Kongde Ri Climbing: Itinerary, Difficulty, Cost, Route 2025/26

Climbing the Himalayas mountains has always been the dream of many mountaineers. Wouldn't you take it if you got an opportunity? You probably would. Here, we have brought a short enlightenment about Kongde Ri Climbing - Kongde Ri lies in the Khumbu Region and might not be as famous as other peak climbing packages like Everest, Lhotse, or others.

 

Nevertheless, climbing the Kongde Ri in the Himalayas is a challenging but rewarding experience. For mountaineers looking to conquer the Kongde Ri Climbing in 2025/26, it is essential to understand the route's difficulty level, estimate the expedition's cost, and plan a compelling itinerary. 

 

In this blog, we will provide an overview of the Kongde Ri Climbing Route, discuss the route's difficulty depending on the time of year, outline the cost of climbing the Kongde Ri, and outline an effective itinerary for a successful expedition.

 

 

Highlights of Kongde Ri Climbing

• Stunning Views: Serene views of Mountains like Mount Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, and Kongde Ri peak itself.

• Enjoy and delve into the lifestyle of Namche Bazaar.

• Cultural Experience: Kongde Ri is located in the heart of the Sherpa country, and climbing the mountain provides an opportunity to learn about the culture and way of life of the local people.

• Conservation Efforts: Kongde Ri is located within the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and mountaineers are encouraged to practice responsible climbing and help preserve the fragile ecosystem.

 

 

Detailed Itinerary

 

Kathmandu to Lukla

You will need to take a flight from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu to Lukla. It takes 30 to 45 minutes to reach Lukla from the capital city. If you want to take a bus from here, you can go through the Salleri route.

Lukla to Phakding

After reaching Lukla, your next destination will be Phakding, a village near Lukla at an altitude of 2,610 meters (8,562 Feet). Starting your trek mid-day, you will walk across the Dudh Koshi Valley and arrive in Phakding, where you will stay overnight.

 

Phakding to Lumding Kharka

Now, you will be heading towards a place called Lumding Kharka, which sits at an altitude of 4,616 meters (15,145 Feet). You will rest at a camp for the overnight stay.

 

Lumding Kharka to Kongde Base Camp

The next destination, Kongde Base Camp, is on the way during your Kongde Ri Climbing package. You will set up for the base camp early in the morning after having breakfast at Lumding Kharka. You will climb uphill for a few hours before getting to the Base Camp.

 

As you reach the Base Camp, the elevation will already be increased by 300 meters, and you will be at 4,910 meters (16,108 feet) above sea level.

 

Kongde Base Camp to Kongde High Camp

For the next day, your target is to reach Kongde High Camp, which is at 5300 meters (17,389 Feet) above sea level. Your hike starts once you are ready to kick off from the base camp.

 

The elevation rises by around 400 meters when you reach the high Camp. Be sure to take safety measures because altitude sickness is prominent at high altitudes.

 

Climb Kongde Peak | Return to High Camp

 This is the day of your dream - your plan and preparation for conquering Kongde Peak will come to reality. You will wake up early in the morning and set for the summit of Kongde Ri Peak, which stands at the towering height of 6093 meters (19,990 Feet).

 

After submitting the Kongde Ri Peak, you will head back towards the High Camp at an altitude of 5300 meters, where you will stay overnight in a camp.

 

Back to Kongde Base Camp

The day is to return now. You will head back towards Kongde Base Camp from the High Camp at an altitude of 4,910 meters (16,108 feet).

 

Trek To Thame Village | Namche Bazaar

Your next destination is Thame Village from Kongde Base Camp. You start your descent early in the morning and catch a trail leading to Thame Village.

 

After Thame Village, you will have to make your way to Namche Bazaar, a gateway to the Everest Region. It is located at an altitude of 3440 meters (11,287 feet) above sea level, and it is a perfect place to view the mountains like Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku.

 

Namche Bazaar To Lukla

Namche Bazaar to Lukla takes around 6 to 7 hours to reach. The path is rugged and up and downhill, so prepare yourself before you take the trek.

 

Lukla to Kathmandu

This is the final phase of your Kongde Ri peak climbing - you will take a flight from Lukla Airport and then descend to Kathmandu. It takes around 30 to 45 minutes to reach Kathmandu, after which you will be escorted to your hotel. Tonight, you will stay at your hotel with an attached bathroom and hot shower services.

 

Difficulty of the Kongde Ri Climbing Route

The Kongde Ri Climbing is an awe-inspiring climbing package that you will get, excluding the significant peaks like Everest or Annapurna in Nepal. Routes leading to Kongde Ri vary, ranging from rocky ridges to ascents and descents. The route's altitude ranges from 8,000 to 17,000 feet, making it a physically demanding climb. The route's difficulty level depends on the time of year you are planning to climb.

 

During the winter (December-February), climbers should expect cold temperatures and high winds. Avalanches and snowstorms can also be encountered during this time of year, and special precautions should be taken to stay safe. Spring (March-May) is a better time for climbing, as temperatures are milder and visibility is improved. However, climbers should still be prepared for wet conditions due to snowmelt. Summer (June-August) offers warmer temperatures and longer days but can also bring unpredictable thunderstorms. Finally, autumn (September-November) brings clear skies and cooler temperatures.

 

No matter what time of year you climb Kongde Ri, it is always important to be physically fit and properly prepared for the expedition. Training for altitude and endurance is essential to completing the route safely. Additionally, it is important to have quality gear and supplies, such as a warm sleeping bag, a reliable tent, and plenty of food and water. In the meantime, acclimatization is an important thing that you should never forget. 

 

 

Cost of Kongde Ri Climbing

Kongde Ri Climbing has a ten-day plus itinerary, so it is not cheap. On average, you will have to allocate more than 5 to 10,000 dollars to summit the Kongde Ri peak.

 

The first cost associated with climbing Kongde Ri is gear and equipment. Climbers need the right gear and equipment to successfully summit Kongde Ri, including tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, clothing, shoes, and other essentials. You can buy essential gear and equipment in Thamel, Kathmandu, where several shops and stores deal with mountaineering products.

 

The second cost involves food and shelter. Depending on the route chosen, climbers may need to purchase meals or rent accommodation. The meals cost from $5 to $10 per meal - so allocate your budget accordingly.

 

The third cost is transportation. Climbers will need to pay for a flight to the nearest airport and transport from the airport to the base camp. The flight can cost you from 5,000 NPR to 10,000 NPR, depending on the type of service you choose. Finally, climbers may need to purchase permits and insurance. Sagarmatha National Park Permit is one of them, which you can get from the Tourism Board or a checkpost in Monjo Village. It only costs you around $25 to $30.

 

How Can You Save Money During Kongde Ri Climbing?

In terms of finding the best gear and equipment, renting or borrowing gear and equipment is the best way to save money when climbing Kongde Ri. Additionally, climbers can pack their meals instead of purchasing food while on the mountain. This can significantly reduce costs. 

 

Finally, climbers can look for ways to reduce transportation costs by taking public transportation or sharing a ride with other climbers. Another way to save money while climbing Kongde Ri is to join an organized tour or group climbing. Many organized tours include gear rental and food in their packages, which can help significantly reduce costs. 

 

Additionally, many tour companies offer discounts for groups. Finally, climbers should consider taking advantage of deals and discounts offered by airlines, hotels, and other travel-related businesses. Many airlines offer special fares for climbers flying to the nearest airport for the climb, and some hotels offer discounted rates for mountaineers. Similarly, the cost can be relatively cheap if you choose your climbing project during the off-season when crowds are relatively low. However, it is not recommended since the off-season expeditions are very harsh and can be life-threatening.

 

Climbing Kongde Ri in 2023/24 requires careful preparation in terms of both physical fitness and financial budgeting. It is essential to understand the route's difficulty level depending on when you plan to climb, estimate the cost of supplies and hiring a guide, and outline an effective itinerary with an acclimatization plan. 

 

So, if you are an avid mountaineer looking to conquer the Kongde Ri Climbing Route in 2023/24, then you should consider booking a package with Swotah Travel and Adventure. Our experienced and certified guides will provide you with the necessary support and safety measures for a safe and successful expedition. We take pride in providing the best services to our clients and will ensure that you have a hassle-free and memorable experience. So, book your package with us today and embark on an incredible journey to conquer the Kongde Ri.