| 2007 BADEN-POWEL PEAK CLIMB IN NEPAL |
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| Posting by Rahman | |
| Friday, 04 August 2006 | |
 As we prepare for the biggest Scouting event in 2007: the Centenary of Scouting, the Royal Government of Nepal, on the initiative of Nepal Scouts, comes up with a project that would welcome the centenary with a bang by putting Scouts on top of its majestic and snow-capped peak. The Government of Nepal, recently named a new trekking route around the Ganesh Himal area as “Baden Powell Trek” and the 5,825 meters high Urkema Peak at Langtang Valley, situated north of Kathmandu, as “Baden Powell Peak.” The WOSM/Asia-Pacific Office, is pleased to announce and invite all climbing enthusiasts from Scout associations around the world to embark on this historical climb which would officially start from 28 August and would end up on 16 September 2007 right on top of the summit. A soft launch will be organized in August this year. Interested participants from all parts of the world shall gather in Kathmandu and head for Kakani, site of the Nepal Scout's Camp. After spending two nights in Kakani with orientation and necessary briefing on the proposed trip, the team shall drive to Gatalang from Kakani and do a days long trek via Shangdenkharka, Rasuwagadhi & Briddhim which is named as 'Baden Powell Trek'. Once the circuit is completed, then it is another two days walk to Kyangjin towards the 'Baden Powell Peak'. After spending a night at Kyangjing, the team shall head for the Base camp where the formal inauguration of this Base camp shall take place. There will be selected members from the trekking team to take part in the climb which will make an ascent of the peak and put flags of Nepal, International Scouts and Nepal Scouts on the summit. This occasion shall be taken as formal inauguration of the 'Baden Powell Peak'. The team shall return back to Kathmandu after completing the mission where the Certificate of Achievement shall be distributed to participants.  2007 TRIP ITINERARY:26th Aug: Scouts gather at Kakani, the Nepal Scout's camp 28th Aug: Formal launching of the Expedition, handover of flags 29th Aug: Drive to Gatlang 30th Aug: Trek to via Wilje Yugre Kharke 31st Aug:Trek to Jagashwor 1st Sept:Trek to Thinjung 2nd Sept:Trek to Sunduru 3rd Sept: Trek to Tatopani 4th Sept: Trek to Thuman 5th Sept: Trek to Rashuwagadhi 6th Sept: Trek to Briddim 7th Sept: Trek to Syabru Besi 8th Sept: Trek to Lama Hotel 9th Sept: Trek to Kyangjin 10th Sept: Rest day at Kyangjin 11th Sept: Trek to Base Camp 12th Sept: Trek to High Camp 13th Sept: Summit ascent and return to Kyangjin 14th Sept: Return to Lama Hotel 15th Sept: Return to Syabru Besi 16th Sept: Drive to Kathmandu Price: Trekking members: US $ 800 Climbing members: US $ 850 Prices include all meals, transportation, Sherpa guides, cooks, tents, sleeping bags etc. For additional nights in KTM in a hotel costs ranges from US$ 15 per room per night with BB up to US$ 25 – US$ 50 depending upon the facilities available.. Prices exclude all meals in Kathmandu except breakfast. Personal gears, climbing equipments of individual use, insurance and rescue evacuation and personal expenses. Essential information on climbing Baden-Powell Peak This mushroom-shaped mountain situated in the Langtang region of Nepal 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 Lapka and Shisapangma in Tibet. The difficulty of the climb is very similar to Island Peak (PD+) and even though it is not surrounded by the massive 8,000m-ers, the views from the summit are spectacular. Exploring the 5,825 meters peak will also bring some benefits to the Langtang region, which still lags a long way behind the Annapurna and Khumbu regions, especially when it comes to medical care. On the way from Langtang to Kyangjin, you will see a perfectly shaped snowy peak, which is situated slightly south of Naya Kanga (5,844m). Seen from the southwest, Urkema peak almost looks like Ama Dablam, which is situated in the Everest region. However, from the southeast – the side we approached the 5,800m peak – the summit appears like a snowy cone, with a perfect ridge to be climbed on its southeast side. The best base for the climb is the village of Kyangjin (3,900m), which is a good place to acclimatize. Surrounded by majestic peaks such as Langtang Lirung, Naya Kangga and Dorje Lakpa, Kyangjing is about 2.5–hours walk from Langtang village (3,480m). Once you get there it is best to take it easy, drink plenty of fluids and rest. A good peak to acclimatize for the climb is Tserko Ri (4,984M). It is situated like an island just north of Kyangjin and is regarded as one of the most rewarding day trips. From Kyangjin, it takes about 3-4 hours. Just follow the upper trail out of the village, cross the river and climb up the ridge to your left. From the top, which is awash with color due to the prayer flags, you can see Kyangjin Peak and Kyimoshung, with Langtang Lirung towering above them. To the northeast, you’ll see the Yala glacier and Yala Peak. Across the main valley, Naya Kanga dominates the scenery, with Urkema Peak peeping up behind its southwest ridge. Route description to Urkema Peak High Camp – about 7 hours from Kyanjing – ascent 1,270 metres. Leave Kyangjin towards Langtang village. After about 200 metres (Latitude: 8’1245.6/Longitude: 85’3406.4) the path splits. Take the left path that leads past a big boulder, which the Nepal Mountaineering Association equipped with five rock climbing routes in 2001. Follow the stream meandering through the meadows to your left until you get to a metal bridge. Cross the bridge and turn right following another little stream. You will see a few abandoned stone houses to your right. Cross the stream and head towards an ancient forest and make your way through beautiful rhododendrons and fir trees, following a small yak trail. Follow the trail on mixed ground until you get to a small wooden bridge. After the bridge, the path contours around the hillside. Ascend through a thick rhododendron forest up to a ridge, where you will find six nomad houses (Latitude: 28’1207.2/Longitude: 85’3246.7). On the Schneider map these houses are marked as Pangame Long at 3,940 metres. Just above the houses, the yak trail continues to the east leading through the rhododendrons. Cross another little stream and head towards the ridge to the left of the slope. There are several yak trails, but you might end up cutting through the shrubs. Continue up the ridge through dense shrubbery until you get to two big cairns at 4,135 metres (Latitude: 28’1125.4/Longitude: 85’3249.2). From the cairns continue straight up heading towards the big, black triangular peak until you get to the top of the ridge at 4,430 metres (Latitude: 85’3244.4). Keep to the left of the rocky peak – the path follows a dried river bed, leading over rocky terrain up to another ridge (Latitude: 28’1111.9) Longitude: 85’3240.5). From here, you will get the first good glimpse of the beautiful mushroom-shaped snowy peak peeping up behind a rocky ridge. Ascend the steep, snowy ridge on your right side, which will require cutting steps. Once on top, you will get to an open space, which is a perfect spot to set up high camp at about 4,900 metres (Latitude: 28’1045.7/Longitude: 25’3228.3). To the north, you have a magnificent view of Langtang Lirung, Langshisa Ri and Xixapangma in Tibet. To the south, the impressive south face of Naya Kanga (5,844 metres) is towering above you. The Climb (High Camp to summit takes about 7 hours). Ascent about 1,000 meters. From high camp, cross the rocky field and climb up about 50 meters until you get to a rocky slab on the right. From there, ascend the snowy 30 degree slop (crampons are recommended) that leads to a glacier, which soon becomes a large glacial bowl. Zigzag your way up, always keeping to the right. Aim towards the rock face to the west. From here, the slope gets a little bit steeper – about 40 degrees. A fixed rope is recommended for groups. Stay on the ice and climb around the rocks until you get to the top of the ridge at about 5,500 meteres. From here, traverse east until you reach the southeast ridge of the mountain. Ascend the ridge at about 50 degrees until you get to the top. Descend by the same route. Summit: Urkema Peak (5, 825 metres) Principal Camps: High Camp (4, 900 m) – about 7.5 hours from Kyanjing Grade: Alpine Grade PD Preparation This is a fairly demanding climb and so you should be reasonably fit, or know that you can get fit quickly. No experience is necessary; however you must be familiar with alpine environments and must understand the risks that camping and climbing above the snowline pose.  Alternative for climbing only4th Sept: Arrive in Kathmandu. 5th Sept: Free day in Kathmandu. 6th Sept: Drive to Kakani Scout Camp. 7th Sept: Drive to Syabru Besi. 8th Sept: Trek to Lama Hotel. 9th Sept: Trek to Kyangjin. 10th Sept: Rest day at Kyangjin. 11th Sept: Trek to Base Camp. 12th Sept: Trek to High Camp. 13th Sept: Summit Ascent and return to Kyangjin. 14th Sept: Return to Lama Hotel. 15th Sept: Return to Syabru Besi. 16th Sept: Drive to Kathmandu. Price: Climbing members: US $ 650 Price includes: 4 nights stay at Hotel/Guest House in Kathmandu including breakfast. Full Board arrangements on trek as per the itinerary supported by Nepalese Sherpa crew. All necessary transportations from Kathmandu to Road Head and back. All necessary support of Nepali Sherpas and guides during the Climb. Booking procedure: Bookings are made by Nepal Scouts head quarters against an initial deposit of US $ 250. Balance amount could be paid 60 days before the arrival. Payment policy: Payments could be made through Bank cheques, MasterCard/Visa or bank transfers. Please note that payment made through Credit Card is subject to a 4(four) percent surcharge. Cancellation Policy: Cancellation before 60 days: Loss of deposit. Cancellation before 30 days: 50% of the trip money. Cancellation within 30 days: 75% of the trip money. Cancellation within 7 days: 100% of the trip money. Group Size: Maximum Group Size for the Trekking: 35 Pax Maximum Group Size for Climbing: 10 Pax CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT Kitbag (duffel bag / duffle bag) For all the treks your gear that is carried by the porters or yaks is best packed in a strong kitbag. A simple design without wheels and without foldable handles is best. Sleeping bag Down-filled bags (4-5 season) are the best to bring because high altitude nights will be cold and there is nothing worse than to be cold at night. If you have a 3-4-season bag then you can get a fleece sleeping bag liner in Kathmandu. Sleeping bag liner Cotton, silk or fleece. Saves washing your sleeping bag and adds warmth. Cotton or silk ones can be made in Kathmandu but are more easily bought from home. Inflatable sleeping pad Thermarest or similar. We provide a sponge foam mattress and if necessary, a closed cell pad, but if you have your own Thermarest, bring it. Daypack This should be comfortable and a good waistband that transfers some of the weight to the hips is most important. It needs to be big enough to take a jacket, fleece, water, camera and odds and ends. You pack your daypack in the morning and give the rest of your baggage to the porters. You should have everything you need trough the day with you, since it is likely that we don’t see the porters again before we camp for the night. Boots For a comfortable trek you need comfortable feet. Good boots have: good ankle support, plenty of toe room for long descents, a stiff sole to lessen twisting torsion, and are light because with every step you lift your boot up. Look at the inner lining - leather is good and Cambrelle is even better, a material that eats smelly feet bacteria. Good lightweight trekking boots or light all leather boots are perfect. Boots must be lightly worn in before trekking and this should include some steep hills to show up trouble spots. The longer the trek, the better the boots you need. Socks In the low country your feet will be warm or even hot while walking so quality cotton mix sports socks are best. Three to four pairs are enough. Thick trekking socks are better for higher up and cool evenings, four pairs. I will suggest wearing two pair of socks, since it is my experience that this is the best way to avoid blisters. Camp shoes At the end of the day your feet needs some air, so bring some sandals or running shoes. Fleece top Most trekkers consider this essential, but alternatives are a thick thermal top or a light down jacket. In Kathmandu you can get cheap Korean fleeces but they lack that essential style. Down jacket This is something you don’t want to miss on those cool evenings. If you don't already have a down jacket they can easily be rented in Kathmandu. Wind/rain jacket Waterproof and breathable. Plastic ponchos or non-breathable raincoats are not suitable. Thermal underwear top and bottom Good thermals are one of the secrets to cold weather trekking comfort. Expedition-weight thermals are the most versatile and can be worn as your high altitude trekking top. Fleece/sweat pants Great for the chilly evenings, thicker is better. Readily available in Kathmandu. Day wear shirt T-shirts are popular but a cotton shirt or mixed yarn travel shirt is more useful. The collar protects the back of your neck and the sleeves can be rolled up or down. Take two so you can swap damp for dry. Trekking pants You will live in these. Light material, loose and dark-coloured is best. You can survive with only one pair. Cotton cheapies in the local fashion can be bought in Kathmandu. Wind pants If your trekking pants are reasonably windproof then special wind pants are not needed. If you do bring a pair, it is not necessary to have gore-tex or similar, non-waterproof is quite OK. Underwear This is not something people tend to forget, but I put it here anyway bring 4 to 7 pairs. Warm hat or balaclava Nice for those cold mornings and evenings. Sunglasses Suitable for snow, it is bright up there, and you don’t want to end up snow-blind. Specialised glacier glasses with side pieces are not needed. Contact lens wearers report very few problems except cleaning them in the conditions. Ski goggles are unnecessary. Mittens/Gloves These don't need to be fancy (pockets are the warmest solution to cold hands), so local Kathmandu fleece gloves are fine. Water bottle Should be one litre or more in capacity, take boiling water and be leak-proof. You want a total of 2 litres capacity. Torch MagLiteorPetzl head torch or similar. Head torches are more convenient, and are available in Kathmandu. Toiletries and odds and ends Essentials for the month only. There are a surprising number of showers or buckets of hot water available. The smallest tube of toothpaste is perfect for a month. We provide toilet paper. Roll-on deodorant can spare you grief with your tent partner... Towel Bring only a small one trekking, or even better a sarong. In Kathmandu and Lhasa hotels supplies towels. Sun screen and lip care with sun protection The sun is strong at altitude, especially after snow. Moisturizer A small tube for sensitive or well cared for skins. The air is dry and the sun is harsh. First aid kit We carry one with aspirin, paracetamol, various antibiotics for Nepalese varieties of diarrhea, antiseptic, antihistamine cream, bandages, and tough blister tape (but not moleskin). You should bring any personal medicines that you need. Water purification One bottle of iodine tablets between two Couglans or Potable Aqua is the best. The use of mineral water is discouraged from an environmental point of view. Camera Nepal and Tibet is particularly photogenic, so take plenty of film. Panorama and instant cameras are a very last resort. Bring a spare set of batteries. Kathmandu stocks all the standard print and slide film brands and the prices are cheap. Novel One or two with high swap ability. Kathmandu has some great second-hand bookshops. You will also find a very big variety in Himalayan titles in the bookshops here. Money pouch/belt/inside pocket Most people find wearing one while trekking a hassle and keep it buried in their kitbag or daypack. The Kathmandu hotel has safety deposit boxes. Snow gaiters Not needed but if you have them, bring them. Snacks and nutrition You will feel your best with plenty of good food and keeping hydrated. We provide the food and the water. The last two ingredients are wholesome snacks and vitamin tablets. Chocolate and chocolate bars are readily available in Kathmandu. Bring vitamin tablets from home. GEARS FOR CLIMBING This assumes you have all the trekking gears * High quality sunglasses * Neck gaiter or balaclava * Balaclava * New liner gloves (thin gloves) * fleece gloves/windstopper gloves * Windproof gloves/mittens if you don't have windstopper ones * Trekking pole * Ice axe, non-technical is generally better * Crampons * Light harness (Black Diamond Alpine Bod is perfect) * Jumar * Belay device: ATC or figure of 8 etc * Two locking carabineers, two ordinary ones * Two prussics, one short, one longer * Windproof pants * Snow gaiters * Plastic boots/leather boots * Leather boot waterproofing (snow seal etc) * Helmet Source : APR CIRCULAR Nº 09, SERIES OF 2006 |
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