Ramdung Peak
Overview
Ramdung peak situated in Rolwaling region is very beautiful peak to climb. The normal route to climb this peak is via North Glacier and ridge. This peak is used as warm-up peak and involves only simple snow walking. The climb to summit is not technically hard but the challenging factor is altitude and peak remoteness. The summit of Ramdung Peak offer excellent view of Everest, Gaurishankar, Melungtse and many others.
Our 24 days trip to Ramdung peak will take you to tranquility of the mountains, fabulous high alpine valley, lush forest of pines and Rhodondendron and not the least unspoiled rural Sherpa village. Leaving last village Beding of Rolwaling region, we climb Ramdung peak. After climb, yet another adventure awaits us to cross Tashi Laptsa pass of 5755 meter. After cross, we arrive Thame entering Everest region. From here, the trek comes to the main trail to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpas Capital. From Namche, a scenic day walk to Lukla and for the panoramic flight back to Kathmandu other day.
ay 01- Arrival in Kathmandu
Welcome to Nepal! Visit Nepal 2020 representative will meet you at the airport and bring you to your hotel in Kathmandu. You can take a rest or if you are arriving earlier, can visit around the city. In the evening we will hold a briefing session regarding your trip and get to know your Nepali trekking companion. We’ll be happy to answer any question you may have.
Day 02- Sightseeing trip / Trek preparation
Kathmandu valley is has fantastic UNESCO world heritages all around. Today after the breakfast, you’ll be visiting Boudhanath Stupa (the largest Buddhist shrines in the world), Pashupatinath (the holiest Hindu temple in the world), Durbar Squares (Palaces and fortresses of medieval Kings). The lifestyle of the Nepalese people, holy sadhus and monks, the fascinating history and the awe-inspiring architecture will be the highlight of this day. You can also buy or rent any needed gear or clothing from trekking/mountaineering shops.
Day 03 – Drive Kathmandu to Shigati (950m). To Suri Dobhan
From Kathmandu, we head northeast on the Friendship Highway which connects Kathmandu with Lhasa. At Lamosangu, we leave the Friendship Highway and take another way to Jiri. Earlier the motorable road used to be only up to Dolakha. But nowadays because of the Tamakoshi hydropower construction works, we can drive upto Shigati. From Shigati we trek to Suri Dobhan for our overnight stay.
Day 04 – Suri Dobhan to Jagat (1440m). 5-6 hrs.
Today we trek along the river, and then continue on the flat land. We cross several streams and jungles with varieties of orchid, rhododendron and other vegetation. On the way we cross the suspension bridge and reach Jagat, a small township with people belonging to different ethnic groups.
Day 05 – Jagat to Simigaun (1990m) 7-8 hrs
It takes almost seven and half hours to reach Simigaon from Jagat. As we proceed forward, we follow the flat path and it ascends and descends through the thick jungle. You cross the suspension bridges several times. You also come across many villages on the trail. Small tea shops and local shops are available on the trail. Then we ascend up to Simigaon and this small village is inhabited by the Buddhist and Hindus.
Day 06 – Simigaon to Kharka (2900m). 6 hrs
We pass by a few more Sherpa settlements. On a clear morning the fascinating views of Mt Gaurishankar above the Rolwaling Valley can be seen. From the ridge top at Simigaun, we continue our walking towards the Rolwaling Valley. The trail climbs a rocky, wooded ridge with beautiful pine forests. We again descend to the river of Rolwaling Khola (river).
Day 07 – Kharka to Beding (3690m). 4 hrs
Our trail ascends uphill through different varieties of plants and Rhododendron trees. We continue our trek along the left bank of the Rolwaling Khola (river). Continuing along the deep river valley, we arrive at a tributary river from Gaurishankar. Here we enjoy the fantastic views of Mt Gaurishankar. The trail rises further until we come across an easy and relatively flat terrain. Finally, we arrive at the Sherpa village of Beding located by the river.
Day 08 – Rest day at Beding
Today is the rest day for acclimatization. You can go for a short hike in the surrounding for acclimatization. In the surrounding, the breathtaking views of Gauri Shankar and Tibetan mountain arrest your attention.
Day 09 – Beding to Na (4180m).4-5 hrs
From Beding, we trek towards Na and its four to five hours trek. You can explore the upper slopes of the valley for snow today. You can also visit the nearby glacier too. The trek goes up along the river bank. This place is very open and it offers fresh air and charming sound the river. As the trek proceeds forward, you come across the panoramic view of the mountains. In addition, we also come across the Sherpa village and explore their specialties.
Day 10 – Na to Yalung Glacier (4750m.) 6-7 hrs
Trek from Na to Yalung Glacier takes about six and half hours. The trek ascends high glacier walk with the land enriched with white ice all over with crampon and ice sacks. You will be staying overnight in the Yalung Glacier high camp.
Day 11 – Yalung Glacier to Ramdung Base Camp (5150m) 5-6 hrs
You will be trek uphill until you reach Yalung Danda and then you trek steep ascent path to Base Camp. The trail you pass through is of rocky glacier. . You will be able to witness the various views of mountains like Gauri Shanker, Menlung, Yalung and the mountains of the Tibet.
Day 12 – Base Camp to Ramdung High Camp (5-6 hrs)
Day 13 – Summit Ramdung Go peak (5925m) back to Base camp
We will depart for summit before dawn. The climb up to summit is quite steep and it takes 6-7 hours. The reward at the summit is one of the world’s most spectacular mountain views you will ever experience. We will then make our way down to base camp.
Day 14 – Contingency day in case of bad weather
Day 15 – Ramdung Base camp to Dorlumbu Glacier
Early morning we trek toward Drolumbu glacier. We walk past the glaciers throughout the day and explore the beauty of the surrounding. The trail ascends through some uphill rock and a gradual walk on the glacier moraine, occasionally passing rocks overhangs.
Day 1 6 – Trek to Tashi Lapcha pass base camp
Day 17 – Tashi Lapcha BC to Tashi Lapcha pass (5755m) to Thengpo (4370m) 7-8 hrs
Today is the longest day of our trek. We climb to the top of Taashi Lapcha which is the highest point of this Rolwaling Khumbu trek. Enjoy the fantastic views of the Khumbu peaks including Everest, Makalu among others. Descend to Col then to Thengpo.
Day 18 – Thengpo to Thame (3820m). 5 hrs
Today is easy walking as compared to previous day. A gradual descend brings us to Thame Village, the first hint of civilization since Beding. There is a very old and interesting Monastery at the upper end of the village. Now you will have a glimpse of first really good views of the great peaks of the Khumbu including Mt Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru.
Day 19 – Thame to Namche Bazaar (3440m). 5 hrs
At Thame, the old trade route over the Nangpa-la into Tibet branches North, following the Bhote Koshi, which incidentally is the 2-3 river so named on this trek. The trail descends gently at first and then steeply to a bridge over the river Dudh Koshi at Phunki Tenga. Passing by several villages and numerous teashops, the trail ascends steeply to Sanasa where local Sherpa people sell the Tibetan goods. The way from Sanasa to Namche has small ups and downs with view of forests, scenery and mountains.
Day 20 – Rest day at Namche Bazaar.
We will walk a short distance to a museum that is celebrated for its exhibits of the traditional customs of the Sherpa people. We also may hike up the Syangboche Airport near the Everest View Hotel. From this point, we can see rewarding views of the Himalayas with a stunning sunrise and sunset over the panorama of Khumbu peaks. O/N Lodge (BLD)
Day 21 – Namche Bazzar to Phakding to Lukla: 6 – 7 hrs
We trace the route passing through Hillary suspension bridge and through the Sherpa villages. The last day of trek is traditionally completed by party with your trekking crew. All are in happy and celebration mood for accomplishing the great Everest base camp trek. This will also be last day of yours in the mountain. O/N Lodge (BLD)
Day 22 – Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu which takes about 35 minutes. We will take an early morning flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu you will be transferred to Hotel. You can rest and relax throughout the day in your hotel. O/N Hotel (B)
Day 23 – Contingency and rest day Kathmandu
You can spend time resting/buying souvenirs back to home. In the evening, we will host farewell dinner in traditional restaurant with cultural dance performances in celebration of your amazing trip. O/N Hotel (BD)
Day 24 – Trip ends, Farewell and Departure
The journey in the mountains of Nepal comes to an end today ! At last approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight, a representative from Ramdung Expedition will drop you to the airport. (B)
WHAT ARE INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE
- All airport/hotel/airport transfers
- 3 nights hotel (3 star) in Kathmandu in bb plan
- Climbing permits for Ramdung Peak, national park fees, government tax
- Nights in available tea house/lodges on trekking
- Full board meals on trekking and climbing to/from BC
- 25 kg personal equipment per person is allowed
- porters as necessary for whole program
- Tent with mattress for Base camp and high camp use
- 1 kitchen tent, 1 dining tent, lighting, gas heating,
- 1 climbing Sherpa/ guide, 1 cook and necessary staff
- Salary, allowance insurances for staff
- Lukla – Kathmandu flight, domestic taxes
- All transportation as per itinerary
- Farewell dinner in Nepali restaurant
- Government tax, vat & office service charge
WHAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE
- International air ticket and airport taxes
- Lunch and dinner while stay in Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Personal Trekking and climbing equipment for trek
- All expenses of personal nature like: bar and beverages bills, telephone calls etc
- Personal Travel insurance
- Staffs tips
- All not mentioned in cost includes
VISA REQUIREMENT
All foreigners require a visa for entry into Nepal. The passport must be at least 6 months valid from return date. Nepalese visas can be obtained from the Nepalese Consulate in your country or directly upon arrival in Kathmandu Airport.
You will need two passport photo and following fees
– US$ 25 for 15 days or equivalent convertible currency.
– US$ 40 for 30 days or equivalent convertible currency.
– US$ 100 for 90 days or equivalent convertible currency.
ACCOMMODATION
Normally, we use following 3-4 star standard hotels in Kathmandu depending on availability in our peak climbing package.
Hotel Manang. Located in touristic hub, Thamel. www.hotelmanang.com
Hotel Utse. Located in touristic hub, Thamel. www.utsehotel.com
Hotel Manaslu. Located in Lazimpat near to Thamel area.
On the trekking and climbing it may make you feel tired and exhausted. So, we are committed to arrange you a home away from your home. While on trek, the lodges are fairly basic but perfectly adequate for the mountain type service. Two people will be accommodated in each room mostly in twin beds with foam mattresses. If you prefer private accommodation, you can choose “single supplement” option. It is important to consider that some places in the trek do not have sufficient lodges and rooms; in this case you’ll have to share room. Some lodges now have showers (charged at $3-$5).
For camping, comfortable two men tent with foam mattress will be provided. Camping will be fixed at designated camp site with pleasant and scenery place.
PRE TRIP MEETING
Prior to all our peak climbing and expedition program, we arrange a Pre-Trip meeting in Kathmandu. Mostly on the 2nd day of your itinerary. It will be in morning during the breakfast. We introduce with you our leader. It will provide face to face platform to ask anything about your trip and knowing each other for nice trip.
FLIGHT DELAYS IN KATHMANDU-LUKLA
Flight between Kathmandu and Lukla is generally reliable. Being Short Take-Off & Landing (STOL) mountain airstrips, flight is dependent on the weather. Delays often happen if there is poor visibility or high winds. In case of bad weather, flight is cancelled often and to avoid missing international flights, we recommend 2-3 days extra at end of your trip.
If you have to wait in Kathmandu at beginning of the trip due to flight delays, the cost for your overnight accommodation in Kathmandu is not included so you will have to pay extra for this.
Also be prepared to pay some extra money for Helicopter flights. Which may cost $ 150- $ 500 or more depending on persons on the flight. For group, we normally charter helicopter flights. Make sure that you have full-fledged insurance coverage arrangement. In our program there is two night as buffer day in case of unforeseen circumstances.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
it is mandatory to have travel insurance for the trekking and climbing and please submit us photocopy before departure to mountain. The insurance should cover comprehensive expenses that might incur due to medical issues or accidents (this includes air ambulance, helicopter rescue and treatment cost).
TREKKING DAYS
You are expect to trek about 5-7 hours covering distance of 10-15 kilometer daily depending on trial conditions and state of the weather. You’ll be traveling through wilderness, remote countryside and high elevations. Trekking with a guide is not only safer but also for more enjoyable experience. Our guides and porters are expert in Himalayan treks and have more than one decades of experience in average.
It is recommended that you prepare for trek with suitable training such as climbing hills/stairs, jogging, exercise and gym to improve your stamina few months prior to trek. The trek will be more enjoyable if you are fit.
MEALS AND DRINKS
There are plenty of excellent restaurants to serve food and drinks in Kathmandu such as Rum doodles, Fire & ice, La Dolce Vita, Ktoo Steak House, Everest Steak, New Orleans, Gaia etc. Breakfast is provided at your hotel every morning. It will cost $ 3-7 per meal depending on meals item chosen and restaurant.
While on trek, the lodges or teahouse provide good quality food in sufficient quantities. Meals whilst on trek are included in the package which is breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks. You can choose your meal from hotel menus. Meals in lodges are varied ranging from traditional Nepalese daal bhaat to pizza, apple pie, steak, pasta and so on.
While on camping, our cook and kitchen staff will provide fresh, hygienic foods. 3 meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner) will be provided accompanying timely tea breaks and snacks. You can have Nepali, Tibetan, Sherpa, Italian and Indian varieties as per daily menu. We use locally produced foods which is free of chemicals and pesticides.
It is safer to drink bottled, boiled and filtered water. A reasonable variety of both hard and soft drinks are available in cities and while on trek. You can purify your own water if you carry a canteen or water bottle and iodine drops or tablets.
GUIDE AND STAFF ARRANGEMENT
Ramdung Expedition employs and train Nepalese guide and local staff. Our guides have done following trainings.
– Wilderness First Aid – KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Educational Project)
– Trekking Guide Training – Nepal Government’s Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation department of Hotel Management & Tourism Training Centre of Nepal.
– Eco Trekking Workshop & Adventure Meet – TAAN (Trekking Agents Association Of Nepal)
– English Language – KEEP
– Conservation & Biodiversity – KEEP
– Rock & Ice Climbing & Mountaineering (optional) – Nepal Mountaineering Association
Our trekking guides posses good speaking English language skills. This is not our mother language and so sometimes we suggest traveler to pick up and use a few of local greetings and get firsthand experience of the local culture. Our guides and porters know the route direction like the back of their hand, they practice the local culture themselves and they are passionate about their country and job.
For safety concern there will be one climbing Sherpa/guide and one assistance guide to each 4 clients. This will ensure no disturb in itinerary, if in case one get sick. The trip still runs as plan as in itinerary. Our minimum group requirement is 2 and maximum goes up to 12 to ensure good team and to communicate and facilitate in every manner.
CLIMATE
Spring starts from March until May where temperature fluctuated between 20°c to 30°c. From June to August is summer season which is also time of monsoon with occasional thunderstorms and hot temperatures. From late September to end November is autumn and is best for trekking activities. Winter is from late November to February.
The trek will have a wide range of temperatures depending on the elevation and time of the particular day. In the mountains between 1000m-3500m, the night generally will be cool around 5°C and during the day temperatures every so often rise to 20°c. At the higher altitudes, temperatures range from 15° to -15°c.
TIPS
Tips is not mandatory but generally after hard work something extra is expected. We recommend a tip for guide and porter as at least $70 (more will be appreciated).
ACCLIMATIZATION
Our itinerary is planned carefully to cope with AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Most of the time you’ll be trekking or going over 3000m and acclimatization is very important. You may be likely to experience some of the minor symptoms and discomfort of altitude sickness (headaches, mild nauseas, loss of appetite) until your body adjusts to the elevation. This can take from a few hours to a couple of days depending on the individual. Do not exert yourself and drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids. It is very important to drink at least 4-5 liters of liquids daily to avoid any altitude sickness; this is probably the best remedy for AMS.
We advise specially the guests with known heart or lungs or blood diseases to consult their doctor before traveling. Mild headaches, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorder are symptoms of AMS.
Do not forget – the common effects of altitude such as:
– You may feel breathlessness on exertion.
– Some headache which is treatable by aspirin.
– May be some difficulty sleeping and a little loss of appetite.
– You might also wake up suddenly at night trying to catch your breath. Do not panic! Your metabolism has simply slowed down.
– You may also experience an exaggerated thumping headache, which will not go away, breathless even at rest, extreme nausea. The lack of oxygen in the system will first affect either the brain (HACE – Height Altitude Cerebral Edema) causing loss of physical and mental coordination OR the lungs (HAPE – Height Altitude Pulmonary Edema), coughing up persistent sputum or both.
– Do not drink any alcohol on the outward trek. It seriously impairs the ability to acclimatize, and confuses the symptoms of AMS.
Do drink copious quantities of water-even 5 liters a day is recommended by some medical sources. Dehydration through perspiration and increased breathing rate seriously inhibits acclimatization, and is the most common cause of altitude related problems.
Do not drink any alcohol if you are above 3000m It seriously impairs the ability to acclimatize, and confuses the symptoms of AMS.
Read Altitude Sickness notes by Dr. Jim Duff on : http://www.treksafe.com.au/medical/altitude_illness.htm
CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT LIST
The following are what we recommend to bring as clothing and equipment needed for the trekking and climbing. Most of the gear can be rented or purchased in Kathmandu at cheaper price; we can assist you with necessary arrangement. Except for your day pack, your luggage will be carried by porters. You’ll have strong and hospitable porter for two people. The weight limit for trek is 25kg per person. One porter can carry 20-25kg weight. Before the trek, you can store all your excess baggage in Kathmandu at hotel or at our office and take only which is required for the trek. It is also recommended to carry your own medical items too.
Personal Climbing gears
Harness
Crampons
Ice axe
Screw gate carabineers (2lock, 2 unlock)
Tape Slings (2)
Descender/eight figure
Ascender/Jumer
helmet
Mountaineering boots
Group Climbing gears (we provide)
Snow Bar
Rope
Ice Hammer
Ice Screw
Headwear
Head torch, extra batteries & bulb
Sunglasses of UV protection
Warm hat (fleece, wool, synthetic)
Sun Hat, Bandana or scarf
Upper Body
Cotton tees or thermals
Light expedition weight thermal tops
Fleece wind-stoper jacket
Waterproof jacket (breathable fabric)
Down vest and jacket
Gore-tex Jacket
Gloves for hand
Lower body
Non-cotton underwear
1 pair of hiking shorts
1 pair of hiking trousers
1 pair of Lightweight thermal pants (long)
1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers
1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric
Footwear
Thin inner socks
Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Comfortable Trekking boots
Cotton socks
Gaiters
Sleeping
Sleeping bag rated to -30°C
Sleeping bag liner (fleece)
Accessories
1 medium rucksack or 1 large duffel bag
Day backpack with good shoulder support (35-50 liters)
Small Padlocks for duffel-kit bags
Large plastic bags (keeping items dry inside trek bag)
Trekking poles (recommended, optional)
Water bottle
Toiletries
TOILETRIES
Toilet facilities will be there nearby your tent is an comfortable distance covered with tent. And we properly dispose all the waste.
READING LIST
– Lonely Planet Nepal: A guide book of Nepal.
– Annapurna: A book by Reinhold Messner about his expedition experience in the dead zone of Annapurna.
– Annapurna by Maurice Herzog
– Trekking in Nepal: Written by Stephen Bezruchka is an nice book for all treks with and bibliography of additional books.
– Trekking and climbing in Nepal: Written by Steve Razzetti, this book gives comprehensive knowledge of major trekking trails and climbing peaks.
– Nepal Handbook: By Kerry Morgan. Recommended specially for Kathmandu Valley sightseeing’s.
– Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya: By Stan Armungton. This book has detailed trek descriptions including restricted areas of Mustang, Manaslu, Dolpo and kailash.
– Into Thin Air: By Jon Krakaur. A personal account of the Mount Everest disaster.
– Travelers’ Tales: Edited by Rajendra Khadka, Traveler’s Tales, and San Francisco.
– Mustang: A lost kingdom by Michel Peissel.
– Into Thin Air: By Jon Krakaur. A personal account of the Mount Everest disaster.
– Travelers Tales: Edited by Rajendra Khadka, Traveler’s Tales, and San Francisco.
– Mustang: A lost kingdom by Michel Peissel.
