Pokhalde Peak – 5806m
Pokhalde Peak rises to the north of the Kongma La above the Khumbu glacier opposite Lobuche. Lying at a relatively low altitude, Pokhalde provides its climbers an interesting and adventurous trekking experience.
Pokhalde (5,806 m) was first climbed in 1953 via the Kongma La along its north ridge by the 1953 Everest Expedition team led by John Hunt. Pokhalde resembles a crenulated rocky ridge dominated by the vast bulk of Nuptse when viewed from Nuptse. The northern side of the peak has a small hanging glacier that is best reached along the ridge rising from the Kongma La. By and large the rock on the peak is poor, although it does offer some interesting scrambling on the well-defined ridges. The summit provides a good viewpoint making its ascent a well deserved accomplishment.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 2 Sightseeing tour of Boudhanath, Pashupatinath & Patan
- Day 3 Fly to Lukla & Trek to Phakding [2652m]
- Day 4 Trek to Namche [3450m]
- Day 5 Rest day in Namche
- Day 6 Trek to Tengboche [3867m]
- Day 7 Trek to Pheriche [4252m]
- Day 8 Rest day in Pheriche
- Day 9 Trek to Lobuche [4930m]
- Day 10 Climb Pokhalde [5,806 m]
- Day 11 Trek back to Lobuche [4930m]
- Day 12 Trek to Chukhung [4750m]
- Day 13 Trek to Tengboche [3867m]
- Day 14 Trek to Namche [3450m]
- Day 15 Trek to Lukla [2800m]
- Day 16 Fly to Kathmandu
- Day 17 Depart Kathmandu
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel, you will be briefed about your daily activities..
- Day 2
Sightseeing tour of Boudhanath, Pashupatinath & Patan
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence. There will be a guided tour to the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath and after that to the most popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva- Pashupatinath. We take a tour to Patan or Lalitpur (the City of Artisans), which is 5km away from Kathmandu. We walk through Patan Durbar Square, and delight in the architectural wonders of Malla era. Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor Temple, Krishna Temple and Golden Temple are the major attractions at the square...
- Day 3
Fly to Lukla & Trek to Phakding [2652m]
A spectacular flight and hair raising landing on a steep mountain runway brings us to the start of our trek at the village of Lukla [2850m]. After meeting the crew, we head up the Dudh Kosi Valley on a well-marked trail to our first camp near the river at Phakding..
- Day 4
Trek to Namche [3450m]
From Phakding, we cross and re-cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and preserve this fragile mountain environment. We then ascend quite steeply to Namche and along the way, if the weather is clear, catch a first glimpse of Mt Everest in the distance. Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu and has a busy Saturday market - a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed the glaciated Nangpa La. Camp is near the bazaar at Namche. .
- Day 5
Rest day in Namche
Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops as well as a magnificent outlook. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day, acclimatizing to the new altitude before heading off towards Tengboche. Options for acclimatization walks include a visit to Khunde hospital which was set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or a one hour walk up to the Everest view hotel above Namche for the sunset view of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. There are also good views from the national park centre and museum just above the town..
- Day 6
Trek to Tengboche [3867m]
From Namche, the trail contours around the side of the valley, high above the Dudh Kosi. Now we get our first really good views of the great peaks of the Khumbu including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam. Passing by several villages and numerous tea shops, we descend steeply to a bridge over the river at Phunki Tenga. The village is an excellent lunch spot, and here we can rest before making the steep climb to Tengboche. Although tiring, the hike up the zigzag path has numerous distractions, with rhododendron bushes, beautiful birds and superb mountain scenery. Tengboche is famous for its legendary monastery, the largest in the Khumbu. We camp near the monastery with Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam framed in the doorway of the tent..
- Day 7
Trek to Pheriche [4252m]
We descend steeply through a forest, cross the Imja Khola and climb steadily to the village of Pangboche. This is directly opposite Ama Dablam [6856m], and has exceptional views of the mountain, with the gompa, mani walls and scattered pine trees in the foreground. A further two hours walk brings us to Pheriche..
- Day 8
Rest day in Pheriche
A day to rest and acclimatize. You get a chance to wander up the valley to take a look at the Tshola Tsho Lake and the perpendicular walls of Cholatse and Tawache. Alternatively, we can climb up onto the ridge overlooking Dingboche for the view up the Imja Valley and the incredible south face of Lhotse..
- Day 9
Trek to Lobuche [4930m]
We continue up the wide valley beneath the impressive peaks of Cholatse and Tawache on the left. We then turn right and climb more steeply towards the foot of the Khumbu Glacier. The tea house at Duglha is a good spot to have lunch, before zigzagging up through the boulders of the glacier's terminal moraine. At the top of this climb there are many stone cairns, built as memorials to the many Sherpas who have died while climbing Mt Everest. The path then climbs gently along the glacier, to eventually reach the cluster of houses at Lobuche..
- Day 10
Climb Pokhalde [5,806 m]
early in the morning after breakfast, we start our climb towards Pokhalde Peak. We take a short steep snow climb from the Kongma La Pass above Lobuche to the summit of 5,806 meter high Pokhalde. We get spectacular views of the peak and other surrounding peaks as well..
- Day 11
Trek back to Lobuche [4930m]
Today, we trace our way back to Lobuche. After reaching Lobuche, we can spend the rest of the day relaxing or acclimatizing. All those interested in further adventure have the option of hiking to Kala Pattar [5549m]..
- Day 12
Trek to Chukhung [4750m]
From Lobuche, we head all the way down to Chhukung. Once we reach Chukhung, we can either rest or spend time exploring the area..
- Day 13
Trek to Tengboche [3867m]
Today, we trace our way back to Tengboche from Chhukung. We continue along the trail as it contours on a zigzag way, around the side of the valley moving downwards. Passing by several villages, we move through the rhododendron bushes, to reach Tengboche. En route, we get to hear beautiful birds singing and sight superb mountain scenery. Kwangde, Tawache, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kantega and Thamserku are just a few of the Himalayan giants to be seen along the way. .
- Day 14
Trek to Namche [3450m]
From Tengboche we descend to the bridge over the Dudh Kosi at Phunki Tenga, where there are water driven prayer wheels, before making our way back to Namche..
- Day 15
Trek to Lukla [2800m]
Our final day's trekking follows the Dudh Kosi back down to Lukla. This last evening in the mountains is the ideal opportunity for a farewell party with the Sherpa guides and porters, where we can sample some chang, try Sherpa dancing and look back on a memorable trekking experience..
- Day 16
Fly to Kathmandu
We pack up early and head to the airstrip for our flight back to Kathmandu.
- Day 17
Depart Kathmandu
The Nepalese support team will take you to the airport for your flight home. If you prefer to stay longer, you can go for short tours such as jungle safari at National parks, rafting, Tibet tours, mountain biking etc..
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Happy Explorers
an fantastic trekking tour to Annapurna and I am very grateful to the team from Explore Himalaya
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