As a prelude to the ski touring season or as it`s culmination, why not join our expedition to a secluded, fantastic seven-thousander in a little-known region of Nepal? A sure thing!
Of course, mountaineers without skis and snowboarders can join our expedition as well!
It’s a really rewarding ski mountain in a beautiful region of Nepal, the perfect alternative to the overcrowded Muztagh Ata and also an ideal preparation for the first eight-thousander expedition! The Putha Hiunchuli (also Dhaulagiri VII) is no longer an insider tip, after all, it was first climbed in 1954, yet it is still very quiet on this beautiful, technically simple seven-thousander in remote Dolpo in northwestern Nepal. Its existence as a mountain for skiing, however, is an absolute insider tip!
Alone the journey to this mountain through the fascinating, Tibetan influenced region, which has only been fully accessible since 1992, is a highlight. And its northwestern flank consists of ideally inclined ski slopes with very few crevasses. Actually, this part of the Himalayas is rather dry. Following the snowfall brought on by the summer monsoons, perfect snow conditions are very common in autumn. But also the spring season has seen succesful ski descents in the last years. Therefore, this mountain is highly recommended for every ambitious ski tourer. Everything about the overall experience is just right.
Highlights:
- A fantastic alternative to Mustagh Ata
- 1 sherpa each 2 members
- UIAGM Guide
- High camp equipment
- Small group
1. – 10. Day: Arrival in Kathmandu and trekking to basecamp
1. Day:Arrival and get-together at the hotel in Kathmandu
2. Day:Afternon flight from kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Overnight in hotel.
3. Day:Flight to Juphal where we meet our porters and trek to Dunai 2100m.
4. Day:Trek Dunai to Tarakot 2500m.
5. Day:Trek from Tarakot to Mushi Khola (2.900m)
6. Day:Trek to Kagkot (3.300m)
7. Day:Rest day for the participants to explore the area or relax. In the meantime, the loads are organised for our new porters that are working behind this point only.
8. Day:Trek to a very nice intermin camp at Pangzi 4200m.
9. Day:Trek over a pass (4600m) to old basecamp at 4400m.
10. Day:Trek over an other pass (4900m) to our basecamp at 4900m. Technicaly, this is the most difficult part of the Expedition as caution should be used on several sections of the path.
11. – 23. Day: Climbing
11.-23. Day:Climbing Putha Hiunchuli
We have plenty of time to acclimatise and set up three camps at 5400m, 6200m and 6600m, to relax in between and to push for the first summit attempt. Almost all the way up can be done on skis with climbing skins. And now we know why we are here – to ski down from summit!
24. – 31. Day: Return to Kathmandu and journey home
24.-28. Day:Trek back to Juphal.
29. Day:Flight to Nepalgunj and onwards to Kathmandu.
30. Day:Kathmandu or spare day for flight.
31. Day:Journey home.
- Organisation of the expedition
- UIAGM certified mountain guide
- 4 nights hotel in Kathmandu on double occupancy, single room optional
- Domestic flights Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Juphal – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu
- All transfers (jeep / private shuttle)
Fullboard during whole expedition (in Kathmandu only breakfast) - Drinks at shared meals (no alcoholic drinks)
- Double occupancy in hotels during journey to the mountain
- Porter / Yak to basecamp and back (30kg personal gear / member)
- 1 tent each member in basecamp
- 1 tent each 2 members for approach and high camps
- Mat for approach and basecamp
- High camp equipment (tents, stove, cooking gear, gas, meals)
- Fixed ropes, fixing material
- 1 Sherpa each 2 members
- Gear, Insurance and helicopter rescue for all staff members
- Medical emergency oxygen
- Emergency medicine, pulseoxymeter
- Kitchen staff
- Comfortable, heated Dome tent in basecamp, shower tent
- Satellite communication (WIFI, notebook, solar charging)
- Radios
- All fees and permits
- weather forecast
- Security and warranty of an Austrian tour operator
- International Airfare to Kathmandu (ask for an offer – for now it is approx. € 700 ex Europe)
- Excess baggage fee on included flights
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- personal insurance
- Visa for Nepal (available at the airport after arrival, take a passport photo!)
- Personal medicine
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips
- Personal climbing gear
- Sleeping bag
- High camp mat
- Fees for satellite communication
