Cho La Pass

Cho La Pass is one of the most challenging and breathtaking high-altitude mountain crossings in the Everest region. It connects the Everest Base Camp with the Gokyo Valley.

The top of Cho La Pass is a narrow, wind-exposed gap between rocky slopes, often marked with colorful prayer flags. The pass is known for its icy landscape and glacier-covered trails.

Where is Cho La Pass Located?

Cho La Pass is located at an altitude of 5,420 metres in Solukhumbu District of Nepal, within Sagarmatha National Park.

It is located on a high ridge between the Ngozumpa Glacier to the west and the glacial valleys that descend toward Dzongla and Lobuche to the east.

The pass lies between two villages: Thangnak (around 4,700 m) to the west and Dzongla (around 4,830 m) to the east.

Country	Nepal
Province	Koshi Province
District	Solukhumbu District
Municipality	Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality
Region	Khumbu (Everest Region)
Elevation	5,420 m (17,782 ft)
Latitude	27.962122° N
Longitude	86.751923° E

Why Is Cho La Pass Popular?

• One of the toughest high passes
  Cho La is generally considered the most demanding of the three passes on the Everest Three Passes Trek.
• More challenging than the standard EBC route
  Steep climbs, rocky moraines, and seasonal ice and snow make it a more adventurous alternative to the classic Everest Base Camp Trek.
• Spectacular mountain scenery
  The pass offers panoramic views of the glaciated Gokyo Valley, the Everest massif, and surrounding Himalayan peaks.
• Higher than Everest Base Camp
  At 5,420 meters (17,782 feet), Cho La Pass sits slightly above Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet).

How to Reach Cho La Pass?

To reach Cho La Pass, trekkers usually follow the Gokyo to Everest Base Camp route or the Everest Three Passes route. A typical route to Cho La Pass follows:

• Gokyo to Everest Base Camp Route

Kathmandu → Lukla → Namche Bazaar → Dole → Machhermo → Gokyo → Thangnak → Cho La Pass → Dzongla

OR

• Everest Three Passes Route

Kathmandu → Lukla → Namche Bazaar → Thame → Lungden → Renjola Pass → Gokyo → Thangnak → Cho La Pass → Dzongla

From Gokyo, trekkers set out early and cross a section of the Ngozumpa Glacier en route to Thangnak, which involves careful route finding over cracked ice and moraine. The climb to the pass from Thangnak typically takes about 5 to 7 hours depending on snow conditions.

What Can You See from Cho La Pass?

 

• Summit panorama: From the top, Cho Oyu is the most prominent mountain, with Ama Dablam, Cholatse, and, on clear days, the upper ridgeline of Mount Everest visible in the distance.
• Ngozumpa Glacier: Nepal's longest glacier runs along the western approach, creating a dramatic landscape of ice, moraine, and seracs that trekkers cross on the way to Thangnak.
• Glacial lake views: Looking back toward Gokyo from higher on the trail, the turquoise Gokyo Lakes are visible against the glacier and surrounding peaks.

Best Time to Visit Cho La Pass

Spring and autumn are considered the best period to cross Cho La Pass.

• Spring (March to May)

Spring is one of the two recommended seasons for crossing Cho La. Weather tends to be stable, and mornings usually bring frozen, walkable snow underfoot, which makes for a smoother crossing.

• Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is the other main season, and many trekkers consider it the most reliable time to attempt the pass. Skies are generally clear, and conditions on the trail stay consistent through most of the season.

 

• Winter (December to February)

Winter blankets the pass in heavy snow and brings a quieter trail overall. It takes more careful planning, since deeper snow and shorter daylight hours call for extra preparation and, ideally, a guide experienced with winter conditions.

• Monsoon (June to August)

Monsoon brings its own rhythm to the region, greener valleys lower down and fewer trekkers on the trail. Snow on the pass tends to be softer and visibility less predictable, so trekkers who cross during this season generally build in flexibility and plan closely with their guide.

Season	Daytime	Nighttime
Spring	0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F)	down to -15°C (5°F)
Autumn	5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F)	-5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F)
Winter	-10°C to -5°C (14°F to 23°F)	-20°C to -30°C (-4°F to -22°F)
Monsoon	0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F)	down to -14°C (7°F)

Permits for Visiting Cho La Pass

Trekkers require two important permits for crossing the Cho La Pass.

Permit	Cost
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit	NPR 3,000
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit	NPR 3,000

Where to Stay Near Cho La Pass?

There is no accommodation on the pass itself. Trekkers stay in Thangnak village and Dzongla village.

• Thangnak (west side): Thangnak, on the Gokyo side, is the usual staging point before the crossing. It has a small number of basic teahouses with shared rooms and simple meals.
• Dzongla (east side): Dzongla, on the Everest Base Camp side, serves the same role after crossing, or before, if approaching from the east. Facilities here are similarly basic: twin-share rooms, shared toilets, and limited hot water.
• Gokyo: Gokyo, further west, is where many trekkers spend the night before moving on to Thangnak. It is a larger village with more teahouse options if you would rather not stage at Thangnak directly.

What to Pack for Cho La Pass?

• Insulated, waterproof trekking boots: The mix of snow, ice, and rock on the crossing demands more support and grip than standard trekking boots.
• Crampons (10 to 12 point): Not always essential, but conditions can require them with little warning, and most guides recommend carrying a pair regardless.
• Duffle Bag / Rucksack (50–60L): For main clothing, sleeping gear, and spare items.
• Daypack (20–30L): For carrying your daily water, camera, and documents while walking.
• Trekking poles: Useful for balance on the mixed terrain, especially descending the steeper side.
• Gaiters: Keep snow and scree out of your boots on the exposed sections.
• Down jacket and waterproof outer shell: Wind at the saddle is intense even on clear days, and temperatures swing sharply through the crossing.
• Sunglasses with high UV protection or glacier goggles: Glare off the snow and ice is severe at this altitude.
• Headlamp with spare batteries: Crossings typically start before dawn.
• High-energy snacks and a thermos of warm liquid: There's nowhere to stop and buy anything on the pass itself.

How Hard Is Cho La Pass?

Cho La Pass is rated moderate to difficult, and it's generally regarded as the hardest of the three passes on the Everest Three Passes Trail.

• High altitude: At around 5,420 meters (17,782 feet), the pass has significantly lower oxygen levels, making the trek physically demanding. Trekkers may experience fatigue, shortness of breath, or symptoms of altitude sickness.
• Steep and uneven trails: The route includes steep ascents, rocky paths, and glacier-covered sections that require careful walking and steady endurance.
• Ice and snow conditions: The pass can be covered with snow and ice, especially during colder months. Slippery surfaces can make the crossing more difficult and time-consuming.
• Long trekking days: Reaching and crossing Cho La Pass often involves several hours of continuous walking at high altitude, which can be exhausting.
• Changing weather: Weather in the Himalayas can change quickly, with strong winds, snowfall, and low temperatures adding extra challenges.

Travel Tips for Trekking Cho La Pass

• Start before dawn
  Begin the trek early in the morning when temperatures are colder, and snow is usually firm. Frozen snow is easier and safer to walk on compared to the soft, slippery slush that forms later in the day.
• Cross with an experienced guide
  Cho La Pass involves glacier sections, rocky moraine paths, and a snow-covered landscape. Here, navigation can become difficult, especially during poor visibility. A local guide understands the latest trail conditions and can make better decisions based on current snow and weather conditions.
• Carry proper travel insurance
  Make sure your insurance covers high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation. Medical assistance is limited in remote mountain areas, so having proper coverage is important.
• Walk at your group's pace
  Stay together and avoid separating during the crossing. Everyone in the group should move at a comfortable pace, especially on difficult sections where altitude and fatigue can affect performance.

Difference Between Cho La Pass, Renjo La Pass and Kongma La Pass

All three passes make up the Everest Three Passes Trek, but they differ meaningfully in elevation, difficulty, and what they connect.

Pass	Cho La Pass	Renjo La Pass	Kongma La Pass
Elevation	5,420 m (17,782 ft)	5,360 m (17,585 ft)	5,535 m (18,159 ft)
Difficulty	Moderate to difficult	Moderate	Most difficult of the three
Connects	Gokyo Valley ↔ Dzongla/Lobuche (EBC route)	Gokyo Valley ↔ Namche side (via Lungden)	Chhukung/Dingboche side ↔ Lobuche
Terrain	Glacier moraine, snow, rock, sometimes ice	Broad, mostly unglaciated trail	Steep, rocky, narrow trail
Main views	Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, Everest	Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Gokyo Lakes	Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Ama Dablam

Renjo La is generally considered the easiest of the three; its trail is wide and largely free of glacier crossings, to the point that yak caravans use it.

Kongma La, despite not requiring technical skill, is often rated the hardest because of its long, steep, and exposed approach.

Cho La sits in between: harder than Renjo La because of the glacier and icy sections near the saddle, but without the sheer length and exposure that make Kongma La so demanding.

FAQs

How high is Cho La Pass?

Cho La Pass sits at 5,420 m (17,782 ft) above sea level, making it the middle-height pass of the Everest Three Passes Trek, higher than Renjo La but lower than Kongma La.

Do I need crampons for Cho La Pass?

Microspikes or basic crampons are commonly used on the icy sections near the saddle, particularly earlier in the morning before the sun softens the snow. It is recommended to carry a pair regardless of season, since a hard frozen or icy section near the top is common.

Can beginners cross Cho La Pass?

Beginners can reach Cho La Pass with the help of an experienced Guide. But the pass is not recommended as a first high-altitude trek. It is manageable for trekkers with reasonable fitness and some prior trekking experience.