GAURI SHANKAR HIMAL TREKKING
GAURI SHANKAR HIMAL TREKKING
Journey to the sacred Gauri Shankar Mountain (7134m) - meaning the goddess and her consort in Hindi. It is the second highest mountain in Rolwaling area after Melungtse (7181m) and is situated on the Tibetan border. Gauri Shankar is in the relatively less trekked and remote Rolwaling Himal and in the western part of the Rolwaling Himal, approximately 100 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu and lies between Kathmandu and Mt.Everest. It can be seen from Kathmandu.
The Gauri Shankar Himal trek is a great opportunity for those with a reasonable level of fitness and one that offers exquisite mountain views, amazing fauna and flora, and a trek that takes you into Tibetan Buddhist villages. The trek naturally offers stunning panoramas of Gauri Shankar (7134m.), Melungtse (7181m), Ramdung (5925m) and Pharchamo (6273m) and many more above 6000m. A real eye-opener of this trek is meeting the Sherpas and visiting their villages that are often adorned with prayer flags, chortens and other Buddhist decorations. The trail takes you to the glacial Tsho Rolpa Lake (4580m) and to the Rolwaling Glacier.
Gauri Shankar Himal Trekking follows trails through deep, and at times wide, valleys into rhododendron forests and through uniquely Tibetan villages with their monasteries, such as Bigu Gompa (2500m) a deeply religious village. You can expect to see an array of animals, such as musk deer, Himalayan bear and Thar. The ideal time to take this trek is in spring when the rhododendrons are exhibiting their pink blossoms, and before the heavy snows of winter.
Sherpa Expedition and Trekking has been in business for more than 40 years and takes pride in having an excellent reputation for taking care of their clients.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel (1400m).
On your arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met by Sherpa Expedition and trekking staff and transferred to your respective hotels followed by a briefing regarding Gaurishankar Himal trek, hotels, lodges on the route and the dos and don’ts .
Day 2 : Explore Kathmandu & pre-trek briefing.
Today, we will spend the day sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley with our guide. We will visit Pashupatinath, which is regarded as the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal and where pilgrims worship Lord Shiva (situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River), Bouddhanath, a Buddhist temple known as ‘Little Tibet’ and then on to Swayambhunath known as the Monkey Temple. From Swayambhunath we drive to Kathmandu’s famous Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and located in front of the old royal palace. Upon arriving back at your hotel you may have time to do some last-minute shopping around Thamel – the tourist hub of Kathmandu.
Day 3 : Scenic drive to Charikot (1554m) Duration: 7-8 hours.
Today we drive to Charikot, a village in the Dolakha District. On the drive we can expect to see amazing views of the Himalayas. Tonight we will stay at Charikot.
Day 4 : Trek from Charikot to Singuti (1,960m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today we follow the trail heading towards Singuti, passing through terraced cultivated fields and then cross the Tamakoshi River before reaching Singuti where we will stay overnight.
Day 5 : Trek from Singuti to Jagat (1290m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
From Singuti we follow the trail along the banks of the river before reaching Jagat where we stay the night. Again we have some awesome views of snow-capped peaks.
Day 6 : Trek from Jagat to Simigaon (2020m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today is another trek along the banks of the Tamakoshi River along a rugged rocky trail.
Day 7 : Trek from Simigaon to Donga (2880m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
From Simigaon also we have to walk in the steep path. We pass through Sherpa villages. In the village you can explore their culture and tradition and enjoy their hospitality.
Day 8 : Trek from Donga to Beding (3690m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today we head further up the valley where there is a notable change as we head into tropical vegetation. As we head higher the views become more spectacular. From Beding we may have some fantastic views of Mt. Melungtse I (7181m), the highest mountain of the Rolwaling Himal. Beding is a small village that is frequented by climbers on their way to tiny settlement; well known Mt. Everest.
Day 9 : Trek from Beding to Na Gaon (4180m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today’s trek is about six to seven hours along the banks of the Rolwaling River until we get to Kharka in Dhogre (3963m) locality. From here we have some magical views of Mt. Gaurishankar (7134m). Continuing on we head to Na, a tiny village only inhabited during summer and happens to be the last village on this trail. We will stay in a guest house here overnight.
Day 10 : Acclimatization day at Na Gaon & trek to the highest glacial Tsho Rolpa Lake (4580m).
This is the big day when we acclimatize before heading to higher altitudes. It is recommended by health professionals that you should stay active during the day. We will then head to Tsho Rolpa Lake with plenty of time to explore the surrounding foreshore and take in the natural beauty of this turquoise blue lake. The surrounding hills are arid, whereas looking higher we can see snow-covered peaks reflecting off the lake’s surface. This is an excellent photo opportunity as the mountain superimposes itself on the lake. This is a very soothing and relaxing location where you can sit in awe of nature. We then head back to Na Gaon where we will stay the night.
Day 11 : Trek from Na Gaon to Chobuk (4,750) Duration: 4-5 hours.
Today the trail takes us down to and across a moraine before reaching Chobuk where we stay the night.
Day 12 : Trek from Chobuk to Tashi Lapcha Phedi (5010m) Duration: 4-5 hours.
Today’s trek is strenuous as we head to Tashi Lapcha Phedi (base of the hill) of the Tashi Lapcha Pass. The trail becomes more difficult and we have to climb a steep face using ropes. We then continue before finding a suitable place to camp overnight at Tashi Lapcha Phedi.
Day 13 : Cross Tashi Lapcha Pass and trek to Theng Po (4800m) Duration: 7-8 hours.
Today we head to Tashi Lapcha Pass from where we have some of the finest views of the nearby ranges, Rolwaling Himal and Gaurishankar Himal. Once through the pass, we descend to Tashi Phuk and continue on to Tengboche where we will spend the night.
Day 14 : Trek from Theng Po to Thame (3800m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today we venture into the Everest region and head down to the Sherpa village of Thame. From Thame, we have more magical views of several gigantic mountains: Thamserku, Kantega (6782m), and Kusum Kanguru (6367m). We will have time after arriving at Thame to explore the village and visit its 300-year-old Buddhist monastery. We will stay here overnight.
Day 15 : Trek from Thame from to Namche Bazaar (3440m) duration: 4-5 hours.
The trail today is relatively easy-going as we head downhill to Thame where we have another opportunity of visiting a well-known monastery, Khari Gompa where Buddhist nuns and monks reside. We then continue to Namche Bazaar where we stay overnight.
Day 16 : Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2840m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today we head to our departure point of Lukla where we have time to unwind and relax. We will stay here overnight in a guest house. Tonight we can relax in comfort and share our experience of this epic journey.
Day 17 : Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu (1,350m) duration: 30 minutes flight.
Our flight to Kathmandu will give you a birds-eye view of the amazing Himalayan Mountains. The flight is approximately 35 minutes. On arrival in Kathmandu we will take you back to your hotels.
Day 18 : Free day in Kathmandu.
Today you can do as you please! You may wish to put your feet up and relax or wander around Thamel to do some last-minute shopping. In the evening we will celebrate your trek and adventure into one of Nepal’s remote and beautiful regions.
Day 19 : International departure & homeward bound.
Today, Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will take you to the airport about 3 hours prior to departure. You will take with you some unforgettable memories of Nepal and on your flight home thinking about your next journey into the amazing Himalayas.
SERVICES
Costs included in your package.
- Airport picks up and transports by private Car/Jeep.
- Three night’s standard twin sharing Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Bus transportation from Kathmandu to Dolakha.
- Three meals a day (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
- Fresh fruit every evening after dinner.
- Trekking Lodge (Tea House) Tent camp/ accommodation during the trek.
- All necessary paperwork including Gaurishankar, Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit & Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fees.
- Lukla-Kathmandu flight with private airport transfer and domestic airport tax.
- A highly experienced, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English speaking well trained, Government license holder guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.
- Strong, helpful Sherpa porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment, his salary, food, accommodation, and insurance (one porter for two people).
- Comprehensive medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- Arrangement of emergency helicopter service (paid by your Travel Insurance Company).
- Use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag and walking poles (if you don’t have your own, to be returned after trip completed).
- Sherpa Expedition and Trekking T-shirt
- Guided Kathmandu sightseeing tour with private car/jeep.
- Oxygen meter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) which will ensure your health during the trek.
- Assistant guide for groups of 8 or more people.
Costs Exclude
- Meals whilst you are in Kathmandu - lunch, and dinner.
- Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu). $30 USD for 15-day, $50 USD for 30 Days, and $125 USD for 90 Days visa.
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
- International airfare.
- Your personal expenses.
- All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic, soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, mineral water, extra food, cold and hot drinks on trek ( i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the tea houses)
- All desserts & sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
- Hot shower and battery charging at the tea houses.
- Tips for the guide, porter, and driver (tipping is expected)
- Kathmandu sightseeing monument entrance fees($30 USD per person)
- Excess baggage of more than 10 kg for Lukla flight.
- NOTE: If you return earlier from the trek due to sickness or any problem, the money you paid for the flight, hotel, mountain room, food, etc. is nonrefundable, and you will need to bear the expenses for the hotel, food, etc. in Kathmandu yourself.
EQUIPMENTS
The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.
General
- All season sleeping bag and down Jacket (we can provide if you need it, but has to be returned after the trek)
- Duffle bag ( Sherpa Expedition & Trekking provide duffle bag during the trek but has to be returned after the trek)
- A wind and waterproof thin layered jacket (a must-have for morning and evenings above 3,000m)
- Daypack
Upper Body- Head / Ears / Eyewear
- A pair of half gloves
- A warmer hat that covers the ears
- Sunglasses
- Neckwarmer
- Sunscreen (35 to 60 SPF)
- Headlamp and an extra set of batteries
Hands
- A pair of half gloves for walking poles(if you prefer)
- Warmer shell gloves and liner
Upper Body
- long sleeve t-shirts
- Thermal tops
- wool jacket or pullover
- Sports bras for women and girls
- Water and windproof shell jacket
Lower Body
- Thermal underwear (especially trousers)
- windproof and waterproof trousers
- warmer trousers
- Comfortable trekking pants
- Extra casual sport pants
Footwear
- A pair of good waterproof trekking boots
- Pair of sandals
- 4-5 pairs of woolen socks
- Sock liners
- Light shoes and sneakers
- First Aid Kits and Medicines
- Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
- Blister treatment cream or similar
- Insect / anti-itch ointment
- Ibuprofen or other pain-relief medication
- Diamox (125mg to 250mg tablets for altitude sickness)
- Warps, splints, and wound coverings butterfly bandage
- Water purifying pills
(Note our company guide will carry the medicines and first aid kits during the trek. However, we recommend you bring your personal first-aid kit as well)
Miscellaneous - but must useful on the trek
- 4 passport size photos with original passport
- Water bottle & filter
- Flight details (please make a copy and leave one pic at our office in KTM because in case you want to change your flight date)
- Bathroom kit (conform, should be included toilet paper, plastic bags, hand wipes, towel, and soap, etc.)
Extra things
- Comfortable trekking poles
- Quality energy dry foods (up to you)
- Power bank and music players
- Camera (memory card, chargers, and extra batteries)
GOOD TO KNOW
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may not find comfort and better quality teahouses -During the trek, We sleep in the very simple tea house/tent and our guides will pick the best Camping site with a nice view of the Himalaya.
Meals during the trek
In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food of these mountain regions are potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew and Tibetan bread. Sherpas started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.
Transportation
We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We do not have to use public transportation or local buses during the trek. Our only flights are from Lukla to Kathmandu.
Physical fitness
Gauri Shankar Himal Trekking is a challenging trek where you often have to walk 6-7 hours a day. You need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus!. We have met people from all walks of life, shapes and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.
Remember – The better prepared – the more enjoyable your trek!
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FAQS
Where is the Gaurishankar Himal trek located?
The Gaurishankar Himal trek is located in the Solu-Khumbu region of Nepal, in the northeastern part of the country.
How long is the trek?
The trek typically takes around 14-20 days, depending on the itinerary and the pace of the trekking group.
What is the difficulty level of the Gaurishankar Himal trek?
The Gaurishankar Himal trek is considered to be a moderately difficult trek. It involves a combination of uphill and downhill sections, as well as some challenging terrain. It is recommended for experienced trekkers or those with a good level of fitness.
What is the best time to do the Gaurishankar Himal trek?
The best time to do the Gaurishankar Himal trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these times, the weather is generally clear, and the views of the mountains are stunning.
What permits are required for the trek?
For the Gaurishankar Himal trek, you will need to obtain a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card and a Sagarmatha National Park permit. These can be obtained in Kathmandu or at the entry point of the national park.
Are there any altitude-related risks on the trek?
Yes, as the trek reaches high altitudes, there is a risk of altitude sickness. It is important to acclimatize properly and take necessary precautions, such as drinking plenty of water, taking rest days, and ascending gradually. It is also recommended to consult with a doctor before embarking on the trek.
What is the accommodation like on the Gaurishankar Himal trek?
Accommodation on the trek is usually in teahouses or lodges along the trail. These are basic but comfortable, with facilities such as beds, blankets, and shared bathrooms. Some teahouses may also offer hot showers for an additional cost.
Is it possible to hire a guide and porter for the trek?
Yes, it is possible to hire a guide and porter for the Gaurishankar Himal trek. A guide can provide valuable information about the route, culture, and local customs, while a porter can help carry your backpack, allowing you to trek with less weight.
What should I pack for the trek?
Some essential items to pack for the Gaurishankar Himal trek include a good pair of hiking boots, warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, a hat, gloves, sunglasses, a water bottle, a first aid kit, and a good quality backpack.
Is it possible to customize the itinerary of the trek?
Yes, it is possible to customize the itinerary of the Gaurishankar Himal trek according to your preferences and time constraints. You can discuss your requirements with a trekking agency or guide, who can help create a personalized itinerary for you.
Latest Traveller’s Reviews
Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.
100%
Based On 4 Reviews
Barbara Beckman
Czech Republic
December 6, 2023
A Journey of Adventure and Serenity
My trek to Gauri Shankar Himal with Sherpa Expedition was a journey filled with adventure and serenity. This trekking company's professionalism and expertise were commendable. The friendly guide's extensive knowledge and passion for the region enhanced our journey, making it both informative and enjoyable. The helpful porter's support allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the stunning landscape, while the teahouses provided comfortable accommodations and warm hospitality. The breathtaking views of Gauri Shankar Himal left us in awe and provided moments of serenity and reflection. I strongly recommend Sherpa Expedition for an incredible trekking adventure to Gauri Shankar Himal.
Diane Foster Markowski
Australia
August 7, 2023
Explored the Beauty of Gauri Shankar Himal
We recently had the incredible opportunity to explore the breathtaking beauty of Gauri Shankar Himal with Sherpa Expedition. This trekking company's excellent reputation and expertise were evident from the start. Our journey was made even more memorable by the exceptional guide provided by Sherpa Expedition. Their extensive knowledge of the region, friendly demeanor, and ability to adapt to the needs of the group created a truly enriching experience. The helpful porter lightened our load and ensured our comfort throughout the trek. The teahouses along the way offered warm hospitality and delicious meals, providing a cozy retreat after a day of trekking. The awe-inspiring views of the Gauri Shankar Himal made this journey one for the books. We strongly recommend Sherpa Expedition for a well-organized and unforgettable trekking adventure.
Anna Martino
Austria
June 28, 2023
A Perfect Trekking Experience
Our journey to Gauri Shankar Himal with Sherpa Expedition was nothing short of perfect. This trekking company's attention to detail and excellent coordination ensured a smooth and enjoyable trek. The guide's friendly nature and extensive knowledge of the region added depth to our trekking experience, making it both informative and enjoyable. The porter's assistance was invaluable, ensuring our comfort and allowing us to fully appreciate the stunning views along the way. The teahouses provided comfortable accommodations and delicious meals, offering a much-needed respite. I highly recommend Sherpa Expedition for a well-guided and memorable trek to Gauri Shankar Himal.
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