Parchamo

At a glance

Remote Himalayan climbing

Our Parchamo expedition is one out of the box. Located directly on the border of the stunning Rolwaling and Khumbu regions of Nepal, Parchamo rises high above the Tesi Lapcha at 6187m. Our less travelled route to these majestic mountains begins with a private bus charter from Kathmandu to Jagat at 1395m. From Jagat we commence our trek into the Rolwaling Himal, and before long are passing through some of the wildest mountain scenery imaginable.

Parchamo, Nepal

The scenic rewards of this seldom travelled trail are quite incredible, with rare close-up views of Gauri Shanker (7145m) and Menlungste (7181m) along with stunning panoramas east to Everest and the peaks of the Khumbu. The villages are completely unspoiled, the forests pristine, and the people encountered spontaneous and hospitable. A remote and wildland in contrast with the tourist routes of the Khumbu. This trip is our signature “off the beaten track” and “away from everyone” adventure.

More Info

Parchamo, also known as Pharchamo, is a stunning mountain located in the Rolwaling region of Nepal. Standing at an elevation of 6,187m (20,299 feet), it offers a challenging and rewarding climbing experience.

The Rolwaling Valley, where Parchamo is situated, is a remote and picturesque region in the eastern part of Nepal, bordered by the Tibetan Plateau to the north. The valley is known for its rugged and untouched natural beauty, with towering peaks, pristine glaciers, and high alpine lakes.

Climbing Parchamo requires technical skills and experience in mountaineering. Although it is considered a relatively less technical climb compared to other peaks in the region, proper training, physical fitness, and acclimatization are essential for a successful ascent.

The climbing route to Parchamo typically starts from the village of Na in the Rolwaling Valley. The initial part of the trek takes you through dense forests, picturesque villages, and terraced fields. As you ascend higher, you will reach alpine meadows and eventually enter the glacier-covered region.

The climb involves traversing glaciers and ascending steep snow slopes. The final section includes some technical sections with fixed ropes and requires the use of ice axes, crampons, and other mountaineering equipment. The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Gauri Shankar, Melungtse, and Ramdung.

Due to its proximity to the popular trekking route to Everest Base Camp, some climbers combine their Parchamo expedition with the trek, adding an extra adventure to their journey.

Overall, Parchamo offers a unique mountaineering experience in a stunning and less crowded part of the Himalayas, allowing climbers to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and tranquility of the Rolwaling Valley.

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport and be transferred by Trek Climb Ski Nepal staff to your hotel accommodation. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening enjoy a welcome dinner and drinks hosted by your Sherpa guides and leaders.

Day 2
Enjoy a fantastic buffet breakfast at your hotel followed by a morning sightseeing tour around Kathmandu. Afternoon at leisure. Our staff will be available in the afternoon to assist any guests that may need to make last minute purchases.

Day 3
After an early breakfast we drive from Kathmandu to Jagat at 1395m. Here we commence camping. Overnight at Jagat (1395m).

Day 4
Today we trek from Jagat to Simigaon at 2025m. After a gentle 2 – 3 hours walk we leave the main valley and continue east by the Tama Kosi (river) to Chhetchhet. After crossing the river, the path gains altitude up an impressive slope until we reach Simigaon. Simigaon is a Sherpa and Tamang village and is marked by its buddhist monastery, perched high above lodges in front of Mt. Gaurishanker. Overnight at Simigaon (2025m).

Day 5
This is the day we enter the beautiful Rolwaling valley. Through rhododendron and bamboo forests, the path climbs steadily to Kelche, a small village of Sherpa huts and tea-houses. After a short break we descend back to the river and reach our campsite at Dongyang on the Rolwaling Khola. Overnight at Dongyang (2860m).

Day 6
Our route today climbs gradually up the forested valley with excellent mountain views all day. Tonight we stay at Beding and from here we can see the Rolwaling’s highest summit – Melungtse at 7181m. Beding is an old and small Sherpa village and the home of many Everest climbers. The old Buddhist monastery is located in the centre of the village and is well worth a visit. Overnight at Beding (3690m).

Day 7
Today we enjoy an acclimatisation day in and around Beding. We’ll hike part way up the Malung-La pass (5616m) and take in stunning views of more than 20 snowy peaks, streams and glaciers. Overnight at Beding (3690m).

Day 8
Our walk to Na Gaon today at 4185m is not too taxing. Na Gaon is situated just below the Tsho Rolpa glacier in a beautiful mountain valley with Chobutse (6685m), Chugimago (6259m) and Yalung Ri (5630m) towering above. Overnight at Na Gaon (4185m).

Day 9
Today we’ll walk 2.5 hours up the rocky moraine to arrive at the Tsho Rolpa glacier lake. Our campsite is situated directly at the front of the lake and overnight we’ll frequently hear the glacier cracking and groaning. Overnight at Tsho Rolpa glacier lake (4522m).

Days 10 – 13
The next 4 days we spend trekking from Tsho Rolpa glacier lake to the Tesi Lapcha (pass) at 5755m. We enjoy incredible views along the way and the feeling of remoteness is a constant. Crossing the Drolambu Glacier is a solid undertaking and we need to fix ropes to assist our porters – and us – in order to scramble up the 160m rock, snow and ice wall onto the Drolambu Glacier proper. On day 13 we arrive at the Tesi Lapcha and then descend to Parchamo High Camp at 5520m. Our efforts to reach this point are rewarded by stunning views of Tengi Ragi Tau (6938m), Bigphera Go Shar (6729m) and a myriad of peaks stretching to the Tibetan border. From Parchamo High Camp, Parchamo sits directly in front of us, our next challenge waiting.

Days 14 – 15
A 3.00 am start has us heading slowly up the glacier towards the steep face of Parchamo. With fixed ropes in place we negotiate some crevassed terrain and icy sections. Above this the route flattens and we ascend gently to the summit of Parchamo at 6187m. From Parchamo summit we enjoy spectacular mountain views across the Rolwaling and Khumbu valleys and all the way into Tibet. 8000m giants Mt Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and Makalu are all clearly visible. A long descent from Parchamo to Thengbo follows. Thengbo is a tiny Sherpa village situated in a beautiful grassy valley surrounded by small streams. Overnight at Thengbo (4300m). We include an extra day in our itinerary here to allow for an additional summit attempt if necessary due to weather.

Day 16
Today is an easy and gentle walk downhill to Thame. Here we visit the local monastery and enjoy some great local produce. Thame is a beautiful Sherpa village and is on the main route for the Tibetan traders and their yaks as they head to the markets at Namche Bazaar having crossed the Nangpa-La (pass). Overnight at Thame (3871m).

Day 17
Today we trek from Thame to Namche Bazaar at 3440m. We enjoy the fantastic hospitality of Maya and Dorje Sherpa at the Namche Hotel – which is home to the finest food in all of Nepal, not to mention the best hot showers in the Khumbu! Namche Bazaar is the gateway to the Everest region and is a vibrant and bustling town with a variety of markets, shops and bakeries. Overnight at Namche Bazaar (3440m).

Day 18
It’s all downhill today as we trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla. In Lukla we enjoy a final night of celebration with our porters and guides with our great friend and host Kami Sherpa at Namaste Lodge. Overnight at Lukla (2800m).

Day 19
Fly from Lukla to Ramechhap and then travel by private bus to Kathmandu. Re-check into The Radisson Hotel and final night celebrations.

Day 20
Trip concludes. All guests will be conveyed to Kathmandu International Airport to meet their respective flights.

What's included

3 nights accommodation at The Radisson Hotel (or equivalent) in Kathmandu with breakfasts

Welcome dinner and drinks with your Sherpa guides and leaders in Kathmandu

All ground transfers in Nepal

Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu (includes entry fees and guide)

Mountain flight from Lukla to Ramechhap (includes taxes)

Private bus transfer from Kathmandu to Jagat

All National Park entrance fees and trekking permits

Parchamo climbing permit

All meals while trekking and climbing

All camping facilities while trekking and climbing

Lodge accommodation in Namche Bazaar and Lukla

Experienced leaders and guides

Porters to carry all personal and group equipment

Porters insurance

Emergency medical kit and gamow bag

Down jacket, sleeping bag and mattress

All necessary personal climbing equipment (includes harness, ice-axe, boots, crampons, prusiks and carabiners)

Complimentary ‘Trek Climb Ski Nepal’ kit bag and T-shirt

All Nepalese tourist taxes and fees

Note: Tips for porters and guides are NOT included

Accomm + meals

Namche Bazaar

Our Parchamo expedition includes 3 nights at the Radisson (or equivalent standard) Hotel in Kathmandu. Trek Climb Ski Nepal also provide a complimentary welcome dinner with drinks in Kathmandu on the first evening of your trip. While in the mountains, you’ll stay in lodges along the route and you will be camping for up to 3 nights during your summit bid.

This trip includes all meals while you are on trek in the mountains. Morning and afternoon tea is also provided each day you are trekking. Unlimited safe (thoroughly boiled) drinking water is also provided each day you are in the mountains.

Meals in the Rolwaling and Everest regions of Nepal are not cheap. If you were to purchase your own meals from the lodges we stay at during this trip, your total food cost would be around AUD $1,300.

We proudly employ an all you can eat food and fluids policy on all our trips. Proper food intake and regular hydration are critical to safe altitude acclimatisation. In our opinion, trekking companies that leave food decisions and the purchase of food for their clients to manage (when trekking at altitude) are grossly irresponsible. Trekking companies often do this because it enables them to advertise a much lower (but unrealistic) trip price. Be sure to choose a tour operator that includes all your meals and safe drinking water in your trip price.

Gallery

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  Ramdung & Parchamo

  26 photos

Map

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