The need for exceptional physical fitness cannot be over-emphasised. A regular, strenuous programme must be followed for many months to achieve the level of fitness required. We recommend a training programme tailored to mountaineering such as the 16 or 24-week plan from Uphill Athlete.
The challenging South West Ridge of Cholatse is a hidden gem of the Himalaya and a solid mountaineering objective for experienced climbers.
Nestled between the Khumbu and Gokyo Valleys in Nepal's Everest region, Cholatse is a spectacular peak with steep soaring lines on every aspect. Our expedition acclimatises first on Lobuche East, before moving to the challenging alpine style climb of Cholatse.
Our line up the South West Ridge involves climbing steep snow and ice pitches linking two camps that we place alpine style on our way to the summit. We acclimatise on Lobuche East before crossing the Cho La to our Base Camp beneath the mountain.
The route ascends through snow slopes leading to a crux section on rock. Once past the difficulties, the climbing culminates in a steep and superb ridgeline that plateaus onto the summit dome.
- A technical 6,000m snow and ice ascent
- Spectacular exposure on an aesthetic route
- Uncrowded Himalayan classic
Climbing Ability
Climbing Ability
Advanced
Elevation
Elevation
6,440m/21,128ft
Duration
Duration
32 days
Location
Location
Nepal
CHOLATSE ITINERARY
DAY 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
DAY 2
Gear checks
DAY 3
Fly to Lukla 2,860m/9,383ft, trek to Phakding 2,610m/8,563ft
DAY 4
Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440m/11,286ft
DAY 5
| Acclimatise and sightseeing Namche Bazaar |
DAY 6
Namche Bazaar to Phortse 3,950m/12,959ft via the Mong La Pass 3,970m/13,025ft
DAY 7
| Phortse to Pheriche 4,270m/14,009ft |
DAY 8
| Rest/acclimatisation day |
DAY 9
Pheriche to Lobuche Base Camp 4,800m/15,750ft
DAY 10
Acclimatisation hike to Lobuche High Camp 5,400m/17,700ft
DAY 11
| Rest and preparation day |
DAY 12
Move to High Camp 5,400m/17,720ft
DAY 13
| Summit bid on Lobuche East 6,119m/20,075ft, return to Base Camp |
DAY 14
Contingency summit day
DAY 15
| Trek to Dzongla 4,830m/15,846ft |
DAY 16
| Cross Cho La 5,420m/17,780ft to Cholatse Base Camp 5,000m/16,400ft |
DAY 17
| Rest and preparation day |
DAY 18
Carry to start of route, fix lines
DAY 19
Climb to Camp 1 5,700m/18,700ft
DAY 20
Rest day
DAY 21
Carry to Camp 2 6,000m/19,700ft
DAY 22
Move to Camp 2
DAY 23
Summit day! 6,440m/21,128ft
DAY 24 - 25
Contingency summit days
DAY 26
Descend to Base Camp
DAY 27
Contingency day
DAY 28
| Trek to Namche Bazaar |
DAY 29
Trek to Lukla
DAY 30
Lukla to Kathmandu 1st possible flight day
DAY 31
Lukla to Kathmandu 2nd possible flight day
DAY 32
Depart home
Departures and Pricing
Note: Dates are subject to change due to many factors out of our control
Looking for a specific date? Book a private expedition
PREPARE
Fitness
Technical Experience
Climbers need to be comfortable using ropes, ice axe, crampons and jumars, and be able to climb steep rock and hard water ice, carrying a big pack. You should be comfortable climbing alpine AD routes and/or AUS15/US5.7 rock.
Altitude Experience
Climbers should have prior experience climbing at altitudes of around 6,000m/20,000ft.
Why Adventure Consultants?
Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to high altitude expedition climbing. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition to offer our climbers the best possible chance of success.
We employ strong and specialised Expedition Leaders and Sherpa staff who are recognised as some of the most pre-eminent mountaineers in the industry.
Many operators make statements about their services that are intentionally designed to mislead or avoid addressing important issues. The reality on the mountain is that unless you have a strong and experienced leader with sufficient Sherpa staff in support, the chances of summiting are dramatically reduced. Expeditions that are operated by local staff, with no qualified and experienced western guides, are generally not able to offer you a legitimate level of safety or success. These expeditions have the highest ratio of accident and frostbite injury on trips which may seem cheap at the time when booking but the long term effects make the price difference irrelevant.
The AC approach to making expeditions work for you is reflected in the quality and safety of the expeditions we run along with our consistently high success rate.
Inclusions
The price of your trip includes the following:
- Professional, qualified guides
- Experienced Sherpa team
- Helicopter flights Kathmandu-Lukla and return
- Excellent food and catering
- Expert logistics
- Acclimatisation climb of Lobuche East
- Regular dispatches for families and friends to follow your expedition
- Comprehensive support from our New Zealand office team.
Our Guides
DISPATCHES
Cholatse 2023
October 19 2023
The top of Cholatse flattens and the views open up. Everest dominates the view, but in every direction there is a myriad of snow clad peaks... Read More
Everest 2024
May 26 2024
What would you miss a night's sleep for? An all night party, watching a sports final held in a different time zone, or climbing Mount Everest?... Read More
Three Peaks Nepal 2024
November 02 2024
Follow dispatches, news and updates from Adventure Consultants' Three Peaks Nepal Expedition 2024, as the team climbs Lobuche East, Pokalde & Island Peak. Read More