Cho La is a 5,420 m pass in Nepal's Everest region that links Dzongla (4,830 m) on the Everest Base Camp side with Thagnak (4,700 m) below Gokyo. The crossing takes 7 to 8 hours, climbs 590 m from Dzongla or 720 m from Thagnak, and includes a short glacier that is often icy, so carry microspikes. Go in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) and cross only after a week of acclimatisation. You can do it on the 18-day Gokyo Ri with Everest Base Camp trek, from USD 1,775, or on the 21-day Three Passes trek, from USD 1,955.
- Height5,420 m (17,782 ft)
- LinksDzongla (4,830 m) and Thagnak (4,700 m)
- Crossing time7 to 8 hours
- DistanceAbout 9.5 km, Dzongla to Thagnak
- GlacierShort section on the east side
- Best monthsMarch to May, September to November
- Treks that cross itGokyo Ri with EBC, Three Passes
Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime in the heart of the Himalayas? Then get ready for Cho La, one of the hardest and most rewarding crossings in the Everest region. Cho La Pass, standing tall at an altitude of 5,420 meters, offers huge views of glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and alpine meadows. This guide will take you through the essential tips, tricks, and information you need to learn to trek this majestic pass successfully. But before we begin, let me ask you a question: Have you ever trekked in the Himalayas?
The easiest way to include Cho La is the Gokyo Ri with Everest Base Camp Trek. It suits fit trekkers who are happy with one long, rocky pass day and a short stretch of glacier. With a mix of 8-9 hour days and the majority being 5-6 hours, this trek promises to be a thrilling experience.
This is an adventure to the soul of the Himalayas, a place where iconic wonders such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, Gorak Shep, and the legendary Everest Base Camp await. But wait, there's more! Test your endurance and cross the formidable Cho La Pass (5,420 m) to reach the mesmerizing Gokyo Lakes, which most people rate as the best scenery of the whole trip.
Photo: Cho la pass
Overview of Cho La Pass
Cho La Pass is one of the best-known trekking passes in the Everest region. It sits in Sagarmatha National Park and lies on the common route between two of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal - the Gokyo Valley and the Everest Base Camp. It links the two valleys, so you can see both on one trip instead of walking back down to Namche. The Gokyo side is known for its turquoise lakes and the viewpoint of Gokyo Ri. Adventurers often extend their stay in Gokyo, relishing the chance to explore some of the picturesque day hike trails.
Cho La includes a short glacier crossing on its east side. Tread with care on the ice, taking steps on microspikes that resemble tiny crampons to ensure a safe passage over the icy pass. The Cho La Pass is also part of the Three Passes trek, which offers a more extensive trekking experience, featuring two more passes - Kongma La and Renjo La, and a visit to the famous Everest Base Camp.
The Cho La Pass is situated at an altitude of 5,420 meters (17,782 ft) and connects Dzongla (4,830 m / 15,846 ft) to the east with Dragnag, also written Thagnak (4,700 m / 15,420 ft), to the west. Both are small lodge settlements, not villages with fields and monasteries. The distance between Dzongla and Dragnag is 5.86 mi / 9.43 km. The trek up and over the Cho La Pass is challenging, taking about 7 to 8 hours and involving a climb of about 590 m (almost 2,000 ft) from Dzongla. The trail begins with a slight incline before quickly gaining all of the elevations towards the high point of the Cho La Pass. This section is hard because most of the height is gained in a steep stretch of about 2 km (1.2 miles) below the top.
The Khumbu is a Buddhist region, and you pass monasteries, mani walls and stupas on the way to the pass, in villages such as Namche, Khumjung, Pangboche and Phortse. The pass itself is bare rock and ice, with no settlement between Dzongla and Thagnak.
The valleys below the pass are home to Sherpas, while Rai and Kulung communities live further south in the Solu valleys.
Most lodges on the route are run by Sherpa families, so the culture is part of every evening, not a separate sightseeing stop.
For Cho La pass trek, the common starting point from the east is Dzongla. If you cross from the west, you start at Dragnag (Thagnak), near the foot of the pass, or at Gokyo, about 4 km (2.6 miles) further west across the Ngozumpa Glacier. The initial mile of the trail presents a serene, unchallenging landscape. A gentle decline leads you to a steep and zigzag ascent, taking you past a tiny glacier runoff stream and through a ragged passage. After reaching the summit of this strenuous climb, you'll find a tranquil resting spot with stunning views overlooking Dragnag (labeled as "Camp" on some maps).
The Best Time to Trek Cho La Pass
The Chola Pass Trek is at its prime during the temperate seasons of Autumn and Spring, where September, October, and November, as well as March, April, and May, bask in stable weather and climatic conditions, forging an ideal trekking atmosphere. While other times of the year offer the potential for trekking with proper preparation, winter, and monsoon, bring challenging weather fluctuations to the Everest region.
Photo: Cho La pass during spring
Cho La pass trek during winter can be daunting, as heavy snow can close the pass for days at a time, and many high lodges shut. Night and early-morning temperatures at Dzongla can drop to around -20°C. As spring arrives, it brings the perfect weather for our journey with warm and inviting days, with daytime temperatures lower on the trail climbing above 10°C in the sun, though the pass itself stays bitterly cold.
Photo: Cho La pass during winter
Cho La Pass Trekking Difficulty
As with any trekking trip, difficulties in Cho La Pass Trek stem primarily from two primary sources: physical exhaustion and environmental hardships. From the very start, trekkers often face fatigue due to strenuous climbs, some of which are steep inclines and declines along rugged terrain.
This part of the trip is usually the most challenging as it requires strength and stamina to get to the top of the pass. Aside from the physical hardships, high altitude can make the journey harder as the air gets thinner, the climates harsher, and breathing becomes more difficult. Plan short, frequent breaks and arrive acclimatised: on most itineraries you cross Cho La after a week or more above 3,400 m. Diamox (acetazolamide) can help some people, but talk to a doctor first and read our guide to altitude sickness. In addition to difficult terrain, expeditions should also expect tough weather and extreme climatic conditions as the mountain passes can experience heavy snow and rain showers.
Watch for rockfall on the steep western side and, after heavy snowfall in any season, for avalanche-prone slopes. Poor visibility caused by fog, blizzards, and snow are additional dangers to anticipate and can cause delays and frustration. Despite the rigors of the journey, the trek rewards adventurers with priceless and unparalleled experiences of the beautiful Himalayas in this remote region.
Cho La Crossing Profile
This table follows the route described below, from Gokyo over the pass to Dzongla, which is the direction of our Gokyo Ri with Everest Base Camp trek. Our Three Passes trek crosses the other way, from Dzongla to Thagnak. Times are typical for an acclimatised trekker and stretch after fresh snow. Bars start at 4,500 m.
| Place | Altitude | On the crossing |
|---|---|---|
| Gokyo | 4,790 m | Rest day and Gokyo Ri before the crossing |
| Thagnak (Dragnag) | 4,700 m | 1.5 to 2 hours from Gokyo across the Ngozumpa Glacier, small lodges |
| Cho La | 5,420 m | Top of the pass, about 4 to 5 hours up from Thagnak |
| Dzongla | 4,830 m | 2 to 3 hours down the glacier from the top |
| Lobuche | 4,940 m | Next day, last village before base camp |
East to West or West to East?
From Dzongla the climb is about 590 m and ends on the glacier, which is easier to walk uphill when it's icy. From Thagnak the climb is a little longer, about 720 m, up a steep slope of loose boulders where rockfall is the main risk. Either way works. Pick the direction that fits your route, and start before dawn so you're over the top before the afternoon wind and cloud.
What to Carry on Cho La
- Microspikes for the glacier, plus trekking poles
- Gaiters if there's fresh snow
- A headtorch, because most groups leave Dzongla or Thagnak at 5 to 6 am
- Two litres of water and snacks, since there are no lodges for 7 to 8 hours
- A warm layer and windproof jacket for the top
Cost for Cho La Pass Trek
The price tag for the Cho La Pass journey varies based on your selected package. Itineraries that include Cho La run 16 to 21 days. Our Gokyo Ri with Everest Base Camp Trek takes 18 days and starts from USD 1,775, and the Everest Three High Passes Trek takes 21 days from USD 1,955. Check what each package includes. Permits, a guide, teahouse rooms and Lukla flights are normally covered, and tips, gear rental and Wi-Fi are usually extra. Above Namche, Wi-Fi costs about USD 3 to 10 a day and charging about USD 3 to 6. See our Everest trek cost guide for the full breakdown.
Route For Cho La Pass Trek
Cho La Pass Trek is one of Nepal's most spectacular and demanding trekking journeys. It traverses through the rugged and beautiful trails of the Everest region, providing trekkers with stunning views of the world's highest peak and an unforgettable experience.
The trek starts at Lukla (2,860 m), a 35-minute flight from Kathmandu or, in spring and autumn, a 20-minute flight from Manthali after a 4 to 5 hour drive. You follow the Dudh Koshi River through Thado Koshi and Ghat to Phakding. You'll encounter various farming terraces, bird species, and monasteries (gompa) along the way. On the second day you climb to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), the largest Sherpa town in the region.
From Namche the trail heads up the Gokyo valley to Dole and Machhermo, then on to Gokyo (4,790 m), where most itineraries take a rest day and climb Gokyo Ri. From Gokyo you cross the Ngozumpa Glacier to Thagnak, the base for the pass.
With a week of acclimatisation behind you, you cross Cho La (5,420 m). Prayer flags and stone cairns mark the top, and the view east takes in Ama Dablam and Cholatse. You then drop over the glacier to Dzongla and walk on to Lobuche (4,940 m), the last proper village before base camp. From Lobuche you follow the Khumbu Glacier to Gorak Shep (5,170 m) and Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), beside the Khumbu Icefall. Next morning you climb Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for sunrise over Everest and Nuptse, the best Everest view of the trip. The trek then descends via Pheriche to Namche Bazaar and Lukla, and you fly back to Kathmandu.
Crossing Cho La is a big day, but it turns an out-and-back trek into a loop through two of the finest valleys in the Khumbu.
Cho La Pass FAQs
How high is Cho La Pass?
5,420 m, or 17,782 ft. It's the middle of the three high passes in height, above Renjo La (5,360 m) and below Kongma La (5,535 m).
How long does it take to cross Cho La?
About 7 to 8 hours between Dzongla and Thagnak in either direction, with 4 to 5 hours of climbing and 2 to 3 hours of descent. Fresh snow can add several hours.
Is Cho La Pass dangerous?
It's a serious day but not technical. The risks are an icy glacier on the east side, rockfall on the west side and poor visibility in snow. Cross early, with microspikes, and don't go after heavy snowfall until a trail has been broken.
Do I need a guide to cross Cho La?
The Khumbu doesn't enforce Nepal's guide rule in 2026, so it's legal to cross alone. Fresh snow can hide the trail, though, so if you go without a guide, cross with other trekkers and start early.
Can I see Everest from Cho La?
The view from the top is mostly of Ama Dablam, Cholatse and the peaks around the pass. The best Everest views on this route come from Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri.
