Compare Everest Chola Pass Trek-15 Days by White Hill Adventure vs Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek by Himalayan Glacier Adventure

Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla at Tenzing-Hillary Airport early morning 30 minutes scenic flight then and trek to Phakding 2,612 m / 8,570 f - 04 hrs.

Early morning our guide and staff will pick you from your hotel for short drive to Kathmandu domestic airport, after security formalities board in a small aircraft, where scenic flight with views of Himalayan range of mountains includes Everest, then landing in Lukla at Tenzing-Hillary airport. From here after a short refreshing morning break continue walk on gradual easy trail with down-hill and gradual path with few short ups to reach at first overnight stop in Phakding village, a nice Sherpa village situated above near Dudh-Kosi River.

Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440 m / 11,287 ft via Sagarmatha National park check post - 06 hrs.

A slow an easy morning walks towards Sagarmatha National Park entrance gate, with time here crossing bridge to reach at Jorsalle the last village before Namche Bazaar with possible lunch stop, afternoon walk on river bed within forested area with climb to last and high bridge that reaches you at famous and colorful Namche Bazaar after walking strenuous uphill on winding trail facing views of peaks. At Namche transfer into nice and cozy lodge, with time to wander around the shops and streets of interesting Namche Bazaar, the hub and main town or large village of Khumbu area where colorful and busy Saturday market held once a week.

Day 3: Acclimatization and Rest day in Namche Bazaar.

Rest day in Namche for acclimatization before heading higher areas, where short walks takes you up at view point and towards Everest View Hotel of near four hours walks both ways, rewards you with excellent panorama of mountains with Everest and magnificent Amadablam. At Namche visit interesting museum with much information of Khumbu Sherpa, culture, flora-fauna as well of mountaineering expedition history with rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Day 4: Trek to Tengboche Monastery 3,860 m /12,665 ft - 05 hrs.

After pleasant and enjoyable time at Namche morning walk leads to a short climb and then on good wide trail facing views of Everest and Amadablam with array of peaks, as our route leads into woodland then descend towards Imjatse River to reach at a small place in Phunke-Tenga, possible lunch stop in the middle of a wood. Afternoon climb into forested areas facing views of Kangtenga-Tharmasarku and other peaks as walk brings at a wide open plateau in Thyangboche with its beautiful colorful Buddhist monastery, with time to visit the interior of the monastery where you can witness monks and priest on religious activities with prayer. A scenic spot surrounded by high peaks with views of Everest and magnificent looking Amadablam amidst forest of rhododendron-magnolia-oaks-juniper-birch and fir tree lines, truly a great place for overnight stop. In the month of October-November great colorful festival takes place called Mani-Rimdu with mask dancers by monks of the monastery.

Day 5: Trek to Dingboche 4,410 m /14,468 ft - 05 hrs.

Morning catching the views of surrounding peaks, where walk leads downhill to Deoboche, within green forested area and further walk to reach at Imjatse River and then cross over a steel bridge, from here end of tree lines as walk leads into windswept dry and arid country to reach at Pangboche. The last permanent village on route Everest base camp where other settlement with Many good lodge to cater needs of travelers and trekkers. Slowly walk leads past Pangboche heading higher with ups and down to a river, with last climb of the day for an hour to reach a scenic Imjatse valley at Dingboche facing North Side of Amadablam with views of Island Peak towards east direction.

Day 6: Acclimatization (rest) day in Dingboche.

Another enjoyable rest day for acclimatization options for hike of few hours on high Nakarjun Hill 5,100 m /16728 ft). above Imjatse valley and Dingboche, where you can catch awesome panorama of peaks with world 5th highest Mt. Makalu in the east direction beyond famous Island Peak. Afternoon free to wander around Dingboche located within beautiful Imjatse valley beneath might peaks of Amadablam North Face.

Day 7: Trek to Lobuche 4,940 m /16,208 ft - 05 hrs.

After enjoyable rest day in Dingboche, morning walk leads to short climb on a ridge top, marked with Buddhist prayer flags and monuments facing views of high close peaks and then on good gradual path to walk. Our route leads on winding path above Pheriche valley with views of Cholatse and Taboche peaks as walk comes to a small place at Thugla, where massive Khumbu glacier melts into a raging river. After crossing a short bridge and climb to Thugla for possible lunch stop and rest, before heading higher up to Lobuche, having break and lunch start with slow climb to a ridge top lines with memorial of unfortunate mountaineers who risk their life climbing high mountains around Khumbu and Everest. From here a good walk with gradual up to reach at Lobuche located on the corner of a wide valley beneath peaks of Lobuche East and West.

Day 8: Trek to Gorak-Shep 5,164 m / 16,942 ft after lunch hike to Everest Base Camp 5,364 m /17,598 ft) back to Gorakshep.

Adventure today leads to our goal at Everest base camp, as morning walk follows a flat valley with slow climb to reach further and then a steep climb to reach a ridge near above Khumbu glacier. As walk continues over rocky moraines and ice to reach a scenic flat areas at Gorak-Shep located at the bottom of Kalapathar and Mt. Pumori on route Everest base camp, at Gorak-Shep with short break. From Gorakshep heading further east to reach to reach highlight destination at Everest Base Camp with marvelous views of Khumbu Ice-Falls, glaciers looking above peaks of Nuptse, Everest and Lhotse, in high mountaineering season of April to May this grand spot flooded with tents of expeditions. After an exciting times achieving our target walk back to Gorakshep for overnight stop before heading downhill back to Lukla with climb of Kalapathar.

Day 9: Early morning hike to Kala Patthar 5,545 m /18,192 ft and trek to Dzongla 4,830 m /15,440 ft) - 05 hrs.

Early morning before breakfast climb on top rocky hill above 5,545 m to reach highest spot of the adventure, where you will be rewarded with glorious panorama of giant surrounding peaks with close views of Everest and Mt. Pumori. After a great wonderful moment descend back to Gorakshep for breakfast and then carry on trekking down to Lobuche walking further to reach high point above Thugla, where our route diverts towards Dzongl at the base of Chola Pass, close to Cholatse peak for overnight stop, in this remote and quiet place.

Day 10: Trek to Thangnag / Dragnak 4,700 m /15,416 ft via Cho La Pass 5,420m /17,780 ft - 08 hrs.

One of the big day of the adventure, crossing high Cho-la pass also spelled as Tsho-la where morning leads to steep-up to cross over a glacier on eastern side then slowly with enough time for rest reaching at the top of Cho-la.. The top located at 5,367 m, can be challenging sometimes to cross in snow conditions, offers views of high peaks with Cholatse and its glacier and then descend carefully to Thangnag for overnight stop after crossing over second pass of the adventure.

Day 11: Trek to Gokyo Lake 4,700 m/15,710 ft - 03 hrs.

After a great adventure crossing over Cho-la pass where morning leads to an easy walk following on the main Gokyo trail and beneath Ngozumba glacier. Slowly walk leads at Gokyo Lake also called Dudh Pokhari at the bank of the shore where summer settlement of Gokyo located at above 4,700 meters high.

Day 12: Climb to Goyko RI 5,483m/19,083ft trek to Dole 4,200m-13,775ft - 07 hrs.

Morning an option hike to Gokyo Ri above 5,483 m another highlight of the adventure, Gokyo Ri offers stunning panorama of world’s highest peaks from Mt. Cho Oyo, Gyachung Kang, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Cholatse, Taweche and to the east Mt. Makalu. After a grand vista descend to Gokyo facing awesome views where walk continues on downhill with few ups past Gokyo 2nd and first lake.   A long day walk but easier on loosing much altitude heading past Machherma and Luza settlement to reach back into green woodland at Dole for overnight stop before Lukla and Namche Bazaar.

Day 13: Trek to Namche Bazaar - 06 hrs.

From Dole an easy walk on near flat ground and then further down to reach at Phortse-Tenag by the Dudh Kosi River, where walk leads to a an hour climb on top Mong a small place on top of scenic hill. From here a slow enjoyable downhill walk with few short ups on nice scenic trail to reach at Namche Bazaar for last night in Khumbu before Lukla.

Day 14: Trek to Lukla 2,860 m / 9,383 ft - 06 hrs.

Our last final day of the adventure with long day treks to reach Lukla starting with descend to reach a river valley and at Sagarmatha National Park entrance and exit to Monjo village, where walk continues past Phakding with last short climb to reach at last overnight stay in Lukla before flying back to Kathmandu.

Day 15: From Lukla fly to Kathmandu end of our service with transfer to your hotel.

Lukla Airport chola pass trekAs per flight time for Kathmandu, morning with last breakfast within Khumbu and at Lukla, then transfer to air terminal named after Tenzing and Hillary, first to conquer Mt. Everest in 1953. As per flight schedule board in a smaller aircraft for sweeping short air journey to reach Kathmandu airport and then transfer back to your respective hotels.

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Yatri Suites and Spa)

Maximum Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft

We complete our custom formalities at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. Afterwards, there is a Himalayan Glacier representative waiting for us at the gate who will take us to our hotel.  We can then spend the rest of the day taking rest. In the evening, we get to try Nepalese cuisine at a welcome dinner hosted by Himalayan Glacier. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Kathmandu : trip preparation

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel (Yatri Suites and Spa)

Maximum Altitude: 1,3:50m/4,429ft

We visit Himalayan Glacier’s office sometime in the afternoon today. At the office, me meet our climbing guide and fellow climbers. Our guide or leader will check our set of equipment in order to make sure that they are in a perfect condition for the coming trip. In the short meeting, the Himalayan Glacier representatives will also help us understand what we can expect throughout the trip so as to make us familiar of our days up in the mountain. We can spend rest of the afternoon resting and/or in leisure. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Fly to Lukla then trek to Phakding

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Flight:  40 min

Hiking: 3-4 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 2,800m/9,187ft

After breakfast, we will be taken to the domestic terminal of TIA for an early morning flight to Lukla. After a flying above the breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains. Upon our arrival at Lukla, we meet our other crew members and after some packing and arrangements, we start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities, we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery. Overnight in Phakding.

Day 4: Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Hiking:  5-6 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 3,438m/11,280ft

After breakfast we walk through beautiful pine forests and then along Dudh Koshi River ending our nature-filled journey at Namche Bazaar. After walking for almost over an hour, we come across the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6,608m) on our right and also experience the serenity of pine, fir and juniper forests throughout our journey. If the weather is clear, we may even catch a glimpse of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. We continue walking until we reach the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Mt. Everest and main trading centre of this region. This day we cross five suspension bridges, the last one also known as the Hillary Bridge being the highest. It is an uphill walk from Hillary Bridge to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 5: Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization Day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Maximum Altitude: 3,438m/11,280ft

This is the day set aside for acclimatization. Health experts recommend that we stay active and move around even during the rest day instead of being idle. There are a few options set aside for this day. We can either stroll around Namche’s quaint villages or come in contact with the Sherpa people and their rich culture, or we can hike up to the Everest View Hotel and enjoy an up-close view of the mighty Everest. While in the Namche village or upon returning from the hike to the Everest View Hotel, trekkers may also visit the local museum containing exhibits displaying the area’s native flora and fauna as well as the history of the Mount Everest region.

For trekkers who want to hike for a little longer, a hike to Khumjung village (5-6 hours) may also be an option. While in the village we can visit the Edmund Hillary School and Khumjung Monastery (a monastery famous for housing the head of the Yeti!). Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 6: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Hiking:  5-6 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 3,870m/12,697ft

After breakfast, we trek towards Tengboche. It is an easy walk from Namche to Phunki. Upon reaching Phunki, we ascend towards Tengboche, a village that houses the very famous Tengboche monastery which is the largest monastery of the Everest region. Located amidst the Sagarmatha National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site of “outstanding universal value”), it is draped with the panoramic 360-degree view of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku. The monastery opens at 3:00 pm so if we are lucky we might just be able to witness a religious ceremony. Overnight in Tengboche.

Day 7: Tengboche to Pheriche

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Hiking:  4-5 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 4,288m/14,069ft

With the Himalayas as its backdrop, the monastery in Tengboche is in an excellent location. We visit the monastery in the morning and enjoy taking pictures of the monastery and the amazing landscape. We descend for about half an hour through a forest before crossing a river. Next, we trek uphill and notice that as we climb higher, the landscape becomes drier. We walk past a traditional Sherpa village of Pangboche before reaching Pheriche, a beautiful village located on a riverside. Here, we will also see a small helipad that is used for helicopter rescues during emergencies. We may even take a class with a mountain specialist in a medical clinic at Pheriche. Overnight in Pheriche.

Day 8: Pheriche to Lobuche

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Hiking:  5-6 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 4,940m/16,208ft

After breakfast, we start with an easy walk towards Dugla. Next, we trek up the steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, and then pass through the boulder-strewn slopes as we ascend Chupki Lhara where we find an array of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and 10-time Everest summitter Babu Chiri Sherpa (Nepalese mountain guide) who perished on a mission to climb Everest. The trail then continues to the Khumbu Glacier moraine and we find ourselves facing several great peaks – Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. Overnight in Lobuche.

Day 9: Lobuche to Gorak Shep, visit Everest Base Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Hiking: 6-7 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 5,364m/17,599ft

We take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come across the Indian army mountaineers’ memorials. The path from here can be misleading; hence it is important that we follow our lead Sherpa diligently. The walk is strenuous due to thin air in the high altitude. We pass through rocky dunes, moraine and streams before reaching the Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, we see tents of mountaineers that stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. We get back to Gorak Shep for a good night’s rest. Overnight in Gorak Shep.

Day 10: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar and back to Lobuche

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Hiking:  7-8 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 5,545m/18,193ft

We prepare for an early morning departure, amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 C). Plus, there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself. But, it is upon reaching Kala Patthar that we get to see360 degree up-close and formidable views of Mt. Everest. We take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama, and then return back to Lobuche for a good night’s rest. Overnight in Lobuche.

Day 11: Lobuche to Kongma La to Chhukung

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Hiking:  6-7 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 4,730m/15,519ft

After breakfast, we trek via Khumbu Glacier to Kongma La Base Camp (5,000m/16,404ft). The ascent to Kongma La pass is the most difficult part of our trek today. In the Kongma La, we see cairn wrapped in prayer flags to mark the pass. Then we descend gradually to Imja Khola valley, followed by another descent to Chhukung, a small summer settlement. After reaching Chhukung we will also check our equipment in order to get ready for our ultimate climb. Overnight in Chhukung.

Note: If we do not want to undertake the Kongma La pass, we can follow another route via Dingboche to Chhukung instead.

Day 12: Chhukung to Island Peak base camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Hiking:  3-4 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 5,200m/17,061ft

The trek to Island Peak Base Camp is on a fairly steep trail. First, we climb south then turn east to the main line of the valley. We then walk on a winding path below the southern flank of the moraine from the Lhotse Glacier. Next, we continue walking on a pleasant trail along a streamside. The route to the Amphu Labtsa lies to the southeast. A crisscross route through the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines leads to a wide valley flanking the SW side of Island Peak. Overnight at Island Peak Base Camp.

Day 13: Pre-climb training on Island Peak Base Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Maximum Altitude: 5,200m/17,061ft

We begin our pre-climb training today after breakfast. Our guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques and the proper ways of using climbing gears such as the ice axe, climbing boots and crampons, harness, ascender, etc. The training will also include using ropes to go up and down. Although it is not mandatory to have prior training for Island Peak Climbing, we strongly believe that some training experience will boost your confidence and climbing skills to increase the chances of scaling the summit as well as to fully enjoy the experience. We can spend the rest of the day hiking to high camp and back or resting for the next day’s climb. Overnight at the base camp.

Day 14: Island Peak base camp to Island Peak summit ,back to base camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Climbing: 10-12

Maximum Altitude: 6,189m/20,306ft

We wake up early today at around 12 to 1 am and have our breakfast before beginning our climb. It is important we reach the summit before noon because in the afternoon the strong winds in the highlands might become a barrier for a successful summit. The trail moves up beyond the base camp for several hundred meters before striking off the steep hillside. Initially sandy, the path soon turns to grass before becoming boulder strewn. As we climb up the hill, we will see that the slope narrows and the trail enters a steep rock channel. We climb the rock gully. This is not difficult, but there are several short rock steps to climb before we emerge on the right side of the gully. The route then follows a ridgeline, which leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. The guides will fix a rope when required. A steep snow slope leads us onto the summit ridge. Both fixed rope and man rope will be used during the climb for safety. We use fixed rope after successfully climbing on rock. The length of the rope will usually be 350 m. However, the length depends on the time of the season and the crevasses.There are two newly formed crevasses which are approximately 3 and 4 meters long. We will be using ladders to cross them. After enjoying the summit views and taking pictures, we descend all the way to Island Peak Base Camp where some of our crew are waiting for us. We celebrate on our successful Island Peak climb.

Day 15: Island Peak Base Camp to Pangboche

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Hiking:  5-6 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 3,985m/13,075ft

Today’s walk will be a much easier as we descend to the lower altitudes. Following the same route back through the wide valley of Khumbu Khola, we pass through the beautiful Sherpa villages, Orsho and Shomare. We can also take a different trail to visit the Gompa in Upper Pangboche, which is believed to be the oldest in the Khumbu region or take the regular trail to reach Pangboche. Pangboche is a scenic village surrounded by Everest to its north, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtaiga to the east, the Kongde range to the south and the Imja Tse river flowing through the wide fertile valley.

Day 16: Pangboche to Namche Bazaar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Hiking:  4-5 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 3,438m/11,280ft

From Pangboche we retrace our steps down to the Imja Khola and up through the forest to Tengboche. If interested, we can also visit nuns at the Tengboche monastery. After lunch at Tengboche, we continue through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. After crossing the bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, our trail follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests before reaching Sansa. We keep a lookout for wildlife such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, etc., while passing through the forest. After passing a chorten, we reach the army camp at Namche Bazaar.  Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 17: Namche Bazaar to Lukla

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Hiking:  6-7 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 2,800m/9,187ft

The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk cautiously as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the trail becomes more level and natural. After our arrival in Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. Overnight in Lukla.

Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Yatri Suites and Spa)

Flight:  40 min

Maximum Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft

We catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. After reaching Kathmandu, we can take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. If we want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, we may do that today. Our guides can help you with both souvenirs shopping or sightseeing. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate the climbers’ successful summit of the Island peak. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 19: Final Departure

Meals: Breakfast

Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with your travel companions and organize your photos. A representative from Himalayan Glacier will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.