GHT Langtang via Tilman Pass
18 Days
Visiting: Nepal
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GLT
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 12
Age range:
18-80
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
Thousands of pilgrims climb to the sacred Panch Pokhari Lakes during the monsoon, but it will be very unlikely we'll see a soul as we trace their steps. From the bazaar town of Chautara we gradually ascend a long ridge, the Kami Danda, with fabulous views east and west of a chain of mountains that form a natural border with Tibet. W.H. Tilman was the first European to explore this region in 1949, and few have retraced his footsteps. The challenging Tilman Pass leads to Langshisa and the upper Langtang Valley, which offers photogenic sunsets amid awe-inspiring mountain scenery. The Langtang Valley was declared a National Park in 1976 and remains the second largest in Nepal, home to more than a thousand species of plants and the rare red panda.
During this trek there will be sections where the trail is very rugged or ill-defined. Space in some camp sites will also be very limited. It may be necessary to make changes to the itinerary at any time due to unforeseen circumstances such as adverse weather, snow or trail conditions, river water levels, or group movement. Your trip leader will advise any changes should this occur. All participants on the GHT should be flexible and open minded. The GHT should be seen as exploratory in the true sense of the word.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Kathmandu
You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the Radisson hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given around 4.30-5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. This evening we will head out for dinner, this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members.Overnight: Radisson Hotel
Day 2 : Free Day In Kathmandu
Today you have a full day to explore Kathmandu’s bustling streets and significant landmarks. You may wish to start by exploring the city’s two most important World Heritage Listed spiritual sites: Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and an important cremation site; and Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist shrine outside of Tibet. Alternatively you could wander through the markets and shops of the busy Thamel precinct or explore some more of the city’s significant sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or the World Heritage Listed plazas of Patan, Bhaktapur or Durbar Square.
Day 3 : Transfer By Road From Kathmandu To Chautara (1450M), Drive Approx. 3 Hrs
After breakfast transfer by road to the trailhead at Chautara.
Day 4 - 5 : Commence Trek To Kami Kharka (2810M).
We commence our trek with a long ridge climb, during these early days of the trek we pass through Hindu, Tamang and Sherpa villages. This region has extensive rhododendron, pine and fir forests.
Day 6 - 7 : To Pauwa Pass (3000M/6Hrs) & Hile Bhanjyang (3400M/4.5Hrs).
We continue along the ridge climb with fabulous views east and west of a chain of mountains that form a natural border with Tibet. W.H. Tilman was the first European to explore this region in 1949, and very few have ever retraced his footsteps.
Day 8 - 9 : To Nasim Pati (3700M/4Hrs) & Panch Pokhari (4074M/3Hrs).
Panch Pokhari is named after 5 holy ponds and thousands of pilgrims climb to the sacred Panch Pokhari Lakes during the monsoon. There is a Mahadev Temple located here and from the top of Panch Pokhari we gain views of the Jugal Himal and Rolwaling. We join up with the group doing the entire GHT trek in Panch Pokhari.
Day 10 - 11 : To Intermediate Camp (4-5Hrs) & On To Tin Pokhari (4255M/ 6Hrs)
We are now well above the treeline as we make a short climb from Panch Pokhari to the ridgeline and continue north crossing spurs and basins until we descend into a valley and a final climb to Tin Pokhari.
Day 12 - 13 : South High Camp (5-6Hrs) & Cross Tilman Pass (5308M) To North High Camp (4720M/ 7Hrs).
There are two routes through the lower rocky section of the pass and it will depend on conditions as to which one we choose to ascend. This is quite a challenging pass and there will be loose rock and scree to negotiate. Once we reach a steep rock face after the initial climb we traverse to the left and climb directly onto the snowfield of the pass. The pass is to the northwest of the snowfield. We then descend a steep snow slope and rocky gullies,care should be take here as the gullies can be icy. We may fix a handline and your leader will advise the plan after assessing the conditions. The pass crossing will be a long day of approx. 7-9 hours. We camp at the northern shore of a lake.
Day 14 : To Kyangjin Gompa (3830M), Approx. 7Hrs.
We are now approaching the main Langtang Trail to Kyangjin Gompa where there are many teahouses. There is a nearby cheese factory that is well worth a visit and of course a visit to the Gompa. There is a viewpoint on a hill to the north of Kyangjin Gompa with prayer flags adorning the summit, and time permitting this is a great vantage point also worth the effort.
Day 15 - 16 : To Lama Hotel (2490M/7 Hrs) & Syabru Besi (1503M/ 6 Hrs).
We are now travelling along the clearly marked main trail of the Langtang trek. Following the river we wind through many teahouses and small villages to the end of the trail at Syabru Besi.
Day 17 : Transfer By Road To Kathmandu. (Approx 7-8Hrs)
We meet our transportation after breakfast for the drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at the Radisson Hotel.
Day 18 : Trip Concludes Kathmandu.
After breakfast arrangements cease unless further ones have been made. Those people departing by aircraft will be transferred to the airport and assisted with check-in procedures.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3 nights hotel -
17 breakfasts, 14 lunches and 14 dinners including all meals on trek valued at US$700
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World Expeditions accredited mountaineering leader
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airport transfers if arriving on day 1 and 18 or if you booked pre/post tour accommodation at the Radisson through World Expeditions
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expert bilingual guide and group medical kit
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accommodation at the Radisson hotel in Kathmandu
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the use of a World Expeditions trek pack which includes a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre fill jacket and insulated mat (valued at over US$500)
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climbing pack including ice axe, crampons, harness and helmet
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safety equipment including high altitude chamber and satellite phone
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expedition medical kit
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World Expeditions kit bag
What's Not Included
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Insurance
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International Travel
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc. On pass crossings you may be required to carry extra items such as crampons, ice axe, harness and cold weather gear, your pack will need to be a minimum of 55 litre capacity to accommodate this. Porters will carry group equipment.
Grading
These adventures are classed as expeditions. They involve either extreme trekking and or basic mountaineering. Expect remote and poorly defined trails in variable weather conditions for up to 12 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include a number of demanding high pass crossings and evacuation may be difficult from remote areas. Suitable for first time mountaineers wishing to take the step from trekking into the realm of mountaineering. Prior experience trekking at altitude is desirable and you should be comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Prior technical mountaineering experience is not necessary. Terrain will involve low angle snow slopes. Ropes may be used during treks for glacier travel and steeper sections of ice and snow. When mountaineering, basic instruction is given by our mountaineering guides.
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc.
On pass crossings you may be required to carry extra items such as crampons, ice axe, harness and cold weather gear, your pack will need to be a minimum of 55 litre capacity to accommodate this. Porters will carry group equipment.
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Low Deposit
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.