Mountaineering

Pokalde Peak Climbing

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Pokalde Peak Climbing

Pokalde peak 5,806m (19,049ft)is one of the fast-climbing trekking peaks that can be paired with Everest base camp trekking. In April 1953, Pokalde Peak was first ascended through the cliff connecting the Pokalde with Kongma La High Pass which lies at an elevation of 5535 m above sea level. This cliff continues from Kongma La pass to a marginally higher Mera Peak or Kongma Tse. The two routes Bibre or Dughla deliver a range of approaches to the peak-North Face, North-East Face, North-West Face, South Face etc. Pokalde Peak base camp is situated in an elevated valley around a wide lake in the middle under the Kongma La pass. We then enter the Kongma glacier in the vicinity of 40 minutes from the base camp. Pokalde peak climbing leads to a harsh pass and navigates stunning ridges of snow and rugged pinnacles.

Overview

Trip Code WPP-002-PKC
Destination Nepal
Altitude 5806m
Region Everest Region
Season Spring and Autumn
Difficulty Easy
Accomodation Hotel, Tea House & Tent
Duration 20 Days

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our company representative will meet and welcome you to Nepal and then you'll be transferred to your confirmed hotel. Once you finish the check-in procedure, you can rest & relax at the hotel. Later you will be accompained by the office staff for a short tour of Thamel to make you familiar with some good restaurants, ATMs, money changer and other necessary places you might need during your stay in Thamel.

Day 2: A full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley, the capital city

The very next morning, after breakfast you will leave for a full day sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley. You can visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and Swyambhunath, very ancient and essentially enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The biggest Buddhist Stupa at Boudhanath and the fine arts and historical architecture of Kathmandu Durbar Square reflecting the ancient Nepalese culture which is the highlights of our guided tour. A visit to Patan City will enchant you with its famous fine arts and historical architecture. On return to your hotel, you will have time to explore the local area, have dinner and perhaps take a leisurely stroll through the famous streets. Finally, day ends with a Authentic Nepalese Dinner in Nepali Cultural Restaurant.

Day 3: Climb Preparation Day

We spend a day preparing the final documents, gears & equipment check and so on. You can go for final shopping if something is missed before leaving out for the mountain.

Day 4: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla & trek to Phakding (2,650m/8,692ft)

After breakfast, we will be taken to the domestic terminal of TIA for an early morning flight to Lukla. After a flying above the breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains. Upon our arrival at Lukla, we meet our other crew members and after some packing and arrangements, we start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities, we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery. Overnight in Phakding.

Day 5: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft)

After breakfast we walk through beautiful pine forests and then along Dudh Koshi River ending our nature-filled journey at Namche Bazaar. After walking for almost over an hour, we come across the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6,608m) on our right and also experience the serenity of pine, fir and juniper forests throughout our journey. If the weather is clear, we may even catch a glimpse of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. We continue walking until we reach the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Mt. Everest and main trading centre of this region. This day we cross five suspension bridges, the last one also known as the Hillary Bridge being the highest. It is an uphill walk from Hillary Bridge to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar. 

Day 6: Rest day for acclimatization (3,440m/11,283ft)

This is the day set aside for acclimatization. Health experts recommend that we stay active and move around even during the rest day instead of being idle. There are a few options set aside for this day. We can either stroll around Namche’s quaint villages or come in contact with the Sherpa people and their rich culture, or we can hike up to the Everest View Hotel and enjoy an up-close view of the mighty Everest. While in the Namche village or upon returning from the hike to the Everest View Hotel, trekkers may also visit the local museum containing exhibits displaying the area’s native flora and fauna as well as the history of the Mount Everest region. 

For trekkers who want to hike for a little longer, a hike to Khumjung village (5-6 hours) may also be an option. While in the village we can visit the Edmund Hillary School and Khumjung Monastery (a monastery famous for housing the head of the Yeti!). Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 7: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,850m/12,628ft)

After breakfast, we trek towards Tengboche. It is an easy walk from Namche to Phunki. Upon reaching Phunki, we ascend towards Tengboche, a village that houses the very famous Tengboche monastery which is the largest monastery of the Everest region. Located amidst the Sagarmatha National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site of 'outstanding universal value”), it is draped with the panoramic 360-degree view of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku. The monastery opens at 3:00 pm so if we are lucky we might just be able to witness a religious ceremony. Overnight in Tengboche.

Day 8: Trek from Tengboche to Pheriche (4,200m/13,776ft)

With the Himalayas as its backdrop, the monastery in Tengboche is in an excellent location. We visit the monastery in the morning and enjoy taking pictures of the monastery and the amazing landscape. We descend for about half an hour through a forest before crossing a river. Next, we trek uphill and notice that as we climb higher, the landscape becomes drier. We walk past a traditional Sherpa village of Pangboche before reaching Pheriche, a beautiful village located on a riverside. Here, we will also see a small helipad that is used for helicopter rescues during emergencies. We may even take a class with a mountain specialist from HRA in a medical clinic at Pheriche. Overnight in Pheriche.

Day 9: Trek from Pheriche to Lobuche (4,930m/16,170ft)

After breakfast, we start with an easy walk towards Dugla. Next, we trek up the steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, and then pass through the boulder-strewn slopes as we ascend Chupki Lhara where we find an array of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and 10-time Everest summitter Babu Chiri Sherpa (Nepalese mountain guide) who perished on a mission to climb Everest. The trail then continues to the Khumbu Glacier moraine and we find ourselves facing several great peaks - Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. Overnight in Lobuche.

Day 10: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,170m/16,957ft) & hike to Everest Base Camp (5,380m/17,646ft)

We take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come across the Indian army mountaineers' memorials. The path from here can be misleading; hence it is important that we follow our lead Sherpa diligently. The walk is strenuous due to thin air in the high altitude. We pass through rocky dunes, moraine and streams before reaching the Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, we see tents of mountaineers that stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. We get back to Gorak Shep for a good night's rest. Overnight in Gorak Shep. 

Day 11: Hike from Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,187ft) & Trek down to Lobuche (4,940m/16,203ft)

We prepare for an early morning departure, amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 C). Plus, there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself. But, it is upon reaching Kala Patthar that we get to see360 degree up-close and formidable views of Mt. Everest. We take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama, and then return back to Lobuche for a good night's rest. Overnight in Lobuche. 

Day 12: Trek from Lobuche to Pokalde Base Camp (4,400m/14,432ft) via Kongma-La Pass (5,535m/18,154ft)

You will ascend towards the base camp of Pokalde Peak. The trail will be steep, and you will go through the little rocky section on the way. Upon reaching the Base Camp, you will rest and further, learn the basic skills of ice-climbing. You will see massive mountains all around you that make you more excited and happy about the coming trek. You will stay overnight at the camp.

Day 13: Trek from Pokalde Peak Base Camp to High Camp (5,000m/16,400ft)

You will trek to Kongma La Pass (5535m) from where you will get superb views of the wide basin dotted with frozen lakes and Pokalde Peak (5,806 m). On the further trail, you will also get to witness stunning views of mountains like Mt. Nuptse (7,861 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,414 m), and Mt. Makalu (8,463 m) among many others. You will ascend all the way up to the High Camp. Overnight stay at a tented camp.

Day 14: Summit Pokalde Peak (5,806m/19,043ft) & back to Chhukung (4,730m/15,514ft)

Today is the trek begins early in the morning as you begin the climb to the summit of Pokalde Peak (5,806 m). You will walk through a difficult rock trail and reach a narrow summit. Upon reaching the summit, you will get to witness breath-taking views of the world's highest mountains like Mt. Makalu (8,481 m), Mt. Pumori (7,165 m), Mt. Ama Dablam (6,856 m), and several other mountains. After spending some time on the summit, you will trek back to Chhukung through Kongma La Pass. Overnight stay at a lodge at Chhukung. 

Day 15: Trek from Chhukhung to Tengboche (3,860m/12,660ft)

You will descend towards Tengboche today after having breakfast. The trail will be short and easy. You will cross a small river and reach Tengboche. You will also get to interact with the locals who are generally from ethnic Sherpa community. Descending along the Imja River, you will first reach Pheriche and continue ahead to reach Pangboche followed by Tengboche. Overnight stay at a lodge at Tengboche.

Day 16: Trek from Tengboche to Monjo (2,835m/9,298ft)

You will begin trekking by ascending a suspension bridge and ascend further on the opposite side of the valley to reach Namche Bazaar. You will then descend down to another suspension bridge and cross Dudh Koshi River and finally reach Monjo. You will also pass Sherpa villages like Jorsalle and Larja Dobahn before reaching Monjo. Overnight stay at a lodge at Monjo.

Day 17: Trek from Monjo to Lukla (2,840m/9,315ft)

You will trek along the east bank of Dudh Koshi River and descend down to the Lukla. You will go through a few small villages and reach Lukla. After reaching Lukla, you will relax and explore the surrounding area. Today is also a good opportunity to reflect back on your achievements. Overnight stay at a lodge at Lukla.

Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft)

After having breakfast we head toward airport for our flights. The terminal building is extremely cold; drinks and snacks are limited. The flight is exciting – once you have taken after off hurtling down into the void. After the plane has missed the hillside below Number Peak and dodged over the lamjura pass , it’s on to Kathmandu. Then you will be picked by Wongchhu Peak Promotion representatives at Domestic airport. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 19: Leisure day at Kathmandu

Leisure day at Kathmandu followed by farewell dinner & celebration. You can ask your guide to take you on a sightseeing trip inside Kathmandu Valley. On this day you can go to the various museums around the valley including the Narayanhiti Museum which earlier used to be the residence of the last king of Nepal. You may also go to the hilltop of Nagarkot. After some sightseeing around the world heritage sites in the valley, you will have a farewell dinner and enjoy with your Nepali friends and guide. You might even make plans for extending your stay for Chitwan jungle safari, rafting activities, and more with your guide.

Day 20: Departure

Finally it’s SEE OFF TIME. You will be picked from Hotel by representatives of Wongchhu Peak Promotion staff and dropped at Tribhuvan International Airport with a hope to see you again.

Includes

  • Airport/Hotel transfer in Kathmandu,
  • All ground transportation as per the itinerary by private vehicle in Kathmandu,
  • Hotel in Kathmandu for 3 nights pre and 2 nights post on B/B plan on sharing post,
  • Full-day Kathmandu Heritage site sightseeing by private tourist vehicle,
  • Professional English-speaking tour guide during sightseeing,
  • City tour entrance fees of the heritage sites,
  • Experienced and government-licensed high-altitude trekking and climbing guide during the trekking and climbing period,
  • All trekking and mountaineering equipment like; Kitchen tents, store tents, dining tents, toilet tents, tables chairs, and cooking utensils for advanced Base Camp and high camp,
  • Common climbing equipment (necessary fixed and main rope, ice bars, ice screws, snow bars, etc.)
  • Service of cook and kitchen boy at Base camp,
  • Food and accommodation during the trek in full board,
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner will be served at base camp,
  • All food and fuel for Base Camp and higher camps during the expedition for both members and crews,
  • Daily weather Report service from Seattle based,
  • Expedition Royalty and climbing permit of Nepal Government to climb Pokalde Peak,
  • Nepal government Royalty and fees,
  • One experienced, trained, government-licensed, climbing/expedition Guide (Sherpa) per client,
  • All wages, equipment, medical and accidental insurance for all involved staff in trekking and expedition,
  • Group emergency equipment and medical supplies,
  • Medical consultation services at the base camp,
  • Equipment allowances and wages for climbing Sherpas, cooks, Kitchen boys,
  • Equipment allowance and wages for Government Liaison Officers,
  • Solar equipment for light and also for charging various electric devices,
  • 1 generator at base camp for computers and other electronic devices,
  • Headset radios for communication in the mountain,
  • Satellite Phones (for personal use on the participants’ charge),
  • Internet at base camp (for personal use on the participants’ charge),
  • Appropriate food for high altitude and all climbing crew at base camp and above as required,
  • Rope fixing costs,
  • The heater will be provided at the base camp for heating the dining room,
  • Emergency Oxygen, mask, and regulator will be provided,
  • Travel and rescue arrangements,
  • Ice fall usage Charge,
  • 5 bottles of 3LTR Poisk Oxygen for members,
  • Daily Dispatches on www.wppnepal.com,
  • Welcome and Farewell dinner with beverages.

Excludes

  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary,
  • If required to change from airplane to helicopter to/from Lukla due to weather issues, the additional cost of the helicopter will be shared amongst clients,
  • Personal trekking and climbing gear,
  • Meals in Kathmandu (except breakfast and farewell dinner),
  • Alcohol and Beverages during the trek and climbing,
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, shower, etc.),
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation & any medical costs,
  • Any other item not listed in the 'Price Includes' section.

Equipments

1.0 Travel Documents

  • Valid passport
  • Credit/Debit card
  • Passport size photo (6 pieces)
  • Insurance paper and contact address
  • Family contact number

2.0 Upper Body Wear

  • Expedition down jacket
  • Basecamp down jacket
  • Lightweight fleece top
  • Wind shirt
  • Gore-Tex jacket
  • Waterproof shell jacket
  • Base layers tops
  • Trekking cloths
  • Casual wear

3.0 Lower Body Wear

  • Thermal bottom base layer (2-3 pcs)
  • Fleece trousers (2-3 pcs)
  • Gore-Tex pants (1 pcs)
  • Mid-weight pants (1-2 pcs)
  • Lightweight quick dry trekking pants (2-3 pcs)
  • Gaiters for trekking boots
  • Down pant Underwear (4-6 pcs)

4.0 Headwear

  • Sun cap
  • Desert cap
  • Balaclava
  • Banadana or Buff
  • Fleece hat
  • Neoprene face mask
  • Neck gaiter
  • Sunglass
  • Ski goggles

5.0 Handwear

  • Thin fleece gloves (2 pairs)
  • Liner gloves (2 pairs)
  • Wind stopper/screen tap gloves (2 pairs)
  • Mountaineering gloves with removable liners
  • Summit gloves-5000m

6.0 Footwear

  • Socks (6 pairs)
  • Lightweight shoes/sandals
  • Trekking boots
  • 5000m mountaineering boots
  • Save gaiters
  • Down bivvy boots
  • Camp boots
  • Foot-wearing system

7.0 Sleeping Bags

  • Sleeping bag -20°c to -30°c for Base camp
  • Down Sleeping Bag -40°c for extreme comfort
  • Thermarests Mattress (Cell foam)
  • Down Matteres (Inflatable)
  • Sleeping bag Liner
  • Inflatable Pillow

8.0 Climbing Equipment

  • Power Bank
  • Pee Bottle
  • Altimeter watch
  • Pocket Knife
  • Walking Stick/Trekking Pole
  • Satellite Phone with credit
  • Battery
  • Headlight 500-700Lumens
  • Spare Snow Goggles
  • Tape Slings/240cm
  • Unlock Carabiner (2pcs)
  • Lock Carabiner (3pcs)
  • Climbing Helmet
  • Summit Down Suit – 5000m
  • Jumar / Ascender
  • Belay Devices / Figure of 8/ATC guide
  • Harness
  • Ice Axe with Spike & Axe Protector
  • Crampons (fit with boot)/ Packing cover

9.0 Bag packs

  • Rucksacks 35 L -50 L
  • Duffle Bag 120 L – 150 L (2pcs)
  • Laundry / Garbage Bag (Large)
  • Water Proof Stuff Sacks / Dry Bag –small/medium / Large (3-4)pcs)

10.0 Sun stuff

  • Banana Boat/Nivea Sun Cream (up to -50SPF)
  • Lip Guard - 30 to -50 (SPF)
  • Sun Glasses (Uv Protection)
  • Glaciers Glasses (Uv Protection)
  • Moisturizer / Lotion

11.0 Toiletries (Personal)

  • Toilet Paper / Wet Tissue
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrush
  • Soap
  • Shampoo
  • Towel
  • Garbage Bag

12.0 Eating & Drinkings

  • 1 ltr. Water Bottle
  • 1/1.5ltr. Thermos Mug (Opt.)
  • Spoon / Fork (opt.)
  • Bowl (opt.)

13.0 Medical / First Aid

  • Brufen / Ibuprofens
  • Antibiotic
  • Diamox
  • Paracetamol
  • Handy Plaster
  • Crack Bandage
  • Tincture Iodine
  • Ondem
  • Cetirizine
  • Electrolyte
  • Minil 10mg (Palpitation, anxiety)
  • Codopar (Headache & chest pain)
  • Salbetol 4mg (Breathless)
  • Azithromycin 500mg (chronic tonsillitis, fever, nose, throat infection-must take 5 days)
  • Flupen 250mg (prevent wound infection)
  • Allegra 120/180mg (Allergic tonsil)
  • Menstrual Products

14.0 Miscellaneous

  • Nail cutter
  • Umbrella /Raincoat
  • Hot water bag
  • Tenacious Tape Repair Kits
  • Camera
  • GPS Tracker (Recommended)
  • Hand & Toe Warmer

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