Introduction:
Baden Powell Scout Peak, located around Central Himalaya within Langtang and Jugal Himal Mountain range, the original name is Urkema Himal.
Formally changed to honor Baden Powell a British Army officer Lt. General, founder of first Chief Scout around the world. This beautiful small mountain was renamed ‘Lord Baden Powell Peak’ in the year 2007, to mark 100 years. A centenary celebration of the International Scouts Movement from previous Urekma Himal, which is at the height of 5, 718 m.
Stands above Langtang valley and north of the Helambu region, most of the climb done from south of Langtang valley. Where’s, Sherpa Mountaineering takes you on a new fresh route, North side of the Helambu region on off the beaten track away from mainstream trekking trail. On the hidden corner of Central Himalaya within the pristine wilderness, and less ventured areas by trekkers and adventurers.
So far no-one has trekked around this special route from the Helambu area, where Sherpa Mountaineering offers an opportunity. Where you can be the first group of climbers to explore the virgin areas for a classic, exciting climb. On the summit of Baden Powell Scout Peak from the north route, this will be a great new achievement and record. As well as creating a new climbing history on Baden Powell Scout Peak, where no climbers have ever have reached the summit. From the hidden face of this lofty peak, as most adventurers climb used the common and popular route of Langtang valley.
Sherpa Mountaineering is not only an adventure company but pioneers and exploring new fresh routes to make the adventure more exciting. Walk from the lovely village of Helambu, in the country of a small group of indigenous hill tribes of Central Himalaya. Known as Hyalmo or Yolmo follow Buddhism religion and similar culture that closely links with ancestral Sherpa and Tamang tribes.
Our itinerary is very different using the shortest route for the climb, where no other companies have ever offered or dared to venture from the North of the Helambu area.
Starting the adventure with an exciting drive heading north-east from Kathmandu to reach Tarke Gyang, a famous village for rich Buddhist culture where you can witness wood carving on windows and doors on houses. Afternoon explores the lovely village and the old monastery of Ama Yangri situated on top of the village.
From Tarke Ghyang around Helambu, our walk begins heading due north crossing several small passes. Enjoy the grand panorama of Langtang and Jugal Himal range of peaks, as our route leads past tall tree lines and lush vegetation behind.
To enter into a wide-open arid mountainous high country to reach our destination at Baden Powell Scout Peak base camp. We have spared five full days at base camp, for acclimatization as well as for climbing practice on ice, rocks, and snow. Preparation and exercise for some days before the actual Big Climb.
The summit at above 5,718 m high, considered less technical and a straight-forward climb, however, tremendous safety measures and precautions are required on the climb. Our expert guides will lead you to the top of the summit and making the route accessible by making ledges on snow and fixing ropes where necessary.
The peak grade is ‘PD’ a climbing classification on the alpine style of a day or more, used as French / Swiss Alpine Climbing System, which means ‘Per Difficule’ straight-forward climb on rocks, ice, and snow with some technical effort to encounter in the beginning and at the end to reach the summit.
After a strenuous climb, encountering a few technical sections then last big push to reach atop Baden Powell Scout Peak. Enjoy the breathtaking panorama of Langtang and Jugal Himal range of peaks. Surrounded with fascinating scenery arrays of snow-clad peaks from Ganesh Himal (7,405 m) Langtang Lirung (7,234 m) Ghengu Liru (Langtang II-6, 571 m), Kimshun (6,745 m) and Shalbachum (6,918 m) towards south Chimsedang with arrays of peaks include Naya-Kanga (5,846 m) and Gangchempo, Tilman’s beautiful Fluted Peak, Jugal Himal and ending to eastern horizon at Dorje Lakpa (6, 980 m).
After a triumph and feeling in high spirit descend back to base camp, for onward journey to Tarke Ghyang. Spending last final overnight around Langtang and Jugal Himal range, next morning an interesting drive back to Kathmandu, after an overwhelming adventure of great memorable experience on Baden Powell Scout Peak.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 01: Drive to Tarke Ghyang 2,610 m / 8,563 feet-06 hours.
Start early morning after a hearty breakfast, for an interesting and exciting drive heading east of Kathmandu valley rim, where the journey takes you to the scenic hill at Dhulikhel, an old Newar town of more than 500 years of history.
This hill town offers a grand panorama of Himalayan peaks from Ganesh, Langtang, Jugal Himal with Gaurishankar and Melung Tse peaks. From Dhulikhel downhill to the heavy farm town of Panch-Thar, where our route diverts from the main highway towards north around low warm areas of Melamchi Bazaar.
Drive continues towards high hills on dirt tracks a past number of villages and farm-land to enter into the cooler area of Helambu, then end the exciting drive on reaching Tarke Ghyang the main village of Helambu, and the home for Hyalmo / Yolmo people the mid-hill tribes of Central Himalaya.
Hyalmo people are skilled in making masterpiece handy-crafts which you can witness around the doors and windows of the house including furniture with intricate carving and design. Overnight in a lovely local lodge with time to explore this nice lovely village and its old monastery Ama Yangri situated on top of the village.
Day 02: Trek to Chomolhary Kharka 2, 590 m / 8,497 feet -05 hours.
Our adventure walks start from this nice lovely impressive village of Tarke Ghyang, enjoying breakfast, and then trek begins into the mountain wilderness.
As route leads higher terrain into beautiful forest-lined with tall rhododendron, pines, oaks, and fir trees and past several temporary huts and shades of cattle herders to reach Chomolhary Kharka for overnight, after a good day walk.
First night in a tented camp and food served from our camping kitchen tent and unit of cook and kitchen staff along with strong porters to carry camping and climbing equipment.
Day 03: Trek to Dukpu 4,080 m /13,386 feet-05 hours.
From here onwards into an open wide country of dramatic landscapes dry and barren with rocky high cliffs and snow peaks. After a pleasant overnight in camping, clearing the camp having breakfast walk starts on a high ridgeline.
As adventure progress with ups and short descend, but heading to higher elevation as tree lines drop, after few hours of steady walks enjoying grand views of a snow-clad mountain range in the north. Then slowly a steep climb takes you to a small place at Dukpu, a temporary settlement of Helambu villagers yak and cattle herders. Where we set up our camps within a summer grazing field with stunning views of peaks. ]
Day 04: Trek to Keldang 4, 250 m / 3,940 feet-07 hours.
Spending nights in complete tranquil surroundings, after breakfast trek continues heading close to our destination. As climb starts on rocky slopes over the steep ridge as altitude gains gradually as the trail becomes faint and narrow to walk on screes to reach Keldang Kharka, a place with small glacial ponds. Where route of Helambu and Langtang valley Ganja-La Pass join around this wild area.
Overnight camp is set on the best available level ground after a long and exciting day walks.
Day 05: Trek to Baden Powell Peak base camp, approx.
4, 780 m / 15, 682 feet almost 6 hours walk and climb.
Morning from Keldang Kharka walk and climb takes you on rough path and screes of loose rocks on a faint trail heading north-west past from the area of Ganja-La and Naya-Kanga bottom ridge, to reach Baden Powell Peak base camp and finding a reasonable space and ground to establish a camp for six overnights.
An exciting walk on mountainous terrain, trying to find the best route to set camp, as the area probably not ever visited or ventured by foreign trekkers and adventurer including local people.
Day 06-10: Climbing clinic and practice exercise for the final day ascent.
A contingency and free as well reserve days to make the climb safe and successful, we have spared five full days for rest and acclimatization.
As well as climbing exercise and scouting the summit route, for a possible safe and accessible way to reach the top, where our expert guide will be busy studying the nature of the climbing route. This route of Helambu is fairly new and raw, which is more of an exploration than another easy main route from Langtang Valley.
On the 4th and 5th final preparation for the summit bid, our guide will provide instruction and plan for the summit day, depending upon fine good weather as well the nature of climbing routes. To make the climb more accessible high camp is required, setting up the high camp at near about 5, 300 m.
Then start the long ascent to reach the summit of Baden Powell Peak, from the south ridge that has never been climbed. An exciting day with a technical section to encounter, our expert guides will make the path fixing snow-bars and fixed ropes required, as climb leads on ice and rocks until you reach on top of another high ridge near 5,545 m. From here, traverse over the snow and rocky slope until the southeast ridge of the peak is reached. Climb the last ridge at about 60 degrees vertical, then on top of Baden Powell Scout peak.
Enjoy the spectacular panorama of the surrounding mountains of Langtang Lirung, Langshisa-Ri with Shisapangma within Tibet. Includes view of the impressive south face of Naya Kanga / Ganjala Chuli with Langshisa peaks that towers above you. On achieving a great victory, descend by the same route safely back to base camp and for onward journey to Tarke Ghyang.
Day 11: Pack up day and collect all garbage to carry for safe disposal.
After a safe successful climb and being one of the first climbers using the new raw unclimbed route, pack up the climbing gear and collecting garbage to carry and to hand over to the concerned authority for proper disposal. Leave nothing but your foot-steps in these pristine surroundings.
Day 12: Trek to Dukpu – 07 hours.
A long day downhill to reach Dukpu, after clearing the last camp as a walk takes you on the same adventurous route to Dukpu within summer pasture areas of local villager’s cattle grazing field.
Day 13: Trek to Tarke Ghyang – 06 hours.
Morning walk to Tarkye-Ghyang village, after spending some days in complete isolation away from human settlement, our route heads downhill with a short climb to a small hill at 4,100 m high offers grand views of Ganesh, Langtang, and Jugal Himal range. After a short refreshing stop then descend into a deep forest of pine, rhododendron trees to reach at Tarkye-Ghyang village for an overnight stop in the comfort of a nice cozy lodge and guest-house.
Day 14: Drive to Kathmandu -06 hours.
Enjoying time at Tarkye-Ghyang in the harmony of local impressive culture and custom of local Hyalmo people, morning taking a drive towards a nice Shermathang village. As the ride continues with a long descend to reach warmer areas of Melamchi Bazaar. From here interesting drive to Kathmandu past Dhulikhel town, the journey continues on a good road to your hotel, after a glorious adventure and great experience on Baden Powell Scout Peak.
Cost Include
- Kathmandu Transport (picks up and drop)
- Breakfast, Lunch, dinner, included in the course.
- National park fee.
- Tim’s card fee and any trekking permits.
- Instructor food and daily wage.
- Porter’s food and daily wage.
- Instructors and Porters Insurance.
- Ground Transport for trekking car Jip and bus etc.
- All climbing group gear.
Cost Exclude
- International flight from Kathmandu.
- Hotel in Kathmandu.
- Laundry, postage, Telephone calls, and other items of personal nature.
- Entry visa for Nepal and reentry visa.
- International departure tax.
- Medical and rescue insurance.
- Personal medical kit.
- Bar Bills and beverage.
- Personal climbing equipment, sleeping bags, and down Jackets.
