Trekking Routes: Solu-Khumbu & the Everest Region Treks

Lobuje to Gokyu via the Cho La (Pass)

Day 1: Lobuje to Dzongla Lobuje to Dzongla: 3 hours. Elevation Loss: 291 ft. (89m). During the main trekking season, it's possible to cross the 17,377-foot (5,297m) Cho La. However, this strenuous route, which can require the use of an ice ax, crampons, and a rope, is difficult to follow. I recommend trying it only if you have a guide and previous experience crossing glaciers or snow. From Lobuje, return down the main valley toward Dughla for 30 minutes, and watch for a trail that contours around a ridge and heads up the valley to the northwest. Below this trail you will see Tshola Lake. Continue up this valley to the yak-herding huts and basic lodge at Dzongla (15,879 ft.; 4,840m). The views from here are stupendous. Day 2: Dzongla to Gokyo Dzongla to Cho La: 3 hours; Cho La to Gokyo: 4 hours. Elevation Gain: 1,972 ft. (601m). Elevation Loss: 2,277 ft. (694m). From Dzongla, the trail ascends a bit and then descends before starting the climb up to the pass. The trail, which is not very distinct, heads in the general direction of a glacier, passing to the east of the glacier for a while before actually crossing the glacier itself. For much of the year, crampons and an ice axe are essential for crossing the glacier. The crossing is quite steep at the beginning but then levels out as you approach the Cho La (17,377 ft.; 5,297m). Dropping down from the pass, you cross snow at first and then reach a slope of loose rocks. Footing can be precarious through this section. After descending the pass, you cross a lateral moraine; keep to the right as you go. The trail follows a valley down to Dragnag, where there is a very basic lodge operating during the main trekking seasons. From Dragnag (15,100 ft.; 4,604m), the trail leads across the Ngozumba Glacier and winds around quite a bit. Each year, many trekkers get lost on this section of trail. It is primarily this stretch that requires a guide. Crossing the lateral moraine, you reach the main trail from Namche Bazaar to Gokyo, just below the second of the Gokyo lakes.

Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Although efforts have been made to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, Travelocity does not accept any responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by any person resulting from information published on this site. In particular, it is your responsibility to verify all information regarding visa requirements, health and safety, customs, and transportation with the relevant authorities before you travel.