What Nangkartshang is
Nangkartshang is the long, rocky ridge that rises straight behind Dingboche. It leads towards Nangkartshang Peak, but walkers only go up the lower part, to a viewpoint at about 5,083 m with prayer flags and stone cairns. It is not a climb. It is a steep path on rock and loose stones.
From the ridge you look down on the Imja valley. Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Island Peak and, on a clear day, Makalu are all in front of you. Behind, you can look down to the farm walls of Dingboche and across to Pheriche.
The way up
You start from Dingboche, at about 4,410 m. Most people walk up on their rest day in Dingboche. Rest day does not mean staying in bed. The old rule is to climb high and sleep low: you go up, spend a little time there, and come back down to sleep. This helps the body adjust before Lobuche and Everest Base Camp.
The path starts near the top of the village and climbs steadily. Allow two and a half to three hours up and about an hour and a half down.
Honest notes
- You do not need to reach the top. Even one or two hours up the ridge does the job. Many walkers turn back early, and that is fine.
- If you already have a headache or feel sick in Dingboche, rest instead, and go down if it gets worse. Read about the signs of altitude sickness.
- The wind on the ridge is strong and cold. Bring warm layers, gloves and water.
- Loose stones on the way down are the main danger. Walk slowly and watch your feet.
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