Skip to content

Cho La: The Glacier Pass between Gokyo and Everest Base Camp

Everest region

In this article
  1. Cho La at a glance
  2. Tips
  3. Trips and guides
  4. Plan your visit

Cho La, at about 5,420 m, links Dzongla on the Everest Base Camp side with Thangnak and Gokyo. The crossing includes a short glacier section and steep, rocky slopes, making it the most technical of the Three Passes for many trekkers.

Quick answer: Crossing takes a long day. Microspikes help on the glacier, and conditions vary a lot by season. Many treks combine EBC and Gokyo via Cho La.

Cho La at a glance

FactDetails
AltitudeAbout 5,420 m
ConnectsDzongla and Thangnak/Gokyo
FeatureSmall glacier
TrekThree Passes, EBC–Gokyo
GearMicrospikes recommended

Tips

  • Start before dawn.
  • Watch for rockfall on the slopes.
  • Go with an experienced guide.

Trips and guides

Plan your visit

Cho La is the link between Everest's two great valleys. Contact us and our Kathmandu team will help you plan it.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the questions we hear most. Can’t find what you need? Our team in Kathmandu is happy to help.

Ask a question

About 5,420 m.

Yes, a short section.

Dzongla and Thangnak.

Microspikes are usually enough.

Yes.