Cholatse Peak Climbing – 23 Days

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A technically challenging climbing peak in Everest Region, Cholatse Peak Climbing is full of fun & challenges
Group size: Min 2 pax Max-Altitude: 6501m/21453 ft.
Destination: Nepal
Arrival on: Kathmandu Departure from: Kathmandu
Meals: All Meals during trek
Accommodation: Hotels/Mountain Lodges
Fitness level: Challenging

Trip Introduction

A technically difficult climbing peak in Everest Region, Cholatse Peak 6440m is also popular as Jobo Lhaptshan among climbers. Climbing Cholatse with us is an extension of scenic Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek. Nestling within Mahalangur Himalayan Range of Everest Region, the peak caters dramatically wonderful vistas of Himalayan giants like Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Makalu, Baruntse, and Ama Dablam among others.  

Though Cholatse Peak is just a 6000m plus mountain, it is technically taxing climbing peak and hence is recommended for those climbers who are known to ice and rock climbing along with rope skills. It is absolutely not for beginners. The highlights of Cholatse Peak Climbing adventure are cultural and natural wonders of Khumbu & Gokyo Valleys. Crossing over Cho La Pass is yet another challenging section of the trip. 

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu
Altitude: 1,300m/4,264 ft. 

Day 02: Trip briefing and Rock Climbing Course in Kathmandu
Altitude: 1,300m/4,264 ft. | Meal: Breakfast

Day 03: Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding
Altitude: 2840/ 9372 ft. Phakding: 2610 m/8612 ft. | Flight: 30 minutes | Trek: 3/4 hrs. | Meal: BLD

Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazar
Altitude: 3440 m/11352 ft. | Trek: 5/6 hrs. | Meal: BLD

Day 05: Rest day for acclimatization
Altitude; 3440 m/11352 ft. | Meal: BLD

Day 06: Trek to Dole
Altitude: 4200 m/13860 ft. | Trek: 5-6 hrs. | Meal: BLD

Day 07: Trek to Machhermo
Altitude: 4,470 m/14750 ft. | Trek: 4-5 hrs. | Meal: BLD

Day 08: Trek to Gokyo
Altitude: 4,800 m/15840 ft. | Trek: 4-5 hrs. | Meal: BLD

Day 09: Morning Excursion to Gokyo Ri, Trek to Thagnak
Altitude: Gokyo Ri - 5483m/18094 ft. Thagnak - 4700 m/15510 ft. | Trek: 4/5 hrs. | Meal: BLD

Day 10: Trek to Cho La pass 5,367m to Dzongla (4830 m): 7 - 8 hours
Altitude: Cho-la pass - 5330 m/17589 ft. Dzongla - 4830 m/15939 ft. | Trek: 6/7 hrs. | Meal: BLD

Day 11: Trek to Gorekshep, excursion to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorekshep
Altitude: EBC - 5357m/17678 ft. Gorekshep - 5140 m/16960 ft. | Trek: 6/7 hrs. | Meal: BLD

Day 12: Excursion to Kalapatthar and Trek to Cholatse Base Camp
Altitude: Kalapatthar - 5550 m/18315 ft. Cholatse BC - 5355 m/17670 ft. | Trek: 7/8 hrs. | Meal: BLD

Day 13 & 14: Preparation Day
Rock Climbing/Glacier climbing practice | Meal: BLD 

Day 15 & 16: Trek to High Camp
Meal: BLD

Day 17: Summit Cholatse Peak, back to Cholatse Base Camp
Altitude: 6501m/21453 ft. | Trek: 7/8 hrs. | Meal: BLD

Day 18: Contingency Day
Meal: BLD

Day 19: Trek to Pangboche
Altitude: 3930 m/12970 ft. | Trek: 5/6 hrs. | Meal: BLD

Day 20: Trek to Namche
Altitude: 3440 m/11352 ft. | Trek: 4/5 hrs. | Meal: BLD

Day 21: Trek to Lukla
Altitude: 2840/ 9372 ft. | Trek: 4/5 hrs. | Meal: BLD

Day 22: Fly to Kathmandu
Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. | Flight: 30 minutes | Meal: B

Day 23: Departure Transfer
Altitude: 1350/4428 ft.  | Meal: B

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu (Altitude: 1,300m/4,264 ft.)
On your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, one of our representatives will pick up you and escort you to the hotel as well as help you to check-in at the hotel. After your refreshment, you will be briefed about the next day trip. In the evening, we, the Hiking Nepal will offer you a welcome dinner introducing Nepalese cuisine and culture.

Day 02: Rock Climbing Course in Kathmandu (Altitude: 1,300m/4,264 ft. Meal: Breakfast)
Today, you will be taken to natural rock climbing spot. Just driving 3 km away from the hotel you stay, you will reach the spot where you will be taking part in a climbing course before departure to Lukla. A day course will provide excellent opportunities to learn how to use rope, harness, Ice axe, crampons although keeps your physical fitness. After day rock climbing, you will drive back to the Hotel. Remaining time, you can involve yourself in personal shopping and make ready your luggage.

Day 03: Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding (Altitude: 2840/ 9372 ft. Phakding: 2610 m/8612 ft. Flight: 30 minutes Trek: 3/4 hrs. Meal: BLD)
On a clear bright morning, you will fly over the snowcapped mountains to one of the most electrifying high altitude airports, Lukla at an altitude 2900 m. Your guides and porters will accompany you here for the trek. Hence, the trekking adventure kicks off. Beginning the trek, you will slide down almost 500 meters to Dudh Koshi River. Then, the trek winds along the trail beside the River towards Phakding. Passing several mani-walls and boulders engraved with Buddhist prayers, you will arrive at Phakding where you will spend the first night of your trek.

Day 04:   Trek to Namche Bazar (Altitude; 3440 m/11352 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
The trek chases the northern trial up the Dudh Kosi valley to Monjo. At Monjo, the trek officially enters Sagarmatha National Park where you have to issue Sagarmatha National Park Permit Card. Continuing the trail along the steep uphill climb while savoring the first glimpse of Everest, you will arrive at the hub of Sherpa- Namche Bazaar. Spend overnight at lodge.

Day 05:  Rest day for acclimatization (Altitude; 3440 m/11352 ft. Meal: BLD)
It is a day to acclimatize you with higher elevation. On this day, you can go for a short hike to Khumjung, a beautiful settlement of Hospitable Sherpas. OR, you can roam around the Namche that offers Internet Cafes, restaurants, ATMs, and colorful markets. Even, you can enjoy the traditional living of mountain dwellers that is getting complimentary by the awe-inspiring surrounding and high altitude flora/fauna. Spend overnight at lodge.

Day 06: Trek to Dole (Altitude: 4200 m/13860 ft. Trek 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Today, you will climb the Khumjung hill and descend to the east of the village down the broad valley leading to the Dudh Koshi from where the route turns north. Treading to the ridge top that stretches down from Mt. Khumbila, which is manifested by a beautiful “Chorten”, you will begin to explore Mohang. It is the birthplace of the reincarnated revered monk of Rongbuk Monastery of Tibet, who has flourish Tibetan Buddhism in Khumbu and neighboring regions.  Beyond, Mohang, you will slide down along the series sheer switchbacks on the sandy slope to Dush Koshi Riverbed. Crossing a Dole Check Post of

National Park at Tenga, you will reach to Dole, a small village that lies at the riverside. Spend overnight at lodge.

Day 07: Trek to Machhermo (Altitude: 4,470 m/14750 ft. Trek: 4-5 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Your trek from Dole begins with a steep uphill climb to Machhermo. The trail today passes beautiful villages- Labarum and Luza, then the trail gets easier passing through small other villages and summer settlements. Following the valley above the Dudh Koshi, you will enter the small settlements with few tea- houses called as Macchermo. Spend overnight at Lodge.

Day 08: Trek to Gokyo (Altitude: 4,800 m/15840 ft. Trek: 4-5 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Today the trek begins with an uphill walk to a ridge that caters fantastic view. From the ridge top, the deep valley Kantega down and towering Cho Oyu 8153m above are eye-feasting sights. From the ridge top, you tread along the widened valley and cross Phangga- pass, where 40 people during 1995 avalanche lost their lives. Sliding down to the riverbed and then chasing along the steep trail via the terminal moraine of the Ngazumpa Glacier, arrive at a stream. Crossing the stream on a small iron bridge, tread along the leveled trail and arrive to first Lake Longpongo, at 4690 m. Soon you will sight the second lake Taujung Tsho. A short walk from the second lake brings to the third lake called Gokyo Tsho. The famous village of Gokyo sits just above the lake with an amazing backdrop of Mt. Cho-Oyu. You will have lunch & post lunch set out to explore Dudh Pokhari. Overnight in lodge.

Day 09: Morning Excursion to Gokyo Ri, Trek to Thagnak (Altitude: Gokyo Ri: 5483m/18094 ft. Thagnak: 4700 m/15510 ft. Trek: 4/5 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Today, you will begin your journey early morning to Gokyo-Ri, an ideal vantage point to sight extremely the beautiful vistas of Everest and its closest neighbor. Spending some valuable time, retrace back to Gokyo to trek to next spot. You trek across the Ngazumpa Glacier to the mountain on the other side of Gokyo Valley. Then, walking along the ridge of the mountain you will enter into Thagnak. Spend overnight at lodge.

Day 10: Trek to Cho La pass 5,367m to Dzongla (4830 m): 7 - 8 hours (Altitude: Cho-la pass: 5330 m/17589 ft. Dzongla: 4830 m/15939 ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Today will be a long day of your trek and required a bit technical, as you will be crossing the pass. The presence of steep glacial section on the east makes this pass a technically demanding walk. Ice covered rocks make day’s trek tricky with slippery attributes. Beginning the trek, we walk through the rocky ravine to the top of the pass, which is marked by fluttering prayer flags and chortens. The pointed Ama Dablam along with Cholatse soars Lobuche East and Baruntse is extremely beautiful vistas from the top. Now traversing across some crevasses we arrive at Dzongla Village. Spend overnight at lodge.

Day 11: Trek to Gorekshep, excursion to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorekshep (Altitude: EBC: 5357m/17678 ft. Gorekshep: 5140 m/16960 ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. Meal: BLD)
It is the most interesting and challenging day of this trip as the day starts with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. Today, you will hike up to the Everest base camp at an altitude of 5364 m. You will head through the horizontal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. On the way to Gorekshep, you will witness the north ridge of Mt. Everest, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Nuptse and many more. Further climbing through the Changri Glacier, you can have the first glimpse of Kalapatthar. You will stop at Gorekshep for a lunch; then continue to walk for your ultimate destination- the Everest Base Camp. The splendid views of the mountains and scenarios make the journey livelier, even snubbing all the tiresome walk in the steep route. The trail will last for approximately 3 hours from Gorekshep. Once you reach base camp, you can actually see the deadliest route to the Everest that makes the journey more adventurous. You will get to spend quality time exploring the base camp and surrounding areas and return to Gorak Shep to spend the night.

Day 12: Excursion to Kalapatthar and Trek to Cholatse Base Camp (Altitude: Kalapatthar: 5550 m/18315 ft. Cholatse BC: 5355 m/17670 ft. Trek: 7/8 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Next to Everest Base camp, this day is too exciting and adventurous hiking to Kalapatthar. You will get an early morning call from our guide to get ready to hike first at Kalapatthar. The reason is to catch the sparkling yellowish snowcapped over the mountains especially Mt. Everest by the strike of every ray during sunrise. Every second becomes an exciting moment of a lifetime; well, don’t forget to capture in camera. Explore and experience the extreme elevation and retrace your path back to Cholatse Base Camp. Spend overnight at Camp.

Day 13 to Day 14: Preparation Day
From here, you will be required to be more focused and learn some climbing technique letting you familiarized with the altitude. Hence, it is better to stay at Base Camp. You will learn come climbing techniques and hike to the nearest destination to walk up and stay at low land for acclimatizing you properly with the altitude. You will spend your overnights at the tented camp.

Day 15 and Day 16 Trek to High Camp
After staying three days in Base Camp, you will now get ready to climb up to High Camp. Here, you will climb up undertaking climbing training and learn enough climbing skills from the expert Climbing guides before you make the final ascent to Cholatse Summit.   You will be staying at the tented camp and eat Sherpa cooked foods.

Day 17: Summit Cholatse Peak, back to Cholatse Base Camp (Altitude: 6501m/21453 ft. Trek: 7/8 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Wake up early morning at around 0200 hrs. to get ready with all gears and equipment, you will start walking in the glaciers following the climbing guide. With strenuous climbing along the rocky and snowcapped trails, you will find yourself in the most dramatic edge of Cholatse Peak. Enjoy the success with some clicks along the background of skyline Himalayas surrounds you. Spending valuable time, you will retrace back your journey descending down very carefully from the summit to the base camp. Spend overnight at Tented Camp.

Day 18: Contingency Day
The weather in the Himalayas is quite unpredictable. Hence, it is good to take on contingency days considering unfavorable weather or any other obstructions that might delay the group in climbing the peak.  If the group summit the peak in the planned date and everything goes well, this day could be cut off from the itinerary. 

Day 19: Trek to Pangboche (Altitude: 3930 m/12970 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
After your successful climbing, you will descend down towards Pangboche entering the Imja River Valley. Here, you can visit Pangboche Monastery that is believed to be the oldest monastery of Khumbu built by Lama Syange Dorjee who has even introduce the concept of Buddhism in the Himalayas during the 17th century. You will spend your night at local lodges.

Day 20: Trek to Namche (Altitude: 3440 m/11352 ft. Trek: 4/5 hrs. Meal: BLD)
You will just walk-ups and downs descending through the hillside beautified with the rhododendron and Juniper crossing the bridge over the Dudh Koshi River towards Tengboche. You can view fascinating mountains like- Ama Dablam (6856 m), Kangtega (6685 m), Thamserku (6608 m), Lhotse (8414 m), Everest (8848 m). Once you reach pine forest, you can see verities of wild animals and birds including mountain goats.  At Phunki Tenga, you can explore the water driven prayer wheel. Then, you will reach Namche Bazaar. Overnight at local lodges.

Day 21: Trek to Lukla (Altitude: 2840/ 9372 ft. Trek: 4/5 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Today will be the final day at Everest. You will follow the Dudh Koshi River down to Lukla. You will cross several wooden suspension bridge and villages including monasteries while reaching Lukla. Once you reach Lukla, you can plan for an evening celebration with guides and porters, even taste local beer (Chang), enjoy party beating legs on Sherpa Dance steps.

Day 22:  Fly to Kathmandu (Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. Flight: 30 minutes Meal: B)
You will board a plane back to Kathmandu. Arriving at Kathmandu you will be transferred to your hotel and rest of the day will be your leisure time. You can go for shopping, message, or rest at the Hotel. E

Day 23: Departure Transfer (Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. Meal: B)
Spending nearly a week with us, now it’s a time to wish you a wonderful journey to onward destination. Our driver will take you to the International Airport to drop you after check-out from the Hotel.

Important Note

During the trip weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors that are beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered, if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.

Included / Exclude

Cost Include

  • Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off service by a private tourist vehicle.
  • 3 Nights standard twin-sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast.
  • Basic guesthouse accommodation during the trek in mostly twin-share and occasionally dormitory-style rooms.
  • Tented Camps during the climbing period.
  • Local licensed English-speaking trekking guide.
  • The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests.)
  • Food, accommodation, insurance, equipment, and medicine for all staff.
  • Everest National Park permits and Khumbu permit for trekking.
  • Cholatse Peak Climbing permit
  • Airfare from Kathmandu – Lukla - Kathmandu including airport departure tax in Kathmandu and Lukla airports.
  • All our government taxes, vat, tourist service charges.
  • Official expenses.

Cost Exclude

  • Dinner and lunch in Kathmandu. 
  • Your personal expenses for mineral water, soft beverages, confectionaries, laundries, phone calls, hot drinking water, barbills, showers, internet facility, battery chargers, multi-plugs, etc. 
  • Extra baggage excess while flying to Lukla.
  • Personal trekking equipment.
  • Your travel insurance that covers Helicopter evacuation.
  • Medical expenses and trip cancellation. 
  • Tips of the guide, porters and driver as a token of appreciation. 
  • Any other expenses or charges that are not mentioned in “cost includes” list. 
  • Nepal arrival visa.

Best time to travel

Spring(March/April/May/early June) and Autumn(September-October-November-early December)

Physical Condition and requirement

Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in the lower altitudes, however, if we are in excellent health with average physical fitness, have a positive attitude, self confidence and strong determination, we can accomplish the trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior to the trip is good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. It is important that we consult with our doctor before we decide and set up for the Everest Base camp trek. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Treks Planner Nepal before booking the trek.

Additional info

Trekking in the Himalayan region goes through unexpected complication like natural and health challenges resulting changes in the itinerary for your own security reason, If such incident happens during the trek our professional Guide, Porters and leader take you to final point safely for evacuation so, please be friendly with your guide for more achievements and protections. Flights in the Himalayan region often get cancelled even in the best season due to bad weather so we request our travelers to carry luggage for extra days.

Our website contains as much information as possible about this trip but if you want, we can still customize the itinerary according to your wish and preferable time for visit. Feel free to write to us or you can even give us a call if you would like to discuss any aspect regarding the trip.

Important notes

During the trip weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors that are beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered, if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.


Source:www.treksplannernepal.com