NEPAL TRAVELLER
Pharchamo Peak, situated at 6,187m, is also known as parchemuche. It overlooks both the Rolwaling and Khumbu regions and is a straightforward but spectacular ascent for experienced climbers.It has a well-defined north and northeast ridge rising from a relatively flat. But crevassed, glacier is still the main route to the summit. You will be crossing some mountain passes like Tashi Lapcha Pass which is very challenging and connects you with the Khumbu valley. This peak is surrounded by Gaurishankar Conservation Area and you can even get the mesmerizing view of the Mount Gaurishanker.
THINGS TO OBSERVE
While you are in the trip of climbing Pharchamo, you will get a wonderful chance to play with the natural beauty by keeping all the struggle aside. You can enjoy the beautiful view of snow-capped mountains like Ama Dablam, Cho-Oyu and Thamserku and glacier. Exploring Tsho Rolpa Lake (4525m) is another best thing that will happen to you during this journey. Beside this, you will be passing through other various river valleys, magical waterfalls and you will definitely experience the beautiful change in the landscapes with various ups and downs. Also, while climbing, you will pass through popular and challenging mountain pass i.e. Tashi Lapcha Pass. Since, Pharchamo peak lies in the Gaurishankar Conservation Area, one can display the impressive beauty of wildlife, colourful flowers etc which add color and happiness to your life. Also, while climbing and trekking this peak, you will be making your way through dark and dense forests beautifully decorated with oaks, pines and rhododendron. You can visit picturesque Sherpa villages and their culture, tradition, taste, festivals etc. and can learn about their lifestyle. Parchamo Peak stands proudly above the beautiful Thame valley which is still unspoiled from external influence. You will definitely be creating memories for a lifetime after undertaking this great trip to the top of Parchamo Peak which is indeed a proud accomplishment.
HISTORICAL ACHIEVEMENT
The first summit to this peak was made by Dennis Davis and Phil Boutbee in 1955. They were the members of the highly successful Merseyside Himalayan Expedition led by Alf Gregory. From then on, numerous climbers have successfully attempted the peak for many times by making this peak easy and most successful to climb.
GETTING THERE
Climbing Pharchamo begins with flight from Kathmandu to Lukla which is short but quite exciting. And, then you will trek to Namche Bazaar. After Namche Bazaar you will head off towards Thame, Thengpo and Ngole. Base camp is set at Moraines below Pharchamo. Then, you will climb the north-east of the Tashi Lapcha Pass and set up the high camp. After climbing, you return the same way and fly back to Kathmandu. However, you can also choose another route through the trekking to Rolwaling valley and Tashilapcha pass (west to east).
BEST SEASON
Autumn Season (September to November) and Spring Season (March to May) are the perfect seasons for Climbing Pharcharmo Peak. During these months, the weather will be perfect for mountaineering. The skies will be clear and the atmosphere of the Himalayas will be alluring. However, those climbers who don't prefer hustle and bustle, can even try climbing in winter/summer season.
TOTAL COST
The journey of Pharchamo peak climbing starts from around US $ 22,00. However, you know that the climbing cost depends on the climbing package you choose based on the number of days on your Parchamo Peak Climbing Itinerary and the routes you are taking. Also, the cost will differ if you are not taking all of your chosen company package for the climb.
TIME DURATION
Climbing this mountain is an adventurous tour which will last for about at least 14 days or more than this depending upon the route you choose. Also, one can't resist with unavoidable circumstances like bad weather which can delay the trip.
REQUIREMENTS
To summit this peak you need to have a high level of physical fitness and moderate level of technical climbing.
Experienced- Climbers should have successfully completed a minimum of 3 Day Mount Rainier or Mount Baker Climb (or have similar experience).
Mental Ability- Climbers must be mentally prepared to deal with strenuous situations at high altitudes. The requirements are also based on your desire to have similarly skilled team members.
Travel Documents: PP size photos, valid passport, insurance paper, family members contact address etc.
Mountaineering equipments- Crampons, Ice axe, Helmet, Harness, Lock and unlock Carabineers, Shovel, Climbing pack, Rope, Ski poles, Jummer, Tapes, Prusik Loops, Rappel device, Hand Warmer etc.
Clothing and Wears- Snow google, Wool cap, Thermal Underwear, Trekking shoes with spare laces, Mountaineering Boots, Gore-Tex pants, Long shorts, Insulated Parka, Jumper, Waterproof Jackets, Down Jacket, Fleece Vest,Neck Gaiter, Gloves etc.
Gadgets- Map, Compass, Camera, GPS, Two way radios, Binoculars, Head Lamp, Flashlight etc.
Other equipment: Sleeping bags, Bag packs, Sun stuff, Medical, Eating and Drinking stuffs, Toiletries, Fleece hats and so on.
PERMIT AND REGULATIONS
For climbing Pharchamo Peak, you need to have following permits;
TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System)- NRS 1000 (USD 9) per person if they have come in a group and NRS 2000 (USD 18) per person if they have come individually.
Gaurishankar Conservation Area Entry Permit- For entering the Gaurishankar Conservation Area, you need to obtain an entry permit. This permit costs around 30 USD + government tax.
Pharmacho Peak Climbing Permit- USD 250 during spring, USD 125 during autumn and USD 70 during winter/summer.
Permit should be taken from Nepal Mountaineering Association since height above 5800m and below 6584m peaks permit are given by them. This permit will be taken by your trekking company and will charge a specific amount of money. Without a valid permit you are not allowed to climb Pharchamo Peak. Also, one needs to pay fees for Liaison Officer, his/her insurance, food allowance, Insurance of whole Nepali staff including porters in order to obtain permit and Garbage Deposit at ministry.
RESTRICTIONS
In Nepal, climbing Pharchamo Peak imposed certain kind of age, health restrictions and they are;
Age- Minimum 16 and no restriction has been set in upper age till now
Health- Should have a strong body, risk taking mindset and health should be free from any kind of sudden attack diseases.
NOTE: Till now in Nepal, permits to climb mountains in Nepal are issued by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) to 33 peaks and rest of others permits are issued by the Government of Nepal, Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.
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