Cholatse Peak Climbing 26 days

• Highest point1,400 m
• Walking / travelPreparation and briefing
• OvernightKathmandu (hotel)

Today is for preparation and reviewing the equipment needed for the journey. Your climbing guide explains the climbing and trekking route, safety, acclimatization and the equipment needed for Cholatse.

You can also buy any equipment you still need and arrange to store anything you want to leave behind. If time allows, explore Kathmandu before heading to the Khumbu region.

• Highest point2,610 m
• Walking / travel3-4 hours
• OvernightPhakding

Altitude: Lukla approx. 2,860 m, Phakding approx. 2,610 m

The journey starts with a flight to Lukla, the main gateway to the Khumbu region. After landing, you trek through the Dudh Koshi Valley to Phakding.

The walk is short, giving your body time to adapt to the Himalayan environment. You pass small villages, cross suspension bridges and walk through forest sections as you take in the Khumbu landscape.

• Highest point3,440 m
• Walking / travel5-7 hours
• OvernightNamche Bazaar

The route follows the Dudh Koshi River toward Namche Bazaar (approx. 3,440 m). Crossing suspension bridges, you pass pine and rhododendron forests before the steep climb toward Namche.

After entering Sagarmatha National Park and crossing the final suspension bridges, the trail brings you to the Sherpa trading town of Namche Bazaar, an important stop before continuing into the higher Khumbu.

• Highest point3,440 m
• Walking / travelAcclimatization hike
• OvernightNamche Bazaar

Today is an important acclimatization day. You spend some time around Namche and take a short hike to a higher viewpoint, allowing your body to adapt to the increasing altitude.

You can also use the day to rest, hydrate and prepare for the journey ahead.

• Highest point3,950 m
• Walking / travel6-7 hours
• OvernightPhortse

The trail climbs steeply into the Khumbu. Depending on the final route, it continues through the Mong La area before descending to Phortse (approx. 3,950 m).

Phortse is a traditional Sherpa community surrounded by scenic mountain views, and the terrain becomes increasingly alpine as you move higher.

• Highest point4,270 m
• Walking / travel5-6 hours
• OvernightPheriche

Today you continue toward Pheriche (approx. 4,270 m). As you climb higher, the landscape becomes more rugged, with less vegetation and wider mountain views, and the peaks appear closer as you approach the high-altitude valleys.

Pheriche is a key stop for rest and acclimatization before heading higher into the mountains.

• Highest point4,270 m
• Walking / travelRest day
• OvernightPheriche

Today is set aside for rest and acclimatization. Taking things slowly helps your body adjust before the higher sections of the Cholatse climb.

You can enjoy a short, easy hike around Pheriche to help your body adjust to the altitude, then use the rest of the day to rest, hydrate, check your gear and prepare for the next stage.

• Highest point4,910 m
• Walking / travel4-5 hours
• OvernightLobuche

The trail continues toward the higher Khumbu. The landscape becomes more barren, and the surrounding peaks look closer and clearer.

Lobuche (approx. 4,910 m) is a good place to rest and adjust to the altitude before heading toward Cholatse.

• Highest point4,910 m
• Walking / travelRest and preparation
• OvernightLobuche

Today is another step toward the higher part of the journey, dedicated to getting used to the altitude and preparing for the climb.

The climbing team checks all the equipment, makes sure everyone is physically ready and prepares for the route toward Dzongla and Cholatse.

• Highest point4,830 m
• Walking / travel4-6 hours
• OvernightDzongla

The trail leaves the Everest Base Camp route and heads toward Dzongla (approx. 4,830 m). The landscape becomes quieter and more remote.

Dzongla lies beneath towering peaks and is an important stop for climbers preparing to approach Cholatse. After arriving, you can rest and prepare for the high-altitude crossing ahead.

• Highest point5,420 m
• Walking / travel7-9 hours
• OvernightCholatse Base Camp

Altitude: Cho La Pass approx. 5,420 m, Base Camp approx. 5,000 m

Today is one of the more demanding trekking days. The trail crosses Cho La Pass (approx. 5,420 m) before descending toward the Cholatse area. Snow and ice conditions can vary with the season and weather.

From there, the route continues to Cholatse Base Camp, marking the transition from trekking to the climbing phase of the expedition.

• Highest point5,000 m
• Walking / travelRest and training
• OvernightCholatse Base Camp (tented camp)

Altitude: approx. 5,000–5,100 m

After reaching Base Camp, attention turns to the climb ahead. The day is set aside for rest, acclimatization and technical preparation, and the climbing team checks personal and group equipment and goes over the route.

Depending on the team's experience and the final climbing plan, the guide may review:

• Crampon techniques
• Ice-axe use
• Fixed-rope movement
• Ascending and descending techniques
• Harness and carabiner systems
• Rope communication
• Climbing safety procedures

• Highest point5,700 m
• OvernightBase Camp or high-altitude camp

Today marks the start of the technical climbing phase. Depending on conditions, the team climbs above Base Camp toward the lower Southwest Ridge and Camp I (approx. 5,700 m).

This rotation helps climbers get familiar with the route and adjust to the higher altitude, and the team may also carry equipment and supplies to the higher camp.

• Highest point5,000 m
• Walking / travelRest day
• OvernightCholatse Base Camp (tented camp)

After the acclimatization rotation, the team spends the day resting at Base Camp (approx. 5,000 m). This day is important for recovery and regaining energy.

The climbing team monitors everyone's condition, checks the latest weather and route updates, and inspects the equipment once more before the summit rotation begins.

• Highest point5,700 m
• OvernightCamp I

The team leaves Base Camp and climbs to Camp I (approx. 5,700 m). The route becomes steeper as it approaches the Southwest Ridge, with snow, ice and mixed terrain depending on conditions.

Fixed ropes may be used on exposed or difficult sections when needed.

• Highest point6,000 m
• OvernightHigh Camp / Camp II

Altitude: approx. 6,000–6,100 m

The team continues higher along the Southwest Ridge, where the terrain becomes steeper and more technical. Climbers move carefully across snow, ice and mixed sections, using ropes and other safety equipment where needed.

The team monitors the weather and route conditions throughout the climb. The location and elevation of the upper camp may vary depending on route conditions and the expedition's climbing strategy.

• Highest point6,423 m
• OvernightHigh camp, Camp I or Base Camp (depending on conditions)

Today is the expedition's main objective. The team begins the summit attempt early in the morning, depending on the weather and route conditions.

The climb continues along the Southwest Ridge over steep snow, ice and exposed terrain. Climbers keep a steady pace and follow the guide's instructions throughout the ascent, and the final ridge may be narrow and highly exposed, depending on current conditions.

After reaching the 6,423 m summit, the team spends limited time at the top before descending toward High Camp, Camp I or Base Camp, depending on the weather and the expedition plan.

• Walking / travelContingency
• OvernightBase Camp or tented camp

Days 19 and 20 are kept flexible for the summit attempt. Mountain weather can change quickly, so the team may need to delay the climb if conditions are not safe. This time can also be used for further acclimatization or for reassessing the route.

How these days are used depends on:

• Weather
• Wind
• Snow and ice stability
• Route conditions
• Team health
• Acclimatization
• Fixed-rope conditions
• Overall mountain safety

• Walking / travelContingency
• OvernightBase Camp or tented camp

The second flexible day for the summit attempt or recovery, used according to the weather, route conditions, team health and acclimatization.

• Highest point3,930 m
• OvernightPangboche

After completing the climbing phase, the expedition begins its descent. The team leaves the high-altitude area around Cholatse and heads back toward the lower Khumbu.

Depending on the final route, the trail passes through Dzongla and continues to Pangboche (approx. 3,930 m). The lower altitude brings some relief after the demanding climbing days.

• Highest point3,440 m
• Walking / travel5-7 hours
• OvernightNamche Bazaar

The trail continues through the Khumbu toward Namche Bazaar (approx. 3,440 m). You pass traditional Sherpa villages and forested areas as you descend, and the landscape becomes greener as the altitude decreases.

After reaching Namche, you can enjoy a relaxing evening after the demanding climbing days.

• Highest point2,860 m
• Walking / travel6-8 hours
• OvernightLukla

Today is the final day of trekking. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi Valley toward Lukla, crossing suspension bridges and passing through forested areas along the way.

After reaching Lukla, you can rest and prepare for your flight back to Kathmandu.

• Highest point1,400 m
• Walking / travel30-40 minute flight
• OvernightKathmandu (hotel)

Today you fly from Lukla back to Kathmandu, depending on weather conditions and flight operations. After arriving, you transfer to your hotel and settle in.

The rest of the day is free to relax after the long trek and climb. You can also explore the city, enjoy a meal or prepare for your departure.

• Highest point1,400 m
• Walking / travelContingency
• OvernightKathmandu (hotel)

This day provides extra flexibility in case of flight delays or other unexpected changes.

If everything has gone according to plan, you can spend the day resting, exploring Kathmandu or doing some personal shopping. It is also a good opportunity to enjoy the city before leaving Nepal.

• Walking / travelAirport transfer

Your Cholatse Peak Climbing journey ends today. Depending on your flight schedule, you are transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey.

Before leaving, take time to look back on your experience in the Khumbu region, from the trekking trails and Sherpa villages to the challenges of the Cholatse climb. We hope you return home with wonderful memories of your Himalayan adventure.