Kongde Ri Peak Climbing

Overview And Highlights

Trip Facts

Trip Type

Camping

Grade

Strenuous

Altitude

2886 m.

Transportation

Ktm-Lukla-Ktm by Flight

Group Size

1 or more

Best Season

Spring and Autumn

Duration

13 Days

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Situated in Eastern Nepal, nearly 21 miles from Everest Himalayan range, is the little known Kongde-Ri peak. Standing at an elevation of 6187m, Kongde Ri (Kwangde Peak) is regarded as a holy mountain by the Sherpa community.

Among mountaineering community, Kongde-Ri peak is one of the hardest and challenging trekking peaks. First summitted in 1975 by a German Alpine team, Kongde-Ri is a mountain with multiple peaks. It can be scaled via both the south and north faces and both experienced and novice climbers will find Kongde-Ri very attractive proposition. Basic mountaineering skills are required to climb Kongde-Ri peak.

Successful climbers to the peak are rewarded with fantastic panorama of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Rolwaling along with birds-eye view of Khumbu valley below.

Part of the attraction of Kongde-Ri peak is its remote location requiring mountaineers to trek multiple days through hard terrain and wilderness. The trekking trail crisscrosses Everest National Park which is a world heritage site and home to many endangered species such as Snow Leopard, Musk Deer and Red Panda.

Itinerary Expand All Close All

Day 1 : Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport.

Food

Welcome Drink

Accomodation

Hotel

Elevation

1400

On your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be greeted with flower garlands/Khadas. Our representative will then take you to your hotel. If time prevails, you will visit office for paperwork.
Stay overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2 : Trip preparation and city tour of Kathmandu or Patan and Bhaktapur.

Food

Breakfast

Accomodation

Hotel

Elevation

1400

Today, you will visit popular world heritage monuments in Kathmandu including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Swoyambhunath, and Pashupatinath. Alternatively, you can also choose Bhakatapur and Patan sightseeing. By late afternoon, you will drive back to your hotel.
Stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 3 : Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m.) that takes about 35 minutes.

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

2886

After early-morning breakfast, our guide will pick you up from the hotel and drive to the domestic airport terminal. Receive your boarding pass and fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m.) that takes about 35 minutes. The flight offers you up close views of the Himalayas and romantic landscapes of hills, farms and rivers.

On arrival to Lukla, you will begin 3 hours trek to Phakding (2640 m.). You start your trek from Lukla with a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi River. Mt. Nupla (5885m) which can be seen in the distance is a peak atop the Kongde Ridge. You descend a mountainside path that merges into your route to Everest, with views to a wonderful valley to your right; and Mt. Kusum Kang (6367m.) to the far end.
Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 4 : Trek from Phakding to Lumding Kharka (4616 m.).

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Camp

Elevation

4616

Trek from Phakding to Lumding Kharka (4616 m.). Stay overnight in camp.

Day 5 : Trek from Lumding Kharka to Kwongde Base Camp (4910 m.).

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Camp

Elevation

4910

Trek from Lumding Kharka to Kwongde Base Camp (4910 m.). Stay overnight in camp.

Day 6 : Climb from Kwongde Base Camp to Kwongde High Camp (5300 m).

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Camp

Elevation

5300

Climb from Kwongde Base Camp to Kwongde High Camp (5300 m). Stay overnight in camp.

Day 7 : Summit Kwongde Peak (6093 m.) and back to High Camp.

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Camp

Elevation

6093

Summit Kwongde Peak (6093 m.) and back to High Camp. Stay overnight in camp.

Day 8 : Descend down to Kwongde Base Camp.

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Camp

Elevation

4910

Descend down to Kwongde Base Camp. Stay overnight in camp.

Day 9 : Trek from Kwongde Base Camp to Thame village (3820 m.).

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

3820

Trek from Kwongde Base Camp to Thame village (3820 m.). Stay overnight in lodge.

Day 10 : Trek Thame to Namche Bazaar (3440m.)

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

3440

The trail descends gently for early one hour to Sanasa (3550m.). Now you have a glimpse of first really good views of the great peaks of the Khumbu including Mt Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. Passing by several villages and numerous teashops, the trail descends steeply to a bridge over the river Dudh Koshi at Phunki Tenga (3250m.) Tyangboche is famous passing by several villages and numerous teashops; the trail ascends steeply to Sanasa where local Sherpa people sell the Tibetan goods. The way from Sanasa to Namche Bazaar has small ups and downs with view of forests, scenery and mountains.
Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 11 : Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2886 m.) takes about six hours.

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

2886

The last day of your trek leads from Namche Bazaar via Monjo to Lukla. The trek is pleasant, except for a few short uphill climbs and then down to the Bhote-Koshi River crossing it three times. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes will bring you to Lukla for your overnight stay.
Stay overnight in lodge.

Day 12 : Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu takes 35 minutes.

Food

Breakfast

Accomodation

Hotel

Elevation

1400

You take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu.
Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 13 : Departure

Food

Breakfast

As per your flight schedule, our airport representative will transfer from your hotel to the airport for your final departure.

What Is Included ?

a) Kathmandu

Airport pick-up and drop-off services by private vehicle
3 night hotel accommodation with breakfast
One day city sightseeing with an English speaking tour guide and private vehicle
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening
Souvenirs

b) Trekking & Climbing

Kongde peak climbing permit
Trekkers' Information Management system (TIMS) card
Entry permit for Sagarmatha National Park
Entry fee of local municipal government
Climbing guide (Sirdar)
Equipments fee for the climbing guide/s
Required porters including a cook (some nights will be camping and will require cook and cooking utensils)
All meals three times a day during the trek/climb
Accommodation in teahouses (lodges) for some nights and some nights camping
Necessary trekking/camping equipment such as tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, down jackets, duffle bags, rope, snow bar, rock piton, Carabineers Crampons, Ice axe, Helmet, Harness, cooking utensils, Epi gas, etc.
Round trip flight tickets: Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu
Insurance and equipments for the guides and porters
First aid kit
Tax, VAT and our service charge
Rescue assistance (In case of emergency, we will organize prompt and professional rescue services. To arrange timely evacuation/rescue by helicopter, you must be well insured from a reliable travel insurance company that covers both helicopter evacuation and medical treatment cost.)

What Is Excluded?

Personal nature expenses (Telephone calls, toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers and any alcoholic beverages)
Travel insurance
Tips for involved staffs
Sherpa summit bonus
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Personal climbing equipments
Entrance fees while sightseeing in and around Kathmandu
Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu (even in case of early arrival or late departure, early return from trekking due to any personal reason than the scheduled itinerary)

Kongde Ri Peak Climbing Altitude Profile

FAQs

Kongde Ri is rated as a technical peak, making it more difficult than other trekking peaks like Island or Mera. The climb includes:

Steep snow and rock sections
Potential mixed climbing on snow and ice
High exposure to weather and altitude
A long summit push with significant elevation gain

It's suitable for climbers with prior mountaineering experience, especially those who have used crampons, ice axe, and have been on peaks above 6,000 meters.

Kongde Ri is located in the Everest region, directly across the valley from Namche Bazaar. It forms part of the dramatic skyline you see from the Everest View Hotel. Despite its proximity to the popular Everest trail, it remains rarely climbed due to its technical nature and remote location. The base camp is reached via Thame or through Phakding and Lumding, depending on your approach.

The best seasons for climbing are:

Spring (April–early June): Warmer weather and more stable snow conditions.
Autumn (late September–early November): Clear skies, dry trails, and excellent visibility.

Both seasons offer good weather windows, but autumn tends to have crisper air and more stable conditions at high altitudes.

Yes—climbing Kongde Ri requires solid mountaineering experience. You should be comfortable with:

Using crampons and an ice axe
Moving with a rope team across snow and mixed terrain
Climbing at high altitudes
Long summit pushes (8–12 hours)

Having previously climbed peaks like Lobuche East, Island Peak, or even alpine routes outside Nepal will serve you well.

A full expedition to Kongde Ri typically takes 12 to 16 days, including:

Trekking to base camp
Acclimatization days
Climbing period with summit day
Trek back and flights to/from Kathmandu

Some itineraries are shorter if acclimatization is done on other peaks or if you’ve been in the Khumbu before.

You’ll typically fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, then trek through Phakding, Thame, and possibly Lumding Kharka to reach the base camp. The approach is off the main Everest Base Camp trail, passing through peaceful villages and pine forests. Depending on your route, it may take 4 to 6 days to reach base camp.

You will need:

NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association) climbing permit for Kongde Ri
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)

During the trek: You’ll stay in local teahouses with basic rooms and meals (dal bhat, soups, noodles, etc.)

At base camp and higher camps: You’ll camp in tents, with meals prepared by a dedicated cook team.

Meals are high-energy, with warm soups, pasta, rice, potatoes, tea, and occasional meat or canned goods at base camp.

You need to be in excellent physical condition, capable of:

Hiking 6–8 hours a day with a backpack
Handling altitude above 5,000 meters
Climbing for 10+ hours on summit day
Coping with cold, wind, and rugged terrain

Train with a combination of cardio, strength, and altitude training (if possible). Experience on previous treks and climbs will be a huge advantage.

Yes, because you’ll be operating at nearly 6,200 meters, altitude sickness is a real risk. Symptoms can include:

Headache, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath

Proper acclimatization is built into the itinerary, and your guides will monitor your health regularly. Hydration, pacing, and rest days are essential. Some climbers bring Diamox (consult a doctor before use).

Climbing any high-altitude peak involves risks, but with proper preparation, experienced guides, and good weather planning, it’s a safe and manageable expedition. Ensure you:

Choose a reputable climbing agency
Climb with licensed, trained guides
Have appropriate insurance that covers high-altitude rescue
Follow acclimatization and safety protocols

Weather, snow conditions, and physical health can affect summit chances, so flexibility is essential.

Kongde Ri offers a rare combination of factors:

Technical challenge for experienced climbers
Secluded route, avoiding Everest trail crowds
Close-up views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu
Opportunity to test alpine skills at 6,000+ meters
Authentic cultural experience in the quieter parts of Khumbu

It’s perfect for seasoned trekkers or alpinists wanting something more adventurous, wild, and rewarding than the typical trekking peaks.

Nepal Environmental Treks & Expedition ensures you to provide a well planned itinerary for Kongde Ri Peak climbing. An experienced and highly professional climbing guide will be assigned to each climbing member. All necessary logistics will be taken care from our side. However, we expect to maintain good health and physical condition as well as well good mental preparation from your side.

Additional Information

Mountaineering Equipments

Crampons, Ice axe, Helmet, Harness, Lock and unlock Carabineers, Shovel, Climbing pack, Rope, Ski poles, Desender/abseil device, Jummer (Asender) , Tapes, Prusik Loops, Rappel device, Hand Warmer (if possible)

Clothing and Wears

Trekking shoes with spare laces, Mountaineering Boots, Plastic or leather for mountaineering boots, Gore-Tex pants, Long shorts, Insulated Parka, Jumper, Waterproof Jackets, Down Jacket, Fleece Vest, Wool cap, Neck Gaiter, Gloves, Climbing Socks, Thermal Underwear, Sandals, Snow Goggle

Essential Gears

Backpack, Duffle bag, Sleeping Bag, sleeping pad, Tents

Gadgets

Map, Compass, Camera, GPS, Two way radios, Binoculars, Head Lamp, Flashlight

Sun Protection Items

Sun glasses, sun scream, Lip balm

Medical

First aid Kit (Brufen / Ibuprofens, Antibiotic, Diamox, Paracetamol, Handy Plaster, Crack Bandage, Tincture Iodine, etc.)

Other Essentials

Energy Bars, Water bottle, Water Purification Tablets, Toiletries, Trekking poles, Pocket knife, raincoat, Satellite Phone, Altimeter

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