Baruntse retkikunta

Today is devoted to great preparations before going to the mountains. You will then spend the morning having an elaborate expedition briefing with the expedition leader and climbing guides describing the climbing schedule, trekking route, acclimatization plan, safety measures, and the general logistics of the expedition. This session will be a terrific chance to ask questions and have a clear picture of the journey that will follow.

It is also a day concerning the completion of any outstanding formalities as far as the officials are concerned and final checks of the equipment. Climbing and trekking equipment will be checked by the expedition team to make sure it is all appropriate at high altitude. In case of need for extra equipment, Kathmandu has a lot of trekking and mountaineering shops where one can buy or hire equipment.

You can also use some time of the day in packing the luggage, filling duffel bags and sorting those that will be carried on the trek and those that will stay in Kathmandu. It is important to prepare at this point to make the expedition a smoother and more comfortable one.

The rest of the day might be spent resting in the hotel and saving up energy prior to the adventure commencing. The hotel in Kathmandu will be the place of stay overnight at (1,350 m / 4,429 ft) in readiness to head to the Everest region.

Aamiainen

Hotelli

1,350 m / 4,429 ft

Briefing, Shopping and Expedition Preparation, Full Day

You will take scenic flight from Kathmandu today to Lukla, and you will start your journey into the mountains. This flight lasts about 35 minutes and is said to be the most spectacular mountain flight in the world. As you approach the Everest region, you may be surprised with spectacular sights of snow-capped mountains in the Himalayas, valleys, and rugged terrain throughout the journey.

When you land in Lukla (2,800 m / 9,186 ft), you will be officially in the mountain climate, which will end in Baruntse. Some of the groups can be transported by road to Ramechhap, and then a flight can be taken on Manthali-Lukla before going to Everest. The destination is Lukla, no matter the route, and the process of getting used to the increased elevation.

The rest of the day is mostly spent resting and acclimatizing. You will be able to go sightseeing around the village, get to see the life in this popular mountain village, and get ready for the following days of trekking. Lukla is the starting point of numerous Himalayan expeditions and also presents an exclusive ambience of mountainous landscape. You will be staying over at a lodge where you will be ready to begin trekking tomorrow.

Aamupala, lounas ja päivällinen

Teehuone

Flight 138 km

2,800 m / 9,186 ft

Flight to Lukla and Acclimatization, 35 minutes flight

Today you start off trekking from Lukla to Chutanga. The trail, abandoning the bustling town of Lukla, slowly changes to a more serene mountain setting with stunning natural scenes. The path is through forests, small grazing fields, and mountain tracks, which have fewer people compared to the primary Everest trekking routes. The significance of this portion of the trek is that it will provide you with an introduction to the remote landscapes leading to the Hinku Valley and Baruntse region.

The hike can be completed in about four hours, and it entails a slow climb, and your body slowly starts adapting to the rising altitude. During the walk, you will have an opportunity to see the surrounding hills, forests, and mountain ridges and to walk in the natural quiet environment. The path is normally easy-going and a good introduction to the journey without unnecessary uphill hiking.

When you arrive at Chutanga (3,050 m / 10,006 ft), you will have time to rest and enjoy the peaceful mountain scene. Chutanga is a small seasonal village frequented by the trekkers and climbers heading towards Mera Peak and Baruntse. The rest of the day can be used to relax and to appreciate the views and to anticipate the greater altitudes to come.

Aamupala, lounas ja päivällinen

Teehuone

6 km

3,050 m / 10,007 ft

Vaellus, 4 tuntia

The day is one of the most strenuous of the trekking expedition to date. You will walk up Chutanga and ascend steadily to the Zatrwa La Pass (4,610 m / 15,125 ft). The path gets steeper as you rise in altitude, and the surrounding scenery transforms gradually from forested mountains to rugged alpine mountains. The ascent is a day of gradual progress and patience, and an acclimatization day.

Once you have passed the pass, you will be rewarded with the spectacular scenery of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, valleys and mountain ranges in the distance. The wide view at the summit justifies the trouble, and gives one of the earliest real experiences of high mountain life of the expedition.

The route goes down through the rocks of the pass to Khartitang and then to Thuli Kharka at (3,900 m / 12,597 ft). It is a picturesque location perched over the Hinku Valley, and has spectacular mountain scenery. On arrival, you can take a rest in the teahouse and contemplate a productive day of trekking. Thuli Kharka will be a teahouse accommodation.

Aamupala, lounas ja päivällinen

Teehuone

10 km

4,610 m / 15,125 ft

Trekking via Zatrwa La Pass, 7 hours

You will walk today from Thuli Kharka to Kothe, down into the lovely Hinku Valley. The trail is made of picturesque mountain tracks in rhododendron and pine and juniper forests and provides a good view of the ridges around as well as the distant mountains. The walk is more leisurely than it was the day before, and it gives a chance to appreciate the beauty of nature in the area.

The scenery is more open and dramatic as you pass along the valley. The path uses the old trekking routes that climbers and trekkers use towards Mera Peak and Baruntse. On your route, you might come across some local herders and temporary grazing fields that indicate the way of life of mountain communities in this remote area.

Five or so hours of walking will bring you to Kothe (4,095 m / 13,435 ft), a small village on the banks of the Hinku River. Kothe is a considerable overnighting place, and acts as an access to the higher valleys beyond. Once you get to the teahouse, you will be able to rest and get ready to do the rest of the ascent to Thangnak.

Aamupala, lounas ja päivällinen

Teehuone

8 km

4,095 m / 13,435 ft

Vaellus, 5 tuntia

You will trek today from Kothe to Thangnak. The path slowly ascends as it cross beautiful alpine scenery and mountainous terrain. You will be amazed by the sight of the peaks around you with the grandiose south face of Mera Peak towering over the skyline.

The trail traverses the valley floor and through temporary grazing grounds, rocky outcrops, and glacial terrain. The higher you go, the less vegetation there is, and the environment starts to show the more extreme conditions of high-altitude areas. The gradual climb is an advantage for acclimatization, and it will be a way of training your body to the heights that will be encountered.

Four hours of walking will bring you to Thangnak (4,350 m / 14,272 ft). This is a small village and is a favorite destination among climbers and trekkers who are heading towards higher altitudes. The rest of the day may be used to rest, hydrate, and admire the mountain scenery as you prepare to go out on the acclimatization hike tomorrow.

Aamupala, lounas ja päivällinen

Teehuone

7 km

4,350 m / 14,272 ft

Vaellus, 4 tuntia

Today is a great acclimatization day at Thangnak. Rather than going to a higher sleeping altitude, you will be hiking to higher altitudes and then going back to the village and having a rest. This style is based on the concept of climb high, sleep low, which is generally advised for high-altitude adjustment.

You will see the beautiful Sabal Tsho Lake in the daytime and proceed towards a great landmark which is at about (5,271 m / 17,293 ft) on the slope of Kusum Kanggaru. The climb offers a great chance to see glaciers, rough mountainous landscape, and marvelous Himalayan landscapes. The slow climb also enables the guides to check the progress of the team members in handling the altitude.

You will rest and recover after spending some time at higher altitude at Thangnak (4,350 m / 14,272 ft). This acclimatization day is crucial in helping to acclimatize your body to the difficult trekking and climbing activities that are to follow. The teahouse in Thangnak will still be used as a place of accommodation.

Aamupala, lounas ja päivällinen

Teehuone

5 km

5,271 m / 17,293 ft

Acclimatization Hike, 3-5 hours

Today you will trek from Thangnak to Khare, and you will have a great rise in elevation, as you go further into the high Himalayan atmosphere. The path traces along glacial moraines and rocky mountain paths and provides more and more spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The Hinku Valley grows more rugged and dramatic with an approach to the upper parts of the valley.

Though walking this distance is only approximately three hours, the elevation is gained significantly; thus, a gradual and consistent rate is essential. The path is over bare alpine country where there is little vegetation, and the mountainous view takes up much of the horizon. This part of the trip gives one a real feel of an isolated high alpine wilderness.

When you arrive at Khare (5,045 m / 16,551 ft), you will be free to rest and further acclimatize. Khare is a significant base camp for mountaineers and trekkers as they ascend to Mera La and even the isolated valleys to the north. The rest of the day will be free to enjoy the scenery, hydrate, and prepare to go on the expedition to Mera La the following day.

Aamupala, lounas ja päivällinen

Teehuone

4 km

5,045 m / 16,552 ft

Vaellus, 3 tuntia

Today you will trek from Khare to Mera La Pass, one of the most inaccessible parts of the line of the expedition. The path ascends gradually through high mountainous landscapes and glacier scenery and also offers breathtaking views of the snow-covered mountains surrounding it. The higher you go, the more dramatic the views become: ice formations, rocky ridges, and panoramic mountain views.

It is a trek that takes about five hours and must be done at a slow rate because of the altitude. Mera La Pass (5,350 m / 17,542 ft) is a key port between the Mera Peak area and the remote valleys to Baruntse. Arriving at the pass is one of the key milestones of the expedition and the transition between the trekking and a more remote, camping-based environment of an expedition.

Once there, the expedition team will set up camp and wait until the next phase of the expedition. The camping site is a high-altitude experience with glaciers and the giant Himalayan peaks surrounding it. The camping site will be in the vicinity of Mera La.

Aamupala, lounas ja päivällinen

Leiri

7 km

5,350 m / 17,552 ft

Trekking to Mera La Pass, 5 hours

You are going to walk today from Mera La Pass to Seto Pokhari Camp. Once leaving the high pass, the trail falls down through the distant mountainous landscape and glacial scenery which are seldom explored by common trekkers. This part of the trip will take you off the more frequented trekking trails and into an extremely remote Himalayan setting. During the trip, you will be treated to spectacular scenery of surrounding mountains, glaciers, and rough valleys that characterise this isolated region of eastern Nepal.

The trek is about five hours long and covers a blend of rocky paths, moraine, and alpine routes. The path, as you slowly descend to Mera La (5,350 m / 17,542 ft), allows you to rest a little, having gained altitude the day before, as you make your way toward the Baruntse area. The scenery is also spectacular during the day, and dramatic mountain backdrops can be seen in all directions.

At length you will reach Seto Pokhari Camp (4,850 m / 15,912 ft). Seto Pokhari (White Lake) is a stunning alpine lake with mountainous scenery. Upon arrival in camp, the expedition crew will pitch tents and prepare to go to Base Camp. A fully supported campsite will be used as an overnight accommodation.

Aamupala, lounas ja päivällinen

Leiri

8 km

5,350 m / 17,552 ft

Trekking and Camping, 5 hours

Today you will trek from Seto Pokhari to Baruntse Base Camp, and you will be in the core of the expedition area. The trail ascends slowly across inaccessible alpine terrain and provides breathtaking scenery comprising glaciers, rocky ridges and the tall Himalayan peaks. The feeling of solitude is heightened as you head deeper into the wild and nearer to the mountain, which will be your primary goal during the expedition.

The trek is an average of four to six hours, based on trail and weather conditions. The landscape gets more rugged as you ascend, which is indicative of the difficult environment of high-altitude mountaineering. During the expedition, the team of the expedition will travel cautiously, taking care of acclimatization and general health.

The team will arrive at the Baruntse Base Camp (5,300 m / 17,400 ft) and start to set up the expedition camp. The tents, dining, communication and equipment storage areas will be arranged to form a comfortable and efficient base for the climbing period ahead. The rest of the day is typically devoted to getting settled in camp, rigging climbing equipment, and preparing to go out on the rotations. Base Camp will be the place of overnight accommodation.

Aamupala, lounas ja päivällinen

Leiri

6 km

5,300 m / 17,388 ft

Trekking and Base Camp Preparation, 4-6 hours

Today will be dedicated to climbing one of the most challenging and satisfying peaks Baruntse. This period of the expedition is devoted to acclimatization, technical training and the ultimate summit attack. You will start your climbing rotations to higher camps after settling at the Baruntse Base Camp (5,300 m / 17,400 ft). The rotations will assist your body in becoming familiar with the high-altitude conditions and increase your likelihood of a successful and safe climb.

During the climbing period, the expedition team will set and maintain higher camps, transport equipment and supplies and keep a close check on the weather conditions. You will learn the necessary mountaineering skills and undergo the leadership of skilled climbing Sherpas and expedition leaders. The day-to-day activities can be ascending to elevated levels, acclimatization, and descending to lower camps to rest and recover.

A precise climbing plan will be based on weather conditions, the condition of the route, and general health and acclimatization of team members. When good weather comes, the team will climb to the summit in a summit push to the top of Baruntse (7,129 m / 23,389 ft). The summit provides the climbers with the most amazing panoramic view of the Himalayan giants that surround it as well as the distant valleys.

Climbers head safely back to Base Camp after the summit attempt through the higher camps. This ascending phase is the genius of the expedition and the result of months of training, hard work, and cooperation. The accommodation during this time will be in expedition camps.

Aamupala, lounas ja päivällinen

Leiri

Varies During Climbing Rotations

7,129 m / 23,389 ft

Climbing and Acclimatization, 15 Days

You will be leaving Baruntse Base Camp today and start the trip back to Seto Pokhari. The expedition team will break up camp before leaving and make sure that all waste and equipment are removed in a responsible manner as per the responsible practices of the expedition. The cleaning of the campsite is a significant aspect of the conservation of the vulnerable mountain environment and the preservation of the natural beauty of the area.

Once the clean-up is done, you will hike back to Seto Pokhari. The route follows through alpine and glacial scenery and provides a last view of the dramatic scenery around Baruntse. Gradually, as you descend in altitude, you walk more easily, and several climbers start thinking of what the expedition has accomplished.

The expedition lasts about six hours and reaches Seto Pokhari Camp (4,850 m / 15,912 ft). The camp will be pitched on arrival, close to the beautiful alpine lake. The evening will be spent unwinding along with other climbers and recollecting the memories of the summit days. The campsite will provide the accommodation.

Aamupala, lounas ja päivällinen

Leiri

8 km

5,300 m / 17,388 ft

Trekking and Base Camp Cleanup, 6 hours

You shall go back to Mera La from Seto Pokhari. The path slowly climbs through wild mountainous areas, glacial scenery, and steep alpine valleys. Even though you are using a familiar path, the landscape can be quite different on the way back and can be used again to enjoy the beauty of this remote area.

The trek is about six hours long and must be done at a slow pace because of the elevation. When ascending towards Mera La (5,350 m / 17,542 ft), you will again have the pleasure of glaciers, snow-covered ridges, and the Himalayan mountains in the vicinity. The trail offers a last mountainous obstacle prior to a lengthy fall to lower levels.

When the expedition team arrives at Mera La, a camp will be set up. The campsite provides spectacular scenery of the nearby mountains and is an ideal culminating high camp of the trip. The accommodation will be in a campsite near Mera La.

Aamupala, lounas ja päivällinen

Leiri

8 km

5,350 m / 17,552 ft

Trekking and Camping, 6 hours

Today you begin a long journey down out of Mera La to Kothe. The trip back to the Hinku Valley, after days in remote expedition camps and at high altitude, is satisfying and cozy. The trail follows the glacial terrain, rocky moraines, and alpine landscapes and eventually leads to greener terrain. The higher you get, the less oxygen is present in the air, and the hike becomes significantly more comfortable.

You will have amazing scenery of peaks, valleys, and mountain ridges in the daytime. The path follows part of the same path that was taken in the previous section of the expedition and offers the chance to see well-known landscapes from a new angle. The descent also helps the body to rejuvenate after the strenuous climbing days on Baruntse.

After about five hours walking, you will reach Kothe (3,600 m / 11,811 ft). This small waterfall on the banks of the Hinku River provides a nice way to relax after the desolate camping of the past weeks. The rest of the day may be spent resting, having a warm meal, and thinking of the results of the expedition. The night will be spent in a teahouse in Kothe.

Aamupala, lounas ja päivällinen

Teehuone

11 km

5,350 m / 17,552 ft

Vaellus, 5 tuntia

Today you are going to trek from Kothe to Thuli Kharka, and the back trail is along the beautiful Hinku Valley. Leaving Kothe behind, the road slowly ascends through rhododendron, pine, and juniper forests and provides picturesque landscapes of the surrounding hills and mountainous terrain. The walk today has some uphill, but overall it is a comfortable one, and you get to experience the natural beauty of the area at a slow pace.

The path takes the established mountain trails that join the Hinku Valley to the higher ridges ascending to the Zatrwa La Pass. On the path, you might meet other trekkers and local herders who travel using these ancient paths. The shifting landscape, between river valleys and alpine slopes, makes the walk today enjoyable and rewarding.

Five or so hours of walking later, you will reach Thuli Kharka (3,900 m / 12,597 ft). This little village has good prospects of the mountains, and is a key stopping place tonight before passing the pass tomorrow. The rest of the day may be used in rest and getting ready for the last great trekking day of the expedition. Overnight will be in a teahouse.

Aamupala, lounas ja päivällinen

Teehuone

8 km

3,900 m / 12,795 ft

Vaellus, 5 tuntia

The day is the last day of the expedition trekking. You will depart Thuli Kharka and head towards Lukla via the Zatrwa La Pass (4,610 m / 15,125 ft). The day starts with a gradual ascent to the pass, where you are bound to be compensated by the panoramic scenery of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, valleys, as well as the distant mountain ranges.

Having had a glimpse of the view at the pass, the trail goes down to Lukla via mountain ridges, forests, and traditional trekking paths. The throughways as you come down slowly transform from high alpine terrain into greener hillsides. This day of walking is a good conclusion to the mountain part of the expedition.

Within some nine hours of walking, you will reach Lukla (2,800 m / 9,186 ft). Arriving at Lukla is the successful culmination of trekking and climbing phases of the Baruntse Expedition. During the evening, celebrations of the journey are held with other climbers, guides, and support staff. The accommodation will be in a lodge in Lukla overnight.

Aamupala, lounas ja päivällinen

Teehuone

15 km

4,610 m / 15,125 ft

Trekking via Zatrwa La Pass, 9 hours

You are going to abandon the mountains today, and you will travel back to Kathmandu by air. The journey will see you, after breakfast, transferring to Lukla Airport and taking a picturesque flight to the capital. The flight lasts about 35 minutes and is the last chance to have aerial views of the Himalayan mountains, deep valleys, and rugged mountains through which you have been on an adventure in the last few weeks.

On reaching Kathmandu (1,350 m / 4,430 ft), you will be taken to the hotel. The difference between the distant mountainous setting and the urban sprawl is apparent at a glance. Once you have checked in, you can use the remaining part of the day to rest and enjoy the comforts of the city.

This free time is spent by many climbers to arrange photographs, communicate with family and friends, take a hot shower, or just take a rest after the expedition. Going back to Kathmandu is also a chance to look back at challenges that were overcome and the success that was achieved in the course of the Baruntse Expedition. The hotel will be in Kathmandu, where the accommodation will be overnight.

Aamiainen

Hotelli

Flight 138 km

1,350 m / 4,429 ft

Flight to Kathmandu and Hotel Transfer, 35 minutes

It is a free day in Kathmandu, and you can rest and sightsee the city once you are through with the expedition. You can spend the day after breakfast. Most of the climbers prefer to go to the busy markets of Kathmandu, buy souvenirs, or visit the cultural and historical places in the city.

Kathmandu (1,350 m / 4,430 ft) is a city of rich heritage, colorful environment, and a unique fusing of both traditional and modern lifestyles. It is also a free day to relax and pack gear and get ready to leave Nepal. You can also go shopping at local stores to get gifts or other travel items, should you require it.

A special farewell dinner is held in the evening to celebrate the achievement of the expedition. The dinner will also have a cultural show with Nepali traditional music and dance to make the adventure memorable. It is a great experience to exchange experiences with other climbers and other members of the expedition party. Spending the night will be in a Kathmandu hotel.

Aamiainen ja illallinen

Hotelli

Leisure Day

1,350 m / 4,429 ft

Leisure, Shopping and Farewell Celebration, Full Day

This is the end of your Baruntse Expedition today in Nepal. You will also have some free time after having breakfast at the hotel, and this will depend on your international flight schedule. Your further journey will be organized with the help of the expedition team to Tribhuvan International Airport.

When you leave Kathmandu (1,350 m / 4,430 ft), you will leave behind you the memorable experience of hiking through remote valleys, crossing mountain passes, and staying at Base Camp and hiking one of the most stunning expedition peaks in Nepal. The expedition has not only been a physical challenge but also a chance to explore the spectacular scenery and mountain culture of the Himalayas.

You might be able to have a last opportunity to meet the other climbers and share contacts before leaving. The expedition staff will help with transfer arrangements since you will get to the airport and will see you off. The official conclusion of your Baruntse Expedition will occur today, yet the recollections and experiences that you have gained in the course of the adventure will not soon be forgotten once you do come home.

Aamiainen

Lentokenttäkuljetus

1,350 m / 4,429 ft

Final Departure, 30-60 minutes