Pokalde Peak (5806m) Climbing
Pokalde
Peak is a mountain peak of Nepal situated 12 km southwest of
Mount Everest. Pokalde Peak is one of the shortest and easiest
trekking peaks in the Everest Region. The majority of the 650m
climb from base camp requires little more than walking with
short sections of scrambling up rock.
During the trekking seasons this rocky peak is scarcely covered
by snow. Despite its lack of any great technical difficulty, it
offers trekkers the prospect of reaching 5,800m in elevation and
superb views from the summit, particularly to the South East,
North West and West. Other prominent mountains visible from the
summit include Makalu, Ama Dablam and Pumori. Because of its
relatively low difficulty and impressive summit vista's for this
altitude, Pokalde is a popular commercial tourist peak in Nepal
for those wishing to climb a Himalayan peak without needing to
use ice axes and crampons.
The first ascent of Pokalde Peak was made in April 1953 via the
ridge adjoining the Pokalde summit with the Kongma La high pass
(5535m). This ridge continues from Kongma La to the slightly
higher Mehra Peak (Kongma Tse) at 5820m and beyond. Hence the
prominence of Pokalde Peak is modest at 271m (889 feet). Most
ascents of Pokalde Peak nowadays are made by skirting the
opposite Makalu side of the mountain.
Pokalde Peak can be easily climbed in half a day by a fit and
acclimatized group with appropriate leadership. Despite its low
difficulty, sections of Pokalde are quite exposed so it
shouldn't be attempted in poor weather. Doing so would
significantly increase the difficulty of the climb above that of
a "simple trekking peak". The final pitch to the summit also
involves a short section of near vertical scrambling which for
amateurs should definitely be protected by rope.
The base camp of Pokalde Peak is situated in a raised
"amphitheatre" style valley with a large circular lake in the
middle below the Kongma La pass. About 40 minutes from the base
camp is the Kongma glacier. This glacier offers ice walls
suitable for ice climbing training by appropriately equipped and
motivated groups. The glacier is said to be receding in size.
Foot print evidence of significant Snow Leopard activity has
been witnessed in the vicinity of Pokalde Peak base camp. This
is despite the popularity of the area in being the gateway to
both a major trekking peak as well as a high pass.
Trip Map
Click on map to have larger view.
Pokalde Peak Climbing Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu & transfer to Hotel 1350m.
Day 02: Prepare permit & briefing
Day 03: Flight to Lukla 2800m. & Trek to Phakding 2610m.
Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Day 05: Namche rest for acclimatization
Day 06: Namche – Thyanboche 3800m.
Day 07: Thyangboche – Pheriche 4200m.
Day 08: Pheriche – Lobuche 4900m.
Day 09: Lobuche – Kalapathar 5545m. – Back to Lobuche 4900m.
Day 10: Lobuche – Kongmal Pass – Pokade Peak Base camp 4300m.
Day 11: Base camp – High camp 5000m.
Day 12: High Camp – Summit Poklande Peak 5800m.back Dingboche
Day 13: Dinboche – Thyanboche 3800m.
Day 14: Thyanboche – Namche bazaar 3440m.
Day 15: Namche – Phakding
Day 16: fly Lukla – Kathmandu
Day 17: Kathmandu
Day 18: Final Departure
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