Mt. Kwandge Ri

Mt. Kwandge Ri

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Forming an impressive multi –summit ridge at the eastern end of the Lumding Himal, Mt. Kwandge Ri (also known as Kwangde and Kwangdi Ri) stands above the Bhote Koshi River to the South –West of Namche Bazaar. Regarded as a holy mountain by the Khumbu region settlers but is open to climbing, it stands prominently in front of the main cultural and market centre of Sherpa life and can be scaled by both the south and north face.

Elevation :  6,011 m Range/Region :  Khumbu Himal/Solukhumbu
Latitude :  27o 48 Longitude :  86o 37
Royalty Group :  B Trip duration :  19 days
Trip Grade :  AD Starts :  Lukla

Kwandge Ri is an impressive ridge of summits to the south-west of Namche Bazaar. Spectacular waterfalls cascade from the mountain’s lower gullies which are often gazed at through tea-house windows in Namche Bazaar and trekkers on the trail to Thame.

Kwangde Ri is the collective name for the chain of peaks running west to east that includes Nup (6,035 m), Kwangde Lho (6,187 m), Kwangde Shar (6,093 m) ending at the lower, rocky Nupla (5,885 m) and all of which are covered by the peak permit.

There are many routes climbing this peak but all have technical difficulties, especially from the steep northern side. Its northern summit, Kwangde Nup (19795ft.), which is climbed from a base camp in the rarely visited Lumding Valley, makes an excellent trekking peak objective and also provides a simply fantastic vantage point. The summit panorama extends across the Khumbu, from Ama Dablam and Makalu in the East, to Everest and Cho Oyu and includes the spectacular Rolwaling peaks, to the northwest. Kwangde Lho, the tallest of the peaks was famously climbed by Jeff Lowe and David Breashears in 1982 via a difficult line on extremely steep ice and rock.

The journey from Lukla, during this tirp passes through the Lumding Valley, acknowledged as one of the most beautiful valleys of Nepal. We establish a high camp at the snout of the Kwangde Glacier, providing us direct access onto the steep snow slopes leading to the summit ridge. This magnificent vantage point, with views north to Everest and across to the Nangpa La and Tibet, gives us a bird’s eye view of the clusters of Sherpa villages below.

Kongde Nupla
Easier routes can be found on the less steep southern side which is reached via the secluded Lumding Valley which is in turn reached by crossing either the Moro La (4,343 m) or Lumding La (4,516 m).

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Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu International Airport- T I A (1300m) and transfer to hotel.

Day 02: After breakfast we set out for an extensive guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valleys cultural, historical, religious (world heritage) sites. During the course, we visit the famous Pashupatinath temple of Lord Shiva situated at the holy bank of River Bagmati where we will also observe the Hindu cremation ritual. We then proceed to the Boudhanath stupa, a major pilgrimage centre for the Buddhist faith which also is the largest of its kind in the world. We then have a short break for lunch followed by a visit to Swoyambhunath stupa also known as the Monkey Temple from where we can have a bird’s eye view of whole of Kathmandu valley. Following this we then proceed for a visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square, the oldest royal palace of Kathmandu and a UNESCO world heritage site.  The whole area of Kathmandu Durbar Square is dotted with numerous fascinating Nepalese architect dating back many centuries. The site is also the home to Nepal’s living Goddess – Kumari, where we will also have the opportunity to experience firsthand this unique Nepali tradition.  In the evening we will attend the welcome dinner hosted by Makalu Adventure with live Nepalese culture shows.

Day 03: Kathmandu ( 1310m) - Lukla (2827m) - Phakding (2652m) 3-4 hours
After a very early start, and an early take off from Kathmandu Domestic Airport, a 45 minute flight is all it takes to propel us into the Everest region of Nepal. The landing at Lukla (2800m) is spectacular and on arrival we are greeted by our sirdar and trekking crew who organise the luggage and hustle us off for tea. After a leisurely lunch we start the trek in earnest, setting off for a gentle walk to Phakding (2800m), a further 3 hours to the north. The trail leads through Lukla, past hotels, shops and airline offices to the edge of the Lukla plateauwhere the trail drops to meet the intersection of the Jiri trail at Chablung. From here the trail follows the Dudh Kosi north through the village of Ghat and then finally to Phakding where we spend the night either in a lodge or tented camp.

Day 4: Trek from Phakding to Ghat Pari, overnight at tented camp.
 
Day 5: Trek to Yak Pari Kharka Ghat night at tented camp.
 
Day 6: Day of acclimatization, overnight at tented camp.
 
Day 7: Trek to Yak Kharka Lumding Kharka, overnight at tented camp.
 
Day 8: Trek to Lumbding Kharka Kongde Ri Base Camp, overnight at tented camp.
 
Day 9: Preparation day for climbing, overnight at tented camp.
 
Day 10: Trek to base camp high camp, overnight at tented camp.
 
Day 11: Summit to Kwangde Ri 6011m and back to base camp, overnight at tented camp.
 
Day 12: Reserve day for climbing considering the weather, overnight at tented camp.
 
Day 13: Trek to Base Camp Yak Kharka, overnight at tented camp.
 
Day 14: Trek to Yak Kharka to Lukla, overnight at tented camp.
 
Day 15: Early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel, refresh.
 
Day 16: Half-day sightseeing around Kathmandu valley with our guide by private car, followed by farewell dinner hosted by Makalu Adventure in the evening.
 
Day 17: Final departure from Kathmandu.

Should you prefer a different route or itinerary for this program, just let us know your interests and we will be more than happy to craft a tailor made trip for you in line with your specific preference.

Trip Cost Includes
  • All ground transfers as per our itinerary.
  • Thamel Eco resort Hotel in Kathmandu (including breakfast and all taxes).
  • Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu (including all entrance fees).
  • Welcome Dinner with Live Nepali Program hosted by Makalu Adventures.
  • Mt. Kwandge Ri Climbing Permit Fee.
  • National Park Permit Fees (including all other entrance fees wherever applicable)
  • Mountain guide for climbing support (including his daily wages and insurance).
  • Airfare: Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu.
  • Fully organized camping trek arrangement (best camping equipments, tents, mattresses & etc)
  • Guide, cook, kitchen helper/porters - with their daily wages, insurance, foods and other expenses occurring in connection of this trip.
  • Everyday three times meals on trek, prepared by our very professional kitchen crew.


For Lodge-to-Lodge Trek (if and where applicable):

  • Accommodation and foods as available on the local lodges on the way while trekking.
Trip Cost Excludes
  • Nepal visa fee.
  • Airport taxes.
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
  • Excess baggage charges.
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu.
  • Extra night accommodation.
  • Travel and rescue insurance.
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, showers etc).
  • Helicopter rescue and evacuation if required.
  • Tips and gratitude

Comming Soon
Comming Soon