Yala peak climbing mit Gosaikunda Trek

Equipment & Packing List

This list is a guideline to help you pack for trekking and peak climbing. Also, please understand that the items listed below will vary a little according to the season and the trek duration. Those items marked by an asterisk (*) are provided by Pinnacle Treks inclusive in the service. Remember that your luggage will be carried by your porter, but you are required to carry a daypack (with your valuables or anything important) on your own. We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary.

Important documents and items

• Valid passport
• 2 extra passport size photos
• Airline tickets
• Separate photocopies of passport
• Visa form (easily obtained at Kathmandu airport)
• Proof of insurance
• Dollars in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport
• Credit cards, bank/ATM/cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards)

Personal climbing-gears

• Ice axe
• Crampons
• Harness
• Tape slings (2)
• Screwgate karabiners (2 lock, 2 unlock)
• Descender/eight figure
• Plastic mountaineering boots
• Ascender/Jhumar
• Helmet

Group climbing-gears

• Snow bar*
• Rope*
• Ice hammer*
• Ice screw*

Head

• Bandana or head scarf, also useful for dusty conditions
• Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic)
• Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Prescription sunglasses (if required)

Upper Body

• Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
• Light and expedition weight thermal tops
• Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
• Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
• Down vest and/or jacket *
• Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable

Hands

• 1 pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves
• 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves
• 1 pair of mittens; consists of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt matched, waterproof, polar-fleece mitt liner

Lower Body

• Non-cotton underwear briefs
• 1 pair of hiking shorts
• 1 pair of hiking trousers
• 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms
• 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers
• 1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric

Feet

• 2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
• 2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
• 1 pair of hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water resistant, ankle support)
• 1 pair of trainers or running shoes and/or sandals
• Cotton socks
• Gaiters

Sleeping

• 1 sleeping bag 30 degree DC
• Fleece sleeping bag liner

Backpack and Travel Bags

• 1 medium backpack or 1 large duffel bag *
• Daypack/backpack of 35 to 50 liters for carrying your valuables, should have good shoulder padding
• Small padlocks for duffel-kit bags
• 2 large waterproof backpack covers (optional)

Medical

• Small, personal first-aid kit (simple and light)
• Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
• 1 skin-blister repair kit
• Anti-diarrhea pills
• Anti-headache pills
• Cough and/or cold medicine
• Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetylzolamide
• Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Note: Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant!
• Water purification tablets or water filter
• 1 set of earplugs
• Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies

Practical Items

• 1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing-repair kit
• 1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box of matches
• 1 compass or GPS (optional)
• 1 alarm clock/watch
• 1 digital camera with extra cards and batteries
• Large ziplocs
• 2 water bottles (1 liter each)
• 1 small folding knife
• Binoculars (optional)
• 4 large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks

Toiletries

• 1 medium-sized quick drying towel
• Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
• Multi-purpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
• Deodorants
• Nail clippers
• Face and body moisturizer
• Female hygiene products
• Small mirror

Persönliche Hygiene

• Wet wipes (baby wipes)
• Tissue /toilet roll
• Anti-bacterial hand wash

Extras/Luxus

• Reading book
• Trail map/guide book
• Journal and pen
• iPod
• Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble, playing cards (to help you pass the time at teahouses and/or camps)
• 1 modest swim suit
• Binoculars (optional)
• Voltage converter (from 220 to 110 ampere)
• Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs)
• Lightweight pillow case (in case your teahouses provide you with pillows) or use your own stuff as a pillow

Day 01 – Arrival in Kathmandu
1,350m/4,428ft
Upon our arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative from Pinnacle Trek who will take us to our hotel. After checking in, we may take a rest or visit Pinnacle Treks office. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by pinnacle treks. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included meals: Dinner

Day 02 – Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trip preparation
Today after breakfast, we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. We visit the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and the Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world. After the tour, we get our equipment checked by our climbing leader, get introduced to fellow participants, and discuss our trip at pinnacle treks office. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included meals: Breakfast

Day 03 – Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi
1,550m/5,100ft – Duration: 7 hours
We leave Kathmandu in the morning for Syabrubesi, a village which is also the starting point for treks into the Langtang valley. Our journey will be on a winding road through frequent switchbacks. On a clear day we get to enjoy outstanding views of Manaslu, Annapurna and Ganesh Himal. Our trek for today ends with a descent into the small village of Syabrubesi. Overnight in Syabrubesi.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 04 – Trek from Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel
2,380m/7,830ft – Duration: 6 hours
After breakfast, we begin our trek to Syabrubesi along the Langtang Khola. Our trail ascends and descends simultaneously through oak and rhododendron forests. After crossing a bridge over the Langtang Khola (small river), we ascend on a steep trail which will lead us to the Lama Hotel. Overnight in Lama Hotel.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 05 – Lama Hotel to Langtang village
3,430m/11,253ft – Duration: 6-7 hours
We continue ascending from Lama Hotel and enjoy the mountain landscape with abundant waterfalls on our journey. As we reach the green meadows of Ghoda Tabela, we begin to see the white peaks of the Langtang range. We walk on a trail that continues to climb up the widening valley, passing a few temporary settlements used by herders who bring their livestock here in the summer. In spring, the forest here is covered with rhododendrons, Nepal’s national flower. We pass a Buddhist monastery before reaching the Langtang village. Overnight in Langtang village.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 06 – Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa
3,870m/12,697ft – Duration: 3- 4 hours
We leave the village and climb gradually through small villages and yak pastures as the valley opens up to reveal amazing mountain views. The mountain to our left is the Langtang Lirung and the one before us is the Ganchempo. We cross several small streams and moraines before reaching Kyanjin Gompa, a small monastery and the government-operated cheese factory. We reach the Kyanjin village by lunchtime which will give us ample time to acclimatize to the high altitude. Overnight in Kyanjin.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 07 – Acclimatization
Today is set aside for acclimatization which is very important in order to have a safe journey into the mountains. However, it is also recommended that we keep ourselves busy by hiking around the area. Therefore, we will be visiting Lagsisha Kharka which is a good 5-6 hour long walk. Along the way, we get some great views of the nearby peaks including Dorje Lakpa and Shisha Pangma. In the Kharka, which means pasture in Nepalese, we see a number of semi-permanent stone settlements where herders live in the summer months while tending to their yaks. Overnight in Kyanjin Gompa.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 08: Kyanjin Gompa to Yala Base Camp
4600m – Duration: 5-6 hours
We trek along a rocky glacier trail to reach the Yala Base Camp. From the Base Camp we get astounding views of Ganchenpo, Naya Kang, Tserko Ri, and Yala Peak. After reaching the Base Camp, our climbing guides will conduct a basic training on climbing techniques including the best way to use climbing gears such as ropes, ice pick, harness and crampons. Overnight in Yala Base Camp.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 09 – Summit Yala Peak and return to Yala Peak Base Camp
5500m – Duration: 8-9 hours
We start our summit to Yala Peak early in the morning. From the summit we get panoramic views of the mighty Himalayas including Shishapangma, Dorje Lakpa, Ganchenpo, Naya Kang, Tserko Ri, Langtang Lirung and others. After spending some time at the summit, we head back to the Base Camp. Overnight in Yala Base Camp.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 – Yala Peak Base Camp to Langtang village
Duration: 7-8 hours
We retrace our steps to the Langtang village.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 – Langtang village to Thulo Syabru
Duration: 5-6 hours
Again we take a relatively familiar route, through woods and along the river valley passing Bamboo Lodge, where we join an uphill trail which will lead us to the Sherpa village of Thulo Syabru. Overnight in Thulo Syabru.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 – Thulo Syabru to Gosainkunda
Duration: 7-8 hours
Today we get to enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the Himalayas including the Annapurnas, Hiunchuli, Manaslu, Ganesh and Langtang. We follow a ridge for most part of the day and catch a glimpse of the first of the holy lakes. The third lake, Gosaikunda (4380m), is of particular religious and cultural significance for the Nepalese and is one of Nepalís most sought after pilgrimage sites. The lake is surrounded by mountains on almost all sides and has a great ensemble of nine other lakes to accompany it. Every year during Janai Purnima in August, hundreds of Hindu pilgrims visit the lake for a holy bath. The large rock at the center of the lake is said to be the remains of a Shiva shrine. Overnight in Gosaikunda.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 – Gosainkunda to Tharapati
3600m – Duration: 7-8 hours
We move around the lake’s shore before ascending towards the Laurebina Pass (4610m). The Helambu region begins at the Lauribina La (pass) and descends to the Melamchi valley. The trail is rough and crosses moraines, but is well marked with cairns. We pass through three more small lakes before reaching the pass. We climb a small hill and enjoy excellent views of the area. Our trail passes through Suryakunda, Ghopte and forests before reaching Tharepati. Overnight in Tharepati.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 – Tharapati to Timbu
Duration: 6-7 hours
Today we leave Tharapati to Timbu which will be our last walk as we will be driving from Timbu. We descend through lush rhododendron forests and pass several chortens and mani walls before reaching Timbu. The village is well cultivated and beautiful. Overnight in Timbu.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15 – Drive from Timbu to Kathmandu
Duration: 4-5 hours
From Timbu we drive to Kathmandu enjoying the changing landscape of Nepal. After reaching Kathmandu, we check-in to our hotel and freshen up and take a rest. In the evening, we celebrate the successful completion of our journey with a farewell dinner.

Inclusive of costs

• Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
• 3 nights at the hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
• Teahouse accommodations during the short trek
• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
• Welcome and farewell dinners
• All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
• Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private vehicle
• Entrance fees for sightseeing/monument visits as per the itinerary
• English-speaking, trained and experienced trekking guide(leader), climbing guide (leader) and assistant guides
• Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
• Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation
• Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion)
• All necessary paperwork including climbing and trekking permits, and National Park Permit
• Good quality tents and kitchen utensils for camping
• Group mountaineering (climbing) equipment(s)
• Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
• All government and local taxes

Exclusive of costs

• Nepalese visa fee
• Excess baggage charge(s)
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
• Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
• International flights
• Travel and rescue insurance
• Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
• Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
• Personal climbing equipment
• Personal climbing guide if requested
• Optional trips and sightseeing if extended
• Tips for guides and porters

Why you should book the tours with Pinnacle Trek?

• Best price with better hospitality
• You have a big group? We can help!
• Local experienced guide and porters
• Top-notch customer service
• Depature date is guaranteed
• We can help you to make it fits for your budget
• We can customize the trip for your need
• 15 years of experiences of trekking field

Cancellation Policies

We understand things happen and plans change and will refund your deposit minus a $170 cancelation fee. Once we have booked your flight between Jomsom to Pokhara your deposit is non-refundable. If your travel dates change we can generally reschedule you at no extra charge, but please provide at least 7 days advance notice.