Mt. Gangapurna Expedition
Trip Duration:
43 Days
Trip Code:
AXG
Trip Grade:
Strenuous
No. of Pax:
4 - 12
From
$ 15000/person
Overview
Mt. Gangapurna Expedition is a challenging mountaineering experience in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The mountain is between Annapurna III and Tilicho Peak, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Manaslu, Annapurna I, and Annapurna II.
Mt. Gangapurna (7,454m /24455 ft) lies east of Kaligandaki gorge between Annapurna III and Tilocho Peak close to the Manang district of Nepal. From Kathmandu, we take an overland drive to Besi Sahar which lies in the Valley of the Marsyangdi River and then begin our Mt. Gangapurna Expedition from Bahundanda village. After Manang village, the trail takes us to Gangapurna base camp (4600 m).Then, next day early morning we begin climbing to Camp I, Camp II, Camp III & ultimately summit Mt. Gangapurna in 18 days. From the top of Mt. Gangapurna, you can enjoy the mountain view of Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Mt. Manaslu 8163 m, Pisang Peak, Tilicho Peak, Chulu west and Chulu east peak
The Gangapurna Expedition typically takes 43 days, starting in Kathmandu and ending there. The first few days are spent acclimatizing to the altitude in the lower Khumbu Valley. Then, the team treks to Manang Valley, the base camp for Gangapurna. The team makes several acclimatization climbs to higher camps before attempting the summit.
After the summit, we keep going along the Manang valley and ascend the top of the Thorong Pass at 5416 m. After crossing the pass we gently descend the mountain and visit the famous shrine of Muktinath.The concluding part of the trek takes us to Jomsom from where a flight transports us across the great Himalayas to Pokhara or if you want we can continue our trek through Ghorepani poon hill and reach Pokhara.
Mt. Gangapurna being a technical mountain with lots of ice and snow on the route, expedition team members should be physically fit and well equipped .Mt. Gangapurna was first climbed in the year 1965 by a German expedition team led by Günther Hauser, via the East Ridge.
Itinerary:
A beautiful mountain in the Annapurna region at 7,455 meters elevation, technically difficult and challenging peak with lots of snow and several technical sections, one can enjoy magnificent views of Manaslu, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, Chulu West Peak, Chulu East Peak, and other surrounding high peaks from the summit, highly recommended only for experienced climbers.
Arrive at the (TIA) Tribhuwan International Airport where you will be welcomed by Trek Himalayan representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free until evening when you’ll enjoy a welcome drinks with your guide and introduce each other. Overnight in Kathmandu
Hotel Accommodation (Kathmandu)
Royal Singi [4 Stars Category Hotel]
This is an example of the hotel we may use in Kathmandu city. Your actual hotel will be specified when your booking is confirmed. Please check your email or booking confirmation.
After breakfast at Hotel your guide will meet you and take you to city sightseeing in the Kathmandu valley. You will visit the Boudhanath temple, the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal, Pashupatinath, a Hindu pilgrimage site and possibly you can view cremation and Hindu rituals along the banks of the Bagmati River. Continue on to Patan Durbar Square and explore ancient Nepalese architecture and end your tour with a lunch. After that you will view ancient Nepalese art in the Patan museum. Overnight in Kathmandu
This will take almost an entire day to get it done some of the official formalities.
We drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and then following the rough route by the Marsyangdi River, we pass through the low-lying villages and rice fields. After 6 hours long drive, we finally reach Besi Sahar. Besi Sahar is the capital of Lamjung District.
On this day we begin our trekking. Walking through Besisahar village, the trail drops to a stream and crossing the sub-tropical forest you will reach to Khudi, a Gururng village. Following the route of the Marshyangdi valley we make a short steep climb and reach Baundanda.. Crossing arshyangdi Khola (river) on along suspension bridge you will come to the ACAP check post, passing a majestic waterfall, watching langur monkeys along the way. Overnight at Baundanda.
Descend on a steep, slippery trail and then climb to Lili Bhir, where you can visit the small hot spring. The trek to Khanigaon (1170 m) and further on to Ghermu Phant with a huge waterfall. The trail descends, crosses the Marshyangdi on a bridge at Syange (1080 m) and climbs to Shree Chaur. Passing a small waterfall, descend little bit and the trail reaches Jagat (1330 m). After Jagat we take a long climb through the forest where we reach to Chamje. Overnight at Chamje
Crossing the Marshyangdi river and making several ups and down the trail forwards through bamboo and rhododendron forest to Tal Besi and to the foot of a large waterfall which is known as Tal (1675 m). Descending following the east bank of river, the trek gets to Karte and climbs to Dharapani (1920 m). Then the trek enters the east- west Manang valley in a forest of blue pine, spruce, hemlock, maple and finally reaches to Bagarchap. Overnight at Dharapani
From Dharapani the trail climbs through forest to Dhanakyu (2290 m), crosses several landslides and travels uphill through the forest to Lattemarang (2360 m). The trail climbs and then descends to Thanchok and to Kotho (2590 m), a meadow surrounded by huge pine and spruce trees. Walking about half-hour you will reach to Chame, the administrative headquarters for the Manang district. From here you have the excellent view of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II and Annapurna IV. Overnight at Chame
From Chame you will reach Bhratang after walking through the pine forest and huge apple orchard which is surrounded by a stone wall. The trail forward has admirable views of Annapurna II, Pisang peak, Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli and reaches to Pisang, upper part of Manang Valley. Overnight at Manang Valley
The trail makes a long climb with excellent views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak (7134 m), before reaching to the Manang airstrip at Hongde (3325 m). Crossing to the north bank of Marshyangdi on a bridge the trail reaches Mungji (3360 m) and then climbs to Bryaga (3550 m), a Tibetan-style village. Finally after leaving Bryaga, you will reach Manang. Overnight at Manang.
After having breakfast you will climb the ridge to the north of the village for excellent views of Annapurna IV, Annapurna II and Tarke Kang (7193 m). If you descend from the village, you will see the glacial lake at the foot of the huge icefall that drops from Gangapurna (7454 m). Back to Manang.
Overnight at ManangLeaving Manang, the trail leads about four hours to Gangapurna Base Camp. Trekking after half way on flat land, you follow steep ascending trail to reach the Base Camp. The trail is quite rocky. On your way spectacular views of Annapurna 1, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu can be observed if weather permits.The Base Camp will be set up at 4600 m
During this period we will summit with all the necessary safety majors.
Day 36 : Clean up Base Camp and trek to Manang (3440 m)
The trail is rewarding as you contour round and follow level route to Manang. The view is breathtaking when you look down into the Manang valley from the ridge. Dropping to the valley floor the path is wide and dusty. The views of Annapurna II and Annapurna IV are stunning
The trail goes higher and we climb 1000 m up to reach Throung Phedi. In the afternoon we stay free to relax and prepare for the crossing of the pass next day early morning.
Today is a long trek starting before sunrise at maybe 3-4 am to reach the pass by 9-10 am at the latest. Otherwise weather conditions will greatly affect the journey. We cross over at an altitude of 5416 m so can be exposed to strong winds if crossing too late. As we cross you will experience magnificent views of the Himalayas before descending to Muktinath (3800 m).
From Mukhtinath the trail descends towards the Kali Gandaki Valley, passing through the village of Jharkot, back-dropped by sensational views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri (7061 m). The terrain around Jharkot is a yellow, barren, almost moonlike landscape, dotted with patches of green cultivation, where man-made canals cut across the fields, irrigating the crops and fruit trees. From here a short steep descent leads to our lunch stop at Eklaibhati on the floor of the Kali Gandaki Valley. In the afternoon we follow the river heading south, through the wide, windswept and barren valley to Jomsom.
After an early breakfast we fly to Pokhara and transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is free for relaxation or if you want you can wander around. In the evening we will dine out at one of the lakeside restaurants.
Leave for Kathmandu by bus, this is a scenic drive as it follows several picturesque gorges with occasional glimpses of mountain peaks along the road.
On this pleasant day you may have a full day at leisure either relax at hotel or explore around for shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives.
Today our representative will transfer you to the International Airport for your onward journey…
Trip Map:
What is included
What is Excluded
Mt. Gangapurna Expedition 2024/2025 Cost and Departure Dates
Trip Code
Arrival Date
Departure Date
Status
Price
Nitty Gritty
General Information
Nepal Visa
All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. Visa is also issued at the entry points. It can be extended at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fee. People willing to get entry Visa at the airport or any of the land entry points are required to fill a visa form with passport photograph.
* Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (January – December).Pre-Trip Meeting
On arrival in Kathmandu, our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to our pre-booked hotel. There won’t be any activity on this day. We will host a pre-trip meeting at the hotel lobby on the 2nd day of your itinerary in the evening. It will be an opportunity for you to meet your expedition guide and introduce each other. The guide will brief you about the expedition and check your gear to ensure the smooth running of your trip.
Accommodations
All accommodations from Bahundanda to Gangapurna Base Camp and higher camps will be in tents. We recommend our members to carry their own personal gear during the expedition.
Meals
Trek Himalayan Nepal generally offers meals on the trip. In breakfast we serve muesli, porridges, pancakes, bread with jam or eggs, fried eggs on toast with tea/coffee and in lunch and dinner we serve freshly cooked typical Nepalese dal, bhat, lentil soup, vegetable curry, chicken curry, and Sherpa/Tibetan cuisines and high altitude food in higher camps. We provide necessary kitchen staffs and Camp Manager at Gangapurna Base Camp and higher camps.
Bathroom facilities
While on mountain expedition, at Gangapurna Base Camp and higher camps, we will erect a temporary toilet tent and use individual square-shaped tightly capped plastic bottles for urine. For female climbers, we use a funnel to pee into a bottle.
Small groups
Our classic small group size from 5 to 15 members, give you greater access to your expert climbing and supportive guide to make your summit a great success. It allows you to have personalized care of your guide and you truly immerse yourself in the climbing adventure and ultimate goal.
Climbing season
The main climbing season for Gangapurna expedition in Nepal begins in Spring ( April- May). In spring, the temperature to the Annapurna region is getting from cold to hot which is more convenient for approaching to climb and summit after sufficient acclimatization and practice at Gangapurna Base Camp. Start at the beginning of April and end on the second week of May is the best recommended period for Gangapurna Expedition in spring. During the spring season, there is a rare chance of rainfall. Thus, the humidity is also low and the daytime temperature is warm. But, nights and mornings are still cold and chilly.
Thus, we strongly recommend our climbers to choose the spring for Gangapurna expedition. Trek Himalayan is ready enough for organizing the Gangapurna expedition in spring every year.
Responsible Travel
The beautiful environment of the Himalaya is an extremely fragile condition. We are extremely conscious about the environment and aim to minimize the detrimental impact as much as possible. As deforestation is one of the greatest environmental threats, we do not have campfires while trekking and we use kerosene or gas as cooking fuel. We also discourage trekkers from using wood-fuelled hot showers in lodges along the trails. Many lodges, however, now provide solar energy, a far more eco-friendly alternative.
Garbage disposal is another major problem. Some of the busier trails are at times strewn with litter and garbage thrown by irresponsible trekking groups. Our staff members are well motivated towards eco-friendly practices. We carry the non-biodegradable garbage, which can be safely and easily burned at the campsite. Our aim is to help protect and preserve our beautiful environment for future generations and trekkers as well.
Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) which can turn if not treated upon recognizing the symptoms. AMS is the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations of 3,000m or above. Early mountain sickness results in headache, loss of appetite and sleepiness. One can encounter such sickness no matter she/he looks physically young, strong and fit. Medicine itself can be on substitute unless patients suffering from such sickness are immediately rushed downhill. Doctor may provide temporary care with some medicines and oxygen but the patient must be brought down immediately in order to escape danger. For emergency purpose, one can contact doctors at local hospitals/healt posts in Annapurna trekking region.
A Typical Day in Climbing
Each morning you will be woken at 6:00 or 6:30 (depending on the day) with a cup of coffee or tea followed by hot water in a bucket for personal washing. A hot breakfast will be served at 07:00 or 07:30 (again depending on the day). On clear mornings, you will have a good opportunity to take photographs of the area and Mountains as the weather may change by mid-day and become misty or foggy.
You will normally walk for some hours and have lunch on the way on most of the days. You will be served a hot lunch set at a table and chairs for your extra comfort and convenience. A private toilet will also be available for you at lunchtime and at the camp each night and morning. On other days, depending on how long your climb is, your lunch will be served at the camp where you will spend the night.
As soon as you arrive at the camp, which has been set up before your arrival, you will be provided with hot water for personal washing. Then plenty of coffee, tea or hot chocolate with snacks will be available in the dining tent, followed by a hot dinner in the evening.
Every evening after the meal, your guide will brief you on the next day’s schedule and, for example, how the weather is expected to be, how the terrain will be, how you will have to prepare etc.
The only accommodation option on all routes is sleeping in tents at designated campsites. We use waterproof sleeping tents for all climbers and staff. We also provide a 4-inch mattress* for you to sleep on giving you the best possibility of sleeping well while camping.
When you arrive at the base camp for the final preparation, you will have an early dinner and be briefed on preparation for the summit. On this day you will go to bed earlier than other days. You will be woken up at 11:00 to get ready to leave for the summit at midnight. Before leaving you will have a light breakfast.
Our Sherpa Climbing Team – ratio 1:1
THE SHERPA PEOPLE
The Sherpas, literally “people from the east” is an ancient ethnic group from Tibet, inhabiting the Everest region of Nepal. They are Buddhists and come from the Khumbu region where they work as trekking or climbing guides assisting groups or commercial western expeditons during the high season.
Since 1953 and the first ascent of Everest by Edmund Hillary and Tanzing Norgay, Sherpa people started working on the mountain to develop their valley and their capital city, Namche Bazar at the altitude of 3,440m.
HEAD CLIMBING SHERPA
The sherpa team is led by our Head Climbing Sherpa under the supervision of the Western Head Climbing Leader and the governance of the Expedition Organiser. The Head climbing Sherpas oversees the climbing Sherpa team in charge of the carrying of the group equipment between camps, installing and supplying higher camps before the ascent, installing the ropes and the ladders through the icefall.
CLIMBING SHERPA
To increase your chance of success and ensure maximum enjoyment to all, each team member will be climbing with his assigned Sherpa. We believe in a 1:1 ratio to make sure that you are not climbing on your own in high altitude and also not carrying heavy load that could burn yourself out for summit day. They are also at your side to monitor your climbing progression, your physical and mental condition during the climb.
TEAM SPIRIT
We like to operate as a team, climbing members, Sherpas and local staff altogether. A good team spirit is essential and a respect to all is paramount. It is also important to bear in mind that, whatever decision is made by the expedition manager, the head leader or your personal Sherpa during the ascent, you are required to follow their command. Our climbing Sherpa team is well-trained and has worked on many Everest expeditions and some of them have climbed Everest numerous times.
EXTRA PERSONAL SHERPA
Climb light!
We offer the support of an extra climbing Sherpa to provide an additional support to help you save your energy. Your personal Sherpa will carry oxygen cylinders, climbing gear, camera bag or simply assist you during your climb and help you achieving your goals. An extra Sherpa are also available at the fixed rate of extra cost. That will include his equipment, oxygen, insurance and wages.
CLIMBER’S EXPERIENCE
You understand that climbing Annapurna I is not a guided expedition and that each team member has to be self-sufficient, well trained and in good physical and mental condition. The climbing staff along with the expedition organizer will make sure that each member has suitable knowledge to climb, is self-sufficient and able to climb towards the upper camps. They also insure that you climb and come back in full safety. For the well-being of the group and for your safety, the expedition organizer/guide/Sherpa’s decision is final.
Solo climbers or climbing without the help of supplemental oxygen is Not Allowed.
Supplemental Oxygen system & “Top Out” Mask
WHY USING OXYGEN IN ALTITUDE
Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness, is caused by low concentration of oxygen molecules at altitude. Although the percentage of oxygen remains at 21% of air, the low air pressure above 2,500m decreases the number of oxygen particles inhaled.
The body reacts by a rise of hemoglobin concentrations to bring oxygen to vital organs thanks to the red blood cells. But ventilation and dehydration generates a fall in the plasma volume caused by the loss of water molecules through breathing.
The acclimatization process is thus vital to adapt to altitude and reduce the effects of Altitude Sickness on the body. The use of supplemental oxygen also allows warding off the primary symptoms of AMS.
SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN SYSTEM
With the altitude, the oxygen level in the blood decreases. Climbing with supplemental oxygen reduces the impact of the altitude by lowering artificially the true altitude. It prevents headaches and AMS effects (nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness etc). Supplemental oxygen along with adequate acclimatization processes help the body to adjust to lower oxygen levels at high altitudes.
“TOP OUT” OXYGEN MASK & OXYGEN CYLINDERS
We use 4L Oxygen cylinders and the “Top Out” oxygen masks manufactured by Ted Atkins, a former RAF Engineering Officer.
What makes the “Top Out” mask different from the Poisk system? The mask includes a reservoir that allows a higher level of oxygen to be inhaled when breathing in without the waste of oxygen flow when breathing out. Thus, you get the right amount of oxygen when climbing. The mask is also far better fitting than the POISK ones. With two different sizes available, the mask fits your face, enhances climber’s comfort, does not obstruct the climber’s vision and avoids any slip on the goggles. Valves are also removable and the mask is washable with water and soap to keep the device clean and germ free. The system has gained in popularity and is now used by most expeditions. On Reach Summit, a number of 7 bottles (oxygen cylinders) with masks and regulators are included in the price. Additional bottles are also stored at Base Camp and will be carried by the climbing Sherpa. When in Kathmandu, you could test the Top Out system and get more familiar with it.
Trekking & Climbing gear
FOOTWEAR
- Light hiking boots or trekking shoes (with ankle support, Goretex/E-vent lining) for the trek to Base Camp
- Light hiking sandals with toe-protection for days in town
- flip flops for the showers
- High Altitude Climbing Boots. No plastic boots with overboots (Millet Everest GTX or La Sportiva Olympus Mons Evo)
- 12 points crampons (see below, climbing equipment)
- Trekking Socks (3) Wool (Merino or equivalent) or Synthetic
- Socks (4) Heavyweight wool or synthetic socks to be worn over the liner socks (silk)
- Expedition Personal Gear Liner Socks (4) Smooth thin wool, nylon or Capilene
CLIMBING EQUIPMENT
- Ice Axe (T rated) with leash, lightweight and general mountaineering tool
- Step in crampons with anti-bot/anti-balling plates and heal lever, make sure they fit your high altitude boots before expedition
- Mountaineering harness (lightweight), make sure it fits over your downsuit
- Regular Carabiner (4)
- Locking Carabiner (2)
- Slings/Prussik cords to attach your Jumar and safety on your harness. Bring 8m of 6mm prussikcord or ½” webbing.
- Jumar/ascender with good handle, left or right handed
- Figure 8 ONLY, no ATC’s, VC’s or Verso/Reverso’s device.
- Climbing Helmet
- Trekking poles (1 pair, Komperdell or equivalent)
TECHNICAL CLOTHING
- Lightweight Long Underwear (2) Tops and bottoms synthetic or wool. NO Cotton
- Thick Long Underwear for altitude. Top and bottom.
- Lightweight Synthetic/cotton Pants (1 -2) for trek and base camp wear
- Short Sleeve Synthetic/quickdry T- Shirt (3) for trek and base camp wear
- Fleece /Soft Shell Jacket with full-zip
- Fleece/Soft Shell Pants
- Fleece / Primaloft Jacket lightweight to wear inside Downsuit
- Down jacket to wear in base camp
- Expedition Down Suit (recommended) or Down Jacket and Pants
- Hard Shell Jacket with hood
- Hard Shell Pants
- Down Sleeping
- Water proof jacket and trousers
- Climbing boots
- Trekking boots
- Wind Proof jacket & trousers
HANDWEAR
- Lightweight Synthetic gloves (2) Should fit inside mitts or gloves (powerstretch, wool, no windblock/stopper)
- Heavyweight fleece/wool or Soft Shell gloves (2), with grip in palm
- Hard Shell Gloves/Mitts
- Expedition down Mitts. Should be big enough so that synthetic gloves fit inside pile liners
HEADWEAR
- Headlamp / Headtorch. Bring spare bulbs & batteries
- Glacier glasses, categorie 4. If you wear glasses we recommend prescription glacier glasses
- Baseball cap or sun hat (2)
- Ski Goggles (2) One pair 100% UV & IR and the other with clear lenses for summit day for start in the night.
- Balaclava (2) One heavyweight and one lightweight
- Warm synthetic or wool hat (2)
- Neoprene face mask or Balaclava
HYGIENE
- Soap (liquid), Shampoo
- Tooth brush (2), Toothpaste
- Hand sanitizer gel (several small bottles)
- Thick baby wipes
- Foot powder
- Towel (fast drying)
- Mirror
- Shaving foam, Shaving blades
- Sunblock, high SPF (50+)
- Competed plasters
- Nail cutter
- Menstrual cup (safe alternative to tampons and pads for women)
- Personal medicine & medical kit
MEDICAL SUPPLY
- Medical monitoring via Sat Phone at Base camp
- Fully equipped Medical Suitcase with electrocardiogram, Ultrasound & Tough Book Laptop
- Comprehensive Medical Kit
- Tensiometer
- Oxymeter
- Medical oxygen
- Gamow Bag / Hyperbaric chamber
- A comprehensive medical kit.
We recommend all our expedition team members to bring their personal Medical Kit.
- Imodium
- Analgesia
- Antibiotics (to cover extensive variety of infections)
- Paracetamol / aspirin / Ibuprofen
- Gauze dressing / Bandage
- Antiseptic (spray or liquid)
- Betadine
- Simple dressings / steristrips to close wounds
- Compeed for blisters
- Aqua tablets
- Safety Pins
- Haemorrhoid cream
- Dexamethasone tablets
- Diamox (acetazolamide)
- Nifedipine (for HAPE)
- Eye drops
- Nasal Spray
- Cough syrup
- Throat lozenges
- Cream for cold sores
- Vaseline/sunburn lotion
Please consult your doctor prior departure for necessary inoculation and certificate.
COMMUNICATION
- ICOM Radio base for base camp
- Walkie Talkie for sherpas in altitude
- THURAYA satellite-based telecommunications (Sat Phone)
- METEOTEST weather forecasts via e-mail
- Communications are chargeable for calls abroad. It is a Pay as You Go option.
ALTITUDE CAMPS
- Climbing equipment : Ropes, ice screws, snow bars …
- Necessary Gas-cylinders in high altitude camps
- Altitude tents
- Dry food
- Fuel
Nutritious Food
We provide balanced meals from our kitchen menu such as fresh fruits, vegetables, food rich in protein and carbohydrates. The products are carefully selected for their capacity to be easily digested in an environment low in oxygen. The cook is trained to prepare excellent tasty meals. We provide local as well as continental meals. Hygiene is particularly respected to avoid any illness related to food in order to remain in excellent health before the climb.
MEALS AT BASE CAMP
There will be three meals a day at base camp including assorted supplements such as fresh bread, ground coffee, chocolate bars and breakfast cereals. Base camp cooking and menus will be organized by the base camp manager, working with the Sherpa cook. We serve high altitude food the tastiest freeze-dried meals as well. The breakfast varies with, with the choice of cereals, pudding, toast, eggs, and sometimes crepes. Lunches are composed of a hot meal similar to the dinner menu Dinners include a main dish with pastes and rice with vegetables, soup and fruits or cakes. Lentils, beans and chicken allow an essential protein contribution. Coffee, Tea, Hot drinks and snacks are at discretion throughout the day so that our expedition team members can hydrate suitably and eat regularly.
TASTY FOOD IN ALTITUDE CAMPS
Although appetite is reduced with altitude, we endeavor to offer a large variety of tasty food to all our expedition team members. As much as possible, we will reduce the number of dried meal but try to provide meals of pastes and rice précuits to our expedition team members. Depending on climatic conditions, a tent dedicated to the kitchen is assembled to prepare suitable meals before the next efforts in altitude. The majority of food will be from Western sources, except for staples such as rice, sugar and flour which will be bought locally.
Environmental Practice
The base camps and normal routes up the higher mountains, such as Everest, are under considerable environmental pressure. We will strive to minimize the impact of our expedition by adhering to a responsible and workable environmental policy, as set out by the UIAA.
We make every effort to retrieve ropes and other equipment from the mountain. The high altitude Sherpas will be paid a bonus for each load of equipment or rubbish that they are able to return to ABC for evacuation from here to base camp by yak.
Hygiene
The importance of personal hygiene on expeditions cannot be overstated. To improve the overall welfare of team members and to reduce the chances of illness, we take the following measures:
Hygienic kitchen practice and the sterilization of plates and utensils before every meal.
Hot washing water and soap readily available before all meals at base camp and on request during the day.
Shower facilities at base camp.
Centralized toilet facilities at base camp, checked daily to ensure cleanliness.
Medical Cover
The expedition will be equipped with the following:
- A medical kit compiled by the expedition doctor.
- Oxygen equipment reserved for medical use only.
- A portable hyperbaric chamber.
- Emergency communications on the mountain and satellite communications link for evacuation.
General Travel INSURANCE
Before joining a tour, we recommend you to take out a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation. Please send us the following details such as your full name, policy number and the insurance company’s 24 hour emergency contact number prior to departure. We also strongly recommend that your policy must cover personal liability, flight/trip cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
High Altitude Mountain Climbing INSURANCE
Climbing a Himalayan Mountain or Peak as high as 6,000metres or above does have dangers. You should ensure that you have good insurance to cover the risks. It is a condition of our booking if climb any Himalayan mountain or peak in Nepal, China, Pakistan, and India you should have medical and accident insurance.
Your insurance must cover helicopter evacuation if it becomes necessary. It should also cover the costs of getting home should you miss your scheduled International flight due to accident, injury, illness or simply bad luck. Your insurance must specifically cover to climb up to minimum 6000 meters and maximum above 8,000 meters depending on the mountain or peak you are climbing in any Himalayan destinations.
Your insurance should also protect against the ‘standard’ travel dangers, including baggage delay, loss of personal items etc.
Make sure to add ‘trekking up to 5,000m on check out and be sure to read the small print carefully for any policy you are considering. Different policies provide different levels of cover, so make sure you understand what is and isn’t included in your policy.
Rescue/ Evacuations
Though we hope for the best trip, you sometimes might be in need of rescue or evacuation in case of a serious sickness or a personal prolonged health issue. During such emergency you will be rescued by a helicopter. You are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation services. We request you to make sure when you purchase insurance from your country that your policy must cover these expenses or you should remain prepared to pay or sign on Helicopter Evacuation Form before you get on the Helicopter.
Domestic Flight Cancelation
If scheduled flight gets cancelled due to bad weather from Jomsom – Pokhara. In such situation, we need to send chartered helicopter. Helicopter cost has to be borne by the clients as per the prevailing cost.
Safety
Safety has always been Trek Himalayan’s top priority and we strive to create the safest mountain experience possible. Our experienced team of guides and Sherpa always focus on the successful climb without compromising safety. Our guides and staff are highly trained in emergency mountain medicine and work to maintain our strict standards of safety. Our camps are stocked with comprehensive medical kits and we have two Gamow bags on the mountain throughout the expedition.
When problems arise on the mountain away from medical facilities, the level of training and experience Trek Himalayan guides have makes them some of the most sought-after guides in the profession. Careful planning and vigilant care are taken as we venture into high altitudes. Our well-planned use of climbing oxygen dramatically improves a climber’s chance of success in 8,000 high mountains. Our supply of oxygen is well stocked and designed to meet any climber’s anticipated, and unanticipated, needs.
Porter Welfare
Many trekking porters come from villages. They live hard and frugal lives and work to carry heavy loads using the traditional ‘doko’ (the bamboo latis basket supported from the forehead). Heights up to 3,500m are part of everyday life and they resist wearing what they consider to be unnecessary personal equipment.
Above that altitude, Trek Himalayan urges them the use of kit suited to the varying levels of more extreme conditions. It’s an incredible job that they do and we really appreciate their working nature and try to reward accordingly.
What currency to take while trekking or climbing?
While trekking or climbing to different parts of Nepal, having the local currency i.e, the Nepalese rupee would be the best option. You can easily convert your foreign currency into the local currency through banks, money exchanges in Kathmandu and Pokhara as per daily exchange rates before departing for trekking or climbing expedition.
Nepal’s official currency is NPR, Rs. or the Nepalese Rupee. The Nepalese rupee is different from the other rupees found in Asia like the Indian Rupees, Pakistan Rupee and so on. As the Nepalese currency is a universally recognized currency, it can be converted into any foreign currency. Credit cards are not usable during the trek.
Guides and porters normally accept tips after the trek in Nepalese rupees cash.
High Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) which can turn if not treated upon recognizing the symptoms. AMS is the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations of 3,000m or above. Early mountain sickness results in headache, loss of appetite and sleepiness. One can encounter such sickness no matter s/he looks physically young, strong and fit. Medicine itself can be on substitute unless patients suffering from such sickness are immediately rushed downhill. Doctor may provide temporary care with some medicines and oxygen but the patient must be brought down immediately in order to escape danger.
FAQ
- Nepal is a land of ancient history, colorful cultures and multi- religions found nowhere else on the planet! There are many festivals and cultural events celebrated throughout the year in the various regions by different Nepalese ethnic groups who follow their own way of religious practice, lifestyle, language, culture, and tradition keeping peace and harmony in society.
- Yes, at first, Trek Himalayan airport representative will receive you at the airport and transfer to the hotel. In the hotel lobby our team leader will brief you about the itinerary, climbing gear and introduction of Climbing Sherpa guide.
- In Kathmandu we provide 4 stars category hotels with breakfast in twin sharing basis, during the trek clean basic tea house/lodge with full board (breakfast, lunch& dinner) in twin sharing basis and mountain expedition we provide spacious quality tents for all team members including our crew. In the base camp we provide dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet facilities and portable shower facilities etc. In Base Camp we make access to communication facilities such as satellite telephone and internet access, solar panels to charge your batteries and UHF/VHF hand held radios on the mountain to maintain communications between main Base Camp and high camps.
- In Kathmandu, we do provide you breakfast only. During the expedition trip we provide full board meals that include, breakfast (local or western), freshly available lunch and dinner. During the climbing in the higher alitudes meals will be served as per the regulations.
- Tipping is a tradition in tourism in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India. We highly suggest you to be generous while tipping Nepalese staff. But, tipping is not mandatory for the western tour leader.
