Putha Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri VII

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

A peak in Nepal that is a component of the Dhaulagiri Range is called Putha Hiunchuli (Dhaulagiri VII). It is the 95th highest peak in the world and is located at the western extremity of the Dhaulagiri II chain at 7,246 meters. In 1954, J.O.M. Roberts and Ang Nyima Sherpa made the first ascent of it. It is located in Dolpa or the "Wild West" of Nepal, made famous by Peter Matthiessen's book ‘The Snow Leopard’. An expedition to this isolated and little traveled region is an adventure in the truest meaning of the word. Even though there isn't much technical climbing, the mountain is nonetheless a challenging endeavor and a great training ground for climbers who aspire to conquer Everest or other 8,000-meter summits. Our trek begins from Juphal -Dunai, which is about a week's walk away from the German Base Camp situated at an altitude of 4,525m. The landscape during the approach walk is as enchanting as it is unique: a mineral world made of high cliffs and deep canyons.

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu — Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be picked up by our representative at the airport and taken to the hotel. You will meet your guide, discuss the trek program, and make final preparations for the trek. If you have an early arrival, we will take you for a sightseeing trip in the UNESCO world heritage site in Kathmandu and later, in the evening, you’ll have dinner in the hotel. From 20th March 2020 due to heavy congestion, all flights to and from Lukla depart from Ramechhap airport, 130km, a 4-hour drive from Kathmandu. It means now it’ll take an extra day to get to Lukla from Kathmandu though the flight price is the same. Day Day 2: Welcome brief, Gear check and Official formalities in Kathmandu — On this day, you will go on a sightseeing tour of the city, visiting some of the popular tourist attractions. In the afternoon, you will have a pre-climbing briefing with your guide and do some final preparation. Day Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj — Kathmandu - Nepalgunj After having breakfast, we will transfer you to the domestic terminal at TIA to catch a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. It takes only 45 minutes to reach Nepalgunj. Then, you will check-in at the hotel and have lunch. Numerous communities are found in Nepalgunj, including Muslims, Madhesi Hindus, and native Nepalis. Local cuisines such as samosas, chaat, golgappas, dahibada, momos, sekuwa, and biryani are really famous here and if you crave for local dishes, do try them. Day Day 4: Fly from Nepalgunj Airport to Juphal Airport (2,470m/8,103.67ft) and Trek to Dunai (2,150m/7,053.8ft) — Nepalgunj Airport - Juphal Airport - Dunai The domestic airport in Nepalgunj runs direct flights from Nepalgunj to Juphal. Our team will take you to the airport and you fly to Juphal. Upon reaching Juphal, you will have lunch in the local restaurant and start your trek to Dunai. You go through terraced fields until you reach Bheri River gorge. If you have time then you can explore the small village and stay overnight in the hotel at Dunai. Trekking distance: 7.5 km/4.7 mi Trekking time: 2-3 hours Total ascend: 250m/820 ft Total descend: 0m/0 ft Day Day 5: Trek from Dunai to Tarakot (2,537m/8,323.49ft) — Dunai - Tarakot Early morning breakfast at Dunai and startyour trek through beautiful landscapes, passing villages and terraced field. You will reach Tarakot which is known for its ancient monasteries and picturesque view. Trekking distance: 17.5 km/10.9 mi Trekking time: 6-7 hours Total ascend: 387m/1,270 ft Total descend: 23m/75 ft Day Day 6: Trek from Tarakot to Musi Khola (2,875m/9,432.4ft) — Tarakot - Musi Khola The trail continues to Musikhola which is 15.5km far from Tarakot. You will pass through dense forests and cross several suspension bridges over the rivers. Musi Khola at 2,875m altitude, offers stunning views of surrounding mountains and rivers. Trekking distance: 15.5 km/9.6 mi Trekking time: 6-7 hours Total ascend: 538m/1,765 ft Total descend: 0m/0 ft Day Day 7: Trek from Musi Khola to Kagkot (3,200m/10,498.69ft) — Musi Khola - Kagkot Following the trail that takes you higher into the mountains, we resume our trek. We will experience the challenging landscape as we ascend to Kagkot. The village is filled with traditional houses and a serene atmosphere. Trekking distance: 13.5 km/8.4 mi Trekking time: 7-8 hours Total ascend: 576m/1,890 ft Total descend: 0m/0 ft Day Day 8: Acclimatization at Kagkot (Rest day) — Acclimatization is important to adjust to the high altitude and prevent altitude sickness. So, this day is spent acclimatizing and exploring Kagkot. Simply, interact with locals or just relax in your comfort. Day Day 9: Trek from Kagkot to Panjing (4,200m/13,779.53ft) — Kagkot - Panjing On this day, the trek might be challenging due to steep ascent and rugged terrain. Our trials direct us towards Panjing. It is a high-altitude village surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan peaks. Trekking distance: 7.5 km/4.7 mi Trekking time: 4-5 hours Total ascend: 1,338m/4,390 ft Total descend: 0m/0 ft Day Day 10: Acclimatization at Panjing (Rest Day) — Take another rest day from further acclimatization. Give your body time to adjust to the increased altitude. Enjoy the magnificent views of the mountains and soak in the tranquility of the surroundings. Day Day 11: ?Trek from Panjing to German Basecamp (4,500m/14,763.78ft) — Panjing - German Basecamp Continue trek to German base camp where we will be staying overnight in tented camps. The basecamp offers a strategic location for mountaineering expeditions. Trekking distance: 6.5 km/4 mi Trekking time: 4-5 hours Total ascend: 300m/985 ft Total descend: 0m/0 ft Day Day 12: Trek from German basecamp to Putha Hiuchuli Basecamp (4,910m/16,108.92ft) — German basecamp - Putha Hiuchuli Basecamp Hike up to the Putha Hiuchuli Basecamp. We will rest at the bottom of Putha Hiuchuli, which is one of the prominent peaks in the region, attracting climbers from around the world. Trekking distance: 6 km/3.7 mi Trekking time: 4-5 hours Total ascend: 410m/1,345 ft Total descend: 0m/0 ft Day Day 13-29: Climbing Period [Basecamp - Summit (7,246m/23,772.97ft) - Basecamp] — By the time you reach, the difficult chores, such as moving and establishing additional camps above base camp, providing hygienic meals during our climbing days, and selecting the optimum ascending route, will be handled by our strong Sherpa team. We will take enough days to acclimatize with the high altitude along with practicing climbing. We shall adhere to the guidance and directions of our skilled climbing specialists once we are fully outfitted with all the required climbing equipment. We progress towards the top of Mt. Gyachung Khang, negotiating many difficult climbing sections, and taking the weather into consideration. We will spend a short but important time at the peak before descending and returning the same way to base camp. Day Day 30: ?Trek from Basecamp to Kagkot — Basecamp - Kagkot We will retrace our steps to Kagkot and stay overnight. Trekking distance: 7.5 km/4.7 mi Trekking time: 4-5 hours Total ascend: 0m/0 ft Total descend: 1,338m/4,390 ft Day Day 31: Trek from Kagkot to Lashicap (2,775m/9,104.3ft) — Kagkot - Lashicap During this trek to Lashicap, you’ll see changes in landscape as green forests start to emerge. You will then ascend to Lamchaur high over Tarap Khola. After crossing Lahini Odar, we will descend down and reach Chhedhul Gompa. Following the main trail, you reach Lashicap and stay overnight. Trekking distance: 13.5 km/8.4 mi Trekking time: 6-7 hours Total ascend: 0m/0 ft Total descend: 1125m/3,690 ft Day Day 32: Trek from Lashicap to Dunai — Lashicap - Tarakot - Dunai You will trek above Thuli Bheri river reaching Tarakot and pass Lawan and Byasgad. During the trek, you can observe greenery and forested regions. After reaching Dunai, stay overnight at a hotel. There is no any significant ascend and descend during this trek. Trekking distance: 17 km/10.5 mi Trekking time: 6 hours Day Day 33: Trek from Dunai to Juphal — Dunai - Kalagawda - Juphal This day is the last day of the trek and we will reach Juphal. Lunch will be on the way and overnight stay at a hotel at Juphal. Trekking distance: 7.5 km/4.7 mi Trekking time: 2-3 hours Total ascend: 250m/820 ft Total descend: 0m/0 ft Day Day 34: Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj — Juphal - Nepalgunj - Kathmandu Early morning flight to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu. At Kathmandu, our office representative will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel. Rest of the day is free to explore and enjoy the nightlife of Thamel. Day Day 35: Leisure day at Kathmandu — This is a free day in Kathmandu. Visiting Durbar squares, temple and stupas some of which are also listed in UNESCO world heritage sites or strolling around Thamel area for some souvenir shopping are the few activities you can enjoy in Kathmandu. Try various Nepali and newari cuisines if you are a food lover and want to try something new in Nepal. On top of it, people in Nepal are really humble and hospitable. You can try talking to locals and learn a few Nepali words. In the evening, you can go to local bars or pubs if you love live music where local bands perform live every night especially on weekends. Day Day 36: Depart — If your flight is in the evening, we will take you for sightseeing in one of the Buddhist stupa; Boudhanath/Swayambhunath which is also listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, Our representative will receive you from the hotel and drop you at the airport for your return journey back home.

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Arrival at Kathmandu — Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be picked up by our representative at the airport and taken to the hotel. You will meet your guide, discuss the trek program, and make final preparations for the trek. If you have an early arrival, we will take you for a sightseeing trip in the UNESCO world heritage site in Kathmandu and later, in the evening, you’ll have dinner in the hotel.+