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Nirekha Peak is located on the chain of Lobuche peak and just east of Cho La Col which is just a few distance above the Cho La Pass. This peak is a newly opened Himalayan peak of Nepal and listed on categories of grade ‘A’ among the trekking peaks in Nepal by Nepal mountaineering Association. Nirekha Peak Climb is a great summit in the border Himalayan range based on Khumbu region. Only experienced climbers should attempt the summit of Nirekha which requires some technical skills of mountain climbing. Nirekha Peak has two routes to climb as one from Kanchung base camp and another from Lake base camp. The ascent from the Kanchung side is to be preferred on this itinerary since it is easier and shorter. The glacier to the Cho La Col on the Kanchung side is easy with only a few mostly harmless crevasses.
From the top you’ll have an opportunity to see the best view of many high mountains as Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Cho Oyu and other surrounding Himalayan ranges. Nirekha Peak (6159m) is in the Mahalangur Region, deep in the Himalayas, close to the Tibetan border and hidden among the well-known giants of Everest, Cho Oyu, and Cholatse. Only recently has it been opened up to Western climbers. The ascent is mostly in ice and snow, and is comparable to big alpine routes such as the Monch or Bernina. Despite the relatively small height difference, it demands an excellent condition and acclimatization. This is quite technical but from the top it is one of the best scenery of the Himalayan world. Only recently has it been opened up to Western climbers. The climb itself is relatively straightforward, though it does require ice-axe, crampons and some fixed rope sections. It is a very do-able climb for anyone in good shape and with a desire for high adventure.
The trekking will start with the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla airport. Lukla airport offers you with lifetime experience as it is one of the dangerous airports in the world. The runway of the airport lies between the two hills which is the difficult runaway for the experienced pilot also. Its airfield is at high elevation and the difference between the two ends of the runway is about 60 metres. From here trekkers will begin their trek to the Phakding with green landscape and view of Kusum Kangaru. The trekkers will stay at the guesthouse here and enjoy the evening and night time with the local cuisine and dinner.
From Phakding trekkers have to cross the river to reach the valley. The trail is near to the river valley with beautiful blue pine and rhododendron forest. After crossing the Dudh Koshi at Benkar , trekkers can get the sight of snow capped peaks of Kusum Kangaru and Thamserku. It is only the short walk to Monjo where trekkers gather around to have lunch. From Monjo , National Park is about a short distance. In the hours of daylight the walking is a little problematic and is an uphill way to Namche bazaar. The trail now goes to the generally flat terrain, crossing back to the right bank to the meeting point of the Bhote Koshi and Dudh Koshi Rivers. The trekkers have to walk through the large suspension bridge.
The trail is easy at the beginning up to Kyangjuma and climbs steeply out of the valley through rhododendron forests, which give way to fragrant stands of juniper and large conifers as the elevation increases. This trek is amazing and especially beautiful during the spring season as the flowers of rhododendrons are in full bloom. Travellers have to walk through Kharkas, summers settlements used when Sherpas bring herds of yaks to graze in these high pastures. The route passes through the settlement of Tongba and Gyele. The views of Khumbila and Tawache are incredible throughout the day.
The trails continue the climb to lambara at 4220 m above sea level and Luza at 4369 metre. It is the tiring and strenuous route as the trail is steep in most places as it climbs through brush junipers. There are Kharkas whenever there is a flat spot and the slightest hint of water. The trail continues to climb along the side of the valley, high above the river, crossing sandy spurs to Machhermo at 4410 metres. The Machhermo is the same place where yeti killed three yaks and attacked a Sherpa Woman. This is the most credible yeti incident ever reported.
The trekkers have to climb a ridge to get an excellent view of both down the valley to Kantega and up towards Cho- Oyu. Beyond the ridge the valley widens as the trail passes through Pangka at 4390 metres then descends to the riverbank before beginning to climb on to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. The trail steeply climbs up the moraine, switching back alongside the stream to the first small Lake at 4650 metres where a family of green Brainy ducks resides.
The trekkers have to start their day early and climb upto the Gokyo Ri for panoramic views of the Mahalangur Himalayan Range. The hike takes about approximately 2 hours to climb the top of the peak from where the trekkers can immerse themselves with the views of Cho Oyu, the Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse and Tawache. It also offers a great view of Ngozumpa glacier- the largest glacier in Nepal.
You will trek down to Thaknak (4700m) overnight passing through the second Lake and walk on the glacier and will reach Thaknak after a 4-5 hrs walk. Sometimes in the busy season it’s hard to get a room so they operated a tented camp as well.
Today, you will head further on to your journey with steep way climbing passing through the some glacier ponds and walk with snow boulders and rocky mountain. There are two routes of climbing Nirekha as you follow the Kanchung base camp which is easier than the Lake base camp part. You will pitch your camp here at Kanchung base camp.
You will head on to the High camp from where you will start your climb. From the Kanchung base camp head towards the north and follow a trail up the steep slope. You will have to traverse to the right across some rock slabs, reaching flat territory just below the glacier. The glacier is mounted on the left south border. Follow the glacier on an east trail until reaching the flat caldera just below the Cho La cool where you will have overnight.
This day is your main adventure day, you will start early in the morning to climb Nirekha peak but it all depends on the weather condition. It takes about 9-10 hours. At the summit you will catch panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Tawache, Cholatse, Pumori, Changri and more. After a safe trip to the top you will safely make your way down the same day back to Base Camp.
You will walk in the high passes and one of the tiff days to cross the Cho-La pass at 5467m height. The pass is not difficult but it is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side. After crossing the Cho-La pass and reaching Dzongla.
You will continue trek along the moraine of the glacier, with views of Kalapatthar and Pumori, before reaching Lobuche (4910m) for lunch. You’ll have good chances for the best view of Mt. Nuptse in front of you walking along the Gorakshep. The trail up to the Gorakshep is rocky and windy but it offers a good view of Pumori and there are beautiful views of the Everest Base camp and glacier with scenic Mountain View. You will stop at the Gorak Shep and enjoy the night at higher elevation but care with drinks and are sincere with altitude.
Early morning your journey continues a steep climb to the top of Kalapathar then you will feel beaming as you achieve the moment that you’ve been dreaming, since the beginning of the journey. Top of Kalapatthar is a small rocky peak on the southwest ridge of Mt. Pumori, the view from here is beyond imagination as the Everest looks amazing, the panoramic view from this spot is something to cherish, and you feel it’s worth the hard climb up to here and to feel at the top of the world, and can be seen to the south Khumbu glacier sweeps below you, and you can also see the Everest Base camp down below on the moraine of Khumbu glacier and lot of picturesque scenery.
Re-track to Gorak Shep and after the breakfast at Gorak Shep you will ready for your adventure to the targeted destination and continues your trek towards the Everest Base Camp and to the Khumbu Ice-fall, the path from here can be misleading, follow the lead Sherpa, every year the trail changes due to the movements of the glacier, the walk is quite strenuous due to the high altitude and thin air, the walk passes through over rocky dunes and moraine and streams, till you reach the base camp. It takes 2-3 hrs to get to base camp and after a grand time here retrace the journey back to Gorak Shep.
After breakfast, you will trek down to Dhugla then go straight up the hill from the bridge to reach an upper trail. Staying high above the valley floor, you will pass the yak pasture at Dusa to a Chorten at the head of the Imja valley. Dingboche is the only place in Khumbu where barley is grown.
The walk this day will be easy heading downhill to a lower elevation from Dingboche. The walk is pleasant all the way to Thyangboche. After crossing the bridge the route descends following the stream towards Pangboche village, and further down to Tengboche is one of the most beautiful place in the Himalaya the first thing that comes to your eye is the big Monastery or Gumba, then the large field with campsites and tea houses, lodges beneath the towering majestic beautiful peak Ama Dablam, Everest, Mt. Lhotse and Lhotse Shar towards the north east and more peaks all around you.
In the morning you may roam around Tengboche for photogenic views from here are considered to be the world’s most splendid one. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse (8501m), Kwangde (6187m), Tawachee (6542m), Ama Dablan, Kantega and Thamserku provide an inspiring views of Himalayan giants than we continue the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. If it’s spring, the surroundings are adored by pink and red rhododendron flowers. You might have your lunch near Phunki Tenga. After crossing the prayer flag festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, the trail then follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests.
You will have to keep a lookout for wildlife such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, etc., while you pass through the forest by the trail. After passing a Chorten, you will reach the army camp at Namche Bazaar. We want to take a long last look (and picture) back to Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche from here. After Namche you will walk down to the hill, cross some suspension bridges and reach Monjo.
By today you will start to get warmed up by the light breeze. Although you are traveling the same route down, you feel completely different views. You will snap a mixture of open plains, rhododendron and pine forests, and in the distance snow covered peaks. You can take your time and walk leisurely today as this is the last day of your trek. You will feel the Sherpa villages’ impressive faith in Buddhism and culture of prayer stones and prayers flag while you walk through the villages. On arrival in Lukla, you will have plenty of time to relax, stretch those sore legs, and recall the experiences of the last couple of days. You will experience the culmination of a fantastic trek on a happy note with everyone back safe and sound with a smile on their faces.
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