baden-powell scout peak expedition 2015

BADEN‐POWELL SCOUT PEAK EXPEDITION 2015 INFORMATION PACK Thank you for your interest in the Baden‐Powell Scout Peak Expedition 2015. This Australian Contingent will be travelling to Nepal 14 September ‐ 7 October 2015 to make an attempt at the summit of Baden‐Powell Scout Peak in the Langtang Region, to complete a service project and learn more about Nepalese culture. There are 2 options for the expedition; 
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Mountaineering: Service + Summit trek which includes an attempt on Baden‐Powell Scout Peak Trekking: Service + Trek which takes you through Langtang Valley (past Baden‐Powell Scout Peak) & Helambu Valley The requirements for the different options vary so please read through the attached information. THE NUMBER OF PLACES ARE LIMITED ON EACH OPTION FOR SAFETY REASONS SO PLEASE FILL OUT THE ONLINE EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM FULLY AND ACCURATELY BY THE 28 TH MARCH VIA THE ONLINE REGISTRATION SYSTEM: HTTPS://REGISTRATIONS.INTERNATIONAL.SCOUTS.COM.AU If you are concerned about any of the details or have any questions please contact Calista Beck the Contingent Leader at [email protected] GENERAL INCLUSIONS 
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Australian Contingent Pack (Scarf, woggle, name bar) – Compulsory All transport in country on itinerary (if travelling on contingent flights) Twin‐share accommodation throughout Guides & porters for the trek Sleeping bag, insulated jacket & closed cell mat while on the camping components Service project (3 days) Most (but not all) meals Contingent gear including large duffel bag Mountaineering hardware (if on the Mountaineering option) Alpine School (if on the Mountaineering option) WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED 
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Membership with the Austrian Alpine Club (compulsory) Visas Medical items; Immunisations etc Any meals while getting to/from Nepal Some meals (see detailed itinerary) Transport to/from airport if not travelling on the contingent flights Bottled water/soft drinks/alcohol Phone calls/laundry etc Souvenirs Any other personal expenses Mountaineering shoes Flights (these are available separately)* If you are unsure if an item is included please contact Calista Beck the Contingent Leader to confirm ([email protected]) *Contingent Flights will be from Melbourne/Sydney/Brisbane only. If you need to fly to one of these cities and would like help please let us know. PAYMENT DETAILS A DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED INDIVIDUALLY TO CONFIRM YOUR PLACE IN THE CONTINGENT. THIS IS PAYABLE ONCE YOU ARE OFFERED A PLACE. FULL PAYMENT IS DUE FRIDAY 24 JULY 2015. Close/Final Date
Expressions of Interest (EOI) Close
Saturday 28 March
Place Offers Sent Out
Thursday 2 April
Mountaineering
Trekking
Place Offers Close
Friday 24 April
Deposit
Friday 24 April
725
650
Payment 2
Friday 29 May
1580
1280
Payment 3
Monday 29 June
1670
1430
Final Payment
Friday 24 July
825
820
4800
4180
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Deposit is non‐refundable. Due to the nature of this expedition refunds will be assessed on a case by case basis. All withdrawals from the Contingent must be made to the Contingent Leader in writing. Flight pricing will be released after E.O.I.s close to try and allow for lowest pricing. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT BADEN‐POWELL SCOUT PEAK EXPEDITION 2015 IS STRICTLY ‘NO PAY, NO GO’. IF YOUR ACCOUNT IS NOT PAID IN FULL BY FRIDAY 24 JULY 2015 YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND. CLIMB BADEN‐POWELL SCOUT PEAK (MOUNTAINEERING) This option will see us attempt to summit Baden‐Powell Scout Peak. We have 2 acclimatisation climbs before starting to ascend the peak. We have allowed 3 days to summit from High Base Camp. The summit day will include roping up and using crampons and as such requires prior training (See Alpine School below). The route has been chosen to allow maximum acclimatisation to altitude. The itinerary only varies from the other option on days 7‐21. All other days are the same and will be travelled as one group. Andrew Lock is unable to join us this year however his long time friend and climbing partner Soren Kruse Ledet will be joining us instead and sharing his vast experience. ALPINE SCHOOL Those who will be in the mountaineering group are required to attend the Scouts National Alpine School regardless of skill level. This week long Alpine School will enable us to fully assess everyone’s skill levels and fitness. You may even get a nationally recognised qualification from it. 4th‐11th July 2015– Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Further information regarding the school will follow in the next few months however the base cost is covered in your contingent fee. Food, transport and some gear hire is not covered and will be discussed closer to the start of the school. ALPINE SCHOOL – ROPES SKILLS PACKAGE Before attending the Alpine School it is expected for all participants to complete a skills package giving them the basic rope knowledge that will be built on during the school. Those with existing qualifications or experience will be able to get them RPL’d by their local Rock Team Assessor. This package will be sent out once your place is confirmed. ITINERARY DAY 1 DAY 2 14 SEP 2015 15 SEP 2015 DAY 3 16 SEP 2015 DAYS 4‐6 DAY 7 DAY 8 17‐19 SEP 2015 20 SEP 2015 21 SEP 2015 ARRIVE KATHMANDU / JOIN CONTINGENT KATHMANDU (1330M) DRIVE TO INTERNATIONAL SCOUT CENTRE, KAKANI (2000M). APPROX. 1.5H SERVICE DRIVE FROM KAKANI TO SYABRUBESI (1450M). APPROX. 8HRS TO LAMA HOTEL (2470M). WALK APPROX 7 HRS DAY 9 DAY 10 DAY 11 DAY 12 DAY 13 22 SEP 2015 23 SEP 2015 24 SEP 2015 25 SEP 2015 26 SEP2015 TO LANGTANG (3420M). WALK APPROX 5 HRS TO KYANJING GOMPA (3780M). WALK APPROX 3 HRS ACCLIMATISATION CLIMB ‐ KYANJIN RI (4773M). APPROX 4HRS ACCLIMATISATION CLIMB ‐ TSEKRO RI (4984M). APPROX 5 HRS TO BP PEAK BASE CAMP (4200M). APPROX 3HRS DAY 14 DAYS 15‐17 DAY 18 DAY 19 DAY 20 27 SEP 2015 28‐30 SEP 2015 1 OCT 2015 2 OCT 2015 3 OCT 2015 TO BP PEAK HIGH CAMP (4987M). APPROX 4HRS SUMMIT BADEN‐POWELL PEAK (5890M) (+CONTINGENCY DAYS) TO LANGTANG VILLAGE (3541M). APPROX 6 HRS TO LAMA HOTEL (2420M). APPROX 4HRS TO SYABRUBESI (1450M). APPROX 3HRS DAY 21 DAY 22 DAY 23 DAY 24 4 OCT 2015 5 OCT 2015 6 OCT 2015 7 OCT 2015 DRIVE TO KATHMANDU FREE DAY IN KATHMANDU FREE DAY IN KATHMANDU. FAREWELL DINNER DEPART KATHMANDU/ LEAVE CONTINGENT DETAILED ITINERARY DAY 1 14 Sept 2015 Arrive Kathmandu If flying in today you will be met at the airport and transferred to the Gangjong Hotel. Remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. If you are meeting us in Kathmandu you need to make your own way to the Gangjong Hotel by 2pm to allow for gear check before the pre‐briefing. A pre‐trek briefing will be given around 5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. Drinks and snacks will be served from 6:30 pm until 7:15pm, and this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members before heading out to dinner. Meals: D DAY 2 15 Sept 2015 In Kathmandu (1330m) This morning a sightseeing tour takes in the key attractions in and around Kathmandu. We will visit Pashupatinath and Boudhanath, returning to the hotel by 2pm. In the afternoon you may have time to explore Durbar Square, Patan, Swayambhunath or Bhaktapur, and the lesser‐known towns that dot the valley on foot, by bicycle or trishaw. The area has an amazing range of fascinating highlights, whatever your interest. Excellent bookshops, extensive markets, and novelty and handicraft shops contrast with fantastic centres of cultural and spiritual significance – Kathmandu has more World Heritage sites than any other city in the world. This evening we have planned a special welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant located in a converted 155 year old palace where you can enjoy a meal of traditional Nepali food. Meals: B,D DAY 3 16 Sept 2015 Drive to International Scout Centre, Kakani (2000m). Drive approx. 1.5 hr After an early breakfast we drive north from Kathmandu for approx. 1.5hrs to the Nepal Scouts International Training Center located at Kakani. Scouts from Nepal and around the world come to the centre to use the facilities and enjoy the natural setting. In the afternoon there will be a briefing for the service work to be completed in the coming days. Meals: B,L,D DAYS 4‐6 17‐19 Sept 2015 Service Working alongside the locals from the village will provide a rare insight into the people of Nepal and the incredible Nepali people. We will camp in a peaceful spot where the local children will be delighted to pay you an afternoon visit! On completion of the project a handover ceremony will take place, a plaque will be unveiled and lots of singing and dancing will follow before all enjoying a celebratory dinner! Meals: B,L,D DAY 7 20 Sept 2015 Drive from Kakani to Syabrubesi. Approx. 8hrs After an early breakfast we take a 2 hour bus ride to the village of Trishuli which is located on the banks of the Trishuli River. There is a small yet busy and interesting market which we will stop to explore. We then drive uphill to reach Dhunche (2120 m) and get the first panoramic view of the Himalayas, including the Annapurna’s, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and the peaks of the Langtang region. The winding road descends to Syabru Besi(1460m) where we camp in a secluded spot and make final preparations for our trek. Meals: B,L,D DAY 8 21 Sept 2015 To Lama Hotel (2470m). Walk approx 7 hrs We cross through the village of Thulo Syabru and descend to the Langtang Kola. Slowly the trail climbs gently through the forest with the river flowing beside us. The forest becomes sparser and drier on this side of the river, consisting mainly of scrub oaks and nettles. Finally we climb steeply on a good trail to Rimche and on to our campsite for the night. Meals: B,L,D DAY 9 22 Sept 2015 To Langtang (3420m). Walk approx 5 hrs We continue to follow the Langtang Khola climbing steeply through hemlocks, oaks, maples and rhododendron forest to the national park checkpoint at Ghora Tabela (2970m). Beautiful views of Langtang Lirung (7225m) can be seen from here. The trail ascends gradually, as the valley becomes wider and we pass many mani stones, water‐driven prayer wheels and scattered Tamang villages before arriving in Langtang village. Meals: B,L,D DAY 10 23 Sept 2015 To Kyanjing Gompa (3780m). Walk Approx 3 hrs Passing through the village of Langtang we climb gradually past yak pastures and the small villages of Mumdu and Sindum. After crossing a wooden cantilever bridge over Langtang Khola, we reach a wider valley scattered with large boulders to a moraine. Here we gain the first views of Kyanjin Gompa and the dramatic icefall flowing from Langtang Lirung and Langtang Kinshung (6781m) to the north. Our route weaves through large boulders before a short descent to Kyanjin Gompa. Meals: B,L,D DAY 11 24 Sept 2015 Acclimatisation climb ‐ Kyanjin Ri (4773m). Approx 4hrs Climbing to the summit of Kyanjin Ri (4773m) directly to the north of Kyanjin Gompa is a half‐day trip with an almost 1000m ascending/decending. From the summit there are very good views of Langtang Lirung, Kimshung and Yansa Tsenji peaks to the west and north. We return to Kyanjin Gompa for the night stay. Meals: B,L,D DAY 12 25 Sept 2015 Acclimatisation climb ‐ Tsekro Ri (4984m). Approx 5 hrs This is a tough five hour climb from Kyanjin Gompa to the conical shaped high viewpoint of Tsergo Ri. We take the east trail towards the Langshisha Kharka, cross the stream, then branch left by a cairn up the side valley to a steep switch backing ascent up the hill. The path passes the stone huts of herders at Yala Kharka before climbing steeply up to the prayer flags atop the viewpoint for the superb views of mountain panorama. We return to Kyanjin Gompa for the night stay. Meals: B,L,D DAY 13 26 Sept 2015 To Base Camp (4200). Approx 3hrs The two previous days may make your legs feel quite heavy this morning, yet the additional time spent acclimatising will make this day more enjoyable. Although not a long day it does make up for it in gradient as we leave the more populated trails behind and head deeper into the mountains. Meals: B,L,D DAY 14 27 Sept 2015 To High Camp (4987m). Approx 4hrs The route from Base Camp to High Camp is an uphill climb through rhododendron forests and crosses a fast flowing river. High Camp is located within a relatively large flat yet rocky space with plenty of room. The camp offers spectacular views where 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. Meals: B,L,D 28‐30 Sept 2015 Summit Baden‐Powell Peak (5890m) (contingency days) DAYS 15‐17 Three full days have been set aside to have the flexibility of awaiting perfect weather and acclimatisation for the group to successfully summit Baden‐Powell Peak. From high camp we cross a rocky field and climb up a slab till we reach a snowy 30 degree slope that leads to a glacier then becomes a large glacial bowl. Zigzagging our way up and aiming towards the rock face to the west. From here, the slope gets a little bit steeper and the guides will fix ropes. We stay on the ice and climb around the rocks until we get to the top of the ridge at about 5890m. After enjoying the views from the summit and capturing the exciting moment on camera we descend to High Camp via the same route. A celebratory dinner awaits back at camp! NB If feeling energetic and whilst awaiting to summit, there are many other nearby peaks to climb (subject to conditions on the ground). Meals: B,L,D DAY 18 1 Oct 2015 Trek to Langtang Village (3541m). Approx 6 hrs We are fit and acclimatised with the added benefit of much of the trek being downhill. We can now enjoy the bustling trail and many sights, with great photographic opportunities along the way. Meals: B,L,D DAY 19 2 Oct 2015 To Lama Hotel (2420m). Approx 4hrs 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. Meals: B,L,D DAY 20 3 Oct 2015 Trek to Syabrubesi (1450m). Approx 3hrs 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. Meals: B,L,D DAY 21 4 Oct 2015 Drive to Kathmandu After saying your goodbyes to the team of porters and crew we begin the journey back to Kathmandu where warm showers, soft beds and night life awaits! Meals: B DAY 22 5 Oct 2015 Free day in Kathmandu. Today you can further explore Kathmandu and explore the many good shops, cafes and historic sites which are in never ending supply. Meals: B DAY 23 6 Oct 2015 Free day in Kathmandu. Farewell dinner A day to explore Kathmandu in your own time. A celebratory farewell dinner will be enjoyed tonight. Meals: B,D DAY 24 7 Oct 2015 Depart Kathmandu If you are flying out today then at a suitable time you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home to Australia. Otherwise you will check out of the hotel and continue your journey. Meals: B LANGTANG & HEMBALU VALLEYS TREK OPTION This option will include trekking to the Gosainkund Holy Lakes and through the Hembalu Valley which has traditional Sherpa & Tamang villages. This does not mean you will miss out on seeing Baden‐
Powell Scout Peak as you will first trek the Langtang Valley which Baden‐Powell Scout Peak rises up from and visit Kyanjing Village. The route has been designed to allow for acclimatisation to altitude with its highest point being at the Laurebina Pass (4610m) and does not require technical mountaineering skills. The itinerary only varies from the other option on days 7‐21. All other days are the same and will be travelled as one group. While the Alpine School is not included in this option you can enrol in it separately if you want. Details will be released on the facebook page closer to the date. ITINERARY DAY 1 14 SEP 2015 ARRIVE KATHMANDU / JOIN CONTINGENT DAY 2 15 SEP 2015 DAY 3 16 SEP 2015 DAYS 4‐6 DAY 7 DAY 8 DAY 9 17‐19 SEP 2015 20 SEP 2015 21 SEP 2015 22 SEP 2015 KATHMANDU (1330M) DRIVE TO INTERNATIONAL SCOUT CENTRE, KAKANI (2000M). APPROX. 1.5H SERVICE DRIVE KAKANI TO DUNCHE, DRIVE APPROX. 5 HRS TO THULO SYABRU (2250M). WALK APPROX. 6 HRS TO LAMA HOTEL (2470M). WALK APPROX 7 HRS DAY 10 DAY 11 DAY 12 DAY 13 DAY 14 23 SEP 2015 24 SEP 2015 25 SEP 2015 26 SEP2015 27 SEP 2015 TO LANGTANG (3420M). WALK APPROX 5 HRS TO KYANJING GOMPA (3780M). WALK APPROX 3 HRS TO LAMA HOTEL (2470M). WALK APPROX. 7 HRS TO THULO SYABRU (2180M). WALK APPROX 5 HRS TO SING GOMPA (3250M). WALK APPROX 5 HRS DAY 15 DAY 16 DAY 17 DAY 18 DAY 19 28 SEP 2015 29 SEP 2015 30 SEP 2015 1 OCT 2015 2 OCT 2015 DAY 20 3 OCT 2015 DAYS 21‐23 DAY 24 4‐6 OCT 2015 7 OCT 2015 TO GOSAINKUND (4100M). WALK APPROX 5 HRS TO DUPHI CHARU (3450M). WALK APPROX 7 HRS TO ARMY CAMP (3220M). WALK APPROX 6 HRS TO THOTUNG DANDA TO CHISOPANI (2215M). WALK APPROX 5 HRS TO SUNDARIJAL, WALK APPROX 5 HRS AND RETURN DRIVE TO KATHMANDU 2HRS KATHMANDU DEPART KATHMANDU/ LEAVE CONTINGENT DETAILED ITINERARY DAY 1 14 Sept 2015 Arrive Kathmandu If flying in today you will be met at the airport and transferred to the Gangjong Hotel. Remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. If you are meeting us in Kathmandu you need to make your own way to the Gangjong Hotel by 2pm to allow for gear check before the pre‐briefing. A pre‐trek briefing will be given around 5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. Drinks and snacks will be served from 6:30 pm until 7:15pm, and this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members before heading out to dinner. Meals: D DAY 2 15 Sept 2015 In Kathmandu (1330m) This morning a sightseeing tour takes in the key attractions in and around Kathmandu. We will visit Pashupatinath and Boudhanath, returning to the hotel by 2pm. In the afternoon you may have time to explore Durbar Square, Patan, Swayambhunath or Bhaktapur, and the lesser‐known towns that dot the valley on foot, by bicycle or trishaw. The area has an amazing range of fascinating highlights, whatever your interest. Excellent bookshops, extensive markets, and novelty and handicraft shops contrast with fantastic centres of cultural and spiritual significance – Kathmandu has more World Heritage sites than any other city in the world. This evening we have planned a special welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant located in a converted 155 year old palace where you can enjoy a meal of traditional Nepali food. Meals: B,D DAY 3 16 Sept 2015 Drive to International Scout Centre, Kakani (2000m). Drive approx. 1.5 hr After an early breakfast we drive north from Kathmandu for approx. 1.5hrs to the Nepal Scouts International Training Center located at Kakani. Scouts from Nepal and around the world come to the centre to use the facilities and enjoy the natural setting. In the afternoon there will be a briefing for the service work to be completed in the coming days. Meals: B,L,D DAYS 4‐6 17‐19 Sept 2015 Service Working alongside the locals from the village will provide a rare insight into the people of Nepal and the incredible Nepali people. We will camp in a peaceful spot where the local children will be delighted to pay you an afternoon visit! On completion of the project a handover ceremony will take place, a plaque will be unveiled and lots of singing and dancing will follow before all enjoying a celebratory dinner! Meals: B,L,D DAY 7 20 Sept 2015 Drive Kakani to Dunche, drive approx. 5 hrs After an early breakfast we drive north from Kakani to Dunche. Parts of the road are unsealed and the condition of the road often depends upon the monsoon season. We will travel via Trisuli Bazaar where the dam and hydroelectric project was completed by the Indian Technical Mission. Finally we drive on to Dhunche where we will make our first camp and final preparations for our trek. Meals: B,L,D 21 Sept 2015 To Thulo Syabru (2250m). Walk approx. 6 hrs DAY 8 Soon after commencing our trek today we climb steeply on a good trail to Thulo Syabru, en‐route we cross the village of Barbal with it’s terraces, and gain our first good views of the mountains. Our walk today passes through rhododendron and pine forest. Meals: B,L,D DAY 9 22 Sept 2015 To Lama Hotel (2470m). Walk approx 7 hrs We cross through the village of Thulo Syabru and descend to the Langtang Kola. Slowly the trail climbs gently through the forest with the river flowing beside us. The forest becomes sparser and drier on this side of the river, consisting mainly of scrub oaks and nettles. Finally we climb steeply on a good trail to Rimche and on to our campsite for the night. Meals: B,L,D DAY 10 23 Sept 2015 To Langtang (3420m). Walk approx 5 hrs We continue to follow the Langtang Khola climbing steeply through hemlocks, oaks, maples and rhododendron forest to the national park checkpoint at Ghora Tabela (2970m). Beautiful views of Langtang Lirung (7225m) can be seen from here. The trail ascends gradually, as the valley becomes wider and we pass many mani stones, water‐driven prayer wheels and scattered Tamang villages before arriving in Langtang village. Meals: B,L,D DAY 11 24 Sept 2015 To Kyanjing Gompa (3780m). Walk approx 3 hrs Passing through the village of Langtang we climb gradually past yak pastures and the small villages of Mumdu and Sindum. After crossing a wooden cantilever bridge over Langtang Khola, we reach a wider valley scattered with large boulders to a moraine. Here we gain the first views of Kyanjin Gompa and the dramatic icefall flowing from Langtang Lirung and Langtang Kinshung (6781m) to the north. Our route weaves through large boulders before a short descent to Kyanjin Gompa. Meals: B,L,D DAY 12 25 Sept 2015 To Lama Hotel (2470m). Walk approx. 7 hrs Today we retrace our route along the Langtang Khola to Langtang village and on to Ghora Tabela (3020m). The trail is for the most part downhill, descending to Lama Hotel and our camp for the night. Meals: B,L,D DAY 13 26 Sept 2015 To Thulo Syabru (2180m). Walk approx 5 hrs Following the same route until we reach the upper trail on the ridge we arrive at the pleasant village of Thulo Syabru. This gives us an opportunity to gain an insight into the tradition, culture and custom of the local Tamang community. Meals: B,L,D DAY 14 27 Sept 2015 To Sing Gompa (3250m). Walk approx 5 hrs Passing a school and army post, we proceed up a steep hill above the village to Dursagang. After Dursagang, the trail is less steep and largely forested to the top of the ridge at Fhulung Danda. The only sign of human habitation are the occasional shepherd huts. The trail eventually levels as it crosses the head of the valley and after passing the ridge we arrive at Sing Gompa. Meals: B,L,D DAY 15 28 Sept 2015 To Gosainkund (4100m). Walk approx 5 hrs Following a rugged trail we climbs steeply up the ridge, with dramatic views of Himal Chuli (7893m) and Manaslu (8156m)as our backdrop. To the west Ganesh Himal(7406m) rises up behind and to the north across the valley is Langtang Lirung. The area on the northern slope is a sanctuary for the red panda (locally known as the cat bear), an endangered species. We pass a few huts in the high pasture of Laurebina and cross a ridge for our first view of the holy lakes. Gosainkund is a protected area where the killing of animals, lighting of wood fires and grazing of goats is prohibited. There are about a dozen lakes in Gosiankund Basin, the most prominent being Saraswati Kunda, Bhairav Kunda and Gosiankund. According to legend, Shiva created the lake when he pierced a glacier with his trident to obtain water to quench his thirst after consuming poison. There are stone shelters at Gosiankund used by pilgrims who visit to worship and bathe during the full‐moon festival each August. Meals: B,L,D DAY 16 29 Sept 2015 To Duphi Charu (3450m). Walk approx 7 hrs We climb further passing three more lakes near the Laurebina pass (4610m). After the pass, we descend alongside a stream to the national park post at Bhera Goth. The trail drops to a stream and then climbs through scrub bamboo to a crest and finally drops to Duphi Charu. Meals: B,L,D DAY 17 30 Sept 2015 To Army camp (3220m). Walk approx 6 hrs The trail continues up the ravines before we make our make a final ascent to Tharepati. From the ridge we can see into the Helambu region. Soon we descend to the tree line, passing beautiful waterfalls and rhododendron forest to army camp. Meals: B,L,D DAY 18 1 Oct 2015 To Thotung Danda On our descent from the ridge of Kutumsang, there are several lodges below with spectacular mountain views. We continue down to the village of Golphu Bhanjyang and make a short climb to Thotung Danda on the top of the ridge. The views here are stunning and it is highly recommended to make the effort to rise early in the morning and catch the sunrise over this unforgetable mountain panorama. Meals: B,L,D DAY 19 2 Oct 2015 To Chisopani (2215m). Walk approx 5 hrs Dropping steadily through fir, rhododendron and oak forest we pass through the Tamang village of Gul Bhanjyang. The trail afterward is gentle ups and downs and follows a ridge to our camp site. This is an excellent view point of the Himalayan range from Manaslu to Everest. Meals: B,L,D DAY 20 3 Oct 2015 To Sundarijal, walk approx 5 hrs and return drive to Kathmandu (2hrs) Today is the final day of our trek, and we make the most of our last stunning views before a final climb to Burlang Bhanjyang (2420m). After the pass we descend to Sundarijal where we meet our transport for the return drive to Kathmandu. Meals: B,L DAYS 21‐23 4‐6 Oct 2015 Kathmandu As you arrive one day earlier than the other group we have left this time open for you to explore Kathmandu as you wish. These days you can further discover Kathmandu and explore the many good shops, cafes and historic sites which are in never ending supply. A celebratory farewell dinner with both groups will be enjoyed on 28 Oct. Meals: 3xB, 1xD DAY 24 7 Oct 2015 Depart Kathmandu If you flying out today then at a suitable time you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home to Australia. Otherwise you will check out of the hotel and continue your journey. Meals: B