NEPAL TRAVELLER
Cholatse peak, situated at 6,440m, is located in between the famous Khumbu region and Gokyo valley of Nepal. Cholatse is connected to north of the Taboche (6,501m) by a long ridge and south of Cho La pass (5420m) used by Sherpa and trekkers frequently to go between the Gokyo and Khumbu valleys. There is a lake which is just below this pass to the east part. According to the Tibetan language ‘Cho'' means Lake, “La” means Pass and “Tse" means peak so Cholatse means “Lake Pass Peak”. The Chola glacier descends off the east face. The north and east faces of Cholatse can be seen from Dughla, on the trail to Mount Everest base camp. Cholatse Peak belongs to the group “A” Trekking Peaks of Nepal Mountaineering Association, NMA.
THINGS TO OBSERVE
During this climb, this trail offers you an amazing landscape and dramatic views of Khumbu region, magnificent views of Mount Everest, Mt. Nuptse and Mt. Lhotse and many other snow-capped peaks. Also, climbing Cholatse peaks is one of the best destinations to explore and observe the Sherpa culture, their lifestyle, tradition and old Monastery of Tengboche village. One can see picturesque villages while ascending the gorgeous Gokyo and Khumbu valley. You will get a chance to hike up to Gokyo Ri. This expedition offers you a spectacular scenery which is really admirable and a lifetime experience. Cholatse expedition is an excellent combination of challenging trekking and peak climbing. Cholatse Peak climbing does not only offer the spectacular topographic beauty of the Khumbu region but introduces trekkers to the ethnic variety of Nepal also. Furthermore, influenced by Tibetan culture, the warm welcoming inhabitants of many villages passed on the journey. So, it makes for an unforgettable peak climbing experience.
HISTORICAL ACHIEVEMENT
Cholatse was first climbed by Vern Clevenger, Galen Rowell, John Roskelley and Bill O'Connor on April 22, 1982 via the southwest ridge. The north face was successfully scaled in 1984. The first solo ascent was accomplished on April 15, 2005 by Ueli Steck through the north face.
GETTING THERE
Mt Cholatse climbing commences from a fight from Kathmandu to Lukla and all the way to Gokyo, climb Gokyo Ri for acclimatization, trek to Dzongla from Cho-La pass, set Cholatse Base Camp at Dzongla, ascend the summit and returning from Photse all the way down to Namche and final departure from Lukla.
BEST SEASON
In terms of Cholatse Peak Climbing, travelers are fond of the seasons with least rainfall and crystal clear days. So most of the tourists end up visiting Nepal during Autumn and Spring in which travelers are found most satisfied. On the other hand, you might as well look for winter and summer. Winter tends to be exceedingly cold and summer might come up with intermittent rainfall and overcast days. Within the constraints of your time, you can design Cholatse Peak Climbing.
TIME DURATION
In total, the Cholatse Peak expedition takes a total time of 25 to 30 days. However, It may vary because of the weather conditions. The time also varies and depends on peak location and peak elevation.
TOTAL COST
The total cost for climbing Cholatse peak comes around US $ 3000 to above. Above mentioned cost is a normal average cost, but the cost can be more or less than this depending upon ground transportation and flight tickets, climbing royalty and required permits, necessary climbing gears, food during the expedition, tea house and camping accommodation, sleeping bags and mattresses and so on.
REQUIREMENTS
To summit this peak you need to have a high level of physical fitness and moderate level of technical climbing.
Experienced- Climbers should have successfully completed a minimum of 3 Day Mount Rainier or Mount Baker Climb (or have similar experience).
Mental Ability- Climbers must be mentally prepared to deal with strenuous situations at high altitudes. The requirements are also based on your desire to have similarly skilled team members.
Travel Documents: PP size photos, valid passport, insurance paper, family members contact address etc.
Mountaineering equipments- Crampons, Ice axe, Helmet, Harness, Lock and unlock Carabineers, Shovel, Climbing pack, Rope, Ski poles, Jummer, Tapes, Prusik Loops, Rappel device, Hand Warmer etc.
Clothing and Wears- Snow google, Wool cap, Thermal Underwear, Trekking shoes with spare laces, Mountaineering Boots, Gore-Tex pants, Long shorts, Insulated Parka, Jumper, Waterproof Jackets, Down Jacket, Fleece Vest,Neck Gaiter, Gloves etc.
Gadgets- Map, Compass, Camera, GPS, Two way radios, Binoculars, Head Lamp, Flashlight etc.
Other equipment: Sleeping bags, Bag packs, Sun stuff, Medical, Eating and Drinking stuffs, Toiletries, Fleece hats and so on.
PERMIT AND REGULATIONS
For climbing Cholatse Peak, you need to have following permits;
TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System)- NRS 1000 (USD 9) per person if they have come in a group and NRS 2000 (USD 18) per person if they have come individually.
Cholatse Peak Climbing Permit- USD 250 during spring, USD 125 during autumn and USD 70 during winter/summer.
Permit should be taken from Nepal Mountaineering Association since height above 5800m and below 6584m peaks permit are given by them. This permit will be taken by your trekking company and will charge a specific amount of money. Without a valid permit you are not allowed to climb Cholatse Peak. Also, one needs to pay fees for Liaison Officer, his/her insurance, food allowance, Insurance of whole Nepali staff including porters in order to obtain permit and Garbage Deposit at ministry.
RESTRICTIONS
In Nepal, climbing Cholatse Peak imposed certain kind of age, health restrictions and they are;
Age- Minimum 18 and no restriction has been set in upper age till now
Health- Should have a strong body, risk taking mindset and health should be free from any kind of sudden attack diseases.
NOTE: Till now in Nepal, permits to climb mountains in Nepal are issued by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) to 33 peaks and rest of others permits are issued by the Government of Nepal, Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.
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