Trip Overview

This mountain poses few difficulties and it is often used as a warm up for other Himalayan peaks. It is one of the so-called ‘trekking peaks’ of Nepal and it does not require a huge amount of mountaineering skill. The term ‘trekking peak’ however, can be a little misleading as some of these peaks should be approached seriously. Most people climb the north ridge from the Kongma La. It is also possible to climb the south ridge The mountain lies to the east of the Khumbu Valley which leads all the way up to Everest Base Camp. Pokhalde is around two or three miles from Everest but the Lhotse ridge obscures the view of the highest point on Earth from the summit. From the hamlet of Lobuche, which consists of only a handful of trekking lodges, the peak looks impressive as a high point on the ridge across the valley. It sits above the Kongma La Pass and in comparison to the busy paths leading to Everest the route is infrequently travelled. The mountain is, of course, dwarfed by its impressive neighbours but nevertheless it is a worthwhile side trip from a trek.