Our Ramdung and 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. As we approach Parchamo trekking through the stunning Rolwaling valley, we pass Ramdung at 5930m. Ramdung is the perfect warm-up climb and acclimatization strategy in the lead-up to climbing Parchamo.
Our less traveled 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.
Ramdung and Parchamo itinerary includes plenty of rest days allowing for safe altitude acclimatization. This is an ideal trek and climb for people seeking a challenging experience and is suitable for those that haven’t attempted mountaineering previously.
Overview
The scenic rewards of this seldom traveled trail are quite incredible, with rare close-up views of Gauri Shanker (7145m) and Menlungste (7181m) along with stunning panoramas east of Everest and the peaks of the Khumbu. The villages are completely unspoiled, the forests pristine, and the people encountered spontaneity 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, culminating in climbs of Ramdung (5930m) and Parchamo (6187m). This trip provides the opportunity to successfully summit 2 Himalayan peaks with a warm-up climb of Ramdung leading into Parchamo.
Itinerary
Arrive at Kathmandu (TIA) Tribhuvan International Airport and be transferred by our staff to your accommodation at The Hotel. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by your Sherpa guides and leaders.
After breakfast at the 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.
After an early breakfast, we drive from Kathmandu to Jagat at 1395m. Here we commence camping. Overnight at Jagat (1395m).
Today we trek from Jagat to Simigaon at 2025 m. 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 (2025 m).
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 on the Rolwaling Khola. Overnight beside the Rolwaling Khola (2860 m).
Our route today climbs gradually up the forested valley with excellent mountain views all day. Tonight we stay at Bedding and from here we can see the Rolwaling’s highest summit – Melungtse at 7181 m. Beding is an old and small Sherpa village and the home of many Everest climbers. The old Buddhist monastery is located in the center of the village and is well worth a visit. Overnight at Beding (3690 m).
Today we enjoy an acclimatization day in and around Beding. We’ll hike partway up the Malung-La pass (5616 m) and take in stunning views of more than 20 snowy peaks, streams, and glaciers. Overnight at Beding (3690 m).
Our walk to Na Gaon today at 4185 m is not too taxing. Na Gaon is situated just below the Tsho Rolpa glacier in a beautiful mountain valley with Chobutse (6685 m), Chugimago (6259 m), and Yalung Ri (5630 m) towering above. Overnight at Na Gaon (4185 m).
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).
An exciting move today as we head to Ramdung Base Camp at 4900m, just below Yalung La. This is a lovely grassy area near a small lake that is fed by clear streams. Overnight at Ramdung Base Camp (4900m).
Today we moved from Ramdung Base Camp to Ramdung High Camp at around 5550 m. We’ll relax in the morning to conserve our energy and head to high camp straight after lunch. On arrival at high camp, we’ll fuel up in readiness for our summit attempt the following morning.
Ramdung is a challenging little summit and we’ll be up at 3.00 am to get an early start. We’ll climb a steepish slope to the short snow ridge running south to around 5700 m and then we continue southwest towards the summit. A final steep slope leads to the summit plateau which is large and flat. The views are awesome from the summit of Ramdung at 5930 m. We descend by the same route back to Ramdung Base Camp. Overnight at Ramdung Base Camp (4900 m). We include an extra day in our itinerary here to allow for an additional summit attempt if necessary due to the weather.
In the next 3 days, we spend trekking from Ramdung Base Camp to the Tesi Lapcha (pass) at 5755 m. 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 - to scramble up the 160 m rock, snow, and ice wall onto the Drolambu Glacier proper. On day 15 we arrive at the Tesi Lapcha and then descend to Parchamo High Camp at 5520 m. Our efforts to reach this point are rewarded by stunning views of Tengi Ragi Tau (6938 m), Bigphera Go Shar (6729 m), 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.
Another 3.00 am starting 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 6187 m. From the Parchamo summit, we enjoy spectacular mountain views across the Rolwaling and Khumbu valleys and into Tibet. 8000 m giants Mt Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu are all 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 (4300 m). We include an extra day in our itinerary here to allow for an additional summit attempt if necessary due to the weather.
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 (3871 m).
Today we trek from Thame to Namche Bazaar at 3440 m. 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 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 (3440 m).
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 (2800 m).
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu and check in at The Hotel. Another celebration and party!
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 in Kathmandu
- All ground transfers in Nepal
- Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu (includes entry fees and guide)
- Return flights from Kathmandu to Lukla (includes taxes)
- National Park entrance fees, trekking and climbing permits
- All meals while trekking and climbing
- Lodge accommodation at Namche Bazaar and Lukla
- All camping facilities (tents etc.) while trekking and climbing
- Exceptional leaders and guides
- Porters to carry all personal and group equipment
- Porter’s insurance
- Emergency medical kit and gamow bag
- All necessary personal climbing equipment (includes harness, ice-axe, boots, crampons, prusiks & carabiners)
- Down jacket, sleeping bag and sleeping mattress
- All Nepalese tourist taxes and fees
Excluded:
- Personal Purchases, alcoholic beverages, and other things
- Travel insurance and other expenses like costs incurred due to any unforeseen circumstances, emergency evacuation and rerouting, flight change, airport taxes.
- Tips for the guides and porters
- Alcoholic, hot and cold beverage, laundry.
- Personal Trekking equipment and gadgets
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