Reference Code: MKWNP
Trip Start: Kathmandu
Trek Start: Lukla
Trek Days: 13 days
Peak Climbing Period: 3 days
Maximum Altitude: 6011m.
Age: 20-60
Season: Spring and Autumn
Accommodation: Lodge and Camp
Service: Full Board
Destination: Nepal
Trip End: Kathmandu
Trek End: Lukla
Trip Durations: 17 days
Peak Grade: Hard
Physical Rating: Strenuous
Group Size: 2-10
Theme: Expedition
Meals: Standard
Mt. Kwangde Ri Peak is situated just above the Bhotekoshi River, southeast of Namche Bazaar in the Everest region. This mountain is bordered with the Rolwaling himal and makes an impressive multi- summited ridge on the eastern end of the Lumding Himal which is a part of the Rolwaling Himal. It lies at the northern end of the hidden and remote valley of Lumding Drangka. In the Kwangde peak there are four peaks above 6000m. Kwangde peak climbing is challenging as it has the steep ridge in the northern side and southern side is glaciated and unapproachable. Though there are different route to scale the peak, all of them are difficult. Kwangde peak climbing and trekking takes you in to the untouched and hidden area of Everest region which offers the beautiful views of the remote Lumding Drangka valley which inhibit the tumbling glaciers of Karyolung, Khartang and Numbur.
The adventurous journey to the Kwangde Ri Peak starts from Lukla after the 25 minutes flight from Kathmandu. The trekking from Lukla to the Kwangde Ri peak provides very exciting experience to the climbers. On the way they enjoy the beautiful scene of the landscapes, waterfalls, river valleys, beautiful forest with blooming rhododendron flower. On the way they can visit Sherpa villages and beautiful monasteries. They can explore the culture and lifestyle of the Sherpa people in the villages. They can also encounter various flora and fauna and wildlife like snow leopard, red panda, danfee etc. The surrounding view of from the summit is very exciting to the climbers. They can observe the excellent view of the mountains like Rolwaling, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyo, Ama Dablam and many more which gives the life time memory. The best seasons to go for Kwangde Ri Peak climbing are spring and autumn.
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 Phakding 2610m.
Today we have a very early (approx. 6.30 am) flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (45 minutes). If the weather is good, the views of the Himalayas from the small plane are amazing! In Lukla (2840 m), there will be an introduction to the porters, we gear up and commence our trek. Today is a fairly gentle introduction, following the milk-white Dudh Kosi River approximately three-hours to Phakding (2610 m).
Driving Hours:40 minutes Flight hours: 25 minutes Walking hours: 3 hours
Altitude gain/loss:
Accommodation: Camp
Meals include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 04 Trek to Ghat Pari
Today, we will continue our trail along the dense forests of pine and oak that takes us to the Bengkar village in the north. We will cross many suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River and cross few settlements like Chumao before reaching our destination Ghat Pari. Ghat Pari is a small settlement area in between Lukla and Monjo village. We will see some small family temples and large Mani walls there.
Walking Hours:
Altitude gain/loss:
Accommodation: Camp
Meals include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 05 Trek to Yak Kharka
Today we will ascend along the path towards Yak Kharka. The path will be mostly along the forested area of pine and junipers. As we are ascending to the higher altitude we will find fewer settlement areas and less vegetation. Yak Kharka is a small settlement area with few tea houses. It is generally used by the herders for seasonal grazing of their cattle.
Walking Hours:
Altitude gain/loss:
Accommodation: Camp
Meals include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 06 Rest for AMS
Today will be our first acclimatization day at a higher altitude of this region. We need to acclimatize ourselves at the higher altitude and thinning air. On this day, we engage ourselves in hiking to Ledar which offers beautiful viewpoints to observe the mountain peaks of Everest region or we can prepare the trekking gears and equipment needed to submit the Kongde Ri peak. We can take rest and can enjoy the mesmerizing views of the high peaks.
Walking Hours: Depends on wish
Accommodation: Camp
Meals include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 07 Trek to Lumding Kharka via Lumding La 4516m.
We will start our trek to Lumding Valley. The trail continues along the beautiful meadows and forests with the most fascinating views of major mountains peak. We pass through Lumding La pass (4516m) and continue ahead to cross the Dudh Koshi River before reaching our destination, Lumding Kharka.
Walking Hours:
Altitude gain/loss:
Accommodation: Camp
Meals include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 08 Trek to Kwangde/Kongde Ri Base Camp (4910m),
After having our breakfast, we will head toward the Pokhari Camp. The trail mostly passes through green meadows and verdant forests of pine and oak. On reaching Pokhari Camp, we will head toward Kongde Ri Base Camp. The climb will be steep along the narrow ridgeline. The magnificent views of the glaciers and mountains along our way always invigorate us to ascend further. We can see the Numbur (6959m) and Karyolung glaciers surrounding the Kongde Ri Peak (6168m).
Walking 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 Climb to High Camp
Today we will head toward the High camp from Basecamp. We steeply ascend along the Kongde Ri. The trail will be mostly steep and challenging, so we must be careful and we need to practice utmost caution during the climb. The trail mostly passes through the rocky ridges and may be slippery due to ice.
Walking Hours:
Altitude gain/loss:
Accommodation: Camp
Meals include: High Altitude food
Day 11 Summit Mt. Kwangde 6011m. and back to Base Camp
From high camp, we will ascend to the top of Kongde Ri which is at the height of 6011m. We will ascend slowly, under the guidance of our experienced trek guide. On summiting the top of Kongde Ri we can enjoy the panoramic views of Mt. Everest (8848m), Mt. Ama Dablam (6586m), Gaurishankar (7134m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8188m) along with many another numerous ranges of towering mountains. Capturing the beautiful views of major mountains in our camera, we will slowly descend to our Base Camp.
Walking Hours:
Altitude gain/loss:
Accommodation: Camp
Meals include: High Altitude food/Dinner
Day 12 Reserve day for incase
If any problem encounter on the summit day, we will use this day for summit.
Walking Hours:
Altitude gain/loss:
Accommodation: Camp
Meals include: High Altitude food/Breakfast, lunch and dinner
day 13 Clean Base Camp and Backtract to Yak Kharka
The descending trail along the thick dense forest will take us to Yak Kharka. Initially, our trail descends to Pokhari camp and then to Lumbding Kharka. We will have our lunch there and slowly descend to Yak Kharka. The trail will be steeply descending and challenging along the ridgeline.
Walking Hours:
Altitude gain/loss:
Accommodation: Camp
Meals include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 14 Trek to Lukla 2840m.
We will retrace the path along the forested landscapes crossing many settlement areas like Ghat Pari, Cheplung village and many more. We descend as we bid a final goodbye to the Himalayas. We will encounter many terraced farms on our way to Lukla. On reaching Lukla we will celebrate the success of the trip with Nepalese staffs altogether.
Walking Hours:
Altitude gain/loss:
Accommodation: Camp
Meals include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 15 Fly to Kathmandu
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 16 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 17 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
TIMs (Trekking Information Management system) card
Everest National Park and Pasang Lhammu VDC 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
