NEPAL TRAVELLER
If you are a thrill-seeker looking for some comfortable mountaineering experience, then the Pokalde Peak Climbing is the one for you. Pokhalde peak, situated at 5,806m, is the easiest climbing mountain of the Khumbu region. It is located in the north of the Kongma La Ridge and above the Khumbu glacier, opposite of Lobuche. It is also known as Dolma Ri which falls in the group B of the Nepal Mountaineering Association peak. One can reach the top of Pokhalde with the help of rope, without any support from climbing gears like ice axes and crampons.
THINGS TO OBSERVE
Pokhalde Peak expedition will provide you with a pleasure experience along with unforgettable memories. Despite being at the lower height, it offers you majestic views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains like Everest (8848m), Shishapangma (8035m), Gosainthan (8013m), Cho Oyu (8201m), Lhotse (8516m), Mera peak (6476m), Island peak (6189m.), Nuptse peak (7,855m) and Amadablam (6812m). You can walk through the pleasant towns and fierce waterway gorges, along the Khumbu valley. On the way you will cross the beautiful falls, calm lakes, immaculate Rivers and sacred monasteries which mark this journey as an unforgettable moment of your life. You will get a chance to visit the ancient Tengboche Monastery and observe the vibrant Buddhist religious communities, their culture, tradition and lifestyle. Since it lies on Everest, you can witness the majestic Mahalangur Himalayan range situated at the Khumbu Region. You will display the picturesque scenery of the verdant landscapes, glazing waterfalls, and exotic flora and fauna and many endangered animals that are kept safely in Sagarmatha National Park. Khumbu valley, home of sherpa, provides you with the experience of conventional lifestyle and traditions of the Sherpas and their warm greetings and hospitality.
HISTORICAL ACHIEVEMENT
Pokalde Peak was first climbed in 1953 by a North ridge route via the Kongma La pass and since then it is collecting huge popularity among the climbers.
BEST SEASON
The best season for Pokalde Peak Climbing is from March to May (Spring) and from September to November (Autumn). However, the winter is also a great time to climb if you are well prepared for the cold weather. In the crisp and cold month of December, the views of the mountains are crystal clear and there are fewer tourists around.
CLIMBING ROUTE
Climbers can attempt climbing the summit of the mountain via two routes that are Bibre and Dughla which are considered safest and easiest via the North ridge. Each of the sides provides their distinctive outlooks and features. However, nowadays people also try for the climb from the Makalu side via the Kongma La Pass in order to enjoy the overall view of Makalu way while enjoying this peak climb.
TIME DURATION
The total days required from completing Pokhalde expedition is about 14 to 20 days.The time duration of the Pokalde Peak Climb can be lengthened or shortened according to your preference. It begins from scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, Sherpa home down, Everest Base Camp, Kalapathar, Tengboche Monastery, Chukung Valley, Kongmalai Base Camp, Kongmala pass, Pokalde Peak climbing and finally return back to Kathmandu via same route.
OVERALL COST
The cost for climbing Pokhalde peak ranges from US $ 1800 to US $ 3,000. However, the Pokhalde Peak climbing cost depends largely on how long you'll stay in the region. The longer your itinerary, the more you'll be owing to your travel agency. And also your accommodation and hotels rating varies the cost.
REQUIREMENTS
To summit this peak you need to have a high level of physical fitness and very low level of technical climbing can work.
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 Pokhalde 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.
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit- For entering the Sagarmatha National Park, the park that is home to the Mount Everest Region, to reach Everest Base Camp, you need to obtain an entry permit. This permit costs 30 USD + government tax.
Pokhalde 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 Pokhalde 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 Pokhalde 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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