Dingboche – 2nd Acclimatization Place of Everest Region Trek
Dingboche is a beautiful settlement in the Chukhung Valley of the Everest region. This Sherpa settlement lies in the trails of the Everest Base Camp and other treks. Situated at an altitude of 4410 m (14470 ft), this famous settlement is an ideal acclimatization point along the trail.
Dingboche has a viewpoint from where you can observe the incredible mountain peaks, including Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, and others. The serene Imja River flows through Dingboche on the east side. One of the city’s significant landmarks includes its long stone walls. These walls are built to save the crops from the harsh winds constantly blowing at high altitudes.
Acclimatization is essential in the higher elevation treks in the Everest region. In the Everest Base Camp trek, you will acclimatize at various points, including Dingboche. The trekkers will be gaining significant altitude in a short time. Hence, your body will not be able to adapt to changing conditions quickly.
The oxygen levels reduce to 70% at the high altitude above 3000m and up to 60% in Dingboche. Hence, your body will find it difficult to breathe at a high altitude and cause various problems like dizziness, nausea, headaches, etc. Altitude sickness can get severe with potentially even more dangerous complications like cerebral and pulmonary edema. Therefore, acclimatizing in Dingboche before proceeding further is essential for tackling altitude sickness.
Popular Everest Region Treks you might want to join: Everest Base Camp Trek, EBC with Helicopter Return, EBC– Cho La Pass – Gokyo Trek, Everest base camp trek with Island peak
Acclimatization at Dingboche
Dingboche Elevation: 4,410 m / 14,469 ft
Nangkartshang Peak Elevation: 16,677 feet / 5,083 meters
Trek Distance: 3.2 miles / 5.1 km (round trip)
Trek Duration: 5 hours
Elevation Gain: 673 m / 2,208 ft
Hiking Nangkartshang peak
After having a delicious breakfast in the teahouse, you will begin your journey in Dingboche to hike up Nangkartshang Peak. You can hike up without any luggage as you will be returning to your teahouse in the evening. The acclimatization at Dingboche includes various small hiking peaks. The hike of the beautiful Nangkartshang peak (5,083 m) is the main acclimatization point in the region.
The 2-3 hrs hiking journey to the top of the trekking peak provides you the scenic views of the snow-clad mountains. These include Ama Dablam, Mt. Tawache, Island Peak, Lhotse, Pumori, and Mt. Everest. Nangkartshang Peak climbing will help you to adapt to the higher elevation. The trekking guide provides you with essential insights about the place. These include elevation gain, distance, duration, essential tips, etc.
From the top of this spectacular ridge, you can observe the Imja valley towards Chhukung on one side. There are 360-degree sweeping views of the valley towards Lobuche on the other side. Hence, the Nangkartshang peak provides a splitting view of the two valleys from two different sides.
As you ascend the mountain, there is a spectacular vista of the glaciers, glacial lakes, and serene rivers. You can take breaks in the middle and then climb at a gradual pace. You will get to explore the beautiful area while simultaneously acclimatizing. There are views of snow-clad mountains, including Makalu, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Imja glacier, and others. There are glaciers and glacial lakes that you can observe from Nangkartshang Peak.
Besides that, you can also hike up to Chhukung Ri (5546m). This beautiful trekking peak provides you with sweeping views of the entire region. The surrounding landscapes of the region are pretty enchanting. You will return to your teahouses after a day of complete acclimatizing. The descending trail is relatively easy compared to the hike. You can prepare for the trek the following day.