Itinerary
Expand AllUpon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our team will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After check-in, you can relax and recover from your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the surrounding area, experience local culture, or enjoy traditional Nepali cuisine. In the evening, meet the team for a welcome dinner and an initial expedition briefing.
- Activity: Airport pickup and hotel transfer
- Transfer time: 30 minutes, depending on traffic
- Altitude: Approximately 1,350 m
- Meals: Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Enjoy a day to recover from your international journey and prepare for the expedition. You can explore the peaceful surroundings of Boudhanath, purchase any last-minute supplies, and organize your equipment. Your luggage will be sorted into trekking and mountaineering bags in preparation for the journey to Dolpo.
- Activity: Rest, equipment checks, and expedition preparation
- Altitude: Approximately 1,300 m
- Meals: Not included
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Nepalgunj in southwestern Nepal. The flight takes approximately one hour and may offer views of the Himalayan ranges, including the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri regions. Nepalgunj lies in the Terai plains near the Indian border. After arrival, transfer to your hotel and prepare for the flight to Juphal the following day.
- Activity: Domestic flight and hotel transfer
- Flight time: Approximately 1 hour
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel in Nepalgunj
Take a scenic flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal, the gateway to the remote Dolpo region. The flight is weather-dependent and offers views of mountain villages, rivers, and terraced farmland. Upon arrival, meet the trekking crew and begin walking through Juphal village before descending towards Dunai, the administrative center of Dolpo. The trail passes through rural settlements and cultivated fields, offering an introduction to the region's traditional way of life. Flights to Juphal may be delayed or canceled due to weather. Helicopter transportation may be considered if available, subject to weather conditions, operational arrangements, and additional costs.
- Flight time: Approximately 1 hour. Trekking
- Time: Approximately 3 hours
- Elevation change: +150 m / −500 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping tent
Follow the Thuli Bheri River upstream towards Tarakot, a historic settlement that once served as an important stop along regional trading routes. The trail passes through narrow gorges, small villages, and cultivated fields, where you may see traditional farming activities. Enjoy the dramatic scenery of the river valley before reaching the campsite near Tarakot.
- Trekking time: 5 hours
- Elevation change: +580 m / −300 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping tent
Continue along the valley on a trail that follows the Barbung Khola. The route includes several ascents and descents, with sections running along slopes above the river. Pass through Laisicap, where you may see an old bridge, abandoned buildings, and a checkpoint. Continue towards Musi Khola, a remote settlement surrounded by rugged mountain terrain.
- Trekking time: Approximately 7 hours
- Elevation change: +900 m / −390 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping tent
Today's trail follows the mountainside above the gorge before crossing an old wooden bridge. The route climbs towards terraced land and gradually opens into a wider valley. Continue along the river towards Kakot, a traditional village built against a cliff and sheltered from strong winds. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you move deeper into the remote Dolpo region.
- Trekking time: 5 hours
- Elevation change: +640 m / −255 m
- Altitude: Approximately 3,250 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping tent
Begin a challenging ascent towards Yak Kharka, following a trail that climbs across cultivated land, forested slopes, and alpine meadows. After crossing the river, continue towards a prominent pass and follow the mountain trail through increasingly open terrain. As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes more rugged, with expansive grassy slopes and views of the surrounding mountains. Yak Kharka provides an important overnight stop before continuing towards Putha Hiunchuli Base Camp.
- Trekking time: Approximately 5 hours
- Elevation change: +700 m / −150 m
- Altitude: Approximately 3,960 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping tent
Continue ascending through the upper valley towards Putha Phedi, also known as the German Base Camp. The trail climbs across rugged terrain, with occasional descents along the way. As you gain altitude, the vegetation becomes sparse and the surrounding mountain scenery becomes increasingly dramatic. Take your time on the ascent and follow your guide's advice to help with acclimatization.
- Trekking time: 6 hours
- Elevation change: +600 m / −150 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping tent
Continue from Putha Phedi towards Putha Hiunchuli Base Camp. Today's route includes several ascents and descents across rugged mountain terrain. Exercise caution on exposed sections where loose rocks may be present. Upon reaching base camp, settle into the expedition camp and enjoy impressive views of Putha Hiunchuli and the surrounding Himalayan landscape. The team will organize equipment and begin preparations for the climbing period.
- Trekking time: 3 hours
- Elevation change: +315 m / −120 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Expedition camping tent
Spend this period acclimatizing, preparing climbing equipment, establishing high camps, and attempting the summit of Putha Hiunchuli. The planned climbing schedule includes rotations between base camp and three high camps. The exact climbing plan will depend on weather conditions, snow and ice conditions, the fitness of the team, and the expedition leader's assessment.
Planned Putha hiunchuli High Camps
- Base Camp: 4,900 m
- Camp 1: 5,450 m
- Camp 2: 6,125 m
- Camp 3: 6,600 m
- Summit: 7,246 m
Putha Hiunchuli Base Camp to Camp 1 (5,450 m)
The ascent begins from base camp at approximately 4,900 m. The route crosses glacial moraine and snow slopes before reaching Camp 1. Although the gradient may be moderate in places, the altitude makes the climb physically demanding.
- Elevation gain: Approximately 550 m
- Ascent time: 2–3 hours
- Descent time: 1–2 hours
- Overnight altitude: 5,450 m
- Camp 1 to Camp 2 (6,125 m)
Continue towards Camp 2 across steeper snow and ice slopes. Depending on conditions, the route may include crevasses, snow bridges, and sections requiring fixed ropes. Careful movement and appropriate mountaineering equipment are essential. The thin air and increasing altitude make this section particularly demanding.
- Elevation gain: Approximately 675 m
- Ascent time: 7–8 hours
- Descent time: 3–4 hours
- Overnight altitude: 6,125 m
putha Hiunchuli Camp 2 to Camp 3 (6,600 m)
Ascend from Camp 2 towards Camp 3 across high-altitude snow and ice terrain. Progress depends on snow conditions, accumulated snow, and wind. Camp 3 is the final high camp before the summit attempt.
- Elevation gain: Approximately 475 m
- Ascent time: 2–3 hours
- Descent time: 1–2 hours
- Overnight altitude: 6,600 m
Camp 3 to the Summit of Putha Hiunchuli Summit (7,246 m)
The summit attempt usually begins very early, often around midnight or 1:00 a.m., depending on weather and climbing conditions. From Camp 3, continue over high-altitude snow slopes towards the summit. The final ascent is physically demanding due to the altitude, cold, wind, and accumulated fatigue. From the summit, climbers can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks when conditions allow. After the summit attempt, descend carefully to the designated high camp or lower camp, following the expedition leader's instructions.
- Elevation gain from Camp 3: Approximately 646 m
- Ascent time: Approximately 8–10 hours
- Descent time: Approximately 4–5 hours
- Summit altitude: 7,246 m
Important: The climbing schedule and summit attempt are subject to weather, mountain conditions, and the expedition leader's safety assessment. Reaching the summit cannot be guaranteed.
- Activity: Acclimatization, climbing rotations, and summit attempt
- Meals: Expedition meals, including suitable high-altitude food
- Accommodation: Expedition camping tents
After completing the climbing period, pack up the base camp and begin the return trek. Descend through the mountain valley towards Kakot, retracing the approach route. The long descent offers an opportunity to appreciate the landscapes you passed through on the way to base camp.
- Trekking time: 5 hours
- Elevation change: +200 m / −1,800 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping tent
Continue descending through the remote Dolpo valley, retracing the route towards Laisi. The trail follows the river and passes through rugged terrain and traditional settlements. Take regular breaks and maintain a comfortable pace during the descent.
- Trekking time: 6 hours
- Elevation change: Approximately −500 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping tent
Continue along the familiar trail through the valley towards Musi Khola. The route includes sections above the river and several undulating stretches. Enjoy the changing scenery as you gradually return to lower elevations.
- Trekking time: 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping tent
Continue through the valley, passing cultivated fields and traditional settlements. The landscape becomes greener as you descend towards Dunai, the administrative center of Dolpo. Upon arrival, enjoy a rest after the trekking days in the remote mountains.Activity: Trekking
- Trekking time: Approximately 3 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping tent or lodge, subject to availability
Complete the trekking section by following the Bheri River towards Juphal. The trail gradually ascends to the village and its airstrip, passing through cultivated land and local settlements along the way. Upon arrival, prepare for your return flight from the Dolpo region.
- Trekking time: 4 hours
- Elevation gain: +400 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping tent or lodge, subject to availability
Transfer to Juphal Airport for your return flight to Nepalgunj. After arriving in Nepalgunj, connect with a flight to Kathmandu, subject to the flight schedule and weather conditions. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and enjoy some free time. Flights from Juphal are weather-dependent, so delays may affect onward connections. Any alternative transportation arrangements should be confirmed with the expedition organizer.
- Activity: Domestic flights and hotel transfer
- Meals: Breakfast included
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Enjoy a free day in Kathmandu to relax after your expedition. You may explore the city's cultural attractions, visit local markets, or enjoy traditional Nepali cuisine. This day also provides some flexibility in case of delays during the return journey from Dolpo.
- Activity: Leisure and optional sightseeing
- Meals: Breakfast included; lunch and dinner at your own expense
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international flight home. Your expedition comes to an end as you leave Nepal with memories of the remote Dolpo region and your Putha Hiunchuli adventure.
- Airport transfer and international flight
- Transfer time: Approximately 1 hour
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel
Note:
If you have a private group and prefer a personalized experience, we can organize a custom trip tailored to your requirements and group size, running it any day you choose.
Plan a Private TripIncluded & Excluded
Included Points
Excluded Points
Trip Information
Putha Hiunchuli Expedition
The Putha Hiunchuli Expedition (7,246 m) takes you into the remote Dolpo region of western Nepal for an unforgettable Himalayan climbing adventure. This expedition combines a scenic approach trek, high-altitude acclimatization and a challenging summit ascent. With experienced Sherpa support and professional expedition logistics from Alpinist Club, it is an excellent objective for experienced mountaineers seeking to climb a less-crowded 7,000-metre peak.
Read More1. Expedition Guide and High-Altitude Sherpa Support
Alpinist Club provides experienced guides and high-altitude Sherpas to support your Putha Hiunchuli Expedition. Our standard arrangement is one dedicated climbing Sherpa per member (1:1 ratio), subject to confirmation at booking.
Your climbing Sherpa assists during the ascent, supports high-camp preparation and helps you navigate the climbing route. Sherpa support may vary during acclimatization rotations and between camps.
A summit bonus for your climbing Sherpa is payable in cash according to the agreed expedition terms.
2. Expedition Leader
The expedition leader coordinates the team, manages base-camp logistics, oversees acclimatization rotations and monitors weather forecasts to help determine suitable summit opportunities. They also coordinate high-altitude support and make decisions concerning the safety and progress of the expedition.
All participants must follow the expedition leader’s instructions. Weather conditions, route safety and individual health may require changes to the itinerary, including delaying or stopping an ascent.
3. Nepalese Expedition Team
Our Nepalese support team may include a Sirdar (team leader), climbing Sherpas, assistant guides, cooks, kitchen assistants and porters. Each member has specific responsibilities, from transporting equipment and establishing camps to preparing meals and supporting the climbing team.
A kitchen team operates at base camp, while porters and pack animals help transport supplies along the approach route. High-altitude Sherpas assist with carrying equipment and preparing the upper camps.
Participants should be prepared to carry their personal daypack, water, essential equipment and high-altitude snacks.
4. Difficulty Level and Experience
Physical difficulty: Challenging
Putha Hiunchuli is a 7,246-metre Himalayan peak requiring excellent physical fitness, endurance and mental resilience. Climbers should have previous high-altitude mountaineering experience and be comfortable operating in cold, remote and demanding environments.
Technical difficulty: To be confirmed for the actual route
The climb may involve glacier travel, snow slopes, crampons, ice axes, harnesses and fixed ropes. Participants must have the necessary mountaineering skills or complete appropriate training before the expedition.
Preparation should include regular hiking, cardiovascular exercise, strength training and practice with mountaineering equipment. Good teamwork and the ability to follow safety instructions are essential.
5. Travel to Nepal
The expedition begins in Kathmandu, where our team welcomes you at the airport and arranges your transfer to the hotel.
International flights are generally not included unless specifically stated in your package. We recommend arriving according to the confirmed itinerary and allowing sufficient time for preparation, equipment checks and expedition briefings.
Domestic flights and other transportation are arranged according to the expedition schedule and local operating conditions.
6. Accommodation
Kathmandu
Accommodation is arranged in a comfortable hotel, generally on a twin-sharing basis unless otherwise specified in your booking. Single-room accommodation may be available at an additional cost.
During the Trek
Depending on the route and availability, accommodation is provided in local lodges, teahouses or camping tents.
Base Camp
Each expedition member receives an individual tent. Base-camp facilities include a dining tent, kitchen tent, sleeping tents, toilet facilities and other essential equipment to support comfort and recovery.
High-Altitude Camps
High camps are equipped with suitable mountaineering tents, generally shared by two climbers where conditions and equipment allow. Sleeping arrangements may vary at higher camps.
7. Meals and Drinking Water
Kathmandu and Trekking Route
Meals are provided according to the package itinerary. During lodge stays, meals are generally prepared by the lodge kitchen. Lunch may be served as a packed meal or a hot meal, depending on the day's route.
Base Camp
The kitchen team prepares breakfast, lunch and dinner using available local ingredients. Meals commonly include rice, pasta, lentils, potatoes, vegetables, eggs and other suitable foods. Tea, coffee and hot drinks are provided according to the package arrangements.
High-Altitude Camps
Meals at high camps are selected for their energy content, ease of preparation and suitability for cold conditions. Freeze-dried meals and other lightweight foods may be used. Members should bring any preferred personal snacks or energy foods.
Hydration
Use water-purification tablets or an appropriate water-treatment method according to your guide's advice. Carry reusable water bottles and drink regularly throughout the trek and climb. Additional electrolyte supplements may be useful during prolonged exertion; discuss suitable options with your healthcare professional.
8. Physical Preparation and Medical Check-Up
Begin physical preparation several months before departure. Regular hikes, uphill walking, cardiovascular training and strength exercises will help develop the endurance required for a high-altitude expedition.
Arrange a medical check-up before travelling and inform your doctor about the altitude, duration and physical demands of the climb. A dental check-up is also advisable. Climbers with existing medical conditions should seek advice from a qualified mountain-medicine specialist.
Appropriate travel insurance covering high-altitude mountaineering, emergency medical treatment and evacuation is essential.
9. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of fitness. Common symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping.
More serious conditions, including high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), can become life-threatening. Report symptoms to your guide immediately and never continue ascending when experiencing signs of altitude illness.
Follow the acclimatization schedule and consult a healthcare professional before departure about altitude-related medication. Timely medical assessment and descent are essential when serious symptoms develop.
10. Group Size
Group size depends on the confirmed departure and expedition arrangements. Alpinist Club coordinates the climbing team, support staff and logistics according to the number of participants. Please confirm the planned group size and climbing Sherpa ratio before booking.
11. Equipment
Group Equipment
The expedition provides the agreed group equipment, which may include base-camp tents, dining and kitchen facilities, high-altitude tents, cooking equipment, ropes, anchors and other essential climbing supplies.
Personal Equipment
Participants must bring their own suitable personal trekking and mountaineering equipment unless rental arrangements are confirmed. Essential items include insulated clothing, high-altitude boots, gloves, a sleeping bag suitable for extreme cold, a harness, helmet, crampons and an ice axe, as required by the final equipment list.
Please consult the Alpinist Club for the detailed packing list before departure.
12. Safety and Communication
Safety equipment and communication arrangements are organized according to the expedition plan. These may include walkie-talkies, a satellite phone, weather forecasts and emergency medical supplies.
Communication equipment is primarily intended for expedition coordination and emergencies. Personal use may be subject to availability and additional charges.
Weather, snow conditions, route safety and the health of participants may require changes to the climbing schedule. The expedition leader and climbing team will prioritize safety when making these decisions.
13. Teamwork and Expedition Conduct
A successful Himalayan expedition requires cooperation, patience, and respect for fellow climbers and support staff. Participants are expected to follow the expedition leader's instructions, respect local communities, care for shared equipment, and help maintain a clean mountain environment.
Alpinist Club aims to provide a professionally organized expedition while encouraging responsible mountaineering and respect for Nepal's mountain communities.
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