'Northern Treasures' Trek: Eastern Nepal

Trekking Expedition | Eastern Nepal | Whistling Arrow

19 Days |From USD 7450 pp (with helicopter)


*Please note that the best month to plan this trip is November, to coincide with the cham dancing festival, although exact dates change every year. With the helicopter option at least, the expedition would also be limited to just 4 guests to comply with safety regulations on the return helicopter flight.*

First things first. This is a trekking adventure that, as far as we know, is exclusive to Whistling Arrow. It is only made possible by our longstanding relationship with the villagers of Olanchung Gola, a traditional weaving community in the wild Tibetan borderlands of northeastern Nepal, tucked away between the world's two most easterly 8000m+ peaks, Kanchenjunga and Makalu. Our access here, is unparallelled, both in terms of our behind-the-scenes admission to the villagers' community-based festival, and their consent for us to explore one of the most spectacular sacred lakes in Nepal.
 In short, the trip is a wilderness adventure designed for relatively experienced and intrepid trekkers who are keen to avoid the crowds that clog the well-trodden routes to Everest and Annapurna. But that's just the half of it. The village and surrounding peaks shelter a number of cultural gems. Foremost among them is Deki Chholing, a 450 year old Nyingma-sect monastery that houses a treasure trove of ancient Buddhist texts and hosts the annual Tibetan Buddhist festival, in the Dzogchen 'Northern Treasures' tradition. So, fully immersing ourselves in the festivities, we will also participate in fascinating tantric rituals, experience fierce-looking masked deities and witness the secretive 'Black Hat Cham dance, usually only performed by monks, but here, because of the small size of the gompa, lay people are also involved.
And all this cultural immersion, preceded by a pioneering trek up to the snowy abode of the snow leopard (where up to eight cats are believed to roam), hidden away in the upper reaches of Yangma Valley, where we will explore a sacred lake never before visited by outsiders, and survey the toe of the Nupchu glacier, that flows down from the western flank of the far-flung Chulima range.

 
Please note that you can also view additional images from our 2018 expedition to the Olanchung Gola region of Nepal in our Adventure Diary. This adventure however is uniquely-designed, and includes a pioneering exploration of the upper Yangma Valley, rather than a traverse of the Lumba Sumba Pass.

Why This Trip?

Participate in a uniquely-designed expedition to explore the 'hidden' Tibetan borderlands of eastern Nepal.
Enjoy immersive access to an authentic community-based festival with its esoteric Tibetan Buddhist rituals.
Explore a secluded mountain sanctuary, and discover one of the most spectacular sacred lakes in the Himalayas. ­
Tibetan Bhuddist Festival | Nepal | Whistling Arrow
A Tibetan Buddist monk initiates the fire ceremony at the 'Northern Treasures' tantric festival in the grounds of Deki Chholing Gompa. ­

Expedition Plan

This is a pioneering route through a remote region of eastern Nepal that will require a considerable amount of flexibility and self-reliance from the team. The following is only the outline daily plan.

 

 

Fly to Kathmandu (IATA: KTM). Transfer to our garden lodge in Boudenath and explore the lovely Tibetan enclave. Enjoy an introductory team dinner and drinks.­

 

An early morning circumambulation of Boudenath stupa ­before catching our flight to Bhadrapur. Meet our jeeps and drive up into the Himalayan foothills to Phidim. Overnight in local hotel.­

 

First drive to Taplejung, before taking another jeep to the village of Taplethok, and then hiking onwards to our first camp by the Tamor River at Sukethum (1585m)­.

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Trek up the Ghunsa Valley, through classic Himalayan foothills, to our next campsite at Amjilosa by the Ghunsa River (2395m).­

 

Continue trekking up the valley to Gyabla, where we will once again set up camp by the river (2730m). ­

 

Today we will trek onwards to the sherpa village of Ghunsa­, where we have the option of setting up camp, or staying in a local tea house (3430m)­.

 

A spectacular days trekking up the Ghunsa Valley to the Tibetan hamlet of Kambachen, where will set up camp for two nights surrounded by a plethora of majestic peaks (4050m).­

 

An exploratory day's trekking up to a spectacular mountain sanctuary: a milky blue lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks, with stupendous views back towards the Kanchenjunga range. ­

 

Trek up to a stunning lookout atop the terminal morraine of Mt Jannu itself, with jaw-dropping views of the stately-looking peak.­ Return to the valley floor, and hike back down to Ghunsa (3430m)­.

 

Trek up to our basecamp before crossing the Nango La. We will pitch our tents in a grazing meadow used by the villagers of Ghunsa (4160m).­

 

Trek over the panoramic Nango La Pass (4770m), ­before descending into the Yangma Valley and setting up camp by the banks of the river (3430m).­

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Today we will trek up the Yangma Valley, to our next campsite (3900m), near the small settlement of Jaritar, ­with beautiful views over the Sarphu range.­

 

Trek to the head of the main valley near the village of Yangma, where we set up a base camp (4200m) for the next 2 nights, ­near the ­confluence of two smaller upper valleys.­

 

Exploratory trek up to a spectacular sacred lake, where there is also the possibility of climbing a non-technical peak (5525m) that overlooks the crystal clear waters. Return to camp.­

 

Trek back down the beautiful Yangma Valley to set up camp at Yangma Khola (3430m).­

 

Trek to Olanchung Gola village where we will meet my friend Tashi, and stay in his new tea house­ (3200m). This afternoon we can join the villagers at a community blessing in the gompa.­

 

Join the villagers at Deki Chholing gompa, and immerse ourselves in the festival.­ Today, there are a variety of cham dances to experience. Overnight at the teahouse.­

 

Pick up by helicopter, to experience the beautiful 90 minute flight back to Kathmandu. Overnight in a boutique lodge in Boudenath, and enjoy a final dinner together overlooking the stupa.­

 

Transfer to the airport to catch our flights home. Big hugs all around, and see you next time. ­

Expedition Location

Practical Information

Rest assured we will be here to advise you on all aspects of preparing for, and participating in, this trip. Here are a few obvious places to start.

 

Accomodation ­

Will be in a good quality lodge in Kathmandu, and a basic local hotel in Phidim. On the trek itself we will be largely camping with 2 or 3 nights in a tea house.­

Altitude­

The maximum altitude en route will be approximately 5000m (although this is optional). Our maximum camping altitude will be 4200m. There are also days that can be used for extra acclimatization if needed.­

Communication

On the trek there will be no phone coverage but we carry a two-way satellite email and texting device for emergency communication.­

Difficulty

The trek will be challenging so everyone will need to be properly prepared both mentally and physically.­

Equipment ­

We will supply all (rigourously cleaned) camping equipment, although we recommend that you bring your own sleeping bag. Please refer to our typical kit list for a guide to what else to bring.­

First Aid ­

We carry a comprehensive medical kit, including Diamox and Dexamethazone to treat any signs of altitude sickness. Please note that Diamox may also be a useful preventative on this trip.­ ­As standard we also have a group search & rescue membership with GEOS.­

Food ­

Mainly Nepali and Western food prepared by our expedition cook. We also will include plenty of snacks etc

Flights ­

The trip begins and ends in Kathmandu (IATA: KTM). All guests to arrive in Kathmandu by the evening of day 1.

Insurance

All guests must have a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes emergency medical evacuation, and trekking up to 5000m. ­World Nomads is one possible option.­ ­As standard we also have a group search & rescue membership with GEOS.­

Support ­

Your large rucksacks or duffell bags will be transported by porters so you only need to carry your day pack while hiking. ­We will try and limit baggage weights to 20 kg.­

­Temperatures

Typically will range between 5 to 25 degrees Celsius during the day, but may fall to below freezing at night when higher up. In November, the weather should be stable and sunny during the day.

Toilets & Washing­

On the trek itself we will be camping, so washing and toilet facilities will be fairly basic­, although we will carry a toilet tent, and a camping shower.­

Visas ­

Nepal visas can either be applied for in advance, or purchased and processed on arrival at Kathmandu airport.
 
Price USD 7450 PP
All inclusive (including domestic flights) except local tips and international flights. To confirm a booking we require a 30% deposit with the final balance payable 30 days before the departure date. 
Availability: Upon Request
  The group size for this adventure will be limited to just 4 guests due to the exploratory nature of this trekking expedition, to help assuage any post Covid-19 concerns, and to comply with helicopter flight regulations.
Payment & Preparations
We will provide all the information you need to book and prepare for the trip including payment instructions, advice on flights, what to bring and all safety considerations.
Expeditionary Trek | Nepal | Whistling Arrow

 A Video From Our 2018 Visit To Olanchung Gola

2018 Nepal Expedition: 'Northern Treasures' Trek

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