Baden Powell Scout Peak Expedition (12 Days)

Baden Powell Scout Peak, a mushroom shaped mountain situated inthe Langtang region offers a perfect alternative to Imja Tse or Island Peak in the Khumbu region. It is surrounded by majestic peaks such as Langtang II, Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa and Shishapangma in Tibet.

Locally known as Urkema Peak, it was renamed BadenPowell Scout Peak (5,890m) in 2006. The peak was named after the father of the Scouts movement by the Nepal Government to mark the centenary celebration of the International Scouts Movement.

The trail to Baden Powell Scout Peak is located off-the-beaten-track, away from the usual trekking crowd. The villages, dotting the trail, are pristine and untouched by modernity. It is hoped that the economic condition of the villagers would improve once this trail gains popularity among trekkers.To mark the launch of the Baden Powell Scout Trek and Baden Powell Scout Peak, scouts from different countries like Australia, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Nepal gathered in Nepal in August 2007 and were the first to trek along the Baden Powell Scout Trail and ascend the Baden Powell Scout Peak.

In order to show Scouting’s profound gratitude to the government and to Nepal Scouts, APR is in collaboration with Nepal Scouts in organizing an annual regional event during March 5 – 17, 2012 and September 5 – 17, 2012 to climb the BP peak.

TRIP FACTS

• Trip length :12 Days
• Grade :Moderate/Strenuous – Alpine grade: PD
• Starts in :Kathmandu
• Ends in :Kathmandu
• Group size :Per group 7 pax
• Accommodation :Nepal Scouts’ center, Hotel & camping
• Transportation :Bus
• Maximum altitude :5,890m

Group Size

Maximum Group size for the Climbing: Per group 7 pax

Preparation

Climber must be familiar with alpine environments and must understand the risks that camping at the snowline pose.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Arrival in Kathmandu

It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. Representatives and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to the Nepal Scouts National Headquarters in Lainchour, where you will be warmly greeted by members of Nepal Scouts. You will spend the night at the Nepal Scouts Headquarters.

Day 1

Kathmandu to Kakani (2050M) 1.5 hrs drive

In the morning we take a one and half hours driveto Kakani. Nepal Scouts International Training Center and camp is located there. It spreads over 43.75 Hectors. This land was donated in 1998 to Nepal Scouts by the Government of Nepal. Over here scouts and non scouts from Nepal and other countries are given training and camping facilities. In addition the venue is used for various events and programs.

Day 2

Kakani to Syabrubesi [1400m] /8 hrs drive

After having breakfast, we take a 2 hour bus ride to Trishuli. We approach pristine villages on the banks of the river Trishuli. There is a small bazaar on the banks of the river, known as Trishuli Bazar (540m).

From Trishuli after driving for another 8kms we reach Rasuwa District’s main gate. Members from the Shree Neelkanth Scout Troop will be there welcome us. Another 15 kms drive later Shree Neelkanth Namuna Scout Troop will welcome us with more floral garlands and cheer.We drive uphill to reach Dhunche (2120 m) and get the view of the mesmerizing panorama of the Himalayas, including the Annapurnas, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and the peaks of the Langtang region. We drive downhill, through a winding road and reach Syabru Besi(1460m), where we stay overnight at a local lodge.

Day 3

Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel [2420m]

We traverse the ridge on Syabru Besi’s main road and soon reach Ghopcha Khola. Terraced fields and dense forest with a variety of plant species like oaks, maple, alder and bamboo can be seen on the trail. We may get to see yellow-throated martin, wild boar, langur monkey, red panda and Himalayan black bear en route. Further on, the trail crosses a stream and a bridge. We pass by several small tea shops. As we continue ascending steeply along the trail, we come across a steel suspension bridge at 2000 meters. The route further crosses to the north bank of the Langtang Khola amid the spectacular vistas 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.

Day 4

Trek to Langtang village [3430m] (5hrs)

From Lama Hotel, we continue the ascent above the Langtang Khola. As the trail progresses, it becomes steeper. We have the most exotic sights of Langtang Lirung lying at 7246 m. The trail leads to a log bridge and on climbing further we come across lush meadows of Ghora Tabela at 3000m. We will see several lodges and a police check post in the area. 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 andreaching up a height of 3500 meters. Langtang village is the headquarters for Langtang National Park and features flat-roofed Tibetan style houses, hotels and cultivated lands yielding buckwheat, potatoes, wheat, turnips, barley and other crop

Day 5

Trek to Kyangjin [3900m](3 hrs)

The trail skirts gradually through rich yak pastures and interesting traditional villages of Mundu & Singdun. We cross a wooden cantilever bridge and reach a wide valley after climbing a moraine. Finally, on ascending the mountain passes, we arrive at Kyagjin Gompa. There is a small monastery and a government-operated cheese factory in the area.

Day 6

Kyangjinto BP High Camp (6 hrs)

BP High Camp (4987m)

The route from the base to high camp is an uphill climb. This little trek goes up through a rhododendron forest. We follow the rhododendron bushes and cross a river. We head in a westerly direction up to the mountain and moved towards the south. The highcamp at 4,987 m, takes around 6 to 7 hours to reach from Kyangjin. The place where we set up our high camp is a good very open. It is a large rocky area but has fresh water flowing through it. The view from the high camp is fantastic. To the north, you have the 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 high camp.

Day 7

High Camp to B.P. Scout Peak Summit (5890)

From high camp, we cross the rocky field andclimb up about 50 meters 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. Ropes are fixed. We stay on the ice and climb around the rocks until we get to the top of the ridge at about 5,890m.

Day 8

Back to Kyanjin Gompa

From high camp we trek back to Kyanjin Gompa.

Day 9

Kyanjin to Lama Hotel [2420M]

From Kyangjin, we take the route back to Lama Hotel. As we retrace our steps, we follow the Langtang Khola to Langtang village and on to Ghora Tabela. We stop briefly for lunch and thereafter continue the steep descent to Lama Hotel.

Day 10

Lama Hotel to Syabru Besi [1470m]

From Lama Hotel, we head back to Syabru Besi. We can wander around 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 savoring the beauty of the majestic Himalayan Mountains.

Day 11

Syabru Besi to Kakani (2050m)

From Syabru Besi we drive to Kakani, where we stay overnight at the Scouts Training Center.

Day 12

Kakani to Kathmandu (1434m)

We conclude our trip with a driving to Kathmandu.

Day 13

Depart Kathmandu

Our Nepalese support team will take you to the airport for your flight home.

Note:

Although we have own schedule expedition programme a year i.e March September. We are in a position to make a programme on “TALIORMADE BASIS”. Therefore, please feel free to contact us to conduct if you would like to make a programme for the expedition at any time during the year except in November, December and January.

For more information, please contact:

Nepal Scouts
National Headquarters
Lainchour, Kathmandu
Nepal

• Email :nepscout@mail.com.np
• URL : http://nepal.yajtechnologies.com.np