When you go high into the mountains, the air becomes thinner and has less oxygen. Your body needs time to adjust to this change. If it doesn’t, you may feel unwell. This condition is called Altitude Sickness, and it can affect anyone, no matter how fit or strong they are.

i) Primary Symptoms (How You Might Feel)

These symptoms usually appear after you go above 2,500 meters:

• Headache (your head feels heavy or hurts)
• Dizziness (you feel like the ground is moving or spinning)
• Feeling very tired or weak
• Loss of appetite (you don’t feel like eating)
• Difficulty sleeping
• Nausea (feeling sick in your stomach)
• Breathing quickly, even when resting
• Walking slowly or losing your balance

ii) Prevention (How to Stay Safe)

To avoid altitude sickness, it is important to take care of your body while trekking. Here’s how:

• Walk slowly – Do not rush. Trek at a steady pace.
• Take rest days – These are planned into your itinerary to help your body adjust.
• Drink plenty of water – Stay well hydrated throughout the trek.
• Eat well – Try to eat even if you’re not very hungry.
• Sleep early – Rest helps your body recover.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking – These can make symptoms worse.
• Inform your guide immediately if you feel sick – Your guide is trained and knows what to do.
• Diamox – This is a medicine that some trekkers use to help prevent sickness. Always consult your doctor before taking it.

Altitude sickness can be serious if ignored, but with proper care and awareness, it can usually be prevented or treated early.

To ensure a smooth trekking experience, please prepare the following documents:

• Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
• Passport-Sized Photographs: Typically, two recent passport-sized photos are required for permit applications.
• Nepal Visa: Most foreign nationals can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Indian citizens do not require a visa.
• Completed Application Forms: Necessary for permit processing; these are usually provided by your trekking agency.
• Travel Insurance: While optional, it’s highly recommended to have insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation.

The Government of Nepal demands permits since the Everest region is breathtaking in a sense that it is full of meadows, forest, Glacier, snow-capped mountains, and cultural heritage. Such charges save the environment and benefit the host societies. To get into any national park within Nepal including Sagarmatha National Park, including Gokyo Valley and Everest Region, you have to have permits.

In case of Gokyo Chola Pass Trek, you will require two:

1. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit

Costs:
Foreign Nationals: NPR 3,000 (~USD 25)

SAARC Nationals: NPR 2,000 (~USD 17)

Nepali Citizens: NPR 100 (~USD 1)

Children Under 10: Free

Where to Get: This permit is available at the entry checkpoint in Lukla or Monjo. It cannot be obtained in Kathmandu.

2. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

Costs:
Foreign Nationals: NPR 3,000 (~USD 25)

SAARC Nationals: NPR 1,500 (~USD 13)

Nepali Citizens: NPR 100 (~USD 1)

Children Under 10: Free

Where to Get: This permit can be obtained in Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board or at the Monjo checkpoint before entering the park.

General – The Foundation of Your Adventure
1. Passport: With extra copies and passport-sized photos for permits.
2. Trekking Permits: Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit and Sagarmatha National Park permit.
3. Cash: Nepali rupees for tips, snacks, and small purchases.
4. Duffel Bag: Used for your main luggage, usually carried by porters.
5. Backpack: 30-40L for day use, with rain cover.
6. Sleeping Bag: Rated to at least -15°C (5°F) for cold nights at high altitude.

Upper Body – Staying Warm & Protected
7. Sun Hat/Cap: For sun protection (wide-brimmed or baseball cap).
8. Warm Hat: Insulated for cold mountain mornings and evenings.
9. Scarf/Neck Gaiter/Buff: Useful for warmth and protecting against dust or cold wind.
10. Sunglasses: UV-blocking, high-altitude protection is essential.

Torso – Layering for Success
11. Technical Shirts: 2 short-sleeve and 2 long-sleeve, moisture-wicking fabrics.
12. Down Jacket: For warmth during chilly mornings, evenings, and higher altitudes.
13. Fleece Pullover: For extra warmth during rest or colder days.
14. Waterproof/Windproof Shell Jacket: Essential for sudden weather changes.

Lower Body – Comfortable & Durable
15. Base Layer: Thermal leggings or long underwear for warmth.
16. Hiking Shorts: Useful for lower altitude, warmer days.
17. Comfortable Pants: For relaxing in lodges.
18. Waterproof Pants: Protects from rain, snow, and wind.

Hands – Keeping Them Toasty
19. Liner Gloves: Light gloves for layering or mild weather.
20. Insulated Gloves: Warm gloves for cold, especially crossing Chola Pass.

Feet – Happy Feet, Happy Trekker
21. Trekking Boots: Waterproof, sturdy, and well broken-in boots.
23. Camp Shoes: Comfortable sandals or shoes for lodges.
24. Thermal Socks: 4-5 pairs, wool or synthetic preferred.
25. Liner Socks: Optional but useful to prevent blisters.
26. Gaiters: Useful in snowy or dusty conditions.
27. Ice Cleats/Traction Devices: Recommended if trekking in winter months.

Undergarments – Comfort Matters
28. Quick-Dry Underwear: 4-5 pairs for hygiene and comfort.
29. Sports Bras: Moisture-wicking and supportive for women.
30. Pajamas/Sleep Clothes: Comfortable for nights in teahouses.

Medications and First Aid Box – Health First Priority
31. Altitude Sickness Medication (e.g., Diamox): Consult your doctor before the trek.
32. Sunscreen & Lip Balm: High SPF to protect from intense UV rays.
33. Bandages: Adhesive and sterile gauze for minor injuries.
34. Pain Relievers (e.g., Ibuprofen, Paracetamol): For headaches, muscle aches.
35. Cough Syrup: Helps with altitude-related dryness or cold symptoms.
36 Antibacterial Cream: For cuts or blisters.
37. Thermometer: To check for fever or chills.

Note: Guides usually carry a first aid kit, but having your own is recommended.

Other Essentials – The Little Things That Count
38. Toiletries: Biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and wet wipes.
39. Water Bottle/Bladder: Minimum 2-3L capacity, plus water purification tablets or a filter.
40. Towel: Fast-drying and hygienic.
41. Toilet Paper: Bring 2 rolls for emergencies.
42. Hand Sanitizer: For hygiene on the go.
43. Headlamp with Extra Batteries: Essential for lodges with limited lighting.

Optional – Adding Comfort and Convenience
44. Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, and chocolate for trekking days.
45. Down Booties: Warm footwear for evenings.
46. Dry Bags: To keep valuables and electronics dry.
47. Notebook/Journal: To record your trek experiences.
48. Earplugs & Eye Mask: Helps with sleep in shared lodges.
49. Trekking Poles: Adjustable and shock-absorbing for rough terrain and descents.
50. Thermos: Keeps drinks hot on the trail.
51. Whistle: Safety tool for emergencies.
52. Power Bank: Limited charging opportunities on the trail.
53. Camera: To capture stunning Himalayan views.

Before you come for the Gokyo Chola Pass trek, you need to buy travel insurance in your own country. This is very important. It helps you if something bad or unexpected happens during the trek.

The trek goes to very high mountains where there are no big hospitals. If you get sick, hurt, or very tired, you may need to be taken to a lower place by helicopter. A helicopter ride is very expensive. But if you have insurance, it will pay the cost.

Your insurance should cover:

• High altitude sickness (above 5,000 meters)
• Accidents or injuries
• Emergency helicopter rescue
• Hospital and medicine costs

It’s also good if your insurance covers lost bags or if your flight is late or cancelled. You must bring a copy of your insurance paper. You can also keep a photo of it on your phone.

Without insurance, it can be very hard and costly to get help. So, please make sure to get it before you travel on the Gokyo Chola Pass trek.

Gokyo Chola Pass Trek is possible year round and the most preferred times to undertake this trek are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (mid-September to November). The months of the year are the most reliable in terms of weather as well as have magnificent views of the mountains and the treks are quite enjoyable. These seasons are not the worst ones as this is when most people visit the lake but the experience as a whole particularly the scenery is worth it.

Spring (March to May)
During this season the routes are animated with flowering rhododendrons, alpine grasses, and clear cool skies. When the ice starts melting, turquoise Gokyo Lakes are blinking under the snow mountains. The season is ideal for photographers and nature lovers. Most high passes such as Chola tend to be easier to access later in the spring when the snow levels go down.

Autumn (mid-September to November)
The Gokyo Chola pass trek attracts most people when it is done during autumn as this is the most favorable time. Soon after having the monsoon rains, the skies clear up providing majestic views of mountains like Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. The weather is very steady, the air is quite cool and the trails are dry. It is also an excellent season to partake of the local culture in case you are on a trek at the time of Mani Rimdu Festival, held at Tengboche Monastery.

Off-Season Treks: Monsoon and Winter
In June to August, it is slippery in the monsoon, and the conditions are clogged with clouds. The Chola Pass and the area of Ngozumpa Glacier may be particularly dangerous. During the winter (December to February) there is heavy snowfall in the region and the high pass can be closed or hazardous to cross as it may be covered with ice. Nevertheless, off-season is the time when experienced trekkers seek privacy and take long walks with marvellous sceneries. All you need to do is be prepared against extreme cold as well as Lukla flight delay.

Nepal is simply a chilled out destination. People in the mountain are extremely welcoming and ready to assist. Saying this, it is not pickpocket-proof, so you should hold on to your belongings tightly in such areas as Kathmandu or Lukla. Put your valuables into a zip bag and watch it- better be safe than sorry.

The Gokyo Chola Pass Trek is not a joke any more. You will ascend steep inclines, get high altitudes as well as a glacier pass. You need to gear up in case you have not done trekking before. When you are climbing, there might be some health bumps that might emerge to ensure that you have a lot of acclimatization that you cannot skip.

As precaution, it is imperative to undertake trekking with an expert guide. A guide resolves issues with navigation, monitors your health and addresses the unexpected problems. They have the local expertise and skills of basic first-aid, and things go more smoothly, safely.

Your safety will be their primary concern because as soon as you step into this planet, you will be safe until you complete your trek with them at Adventure Master Trek. We want you to feel safe, enjoy and leave with life time memories.