When does the Paro Tsechu take place?

It is held annually in the spring, typically in March or April. Because the festival follows the lunar calendar, the exact dates change every year.

How difficult is the hike to Tiger’s Nest?

It is considered Moderate. The trail is well-maintained but steep. Mules are available for the ascent (up to the halfway cafeteria) for those who prefer not to walk the entire way.

What is the dress code for the festival?

While tourists aren't required to wear the national dress (Gho or Kira), you must wear respectful clothing. Shoulders and knees must be covered when entering Dzongs and monasteries.

Can I visit the festival solo?

Bhutanese regulations require all tourists (except those from India, Bangladesh, and Maldives) to book through a licensed tour operator and be accompanied by a guide.

What is the "Thongdrel" unveiling?

On the final day of the festival, a massive silk Thangka (Thongdrel) is unfurled before dawn. It is believed that simply viewing this sacred scroll "cleanses one of all sins."

Pharchamo Peak Climbing – Vertical Himalaya Treks

Accomodation
Hotel, Tea House, Tent
Transportation
Car, Jeep, flights
Meals
All meals during the trek
Group Size
2-15
Maximum Altitude
3,210 M
Best season
Autumn & Spring

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Equipment List

FAQs

Overview

The Pharchamo Peak Climbing expedition is a 19-day high-altitude adventure that combines the rugged beauty of the Rolwaling Valley with the technical challenge of a 6,000m summit. Standing at 6,187m, Pharchamo is an attractive snow pyramid located at the head of the Trakarding Glacier. This trek is famous for crossing the Tashi Lapcha Pass (5,755m), one of the most difficult and exhilarating high passes in Nepal, which serves as a natural bridge between the remote Rolwaling region and the Khumbu (Everest) Valley.

This itinerary is designed for those who want to escape the crowded trails and experience a “raw” Himalayan expedition. The journey begins with a trek through terraced farmlands and dense forests before entering the glaciated high country near the stunning Tsho Rolpa Lake. The climb itself involves navigating crevasse-ridden glaciers and steep snow slopes, offering climbers a true sense of isolation and achievement before descending into the vibrant Sherpa heartland of Thame and Namche Bazaar.

Highlights

Stunning 6,000m Summit: Reach the peak of Pharchamo (6,187m), offering an incredible vantage point for views of Gaurishankar, Cho Oyu, and the Everest massif.
The Tashi Lapcha Challenge: Cross one of Nepal's most legendary and technical high passes (5,755m), a feat reserved for experienced trekkers and climbers.
Tsho Rolpa Glacial Lake: Visit one of the largest and most beautiful ice-fed lakes in Nepal, set against a backdrop of towering granite peaks.
The Rolwaling Wilderness: Explore a valley steeped in local folklore and "Yeti" legends, characterized by its deep canyons, ancient monasteries, and traditional Sherpa culture.
Dual-Region Traverse: Experience the dramatic transition from the secluded Rolwaling Valley to the iconic Khumbu region in a single continuous journey.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kathmandu

Transfer from the airport to your hotel. Meet your lead guide in the evening for a trip briefing and welcome drinks. Accommodation: Hotel | Max Elevation: 1,350m

Day 02 :

Kathmandu Sightseeing & Preparation

A morning tour of Boudhanath and Pashupatinath. The afternoon is reserved for gear checks and a technical briefing on the climbing equipment (harness, crampons, ice axe) needed for the expedition. Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Hotel

Day 03 :

Drive to Gongor Khola & Trek to Simigaun

An 8-hour scenic drive to Gongor Khola, followed by a short 2–3 hour trek to Simigaun, a village with dramatic views of Mt. Gaurishankar. Meals: B, L, D | Duration: 8 hrs drive / 2-3 hrs trek | Max Elevation: 2,036m

Day 04 :

Trek to Dongang

Ascend through rhododendron and pine forests, eventually descending briefly to reach the riverside settlement of Dongang. Meals: B, L, D | Duration: 5-6 hrs | Max Elevation: 2,791m

Day 05 :

Trek to Beding

Follow the Rolwaling River through forests and summer pastures to reach Beding, the largest Sherpa village in the Rolwaling Valley. Meals: B, L, D | Duration: 5-6 hrs | Max Elevation: 3,790m

Day 06 :

Rest & Acclimatization in Beding

A day to adjust to the altitude. You can explore the local monastery or hike to nearby viewpoints for better panoramas of the Rolwaling range. Meals: B, L, D | Max Elevation: 3,790m

Day 07 :

Trek to Na Village

A shorter walk into higher alpine terrain. Na is a temporary settlement used for cattle grazing and offers stunning views of Chobutse Peak ($6,689$m). Meals: B, L, D | Duration: 3-4 hrs | Max Elevation: 4,200m

Day 08 :

Rest & Acclimatization in Na

A critical second rest day. A recommended side trip to Yalung La Pass provides views of glaciers and the Yalung Glacier, essential for high-altitude preparation. Meals: B, L, D | Max Elevation: 4,200m

Day 09 :

Trek to Chukima

Cross the river and head toward the Tsho Rolpa glacial lake. The path becomes more rugged as you move toward the glacier’s edge. Meals: B, L, D | Duration: 5-6 hrs | Max Elevation: 4,540m

Day 10 :

Trek to Drolambau Glacier (High Camp)

A challenging day walking on the moraine and ice of the Trakarding Glacier, eventually reaching the campsite on the Drolambau Glacier. Meals: B, L, D | Accommodation: Tented Camp | Max Elevation: 5,400m

Day 11 :

Technical Training & Preparation

A day at High Camp dedicated to practicing rope techniques, glacier travel, and the use of ascenders (Jumar) to ensure everyone is ready for the pass and summit. Meals: B, L, D | Accommodation: Tented Camp | Max Elevation: 5,400m

Day 12 :

Summit Pharchamo Peak ($6,273$m) & Tashi Lapcha Pass

A 2:00 AM start. Navigate the crevassed glacier to the summit of Pharchamo for 360-degree views of Everest and Gaurishankar. After the summit, descend across the Tashi Lapcha Pass ($5,755$m) to a camp on the Khumbu side. Meals: B, L, D | Duration: 10-12 hrs | Max Elevation: 6,273m

Day 13 :

Contingency Day

A spare day held in reserve for bad weather or additional recovery time. Meals: B, L, D | Accommodation: Tented Camp

Day 14 :

Trek to Thame

Descend from the high glacier into the Khumbu Valley, reaching the historic village of Thame, home to many famous Everest summitteers. Meals: B, L, D | Duration: 5-6 hrs | Max Elevation: 3,800m

Day 15 :

Trek to Namche Bazaar

Follow the Bhote Koshi River through rhododendron forests and Sherpa settlements to reach the bustling market town of Namche Bazaar. Meals: B, L, D | Duration: 3-4 hrs | Max Elevation: 3,440m

Day 16 :

Trek back to Lukla

Retrace your steps down the Dudh Koshi River valley, passing through Phakding before the final climb up to Lukla. Meals: B, L, D | Duration: 6-7 hrs | Max Elevation: 2,860m

Day 17 :

Fly to Kathmandu

An early morning flight back to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel for a much-needed rest and a hot shower. Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Hotel

Day 18 :

Leisure Day in Kathmandu

A free day for souvenir shopping in Thamel or visiting any missed sites. A farewell dinner with cultural performances is held in the evening. Meals: B, D | Accommodation: Hotel

Day 19 :

Final Departure

Transfer to the airport for your return flight. Meals: Breakfast

Check List

The gear listed below is recommended for this kind of trips. We encourage you to get all equipment listed below for the trip and kindly ensure you check and try every equipment. You can also buy or hire the same in Kathmandu as they are available in the many trekking shops from branded to local manufacturers in Kathmandu.

Head gears:

Sunhat X 1
Warm hat (should cover head & ear comfortably) X 1
Buffs X 2
Sunglasses (High-quality, UV-blocking sunglasses with good all-around protection) X 1
Headlamp with spare batteries (200-300 lumens output) X 1

Upper Body:

Thermal or fleece base layer top X 2
Trekking shirts/t-shirts (Breathable and quick-dry materials) – full sleeve x 2 and short sleeve x 2
Mid-Layer Jacket X 2 (Lightweight downs are good as well)
Soft-shell jacket X 1 (Water and Wind Resistant)
Hardshell jacket with a hood X 1 (Fully waterproof shell jacket, must fit comfortably over mid layers)
Insulated Down Jacket X 1 (provided by us at request)

Lower Body:

Thermal or fleece base layer bottom X 2
Trekking trousers/pants X 3
Hardshell pants X 1 for climbing days (Non-insulated and waterproof)
Insulated down pant (optional) X 1

Underwear:

4 pairs of synthetic or wool fabrics only

Hand Wear:

Liner Gloves X 1
Midweight gloves X 1
Expedition Down Mittens (Leather Palm) X 1

Foot Wear:

Waterproof Hiking Boots (Preferably full to protect/support your ankle) X 1
Double Layer Mountaineering Boot X 1
Hiking socks X 4 pairs medium to heavy (synthetic and wool)
Summit socks X 2
Liner socks X 2
Gaiter X 1 Pair
Flip flop or Sneaker (To wear at teahouses and in city)
Down booties (Optional)

Climbing Gears:

Helmet
Ice Axe
Crampons
Harness
Carabiners (2 X Screw Gate and 2 X Snap Gate )
Belay Device X 1
Ascender/Jumar (Large Handle)
Prussik Cord
Safety Cord (2 m length)

Gears / Personal equipment:

Daypack 40-45 liters (For both trekking and climbing)
Duffel bag (provided by us at request)
Down Sleeping bag (-20 C rated) with compression sack (provided by us at request)
One litre capacity water bottle X 2 (Nalgene)
Insulated Cover for Water bottle X 1
Trekking poles
Camera with charger or spare batteries
Personal snacks, comfort foods, energy bars and gels
A laundry bag to keep the dirty clothes
Padlock (Optional)
Earplugs (Recommended for light sleeper)
Large plastic bags to keep the clothes dry
Extra clothes to wear in Kathmandu when you come back from trek.

Toiletries and hygiene

Quick drying towel
Small face towel
Toothbrush &Toothpaste
Face mask
Water treatment tools
Soap and Shampoo (Smaller bottle)
Face and body moisturizer
Sunscreen SPF50+ and Lip balm SPF 30+
Hand sanitiser/Antiseptic wipes
Hygiene products
Basic first aid kit

Documents:

Passport with validity of 6 months.
Credit cards in case of emergencies
Travel Insurance
Flight tickets

Pharchamo Peak Climbing

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Equipment List

FAQs

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

Cost

The Cost Includes

The Cost Excludes

Check List

FAQs

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

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Check List

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