Pokalde Peak Climbing
Destination
Nepal
Duration
17 Days
Difficulty
Very Strenuous
Max Altitude
5806 m
Accomodation
Lodge/Tea House
Best Season
March-May Sep-Nov
Trip Start
Kathmandu
Trip End
Kathmandu
Overview of Pokalde Peak Climbing
Pokalde Peak Climbing (5806m) offers adventurers the opportunity to conquer a Himalayan summit in the Everest region. Also known as Dolma Ri, Pokalde Peak is among the shortest and easiest climbing peaks in the area. Its altitude and occasional snowy conditions add just enough challenge to make the climb thrilling. The route follows the Classic Everest Base Camp Trail, with an extra three days dedicated to the ascent. For a well-acclimatized and fit team, Pokalde Peak can be summited in just half a day.
After climbing Kala Pattar, we descend to Chhukung and follow the yak trail toward Kongma La Pass (5535m), which links the Khumbu and Chhukung valleys. The base camp lies just below the pass, overlooking a beautiful lake, with the Kongma Glacier about an hour’s climb above.
The rocky Pokalde Peak holds minimal snow during the main trekking season. From base camp, it’s only a 650m ascent to the summit—an exciting climb involving brief sections of rock scrambling. The final portion is a short, near-vertical scramble that gives a genuine mountaineering feel, requiring rope protection. Though regarded as an easy trekking peak, parts of Pokalde are quite exposed and should be avoided in bad weather.
Most climbers now approach Pokalde from the Makalu side via Kongma La Pass. From the summit, you can enjoy spectacular views of Makalu, Ama Dablam, and Pumori.
The best seasons to climb are Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November). Winter also offers a rewarding experience for those prepared for the cold, with crystal-clear mountain views and fewer trekkers in December.
The Pokalde Peak expedition duration can be customized to your schedule. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expedition will handle all logistics—including lodging, meals, and necessary climbing gear.
Planning to climb Pokalde Peak in 2025 or 2026?
Highlights
- Relatively an easy climb but much more rewarding view from the Pokalde Peak summit
- Basic Rock and Ice climbing experience required for the climb
- Hike to the Classic Everest Base Camp end route and witness the surreal view up from Kala Pattar (5545m)
- Well set up support and logistics team at Pokalde Base Camp
- Qualified and expereinced Sherpa Climbing Guides
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, 1,300 m/4,265 ft
Flying to Kathmandu is in itself an exciting and memorable experience. On a clear day, you will get a panoramic view of the snow-capped towering peaks. After completing the visa formalities in airport, collect your luggage downstairs. As you exit the airport terminal, you will be welcomed by one of our representatives carrying your name on our company’s’ signboard, Annapurna Foothills Treks & Expedition. Moving forward, you’ll be taken to your hotel in our vehicle. Once you reach at hotel, you’ll be welcomed by them as well and after that you can relax in your room or go for a walk exploring the city.
Day 02: Preparation Day in Kathmandu
The Managing Director of our company will be there to meet you in the hotel and provide more information about the expedition. Your dues must be cleared before we proceed on the trip. We will finalize paperwork-permit for your trip and make a final check of your climbing equipment. In case you need additional trekking equipment, you will have a chance to buy it today. Sightseeing tours of Kathmandu Valley are also an option.
Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla; Trek to Phakdingma, 4 hrs, 2,610 m/8,560 ft
An early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla 2804m takes only 35 minutes. On arrival in Lukla, a guide will brief you and introduce our porters before we begin our trek towards Phakdingma.
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar, 6-7 hrs, 3,441 m/11,286 ft
Namche Bazaar, widely known as the capital of Khumbu and the gateway to Everest, has many good hotels and lodges. This is the biggest village along the entire Everest region.
Day 05: Acclimatization day- Trekking around Namche Bazaar
We will spend a day here in order to acclimatize and adjust to the thinner air. We will visit a museum which displays the traditions and customs of the Sherpa people. We hike up to the Syangboche Airport around Everest View Hotel where we can see the panoramic view of Khumbu peaks.
Day 06: Trek to Tengbuche, 5-6 hrs, 3,860 m/12,660 ft
Day 07: Trek to Dingbuche, 5 hrs, 4,400 m/14,435 ft
The trail descends through a beautiful forest, then crosses the Imja Khola (river) and passes through the village of Pangboche. The route continues through summer pastures where the yak graze, to Dingboche, 4400m, the second place to stop and acclimatize.
Day 08: Acclimatization Day: Hike to Chhkung Ri back to Dingbuche,3-4 hrs, 5,080 m/ 16,629 ft
Today For acclimatization, we will hike to chhulung Ri to enjoy the view of Ama Dablam and Island Peak, and return to Dingbuche.
Day 09: Trek to Lobuche, 5 hrs, 4,915 m/ 16,125 ft
We continue our trek through the wide valley beneath the impressive peaks of Cholatse and Tawache on the left. We then turn right and take a steep climb towards the foot of the Khumbu Glacier to Dugla. The trail switchbacks through the boulders of the glacier’s terminal moraine. At the top of this climb, you’ll see many stone cairns built as memorials to the many Sherpas who have died while climbing Mt. Everest. We continue to climb to Lobuche, 4910 m, from where you will see the awesome Mt. Pumori Peak, 7220m, very well.
NOTE: Some breathing problems may arise today due to the altitude. To prevent altitude sickness, a good rest and plenty of water is necessary. You will crave some Chocolates or Snickers at this point.
Day 10: Trek to Gorak Shep and back to EBC (Everest Base Camp)5-6 hrs, 5,130 m/16,830 ft
Today we trek on past Gorak Shep 5130m, to reach (Everest Base Camp 5,364m/17,598ft). After celebrating our efforts and photographing this achievement, we return back to Gorak Shep.
Day 11: Early Morning ascent to Kala Pattar and descent to Dingbuche,6-7 hrs, 4,400 m/14,435 ft
An early morning climb will take us to our destination peak, Kala Pattar (5545m/ 18,192ft) following the Khumbu Glacier. From Kala Pattar, we will see the elegant sunrise and enjoy the scenic view of the surrounding mountains. Then we descend for lunch at Lobuche, 4915m, and continue descending down to Dingbuche.
Day 12: Trek to Pokalde Base Camp via Kongma La Pass, 7-8 hrs. (4,400 m/14,435 ft)
We start our venture towards the Pokalde peak by departing from Lobuche and heading towards the Base Camp. The trails are somewhat rocky, and the ascent is quite steep as we pass via the Kongma La Pass (5,535) towards the base camp. After walking for about 6 hours, we finally reach Pokalde Base Camp. Here, our representatives will guide you with some mountaineering tips for the big climb on the following day. Overnight stay at Pokalde Base Camp.
Day 13: Climb Pokalde Peak and back to Chhukung (Summit Day)6-7 hrs, 4,710 m/15,448 ft
Today, we have to start early in the morning to climb through the rock channel. Although it is not difficult, there are many short rock steps to be crossed before you come across the other side of the channel. Then the trail leads to the ridge line where you traverse the snout of the summit . After enjoying the summit view, you will descend all the way to Chhukung.
Day 14: Trek to Namche,5-6 hrs, 3,441 m/11,286 ft
We trek down to Dingboche and again pass through the Pangboche village, the same trail we used on the way up. The trail leads down to a river. After crossing the river, we walk for an hour up through the forest and reach Tengbuche after continuously to Namche.
Day 15: Trek to Lukla, 7-8 hrs, 2,810 m/9,219 ft
Boosted by all our new red blood cells, we rush down the footpath toward Sagarmatha National Park gate, in Jorsale. Later, Lukla’s footpath leads us back to the first villages we saw two weeks ago: Gumila, Phakdingma, and Choplung. The high peaks disappear behind the hills. In Lukla, this last evening in the mountains is the ideal opportunity for a farewell party with your sherpa guides and porters, and a good chance to sample some chhyang, try Nepali and Sherpa dance and look back on the memorable trekking experiences. The staff will be hoping for some precious and well deserved tips.
Day 16: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu, 1,300m/4,265 ft
You will take an early morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu and will be transfered to your hotel.
Day 17: Final Departure
Our Nepalese support team will take you to the Kathmandu airport for your flight back to home.
What's include
- Transfer from Airport – Hotel – Airport: Car, Van, Hi-ace or Coaster in a private vehicle.
- Authentic Nepali welcome dinner with Live Nepalese Cultural Program.
- Accommodation in Kathmandu, Four nights on Twin share (Bed and Breakfast) Basis.
- Accommodation during Trek ; local lodges 13 nights (twin-share rooms ,beds with comfortable foam mattress and pillows)
- Accommodation during Camping ; Meals during 1 night camping (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tang juice, fruit, tea and coffee)
- All standard meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trekking
- English speaking experienced Sherpa guide (Govt. Trained/License Holder).
- All Camping Equipment required during the climb; sleeping tents/mattresses, kitchen tent, kitchen equipment,etc.
- All required Personal and Group Climbing gears
- Climbing rope, Ice screws, Snow bar
- Trekking cook, kitchen staff, Trek Sherpa and other support staff while on Pokalde peak climbing
- One Sherpa Guide-Assistant if the group size is more than 4 climbers.
- Porters: One porter for Two Trekkers basis in all of our Climbing Trips
- Trek Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation.
- Personal insurance for Nepalese staff.
- Annapurna Foothill’s Duffle bag for Trekking.
- Energy Supplies; Snickers, Mars, Bounty etc.
- First aid medicine kit.
- Pokalde Peak Climbing Permit
- Sagarmatha National Park Fee, TIMS permits & all required permits or Official Documentation.
- Round-Trip airfare between Kathmandu and Lukla (Airport Tax Included)
- All government and local taxes
- Pokalde Peak climbing certificates issued from the respective body of Nepal Government.
What‘s excluded
- Your Personal Travel Insurance.
- Nepal Entry Visa Fee
- Lunch & Dinner in cities - allow $ 10 to 14 for per meal in Tourist restaurants.
- Beverages (drinks, mineral water,boiled water and beer).
- Tips for guide, porters and driver (customary).
- Any personal expenses not mentioned in above services.
- Additional night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of early return from Trek (due to any reason) than the planned itinerary
- Personal Climbing Gears: Mountaineering Boots, Crampons, Harness, Ice Axe, 2 x Tape slings, 2 x Screwgate Karabiners, Descender / Abseil, Device (Jumar), Prussic Loops, Helmet
Essential Info
Suggested Equipment List
- Duffel/Rucksack bag
- Walking Pole
- Day pack.
- Trekking shoes.
- Sports shoes or sandals.
- Sun Hat/cap
- Warm woolen cap.
- Warm fleece jacket or puffy jacket
- Waterproof Gore-Tex layer
- Pullover or warm sweeter
- Raincoat
- 4/5 pairs of good quality socks
- Hand gloves.
- 2/3 pairs of trekking trousers.
- 3/4 pairs of trekking shirts.
- 3/4 pairs of underwear (non cotton preferred).
- Sun glasses
- Water bottle
- 4 season sleeping bag
- Flash or Torch light
- Camera and batteries
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