Baden Powell Scout Trek – Langtang
Trip Facts
The adventurous trekking trail dedicated to the founder of International Scouts- Baden Powell Scout Trek
In a bid to encourage young people from different corners of the world to visit Nepal for their outdoor interests, Tourism Authorities of Nepal have been looking at different potentials and in this connection, the Government of Nepal has opened this trekking route, named after the founder of International scouts, “Lord Baden Powell”. The trekking route has opened for foreigners since 2004, but has rarely been approached by tourists. In 2007, Explore Himalaya organized the first ever expedition along this trekking route, for the International scouts in order to commemorate Lord Baden Powell.
Baden Powell Scout Trek treads along the new trekking route in the Ganesh Himal area, North of Kathmandu. The trek starts from Syabrubesi, after a day long drive from Kathmandu. On the way to Gatlang, the Goljung view point will give you an amazing panorama of the Ganesh Himal including Shishapangma (8013m) and Langtang Lirung (7246m). From here, you enter a quiet and unspoiled valley which will lead you to the Jageswor Lake after a 3 days hike. The steep trail goes through a dense forest where life seems to be suspended on time. This region of Nepal is inhabited by the Tamang people and sharing a milk tea with them is an unforgettable experience. The ascent will eventually end up at almost 4200m and views from the south ridge of this mountain chain are truly breathtaking. For the next 2 days, you and your Nepali team will follow the ridge to the north direction at an average altitude of 4500 meters high. Views of majestic mountain ranges remain your companion throughout this section of the trek.
At Changan Kharka, the descent to Tatopani starts passing through small Tamang settlements and large forest while following the Sanjen Khola stream. The 2 days’ descent will lead you to Tatopani located at 2600 meters high. A bath in the Hot Springs is a must do and a reward after the accomplished wild camping trek. Day long walks lead you to a new valley where you will be completely immerged into the Tamang culture (in Thuman, Rasuwagadi and Briddim). You will follow the Bhote Kosi River on the left side of the valley to the North and then come back on the opposite side on your way back to Syabrubesi, from where it all began.
Read our trip report on first ever Baden Power Peak Climb (Scout Trek)
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu, transfer to hotel
- Day 2 Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley (Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Patan Durbar Square (Documentation day)
- Day 3 Drive Syabrubesi (1400m) via Trishuli Bazaar – approx. 8 hrs
- Day 4 Trek to Lama Hotel (2450m) - approx. 6/7 hrs
- Day 5 Trek to Langtang Village (3430m) – approx. 6/7 hrs
- Day 6 Trek to Kyangjin (3870m) – approx. 4hrs
- Day 7 Acclimation day; explore Kyanjin Ri (4773m)
- Day 8 Base Camp (4987m) – approx. 6 hrs
- Day 9 Baden Powell Summit (5718m) – approx. 14 hrs
- Day 10 Back to Langtang Village (3430m)
- Day 11 Trek to Lama Hotel (2450m) – approx. 6 hrs
- Day 12 Trek to Syabrubesi – approx. 5 hrs
- Day 13 Drive to Kathmandu – 8/9 hrs
- Day 14 Depart Kathmandu
- Day 15
- Day 16
PRICE INCLUDES:
- -Fully organized camping trek
- -Kathmandu /Syabru Besi/Kathmandu transfer
- -English speaking local expert guide, porters
- -National Park Fees.
- -3 nights’ accommodation at 3 star hotel in Kathmandu on double room sharing with breakfast.
- -All guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and entry fees.
- -Airport transfers and escort
- -Equipment clothing for porter & staffs
- -Insurance of the guide & porters
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- -International flight & departure tax
- -Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu.
- -Personal gears & clothing (available on hire)
- -Tips, any expenses of personal nature, client's insurance.
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to Kathmandu
You will be greeted by a panoramic view of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below once you fly in the sky of Kathmandu. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities. Overnight at Hotel..
- Day 2
Sightseeing tour of Boudhanath, Pashupatinath & Patan Durbar Square
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence. There will be a guided tour to Boudhnath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and after that to Pashupatinath, the most popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. We take a tour to Patan also called as Lalitpur (the City of Artisans), which is 5km away from Kathmandu. We walk through Patan Durbar Square, and delight in the architectural wonders of Malla era. Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor Temple, Krishna Temple and Golden Temple are the major attractions at the square. Overnight at Hotel..
- Day 3
Drive Syabru Besi via Trishuli Bazaar (1460m) – approx. 8/9 hrs
From Kathmandu, we drive for approx 9 hours to Syabru Besi. After driving 30 kms, we approach pristine villages on the banks of the river Trishuli. We also get to view the enchanting panorama of the Himalaya, including the Annapurnas, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and the peaks of the Langtang region. .
- Day 4
Trek to Lama Hotel (2470m) – approx. 5/6hrs
We traverse the ridge on Syabru Besi’s main road and soon reach Ghopcha Khola. Terraced fields and dense forest with a variety of plant species like oaks, maple, alder and bamboo open up. We may get to see yellow-throated martin, wild boar, langur monkey, red panda and Himalayan black bear en route. Further on, the trail crosses a stream and a bridge. We pass by several small bhattis (tea shops). As we continue ascending steeply along the trail, we come across a steel suspension bridge at 2000 meters. The route further crosses to the north bank of the Langtang Khola amid the spectacular vistas of cascading waterfalls and opens into scrub oak forest. On reaching 2748 meters, we arrive at Lama Hotel where we conclude the trek for the day..
- Day 5
Trek to Langtang village (3500m) – approx. 4/5 hrs
From Lama hotel, we continue the ascent above the Langtang Khola. As the trail progresses, it becomes steeper. We have the most exotic sights of Langtang Lirung lying at 7246 meter. The trail leads to a log bridge and on climbing further we come across lush meadows of Ghora Tabela at 3000m. We will see several lodges and a police check post. Further on, the route opens up into a wide valley of yak pastures and scattered Tamang villages with water-driven mills and prayer wheels. We arrive at Langtang village after crossing a stream and reaching up a height of 3500 meters. Langtang village is the headquarters for Langtang National Park and has flat-roofed Tibetan style houses, hotels and cultivated lands yielding buckwheat, potatoes, wheat, turnips, barley etc. .
- Day 6
Trek to Kyangjin Gompa (3800m) – approx. 4/5 hrs
The trail skirts gradually through rich yak pastures and interesting traditional villages of Muna to Singdun. We cross a wooden cantilever bridge and reach a wide valley after climbing a moraine. Finally, on ascending the mountain passes, we arrive at Kyagjin Gompa. There is a small monastery and a government-operated cheese factory. .
- Day 7
Acclimation day; explore Kyanjin Ri (4773m)
We take a day off for acclimatization and a proper rest. We get to explore interesting places like the monastery, cheese factory etc. We can climb Kyangjin Ri located at 4773m from where amazing views of snow-capped mountains are spreading right next to you. We can walk up the moraine to see the spectacular mountain ridges and undulating glaciers. .
- Day 8
Base Camp (4987m) – approx. 6 hrs
The route from the base camp is an uphill climb. This little trek goes up through a rhododendron forest. We follow the rhododendron bushes and cross a river. We head in a western direction up to the mountain and moved towards the south. The base camp at 4987m, takes around five to six hours to reach from Kyangjin. The place where we set up our base camp is a good open ground. It is a large rocky area but with fresh water flowing through it. The view from the camp is fantastic. To the north, you have a magnificent view of Langtang Lirung, Langshisa Ri and Shisapangma in Tibet. To the south, the impressive south face of Naya Kanga (5844m) towers above. Since the camp area is totally flat, we can put up our tents easily. We pass the night at the base camp. Overnight at Base Camp..
- Day 9
Baden Powell Summit (5718m) – approx. 14 hrs
Today we rise up early in the morning and start our ascent to BP Peak summit. From base camp, we cross the rocky field and climb up about 50m until we get to a rocky slab on the right. From there we ascend the snowy 30 degree slope that leads to a glacier, which soon becomes a large glacial bowl. We zigzag your way up, keeping to the right, aiming towards the rock face to the west. From here, the slope gets a little bit steeper about 35-40 degrees. At least 100metres of ropes are fixed. We stay on the ice and climb around the rocks until we get to the top of the ridge at about 5500m. Then there is another steep portion .We fix another 10m of rope. A couple of crevasses are on the way up before we climb 100m straight to the top. We need another fix rope to reach the summit. The ridge at the top is very narrow and has very little space. From the top we have fantastic views of Shishapangma, Naya Kanga, Ganesh Himal and even Kathmandu valley on a clear day. We return back to base camp. Overnight in tent..
- Day 10
Back to Langtang Village (3430m)
We retrace the same way back to Langtang village from the Base Camp after successful climb of Baden Powell Peak..
- Day 11
Trek to Lama Hotel (2450 m) – approx. 6 hrs
In the morning after breakfast, we trek to Ghora Tabela. We stop briefly for lunch and thereafter continue the steep descent to Lama Hotel. .
- Day 12
Trek to Syabrubesi – approx. 5 hrs
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. .
- Day 13
Drive to Kathmandu – 8/9 hrs
We drive back to Kathmandu which will takes us around 8 hours. .
- Day 14
Depart Kathmandu
Our office representative will take you to the airport. With all the wonderful memories of Baden Powell Scout Peak climbing, you will fly back to your home. Have a nice journey!.
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PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Langtang region is the home of several ethnic groups. The majority of people are Tamang, Sherpa and Bhotia. Their religion is related to the Bon and the pre-Buddhist doctrines of Tibet. Today this religion has merged with the newer teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. Helambu situated at the north side of Kathmandu valley, which comprises of highland villages, such as Melamchi and Tarkeyghyang. Beautifully situated in alpine meadow, beauty of this region is worth spectacular. The region is mostly inhabited by friendly and helpful Tamang people. It is home to two major races of peoples, the Hyolmo or Yolmo and the Tamang. Helambu also offers an opportunity to experience Sherpa culture. Helambu is also famous for its sweet apples and artistic Buddhist monasteries.
Testimonials
The meeting and handling was excellent. Everything worked! Good tents and facilities (dining & toilet tents). For young mountaineers I suggest an extra day/camp between Kyangjin Gompa and High Camp, some where around 4,400m.
Happy Explorers
The meeting and handling was excellent. Everything worked! Good tents and facilities (dining & toilet tents). For young mountaineers I suggest an extra day/camp between Kyangjin Gompa and High Camp, some where around 4,400m.
Community Service
We work with the motto "Tourism for Development". Explore Himalaya Community Service Project was conceived to empower underprivileged segments of Nepal.
