CHOLASTE PEAK CLIMBING
CHOLASTE PEAK CLIMBING
This is the real McCoy climbing adventure. This climb is not for the light-hearted and novice climbers.
You will climb over rocky moraines, across a glacier and up a long snowy steep slope to reach the summit of Mt. Cholatse Peak (6335m). It is rated as High Advanced and requires a fair amount of rope work and safety procedures. However, if you are fit and energetic, then you will make it to the top with the feeling of being on top of the world – even above the clouds among other peaks in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Cholatse is connected to Taboche (6501m) by a long ridge and Chola glacier descends off the east face. The north and east faces of Cholatse can be seen from Dughla, a small village and glacial lake on the trail leading to Mt. Everest base camp.
Mt. Cholatse is situated between the Khumbu and Gokyo Valleys and has some very spectacular scenery along the trail as you gradually ascend. Along the trail you will have views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and many other stunning snow-clad peaks. The presence of Tibetan prayer flags, chortens and yaks grazing at lower altitudes makes you feel like being in Tibet. The Buddhist Tibetan culture is one of peace and tranquility in this harsh region and trekking through this region makes you forget the hustle and bustle of our hectic world.
Your journey begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and then on to Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Dole, Machhermo, and on to Gokyo, one of the highest settlements in Nepal – and in the world. At Gokyo we will acclimatize for a day and climb up Gokyo Ri (4750m) to assist the process. We then head to Thangna (4650m), Cholatse Base Camp (5355m), and have another day to acclimatize and rest before heading to Camp I and then to Camp II. Now is the big day as we ascend to the summit and afterward return to Camp 1 or Base Camp. (We have a day to spare in the event the weather is not suitable for climbing). From Base Camp we head to Photse and then back to Namche Bazaar (3446m) and Lukla for a scenic flight back to Kathmandu.
Highlights of Cholatse Peak Climbing
- Climb a more challenging peak in the Himalayas at 6335 meters.
- Traverse glaciers, moraines, ice, and snow.
- Climb Gokyo Ri (4750m) for a warm-up & acclimatization.
- Camp on the mountain at high altitudes before climbing the peak between 5355m and the peak
- Absolutely stunning views in every direction of many snow-covered colossal peaks.
- Understand the lives of Tibetan Buddhists and culture.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Arrival at Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel (1350m).
Welcome to Kathmandu, a city full of vibrant markets, bustling streets, colorful temples and grand pagodas. Our guide will meet you at the airport and take you to our hotel. The remainder of the day you will have an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the shopping areas closest to your hotel and catch up on shopping for equipment. In the evening, our tour guide will give you a brief introduction and provide valuable information about the trek.
Day 2 : Morning Flight from Kathmandu to Tenzing and Hillary Airport in Lukla (2804m) & trek from Lukla to Phakding (2610m).
After an early morning start you will be picked up at the hotel by our guide who will take you to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport. The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla takes around 35 minutes, time enough to take in the spectacular views of the Himalayas. After landing at Tenzing-Hilary airport you will meet your porter who will carry your luggage. You then begin your journey with a relatively easy trek passing a Kani (ceremonial gatehouse) before the tail descends then leads above Kyangma village with its large Gompa (monastery) and school. We then continue to Cheplung village where the trail passes through community forest within sight of the Dudh Koshi River. After crossing the suspension bridge you climb across the ridge to Ghat and then passes a school and complex of Mani walls, Chortens and prayer wheels. After a short walk from Ghat we reach Phakding.
Day 3 : Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
After breakfast the trek of around five to six hours crosses several suspension bridges over the Dudh Kosi River before passing through Tok-Tok, Benkar, and Monjo and then arriving at Sagarmatha National Park entrance gate where you will be required to buy a permit. After following the river bed for a few hours and after the last Hillary suspension bridge, there is a steep uphill trek to Namche Bazaar. Namche has a good selection of restaurants, a cyber café, pubs, post office, ATM and banks. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Day 4 : Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar.
This idyllic town is an ideal place for "acclimatization". Health specialists recommend we spend the day being active, rather than sitting idle. From Namche it is possible to take a short hike to Everest View Resort, Thame, visit Khunde or relax and explore Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is the main center of the Everest (Khumbu) region and has government offices, ATMs, internet cafes, shops, restaurants, bakery, and a colorful market each Friday evening and Saturday. A short trek of only a hundred metres will help us to properly acclimatize. Our guides will also take us to the Tourist Visitor Center near the headquarters of the Sagarmatha National Park where we can observe an assortment of relics related to the first mountaineers to climb Everest, Sherpa culture and discover the varied plant and animal life of the Everest region.
Day 5 : Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole (4038m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today we follow the trail for about six hours before reaching Dole Village where we will stay overnight. You will notice we are steadily gaining altitude and may find it more tiring.
Day 6 : Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4470m) Duration: 3-4 hours.
We have a five hour trek today before reaching tonight’s destination at Machhermo Village.
Day 7 : Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (4750m) Duration: 4-5 hours.
A slightly shorter four hour trek today takes us to Gokyo Village for the night.
Day 8 : Acclimatization day & trek from Gokyo to Gokyo Ri (4750m) & return to Gokyo via Thangnak (4500m)
The purpose today is to help you acclimatize before heading to higher elevations. Health professionals suggest staying active, so today we trek for around 6 to 7 hours beginning in the early morning with a steep climb up to the peak of Gokyo Ri (5483m). The stunning views will leave you spellbound and put your camera into overdrive! The magnificent views Gokyo valley, the enormous Ngozumpa Glacier (world’s highest), incredible panoramic views of the entire Khumbu region, including the towering peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu and Gychung Kang (7952m). Trek to the foot of Cho La Pass. Due to its isolation, our accommodation tonight will be in a dormitory.
Day 9 : Trek from Gokyo to Thangna (4650m) Duration: 3-4 hours.
Today is a relatively short day as we follow the trail for around four hours before reaching Thangna Village where we will stay overnight.
Day 10 : Trek from Thangna to Cholatse Base Camp (5355m) Duration: 4-5 hours.
The days gradually become more physically demanding as we head to higher altitudes. On arrival at CBC we will set up our tents for the night.
Day 11 : Rest day in Base Camp (5355m).
Today will help you adjust to the higher altitude.
Day 12 : Base Camp to Camp I.
Now the climbing begins in earnest as we head higher.
Day 13 : Camp I to Camp II.
Higher and higher we climb burning more energy as we gain altitude. The views naturally become more startling and surely compensate for the effort.
Day 14 : Ascend Cholatse Peak & return to Camp I or Base Camp.
An early start is necessary to reach the summit as early in the day as possible so as to climb in better morning weather. The higher we climb the more stunning the views over a vast white landscape of enormous peaks. We will then return back to Base Camp where we will stay overnight. This is a momentous occasion and deserves many photos!
Day 15 : Spare day in case of bad weather.
Today is set aside in the event the weather is not suitable for climbing the peak.
Day 16 : Trek from Base Camp to Photse.
The trail today is around five to six hours before reaching Photse Village where we stay overnight.
Day 17 : Trek from Photse to Namche Bazaar (3446m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Our second to last day on the trail takes us to Namche Bazaar where we stay overnight.
Day 18 : Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2860m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
This is our final day of trekking before returning to our starting point at Lukla. This is a time to reflect on the unforgettable memories of our trek as a group and our achieving our individual goals. A free afternoon allows you time to relax and enjoy a hot shower! I
Day 19 : Morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu.
Enjoying the last glimpse of the mountains we have recently visited. The 35 minutes scenic flight takes us back to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu, we are met and transferred back to our hotel.
Day 20 : Transfer to International Airport.
The trip concludes – our airport Sherpa Trekking & Expedition team will drop you to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight & departure from Nepal.
SERVICES
Cost Included in your package
- Arrival and departure transfer services to and from both domestic and international flights as per itinerary.
- 2 Night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast.
- Experienced and government licensed high altitude trekking guide during the trekking and climbing period
- Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu (Ramechhap -Lukla- Ramechhap) flight with private airport transfer and domestic airport tax.
- Three meals a day (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
- Fresh fruit every evening after dinner.
- 3 fresh & hygienic meals a day: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served at base camp.
- Strong, helpful Sherpa porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment, his salary, food, accommodation, and insurance (one porter for two people).
- Trekking permit (Sagarmatha national park entry fee).
- TIMS card (Trekking Information Management System).
- Climbing permit of Nepal government to Cholaste Peak.
- Use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag and walking poles (if you don’t have your own, to be returned after trip completed).
- Helicopter rescue insurance for high altitude staff.
- Sherpa Expedition and Trekking T-shirt
- Oxygen meter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) which will ensure your health during the trek.
Costs Exclude
- Meals whilst you are in Kathmandu - lunch, and dinner.
- Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu). $30 USD for 15-day, $50 USD for 30 Days, and $125 USD for 90 Days visa.
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
- International airfare.
- Your personal expenses.
- All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic, soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, mineral water, extra food, cold and hot drinks on trek ( i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the tea houses)
- All desserts & sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
- Hot shower and battery charging at the tea houses.
- Tips for the guide, porter, and driver (tipping is expected)
- Excess baggage of more than 10 kg for Lukla flight.
- NOTE: If you return earlier from the trek due to sickness or any problem, the money you paid for the flight, hotel, mountain room, food, etc. is nonrefundable, and you will need to bear the expenses for the hotel, food, etc. in Kathmandu yourself.
EQUIPMENTS
You will be carrying all of your gear and share some of the cluster gear. Keeping your pack light is important, so choose light-weight clothing and equipment. Be sure to have a range of clothing suitable for all conditions. Sudden change of weather may require layering of clothing. Three layers will meet your needs. Avoid cotton or fabrics that do not maintain heat when cold. Comfortable durable wool (or proven fabrics) that breathe and expel sweat lends itself to an additional pleasant experience!'
We will offer complimentary water and a windproof duffle that you'll use on the trek - carried by porters. The duffle is yours to keep once at the end of the trek. You can safely leave your bag, together with your non-trekking requirements, at our office in Katmandu and collect them upon your return.
All equipment, such as base camp tents, room accessories, climbing rope, ice screws, snow bar and ice hammer is provided by Sherpa Expedition & Trekking.
Upper Body:
- Base Layers: Moisture-wicking and quick-drying shirts and thermal tops.
- Insulation Layers: Fleece or down jackets to provide warmth.
- Waterproof Shell Jacket: A durable and breathable jacket to protect against wind and rain.
- Softshell Jacket: A lightweight and water-resistant jacket for added protection.
- Climbing Harness: A comfortable harness to secure yourself to the rope.
- Helmet: A strong and well-fitting helmet to protect your head from falling objects.
- Gloves: A combination of lightweight liner gloves and insulated gloves or mittens for warmth and dexterity.
- Buff or Neck Gaiter: To protect your neck and face from cold and wind.
- Sunglasses: Polarized and UV-protected sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun and snow glare.
- Goggles: Ski or mountaineering goggles for added eye protection in extreme weather conditions.
Lower Body:
- Base Layers: Moisture-wicking and quick-drying thermal bottoms.
- Insulation Layers: Fleece or insulated pants for added warmth.
- Waterproof Shell Pants: Durable and breathable pants to protect against wind, rain, and snow.
- Softshell Pants: Lightweight and water-resistant pants for added protection.
- Mountaineering Boots: Sturdy and insulated boots designed for snow and ice.
- Crampons: Attachable spikes that provide traction on icy terrain.
- Gaiters: Waterproof and breathable gaiters to keep snow out of your boots.
- Socks: A combination of moisture-wicking liner socks and thick, warm mountaineering socks.
Other Essential Items:
- Backpack: A spacious and sturdy backpack to carry your climbing gear and personal belongings.
- Sleeping Bag: A warm and lightweight sleeping bag that can withstand sub-zero temperatures.
- Trekking Poles: Adjustable trekking poles for added stability and support.
- Headlamp: Essential for climbing in low-light or dark conditions.
- Water Bottles: Insulated water bottles to keep your water from freezing.
- Sunscreen: High SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from the strong sun at high altitudes.
- First Aid Kit: A comprehensive first aid kit with essential medications and supplies.
- Climbing Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, and other lightweight snacks for quick fuel during the climb.
It is important to invest in high-quality gear and ensure that everything fits properly and is in good condition. Additionally, consult with experienced climbers or a professional guide to ensure you have all the necessary gear and receive proper training on how to use it effectively and safely.
GOOD TO KNOW
Cholaste Peak, also known as Jobo Lhaptshan, is a popular peak located in the Everest region of Nepal. Here are some important details you should know about climbing Cholaste Peak:
1. Height: Cholaste Peak stands at an elevation of 6,440 meters (21,126 feet) above sea level.
2. Location: The peak is situated in the Khumbu region of Nepal, close to the world-famous Mount Everest.
3. Difficulty Level: Cholaste Peak is considered a technically challenging climb. It requires previous mountaineering experience and expertise in using mountaineering equipment like ropes, ice axes, and crampons.
4. Climbing Season: The best time to climb Cholaste Peak is during the pre-monsoon season (April-May) and post-monsoon season (October-November). These months offer stable weather conditions and clear visibility.
5. Permits: Climbing Cholaste Peak requires obtaining permits from the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and Sagarmatha National Park. You will need to be accompanied by a licensed climbing guide.
6. Itinerary: The typical climbing itinerary for Cholaste Peak includes acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche before reaching the base camp. The ascent usually takes around 2-3 days, depending on the climber's pace and weather conditions.
7. Accommodation: During the trek to Cholaste Peak, you will find teahouses and lodges in the villages along the route. However, at higher altitudes, you may need to camp in tents.
8. Equipment: It is essential to have proper mountaineering equipment, including ice axes, crampons, harness, helmet, rope, and appropriate clothing for extreme weather conditions. It is recommended to hire or bring your own gear.
9. Training and Experience: Prior mountaineering experience is crucial for climbing Cholaste Peak. Familiarity with techniques like ice climbing, rock climbing, and glacier travel is highly recommended. Physical fitness and stamina are also essential.
10. Safety: Climbing Cholaste Peak involves certain risks, including altitude sickness, avalanches, and extreme weather conditions. It is important to have a trained guide and follow their instructions for a safe and successful climb.
Remember to consult with a reputable trekking agency or mountaineering guide for detailed information, safety measures, and to make the necessary arrangements for your Cholaste Peak climbing expedition.
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FAQS
How long does it take to climb Cholaste Peak?
The duration of the climb can vary depending on factors such as weather conditions, acclimatization, and the climber's experience. On average, it takes around 2-3 days to reach the summit from the base camp.
Do I need prior climbing experience to climb Cholaste Peak?
Yes, prior climbing experience is essential for Cholaste Peak. It is considered a technical climb, and climbers should have experience in using mountaineering equipment and be comfortable with techniques like ice climbing and glacier travel.
What permits do I need to climb Cholaste Peak?
Climbing Cholaste Peak requires obtaining permits from the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and Sagarmatha National Park. You will also need to hire a licensed climbing guide.
What is the best season for climbing Cholaste Peak?
The best seasons for climbing Cholaste Peak are the pre-monsoon season (April-May) and post-monsoon season (October-November). These months offer relatively stable weather conditions and clear visibility.
What kind of physical fitness is required for Cholaste Peak climbing?
Climbing Cholaste Peak requires a high level of physical fitness and stamina. Regular cardiovascular exercises, endurance training, and strength-building exercises are recommended to prepare for the climb.
Is altitude sickness a concern while climbing Cholaste Peak?
Yes, altitude sickness can be a concern while climbing Cholaste Peak due to the high altitude. It is important to acclimatize properly, ascend gradually, and be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness. It is recommended to consult with a medical professional before the climb.
Can I climb Cholaste Peak independently, or do I need a guide?
Climbing Cholaste Peak requires a licensed climbing guide. It is not recommended to attempt the climb independently, as the peak is technically challenging, and having a guide ensures safety and proper guidance.
What kind of equipment do I need for Cholaste Peak climbing?
Proper mountaineering equipment is essential for Cholaste Peak climbing, including ice axes, crampons, harness, helmet, rope, and appropriate clothing for extreme weather conditions. It is recommended to hire or bring your own gear.
Are there any rescue facilities available on Cholaste Peak?
While climbing Cholaste Peak, there are rescue facilities available in the Everest region. However, it is important to have travel insurance that covers emergency evacuations in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
Can I combine Cholaste Peak climbing with other treks in the Everest region?
Yes, it is possible to combine Cholaste Peak climbing with other treks in the Everest region, such as the Everest Base Camp trek or the Gokyo Lakes trek. Many climbers choose to acclimatize and explore the region before attempting the summit.
Latest Traveller’s Reviews
Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.
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Based On 4 Reviews
Eleonora Topornicka
United States
October 3, 2023
A thrilling adventure in the heart of the Himalayas
Cholaste Peak Climbing is a thrilling adventure that takes you to the heart of the majestic Himalayas. From the base camp to the challenging ascent, every step of the climb is filled with excitement and awe-inspiring views. It's an experience that will leave you with a deep appreciation for the beauty and grandeur of the mountains.
Quayson Emmanuel
Australia
August 31, 2023
Well-planned expedition with expert guidance
Embarking on the Cholaste Peak Climbing expedition with Sherpa Expedition and Trekking was a well-planned and organized experience. The team provided expert guidance and support, ensuring that every aspect of the climb was taken care of. Their knowledge and professionalism made the journey safe and enjoyable.
Rebecca Gorgan
Germany
August 3, 2023
Unforgettable moments in the lap of nature
Cholaste Peak Climbing offers unforgettable moments in the lap of nature. From the serene beauty of the surrounding landscapes to the peacefulness of the base camp, every moment spent in the mountains is filled with tranquility and awe. It's a chance to disconnect from the chaos of everyday life and reconnect with the natural world.
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