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Kongma La Pass, Pokalde Summit, Chukung

Heading up to the top of the Kongma la Pass

Just reached the fixed-rope position below Pokalde summit

Looking down to the final group approaching the fixed-rope area

Tom, one of our guides, on the final section to Pokalde summit

Our fourth objective was Pokalde which involved crossing the Kongma La pass. We set off south before turning to cross the Khumbu Glacier, leading us to the base of the Kongma La pass (5400m.). Another steep ascent to the pass, with the latter stages through deep snow. Our campsite was a short distance below the pass, on the Imja Valley side, alongside a frozen lake and below Pokalde. No snow on our arrival, but it soon started which made sure our tents had a bit of a covering by that evening. Plenty of clouds about first thing in the morning, but soon opened up as we started out for Pokalde summit. Easy on the snow at first, but it soon became steep and in places deep, which with the thin air made the going very tough.

The snow thinned by the time we reached the short scramble up the west ridge to where the fixed ropes were. (Crampons weren’t need although we used ice-axes because of the steep snow slopes.) The final section up the fixed ropes to the exposed summit was really exciting. Pity the clouds closed in again as they prevented us seeing the no doubt stunning scenery around us. Didn’t stay on the summit long as it was a little cramped, so after a photo session we absailed down to the start of the fixed ropes. Once off the fixed ropes we retraced our route back to the camp area. Going was tough on the deep snow, particularly as it was becoming a little soft in the now bright sunshine.

All our tents were on the way to Chukung, but a welcome lunch was waiting for us at the camp site. After a much needed rest, we set off across the snow and started the steep drop into the valley and headed south. It wasn’t long before the clouds engulfed us, and we walked the rest of the journey (3 hours) oblivious to our surroundings. The campsite at Chukung was very welcome when we arrived.

Group photo on Pokalde summit

Looking back up the lower slopes of Pokalde

On our way across the snow fields after summiting, to our next camp

Looking south at Chukung camp with plenty of mist far below in the valleys