Mt Baruntse Expedition – 30 Days

Welcome to Nepal! As you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, the captivating beauty of the Himalayas will be within your view. Remember your articulated journey. it will be a necessary step to encounter the help of your team outside the airport after you pass through immigration and customs.

You will be taken to your hotel in Kathmandu, where you can check in and relax after your journey. The bustling tourist hub, Thamel, probably will be your lodging site if you belong to the category. A walk in the vibrant streets with many shops, cafes, and other cultural sights will be an intriguing experience.If you require any last-minute equipment, Kathmandu has an abundance of trekking shops that can rent or sell you high-quality equipment.

There will be plenty of time to rest. If you want you can explore Thamel and visit sights around your hotel.

Kathmandu abounds with culture, history, and spirituality. You will go on a guided sightseeing tour of the villages that have a noticeable place in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the city where some are even considered to be the world's best.

Kathmandu Durbar Square:The capital contains Kathmandu Durbar Square, an ancient palace with intricate architecture.Kathmandu Durbar Square, which is an ancient palace with intricate architecture, is found in this city.Kathmandu Durbar Square, or Basantapur Durbar Square, is regarded as one of the most significant pieces of history and culture in Nepal. It is a landmark, recognized as a site of World Heritage by UNESCO, and was once the king's residence of Nepal. Situated right in the middle of Kathmandu, this square is a place where you can find ancient temples, palaces, courtyards, and statues, which are the features of Nepal's architectural and artistic heritage.

Pashupatinath Temple (Sacred Hindu Pilgrimage Site):An iconic Hindu place of worship, which is devoted to Lord Shiva, and is situated on the banks of the Bagmati River.One of the most holy Hindu temples that are dedicated to Lord Shiva.Situated at the Bagmati River, real-life cremation activities are being held there.A stunning spot for the Hindu rituals and the meditation of the sadhus (holymen).

The Swayambhunath:World's oldest stupa, was built atop a hill that offers a wonderful panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley.Buddhist and Hindu statues are mixed together, marked by the inclusion of round prayer wheels and pesky monkeys.Swayambhunath, also known as Monkey Temple is said to be about the 5th century and this old religious area is one of its kind in Nepal. Legend has it that Kathmandu Valley was once a vast lake, which became a lot when the stupa was created spontaneously from the water that bodhisattva Manjushri removed thus making the land suitable for living.The name Swayambhu is derived from two words - "self-created" or "self-existent," and it is considered to be a god-gifted entity.

Boudhanath Stupa (Tibetan Buddhist Sanctuary):This tall stupa in Nepal is the spiritual center of the Tibetan Buddhists. On their way to the temple, monks chanting prayers and pilgrims want to visit the temple. Boudhanath Stupa, an exquisite place in Kathmandu (Nepal), is the largest and most famous of all the stupas in the Buddhist world. A sanctified monument, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sights, it is the major focal point of Tibetan Buddhism. Moreover, this is the place of worship, meditation, and pilgrimage.

Patan durbar square: Patan Durbar Square, is a famous place in Lalitpur (Patan) Nepal, and it is one of the three major Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley. It is currently listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is known for its Newari architecture, dense, complicated, and ancient temples, palaces, and courtyards. In contrast to Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Square is a Buddhist-based area and is the national capital of culture and art of Nepal.

Thamel:Thamel is the heart of tourism in Nepal where you can find the most interesting streets, the best shops, and the most fun nightlife spots all in one place. This vibrant location is a very famous place for trekkers, backpackers, and culture lovers. Here you can find everything from traditional handicrafts to modern cafes.Thamel has a confusing array of narrow lanes, filled with fluttering cloths, colorful flags, and lots of souvenir shops, trekking gear, and cafes.

Early morning greets with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, one of the world’s most thrilling short-haul flights (approx. 30–40 minutes).The flight provides jaw-dropping aerial views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.Lukla is a lively gateway to the Everest region, mostly full of trekkers, guides, and porters getting ready for their treks.Once the team of trekkers complete their gear preparation, there is time for a quick breakfast.
The course from Paiya to Lukla (also called Surke) is an average length.In particular, the track starts off with going through a rainy forest and then going through the mountains of the small Sherpa villages.After the bridge, they would pass the area and continue through the forests of pine and rhododendron flowers.Then go ahead and cross the suspension bridge to the quiet place that is below Lukla and find the name 'Surke'.The road directly faces Chutok La Pass which has a slow pick-up to the top of the mountain followed by a short descent to Paiya.

Paiya, as a small, peaceful village that is encircled by dense forests, is an ideal place to be in without being disturbed by any living creatures.It is a perfect place to have a rest and to become accustomed to the heavy parts of the route of the trek, which are the most outstandingThe village has a few tea houses, basic staying facilities, and some local meals including Dal bhat, noodles and Tibetan bread that are fresh.

It is during the six-day trek that one gradually ascends from Paiya (2,730m) to Baruntse Base Camp (5,400m), walking through varied landscapes - from heavy forests and Sherpa villages to high-altitude glaciers and alpine lakes. You can enjoy great views of these mountains, as well as the open fields and mountain ridges covered with many varieties of flowers.

The route slants downwards amidst the exuberant forests and with an access over going a wooden bridge across it on Paiya Khola.Coming through rhododendron and bamboo forests in a gentle elevation one gets to Nanggom. It is anyway a small village of gray-tinted where one can see the high-pasture yaks and also obtain the Buddhist religion that shares here.Set up the camp for the night in a teahouse or campsite.

A way through pine forested hills and untouched settlements, both uphills and downhills are witnessed on this trail.The road will open to the panorama of the Mera peak as you walk across the Panggung La Pass at the elevation of 3,173m.Passers-by experience a gradual downfall to the village of Ningsow, which is a tranquil, calm place with very few guesthouses.

Start with a steep uphill climb through dense bamboo forests, home to the mysterious red panda.Trek along the Makalu Barun National Park boundary.Cross multiple small streams before reaching Chhatra Khola, which is a picturesque riverside destination.Either book a wilderness teahouse or decide to camp and then stay overnight.

Proceed the Hinku River, by the gorgeous rhododendron and juniper forests.As you ascend, Mera Peak, which stands out with an altitude of 6,476m, is visible all the time.Kothe is a beautiful village that is situated in the Hinku valley and has a couple of tea houses.One can stay here overnight.

By moving along Hinku River, you can not only see the Mera Peak and Kusum Kanguru nearer but also be close to the beautiful place.En route, land with grazing animals and Buddhist chortens of an ancient time lead you to Thangnak, a high-altitude yak herding settlement which gets its main income from yaks. Acclimation stop: Climbing a little hill, you can see the slow adaptation to the high altitude.

As you steadily climb, the route extends over the glacial moraines and provides a marvelous sight to the Mera Glacier.Khare, the last human settlement village past the Mera La Pass, is reached through the last steep climb.Acclimatization Day at Khare:preparation for ice climbing and mountain walking for ascending.Short hike to a viewpoint above Khare for panoramic mountain views.preparation for ice climbing and mountain walking for ascending.Short hike to a viewpoint above Khare for panoramic mountain views.

Get up early in the morning to get your way to the top of Mera La Pass (5,415m).Go down a bit first and then walk towards Seto Pokhari ("White Lake"), a sacred alpine lake with a magnificent view of Baruntse, Chamlang, and Everest.One of the hardest and most isolated camps on the trek route up to Seto Pokhari is Situworti.

The trek becomes very rugged and heavily glaciated, so one has to be very careful with the difficult rocky and icy path navigation.You can get breathtaking views of Baruntse (7,129m), Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam on your way there.You reach a resting place for trekkers and climbers, Baruntse Base Camp (5,400m) which is the very last camp.

Baruntse Expedition (7,129m) is not only a difficult, but also a very satisfying one, because it requires technical ascents over steep snow slopes, ice walls, and high-altitude ridges. This 15-day span consists of acclimatization, rotation climbs, and the final summit push, with the awesome views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga from the summit.

The moraine on a rocky surface is a place where Base Camp is located under the slopes of Baruntse. Activities include: 1) Acclimatization hikes to nearby ridges (~5,800m) 2)Fixed rope & ice climbing training 3)Technical gear check (crampons, harness, ascender, ice axe) 4)Final preparations for the high camps

The route to Camp 1 involves: A steep snow climb on 45°-50° slopes
Navigating ice cliffs and crevasses Using fixed ropes and ladders in certain sections Camp 1 (6,100m) is set on a snow plateau, offering incredible views of the Himalayan giants. Rotation climbs: After the first night at Camp 1, climbers descend to Base Camp for further rest and acclimatization.

The Camp 2 route is the hardest place of the whole climb, including:
1)Ice walls & crevasses that require ladder crossings 2) A narrow ridge traverse with exposed sections 3)The use of jumars and fixed ropes for safety
Camp 2 (6,400m) is set just below the summit on a steep, icy slope.Final summit gear check & weather briefing

We will Start from Midnight alpine start (~12:00 AM).Climbers make their way up in the dark with bright headlamps that guide them through the following areas:
1) Steep snow slopes (45°-50°) 2) Frozen ridges & exposed sections 3)Thin air & extreme cold (-20°C to -30°C) 4)Reaching the Summit (~7:00-9:00 AM)

Pretty cool circular viewing of: 1)Everest (8,849m) 2)Lhotse (8,516m) 3)Makalu (8,485m) 4) Kanchenjunga (8,586m) in the back There is a shortstop (~15-30 min) on the top before the task of the climb down.
Descent: On the second day after you leave the second camp, you will be able to go back and have a rest, take your time there before going down to base camp the next day.

Day 23: Descent from Camp 2 to Base Camp (5,400 Masl)

1)Hot meals & rehabilitation 2)Equipment packing & getting ready for what is ahead. 3)Days of weather demurrage due to possible delays

After a successful Baruntse summit, the return to Lukla takes three days following the route through Mera La Pass, Khare, Kothe, and Thuli Kharka in reverse. The trek down also allows for breathtaking last glimpses of Mera Peak, Makalu, and Everest through the Lukla flight back to Kathmandu.

Start the gradual downhill journey from the Baruntse Base Camp by heading across the glaciated area.Get to Mera La Pass (5,415m), which acts as the final pass of the trek.A steep descent takes you to Khare, a well-known high-altitude village lying at (5,045m) below the summits.Rest & overnight stay in a guest house.

Past Thangnak, the trail winds down through the Hinku Valley.Now and then, the trees of the Mera Peak Range may be seen from Khare forest.The decrease in altitude does wonders for the breathing which goes so far that the trek is relatively easy about Kothe.Tea houses at two outdoor camping places give a good rest space and provide food and drink as well as friendly people to the visitors.

The final day includes the combination of upward and downward movements as good and mix:
1)A slight climb to Thuli Kharka (4,300m) 2)The Zatrwa La Pass (4,600m) is the last important pass before Lukla 3)The long downward journey will be through rhododendron forests to Lukla (2,860m)
celebration at Lukla : A time to take a hot shower, enjoy the warmth and think about the adventure.

After an unforgettable Baruntse expedition, the time has come to go back to Kathmandu and celebrate the achievement.
Morning: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu (1,400m) Starting the morning with a guided, fascinating flyover of the mountains from Lukla all the way to Kathmandu will fill you with an amazing feeling of joy. The lifetime opportunity to have a birds-eye view of the highest peak of the world on your chartered plane is an awe-inspiring experience for anyone.The birds-eye flyover above amazing natural creations like Everest, Lhotse.
Afternoon: Leisure & Recovery Take a break & recharge yourself at the hotel after staying in the mountains for several weeks.You can resort to a massage or spa therapy which helps to get rid of the aching muscles in a few minutes.Particularly Thamel, one of Kathmandu’s crowded centers, where you can experience many shops and souvenirs.Have a cultural experience by going to Boudhanath Stupa or Pashupatinath Temple. Evening: Celebration Dinner Local beverages such as raksi, chyang, and the like are the most significant Tibetan drinks which are well-known amongst the tourists besides the local people, which makes them more interesting, leading them to its vulnerability regarding proper management. When it comes to tourist attraction to Nepal, there is no place like in the eastern part of Nepal where these sacred sites are being protected daily by the local monk.
Stories, photos, and experiences are shared by the team members, guides, and climbers.

The Last Morning in Kathmandu: Before Departure Have a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and the last taste of Nepali food. Grab the last-minute things from Thamel such as handicrafts, prayer flags, or pashmina shawls as souvenirs.Opt for a visit to a temple or stupa for a final blessing before departure. This can also be an option.
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Leave the hotel and proceed to Kathmandu International Airport. Airport formalities: Check-in, baggage drop, and security clearance. Final farewells to trekking guides and fellow climbers.
Departure Flight Board the plane either home or to your next target. While the plane continues to ascend, look back through the window and get one last bird's eye view of the Himalayas.Recollect the life-changing journey you went through and how you were able to successfully complete Baruntse summit.