Mount Gurla Mandhata Expedition - 34 Days

Itinerary

Essential Info

Expedition Highlights

• Climb up through Zalonpa glacier.
• Climb technically easy but physiologically challenging climb
• Stunning views of Manasarover, Mt. Kailash and Rakshas (Demon Lake)
• Test of skills and physiology for Mt. Gurla Mandhata.
• Interesting experience of Tibetan culture in Western Tibet.
• Test for mountaineering isolation and psychological endurance

Experience & Physical Fitness

Previous mountaineering experience is required to at least 6500m. You will also need to be very determined. To succeed you will need to be extremely fit and have a high level of endurance. You don't need to be fast but you need to be steady and strong. Mental toughness plays a large role as does the ability to relax and let your body acclimatise. It is not recommended for those who have problem of heart and long. Strong will power is essential to take the trip.

Accommodation and Food

In Kathmandu: We will be staying at the Shanker Hotel (4 star). This charming historic palace has a huge peaceful garden with a pool and is just on the edge of the main tourist area, Thamel.

It is safe and clean and well staffed, and is a safe place to leave your clean town clothes and other gear when you are in the hills. There are many restaurants in Kathmandu catering to western tastes as well as plenty of local Dahl Bhat (rice and lentils) shops at very reasonable prices.

On the Trek: We will enjoy full camping style service (cook, kitchen hands, morning tea to your tent door, camp sherpas to help with equipment, porters, yaks etc). Some of our head cook has been with us since 1995 and has picked up Thai curries, Italian pastas and a whole host of other dishes, which are very welcoming at the end of a good days trekking. We also have cooked breakfasts and cooked lunches where possible.

On the Mountain: We will use specialised mountaineering tents for our brief stays up high. Food will be prepared by your guide and Sherpas and will be more basic than you might expect at home.

Best Season

Autumn season (Sept-Nov) being the best season for climbing, as it offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views, and also best season for peak climbing.Perfect season to climb Mt. Baruntse.

Summer months (June-September) of the year which coincides with monsoon begins in mid-June and drains in mid-September making travel wet and warm. The mountain views may not be at their best as rain clouds and haze over hang the mountains occasionally obscuring the enchanting views. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation.

Spring season (March-May) is the expedition season and the best time for climbing the high peaks. It is mildly warm at lower elevations but occasional haze mars beautiful view of mountains. At higher elevations over 4,000 meters the mountain views are excellent and the temperature is quite moderate even at night.

Insurance & Evacuation

Most of our adventures in the Himalaya take us to remote regions of high altitude. We always take our time to acclimatize properly and we allow for additional rest days. While most people may experience minor ill effects from high altitudes, there are some who have persistent symptoms, which require return to a lower altitude or emergency evacuation. Adjusting to a new diet can also take some time.

All clients are required to have travel insurance covering emergency rescue, usually by helicopter. We must stress that this kind of evacuation occurs in a life or death situation only. Rest and/or descent to a lower altitude are the best remedies for most illnesses experienced out on the trail. Circumstances differ, and the head guide with regard to treatment and itinerary will evaluate each situation. Considering the ill person condition, if helicopter evacuation required then just co ordinate with your guide, he can talk to us, we will arrange the fastest evacuation system immediately. We will work with you to accommodate your needs and requests to the best of our ability. There are small, limited health clinics in some areas, hours of operation dependent upon the season. Additional costs incurred in cases of illness are not the responsibility of mine or will be charged as extra cost.

Reviews

Kristina & Albena

I can define our Tibet Monastery Tour with Tibet Holidays with only three words: fantastic, happy and much kindness. All this due to Pema Tsering, Ngawang (our guide) and Chungda (our driver). They did our trip excellently arranged, funny, very interesting and gave us the chance to get authentic experience with Tibetan language, traditions and culture. Tibet is, for sure, the best place I have ever visited.

Robert Cody & Family

Tibet tour and our short trekking near Lhasa city was greatest experience of our lives.. All arrangements were greatly organized, Thank you for Tibet Holidays team for such a great organization of our trip. We are thankfull and will return with you some day!

Sebastain Brandt

Pema and entire crew of Tibet Holidays are simply great.. I did Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek in 2014 and Upper Mustang Trek in 2016. The guide was very manageable and proffessional. We enjoyed both trip very much. See you soon Pema. Keep it up your great job!

Kanchi Raghuram

Pema, I am so happy for your great arrangement at Kathmandu, Lhasa, Mansarover and entire Kailash yatra for my group in 2016. Guide was great, Hotels are well arranged, Kitchen crews are fabulous and food preparation were great and delicious. I m happy with your personal care. A memorable yatra with you and entire team of Tibet Holidays!

Justin & Skyler Friedman

We joined Tibet Holidays in 2004 for Everest Base Camp 13 Days Trek. Thanks for Pema Tsering for arranging excelent guide and hotel arrangement. We had such a wonderful trip in Everest and Kalapatar region. All flight, Hotel arrangement and porter were fabulous. We will get back to you some day Pema! Cheers!

Hacer Aydin

The trip that did in Humla in 2016 was my best trip. I stay in Pema’s home with she’s family and I met with this nice people. It was really special moments for me. Thanks to Pema for this opportunity. Also thanks to Pema for treating like a sister to me while im tripping. I hope we come across again my another trip.

Roger Weston

Have just returned from my second tour with Tibet Holidays; last year's trip to Mt Kailash was very well arranged and managed, a comprehensive experience of Tibet, and this second trek into the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit was equally well conducted, with many great experiences. Thanks Pema for all your kind and professional assistance.

 

Robert Becker

Our group of six had an unforgettable, life changing experience on our trek through the high country of western Nepal and on into Tibet to Mount Kailash, western Tibet and Lhasa. Pema and his team of expert guides at Tibet Holidays navigated our way around every obstacle on both sides of the border, we would have been lost without them. Our wonderful cook and kitchen team provided excellent meals three times a day in the most remote and inhospitable locations. Wonderful trip, top quality and value, highly recommended.