Overview
The peak is located in a remote region that is far from the crowd. It is a lifetime experience for you to feel the mountains with the thrills. It is less popular among climbers so if you want a less crowd then it is an ideal adventure for you. Your journey will start from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, followed by Simkot. The next day you will trek from the Simkot. You will be surprised by seeing the picturesque villages, alpine meadows, and lush forests that will eventually lead to Saipal Base Camp.
The peak region is filled with diverse flora and fauna throughout the trail. Get ready to see picturesque scenes such as terraced fields, rhododendron forests, and glacial rivers. You will also indulge yourself in the cultural aspect through this expedition. You will encounter the warm hospitality of the local communities. The local people are mainly of the Khas and Bhotiya ethnic groups. You will have a deeper insight into the traditional lifestyle, customs, and festivals through this expedition.
The Saipal Himal Expedition is perfect for climbers who are seeking to push their limits while exploring one of Nepal’s remote and untouched Himalayas. This expedition will give you an unforgettable experience.
Itinerary
Expand AllUpon arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport for the Saipal Himal Expedition, you'll meet your fellow climbers and expedition staff before heading to your hotel. This initial gathering is essential for building camaraderie and setting a collaborative tone. An overnight stay in a Kathmandu hotel ensures you're well-rested and ready for the adventure ahead.
Transfer to Hotel
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Dinner
In the days before your Saipal Himal Expedition, you'll attend a crucial briefing by the Nepal Tourism Department and inspect your gear, renting any additional equipment needed. Explore Thamel for last-minute purchases and visit Kathmandu’s historical landmarks to connect with the local culture.Stay in a Kathmandu hotel, ensuring restful sleep as excitement builds for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
A short flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj reveals a dramatic shift from hills to the flat plains near the Indian border, showcasing Nepal’s diverse geography. After landing, you have the day to relax or explore, immersing yourself in the local culture and environment before continuing your journey.
final Altitude: 150m
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Activity : flight
Your next flight lands in Simikot, the Humla district's administrative center, crucial for acclimatization due to its high altitude. Use this day to adjust to the thin air, explore the town, and prepare for the trekking phase of your Saipal Himal Expedition. Discover Simikot's charm and natural beauty, enhancing anticipation for the adventures ahead.
final Altitude: 2818m
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Activity: 45min flight
Your trek from Simikot to Dharapani begins the Saipal Himal Expedition, offering moderate terrain to help acclimate to higher altitudes. You'll experience a mix of rugged and serene landscapes, preparing you for tougher climbs and deepening your connection to nature.
final altitude: 3260m
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Activity:6hrs of walk
The trek from Dharapani to Yuwang gets tougher as you ascend, passing through remote Himalayan villages and spotting wildlife. The views become increasingly breathtaking, creating lasting memories. In Yuwang, you'll stay overnight in a cozy lodge, reflecting on your journey and preparing for the next stage amid the stunning mountains.
Final altitude: 3860m
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Activity: 7 hrs of walk
Today's shorter trek on the Saipal Himal Expedition helps you acclimate while exploring remote, tranquil landscapes. The secluded route offers reflection and connection with nature. Depending on availability, you may camp under the stars or stay in a simple lodge, providing a warm rest spot.
Final altitude 3800m
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Activity: 4 to 5 hrs of walk
You'll trek along the Karangkhola to Saipal Base Camp, facing increasingly challenging terrain. In Kairang, camp under the starry sky amid stunning Himalayan views. This serene night in nature offers a profound connection, preparing you for the journey ahead
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Activity:6 hrs of walk
Reaching Saipal Base Camp is a major milestone on the Saipal Himal Expedition. The trek demands effort but rewards with stunning views of Saipal Himal. At Base Camp, climbers prepare for the ascent, camping surrounded by towering peaks. This serene camp is a comfortable rest spot and a crucial starting point for the summit journey walking
final altitude 480m
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Activity: 6hrs of walk
During this phase, climbers focus on conquering Saipal Himal, planning daily acclimatization, weather assessments, and the final summit push. Climbing requires technical skill, teamwork, and perseverance. Summit day starts early, aiming to return to Base Camp by day's end for safety. Climbers stay at various camps, which provide essential rest and shelter.These camps become crucial for planning and preparing for the ascent's challenges.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Activity: 6hrs of walk
As you begin descending back to Labuk Depsa, you’ll seize the chance to reflect on the challenges and triumphs of the Saipal Himal Expedition. The stunning landscape keeps unfolding before you, providing a picturesque backdrop as you embark on your journey homeward. Tonight, you will camp out surrounded by the serene beauty of the Himalayan wilderness, enabling you to savor the memories and experiences of the expedition.
Accommodation:Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Activity :Walking 6hrs
Descending towards Chala Village or Yalbang, you notice the altitude decreasing, signaling your return to civilization. The landscape shifts gradually, revealing more villages and offering glimpses into local life and culture. Tonight, you'll stay in lodging or a hotel, enjoying comfortable rest and deeper immersion in the community surroundings after a day of trekking.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Activity: Walking 7hrs
The journey to Kermi offers a pleasant change with easier trekking through stunning landscapes. You'll leisurely meander along, appreciating the natural beauty around you. As you near Kermi, the tranquil ambiance enhances the experience, promising a relaxing evening ahead.Your stay in a Kermi hotel ensures comfort and rejuvenation, preparing you refreshed and energized for the next leg of your journey.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Activity: walking 7hrs
Approaching Maj Gaon, you feel a mix of emotions. Accomplishment fills you, having overcome expedition challenges and nearing your goal. Yet, you anticipate returning to everyday life, eager to bring back adventure memories and lessons. This stretch allows reflection on your journey's distance, preparing to transition to daily routines.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Activity: Walking 7hrs
On the final trekking day back to Simikot, you bid farewell to the mountains and local communities that shaped your journey. This short trek offers moments of rest and reflection, preparing you for the return to Kathmandu. As you say goodbye to landscapes and newfound friends, you carry enduring memories and experiences from your adventure.
Accommodation:Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Activity: Walking 5hrs
The flights back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj mark the end of the expedition's active phase, transitioning from wilderness to urban life. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you'll transfer to your hotel to unwind, reflect on your journey, and adjust to everyday rhythms. This time allows you to process experiences, celebrate achievements, and cherish expedition memories. Overnight in Kathmandu provides comfort as you prepare to bid farewell to the mountains and embrace the next adventure chapter.
Elevation: 150 m
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Breakfast and Lunch
Activity: Fly back to Nepalgunj
During your free day in Kathmandu, explore the city's cultural heritage at places like Kathmandu Durbar Square and Pashupatinath Temple, or stroll through bustling markets. Take time to unwind and rejuvenate before departure. In the evening, join fellow adventurers for celebratory dinners, reminiscing about expedition experiences. Enjoy your day in Kathmandu, finding comfort in familiar surroundings and reflecting on Nepal memories.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Activity: Free day at international airport
Today marks the conclusion of the Saipal Himal Expedition as you depart Kathmandu. For some, it's the start of new adventures in Nepal or beyond. Alternatively, Kathmandu offers a restful period to reflect on expedition experiences and absorb cultural richness before heading home.Whether venturing into new journeys or enjoying downtime, today closes one chapter and potentially opens another in your global exploration.
Meals: Breakfast
Activity: See off at international airport
Included & Excluded
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ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE :
Airport - Hotel transfers – Airport (Pick Up and Drop), by private vehicle.
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HOTEL ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU :
4 nights hotel in Kathmandu (4-star category) - single room on bed and breakfast plan.
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WELCOME DINNER :
One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office’s Staff.
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PERMITS :
Expedition Royalty and a permit fee from the Nepal Government to climb Mt. Saipal Himal, Saipal conservation area, and Rural Municipality entry permit and fee.
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LIAISON OFFICER :
1 Government Liaison officer with full equipment, salary, and accommodation.
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GARBAGE MANAGEMENT :
Stool Shipment Transfer & Garbage Deposit fees.
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INSURANCE :
Medical & Emergency rescue Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek and expedition.
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MAP :
Trekking and climbing map.
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DUFFLE BAG :
One Alpinist club Duffle Bag.
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MEMBER TRANSPORTATION :
(Domestic Flight) Fly from Nepalgunj – Simikot And Simikot - Nepalgunj, as per itinerary.
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EXPEDITION STUFFS TRANSPORTATION :
All necessary expedition equipment transportation for all Members and Staff from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj- Simikot (by air cargo) and Base camp (by Porters ) – While returning: Base camp to Simkot (by porters / Yak) and Nepalgunj to Kathmandu (by air cargo).
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MEMBER LUGGAGE :
Up to 40 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek to be carried by porters or Yaks.
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FOOD AND LODGING :
3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation at the Hotel/Lodge during the trek and at the Basecamp. Hygienic and fresh green vegetables, fresh meat, fruits, and soft drinks will be served during the entire expedition using flights. Well-managed base camp set up for members & Staff.
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PORTER :
Porters per member up to the Base camp and from the Basecamp (both ways).
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BASE CAMP STAFF :
Experienced and well-trained Base Camp Cook & kitchen Helpers as required.
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STAFF SALARY AND ALLOWANCE :
All Nepalese staff & porters' daily wages, salary, equipment, food & clothing.
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BASE CAMP TENT :
Each member will have an individual tent in Base Camp.
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BASE CAMP EQUIPMENT :
Single Tent, foam mattresses and pillow per member, 1 Dinning Tent, 1 Kitchen Tent, 1 Communication tent, 1 Toilet & 1 Shower Tent, 1 Staffs Tent, 1 Tent for Nepalese base camp staff, Store tents, Tables & chairs & all necessary cooking gears.
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HEATER :
Heater at base camp in each Dining and other necessary camps.
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SOLAR/GENERATOR/LIGHT :
1 Solar panel and Generator for lights at base camp, battery charge, laptop and other electronic devices.
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TRAINING :
Oxygen, Mask Regulator, Ice wall, and gear training at Basecamp by Sherpa Guide.
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HIGH ALTITUDE CLIMBING SHERPA :
1 government-licensed climbing Sherpa per member (1 Member: 1 Sherpa), during the entire climb from Basecamp to the summit and back, and on each rotation.
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ASSISTANCE :
Climbing Sherpa to assist in carrying your gear to the high camps.
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CLIMBING SHERPA SALARY & ALLOWANCE :
Climbing Sherpa Salary, Equipment, Food, and Clothing.
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BONUS :
Carry Bonus of Sherpas and Route Fixing Charges.
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OXYGEN BOTTLE (O2) :
Oxygen bottles will be in stock at base camp in case of an emergency (with an appropriate charge).
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OXYGEN MASK & REGULATOR :
1 Set of Summit Oxygen masks will be in base camp in case of an emergency.
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HIGH CAMP SERVICE (INFRASTRUCTURE AND LOGISTICS) :
High Altitude Tent, Necessary cooking EPI gas, cooking pot, High food for a member, Sherpa, and other crews at (C1) (C2) and (C3). Group climbing gears, and fixed and dynamic rope during the climbing period as required.
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HIGH ALTITUDE TENT :
Members will share tents in high camps (2 members: 1 tent).
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ROPE FIXING TEAM :
The team of experienced Sherpas will fix the rope and the route.
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SATELLITE PHONE :
Satellite Phone for emergency communication carried by Sherpa, also available for members with an appropriate charge.
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WALKIE-TALKIE :
WalkieTalkie for communicating from Base Camp to Mountain and Mountain to Base Camp.
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WEATHER FORECAST :
Weather forecast report during the entire expedition.
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MEDICAL KIT :
Comprehensive Medical kit for members and staff.
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CERTIFICATE :
Saipal Himal climbing certificate(After climbing Saipal Himal successfully).
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| AIR FARE : International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu). |
| NEPAL ENTRY VISA FEE : The Nepalese Visa fee is $ 125 USD for 90 Days. |
| LUNCH & DINNER : Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking / Expedition than the scheduled itinerary). |
| EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU : Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking / Expedition, domestic flight cancellation (due to any other reason) than the scheduled itinerary. |
| INSURANCE POLICY : Insurance covering both medical and high-altitude evacuation costs (for the trip cancellation, interruption, high altitude rescue & air evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.) *Mandatory |
| PERSONAL EXPENSES : Telephone Calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers, and any Alcoholic beverages (during the trek and in Kathmandu but we will have soft drinks for members at base camp). |
| PERSONAL CLIMBING EQUIPMENT : Clothing, Packing Items, Bags, Personal Medical Kit, and all kinds of Personal Trekking / Climbing Gear. |
| FILMING : Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee. |
| INTERNET SERVICE : Not included during the trek and the expedition. |
| SUMMIT BONUS : Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa - Minimum 700 USD. |
| TIPS : Calculate some tips for Basecamp and high camp staff – Minimum 350 USD. |
| EXTRA : Any other services or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary and other items not listed in the “Cost Includes” section. |
Trip Organization
Your Guide and Team
Your guide, from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure, is responsible for the success of your trip and oversees your team. Do not hesitate to ask him questions, respect his position as the team leader, and above all follow his advice! Often your guide is the only English-speaking member of the team. In the mountains and, especially when during high-altitude travels, your guide is responsible for the safety of the group. The instructions he gives and the remarks he makes to all participants must be carefully followed. The interest and safety of the trekking group must be preserved, even when it may be to the detriment of an individual member of the group.
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Your Nepalese team may consist of several people, each with different responsibilities. They are:
- The Guide Leader (Sirdar) is responsible for and leader of the whole team and is treated with respect by all. Often he has earned his position by starting as a porter and rising through the ranks.
- climbing Guide: experienced and skilled mountaineer, fixed rope and take to summit
- The Cook is responsible for all meals and is on a trek that doesn’t use lodges for meals. (camping trek )
- The kitchen boy is an assistant to the cook. ( camping trek / expedition )
- The Assistant Guide is actively helping clients under the leader’s direction and set camp.
- The Porter is the load carrier for the trekking group. As Nepal is a mountain country with few roads, porters are employed to carry loads. Compliance with regulations and common courtesy dictates the maximum weight carried and the minimum wage paid. Porters are provided with gear based on their routes and insurance for alpine treks.
Each trekker is allotted the maximum weights per person: Lodge (tea house) Accommodations: 15 kg maximum; Tent Camping: 22 kg maximum; Expeditions/summit ascents: 20 kg maximum. The porters are given a premium wage for carrying loads over 30 kg.
In addition, the Alpinist Club takes care to take out insurance for the Guide and porters. Specific equipment is allocated to them for crossing passes at altitude (even if wearers often refuse to put on shoes due to lack of habit).
Accommodations in Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, you will be accommodated in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:
Hotel Himalayan Suit: Located in near Thamel, this hotel is ideal for walking the bustling streets of Kathmandu. The spacious rooms all have a bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. A fully equipped and active dining room is available for all meals, and the breakfast buffet offers a wide choice of foods.
Sampada Garden: Located just 20 minutes on foot from Thamel and Durbar Square, this hotel is convenient for exploring Kathmandu. The rooms have all the necessary comforts for your stay: air conditioning, bathroom, and Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are served as a generous buffet.
Accommodation during the expedition
For camping, Tent accommodation: For High camp accommodation: during the trek, breakfasts, Lunch, and Dinner are prepared by the kitchen team. They are taken to the mess tent. Depending on the profile of the stages (length of the day's walk and/or presence of water), midday snacks will be served hot or cold in the form of picnics.
During the trek, additional energy food is provided. Purchased locally, they offer a more limited. You can, if you wish, bring some complementary cereal bars adapted to your taste
For lodge accommodation: meals are prepared by the cooks of the lodge and are taken from the lodge's dining room.
Here is a typical one-day menu:
- Breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, or Tibetan bread or pancakes, or pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee
- Lunch: a main course, tea or coffee
- Dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffee
- During the trek, tea or coffee is served with meals. Two cups per person are included. Apart from these included menus, other drinks and foodstuffs will be at your expense.
- Water: provide tablets (Hydroclovazone, Micropur, or another type) to disinfect the water you put in your water bottle, depending on the source and the advice of your guide. It is sometimes possible to buy purified water and refill your water bottle without having to buy bottled water. You can also buy mineral water in the cities (not included in the price) but its ecological balance is poor, as you know. Also, we do not recommend it.
Preparation for the Trek
Preparing for the trek requires several months of preparation with 4 to 6-hour walks every weekend for stamina and participating in a sport that requires short periods of high exertion.
Medical check-up
Being in good health is essential to fully enjoy your Alpinist Club trip. If your last medical visit was more than four years ago, please get another general physical exam and tell your doctor the nature of your trip (climate, altitude, difficulty, etc.). The altitude also has the effect of reviving dental problems or other chronic pain, so getting a dental checkup is also prudent. If you are undertaking a high-altitude expedition, we advise you to consult a mountain medicine specialist.
Acute Mountain Sickness
This trip takes place at high altitudes so some people may experience altitude-related discomforts like headaches, loss of appetite, and swelling of limbs. Most of these symptoms usually go away within a few days, but sometimes they can develop into a serious illness: pulmonary or cerebral edema. There are no preventive drugs for AMS. Diamox diuretic is often effective for symptomatic relief, but you should first check with your doctor to verify that it is not contraindicated for you. Think about it before you go.
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Trip Map
FAQ's
Expand AllYes, you need to acquire permits to climb Saipal Himal. You need to acquire a climbing permit from the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA ) and the Department of Tourism. You also need to obtain a restricted area permit from the Humla district and a Conservation area permit from Khaptad National Park.
The perfect season to climb Saipal Himal is during the spring and the fall. These seasons provide the optimal conditions for the climbers. In spring ( April to May), the weather is stable with clear skies and moderate temperatures making it an appropriate for the climbers. The autumn i.e September to November is another suitable month for the expedition.
The expedition is difficult due to its remote location and steep terrain. You must have a certain level of mountaineering skills to face these technical challenges. There is a risk of altitude sickness due to high altitude, so effective acclimatization is crucial. It would help if you faced weather challenges as abrupt changes might increase the risk of the ascent.
You will face technical difficulties during this expedition. Difficulties such as crevassed glaciers, navigating steep rock faces, and icy slopes. You need to have prior experience in mountaineering skills and be able to use equipment such as crampons, ice axes, ropes, and harnesses. Other technical skills such as belaying, rope handling, and self-arrest techniques must be needed.
It is not necessary to have a lot of experience for this expedition but the prior basic mountaineering skills. A guide with years of experience will lead you first. The members will instruct the climbers on roped climbing and descending procedures because they are knowledgeable in this field. While prior experience is unnecessary, you must be in good physical health and shape.
Safety is the essential factor to be taken into consideration while ascending Saipal Himal. We, the Alpinist Club will make sure to implement all the safety measures to ensure the well-being of every climber during the expedition. We will follow in-depth safety measures training sessions, an expert guide well equipped with wilderness first aid training to. We will use emergency communication tools like satellite phones or radios, and emergency evacuation plans. It is advisable to carry your own personal safety equipment such as first aid kits, GPS devices, and emergency shelters.
The Saipal Himal Expedition can be done through two standard route. The two standard routes are the Southern route and the Northern route. We will be following the Southern route from the Simikot in the Humla district.
The completion of the expedition depends on various factors such as weather conditions, routes, and the physical fitness of the climbers.
During camping our cook will make delicious food to provide you with all the strength and stamina required for the expedition. Our porters will carry all the basic cooking essentials.
The climbers should pack all the essential gear and equipment. Climbing gear such as harnesses, helmets, crampons, and ice axes, climbing equipment such as sleeping bags, tents, and sleeping pads, personal items such as sunscreen, toiletries, and emergency supplies like a first aid kit, navigation tools, and map. You can check all the other essentials in the expedition provided by us in the packing list.
Our Sherpa and climbing guide are authorized license holders by the Nepal Government. They have years of experience and knowledge. They have conducted many expeditions and most of them have the successful result. They are well aware of the climbing route and use their expertise to ensure the safety of the climbers.
Alpinist Club makes sure to take safety and security measures for the successful expedition. We have authorized and experienced guides/Sherpa to safeguard life of the climbers. You must follow the guide's instructions for the successful summit.
You must have your insurance before taking this expedition. There is a high chance of risks such as altitude sickness, dehydration, or any health conditions. If you face any kind of health issue you must inform your guide. The guide will immediately take action. The team will send an emergency helicopter rescue team and you will be transferred to the hospital.
For lower-altitude trekking pants and active wear is needed. As you ascend at higher altitudes you will need to have a lightweight water proof jacket, thick down jacket, pants, and thermal innerwear. You must pack good quality shoes for climbing in rough terrain. For mountaineering, you will need special clothes.
