Cholatse Expedition

Your Cholatse Expedition begins upon your arrival at Kathmandu's Airport. Our teams will be there to welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport and assist with your transfer to the hotel.

After check-in, you can relax and recover from your journey or explore the bustling streets, colorful markets, and cultural landmarks around the city. In the evening, you will receive a brief introduction to the expedition schedule and meet fellow climbers.

You will spend the night at a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu.

Today, your day is dedicated to final expedition preparations. Our experienced climbing guides will inspect your gear list to ensure your safety and comfort during the expedition. 

You will receive detailed information about the route, climbing strategy, safety procedures, and weather conditions. This is also an excellent opportunity to ask questions and make any last-minute purchases in Kathmandu before you head to your expedition. 

Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu

An early morning scenic flight takes you to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. The breathtaking flight offers stunning views of the Himalayan range before landing on one of the world’s most famous mountain airstrips. Lukla is a settlement of Sherpa, Rai, Tamang, and others. At Lukla, you can see the statue of Sir Edmund Hillary and Sir Tenzing Norgay Sherpa near Lukla Airport with the background views of the mountains.  

After meeting the trekking crew, begin a pleasant trek through traditional Sherpa villages, suspension bridges, Mountains above the hills, and lush forests alongside the Dudh Koshi River before reaching Phakding. 

Overnight stay at a Tea house in Phakding. 

Today’s trail follows the Dudh Koshi River through pine forests, small villages, Gompa (Buddhist monasteries), and across several suspension bridges. On the way, you can see the unique two-suspension bridge, which is often called Doban (Two bridges at the same place), and you can see the Everest bungee jump. After entering Sagarmatha National Park, the route gradually ascends toward Namche Bazaar.

If weather conditions are clear, you may catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest along the way. Namche Bazaar is the commercial and cultural center of the Khumbu region, offering magnificent mountain views and authentic Sherpa hospitality.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Acclimatization day is specially designated to ensure proper rest in Namche Bazaar. A short hike to nearby villages and Everest view points that helps your body adjust to high altitude while offering spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and surrounding peaks. Namche Bazaar is a settlement of an authentic Sherpa village where Rai, Tamang, and others also live. From Namche Bazaar, you can enjoy the view of Mt. Kongde, Phari, and others. Every Saturday, people come to Namche for business, like local markets, where they set up their small stalls for one day to buy and sell goods, so Namche is often called Namche Bazaar. Namche is more developed compared to other villages. Where you can explore local bakeries, museums, and Markets. 

Overnight stay at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

The trek begins early in the morning from Namche. The trail follows a scenic route through blooming rhododendron forests during the spring season and alpine landscapes. As you gain elevation, magnificent views of Khumbila, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku accompany your journey.

You will arrive at the peaceful settlement of Dole after 6-7 hours of walking. Dole is surrounded by mountain scenery and traditional yak pastures.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Dole.

Your trek starts from Dole around 8 AM, after breakfast. Today’s trek gradually ascends through high-altitude terrain with breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Passing small settlements and grazing areas, you will reach Machhermo, a traditional Sherpa village known for its stunning mountain setting.

The remainder of the day is spent resting and preparing for higher elevations.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Machhermo

The trail continues toward the beautiful Gokyo Valley, where you will pass glacial streams and pristine turquoise lakes. As you approach Gokyo, the views become increasingly dramatic, with Mt. Cho Oyu and surrounding peaks dominating the skyline.

Upon arrival, you will enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of one of the most scenic locations in the Everest region.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Gokyo.

An early morning climb to Gokyo Ri rewards you with one of the finest panoramic viewpoints in the Himalayas. From the summit, enjoy breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the vast Ngozumpa Glacier. This hike is optional during acclimatization day. 

After returning to Gokyo, spend the remainder of the day resting and acclimatizing to adjust your body to the high altitude. 

Overnight stay at a lodge in Gokyo.

Today, you will cross the Ngozumpa Glacier, which leads you toward Thagnak. The relatively short trek allows additional time for rest and altitude adaptation while providing spectacular views of glaciers and surrounding peaks. It takes 4-5 hours of walking. 

Overnight stay at a lodge in Thagnak

After your breakfast, leaving the main trekking trail, you will head toward the remote Cholatse Base Camp. The route traverses rugged terrain beneath towering cliffs and snow-covered peaks.

Upon arrival, the expedition team will establish camp and begin final preparations for the climb ahead.

Overnight stay at Cholatse Base Camp.

This important day allows climbers to acclimatize fully before moving to higher camps. Guides will review climbing techniques, safety procedures, and equipment usage while monitoring weather conditions. Proper acclimatization is necessary when you gain altitude to avoid high-altitude sickness. 

The day also offers an opportunity to enjoy the dramatic mountain environment surrounding base camp.

Overnight stay at Cholatse Base Camp

The climbing phase begins as the team ascends from Base Camp through higher camps established on the mountain. The route involves technical sections of snow, ice, and mixed terrain, requiring careful teamwork and concentration. Climb begins from base camp to Camp-1 (5700 m), Camp-1 to Camp-2 (6200 m), and the summit push begins early morning. 

On summit day, climbers make their final push to the top of Cholatse (6,440m), where extraordinary or breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and the surrounding Khumbu mountains await at the summit. After celebrating this remarkable achievement, the team descends safely back toward Base Camp.

Overnight stays at designated camps during the ascent and descent. 

An additional day has been reserved to accommodate unexpected weather conditions or delays during the climbing period. This flexibility significantly improves the chances of a successful summit.

If unused, the day can be spent resting and enjoying the mountain surroundings.

Overnight stay at Base Camp or lodge. It depends on the weather. 

After completing the climb, descend through alpine valleys and remote mountain landscapes to the picturesque Sherpa village of Phortse. The lower altitude provides welcome relief, and the traditional atmosphere of the village offers an authentic glimpse into local mountain life.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Phortse.

Continue descending through forests and scenic trails back to Namche Bazaar. The journey offers one last opportunity to enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery of the Khumbu region. Upon arrival, relax and celebrate the successful completion of the Cholatse expedition with your team.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

The final trekking day follows the familiar route along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges and passing through charming Sherpa villages. Arrive in Lukla and enjoy a farewell evening with your trekking crew and climbing team.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Lukla.

You will get an early morning flight back to Kathmandu, enjoying one final aerial view of the Himalayas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

The remainder of the day is free for shopping, sightseeing, or celebrating your successful Cholatse Expedition.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu

Your Cholatse adventure comes to an end today. Depending on your flight schedule, our team will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. Depart Nepal with unforgettable memories of the Khumbu region, new friendships, and the achievement of climbing one of the Himalaya’s most impressive peaks.