Everest Chola Pass altitude snow conditions and crossing tips

Hello it’s time for some tips to successfully cross high – altitude mountain passes of Nepal. Yes, today’s blog is about the famous mountain pass of the Everest region of Nepal, the Chola Pass. It is one of the three passes on the Everest Three Passes Trek route. These passes are Kongma La Pass, Renjo La Pass, and Chola Pass. The blog is about the Everest Chola Pass altitude, snow conditions, and crossing tips. We hope that it helps you to avoid altitude sickness and helps you get the best trekking experiences. Furthermore, we hope that you can get few ideas about Gokyo Valley, Everest Base Camp, and surroundings.

Chola Pass: Beautiful yet Challenging Pass of Everest

The pass separates the beautiful Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp Trek route. Moreover, the pass is one of the longest passes of Nepal and usually covered in snow. Trekkers can get mesmerizing scenery of mountains including the sight of Mt. Makalu from the top of the pass. Additionally, it is also the pass surrounded by snow – capped mountains. Therefore, it is not an exasperation to say that the top of the mountain pass is the best photography point. The difficulty level should not be underestimated. You require immense physical fitness, perseverance, and cardio – vascular abilities to successfully cross the mountain pass.

Trek to Gokyo Valley from Everest Base Camp

Don’t get confused in the name. The EBC Chola Pass Trek, Chola Pass Trek, Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp Trek, and Everest Chola Pass Trek are all same route with different names. Therefore, the Everest Chola Pass Trek is also the journey either from Gokyo Valley to Everest Base Camp or from Everest Base Camp to Gokyo Valley. You must know whether to do the Chola Pass Trek from clockwise or anti – clockwise route. Most of the trekking experts suggest the anti – clockwise route after exploring Everest Base Camp is the best choice. We will talk more on this in the later section.

Everest Chola Pass altitude, snow conditions, and crossing tips

Now, it is time to know more about the Everest Chola Pass altitude, snow conditions, and crossing tips. This blogger has trekked in the Everest Chola Pass Trek route multiple times. Therefore, it is my pleasure to share few pointers for travelers from across the globe. It helps travelers to plan for a hassle – free journey up in the mountains inside the home of the world’s tallest mountain Mt. Everest. Besides the chance to reach the Everest Base Camp (5364 m), trekkers can also knit momentous time on the shores of blue turquoise mountain lake.

Altitude and Tips to Avoid Sickness up in the Mountains

The altitude of the Chola Pass is 5420 m above sea level. Anyplace above 2500 m is risky in terms of altitude sickness. Therefore, you must trek meticulously and follow strict acclimatization activities. As long as you are acclimatized or adjusted to the altitude, there won’t be any problems. During the trek, trekkers must take acclimatization rest day in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. If you are taking the Gokyo Route, then you must acclimatize in Gokyo Valley before crossing the mountain. Furthermore, you must also follow certain rules. Stay hydrated throughout the journey. Eat soupy foods. Take altitude sickness medicine like Diamox two times a day throughout the journey starting from lower elevation. Don’t over pace or under pace the trek.

Snow Conditions on Chola Pass: Best Time to Cross or to do Chola Pass Trek

Usually, the Chola Pass (5420 m) is covered in snow throughout the year. However, the effects of global warming are seen in this mountain pass as well. Therefore, you may notice black boulders and barren terrain in some sections of the pass. It’s not like these 10 years before. I strongly recommend you to avoid crossing the Chola Pass while snowing. Lots of incidents happen during snowfall in the mountain passes. Snowstorm is the biggest threat while crossing the pass. So, avoid winter season and choose spring season (March – May) and autumn season (September – November) for better trekking experiences. Jot down these best times and it is also the Everest Chola Pass altitude, snow conditions, and crossing tips.

Best Tips to Cross Mountain Passes like Chola Pass in Nepal: Clockwise or Anticlockwise

Start the trek early in the morning before dawn. It gives you enough time to cross the pass and reach the nearest shelter or village. Morning weather conditions are stable and it helps you to walk properly. Always remain in a group and don’t wander off the trail. Be careful of hidden crevasses. Therefore, it is wise to follow the lead set by a trekking guide.

Well, on the debate between Clockwise and Anticlockwise route to cross the pass, I would recommend the anticlockwise. If you trek following the anticlockwise route, then you would be fully acclimatized before crossing the pass. By the time you arrive on the foothill of the mountain pass, you would have been to 5545 m place already. Note down that 5545 m is the altitude of Kalapathar hill located near the Everest Base Camp and Gorakshep. In our blog “Everest Chola Pass altitude, snow conditions, and crossing tips”, this is the top idea that you must follow.

Do Guide and Porter make trekking easy especially in high altitude trek like Chola Pass?

Obviously a trekking guide and a porter make trekking easy and safe. Carrying heavy backpacks and crossing the challenging mountain pass is never easy. Leave your baggage to your porter and walk freely. The trail of crossing the mountain pass is rugged, full of hidden crevasses, icy lake, and boulders. Therefore, you must have a trekking guide who knows the terrain and trail well. Please don’t try to do solo trek without an experienced guide for the trek.

Where do I book Everest Chola Pass Trek package and how to hire a guide in Nepal?

Finally, you must also know about the best trekking company to ensure safety. Undoubtedly, it is also the Everest Chola Pass altitude, snow conditions, and crossing tips. The Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd. is the expert trekking company full of highly experienced trekking guides. Book the trek package with this company to get quality services, reasonable rates, and impeccable hospitality.