Meta description: Are you wondering about the Everest Base Camp Cho la Pass difficulty? Do not panic! Here is a detail on the various factors that make the trek difficult.
Trekking in the Everest region is a dream to many. But the Everest Base Camp Cho la Pass difficulty scares many. But you do not have to worry about the difficulty of this trek. With proper preparation and good stamina, this trek is doable.
Everest Base Camp Cho la Pass via Gokyo lakes is a less traveled path in the Everest region and still holds its natural charm. The local traditions and cultures you see en route are still untouched by modernity. This trek offers in-depth knowledge of the local cultures and get more familiar with them.
It is a minimum of 18-days trek. Quite a long and an exhausting plus a difficult one as well. The route is quite nice and doesn’t require technical climbing skills. But, you will have to walk a lot. This is the reason for Everest Base Camp Cho la Pass difficulty.
Most trekkers rank Everest Base Camp Cho la Pass trek as a medium graded trek. The trek is doable by anyone who has trekked before however, it may prove to be a bit more demanding for new trekkers.
The Everest Base Camp Cho la Pass trek is an addition or another option for Everest Base Camp trek. This trek covers the amazing Everest Base Camp along with the beautiful Gokyo lake. And includes the magnificent Cho la Pass as well.
Also known as the Everest Circuit Trek, this trek connects the Gokyo lake and Everest Base Camp. The trek follows many high Passes including the Cho la Pass at 5420 m.
This trek is also known for its beautiful panoramic views of the snow-covered mountains. You can see various mountains like Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Kangtega, Mt. Cho-Oyu, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse and the majestic Mt Everest itself.
The trek takes its route through lush green forests, Sagarmatha National Park and many awe-inspiring landscapes. The route also passes through many charming streams and waterfalls.
You will trek for an average of 5 to 7 hours each day. A lot of uphills in the beginning and downhill by the end of the trek.
Everest Base Camp Cho la Pass difficulty: Weather and Temperature
The weather has a great influence on the difficulty of any trek, especially mountain treks. The weather of the Everest Base Camp trek determines the difficulty of this trek. So is the case when extending the EBC trek to Cho la Pass through Gokyo lakes.
Spring and autumn seasons are best seasons to trek to Everest Base Camp Cho la Pass. It will be best if you travel during these months to complete the trek with less difficulty. The weather is perfect and the skies are clear.
The temperature during the spring and autumn are pretty cold, especially at the base camp. The temperatures goes about – 12-degree Celsius in the day. While during nights and mornings it may be around -26-degree Celsius.
Your trek during these months will be less challenging among all the other months.
On the other hand, monsoons and winter trek in Everest Base Camp can be quite challenging.
The Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass trek gets challenging during winter and monsoon. Mostly the rain (during monsoon) and the snow makes the path a lot difficult.
But lesser crowd this seasons will get you special discounts. The trek is, however, only suggested to experienced and professionals this season.
The coldest temperatures of the year occur from the 15th of December until the end of January. The temperatures at the summit averages at -37-degrees Celsius (-35F). While those at Everest Base Camp averages -17-degree Celsius (1.4F).
Wind is another important factor to keep in check. Winds can get as fast as 10 km/hr on the summit. This does add to the difficulty of the already challenging trek.
Do you have any question or Confusion?
Tell us about your trip and we will help you design comfortable itinerary to meet your needs.Acclimatization and Elevation
Everest Base Camp Cho la Pass trek route follows quite a high altitude. You will be at high altitudes for most of the trek. And altitude sickness is a common problem at high altitudes. The body requires certain time to get used to the altitude.
The altitude tends to rise drastically in a short period of time during this trek. It gradually increases the Everest Base Camp Cho la Pass difficulty. You will be traveling and gaining about 500 to 700m of elevation each day. This may be a problem especially for the trekkers who come from lower lands.
So, it is better if you take enough days to rest and acclimatize before you continue your trek. Take precautions before you gain elevation.
The highest point on the trek at Gorak Shep will be about 5180 m. You may suffer from altitude sickness while getting there. This could add into making your trek a difficult and a challenging one.
Nausea, headache, difficulty breathing, insomnia, and diarrhea are common symptoms. Be sure to inform your guide immediately, in case of any.
Here are a few precautions:
- Avoid sleeping pills as they act as depressants and can make you more prone to altitude sickness.
- Avoid alcohol as it will act as a depressant
- Consult your physician before the trek and only take prescribed medication.
- Acclimatize properly before ascending
The Distance
The total distance of the trek will be about 130 km. It is an addition to Everest Base Camp Trek distance added with the trek to Cho la Pass via Gokyo Lakes. As you can tell, this is a long trek. You will be walking for about 10 to 11 km each day.
The longer you walk the more your body exhausts and becomes lethargic. This leads to Everest Base Camp Cho la Pass difficulty.
In addition to the long trek each day most of it will probably be an uphill climb. You will be passing through different boulders, rocky terrains, and the cliff edges. This definitely leads to even more exhaustion and thus makes the trek challenging.
Training requirements
The Everest Base Camp Cho la Pass trek is among the challenging treks. Most of the routes are moderate but some are quite difficult. For this, training for Everest Base Camp trek is a must.
If you are an experienced trekker you may find it moderately difficult. But if you are a new trekker you may find it challenging. So, you should train at least three months prior to the trek.
You can prepare by taking long walks. You can go on other hikes or short treks before this trek. You should opt for high elevation treks when training for this trek.
These types of training will help you build more stamina. They will also ensure that you get more used to the high altitudes and low oxygen levels.
Aerobic Exercise
It is also a great idea to join a gym and take classes that work with aerobic exercise. This is a must in order to train yourself at higher altitudes. It deals with cardiovascular conditioning. Zumba, aerobics, and kick-boxing are some activities that you can do in a gym.
The work of the heart and the lungs increases when you involve in activities like running, hiking and so on. To condition your body to such changes aerobic exercises are a must. These also help you build up your stamina.
Such physical training will ease your Everest Base Camp Cho la pass difficulty.
Gear and Equipment
If you are able to select the right gears and equipment then your trek will definitely become easier.
What you carry has a lot to do with making your trips a successful one. Depending on the season you intend to trek, you should pack accordingly.
To minimize the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass difficulty, you can go through the detailed packing list. Check the list and you can customize your gear accordingly.
Before packing, you should consider the season and your body type. On the basis of the geography and weather, you need to pack for the trek. This can drastically ease your trek difficulty.
Final Say
The Everest Base Camp Cho la Pass trek is an adventurous trek. A good preparation will make your treks a lot easier. It not only allows you to enjoy your trips but return safe and undrained by the expedition.
The beautiful landscapes, exotic villages and the hospitable Sherpa people will make you forget the Everest Base Camp Cho la Pass difficulty.
Longer treks demand more stamina and endurance. You must come prepared to face any difficulties during the Everest Base Camp Cho la Pass trek. Pre-preparation and physical training will get half the job done.
If you have any other queries about the trek be sure to contact us.
Do you have any question or Confusion?
Tell us about your trip and we will help you design comfortable itinerary to meet your needs.
