This mountain poses few difficulties and it is often used as a warm up for other Himalayan Peaks. It is one of the so called ‘trekking peaks' of Nepal and it does not require a huge amount of mountaineering skill. The term trekking peak is, however, a little misleading for some of these peaks which should be approached seriously. Most people climb the north ridge from the Kongma La. It is also possible to climb the South ridge (see route section.)

The mountain lies to the east of the Khumbu Valley which leads all the way up to Everest base camp. Pokalde is around two or three miles from Everest but the Lhotse ridge obscures the view of the highest point on Earth from the summit.