Trip Introduction
Baden Powell Peak climbing takes us to the 5,891m in the heart of Langtang region. Baden Powell Peak climbing and trekking combines three major areas north of Kathmandu. The border of Tibet Langtang, Gosainkund and Helambu are those areas. It is the most easily accessible high mountain valley from Kathmandu. There are no 8000m peaks in the Vicinity (unless you count Shisha Pangma across the border in Tibet) It makes up for in a base- to –peak rises that are as dramatic as anywhere. Furthermore, this trek offers an opportunity to explore villages, to climb small peaks and to visit glaciers at a comfortably low elevation.
Besides that, the area covers typical highland Sherpa villages along with beautiful Rhododendron forests. This region extends from the north to Taramarang to the Gosaikunda Lake and the lower Jugal Himal from the north. The valley is approached from Trishuli River Valley, north of Kathmandu. Lord Baden Powell Peak was formally known as the Urkema Peak but was renamed by the Nepalese government in 2007 in celebration of the Scout centenary.
It is a little known peak which stands at 5,891m. And it has only been climbed a few times and all by Scouts from Asia. The only exception of this is credited to one group of members of Girlguiding UK successfully climbed this peak in 2010. It is a long and steady climb to the top. So, you need to be physically fit and healthy with at least some climbing experience.
What's included
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Four nights accommodation in a three star Hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast. This will be for the two nights before trek and two nights after trek.
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All accommodation whilst on trek. This will also include en-Suite rooms where available.
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Camping equipment for the three nights we are camping.
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You are able to choose any food, any tea and coffee from menu for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
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This is not possible for the three nights camping where all the group will eat the same food.
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Return private transportation to Syabru Besi and Kathmandu at the beginning and end of trek.
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Climbing and trekking permits for the time needed.
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Trekking leader, guides accommodation, wages and food.
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Climbing guide wages, accommodation and equipment.
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Porter accommodation and wages while on trek.
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Extra staff for the camping and cooking while at base camp
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Trekking Leader, guides and porters insurance.
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An English speaking tour guide for Kathmandu sightseeing.
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Sightseeing fee and guide fee.
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Private transportation in Kathmandu including all airport arrivals and departures. This is also for the sightseeing tours.
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All government taxes and service charge.
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Medical Supplies (frist aid kit)
What's excluded
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Nepal visa.
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International airfare.
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Travel and rescue Insurance
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Hire of climbing equipment if not bringing own.
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Food in Kathmandu.
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Extra night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu if arrive early or late departure.
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All the hotel accommodation or meals in Kathmandu.( in the case return early from trek due to any reason)
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Personal expenses( bar bills, coke, beer, bottle of water, phone call, laundry service etc.
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Tips for guide porter.
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Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu.
Arrive into Kathmandu. You will be met by a member of Top of the World Treks and after a 45 minute bus journey to the heart of the city and check into the hotel there is time for a cup of tea, shower and then a chance to see the tourist district of Kathmandu by night as we go for dinner before an early night!
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Day 2
Sightseeing in Kathmandu.
A day in Kathmandu where we will take you to Swayambhunath which is a Buddhist stupa and Monastery, which is over 2000 years old and one of the oldest in the world. Here is a great chance to see across the valleys, see some monkeys and begin to learn about this fascinating country.The afternoon will be spent getting for the trek and some time to relax and make sure all the kit and packing is complete. Also the first time you can go shopping which in Thamel is an adventure in itself!
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Day 3
Kathmandu to Syabru Besi.
Early in the morning, we drive from Kathmandu to Syabru Besi which takes about eight to nine hours by bus. We will travel through scenic foothills to Syabru Besi passing Dhunche. We will get to see a glimpse of Ganesh Himal mountain range after driving along the Trishuli river. It is a beautiful if not bumpy and windy road and in Nepal the bus journeys are always part of the adventure. We will stay in Syabru Besi overnight.
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Day 4
Syabru Besi to Lama hotel Trekking time 5 -6 hours
This morning we begin our trek and we follow the trail and cross the Bhote Koshi river and follows the Langtang Khola. This trail gradually ascends up to Bamboo (1,960m) passing rugged paths. We will have our lunch at Bamboo and then we will trek will climb gently to Rimche (2,400m). We will then have another short walk to the Lama Hotel where we will spend the night. (2400m)
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Day 5
Lama hotel to Langtang Trekking time 5 – 6 hours.
Today the route follows Gumanechok at Ghoda Tabela which literally means the Horse Stable. After this the trail climbs gradually to the beautiful valley with yaks and other wildlife. Langtang is a typical village and one of the oldest along this trekking route. The views of the mountains are spectacular and become closer the further we trek. We spend the night at Langtang (3430m).
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Day 6
Langtang to Kyanjing Gompa Trekking time 4 -5 hours.
It is shorter walk today, but this is good in order to help with the acclimatization. We will see many things today including a cheese factory! As we continue through this beautiful valley we will have specutalar views of the Langtang Lirung. This is the highest mountain in the Langtang range. (7290m) We will spend the night in Kyanjin Gompa (3840m)
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Day 7
Acclimatisation day
Today we will stay in Kyanjin Gompa in order to explore the area. We have two options depending on the group and that they are either to walk up to see the spectacular ice faces and tumbling glaciers of Langtang Lirung or ascend Kyangjin Ri (4,984m) which is the highest point of this trek, directly behind the village, for a breath-taking panorama of the Langtang peaks.
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Day 8
Kyanjing Gompa to Badel pawell peak Base camp Trekking Time 3 – 4 hours.
This is the beginning of the three nights of camping. The tents will be provided.We will cross the Langtang river and then we will have a climb steep up through the birch forest and once we are on the ridge we will have a gradual walk up to the base camp of the Baden Powell Peak. We will be at an altitude of 4200m. It is also a grazing area for Yak’s so many photo opportunities! We spend the night here in our tents.
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Day 9
Base camp to High camp Trekking time 3- 4 hours.
Today we leave the base camp and trek a steep climb up to the high camp which is at 5000m. It is a short day but due to the altitude this is a good thing. Again today we will have great views and lots of photo opportunities. Our second night camping tonight. This will give the group an opportunity for a not only a rest but also a good chance to check all the equipment and ensure everyone is 100% confident and ready for the big day tomorrow.
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Day 10
Summit- Dowan to Base camp time 9 to 10 hours.
Today is the big day! We will get up very early in the morning around 3am! This is to ensure that everyone has enough time and we are able to take the climb slow and steady. The guides will prepare the ropes and the equipment and then we will be ready to go! We will begin climbing up on fixed ropes and using crampons and jumars. It is a fairly steep climb but we will take it steady. It is a long day of around 12 hours and so determination and physical fitness is required!! Once on the top many photos can be taken and you will have spectacular views over the Langtang Valley and the surrounding areas. You will be at an altitude of 5891m!
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Day 11
Base Camp to Lama Hotel Trekking time 7-8 hours.
We leave the base camp early in the morning, we begin our descent down to the Langtang river and reach Langtang Village. We continue through the forest to the Lama Hotel where we will spend the night.
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Day 12
Lama Hotel to Syabru Besi Trekking time 5-6 hours.
We walk all the way down following the path we used on day 1 of trek to reach the village of Syabru Besi. Where we will spend our last night of the trek. We will be there early afternoon and this will allow for a few celebration drinks after a successful climb and trek.
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Day 13
Syabru Besi to Kathmandu.
We leave Syabru Besi in private transport early in the morning and head back to Kathmandu, the drive takes about 8 hours but allows splendid views of the Nepalese countryside and local villages. As the roads are bumpy and follow the hills the bus journeys seem as though they are part of the adventure.When we arrive into Kathmandu we will go to the hotel to relax and then the group are free to do as they wish
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Day 14
Sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Today after a leisurely start we will continue the tour of Kathmandu by visiting the largest Buddhist stupa in the world. Boudhanath stupa is a world heritage site and a place which is an amazing place to see Buddhism and understand more about not only the religion but the Nepali culture.
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Day 15
Depart to home.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Please be aware that your safety while in Nepal is our number one propriety. All itineraries are subject to change if there are safety concerns, health concerns of people in the group and/or weather concerns. This will be decided by the trek leader but we will always discuss the options with the group where possible to ensure peoples wishes are taken into account, however, the Treks leader decision is final.
Book our fixed departures
Equipments
Equipment Check – List
What clothing and equipment to take is one of the things that people worry the most about! We can advise you and help you and it does, of course, depend on the time of year, the area, the altitude and how many days you are trekking/climbing. When you arrive in Kathmandu we will go through all your equipment to ensure that it is correct for your trip. In Thamel (the tourist area of Kathmandu where you will be staying) there is an abundance of shops selling equipment and clothing so if anything is forgotten it can easily be sourced. It is also possible to hire climbing equipment and also items such as down jackets, and sleeping bags saving you a large purchase.
The following equipment list is suggested and necessary for both camping and tea house treks. Use this list as a guideline. The basic checklist should help you with your packing for any of our trips. Please remember that you should always try to keep the weight of your clothing equipment down to a minimum. Your packed trek bag should weigh no more than 15kg. Please remember this is just a checklist and you do not necessarily need to bring everything that is listed below.
GENERAL CHECKLIST
The following basic checklist should help you with your packing for any of our trips. Please remember that you should always try to keep the weight of your clothing equipment down to a minimum. Your packed trek bag should weigh no more than 15 kilograms. Please remember this is just a checklist and you do not necessarily need to bring everything that is listed below. Use your own experience and judgment to make your decision.
-Light and expedition weight thermal tops.
-Fleece jacket or pullover.
-fleece wind –stopper Jacket (optional)
-Waterproof shell jacket (preferably breathable fabric)
-Lightweight thermal gloves.
-Underwear (4)
-Shorts (2)
-Lightweight cotton long trousers/pants.
-Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms.
-Sun hat or Scarf.
-Warm fleece hat or light balaclava.
-T-shirt (2)
-Thin, lightweight (inner socks) (4).
-Sunglasses with UV protection.
-Sleeping bag rated to 0 degrees ¾ season
-Headlamp (eg Petzl) Spare bulbs and batteries.
-Small padlock to lock trek bag.
-Basic first aid kit(see First aid medicine bellow)
-Plastic bags –for keeping items dry inside trek bag.
-Daypack ( 35 to 40 litters/ 2500 to 3000 cubic inches.)
-Camping mattress, eg Thermarest pad.
-water bottles.
-Toiletries.
-Small wash towel.
-Footwear, appropriate to the trip.
-Waterproof shell trousers/pants. (Preferably breathable fabric)
TREKKING CHECKLIST
In addition to the items listed in our general checklist you will need to take the following on your trekking trip:
-Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer.
-Down vest and/ or jacket (optional).
-Fleece or wool trousers/ pants.
-Trekking/ hiking boots with spare laces.
-Thick, warm wool hiking socks (4)
– Footwear for around camp, eg running shoes and /or sandals.
-Gaiters (optional).
-Telescopic trekking/ ski poles (optional)
MOUNTAINEERING / CLIMBING CHECKLIST
In addition to the checklists for general trekking equipment above, and depending on the trip you have chosen, various items of mountaineering equipment may also be required, eg:
-Plastic boots and crampons (preferably step – in bindings ) with front points.
-Mountaineering Safety harness.
-Mountaineering Ice axe(60 to 75 cms long – depending on your height and personal preference).
-120 cms (4ft) climbing sling and to locking and unlocking caravans.
-Telescopic ski – sticks (optional).
-Prussik loops.
-Climbing helmet (optional).
-Jumper (Ascender & Descender).
-Pocket Knife.
-Headlamp.
-Mattress.
-Rope and Snow bars.
-Ice crew.
-High altimeter.
Most if not all of this equipment will be needed for any trip that crosses steep, snow-covered ground, or which includes sections of glacier travel. Our recommendation that you take no more than fifteen kilos of trekking equipment dose not include your plastic boots, ice axe, Crampons otherness/carabiners. During the trek, climbing hard wear will be carried separately from your trek bag, in group bags until needed.
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
To minimize your expense outlay for trekking and climbing equipment you may never use again, equipment rental and buying is possible in Kathmandu. You find them a lot cheaper than you find in Europe and the USA. Shops in Thamel offer a wide range of equipment available for rent and buy. Here is some cost which gives you an idea of the cost to rent in Kathmandu.
-Sleeping bags.
-Down Jackets.
-All-purpose mountaineering Ice axe (60 – 70 cms)
-Ice hummer.
-Climbing Harness.
-2 looking Carabiners, Climbing Sling.
-12 – point Crampons.
-Plastic Climbing boots.
-Helmet.
FIRST AID MEDICINE
-Bandage for Sprains.
-Plaster/ Band-aids.
-Iodine or Water filter(optional)
-Moleskin/ Second skin – for blisters.
-Antiseptic ointment for cuts.
-Anti-bacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic)
-Aspirin/ paracetamol- general painkiller.
-Oral rehydration salts.
-Broad-spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxacin).
-Anti – diarrhoea medication (antibiotic).
-Diarrhoea stopper (Imodium – optional).
-Antibiotic for Giardia or similar microbe or bacteria.
-Diamox (Altitude sickness – can be bought in Kathmandu.
-Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution).
– For more details please see our staying healthy topic.
