Kyajo Ri Peak Climbing

Best Time

Autumn (September to November) is the best time for a high-altitude tour like Kyajo Ri Peak climbing. The season presents the clear air and the best mountain views you can ever imagine. From March to May in spring the weather is also fine, but the air is not as clear as in autumn. On the other hand, in spring you can enjoy the lushness and particularly beautiful rhododendrons, which bloom on the hillsides at this time of year.

The winter months (December, January, and February) are only recommended for seasoned trekkers or those who will be content with visiting the lowlands, as the winter months can be extremely cold in the mountains. In the summer (June, July, and August), we do not recommend traveling to the Khumbu region which is affected by the monsoon rain.

Elevation and distance

The majestic Kyajo Ri proudly stands at an impressive height of 6,186m between the Gokyo Valley and Thame. This remarkable peak is located 131 km away from Kathmandu, making it a two-week journey to reach its summit.

Similar to other treks in the Everest region, the Kyajo Ri Peak climbing begins in the town of Lukla, which sits at an admirable altitude of 2800m. Lukla is approximately 135 km away from Kathmandu and can be reached by a short half-hour flight.

From Lukla, the stunning peak is just 26.1 km away. The highest overnight stop during our 16-day journey to Kyajo Ri will be at Camp II, situated at an elevation of 5700m, and the highest altitude gain will be at the summit itself.

Maximum/Minimum walk per day

During our 16-day Kyajo Ri Peak climb, we will spend 12 days trekking, typically walking for 5 to 6 hours each day. The daily walking times have been carefully scheduled to ensure proper acclimatization of each group member. As a result, our walks will mostly be leisurely, unhurried, and gradual.

The easiest walk occurs on the third day as we trek from Lukla to Phakding along a pleasant route, reaching the village in a mere three hours.

The most demanding and longest part of our Kyajo Ri Peak climbing journey is on the 11th day when we push the summit and make our way back to Camp II in 8 to 9 hours.

Difficulty and Acclimatization

As part of the greater Himalaya, the Kyajo Ri Peak although classified as a small peak is considered more technical compared to other six thousand-meter high peaks in Nepal. The approach to the peak is somewhat complicated and arduous. The last section of the summit is steeper and the incline can reach up to 55 degrees.

The climb to the peak therefore requires solid skills on steep ice and, of course, consistent safety during the ascent and descent. However, the mountain presents itself on the most easily accessible route and it is definitely a difficult but doable peak.

Apart from the steeper sections and technical challenges, the Kyajo Ri peak climbing also presents the risk of high altitude. To help you adjust to the higher altitude, we have therefore scheduled two rest days in Namche, including a hike to Everest View Hotel, and at Kyajo Ri Base Camp for a technical training session.

As we get closer to the summit, we will have shorter walks from base camp to Camp I and then to Camp II. This gradual approach allows your body to acclimate to the thin air before the final push to the summit.

Can a beginner climb Kyajo Ri Peak?

A beginner climber who has experience in trekking 5000 m+ and has the initial skill or understanding of the technique of moving in crampons, working with an ice ax, jumar, and descender can climb Kyajo Ri Peak.

Here we want to emphasize that when we say beginner in this case, we are referring to someone who is experienced in high-altitude trekking but inexperienced in climbing.

Our expert team has prepared this program with the thought of proper acclimatization and minimal risks. In addition, our experienced and technically skilled climbing guide and team will constantly be by your side to make your attempt a success.

Therefore, Kyajo Ri peak climbing can be your first expedition to introduce yourself to this particular world of high altitude, discover the immense pleasure of living for several days at altitude, and admire unforgettable sunsets and sunrises. It will also be a journey to discover the techniques specific to expeditions. However, rigorous physical and technical preparation will be obligatory.

Preparation and training

The ascent to the Kyajo Ri Peak does need some technical skills. Additionally, you need to be prepared for long tiring transitions, steep slopes, strong altitude differences, and hurricane-force winds.

Therefore, at least a month or two before the Kyajo Ri Peak climbing should be devoted to physical training. Ideally, you should undergo preliminary acclimatization by climbing the five-thousand-meter high peak such as Gokyo Ri, Kala Patthar, or any peak in your nation.

In the absence of such an opportunity, you can emphasize on endurance exercises (running, skiing). It is recommended to exercise 3-4 times a week and increase the load gradually.

Do not forget to train your leg muscles with lunges, squats, etc. Try to cover small distances with alternating forward lunges, gradually increasing them. Running on the stairs at home will also be a good addition to training.

Alternate Routes

If you are looking for a different way to reach the Kyajo Ri Peak, there is an alternate route that starts from the south face. This route follows the classic Gokyo Ri trek. You will travel to Namche Bazaar and then trek to Dole and Macchermo to reach the Gokyo Valley. From there, you will climb Gokyo Ri before making your way to Thame, where the route to Kyajo Ri base camp begins.

You can also take the second alternative route to reach the summit of Lobuche East Peak, which stands at an elevation of 6119 m. This route follows the classic Everest Base Camp trail, taking you through Everest Base Camp and up to Kala Patthar.

From there, you will descend to Lobuche and make your way towards the Lobuche summit. After that, you will trek to Dzongla, cross the Cho La Pass, and finally arrive at Gokyo Valley. Continuing, you willthen overcome the Renjo La pass, trek to Thame Village, and approach the Kyajo Ri Base Camp.

Please remember that both of these alternative routes to reach the Kyajo Ri peak are technically demanding and require past hiking experience and basic mountaineering skills.

Altitude Sickness

In our Kyajo Ri Peak climbing program, you will find yourself at an altitude of over 3000 m starting from the fourth day of the trek. As the days progress, the altitude gradually increases, reaching heights of over 5000 m and even 6000 m.

These are the heights where most of the trekkers and climbers may experience symptoms of altitude sickness. The main symptoms of altitude sickness are increased heart rate, shortness of breath, headache, dizziness, rapid pulse, tinnitus, and muscle weakness.

The major causes of altitude sickness are dry and thin mountain air, over-exertion during trekking and climbing, insufficient acclimatization, and loss of fluids.

Therefore, the golden rule to prevent altitude sickness is a smooth climb, consuming sufficient fluids and high-calorie foods, utilizing the rest days as instructed by the climbing guide, increasing fluid intake, and timely recognition and resolution of potential health problems, both before and during the trip.

You can take Diamox if you experience the above-mentioned symptoms. It will help reduce your symptoms within 2 to 3 hours but remember it is a diuretic drug so make sure to drink plenty of fluid.

Transportation, Accommodation, Food and Drink

For the Kyajo Ri Peak climbing expedition, we will provide all transportation in comfortable private vehicles. We will meet you at TIA, take you to your hotel, and then pick you up from the hotel and drop you off at TIA in a private vehicle on your first and final days in Nepal.

We will also organize an exclusive Kathmandu sightseeing tour, where you will have a personal tour guide and private transport at your service. Not only that, but the same transport will also take you to TIA or Ramechhap Airport for your flight to Lukla. Additionally, we will also offer air tickets for a round trip from Kathmandu to Lukla and back.

In Kathmandu, you will sleep in a cozy 3-star hotel, where you will be sharing a room with a fellow traveler of the same gender. We will offer a complimentary breakfast during your time in the city.

During the trek, a cozy mountain shelter or lodge will be your accommodation. We will provide three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), along with tea and fresh fruits every evening. When it’s time to set up camp, our porter will take care of carrying the essential tents, mattresses, and kitchen equipment. We offer unlimited food, tea/coffee, and hot water at the camps.

Communication, Gadgets charging, and Internet/WIFI

Since we will be heading to the Everest region to climb Kyajo Ri, you should get NCELL sim cards in Kathmandu or Lukla for better coverage. NCELL also offers a wide range of internet data packages to suit your needs.

Alternatively, you can find Everest Link Wifi prepaid cards in every lodge or mountain shelter for WIFI access. The connection is usually reliable when the weather is clear. In the mountain lodges and tea houses, WIFI is available for an additional fee of USD 2-4 per hour.

Additionally, they have solar panels to ensure continuous electricity, and you can charge your devices for USD 4 to USD 10 per hour.

Permits

For Kyajo Ri Peak climbing, we need a special climbing permit for the Peak which will be obtained from the Nepal Mountaineering Association Office in Kathmandu. The other permits we need are Sagarmatha National Park Permit and Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit which will be obtained in Lukla by our guide on your behalf.