Baden Powell Peak

Locally known as Urkema Peak, it was renamed Baden Powell Scout Peak (5,890m) in 2006. It is surrounded by majestic peaks such as Langtang II, Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Yala peak , Naya Kanga and Shishapangma in Tibet.

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
It is a big thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below us are almost great, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that will stay with you for a long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet us at the airport and escort us to our hotel.

Day 2: Free day in Kathmandu
We utilize this day to check our equipment and gear and if needed, do some last minute shopping. We also have a tour of Swayunbunath Stupa, which is the oldest place of worship in Kathmandu, and is located on a the top of a hill.

Day 3: Drive to Syabru Besi [1400m] / 8 hrs. drive
From Kathmandu, after having breakfast, we take a 4 hour bus ride to Trishuli. There is a small bazaar(market) on the banks of the river, known as Trishuli Bazaar (540m). From Trishuli we drive uphill to reach Dhunche (2120 m) and get to view the mesmerizing panorama of the Himalayas, including the Annapurnas, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and the peaks of the Langtang region. After Dunche it is down a winding road and to Syabru Besi(1460m), where we stay overnight at a local lodge or camp.

Day 4: Trek to Lama Hotel [2748m] / (6hrs.)
We traverse the ridge on Syabru Besi’s main path and soon reach Ghopcha Khola. Terraced fields and dense forest passin through woodlands of oaks, maple, alder and bamboo. If we are lucky its possible to see yellow-throated martin, wild boar, Langur monkey, red panda and Himalayan black bear in this area. Further on, the trail crosses a stream by bridge, and passes several small bhattis (tea shops). As we continue ascending steeply along the trail, we come across a steel suspension bridge at 2000 meters. We cross this bridge to the north bank of the Langtang Khola(river) with good views of cascading waterfalls and opens into scrub oak forest. On reaching 2748 meters, we arrive at Lama Hotel where we conclude the trek for the day.camp.

Day 5: Trek to Langtang village [3500m] / (5hrs.)
From Lama hotel, we continue the ascent above the Langtang Khola. As the trail progresses, it becomes steeper, with the Himalayan mountains becoming closer.. The trail leads to a log bridge and on climbing further we come across lush meadows at Ghora Tabela at 3000m. We will see several lodges and a police check post here. Further on, the route opens up into a wide valley of yak pastures and scattered Tamang villages with water-driven mills and prayer wheels. We arrive at Langtang village after crossing a stream and reach a height of 3500 meters. Langtang village is the headquarters for Langtang National Park and has flat-roofed Tibetan style houses, Lodges and cultivated lands yielding buckwheat, potatoes, wheat and barley.camp.

Day 6: Trek to Kyangjin [3800m] / (4 hrs.)
The trail skirts gradually through rich yak pastures and interesting traditional villages of Muna and Singdun. We cross a wooden cantilever bridge and reach a wide valley after climbing a moraine. Finally, on ascending several mountain passes, we arrive at Kyangjin Gompa. There is a small monastery and a government-operated cheese factory near the village.camp.

Day 7: Acclimatization climb – ascend Tserko Ri [4980m]
Tserko ri is situated like an island just north of Kyangjin. This is a good peak to acclimatize for the climb and makes for a rewarding day trip. We follow the upper trail out of he village across the river and climb up the ridge to our left. From the top, which is awash with the colour of the prayer flags, we can see Kyagjin peak and Kyimoshung, with Langtang Lirung towering above them. To the north-east we see the Yala glacier and Yala peak. Across the main valley, Naya Kanga dominates the scenery, with Baden Powell peak peeping up behind.camp.

Day 8: Trek to BPP base camp(4000m) 3 hours The route to base camp is an uphill climb. This little trek goes up through a rhododendron forest and we cross a river. We head in a westerly direction up to the mountain and move towards the south.
Day 9 Trek to high Camp [4987m] /(3hrs.) ( see below for detailed information)
The base camp at 4,987 m, takes around 3/4 hours to reach from base camp. The place where we set up our base camp is on good open ground. It is a large rocky area but with fresh water flowing through it. The view from the camp is fantastic. To the north, you have a magnificent view of Langtang Lirung, Langshisa Ri and Shisapangma in Tibet. To the south, the impressive south face of Naya Kanga (5844m) towers above. Since the camp area is totally flat, we can put up our tents easily. We pass the night at the base camp.

Day 10: A day spent preparing for the climb.

Day 11: Summit Baden Powell Peak [5718m] / 14 hrs. ( see below for detailed information)
Today we rise early in the morning and start our ascent to BP Peak summit. From base camp, we cross the rocky field and climb up about 50 metres until we get to a rocky slab on the right. From there we ascend the snowy 30 degree slope that leads to a glacier, which soon becomes a large glacial bowl. We zigzag our way up, keeping to the right, aiming towards the rock face to the west. From here, the slope gets a little bit steeper about 35-40 degrees. At least 100metres of ropes are fixed. We stay on the ice and climb around the rocks until we get to the top of the ridge at about 5,500m. Then there is another steep portion .We fix another 10 metres of rope. A couple of crevasses are on the way up before we climb 100 m straight to the top. We need another fix rope to reach the summit. The ridge at the top is very narrow and has very little space. From the top we have fantastic views of Shishapangma, Naya Kanga , Ganesh Himal and even Kathmandu valley on a clear day.
We return back to base camp.

Day 12: Back to Langtang camp.
Today we trek back to Langtang village.

Day 13: Langtang village to Lama Hotel [2784M] camp.
From Langtang village we trek to Ghora Tabela. We stop briefly for lunch and thereafter continue the steep descent to Lama Hotel.

Day 14: Lama Hotel to Syabru Besi [1400m]
From Lama Hotel, we head back to Syabru Besi. We can wander along the undulating path leading to the village. This gives us an opportunity to get an insight of the culture and custom of the Tamang community. We can also simply relax in the sun savouring the beauty of the majestic Himalayan Mountains.camp.

Day 15: Syabru Besi to Kathmandu / 8 hrs.
From Syabru Besi we drive to Kathmandu.

Day 16: Free in Kathmandu

Day 17: Depart