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  • Duration:23 Nights 24 Days
  • Max. Altitude: 6186m
  • Group Size: 1-8
  • Activity: Trekking & Climbing
  • Pick Up: TIA Airport

About Kyajo Ri Expedition

Kyajo Ri (6186m), is a full scale expedition climbing peak. It is significantly harder, physically and technically than other popular trekking peaks such as Island Peak or Lobuche East or Mera Peak, which are comparatively easier ascent to the summit. Kyajo Ri is the highest summit on the southern part of Khumbu Himal ridge that runs north of Namche Bazaar. Government of Nepal only opened Kyajo Ri peak for climbing in 2002. Until now, this amazing peak has attracted little attention, and still has the feel of an unexplored peak as the route is free of fixed rope and anchors.

The trek into base camp is a pleasure in itself while at the same time providing the necessary acclimatization for the climb. Our Kyajo Ri Expedition starts with a scenic flight to Lukla. It follows the main "Everest Base Camp Trekking Route" as far as Namche Bazaar. The trek to base camp is not overly difficult for fit and experienced trekkers, perhaps a bit harder than the Kala Pattar climb near Everest Base Camp.

We continue the Everest Base Camp Trekking Trail till Kyanjuma village then we leave the main route and head up the Gokyo valley to the Renjo La, 5388 m, a high pass from where we enter the Thame valley. The trek through Gokyo valley is just majestic. The combination of turquoise lakes, mountains, hiking trails, Local Sherpa community makes this route a wonderful trekking trail. Renjo La Pass offers one of the best Panorama view of the Khumbu Himalaya and is also a great acclimatization climb. We descend into the valley to reach Mende, where we leave the main trail and enter the remote valley of Kyajo Drangka, where we set up our Base Camp at south of Kyajo Ri.

Kyajo Ri is a challenging expedition with significant technical rock and ice climbing at high altitude. The normal approach via the SW Ridge requires two more camps above Base Camp. Climbers on this expedition need to be in excellent physical condition and should have basic mountaineering skills, rock and ice climbing experience.

Kyajo Ri Climbing Route Overview:

Base Camp 4550m to Camp I 5200m: It is reached by crossing rough moraine. Just at the bank of Glacier Lake.

Camp I to Camp II, 5700m: It is not so far but it is strenuous as the glacial terrain is rough with talus and giant boulders. Camp II is on a snowy col. Some groups attempt the summit from Camp I itself. Depending upon the route and feasibility of camping at Camp II.

Camp II to Summit: Above Camp II, there is a belayed climbing using fixed rope on snow slopes of 50° to 55° up to the exposed and pointed summit. We will belay, lower and rappel the same route on descent. Summit day is comparable to summit day on Ama Dablam.

You may also be interested in: Kyajo Ri Climbing Short Version 17 Days

You may also be interested in: Pachermo & Kyajo Ri Expedition- 29 Days

The best season for Kyajo Ri Climbing is from March to May (Spring) and from September to November (Autumn). However, winter is also a great time to climb if you are well prepared for the cold weather. In the crisp and cold month of December, the views of the mountains are crystal clear and there are fewer tourists around. The duration of the Kyajo Ri Climb can be lengthened or shortened according to your preference. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expedition will arrange every detail of your Kyajo Ri Expedition; lodge accommodation, food, as well as all the necessary climbing and camping equipment.
 

Planning to climb Kyajo Ri in 2023 and 2024 !!

Guaranteed Departure.. Please get in touch for further details.

Highlights of Kyajo Ri Expedition

  • it is a beautiful mountain, with a sharp, defined summit
  • significant technical climbing with few objective risks
  • mid-Khumbu location gives incredible views of surrounding summits including 8000+ meter peaks
  • less climbed peak, less crowded trails
  • trip leaded by our expereinced Sherpa climbing Guides.
  • well set up logistics and support during camping days
  • it has a beautiful, comfortable and quiet base camp, located in a wonderful isolated valley.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu,1,300 m/4,265 ft

Flying to Kathmandu is in itself an exciting and memorable experience. On a clear day, you will get a panoramic view of the snow-capped towering peaks. After completing the visa formalities in airport, collect your luggage downstairs. As you exit the airport terminal, you will be welcomed by one of our representatives carrying your name on our company’s’ signboard, Annapurna Foothills Treks & Expedition. Moving forward, you’ll be taken to your hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Once you reach at hotel, you’ll be welcomed by them as well and after that you can relax in your room.

  • Hotel

The Managing Director of our company will be there to meet you in the hotel and provide more information about the expedition. Your dues must be cleared before we proceed on the trip. We will finalize paperwork-permit for your trip and make a final check of your climbing equipment. In case you need additional trekking equipment, you will have a chance to buy it today. Sightseeing tours of Kathmandu Valley are also an option.

  • Breakfast and Welcome Dinner
  • Hotel

Flying from Kathmandu to Lukla

We head to the domestic airport for our early morning flight to Lukla. From the twin otter plane, we will enjoy some amazing views of several of the world’s highest mountains including Cho Oyu, 8153m, Lhotse, 8516m, Gauri Shankar, 7145m, Menlungtse, 7181m, and Mount Everest. Because of Air Traffic Congestion (ATC), direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is only operated in off seasons (December - February, June - August. Usually, it takes around 40 minutes to reach Lukla.

Flying from Manthali to Lukla

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the busiest time in Everest region because of which Lukla airport gets congested. So, during these months, all the flights to Lukla are re-routed from Manthali. Drive to Manthali from Kathmandu is somewhat 5-6 hours. Accordingly, leave for Manthali at 1:45 a.m. (approx.) on tourist vehicle. By doing so, will reach Manthali on time to catch our flight to Lukla. From Manthali, it takes around 15- 20 minutes (depending upon weather condition) to reach Lukla.

 Helicopter Option

At Lukla, our support crew will be waiting to welcome us. After distributing our luggage among the strong Sherpa porters who will so cheerfully carry our burdens for the trip, we set out downhill into the Dudh Koshi (milk river) Valley. The trails in these parts reflect the large roll Tibetan Buddhism plays in the lives of the Sherpa people. There are many mani stones, which are large stones with Tibetan prayers chiseled into them, all along the trails. You will soon become familiar with the customary way of passing chortens, mani stones, and prayer wheels in a clockwise direction. We reach Phakdingma, a small village beside the Dudh Kosi River. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

Today will be one of the hardest days of the trek. So, we take it slowly, giving our body a chance to acclimatize and our senses a chance to take in the sights into the heart of Khumbu. From Phakding, the trail follows Dudh Koshi valley north for 2-3 hours to Monjo, the entrance to the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. There is a good view of Thamserku, 6608m. We follow the river to the Hillary Bridge, a fantastic suspension bridge that spans the deep chasm over the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi. From here, it is a tough climb to Namche. The trail continues to climb through pine forest. About half way up there, is a vantage point that provides our first view of Mt. Everest rising majestically from behind the great ridge of Nuptse-Lhotse.

Namche is a beautiful village in itself with colorful houses and lodges and prayer flags, and the setting is majestic as it is spread on the steep sides of a horse-shoe shaped valley facing the beautiful Kongde Ri Peak. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

If we are acclimatizing well, we will want to walk up a hill for spectacular viewpoint where we can see all the way up the Imja Khola Valley to where the glacial moraine begins below the towering Mt Everest, 8848 m. Other spectacular peaks vosoble from here are Taweche, 6542m, Thamserku, 6808m, Kantega, 6685 m, Ama Dablam, 6856m, Nuptse, 7896m and Lhotse, 8511m. Besides, the great bazaar with a wonderful variety of shops to visit, today gives us a chance to visit the Sherpa Cultural Centre which has an interesting collection of mountaineering items and photographs. There is also the option of a day walk to the pretty village of Khumjung where Sir Edmund Hillary built his “Schoolhouse in the Clouds” and the famed Khunde hospital. We can see the “scalp of a yeti” at Khumjung monastery.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

Today as we trek, Ama Dablam, 6812m, one of the most beautiful peaks in the world will be showing its glimpse to us in a distance. As we go along, the trail follows the hillside of Khumbila and reaches our first pass, Mon La, from where the trail descends steeply to Phortse Drangka village. We leave the Everest trail and branch off following the Gokyo Valley along the tree-line until we reach the small mountain settlement of Dole.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

The trail goes through small yak mountain pastures, waterfalls and small villages namely Khele, Lhabarma and Luza before reaching Machermo. Machermo is a small village looking out on Cholatse, 6440m, Taweche, 6542m and facing the Kyajo glacier.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

The trail from Machhermo climbs a ridge from where you will get an excellent view. In front of you, will be the great Gokyo Valley with its streams and lakes, and the Cho-Oyu peak, 8153m and Kantega peak , 6686m and Ama Dablam, 6812m on your back. We descend to the river bank below before beginning the steep climb up to a small mountain lake from where the trail levels out and follows along to Longponga Lake, 4690m, then finally up a boulder-strewn path to glorifying Gokyo.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

Today, we climb for around two hours up to Gokyo Peak, 5360m. This is a straight-forward but steep climb and also tiring. But, It will be worth the effort as this is one of the best panoramic views in the Khumbu. From the rocky summit, four peaks over 8000 meters can be seen: Everest, 8848m, Cho Oyo, 8153m, Lhotse, 8511m and Makalu, 8481m and other awesome peaks too. Besides the peaks, when you look downward, you will see the Gokyo lakes and the huge creaking Ngozumpa glacier snaking its way down the valley. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

Today, we will reach the high point of our acclimatization i.e. Renjo La. We walk around the north side of the Dudh Pokhari travelling westwards towards the pass. The trail follows a blunt ridge at first before climbing up rocky ground to the top of the pass. The views back towards Everest and of Cho Oyu, Makalu, Nuptse and Ama Dablam are superb. We then descend to Lungdeng.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

Trekking back eastwards to the village of Mende will be relatively relaxing as we are well acclimatized. The full circuit of Kyajo Ri via the Renjo La pass is ideal for acclimatization. We can relax in the afternoon and prepare for a longer day tomorrow.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

Today, the trail branches off the main trekking route and follows a Yak herder's trail which crosses a couple of cols and climbs up into the valley of Kyajo Trangka. The base of the valley is a flat meadow, surrounded by impressive overhanging rock walls. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

We can either relax today or move to Camp I depending on the weather and the physical readiness of the group. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

Today, we will accompany our mountain guides who will carry some equipment to Camp I at the foot of the glacier. It's a long way over some pretty rough ground. From Camp I, we have a good view of the route to the summit which rises north-ward from Camp I. We will return to base camp in the afternoon.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

We can either relax today or move to Camp II depending on the weather and the physical fitness of the group. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

The route to Camp II covers some tricky scrambling over silvery and slightly slippery flat rocks and rock boulders to get up to the glacier and up onto the next flat col.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

From Camp II, the trail steadily becomes steeper with snowy slopes and outcroppings of rock. Depending on weather conditions, we can expect about 500m of technical difficulty climbing before we will be standing firm on the snow crested summit. In dry and cold weather, there can be hard blue ice which presents a greater challenge. The pointed summit of Kyajo Ri is small, with amazing views of the entire Khumbu Region. We make multiple abseils during the descent from the summit, and reach the col of Camp I, where we will spend the night.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

Since we cannot guarantee favorable weather for the scheduled summit day, we have allowed an extra day in the schedule. If we are unable to summit the Kyajo Ri on scheduled date due to bad weather or some other reason, such as someone in the group having acclimatization problems, it is useful to have an extra day. If the trip goes smoothly, and we do not need this spare day, we will continue our return journey to Lukla. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

We return back to base camp and celebrate our successful climb to the summit of Kyajo Ri. We will stay overnight at Base Camp. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

We return back on the same trail that we went on. One long day of trekking will take us all the way to Namche where we will stay overnight.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

Boosted by all our new red blood cells, we rush down the footpath toward Sagarmatha National Park gate, in Jorsale. Later, Lukla's footpath leads us back to the first villages we saw two weeks ago: Gumila, Phakdingma, and Choplung. The high peaks disappear behind the hills. This last evening in the mountains is the ideal opportunity for a farewell party with your sherpa guides and porters, and a good chance to sample some chhang, try Nepali and Sherpa dance and look back on the memorable trekking experiences. The staff will be hoping for some precious and well deserved tips.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

Flying from Lukla to Kathmandu

During off season in Nepal which refers to months like December - February, June – August so travelers can enjoy direct flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. It approximately takes 40 minutes to reach Kathmandu from Lukla on a flight. From domestic airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel on a private tourist vehicle.

Flying from Lukla to Manthali

The flight from Lukla to Manthali is takes approximately 20 minutes. Afterwards, we drive back to Kathmandu from Manthali which usually takes 5-6 hours (hours may differ depending on traffic condition). Expect to fly from Lukla to Manthali on peak seasons: Spring (March –May) & autumn (September – November). Upon reaching Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel on a shared tourist vehicle.

 Helicopter Option

Flying in helicopter is a unique experience that adds a touch of luxury to your journey, allowing you to enjoy the pristine beauty of Khumbu Himalaya in style. You can book your spot for a direct helicopter flight from Lukla to Kathmandu for an additional USD 300 Dollar per Person. Do note that the price is quoted on a sharing basis of 5 people.

 

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

After breakfast, there will be free time for souvenir shopping and other independent activities. 

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

We will accompany you to the International Airport in time to board your flight. 

  • Breakfast

Trip Map

Kyajo Ri Expedition map

What's Included

  • Transfer from Airport – Hotel – Airport: Car, Van, Hi-ace or Coaster in a private vehicle.
  • Authentic Nepali welcome dinner with Live Nepalese Cultural Program.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu, Four nights on Twin share Bed and Breakfast Basis.
  • Accommodation during Trek ; local lodges 11 nights (twin-share rooms ,beds with comfortable foam mattress and pillows)
  • Accommodation during Camping ; Meals during 8 nights camping (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tang juice, fruit, tea and coffee)
  • All standard meals(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trekking
  • English speaking experienced Sherpa guide (Govt. Trained/License Holder).
  • All Camping Equipment required during the trek, sleeping tents/mattresses, kitchen tent, kitchen equipment
  • All required Personal and Group Climbing gears
  • Climbing rope, Ice screws, Snow bar
  • Trekking cook, kitchen staff, Trek Sherpa and other support staff while on Kyajo Ri Expedition
  • One Sherpa guide-assistant if group size is more than 4 Trekkers.
  • Porters: One porter for One Trekker basis.
  • Trek Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation.
  • Personal insurance for Nepalese staff.
  • Annapurna Foothill’s Duffle bag for Trekking.
  • Annapurna Foothill's Tshirt
  • Energy Supplies; Snickers, Mars, Bounty etc. 
  • First aid medicine kit.
  • Kyajo Ri Permit
  • Sagarmatha National Park Fee, TIMS permits & all required permits or Official Documentation.
  • Round-Trip airfare between Kathmandu and Lukla (Airport Tax Included)
  • All government and local taxes.
  • Kyajo Ri Expedition climbing certificates issued from the respective body of Nepal Government.
     

Personal Climbing Gears includes:

  • Mountaineering Boots
  • Crampons
  • Harness
  • Ice Axe
  • 2 x Tape slings
  • 2 x Screwgate Karabiners
  • Descender / Abseil Device (Jumar)
  • Prussic Loops
  • Helmet
  • More about Personal Climbing Equipment and Gears

What’s Excluded

  • Your Personal Travel Insurance.
  • Nepal Entry Visa Fee.
  • Lunch & Dinner in cities - allow $ 10 to 14 for per meal in Tourist restaurants.
  • Beverages (drinks, mineral water,boiled water and beer).
  • Tips for guide, porters and driver (customary).
  • Any personal expenses not mentioned in above services.
  • Additional night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early return from Trek (due to any reason) than the planned itinerary.

Departure Dates

FromToStatusPrice  
Start Date09 Oct, 2024End Date01 Nov, 2024AvailableUS$ 4000

Departure Note:

Guaranteed- We already have trekkers booked for those dates and you can join the group.

Available - The date is available to book and once you confirm your trip it will be guaranteed.

Limited - The departure date is filling fast and only limited seats are available to join.

Closed- The Trip cannot be booked on that specific date. Contact us for customized dates.
 

The departure dates are your arrival dates in Nepal.


We have set dates for departure to the Kyajo Ri Expedition. So, pick your preferable date and let the adventure begin.

If the date you prefer is not listed on our departure dates then you can contact us directly to book the trip on your own desired date.

We have listed the price up to 10 trekkers at maximum. If you are more than 08 trekkers, then please feel free to contact us for amazing discounted group price and further booking process.

Private Trips to Kyajo Ri Expedition is possible. Contact us to design your own private trips with you loved ones.

Solo Trips: Single trekkers are always welcome to join the climb. On your arrival at Kathmandu, you’ll have a single room in Kathmandu Hotel as per your requirement and have to share a room at the local teahouses during the trekking.

Useful Info

Kyajo Ri Expedition Packing List:

“There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” Alfred Wainwright

Are you planning your dream trip to the Himalaya of Nepal? Make sure you have packed well for your hiking, trekking and climbing experiences in Nepal. The time period of your visit also determines your packing list. The best trekking seasons for beginning your Kyajo Ri Expedition are spring and autumn. During these seasons, maximum flow of trekkers can be witnessed. Weather during spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November) are likely to be mild with clear blue sky and outstanding mountain views. But nights can get freezing cold at higher elevation. So, packing appropriate clothing, gear, and equipments for your Kyajo Ri Expedition is a must for lifetime memorable trekking and climbing experience in Everest region of Nepal.

A strategically way of packing will be keeping in mind that your stuffs will be packed in two bags. One will be the daypack that you carry every day on your trek. Pack your daypack as light as possible by carrying only the essentials so that you can relish your moments in wilderness freely. Pack anything you may need each day during your hike in your daypack. Other bag will be your duffle bag which will be carried by your Porter from the very beginning of your trek till the end.

 

Upper Body:

  • Warm beanie hat
  • Tubular Headwear (buff)
  • Sun Hat or Cap (cap and buff all fit under your hood)
  • Polarized Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Headlamp (Black Diamond / Petzl) with spare batteries
  • Sunscreen with factor 50+
  • Upper Body (Core body):
  • 3 Light and trekking weight thermal tops
  • 3 T-shirts or cool-max trekking shirts
  • 1 Fleece Jacket or pull over (Merino, soft shell)
  • 1 Waterproof shell jacket with hood (lightweight, breathable)
  • 1 Down Jacket

Lower Body:

  • 2 Thermal base layers (merino or polartec power dry)
  • 2 Pairs trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts.
  • 1 Heavy weight hiking trousers (wind proof soft shell for warmth at higher altitude)
  • 1 Waterproof/ Rain pants
  • 2 Light Hiking shorts
  • 2 Fleece Pants
  • 4 Under wears (merino)

Hands:

  • 1 Lightweight gloves or liner gloves
  • 1 Pair shell gloves (Gore-Tex)
  • 1 Waterproof outer glove

Feet:

  • 3 Warm Trekking socks (smart wool)
  • 3 Pairs of liner socks
  • 2 Pairs of thick/ warm socks
  • 2 Thick wool socks to wear at night in lodges
  • Trekking Boots (waterproof, ankle support with rigid sole)
  • Lightweight Rubber Shoes / Trainers / Trail Runner to wear at the Tea Houses

Accessories:

  • 1 Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches) 40 - 50 Liters
  • 2 Water bottle or camel bag, 1-liter (one with an insulated cover is recommended)
  • Large duffle bag (and a lock as the porters will carry this)
  • A pair of adjustable Trekking Pole
  • Camera with extra battery
  • Sleeping bag (- 15 C depending upon trips)
  • Sleeping Bag liner
  • Ear Plugs
  • Portable Solar Charger
  • Smart Trekking Watch

Personal First Aid Kit:

Please do note that our trekking guides will be too carrying the first aid kit with them especially for the guests and the entire team as a whole. Still, we suggest the following items to be carried with you while trekking in the Himalaya of Nepal.

  • Personal Medication
  • Diarrhea Stopper (e.g. Imodium)
  • Paracetamol Tablets
  • Small Swiss Army knife (which has knife, scissors and tweezers)
  • Diamox for altitude (consult your doctor about this)
  • Water Purification tablets or drops
  • Blister kit / Zinc Tape
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Dressing Gauze
  • Antibiotic Cream