tibetan languages.

2. How high is Cho La Pass?

Cho La stands at 5,420 m (17,782 ft). That is about 56 m higher than Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), slightly lower than Kongma La (5,535 m) and higher than Renjo La (5,360 m).

3. Where is Cho La located?

Cho La lies in Sagarmatha National Park, Solukhumbu District, northeastern Nepal. It crosses the ridge between Cholatse and Lobuche East, linking the Khumbu Valley (Lobuche, Gorak Shep, EBC) with the Gokyo Valley (Ngozumpa Glacier, Gokyo Lakes).

4. How long does it take to cross Cho La?

Most trekkers need 7–8 hours from Dzongla to Thangnak, covering about 10 km with roughly 590 m of ascent and 720 m of descent. Gokyo is a further 2–3 hours the next day, across the Ngozumpa Glacier.

5. Is Cho La difficult?

Yes. Cho La is graded strenuous. It involves a steep boulder scramble, a glacier traverse that can be icy and a steep, loose descent, all above 5,000 m. Kongma La is longer and higher, but Cho La is usually considered the most technical of the three passes.

6. Do I need crampons or technical climbing skills for Cho La?

No technical climbing skills, ropes or harnesses are needed. Microspikes are essential when the glacier is icy, and they are usually enough. Full crampons are only needed in very heavy snow, when the pass is often closed anyway.

7. Can beginners cross Cho La?

Cho La is not ideal for complete beginners. It suits fit trekkers with previous high-altitude experience. Well-prepared first-timers can cross it with 8–12 weeks of training, a properly acclimatised itinerary and an experienced guide who knows the glacier route.

8. What is the best time to cross Cho La?

The best months are mid-October to November and late April to May, when the weather is stable and the glacier is usually in good condition. In winter, snow and ice often close the pass, and in the monsoon, rain and fog make it slippery and dangerous.

9. Is there a glacier on Cho La?

Yes. A small glacier lies on the eastern side just below the summit. Crossing it takes 30–60 minutes on a gentle slope, but it can be slippery early in the morning or after snowfall, so microspikes and careful walking are important.

10. Which direction is better: Dzongla to Thangnak or Thangnak to Dzongla?

Most trekkers cross from Dzongla to Thangnak (east to west), as part of the anticlockwise Three Passes route. This gives better acclimatisation, since you have already been to EBC and Kala Patthar. The western side is steeper, so the clockwise direction means a harder climb.

11. Are there teahouses on Cho La?

No. There are no teahouses or shelters on the pass. The nearest lodges are in Dzongla (4,830 m) on the east side and Thangnak (4,700 m) on the west side. Carry water, a packed lunch and warm layers.

12. What can I see from Cho La?

From the prayer-flagged summit, you see Cholatse towering above, Ama Dablam, Taboche, Lobuche East and Baruntse. On the approach from Lobuche, you pass the turquoise Chola Tsho lake, and on the descent, the rugged Gokyo Valley opens below.

13. What happens if Cho La is closed?

Heavy snow can make Cho La unsafe. In that case, your guide will take an alternative route: descending via Pheriche and Phortse and climbing back up the Gokyo Valley through Dole and Machhermo. This adds 3–4 days, so build buffer days into your schedule.

14. Do I need a guide for Cho La?

A licensed guide is strongly recommended, and guided trekking is now the standard in Nepal. The glacier route changes each season, snow can hide the trail and conditions shift quickly. An experienced guide handles navigation, pacing, turnaround decisions and emergency support.

15. How do I book a trek over Cho La?

Cho La is included in our Everest Three High Passes Trek, a 19-day circuit from US$ 1,450 per person. You can also add Cho La to a Gokyo Lakes Trek or Classic Everest Base Camp Trek. Contact Nepal Trip Services or use our trip planner to design your route.

Plan Your Cho La Adventure with Nepal Trip Services

Cho La is where the Everest region feels most like a true mountain expedition. You scramble up boulders beneath Cholatse, walk across a gleaming glacier at dawn and stand among prayer flags at 5,420 m, with Everest Base Camp behind you and the turquoise Gokyo Lakes ahead. It is the link that turns two great treks into one unforgettable journey.

Crossing Cho La safely comes down to the right season, solid acclimatisation and an experienced team. With 16 years in the Himalayas, Nepal Trip Services takes care of every detail:

• Licensed, experienced guides who know the glacier route and changing conditions
• Well-paced itineraries with acclimatisation in Namche and Dingboche
• Daily health checks with a pulse oximeter and a full first-aid kit
• All logistics handled: Lukla flights, permits, porters and teahouse bookings at Dzongla and Thangnak
• Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag on loan, plus help renting microspikes
• Flexible plans, including safe alternative routes if Cho La is closed

Ready to cross Cho La? Explore the full itinerary, inclusions and group prices on our Everest Three High Passes Trek – 19 Days page. For other routes, see all our Everest Region Treks, or plan a custom trip combining Everest Base Camp and Gokyo via Cho La. Spring and autumn departures fill quickly, so we recommend booking 2–3 months ahead.

• WhatsApp / Viber: +977 982-8696557
• Phone: +977-9813593530
• Email: info@nepaltripservices.com
• Office: Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
• Response time: usually within 0–2 hours

Altitudes, timings, permit fees and prices are approximate and current as of October 2026. Conditions on Cho La change with weather and season; your guide will make the final call on the day.