Who Is This Course For?

This course is suitable for physically fit beginners, experienced trekkers who want to move into mountaineering, and climbers who want to improve their technical skills.

Previous technical climbing experience is not compulsory, but participants should be comfortable with multi-day trekking and spending several days in cold mountain conditions.

Technical Training

The course combines instruction with repeated practical training. Depending on mountain and weather conditions, participants will learn:

• Climbing knots and rope management
• Belaying and rappelling
• Jumaring and fixed-rope techniques
• Crampon techniques
• Ice-axe use and self-arrest
• Snow and ice climbing
• Ice and snow anchors
• Glacier travel
• Crevasse rescue
• Basic mountain rescue systems
• Avalanche awareness
• Navigation and route finding
• Team movement and mountain communication

The aim is not simply to demonstrate these techniques but to give participants enough practice to understand when and how they are used in the mountains.

IFMGA Mountain Guide

Technical training is conducted under the supervision of a qualified IFMGA Mountain Guide.

The guide is responsible for technical instruction, route assessment, training safety, and decisions during the summit section. Participants are expected to follow the guide's instructions, particularly on glaciers, steep terrain, and during changing weather conditions.

Acclimatization

Proper acclimatization is an important part of the course. The itinerary gradually moves from Kathmandu to the Langtang Valley before reaching Kyanjin Gompa and the higher training camps.

An acclimatization hike toward Kyanjin Ri is included before participants move into the glacier training area. The guide will monitor the group throughout the course and adjust the program if required.

Tsorku Peak Summit Attempt

The course includes a planned ascent of Tsorku Peak, approximately 5,780 m.

The climb provides an opportunity to use the techniques learned during training in a real mountain environment. Reaching the summit is not guaranteed and is not considered more important than safety or learning.

The guide may change or cancel the summit attempt because of weather, snow conditions, glacier conditions, participant health, or other safety concerns.

Physical Fitness

Participants should arrive with good cardiovascular fitness, leg strength, endurance, and the ability to walk for several hours at altitude while carrying a daypack.

Preparation before the course should ideally include:

• Regular hiking or trekking
• Cardiovascular training
• Leg and core strengthening
• Stair or hill training
• Training while carrying a backpack

Good preparation will allow you to concentrate more effectively on the technical training.

Accommodation

Accommodation varies according to the location:

Kathmandu: Hotel accommodation as specified in the package.

Langtang Trek: Local mountain lodges or teahouses, normally on a twin-sharing basis.

Training & High Camp: Tented accommodation during the glacier and high-altitude training section.

Mountain accommodation becomes simpler as the course moves into more remote areas.

Meals

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided during the trekking, training, and camping sections.

During the camping section, meals are prepared by the expedition cook and kitchen team. Food is planned to provide enough energy for long training and climbing days.

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu are normally not included unless specifically stated.

Drinking Water

Safe drinking water is available throughout the trek using boiled or properly treated water where necessary. Participants should carry reusable water bottles or a hydration system.

Using reusable bottles also helps reduce plastic waste in the mountain environment.

Personal Climbing Equipment

Participants are responsible for suitable personal trekking and climbing equipment.

Typical technical equipment includes:

• Mountaineering boots
• Crampons
• Ice axe
• Climbing harness
• Helmet
• Ascender/Jumar
• Descender
• Locking carabiners
• Climbing gloves
• Glacier sunglasses
• Goggles
• Headlamp
• Suitable sleeping bag
• Technical mountain clothing

A detailed equipment list should be provided before arrival. Some equipment may be available for rental in Kathmandu.

Group & Camping Equipment

Necessary group equipment for technical training and camping is provided according to the program. This may include ropes, technical protection equipment, tents, kitchen equipment, cooking equipment, and other shared expedition items.

Porters & Support Team

Porters and support staff are used to transport group equipment, camping supplies, food, and other expedition materials.

During the camping section, a cook and kitchen team support the group so participants can concentrate on training, acclimatization, and climbing.

Weather & Mountain Conditions

Weather in the Himalayas can change quickly. Snowfall, strong winds, low temperatures, poor visibility, glacier conditions, or other natural factors may affect the planned program.

For this reason, the itinerary should be considered flexible. The mountain guide may change training locations, timing, camps, or climbing plans when required for safety.

Seasonal Training Conditions

Snow, glacier, and ice conditions vary throughout the year.

During winter, suitable frozen waterfalls around Kyanjin Gompa may allow additional waterfall ice-climbing training.

Outside winter, when waterfall ice is unavailable, this training may be replaced with alpine rock climbing, rope rescue, anchor work, or other technical skills appropriate to the conditions.

Travel & Rescue Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is required for this course.

Your policy should specifically cover:

• Trekking at high altitude
• Technical mountaineering
• Climbing activities
• Emergency medical treatment
• Helicopter evacuation and rescue
• Trip cancellation or interruption

Participants should check carefully with their insurance provider that activities up to the maximum altitude of the course are covered.

Health & Medical Information

Participants should inform us before the course about any medical condition, allergies, regular medication, previous altitude problems, or other health concerns that could affect participation.

A basic group medical kit is carried, but participants must bring their own prescription medication and personal medical supplies.

Emergency Communication

A satellite phone will be available during the remote mountain section for emergency communication where conditions and network coverage require it.

Personal satellite phone calls, where possible, may involve an additional charge.

Transportation

Ground transportation is arranged between Kathmandu and Syabrubesi according to the itinerary.

Mountain roads in Nepal can occasionally be affected by weather, landslides, traffic, or road conditions, so driving times may vary.

Permits

The package includes the necessary permits for the Langtang region, including the Langtang National Park entry permit, TIMS Card, and other required local permissions according to current regulations.

Responsible Mountain Travel

Participants are expected to respect local communities, mountain culture, wildlife, and the natural environment.

We encourage responsible waste management, reusable water bottles, minimum use of single-use plastics, and leaving camps and training areas clean.

Flexible Itinerary

The published itinerary is the planned program, but Himalayan conditions require flexibility.

Weather, trail conditions, snowfall, glacier conditions, participant health, or other circumstances may require changes. The mountain guide and Alpinist Club team will make adjustments when necessary, with safety and effective training as the main priorities.