Reference Code: MKKNP
Trip Start: Kathmandu
Trek Start: Lukla
Trek Days: 15 days
Peak Climbing Period: 5 days
Maximum Altitude: 6367m.
Age: 20-60
Season: Spring and Autumn
Accommodation: Lodge and Camp
Service: Full Board
Destination: Nepal
Trip End: Kathmandu
Trek End: Lukla
Trip Durations: 19 days
Peak Grade: Extreme
Physical Rating: Strenuous
Group Size: 2-10
Theme: Expedition
Meals: Standard
Regarded as technically very challenging on all possible routes, Mt. Kusum Kanguru 6367m. is an impressive rock and ice peak which forms the border between the Dudhkosi in the south and Hinku Valley to the north. Its name originating in Sherpa language means the Three Snow-White Gods. This climb is suggested only for participants who have enough alpine mountaineering experience. The elevation of this peak is 6367m. This peak measure the toughness of the climbers as it gets difficult to summit for the climbers who did summit Mt. Everest 3 times earlier.
South-East Ridge
The approach to the South East Face is from the Hinku valley side. From Lukla the base camp can be reached in 5 days. The ascent route to the main summit is through the South East Face. With a base camp at 4360m, two or three high camps are required to complete the climb.
North Ridge
The North Ridge is approached from Monjo on the trail to Namche Bazaar. From base camp ascend steep grass and screed and finally a ramp leading to the ridge proper.
Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu
Namaste! And welcome to Kathmandu, the colourful capital of Nepal where ornately carved balconies mingle with beautiful shrines and temples. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting on arrival at the exit gate of Kathmandu airport. Our staff will welcome you and pick you to your accommodated hotel. Please seek our company palmplate to find our staff at the main exit gate of the airport. Rest of the day you can relax at the hotel or short evening walk around local market on your own as per your wish.
Approximate Driving Hours: 30 minutes
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals include: None
Day 02 Rest, NMA peak permit issue and preparation day
A well deserved rest day at cosy of hotel after a long tiring flight. This day, one can move around nearby local market to purchase or hire trekking equipment that is necessary for the trekking like sleeping bags, walking sticks etc, exchange currency as requirement or simply walk around in the local market or Kathmandu Durbar squire nearby with small entrance fee as per your preference on your own. In this day our staff will issue NMA Peak climbing permit. Evening at the hotel lobby there will be pre-trip briefing in which you will be introduced with your trekking guide and explained about your trip in short, instruction for safety etc.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals include: Breakfast
Day 03 Fly to Lukla 2840m. and trek to Chuthenga 3020m.
Today we start early for a short but spectacular flight to Lukla where we meet our crew. After landing at Lukla our trek starts as we head east, passing through a number of tiny hamlets before entering the thick forest on the hillside below the Kalo Himal Ridge. Be careful to stay with the group on this section as there are many trails leading away from the main path. There are many streams in the area, all of which are loosely referred to as Chhuthanga.
Flight Hour: 25 minutes Walking Hours: 4-5 hours
Altitude gain/loss:
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals include: Breakfast,, Lunch and Dinner
Day 04 Trek to Tuli Kharka 4100m. by crossing Zwatrwa La 4600m.
After an early breakfast, we continue our trek over a steeply ascending trail that heads for the crossing of Zatrwa La Pass at 4600 meters. From the top of the pass, we can enjoy the spectacular views of Numbur Himal, Kongdi Ri, Karyolang Peak and many other fascinating peaks. Our trek continues along the levelled trail for almost one and a half hours before dropping downhill all the way to Tuli Kharka for our overnight stay.
Walking Hours: 5-6 hours
Altitude gain/loss:
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals include: Breakfast,, Lunch and Dinner
Day 05 Trek to Kothe 4182m.
From Tuli Kharka our trail is a mixture of both uphill and downhill trekking through the dense forest filled with rhododendron, oak, pine and juniper trees. During our trek today we will have magnificent views of Mera Peak and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. A steep descent to the Hinku River and a final uphill climb will lead us to Kothe. Kothe lies to the west side of the Hinku valley and offers serene wilderness with lush vegetation to trekkers.
Walking Hours: 6-7 hours
Altitude gain/loss:
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals include: Breakfast,, Lunch and Dinner
Day 06 Trek to Thangnag 4326m.
Our trail from Kothe goes along the ridge of Hinku river towards Gondishung. Further trekking we will pass through Lungsumgba Gompa which was built approximately 200 years ago. Here we can find Mera Peak along with its route scripted in a rock which is a fantastic piece of rock carving architecture. Our trek continues with a rather easy walking trail that leads to the summer grazing area of Thangnak where there are shops and a number of good tea houses.
Walking Hours: 4-5 hours
Altitude gain/loss:
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals include: Breakfast,, Lunch and Dinner
Day 07 Rest for AMS
Acclimatization is very essential in higher altitudes to avoid mental and physical sickness. As we are above 5000 meters altitude, we will spend a rest day at Khare for acclimatization and exploration. Proper acclimatization is a must for ensuring our successful summit climb of Mera Peak. Our Sherpa team will make necessary checks on our climbing gears including ropes, ice axes, crampons, harness and other equipment before heading further to higher camps.
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals include: Breakfast,, Lunch and Dinner
Day 08 Trek to Mt. Kusum Kangru Base Camp 4360m.
After spending a full day rest at Thangnak, we will continue our trek on a trail that is gradual uphill trekking all the way to Kusum Kanguru Base Camp. It will take around four to five hours of trekking from Thangnak to reach Kusum Kanguru Base Camp. Once we reach our camping site at the base camp, our Sherpa crew will quickly set up the camp and make all the necessary preparations for getting further into higher camps at higher altitudes. We will camp for our overnight stay.
Walking Hours: 3-4 hours
Altitude gain/loss:
Accommodation: Camp
Meals include: Breakfast,, Lunch and Dinner
Day 09 Rest, basic climbing training and preparation day
This day most of the time we rest at our camp. Afternoon, the climbing support sherpa will brief the team about peak climbing skill and safety on the mountain. After that we will check all our group and personal climbing equipment.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals include: Breakfast,, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10 Trek to Camp I 5100m.
Today is a rather short but physically demanding uphill climbing trek. We will leave the Base Camp and follow the trail that is a bit difficult. Our climbing trek may require the usage of crampons, ropes and ice axes. It can be very tiring, so resting every now and then is the best way that helps in restoring energy as we trek to reach the good camping site at Camp I.
Walking Hours: 4-5 hours
Altitude gain/loss:
Accommodation: Camp
Meals include: Breakfast,, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11 Trek to Camp II
Today, we will continue to trek even higher to Camp II which is approximately around 5,600 meters above the sea level. Our trail is gradual uphill trekking which will take around four to five hours to reach a good camping site at Camp II. Once we reach our campsite, our Sherpa crew will set up the camp and make final preparations for the main summit climb of Kusum Kanguru Peak, the following day.
Walking Hours: 4-5 hours
Altitude gain/loss:
Accommodation: Camp
Meals include: High Altitude food
Day 12 Summit Mt. Kusum Kangru 6367m. and back to base camp
Today is the day we all have been desperately waiting for. Fully acclimatized and properly equipped with all the necessary climbing gears we start early with the aim to reach the summit before midday, as the strong winds afternoon can create problems and obstacles making it impossible to reach the summit. Hence, following the footsteps and guidance of our experienced climbing experts - we will overcome several difficult and technical sections as we climb to the summit. Our tiring climb to the summit is rewarded with magnificent views of world's towering mountains including Mt Everest, Mt Cho Oyu, Mt Lhotse, Mt Makalu, Mt Nuptse, Mt Thamserku, the majestic Ama Dablam and other surrounding high peaks. After spending quality time at the top we will descend following the same route and descend back to reach the Base Camp.
Walking Hours: 8-9 hours
Altitude gain/loss:
Accommodation: Camp
Meals include: High Altitude food
Day 13 Reserve day for incase
If any problem encounter on the summit day, we will use this day for summit.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals include: High altitude food/ Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 14 Clean base camp and trek to to Tashing Ongma 3600m.
After successfully accomplishing the target summit of Kusum Kanguru with Nepal Guide Treks and Expedition, we will retrace our footsteps back from the base camp and trek towards Tashing Ongma for our overnight camping. We will descend from the harsh alpine vegetation into evergreen sub-tropical vicinity which truly is a great feeling after such an achievement.
Walking Hours: 5-6 hours
Altitude gain/loss:
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 15 Trek to Tuli Kharka 4100m.
Leaving our camping site at Tashing Ongma, we will follow the trail that comprises of several uphills and downhills through dense rhododendron forest until we arrive back to Tuli Kharka. We will trek over the western section of Hinku valley to reach Tuli Kharka. We can enjoy magnificent views o Mera North, Mera Central and South Face of Mera Peak from Tuli Kharka.
Walking Hours: 5-6 hours
Altitude gain/loss:
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 16 Trek to Lukla2840. by crossing Zwatrwa La 4600m.
Today is the last day of our trekking. From Tuli Kharka we will gently ascend for the crossing of Zatrwa La Pass and from the top of the pass, we start descending to finally arrive back to Lukla. In the evening we will celebrate together with our crew for successful Mera Peak Climbing.
Walking Hours: 6 hours
Altitude gain/loss:
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals include: Breakfast,, Lunch and Dinner
Day 17 Fly to Kathmandu 1350m.
Weather-permitting, we fly from the tiny mountain airstrip back to Kathmandu, with a last chance to glimpse the mighty snowcapped Himalaya in the distance.
Flight Hours: 25 minutes Driving hours: 40 minutes
Altitude gain/loss:
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals include: Breakfast
Day 18 Rest and final shopping day
A chance to do some shopping, explore at leisure or merely relax by the hotel. We enjoy a final night together, reliving the trek and our extraordinary achievements.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals include: Breakfast
Day 19 Final departure
We say 'Namaste' for memories that will last a lifetime. There are no activities planned for today and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is at 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. For your final departure, our staff will pick you up from the hotel and transfer to Kathmandu airport approximately 3 hours prior to your international flight time.
Driving hours: 40 minutes
Meals include: Breakfast
Inclusion
Lodge + Camp Basis
All ground transportation as per itinerary
4 night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with B/B plan.
Both way domestic Air fare (KTM-LUK-KTM) with airport tax
Cargo charges
Everest National Park Entry fee
Makalu Barun National Park Entry fee
Peak climbing permit
Food for the members on camping basis/ Lodge basis
All camping equipment and camping charges during climbing period
All required group climbing equipments( like fixed ropes, man rope, ice bar, ice screw.....)
All required Nepalese staffs including climbing support sherpa
Climbing support Sherpa equipments
All Nepalese staffs insurance
Company service charge and government taxes etc.
Exclusion
International flight with airport tax.
Nepalese Entry Visa fee
Food during stay in Kathmandu
All personal equipment and personal expenses
All personal climbing gears
Photography Charges, Monument charges and Monument entry fees
Personal Medical and travel insurance(must cover helicopter rescue evacuation cost)
Personal Medicine
Telephone and internet charges
Laundry charges
Alcoholic beverage, bottled drinks and cold drinks during the trip
Rescue evacuation charges if required
Staff and porters Tips
Equipment List
This trekking equipment list has been prepared by Adventure Zambuling Treks (P) Ltd.
Climbing equipment:
» Climbing harness;
» One 3 metre/10 foot sling and three 2 metre/6 foot slings.
» Figure 8/Abseil belay device;
» 1 large mitten sized ascender (most members use the large petzl) and arm length leash;
» 2 locking carabiners, (1 large and 1 small)
» 4 regular carabiners;
» Good quality Ice axe with leash;
» Crampons - must fit boots perfectly. Steel crampons with anti-balling (anti-bot) plates are the best;
» Optional; Adjustable trekking poles;
Upper Body:
» 2 cotton t-shirts;
» 1 polypropylene t-shirt;
» 1 long sleeve polypropylene shirts, lightweight;
» 1 polar fleece pullovers, medium weight;
» 1 polar fleece jacket.
» Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable;
» Lightweight down jacket for those chilly days in camp;
Hands:
» 1 pr. lightweight poly-liner gloves. These will be worn when tying knots, but not inside your mitts;
» 1 pair mittens, consists of 1 Gore-tex over mitt matched with the very warm polar fleece mitt liner (For more about high altitude mitts.
Head:
» Warm hat wool or synthetic that covers your ears;
» Balaclava;
» Face mask;
» Ballcap or brimmed suncap;
» Glacier sunglasses with side shields (you can purchase these inexpensively in Kathmandu,
» 1 pair ski goggles (Optional) with light and dark lens;
» Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs;
» Bandana or head scarf, also useful for dusty conditions.
Lower Body:
» Cotton underwear briefs;
» 1 pair walking shorts;
» 1 pair walking trousers for trekking and around camp;
» 1 pair lightweight thermal bottoms;
» 1 pair medium or expedition weight thermal bottoms;
» 1 pair polar fleece trousers;
» 1 pair Gore-Tex trousers, salopettes, or bibs. Waterproof/breathable with full side zips;
Your clothing should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks, bin-liners, or large plastic bags.
Feet:
» 1 pair Double Plastic boots (Koflach);
Modern single waterproof-leather climbing boots with special insulation for cold weather/winter climbing on 4000 metre/13,000 foot high peaks are OK, as long as they will fit comfortably with two thick pair of socks and a vapour barrier liner and the boot will fit the crampon perfectly.
» 1 pair sturdy leather walking boots with good ankle support (we mean leather trekking, not climbing boots) for the trek;
» 1 pair trainers, running shoes and/or sandals for Kathmandu and in camp;
» 1 pair down booties (optional);
» 2 pair med-heavy poly or wool socks;
» 2- pair of liner socks. Polypropylene or wool;
» Vapour barrier liner socks or plastic bread-bags;
» 2 pair lightweight trekking socks, poly or wool;
» Cotton socks for in town.
Sleeping:
» 1 good quality sleeping bag (good to -30 degrees C)
» At least 1 closed cell foam kari-mats. We do not recommend inflatable mats, as we have never seen one not puncture. You can buy these non inflatable mats very inexpensively in Kathmandu. Why carry foam mats around the world, when you can purchase them inexpensively in Kathmandu?
Your sleeping bags should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks, bin-liners, or large plastic bags.
Rucksack and Travel Bags:
» 1 medium rucksack (50-70 litres / 3000-4500 cubic inches, can be used for airplane carry);
» 1 or 2 large (120 L / 7500 cubic inch) duffle kit bags for clothing and equipment. Must be durable for use on pack animals or porters;
» Small padlocks for duffel kit bags.
Personal Hygiene:
» female or male hygiene supplies;
» 2 tubes lip sun cream, 1 large tube skin sun cream (min.factor 15);
» anti-mosquito cream;
» 1 toothpaste/brush;
» 1 bar soap or hand sanitizer gel/1 small towel;
» hand wipes.
Medical:
Medications are inexpensive and readily available in Kathmandu with no Doctor`s prescription:
» small personal first-aid kit. (Simple and Light) Aspirin, first-aid tape, plasters (band-aids), personal medications, etc. The leaders will have extensive first-aid kits, so leave anything extra behind. Please let your leader know about any medical issues before the climb;
» 1 skin blister repair kit;
» 1 small bottle anti-diarrhea pills;
» 1 small bottle anti-headache pills;
» 1 small bottle cough and/or cold medicine;
» 1 small bottle stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc.;
» 1 small bottle anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox, Acetylzolamide.
» Do not bring sleeping pills. They are a respiratory depressant;
» 1 small bottle of water purification tablets or water filter;
» 1 set earplugs;
» Extra prescription glasses, contact lens supplies. Contact lens wearers, please bring glasses in case of emergency. A new pair could be quickly made in Kathmandu, Lhasa, or Kashgar for just $20. Please order upon arrival if you are interested.
Personal Food:
On the mountain we supply plenty of food for you to cook 3 hot meals each day. This food will consist of soup, local cheese & sausage, biscuits, dried noodles, potatoes, rice, porridge, butter, dried and tinned vegetables, fruit, meats, and fish, tea with milk and sugar, powdered juice drink, and drinking chocolate. Our sherpas/local porter will be carrying this food to the higher camps.
» We ask each member to bring their own imported daily snack and energy foods. We do not provide cold “snack” food such as chocolate or "energy-bars". We ask that you bring or buy your own "snack" or daily cold energy food, 2-3 kilos/4-6 pounds is a good amount (for the trek and Island Peak combined). A growing variety of imported foods such as European and American cheeses, chocolates, biscuits, cookies, nuts, and locally made power-bars are now available in Kathmandu, at realistic prices. However, imported power bars, GU, re-hydration drinks, dehydrated food, "freeze-dried meals", imported cheese and sausage are not available. If you want these items, you must bring them from your home country. Many of our members, especially Britons, Europeans, and Australians with tiny baggage allowances, now purchase their daily snacks in Kathmandu. Our schedule in Kathmandu allows plenty of time for shopping.
Practical:
» 1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing repair kit;
» 1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box matches;
» 1 compass or GPS;
» Recent good quality map of visiting area.
» 1 battery powered alarm clock/watch;
» 1 camera and film, or digital camera with extra cards and extra batteries;
» nylon stuff sacks For food and gear storage, large Ziplocs are useful also;
» 3 Water bottles (1 litre) wide-mouth Nalgene (1 is a pee bottle);
» 1 plastic cup and spoon;
» 1 small folding knife;
» binoculars (optional);
» 4 large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks;
» passport, 2 extra passport photos, flight ticket, flight itinerary;
» separate photocopies of passport and relevant visa pages, proof of insurance;
» dollars, pounds or euros cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, Tibet visa, for paying for restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks, and to purchase your own drinks and gifts;
» credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for use for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards), traveler's checks, etc.;
» 1 bathing suit/swimming costume (you never know);
» basecamp entertainment. It is good to bring additional items which you have found to be useful on previous expeditions. For example: paperback books, playing cards, ipod mp3 player, short-wave radio, game boys, musical instruments, ear plugs, lots of batteries, etc.;
» travel clothes for basecamp and in town;
This Peak Climbing equipment list has been prepared by Adventure Zambuling Treks (P) Ltd.
Please submit any equipment questions or concerns to: info@advzambuling.com
