Pokhalde: Geography and Name
Elevation stands at 5,806 m (19,049 ft).
Positioned on the ridge line extending from Nuptse.
First Ascent: First climbed in 1953 by John Hunt's Everest expedition team for acclimatization.
Elevation
5,806 m
19,049 ft
Location
Solukhumbu District
Kongma La Region
Best Season
Spring & Autumn
Mar–May / Sep–Nov
Standard Route
North Ridge
Nepal Side
The Scramble Peak of Everest
Pokhalde (also known as Dolma Ri) is located just 12 km south-west of Mount Everest.
It is one of the shortest and easiest trekking peaks in the Everest region, mostly requiring rock scrambling.
Key Highlights
- Virtually snow-free during autumn, making it a pure rock scramble.
- Close proximity to Kongma La Pass and Chhukung Valley.
- Excellent first peak for trekkers seeking a 5,800m summit.
Quick Facts
First Ascent
1953 (Hunt Expedition)
Parent Range
Mahalangur Himal, Himalayas
Coordinates
27.9167° N, 86.8333° E
Beyond the Basics
Pokhalde: Climbing & Trekking Guide
Route, acclimatisation and permit notes for Pokhalde from the Nepal Side side, plus practical safety advice.
Pokhalde: Climbing Routes
Approached from Kongma La Pass or High Camp near the pass lake.
- North Ridge Standard Scramble: Scramble over granite boulders and narrow rock ledges to the rocky tip.
Pokhalde: Permits, Season and Safety
The standard season on Pokhalde is Spring & Autumn (Mar–May / Sep–Nov). Loose Rocks: Helmet required due to loose rock scrambling near the top.
Approaches to Pokhalde begin from Nepal Side in Solukhumbu District, where the main objective is the North Ridge. Confirm current permit, insurance, and national park requirements before departure.
- Permits required: NMA Peak Permit & Sagarmatha Permit.
- Best months: October to November (mostly rock) & April to May.
- Elevation: 5,806 m (19,049 ft).
Pokhalde: Approach and Acclimatisation
Plan for road travel to the Nepal Side trailhead, then several days of walking before you reach the foot of Pokhalde. Gain height gradually, take a rest day before moving to high camp, and keep a spare weather day in reserve during Spring & Autumn.
Summit day on a 5,806 m objective is long, so start early and set a clear turn-around time. If the North Ridge is crowded or the snow is unstable, waiting a day is almost always better than pushing on.
Pokhalde: Facts and Figures
Pokhalde "Dolma Ri" stands at 5,806 m in Solukhumbu District, Kongma La Region. The figures below summarise the mountain for trip planning.
- First Ascent: 1953 (Hunt Expedition)
- Parent Range: Mahalangur Himal, Himalayas
- Coordinates: 27.9167° N, 86.8333° E