Trekking · Nepal
Pokalde Peak
A short, quieter 5,806 m Khumbu trekking peak near the Kongma La, a fine warm-up or standalone summit.
Pokalde Peak, at 5,806 metres, is one of the lower and quieter trekking peaks of the Khumbu — a short, accessible climb near the Kongma La that works equally well as a warm-up for bigger objectives or as a satisfying summit in its own right. It rounds out the Everest entries in the trekking peaks of Nepal.
Overview
Pokalde rises just off the main Everest trail, between Chhukung and Lobuche near the Kongma La, one of the high passes on the Everest Three Passes route. Being lower and less glaciated than its neighbours, it sees far fewer climbers than Island Peak, giving the ascent a quieter, more exploratory feel. The first ascent was made in 1953 by members of the British Everest expedition, who used it for acclimatisation — a role it still plays for many climbers today.
Height and location
At 5,806 metres (19,049 feet), Pokalde lies within Sagarmatha National Park in the upper Khumbu. It is approached from Chhukung or from a camp near the Kongma La, both on the Everest region treks network, so climbers acclimatise on the walk in from Namche and Dingboche. Its position close to the Everest Base Camp trek makes it easy to slot into a wider Khumbu itinerary.
The climb
Much of the route is a steep walk and scramble up rock and scree to a high col, followed by a short, sharper summit block. The final section is a rocky scramble with some fixed rope and, depending on conditions, a little snow and ice near the top, so crampons and ice axe are still carried. It is more of a scramble than a glacier climb, which makes it a good place to test high-altitude fitness before committing to harder peaks such as Lobuche East or the higher Mera Peak.
Difficulty, season and safety
Spring (April–May) and autumn (October–November) give the most reliable conditions. Although Pokalde is one of the easier Khumbu peaks technically, its summit still tops 5,800 m, so good acclimatisation through the Everest valleys is essential — read our altitude sickness guide. Many climbers use Pokalde precisely as an acclimatisation rung before Island Peak. An NMA climbing permit, a registered agency and a climbing guide are required, as set out in our Nepal trekking guide.
Fast facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | 5,806 m (19,049 ft) |
| Region | Upper Khumbu, near Kongma La |
| First ascent | 1953 (Everest expedition) |
| Difficulty | Lower, partly a scramble |
| Common use | Acclimatisation / warm-up peak |
| Best access | From Chhukung or the Kongma La |
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Frequently asked questions
How high is Pokalde Peak?+
Pokalde Peak rises to 5,806 metres (19,049 feet) in the Khumbu region of the Everest area, near the Kongma La pass between Chhukung and Lobuche.
Is Pokalde Peak easy to climb?+
Pokalde is one of the lower and more accessible Everest-region trekking peaks, but the final summit block is a short rocky scramble with some fixed rope. The main challenge is the altitude, and it is often used as an acclimatisation or warm-up climb.
Where is Pokalde Peak located?+
Pokalde Peak lies just off the Everest Base Camp trail near the Kongma La, one of the high passes on the Everest Three Passes route. It is usually approached from Chhukung or from a camp near the pass.
Can Pokalde Peak be combined with other climbs?+
Yes. Because it is lower and close to the main Khumbu trail, Pokalde is often climbed as a warm-up before harder peaks such as Island Peak or Lobuche East, or added to an Everest Base Camp itinerary.
