What permits and documents do I need?

Required permits: NMA Kongde Ri Peak Permit, Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit, TIMS Card. We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos. You also need a Nepal visa (USD 30 for 15 days, obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport) and travel insurance covering trekking to 6011m and helicopter evacuation. Bring your original passport, visa, insurance certificate, and photos to Nepal. Related permit guides: Nepal Peak Climbing Permits Mera Island Lobuche.

Is altitude sickness a risk and how do I prevent it?

Above 3,500m, altitude sickness (AMS) affects 25-40% of trekkers. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen, and they are trained to identify early symptoms. Prevention: ascend slowly (no more than 300-500m sleeping altitude per day above 3,500m), drink 3-4 liters of water daily, avoid alcohol above 3,500m, eat light meals, and report any symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation (USD 10,000) is mandatory. Read our altitude safety guides: Lukla Flight Delays Risk Everest Base Camp, Acclimatization Nepal Peak Climbing Itinerary.

What accommodation and meals are included?

Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House, Camping. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) are included during the trek with tea and coffee. Menu includes dal bhat, momos, noodles, soups, and seasonal vegetables. Vegetarian options are widely available.

What should I pack and what equipment do you provide?

Essential gear: 4-season sleeping bag (-15C to -20C), down jacket, broken-in trekking boots, merino base layers (2 sets), mid-layer fleece, hard shell jacket, trekking pants (2), warm hat, gloves, 4-5 pairs wool socks, headlamp, 2L water bottle, sunscreen SPF 50. We provide free rental: sleeping bag (USD 30 deposit), down jacket (USD 20 deposit), duffel bag, trekking poles, first-aid kit, and emergency oxygen. See the Things to Carry tab above for the complete list. Packing guides: Australian Budget Everest Base Camp Flights Insurance Tips Gear.

What permits and documents do I need?

Required permits: NMA Kongde Ri Peak Permit, Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit, TIMS Card. We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos. You also need a Nepal visa (USD 30 for 15 days, obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport) and travel insurance covering trekking to 6011m and helicopter evacuation. Bring your original passport, visa, insurance certificate, and photos to Nepal. Related permit guides: Nepal Peak Climbing Permits Mera Island Lobuche.

Is altitude sickness a risk and how do I prevent it?

Above 3,500m, altitude sickness (AMS) affects 25-40% of trekkers. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen, and they are trained to identify early symptoms. Prevention: ascend slowly (no more than 300-500m sleeping altitude per day above 3,500m), drink 3-4 liters of water daily, avoid alcohol above 3,500m, eat light meals, and report any symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation (USD 10,000) is mandatory. Read our altitude safety guides: Lukla Flight Delays Risk Everest Base Camp, Acclimatization Nepal Peak Climbing Itinerary.

What accommodation and meals are included?

Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House, Camping. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) are included during the trek with tea and coffee. Menu includes dal bhat, momos, noodles, soups, and seasonal vegetables. Vegetarian options are widely available.

What should I pack and what equipment do you provide?

Essential gear: 4-season sleeping bag (-15C to -20C), down jacket, broken-in trekking boots, merino base layers (2 sets), mid-layer fleece, hard shell jacket, trekking pants (2), warm hat, gloves, 4-5 pairs wool socks, headlamp, 2L water bottle, sunscreen SPF 50. We provide free rental: sleeping bag (USD 30 deposit), down jacket (USD 20 deposit), duffel bag, trekking poles, first-aid kit, and emergency oxygen. See the Things to Carry tab above for the complete list. Packing guides: Australian Budget Everest Base Camp Flights Insurance Tips Gear.

Kongde Ri Peak Climbing

Transportation
Flight + Private Vehicle
Group Size
Max 8
Maximum Altitude
6011
Accomodation
Star Hotel, Tea House, Camping
Fitness level
High
Arrival on
Kathmandu
Departure from
Kathmandu
Best season
Spring (March to May) brings warming weather, rhododendron blooms, and reliable mountain visibility. Autumn (September to November) offers the clearest skies, crisp air, and stable trekking conditions. Winter (December to February) is cold but possible on lower routes. Summer monsoon (June to August) brings rain and obscured views.
Guiding method
Live Personal Climbing Guide (Sherpa)
Tour type
Peak Climbing
Language
English
Meals
Includes (BLD) + Camp Meals
Permits
NMA Kongde Ri Peak Permit, Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit, TIMS Card.
Destinations
Everest Region
Activities
Hiking, Peak Climbing, Trekking
Trip Type
High Altitude, Nature Friendly
Difficulty
Hard

Overview

Itinerary

Includes/Excludes

Packing List

Know more

Trip Guides

Review

Map

Kongde Ri (6,011m / 19,720 ft), also known as Kwangde Ri, is a trekking peak in the Khumbu region of north-east Nepal, located immediately south-west of Namche Bazaar above the village of Thame. The peak lies at approximately 27 degrees 49 minutes north latitude and 86 degrees 43 minutes east longitude, in the Sagarmatha National Park. Kongde Ri was first climbed in 1978 by a French expedition. The Nepal Mountaineering Association classifies it as a Group A trekking peak.Kongde Ri is technically demanding due to the steep, sustained ice slopes on the upper mountain and the heavily corniced summit ridge. The standard route climbs the south face, with Base Camp at approximately 4,500m above Thame and a High Camp at around 5,300m. The summit push involves climbing 50-60 degree ice slopes on the upper mountain, with the final summit ridge narrow and corniced in places. The technical difficulty is rated AD on the Alpine grading system. Climbers should have previous mountaineering experience including ice climbing and fixed-rope ascension.Kongde Ri offers one of the most dramatic summit panoramas in the Khumbu due to its location directly above Namche Bazaar. The summit rewards climbers with views of Everest (8,849m), Lhotse (8,516m), Nuptse (7,861m), Ama Dablam (6,812m), Thamserku (6,623m), Kangtega (6,779m), and the entire Khumbu range. The mountain is also notable for the famous Kongde Ri Viewpoint (4,250m), a luxury hotel location accessed by helicopter for non-climbers.The approach follows the classic Everest trekking route from Lukla to Namche Bazaar, then branches west through the Thame valley to the village of Lumding. The region is culturally Tibetan Buddhist Sherpa homeland, with traditional villages, ancient monasteries at Thame and Khumjung, and prayer walls along the trail. The best climbing seasons are spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November). Kongde Ri is rarely climbed due to its technical nature and the challenging corniced summit ridge.

Highlights

Climb a 6,011m peak above Namche Bazaar with views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
Also called Kwangde Ri, with sustained 50-60 degree ice slopes on the upper mountain.
Heavily corniced summit ridge requires careful route selection.
Approach via the Thame valley with the ancient Thame Monastery.
Significantly less crowded than other Khumbu peaks due to technical difficulty.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport with private vehicle transfer to your hotel in Thamel. Evening welcome dinner and trek briefing with the climbing guide.

Day 02 :

Fly to Lukla & Trek to Phakding

Morning scenic flight to Lukla (2,840m). Begin trekking 3-4 hours along the Dudh Koshi River through pine forest, crossing suspension bridges to reach Phakding.

Day 03 :

Trek to Namche Bazaar

Cross several suspension bridges including the famous Hillary Bridge and climb through pine forest to Namche Bazaar. First views of Everest and Lhotse.

Day 04 :

Acclimatization in Namche

Full acclimatization day with hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880m) for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. Visit the Sherpa Museum.

Day 05 :

Trek to Thame

Leave Namche and climb westward through the Bhote Koshi valley to Thame village with its famous monastery, one of the oldest in the Khumbu.

Day 06 :

Trek to Lumding

Continue above Thame through the Lumding valley to the small settlement of Lumding at 4,300m. First views of the south face of Kongde Ri.

Day 07 :

Trek to Kongde Ri Base Camp

Climb above Lumding to reach Base Camp at 4,500m at the base of the south face. Establish camp with full kitchen service.

Day 08 :

Climbing Training at Base Camp

Full day of climbing training at Base Camp. Practice ice climbing, fixed-rope ascension with jumars, and crevasse rescue. Pack and prepare for the High Camp carry.

Day 09 :

Trek to High Camp

Climb the lower south face on fixed ropes to reach the High Camp at 5,300m. Establish tents and prepare for the summit push.

Day 10 :

Summit Kongde Ri & Descend to Base Camp

Pre-dawn start at 1 AM. Climb the south face with 50-60 degree ice slopes on fixed ropes, traversing the corniced summit ridge to the 6,011m summit. Spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. Descend to Base Camp for celebration.

Day 11 :

Buffer Day for Summit

Buffer day reserved for weather or acclimatization. If the summit was achieved on Day 10, descend to Thame. If summit was postponed, attempt again today.

Day 12 :

Trek to Thame

Descend from Base Camp back through the Lumding valley to Thame village. Afternoon visit to the famous Thame Monastery.

Day 13 :

Trek to Namche Bazaar

Continue descending through the Bhote Koshi valley back to Namche Bazaar for hot showers and bakery treats.

Day 14 :

Trek to Lukla

Final trekking day retracing the route through Phakding back to Lukla. Celebration dinner with the climbing crew.

Day 15 :

Fly to Kathmandu

Morning scenic flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. Check in to hotel and evening farewell dinner.

Day 16 :

Final Departure

Private vehicle transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.

Things to Carry for Kongde Ri Peak Climbing

Headwear

Warm fleece or wool beanie hat (essential for cold mornings)
Sun hat with wide brim for UV protection
Neck gaiter or buff (multi-purpose for dust, wind, cold)
Sunglasses with UV protection (Category 3 or 4)
Ski goggles for high-altitude passes and snow

Upper Body Layering

2x merino wool base layers (long sleeve)
1x mid-layer fleece jacket
1x soft shell jacket for wind and light rain
1x hard shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex)
1x down jacket rated to -25C (we provide rental for USD 20)

Lower Body

2x trekking pants (quick-dry, one convertible)
1x thermal bottom layer for cold nights
1x rain pants (Gore-Tex)
2x merino wool underwear
1x swimwear (for hot springs)

Hands

1x thin liner gloves (merino or fleece)
1x insulated waterproof gloves
1x expedition mittens for passes above 5,000m

Footwear

1x sturdy trekking boots (broken in for 50+ km, waterproof)
1x camp shoes or sandals for evenings
4-5x pairs merino wool trekking socks
2x pairs liner socks
Gaiters for snow, scree, and mud

Sleeping Gear

1x 4-season sleeping bag rated to -20C (we provide rental for USD 30)
1x sleeping bag liner (silk or fleece)
1x inflatable sleeping pad

Trekking Equipment

1x trekking poles pair (essential for descents, we provide rental for USD 15)
1x headlamp with spare batteries (200+ lumens)
1x 20-30L day pack
1x large duffel bag 80-100L (we provide free)
1x dry bag for electronics
1x water bottle or hydration bladder (2L minimum)

First Aid & Health

Personal prescription medications (with doctor’s letter)
Diamox for altitude sickness (consult your doctor)
Ibuprofen and paracetamol
Imodium for stomach issues
Rehydration sachets (ORS)
Blister treatment (Compeed, moleskin)
Antiseptic wipes and bandages
Lip balm with SPF 30+
Sunscreen SPF 50+ (bring 2 tubes)
Insect repellent (DEET 30-50%)
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper and wet wipes

Electronics

Camera with extra batteries (cold drains fast, bring 2-3 spares)
Power bank (20,000mAh minimum)
Universal power adapter (Nepal 220V, Type C/D/M)
Headphones
eReader or book

Documents

Valid passport (6+ months validity, 4 extra passport photos)
Travel insurance certificate (covering trekking to 6011m)
Flight tickets
Credit cards and USD cash
Emergency contacts

What We Provide (Rental)

4-season sleeping bag (rental USD 30 with deposit)
Down jacket (rental USD 20 with deposit)
Duffel bag for porter carriage (free, you keep it)
Trekking poles (rental USD 15)
First-aid kit, pulse oximeter, emergency oxygen
Water purification tablets
Satellite phone on remote treks

Related Packing Guides

Read our detailed packing guides: Australian Budget Everest Base Camp Flights Insurance Tips Gear, Island Peak Climbing Gear Bring From Home Vs Rent, Island Peak Climbing Total Budget Gear Tips Permits, Everest Base Camp Trek Gear Rental Kathmandu.

Note: Pack light. Porter weight limit is 15kg per trekker. Layers are key for mountain weather. We send a detailed seasonal packing list after booking.

Know Before You Book – Kongde Ri Peak Climbing Information

Trip Name: Kongde Ri Peak Climbing – 16 Days
Duration: 16 days
Difficulty: Hard
Maximum Altitude: 6011m
Group Size: Max 8

Difficulty & Fitness

This trek is rated Hard. Hard treks involve 6-8+ hours of walking daily at high altitude. Previous high-altitude experience strongly recommended. The maximum altitude is 6011m. You need a fitness level of High – cardio training 3-4 times weekly for 8-12 weeks before departure, hill walking with a day pack, and core strength exercises.

Read our difficulty guides: Everest Vs Annapurna Base Camp Difficulty Scenery, Renjo La Pass Vs Everest Base Camp Scenery Difficulty.

Best Time to Go

Spring (March to May) brings warming weather, rhododendron blooms, and reliable mountain visibility. Autumn (September to November) offers the clearest skies, crisp air, and stable trekking conditions. Winter (December to February) is cold but possible on lower routes. Summer monsoon (June to August) brings rain and obscured views.

Read our seasonal guides: Everest View Trek Best Season Visibility, Nepal Peak Climbing Cancellation Terms Weather Illness.

Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House, Camping. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. Luxury lodges (where available) offer heated ensuite rooms. 3-star or higher hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) included during treks with tea and coffee. Vegetarian options widely available.

Transportation

Transport: Flight + Private Vehicle. Domestic flights (where applicable) are weather-dependent – build 1-2 buffer days into your schedule. Private ground transport uses comfortable AC vehicles.

Flight and transport guides: Everest View Trek Lukla Flight Delays, Lukla Flight Buffer Days Everest Base Camp.

Required Permits

NMA Kongde Ri Peak Permit, Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit, TIMS Card. We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos after booking. Permit fees are included in your trip cost.

Permit guides: Nepal Peak Climbing Permits Mera Island Lobuche, Everest Base Camp Permits 2027.

Altitude Safety

Maximum altitude is 6011m. Above 3,500m, altitude sickness is a real risk. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen. Walk slowly, stay hydrated (3-4 liters daily), avoid alcohol above 3,500m, report symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation is mandatory.

Altitude safety guides: Lukla Flight Delays Risk Everest Base Camp, Acclimatization Nepal Peak Climbing Itinerary.

Training & Preparation

Read our training guides: Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Week Training, Island Peak Training Trekking Limited Climbing Experience.

Insurance Requirement

Travel insurance is mandatory for all our treks and tours. Your insurance must cover trekking to 6011m altitude (for treks), emergency helicopter evacuation up to USD 10,000, emergency medical treatment, and trip cancellation. We recommend World Nomads, IMG Global, or Allianz Adventure plans. Bring a printed copy of your insurance certificate.

Insurance guides: Nepal Peak Climbing Travel Insurance Australians Check, Mera Peak Climbing Insurance Australia.

Cultural Etiquette

Dress modestly at religious sites (cover shoulders and knees). Remove shoes before entering temple sanctums. Walk clockwise around stupas and chortens. Ask permission before photographing people. Use your right hand for eating and passing items. Say namaste (palms together) as a greeting.

Culture guides: Tamang Heritage Trail Vs Everest Annapurna Langtang, Remote Nepal Treks Culture Fewer Crowds.

Booking & Payment

To confirm your booking, a deposit is required (50% for helicopter tours). The balance is due 30 days before departure (7 days for helicopter tours). We accept bank transfer, credit card (4% surcharge), PayPal. Free cancellation up to 60 days before departure. We strongly recommend travel insurance covering trip cancellation. Contact us for current pricing and availability.

What is Not Included

International airfare to/from Kathmandu, Nepal visa fee (USD 30 for 15 days), travel and rescue insurance (mandatory), personal trekking gear and clothing, hot showers and device charging on trek, alcoholic beverages, lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, tips for guide/porter/driver (recommended 10-15% of trip cost), and any costs from unforeseen events like weather delays.