Everest Three Passes vs Chola Pass Trek

Let’s compare between two of the challenging high – altitude treks of Everest region Nepal. If you are looking for a wilderness break away from the chaos of city life, then choose the Everest region. High up in the mountains around the world’s tallest peaks can surely help you knit wild Himalayan adventure. Let’s compare the Everest Three Passes vs Chola Pass Trek. Please remember that the Chola Pass Trek is a single pass crossing journey whereas the Three High Passes Trek in Nepal is three passes crossing high adventure.

Today’s blog will surely help you to find out details between these two iconic and adventurous trekking trails. Make sure that you read until the end and decide on your own about the suitable trek for you.

Everest Three High Passes Trek

The most satisfying and adventurous trekking trail of the Everest region is definitely the Everest Three High Passes. Traverse through the iconic mountain passes that are above 5000 m from sea level. Interestingly, you can also visit the Everest Base Camp during this challenging trekking journey. Furthermore, the trek features amazing passes that feels as if you are experiencing the mini – mountaineering adventures. Kongma La Pass (5535 m), Chola Pass (5420 m), and Renjo La Pass (5360 m) are included in the trekking route of the Everest Three High Passes Trek.

Chola Pass Trek

As mentioned above, the Chola Pass Trek is a single pass trek unlike the Everest Three High Passes Trek. Interestingly, you can also visit the Everest Base Camp during this journey too. The pass separates the Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp Trail. If you are looking for slightly less arduous yet a pass crossing activity in your trekking itinerary, then it is an ideal choice. Trekkers can cross the pass in both ways either clockwise from Gokyo or anticlockwise from Everest Base Camp. 5420 m tall pass is one of the beautiful mountain passes of Nepal which is also the best vantage point.

Key Differences: Everest Three Passes vs Chola Pass Trek

Well, finding key differences on the Everest Three Passes vs Chola Pass Trek debate is very hard. In fact, the Chola Pass Trek is the shortened version of the Everest Three High Passes Trek. Therefore, you can’t compare between these two treks. Skip the Renjo La Pass (5360 m) and skip the Kongma La Pass (5535 m). Here is your itinerary of the Chola Pass Trek in Nepal. Therefore, the major difference is definitely the number of days in an itinerary. The difficulty level is also different to each other. The Everest Three High Passes Trek is more challenging than the Chola Pass Trek.

Chola Pass (5420 m) is comparatively more commercial than Renjo La Pass (5360 m) and Kong Ma La Pass (5535 m). Few trekkers try to cross these two passes than the Chola Pass. Therefore, this blogger can say that the Everest Three High Passes Trek offers more wilderness adventure opportunities.

What are the Trek Difficulty and Physical Demands?

Physical demands of both the treks are almost identical. So, you can differentiate in the Everest Three Passes vs Chola Pass Trek. Make sure that you are physically prepared before these treks in Everest region of Nepal. Extreme physical fitness is required including strong will power. Mental strength must be sound as the high mountains can really test your perseverance. Be prepared to walk for about 8 to 9 hours in an average while crossing the mountain pass. Long itinerary and longer time in the high – altitude places can be exhausting. Therefore, it is important to prepare well before the trek. If you are physically fit, then you can surely complete the trek.

Does Altitude and Acclimatization matter for Three Passes Trek and Chola Pass Trek?

Yes, altitude and acclimatization shouldn’t be overlooked during the Three Passes Trek and Chola Pass Trek. These treks are high – altitude treks and trekkers spend majority of time above 4000 m. Therefore, acclimatization activities shouldn’t be overlooked. The best way to conquer high – altitude places which have lower oxygen level is by doing acclimatization activities. Besides acclimatization, make sure to follow healthy food habits. Eat soupy foods and stay hydrated throughout the trek.

How do you compare between Chola Pass Trek and Three High Pass Trek in terms of Duration and Itinerary Cost?

Naturally, the duration of the Three High Pass Trek is longer than the Chola Pass Trek. You must accommodate two passes more than the Chola Pass Trek. Therefore, it is possible to complete the Chola Pass Trek in about 13 to 15 days but you may need 17 to 18 days to complete the Everest Three High Passes Trek in Nepal.

If I have to do Cost and Budget Comparison between the Everest Three Passes vs Chola Pass Trek, then Chola journey is slightly cheaper. Average trekking package cost for the Chola Pass Trek starts from 1500 $ per person. Similarly, the cost of the Everest Three Passes Trek package starts from 1600 $ per person.

Permits and Entry Requirements

Similar permits are okay to do these two treks. Purchase the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit (NRs. 3000 to foreigners & NRs. 1500 to SAARC citizens) and Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry permit (NRs. 3000) for these treks. You don’t need peak climbing kind of permit for these high – altitude trekking trip in Nepal.

Best Seasons for Each Trek

Ideal season is needed for such a challenging trekking journey. Choose the months of spring season (March – May) and months of autumn season (September – November) for safe trekking in both the trails.

Trek to Everest Base Camp during Chola Pass Trek or Three High Passes Trek

The most interesting thing about the Everest Three Passes vs Chola Pass Trek is the inclusion of Everest Base Camp Hike. Both treks have the Everest Base Camp (5364 m) in its itinerary. Therefore, lots of people say that these treks are the Khumbu Circuit Trek route that covers almost all trekking regions of Upper Khumbu Nepal.

Feel free to consult with us to decide between the Everest Three High Passes Trek and the Chola Pass Trek. We will surely help you to knit a safe high – altitude trekking itinerary.