Trekking
Cho La Pass (5,420m): What to Expect on the Khumbu's Glaciated Crossing
Cho La connects Dzongla to Gokyo across a glaciated high pass at 5,420m — the most technical of the three Khumbu passes, requiring crampons and careful navigation on ice.
Cho La is the central link in the Three Passes circuit, joining the EBC corridor to the Gokyo valley. It crosses active glacier ice — the most technically demanding of the three passes.
Overview
- Altitude: 5,420m
- Crossing time: 6–8 hours (Dzongla to Thagnag)
- Difficulty: Very strenuous — glacier crossing required
Best Time
October–November. Spring is marginal — new snow can make the glacier unstable. Avoid all other seasons.
Key Highlights
The descent from the pass onto the Ngozumpa Glacier is dramatic — blue ice seracs surround the route. Views back toward Lobuche Peak are superb.
Practical Tips
Crampons are mandatory. Start before 5am from Dzongla — afternoon cloud builds quickly and the descent becomes dangerous in low visibility. Always hire a guide for this crossing.
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FAQ
Are crampons absolutely necessary? Yes — the glacier section is consistently icy and cannot be safely crossed without them.
What if the pass is closed? Return to Dzongla and wait 1–2 days, or take the long route via Namche.
Where to rent crampons? Namche Bazaar gear shops rent crampons for NPR 500–800 per day.
