Mt. Pumori (7161m) is a beautiful mountain in the upper Khumbu region of Nepal. The mountain is in the shape of a pyramid, and its name means “the mountain daughter” in the Sherpa language. It is one of the most technically challenging mountains over 7,000 meters in the Himalayas in Nepal.
Mount Pumori is also known as the “Everest’s little daughter”. The mountain is a favorite among mountaineers, which they use to gain technical skills and boost their confidence level before attempting the expedition to Mt. Everest and other peaks above 8000 meters. Gerhard Lenser made the first successful ascent to the summit of Mount Pumori in 1962.
Czech nationals Leopold Sulovsky and Michalec Zeduak opened a new southwest bridge in the year 1996. However, the route is technically challenging as compared to the route used by Lenser. There are many difficult sections in the climb including ascend of icy slopes that are 30 to 60-degree slopes in higher Camps. The expedition moves along the same path as the Everest Base Camp route.
The journey starts from an adventurous flight to Lukla. From Lukla, the trail goes as Phakding, Namche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep and finally to Pumori Base Camp. We set up Base Camps at 5300 m beside a pristine glacial lake, the most technical part section of the climb lies in between Camp I and Camp II which includes a narrow and icy ridge.
After crossing the crevasse, we reach Camp III, and we make the final ascent to the Pumori summit. The final ascent to the summit from the Camp requires crossing over the crevices and a cliff face. Climbers need previous experience in peak climbing with an excellent physical condition. From the summit, we get the breathtaking panoramas of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Lingtren, Baruntse, Island peak, and others. We then climb back down to the Base Camp and trek back to Lukla.
Are you up for a challenge? If you are an avid trekker who wants to go beyond trekking, then Mt. Pumori expedition is just for you. It lets you gain tons of technical experience that helps you in your expedition of other higher mountains. We offer the complete package of Mt. Pumori expedition at a reasonable cost. Hurry up! Book your trip now.
Highlights of The Trip:
- The ascent to the Summit of Mt Pumori 7,161 meters
- Awe-inspiring views of Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, and other snow-capped mountains.
- Experience the rich and authentic Sherpa culture and tradition.
- Technical climbing experience of climbing peaks over 7000 meters
- Stunning close up of the Mt.everest from the Everest view hotel
- Adventurous flight to and from Tenzing-Hillary airport
- Incredible hospitality of the Nepalese people
Best Time for Mt. Pumori Expedition
The best time for the expedition of Mt Pumori is the autumn season. The autumn months of October- November comes after the wet monsoon season. In autumn, the temperatures gradually decrease, and thick snow covers the rocky peaks. The ropes, ladders, and camps are easily set up and attached.
Rope fixing gets more comfortable as the snow deposit is maximum, and the success rate is also higher in the autumn season. The trekking routes move along the lush green hills with clear blue sky as the backdrop.
Besides these, a small window of April-May in the spring season is also available. In spring, the wildflowers bloom in abundance. The rhododendron flowers bloom all over the hills, painting it pink and red. The spring season is the best time for mountaineers as it gives a spectacular view of the region.
The Difficulty Level of Mt. Pumori Expedition
Mt. Pumori is one of the most technically challenging mountain peaks above 7000m. The technical sections between Camp 1 and Camp 2 and the extreme weather at a high altitude make this expedition difficult. The high altitude with decreasing air pressure and oxygen levels also poses a threat. Acclimatization at regular intervals is essential to avoid acute mountain sickness and its complications.
Climbers need to have an excellent level of fitness. Previous experience with peak climbing is a must. Climbers have to undergo a regular and strenuous exercise regime for at least six months. This exercise builds their strength, stamina, and endurance at high altitudes.
Pumori Expedition Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu.
Day 02: Expedition Preparation.
Day 03: Briefing in Ministry of tourism.
Day 04: Flight to Lukla, trek to Phakding.
Day 05: Phakding to Namche Bazaar.
Day 06: Rest day.
Day 07: Namche Bazaar to Tyangboche.
Day 08: Tyangboche to Pheriche.
Day 09: Pheriche to Lobuche.
Day 10: Lobuche to Pumori Base Camp.
Day 11-29: Climbing Period (Pumori 7161m).
Day 30: Pumori BC to Pangboche.
Day 31: Pangboche to Namche Bazaar.
Day 32: Namche Bazaar to Lukla.
Day 33: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu.
Day 34: Kathmandu rest day.
Day 35: Departure.
Detailed Itineraries:
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu
Upon your arrival at the airport, our representative will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel. You can relax at the hotel and prepare for the expedition. We will brief you about the trip in detail.
Day 02: Expedition Preparation
The necessary paperwork and complete other formalities regarding the Mt. Pumori expedition gets completed on this day. A meeting with the fellow climbers and the team leader will get organized.
The team leader will check your mountaineering equipment and gear. If the equipment is not up to the standard, then you will need to replace them with new ones. But don’t worry, there are plenty of shops that sell and rent mountaineering gears in Kathmandu. You will return to the hotel and pack for the trip.
Day 03: Briefing at the Ministry of Tourism
The Ministry of tourism organizes a special meeting with all the climbers. There, the Ministry official will brief you about the formal procedure, formalities, and regulations regarding the expedition. You will return to the hotel and prepare for the trip.
Day 04: Flight to Lukla, Trek to Phakding(2610m)
After an early morning start, we will travel to the airport for a thrilling flight to the Tenzing -Hillary airport in Lukla. Lukla airport has one of the smallest runways in the world. The 527 m runway has a deep gorge at the end. Lukla is the gateway to the Everest region. We start our trek to Phakding as soon as we land in Lukla.
The trail is a gradual uphill climb through the left bank of Dudh Koshi river. Our trek passes along several mani walls before we reach the village of Ghat. After a trek of a couple of hours, we will arrive at the village of Phakding.
The trek to Phakding is light, and there are few ups and downs along the way. We can see donkeys and yaks carrying loads of trekkers and climbers. We will spend the night in a guest house in Phakding.
Flight duration: 40-45 minutes
Walking distance: 9 km
Time duration: 4 hours
Day 05: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar is a popular commercial hub of the entire Khumbu region. From Phakding we will cross a small stream and start ascending towards Bengar. We continue to trek uphill, and there are several tea houses and shops along the trail. The trail crosses the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi river twice.
After crossing the village of Monjo and Jorsale, we will reach the entrance of the Sagarmatha National park. After formal registration at the national park, we will hike a steep 600m climb to the top of Namche Bazar. The trail from Jorsale to Namche is steep and rough.
Namche Bazaar is a famous town and the commercial hub of the Khumbu region. There are many shops, cafes, banks, government offices in Namche Bazaar. The oxygen levels and the air pressure decreases as we move upwards in elevation. The air pressure is just 64 percent of its value at sea level. We will stay in a guest house in Namche Bazar.
Walking distance: 12 km
Time duration: 6 hours
Day 06: Rest and Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar
We will rest and acclimatize at Namche Bazaar to adapt ourselves to the fast-changing altitudes. Acclimatization helps the trekkers to cope with the reduced oxygen levels and air pressure. We keep on moving and not stay idle even on acclimatization day. The Sherpa museum at Namche gives an incredible insight into the culture and lifestyle of the Sherpa people.
We can climb up the Syangboche airstrip. The sweeping view of the Himalayan vista is awe inspiring. A short hike from the Khumjung will lead us to the Everest view hotel. The Everest view hotel is the highest placed hotel in the world. The close-up view of Mt. Everest and other snow-capped mountains are breathtaking.
You can enjoy the spectacular sunrise and sunset over the panorama of Khumbu peaks from the hotel balcony. Alternatively, we can also hike up the Khunde and Khumjung village located just above Namche Bazaar. We will spend the night in Namche Bazaar.
Day 07: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
We resume our trek to Tengboche from Namche. We move along the free-flowing glacial waters of the Dudh Kosi river. An uphill trek over the ridge and a small hike will lead us to Khyangjuma. The magnificent views of the mountains overwhelm us along the way.
A stone paved trail descends to Phunki Tenga before climbing a hill to reach a delightful pine forest that leads us Thyangboche. After a trek of almost five hours, we reach Tengboche. We can locate the Tengboche monastery nearby.
There is a twenty-foot sculpture of Lord Buddha along with various ornates of religious importance. The musical instruments and robes of the Lamas will enthrall you. You can observe a prayer ceremony in the evening where the vocal chants and prayers will awaken you spiritually.
After the evening rituals, we experience the enchanting views of the sunset over the breathtaking panorama of snow-capped mountains like Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and others. We will stay overnight in Tengboche.
Walking distance: 9.5 km
Time duration: 5-6 hours
Day 08: Trek from Tengboche to Pheriche
The trail from Tengboche moves forward to a path with lots of steps. The altitude goes above 4000 meters, and then you might experience some altitude sickness. The trail makes way to Dingboche and crosses the Imja River. We climb past hundreds of mani stones carved with the Tibetan Buddhist chant of “Om Mani Padme Hum.”
The trail finally arrives at Pangboche(3860m). The monastery at Pangboche is the oldest in the region. We make a final ascent as the trail climbs to Pheriche(4371 m). At Pheriche, we will find a trekkers post where the volunteer doctors will check you for altitude sickness and meditate you if necessary.
Walking distance: 8.3 km
Time duration: 5-6 hours
Day 09: Trek from Pheriche to Lobuche
From Periche we can enjoy the unbelievable sight of snow-capped mountains like Ama Dablam, Tabooche, Thamserku, Lobuche, Cholatse. We will climb up to Dugla, where we will stop for some tea and snacks.
We will then make our way up to the Chorten memorial where we pay respects to all the climbers who have perished on their way to Mt Everest and surrounding mountains. We reach Lobuche after a few hours of climb. We stay overnight at the guest house in Lobuche.
Walking distance: 7.7 km
Time duration: 5-6 hours
Day 10: Trek from Lobuche to Pumori Base Camp
The trek continues through the rocky moraine path from Lobuche. The glacial lakes and ice fall below the Khumbu glacier are in the spectacular view. After climbing the last of the rocky moraine dunes, we arrive at Gorak Shep after a short downhill trek. Gorak Shep is a frozen sand bed that was once a lake.
Gorak Shep has many high facilities in tea houses. From Gorak Shep, we continue a trek that gradually climbs to the Pumori Base Camp. After a total trek of almost six hours, we will reach the Pumori Base Camp. The Sherpa crew will help us in making necessary preparations for the expedition to the summit of Mt. Pumori. The Pumori Base Camp will be our home for more than two weeks.
Walking distance: 5.4 km
Time duration: 5-6 hours
Day 11-29: Climbing Period (Mt. Pumori, 7161m)
We will be more than two weeks acclimatizing and training for the successful expedition of the mount Pumori. The Sherpa crew will do all the hard work from setting up camps at various stages, providing healthy and nutritious meals, and finding the best climbing route for our ease. Acclimatization at regular intervals is a must.
Expert veteran climbers will train us for the climbing expedition including the technical sections at several stages. The climb to the mount Pumori depends on the weather conditions. The summit of Mt. Pumori will provide a breathtaking panoramic view of the mountains of the Khumbu region like Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Nuptse, and others.
We spend a short time at the summit before descending the same trail. The team leader will decide the day of the summit based on their expertise. The climb is technical using fixed ropes, crampons, and others. A total of three camps are placed after the Base Camp to reach the summit. The Pumori Base Camp is just above Gorak Shep at the height of 5300m.
The first Camp after the Base Camp gets set at an altitude of 5650m at the phase, the second Camp is at an altitude of 6000m, at the ridge of the phase. The technical part of the climb is between Camp1 and Camp 2. The Camp three will be at an altitude of 6480m around a corner of the ridge. You will ascend the summit of Mt Pumori from Camp 3.
Day 30: Trek from Pumori Base Camp to Pangboche
After a successful ascent of Mount Pumori, we will trek back to Pangboche through the same route of Gorak Shep, and Pheriche. It lies in the high altitude region of the Imja valley. Sir Edmund Hillary’s Himalayan trust built the famous Pangboche school in the year 1963.
The oldest monastery in the region is present in Pangboche which contains a purported Yeti scalp and hand. And we pray to thank the almighty for the successful expedition of Mt Pumori.
Walking distance: 10 km
Time duration: 5-6 hours
Day 31: Trek from Pangboche to Namche Bazaar
We will resume our trek from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar. We will pass through Ijma Khola and the rhododendron forest till we reach Tengboche. After lunch at Tengboche, we resume our trek through the green hills covered with rhododendron and juniper trees.
After crossing the suspension bridge at the Dudh Koshi river, we trail back to the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through pine forests till we reach Sansa. From Sansa, we pass a Chorten to enter the commercial hub of Namche Bazar finally. We stay overnight at a lodge in Namche.
Walking distance: 9 km
Time duration: 5-6 hours
Day 32: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
We will trek the same route that we traveled earlier. The trail passes through dense forests of rhododendron, pine and oak trees. The journey begins with a hike to Lukla via Monjo. There are few short uphill climbs in a mostly downhill slope.
We cross the Bhote Koshi three times during the trek. After a final uphill climb of 45 minutes, we reach Lukla. The last trek of the trip will drain you, but you will have to push for one last time to reach Lukla from Namche Bazar.
Walking distance: 9 km
Time duration: 5-6 hours
Day 33: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
After a wonderful expedition of Mt Pumori and a trek around the Everest region, we will fly back to Kathmandu in an adventurous flight from Lukla.
Flight duration: 40-45 minutes
Day 34: Kathmandu Rest Day
We rest and stroll around Kathmandu on our free day. You could go sightseeing the various landmarks in the city, go last minute shopping or enjoy the exuberant nightlife of Thamel in Kathmandu. There are seven world heritage sites in Kathmandu.
The Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur offer a unique perspective of the medieval times. You can explore the architecture, lifestyle, and culinary arts of the local Newar people. A small hike to the hilltop of Swayambhunath is also on the cards. The view of the Kathmandu valley from Swayambhunath or the Monkey Temple is stunning.
The local handicrafts shops are the perfect place for souvenir shopping. In the evening, you can relax and experience the tourist hub of Thamel. This trek marks the end of your expedition tour.
Day 35: Departure
We will pick you up from the hotel and drop you to the airport. You can then board a flight to your desired destination.
Important Notice:
The flight from Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu is bound to delays and even cancellation based on unfavorable weather condition. You may add a few extra days on your trip for safety.
