Pokalde Peak or Dolma Ri situated 12 km southwest of Mount Everest 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 5,806m 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 Phokalde Peak nowadays are made by skirting the opposite Makalu side of the mountain.
A fit and acclimatized group with appropriate leadership can easily climb Pokalde Peak in half a day. 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.
Even during the trekking seasons, it is not uncommon for overnight temperatures at base camp to be in excess of twenty degrees below freezing.
Day 01: Kathmandu:
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, Mosaic adventure will officially greet and meet you at Airport & transfer you to star hotel or similar category hotel. You will have leisure time, followed by an evening welcome dinner at a typical Nepalese Restaurant. Overnight in Kathmandu (1,000m/3,280ft).
Day 02: Sightseeing or free day:
After having breakfast in Kathmandu, you will prepare for a guided tour of the amazing sights in the Kathmandu Valley. You can visit Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (Monkey) Temple, the famous Hindu temple (Pashupatinath) and the largest Stupa in Nepal ( Boudha).
Day 03: Katmandu-Lukla-Phakding: 35 min flight; 3-4 hours trek:
Early morning flight by small twin otter to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft). After final preparations, the trekking starts passing Chaurikharka village, and makes a descent towards the Dudhkosi Ghat (2,530m/8,300ft). The trail follows the precise bank of the Dudhkosi River until camp at Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft) is reached. This first day is short for acclimatization reasons.
Day 04: Phakding-Namche Bazaar: 5-6 hours:
The trail cross Dudhkoshi River through a long suspension bridge then trail leads you crossing side by side along the river to Hilary's Suspension Bridge.The trail further climbs from here to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft).
Day 05: Namche Bazaar: rest:
This is the first of the two specific acclimatization days. You can spend the day taking a day walk hike to Thame, by visiting Khunde or by relaxing and exploring Namche Bazaar; the main centre in the Khumbu region and has shops, restaurants, a bakery, hotel with hot showers and electric power. There is a colorful market each Saturday.
Day 06: Trek to Tengboche Monastery: 5 hours:
We trek to an altitude of 3860 meters today. On reaching Tengboche your guide will tell you about the local monastery situated here. The group will be taken to observe a prayer ceremony either in the evening or morning depending on how the days trekking went. Overnight at guesthouse (3860 meters).
Day 07: Trek to Pheriche (4 -5 hours)-4,200m/13,776ft:
We descend for half an hour to river side through nice forest, cross the river and start trekking up towards opposite hill and landscapes starts more dry and desert afterwards. We will cross a traditional and cultural sherpa village Panboche where we can see a close up daily activities of sherpa people. After this, we make a gradual up towards a small hill afterwards trail goes to wide mountain valley called pheriche. This is a nice wide village located on the riverside. A small helipad is available here for helicopter rescue and daily High altitude Mountain sickness class available here with Mt. Specialist. Over night stay at lodge.
Day 08: Trek to Lobuche(5 hours)-4,930m/16,170ft:
After breakfast, we start easy and straight walking towards left corner of the river and make a gradual walk up to reach Dungla. After lunch, the trail goes from Duglha directly up to the Khumbu Glacier for an hour, then left into the memorial area before reaching the village of Lubuche (4,930m/16,170ft). By this stage the effects of the altitude will be kicking in and you can expect colder nights.
Day 09: Trek to Gorekshep( 2-3 hours)-5,160m/16,925ft:
The trail continues climb up to Gorekshep. It takes a couple of hours walking up to Kala Pattar (Black Rock) 5,545m/18,192ft; this small peak offers the best views of Mt. Everest, Pumori and Ama Dablam without climbing. Overnight in Gorak Shep (5,160m/16,929ft).
Day 10: Visit Everest Base Camp & Trek back to Lobuche (6-7hours)-4,930m/16,170ft:
This day leads you to the Base Camp of Mt. Everest (5,357m/17,575ft) walking through rocky and glacial trails where climbers gather for summiting Everest. After all, we Continue trek return to Lobuche (4,930m/16,170ft), for overnight.
Day 11: Trek to Chhukung (5-6 hours)-4,730m/15,518ft:
After breakfast trekking via Khumbu Glacier to Kongma La Base Camp (5,000m/16,404ft) continues ascending to Kongma pass (5,535m/18,159ft) then descending a gradual walks up the Imja Khola valley to Chhukung a small summer settlement. Overnight in Chhukung (4,730m/15,518ft) where you make final preparation for climbing. Over night at lodge.
Day 12: Chhukung to Pokalde Base Camp (3 -4 hours):
Day 13: Chhukung / Base Camp:
Day 14: Climb the peak and back Chhukung:
Day 15: Extra day in case of bad weather:
Day 16: Chhukung / Dingboche (4343 m.):
Day 17- Trek to Tengboche. 6 hours:
The trail makes a gradual descent through scrub junipers and around Mani stones as it follows the hillside. The trail passes many Mani walls in deep rhododendron forests where crossing after the Imja khola, the trail climbs many carved Mani stones to Pangboche. Pangboche Gompa is the oldest in Khumbu; a visit will be well worth. Walk down to the valley from where the trail is shallower through alpine meadows. Followed by climb gradually up to Tengboche (3,870m/12,697ft) where the biggest monastery lies in the whole of Khumbu.
Day 18- Trek to Namche Bazaar. 5 hours:
Walk down from the rear of monastery and continue down until you reach Phunki Tenga. Climb up gradually through a forest. Once you are out of the forest, you will be walking along a ridge from where you can see down on your left some of the deepest gorges of Nepal. In spring, the rhododendrons will look superb making the valley even more beautiful. Reach Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft), for overnight.
Day 19- Trek to Lukla (2804meters) 6 hours:
Trek back to Lukla along the same trail, although it always looks different coming from the opposite direction on arrival in Lukla you will have time to relax and celebrate the completion of your trek. You can have a good time with two local alcoholic beverages 'Chang' or 'Rakshi.' Feel free to dance with your crewmembers in the Sherpa way.
Day 20- Morning flight to Kathmandu from Lukla:
Enjoying your last glimpse of the mountains you have recently visited for one last time on the 35 minute Scenic flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu we are met and transferred back to our starting hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 21- Leisure day in Kathmandu:
It's also spare day in case of bad weather in Lukla.
Day 22-Extend your holiday or back to home:
After this amazing trekking and climbing if you are more interested in continuing for other activities like Chitwan Jungle Safari, River Rafting Adventure, Kathmandu Shopping Tour or Scenic Everest Flight, cycling, and trekking in other areas or more; Mosaic Adventure Treks & Expedition can organize as your desire. If you decide to leave Nepal we will transfer to airport for your onward destination.
| Trip Starts | Trip Ends | Availability | Price USD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 24, 2012 | March 16, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| March 2, 2012 | March 23, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| March 9, 2012 | March 30, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| March 16, 2012 | April 6, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| March 23, 2012 | April 13, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| March 30, 2012 | April 20, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| April 6, 2012 | April 27, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| April 13, 2012 | May 4, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| April 20, 2012 | May 11, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| April 27, 2012 | May 18, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| May 4, 2012 | May 25, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| May 11, 2012 | June 1, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| May 18, 2012 | June 8, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| May 25, 2012 | June 15, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| June 1, 2012 | June 22, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| June 8, 2012 | June 29, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| June 15, 2012 | July 6, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| June 22, 2012 | July 13, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| June 29, 2012 | July 20, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| July 6, 2012 | July 27, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| July 13, 2012 | August 3, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| July 20, 2012 | August 10, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| July 27, 2012 | August 17, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| August 3, 2012 | August 24, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| August 10, 2012 | August 31, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| August 17, 2012 | September 7, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| August 24, 2012 | September 14, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| August 31, 2012 | September 21, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| September 7, 2012 | September 28, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| September 14, 2012 | October 5, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| September 21, 2012 | October 12, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| September 28, 2012 | October 19, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| October 5, 2012 | October 26, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| October 12, 2012 | November 2, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| October 19, 2012 | November 9, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| October 26, 2012 | November 16, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| November 2, 2012 | November 23, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| November 9, 2012 | November 30, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| November 16, 2012 | December 7, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| November 23, 2012 | December 14, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| November 30, 2012 | December 21, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| December 7, 2012 | December 28, 2012 | US$ 1965 | ||
| December 14, 2012 | January 4, 2013 | US$ 1965 | ||
| December 21, 2012 | January 11, 2013 | US$ 1965 | ||
| December 28, 2012 | January 18, 2013 | US$ 1965 |
Departure dates and itinerary arrangements can be custom-tailored to your needs, so please contact us with your inquiries regarding your Pokalde Peak Climbing departure date.
Guaranteed: Trip is Guaranteed to run.
Limited: Trip is Guaranteed to run, but only with limited spaces. Please contact us.
Booked: Trip full or unavailable, but we can open new departure so please contact us.
1. Required airport transfers on private vehicle
2. Deluxe accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
3. Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private vehicle with entrance fees
5. All your standard meals as per itinerary during the trek and climbing. Such as breakfast, lunch and dinners).
6. All hot drinks as per itinerary such as tea, coffee (3 times a day) during the trek.
7. Tea Houses and Tented accommodation during the trek & Climbing.
8. Licensed English speaking Guide during the trek and climb.
9. The required number of staff and Porters to carry your luggage during the trek.
10. Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, medicine for all staff.
11. Everest National Park permits.
12. Island Peak Permit fees.
13. Garbage Deposit Fee.
14. General Climbing equipment such as Rope, Ice Screw, Snow Bar etc.
15. Down jacket, 4 seasonal sleeping bags by Mosaic Adventure (which needs to be returned after the trek.)
16. Mosaic adventure duffel/kit bag and T-shirt (yours to keep).
17. Airfare from Kathmandu – Lukla - Kathmandu including airport departure tax in Kathmandu and Lukla airport.
18. Surface transfer from and to Kathmandu.
19. Travel & Rescue arrangements.
20. All our government taxes.
21. Official expense.
1. Lunch and dinner whilst in cities.
2. Travel & rescue insurance (compulsory).
3. Excess baggage charges.
4. Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry & hot shower.
5. Personal trekking and mountaineering gears.
6. Tips for trekking staff and driver. (Tipping is expected).
7. Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.
8. Nepal entry visa, you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at TIA in Kathmandu.