Cholatse Peak Climbing

Your guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning to begin your city tour in Kathmandu. You will visit the Boudhanath temple, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, Pashupatinath, a Hindu pilgrimage site, and possibly view cremation ceremonies along the banks of the Bagmati River. Continue on to Patan Durbar Square to take in ancient Nepalese architecture and end your tour with a lunch. After that you will view ancient Nepalese art in the Patan museum. Overnight in Kathmandu.

It takes about 30 minutes to fly From Kathamndu to Lukla and Takes about 3 and half hours to Trek to Phakding (2640 m.), you transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Lukla. Lukla is a small town with an airport. There are few tea shops, lodges, hotels and general stores. You begin today’s trek from Lukla following a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi. Nupla (5885m) can be seen in the distance on the opposite bank, is a peak atop the Kongde Ridge. You descend a mountainside path that merges into your route to Everest, with views to a valley to your right; and at its far end, Kusum Kang (6367m.). The Dudh Kosi approaches as you pass a Mani wall and arrive at Ghat teahouse. You continue along a small path with many climbs and descents following the left bank of Dudh Koshi to Phakding.

The trail starts through a level path along the right bank. Thamserku looms skyward on the opposite bank. You cross a stream and climb the terraced hill from the Dudh Koshi route, to arrive at Benkar. The trail now climbs from the riverbed on the left bank into the mountain, through a forest to Chumoa. You continue along a path with many ups and downs; cross a stream, and pass by the tiny village of Monjo. Now you descend the path of stone steps and return to the right bank. After a short climb you come to Jorsale’s teahouse and hotel, also stop at the National Park entrance counter where National Park fee is collected. After your departure from Jorsale you enter a forested mountainside. After short distance along the Bhote Koshi you begin the steep ascent to Namche Bazar. As the mountain path zigzags uphill, you will emerge at a ridge top rest area that offers excellent views of Everest (8848m) and Lhotse (8516m.), The climb eases somewhat, and Namche Bazar appears ahead as you travel along the path surrounded by pines. Pass the plateau where the Saturday bazaar is held and enter the village. Namche Bazar (3440m) is surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges and opens out only where it faces the Bhote Koshi. The village is a central hub of the area and food, sundries and even mountain climbing equipment may be purchased here.

Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops as well as a magnificent outlook. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day for acclimatization to the high altitude before heading off towards Tyangboche. For the acclimatization you walk upto Khhumjung where you can visit monastery. Khhumjung is densely populated by Sherpa community. You can also enjoy the splendid views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Tawche and kongde. Or you can have an hour walk up to the Syangboche (3800m.) where Everest View Hotel is situated above Namche for the outstanding view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. .There is also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town. This museum exhibits Sherpa culture.

Leaving Namche Bazaar we head along the direction of the gompa and turn right after the large rocks engraved with Buddhist images.The trail climbs the hill to Khumjung and gently descends to the valley of Dudhkoshi and arrives at Phortse Thanga (3,500m) which offers superb views of Thamserku (6,608m), Kangtewa. While walking you can see panoramic views of various mountains

It is a short day trek. From Phortse Thanga you climb steadily through the middle of rhododendron, juniper forest and the elevation increases making the trekking beautiful in spring season. The  rail passes many summer settlements, which are used when yaks are taken to these pastures to graze in the summer months. Ahead of you are excellent views of Cho Oyu, while back down the valley are t

We have an acclimatisation day at Machermo. An excursion around during the day is recommended, returning to spend a second night at the same altitude. This is a very important aspect of our trek and will undoubtedly assist you for better acclimatisation as well as for the success of your trek.

It takes about four and half hours. Today you head for the lakes at Gokyo. You follow a very scenic path to Pangka and then descend slightly, following one of the melt-water Rivers which flow down the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. You climb a steep rocky inclined into the valley by the side of the glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes. You soon arrive at the second of the lakes, crossing the path which heads across the glacier to Cho La (5420m.). The third lake is known as Dudh Pokhari and on its eastern shore is the settlement of Gokyo. Walking by the side of the lake, the scenery is magnificent with the summits of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang reflected in its emerald green waters.

An early morning we make our excursion to Gokyo Ri (5360m) directly above the village of Gokyo, for a magnificent panoramic vista. The view that unfolds is simply stunning. We can see from Cho Oyu in the north all the way around to Ama Dablam and beyond. Some of the best views of Everest can be seen from Gokyo Ri if weather permits. A spectacular morning spent on this summit before dropping back down to Gokyo. After something to eat we continue across the path on the Ngozumba glacier on to Dzonglha.

A steep and challenging Chola La pass awaits us, as we cross over rock, snow and perhaps ice with superb views of the glacial valleys of Cho Oyu and Everest.This high level pass gives us access to
Dzonglha.

After breakfast, we start our trek to Pangboche. As we descend to low altitude we feel more comfortable for breathing even long day walking. Today’s trail also has fantastic mountain views (perhaps the most scenic trail in the Khumbu), as we contour along for just over three hours to Pangboche, which homes one of the oldest gompas (500 years) in the Khumbu in the upper part of the village. We stay the night in lower Pangboche and look out over Everest and the Nuptse wall up-valley, and Tengboche Gompa on the hillside across the river below. It’s a nice walk up past the gompa to another hermitage, tucked away at the mouth of a narrow gorge.

A scenic walk along well-used yak trails down to Namche Bazaar through rhododendrons and past moss-covered mani walls where we stop at the ani gompa, or nunnery. Afterwards, we start the descent to Namche bazaar where we stop for overnight

Today it will be the last day of the trek. It remains pleasant, except for few short uphill climbs and then down to the Bhote-Koshi River crossing it three times. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes will bring you to Lukla for your overnight stay.

If the weather is fine in Lukla, then we will get an early morning flight to Kathmandu. The rest of the day you will be free to relax in Kathmandu or add-on activities.

Note: Flights into Lukla are sometimes delayed due to weather conditions either in fog-bound Kathmandu or windy Lukla; be reassured that our staff in Lukla and in Kathmandu will be doing everything possible to minimize the inconvenience caused if this happens. Your patience in the trying circumstances, which can occur, will be greatly appreciated.

An opportunity to relax and reflect on your adventures and to complete any last-minute shopping.