Mt. Ombigaichan is a mountain in the Himalaya of eastern Nepal in Mahalangur range in Solukhumbu region. Its summit is 6,340 m. above sea level. This peak was first issued a climbing permit in 2002 and is rarely climbed. The recognized route is Lukla-Namche Bazaar, Ama Dablam Base Camp, Ombigaichen Base Camp.
Elevation : 6340m. | Range/Region : Mahalangur/Khumbu |
Latitude : 27o 51' 00" | Longitude : 86o 52' 48" |
Royalty Group : A | Trip duration : 33 days |
Trip Grade : AD/D | Starts : Lukla |
Ombigaichen is located 2.3km south-east of Ama Dablam on the long ridge connecting Ama Dablam with Baruntse. It is seldom climbed, with only four expeditions attempting it from 2006 to 2010. Only two successful expeditions have ever been reported.
Ombigaichen was first climbed by an expedition lead by Edmund Hillary, with James Milledge (UK) and Ang Tshering Sherpa (Nepal) reaching the summit on 18th November 1960 via the North-West ridge.
In early winter 2002, a British expedition lead by Victor Saunders reached the summit via the South Ridge on 3rd December.
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) 5 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.
Day 04: Phakding - Namche Bazar (3440m) 6 hours
The trail starts through a level path along the right bank. Thamserku looms skyward on the opposite bank. We cross a stream and climb the terraced hill from the Dudh Koshi route, to arrive at Benkar. The trail now climbs from the riverbed on the left bank into the mountain, through a forest to Chumoa. We continue along a path with many ups and downs; cross a stream, and pass by the tiny village of Monjo. Now we descend the path of stone steps and return to the right bank. After a short climb we come to Jorsale’s tea house and hotel, also stop at the National Park entrance counter where National Park fee is collected. After Jorsale we enter a forested mountainside and follow a short walk along the riverbed of this V-shaped valley where the river forks - the right is the Dudh Koshi and the left is the Bhote Koshi that leads to Nampa La. After covering a short distance along the Bhote Koshi River we begin the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. As the mountain path zigzags uphill, we will emerge at a ridge atop a rest area that offers excellent views of Everest (8848m) and Lhotse (8516m.), The climb eases somewhat, and Namche Bazar appears ahead of us as we travel along the path surrounded by thick pine forest. We then pass the plateau where the Saturday bazaar is held and enter the ever thriving Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar - (3440m) surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges and opening out only where it faces the Bhote Koshi. The village is a central hub of the area and food, sundries and even mountain climbing equipment may be purchased here. Overnight at Camp or Lodge.
Day 05: Trek to Khumjung (3790m)
Day 06: Khumjung, for acclimatization, changing porters and yaks.
Day 07: Trek to Tengboche Monastery (3860m.)
Day 08: Trek to Mt. Ama Dablam Base Camp.
Day 09: Trek to Mt. Ombigaichan Base Camp ( 5200m.)
Day 10-25: Climbing Period Mt. Ombigaichan.
Day 26: Cleaning Base Camp.
Day 27: Trek to Tengboche Monastery.
Day 28: Trek to Khumjung.
Day 29: Trek to Phakding.
Day 30: Trek to Lukla.
Day 31: Flight to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 32: Day at leisure in Kathmandu or last minute shopping followed by farewell dinner in the evening hosted by Makalu Adventure.
Day 33: Final departure.
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.
For Lodge-to-Lodge Trek (if and where applicable):
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