Trip Overview
Gurja Himal, at 7,300 meters, or “Dhaulashri” Hidden jewelers in the Annapurna area is the lowest of the Dhaulagiri range in Nepal, and has, consequently, tended to be overlooked by the various expeditions in favor of the higher peaks of Dhaulagiri itself, Churen Himal, Putha Hiunchuli, and so on. Gurja Himal expedition is suitable for those climbers who are willing to summit 7000m peaks in a less touristic area and are not interested in climbing the crowded peaks. The adventure t...
Gurja Himal, at 7,300 meters, or “Dhaulashri” Hidden jewelers in the Annapurna area is the lowest of the Dhaulagiri range in Nepal, and has, consequently, tended to be overlooked by the various expeditions in favor of the higher peaks of Dhaulagiri itself, Churen Himal, Putha Hiunchuli, and so on. Gurja Himal expedition is suitable for those climbers who are willing to summit 7000m peaks in a less touristic area and are not interested in climbing the crowded peaks. The adventure trail passes through the wild and beautiful Dhaula valley (Undiscovered hidden gem) , the village nestles on a sunny shelf beneath the snows of the Dhaulagiri range. Offers spectacular mountain views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges. Before climbing Gurja we Xtreme Climbers advise our valuable clients to have at least two successful 6000m and one 7000m peaks and to have good knowledge of ice and rock climbing and how to ascend and descend fixed lines. You don't need to be fast but you need to be steady and strong. Mental toughness plays a large role as does the ability to relax and let your body acclimatize. because Your success or failure in climbing will be determined by your front-end preparations and experiences.
During climbing Xtreme Climbers Climbing Sherpa guide will fix Camp 1 at a height of 5300m(17,388ft)camp 2 at 5900m (19,357ft) and Camp 3 at (6500m/21,325 ft.) for better acclimatization. When you arrive at base camp, our staff will set up the camp and you will have time to rest and continue to acclimatize. Upon completing a Puja ceremony at base camp, our team of Climbing Sherpas will begin to open the route to Camp 1. After your camp 1 and 2 acclimatization, our climbing Sherpa guides will check the weather forecast, group fitness, and recovery conditions. If upcoming weather reports, your physical fitness and conditions are good, we will begin to head towards our summit push over Gurja. On the summit push, you will move from camp 1, At camp 2 you will wake at around 2:00 or 3:00 am to begin your summit push.
From the summit, you will have great views of Dhaulagiri II, Dhaulagiri III, Dhaulagiri IV, Dhaulagiri V, Churen Himal (Main), Churen Himal (East), Churen Himal (West), Dhaulagiri VI, Putha Hiunchuli (Dh VII), Gurja Himal, False Junction Peak, Junction Peak. The peak is located at the coordinates of 28°40′26″N longitude and 83°16′37″E latitude.
This peak offers a challenging yet rewarding climb, requiring careful planning and preparation.
- Climbing any mountain especially 7000m and 8000m above is tough but highly rewarding as well. So, do prepare yourself Psychologically and Physically to withstand all possible hazards that may come across your path during the mountaineering journey.
- The expedition is EXTREMELY Challenging but worth it. Before the summit push, we will have enough time at the Base Camp where our supremely talented climbing Sherpa guide will train you very well to be in the Himalayas by providing you with all technical know-how and techniques.
- The summit lies at a higher altitude and can cause altitude sickness to anyone attempting the summit push. But proper acclimatization, reserved Oxygen which will be carried or transferred already at higher camps for emergency use and support/assistance by our high altitude climbing Sherpa Guide will help you go through to reach the summit of your dream mountain. Above the higher camps, we will always have extra bottles of oxygen in case of emergencies. This is why one must go on an expedition to any of the 6 thousand before heading to any 7000m. This will not only help you gain experience in the high altitude but also familiarize you with all the gears and equipment while handling extremely cold temperatures, gaining great crampon skills on and on the rock, snow, ice, rappelling with a pack on, and using ascenders and jumars on a fixed-line. Along with tolerance at a high altitude, you need strength, endurance, and strong cardiovascular conditioning.
NOTE: Prioritize your training efforts with the following techniques assuming you are in good health and injury-free;
01. Climbing Conditioning: Uphill climbing with a backpack, walking, and staircase climbing
02. Strength training for lower body and core
03. Cardiovascular Training: Include both aerobic and anaerobic workouts with and without pack-weight
04. Flexibility Training: Include stretches for overall body
Trip Facts
- Country: Nepal
- Trip Start / Trip End: Pokhara (950 m) / Beni (900 m)
- Trip Duration: 36 days KTM-KTM
- Climbing route / Grade: Northwest Spur and North Ridge / 4E/Difficult
- Highest Elevation: 7,300m. 22,244.ft
- First Ascent: November 1, 1969 from West ridge by Mr. T. Saeki, Lhakpa Tenzing, A.
- Lnouye, S. Kanayama, H. Sakai, K. Shimoda and Y. Yakushi
- Major Activity / Culture: Trekking/Mountaineering / Gurung, Thakali, Magar
- Mode of Expedition: Teahouse / Tented Accommodation
- Himalayan sights: Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Putha Hunchuli,
- Group Size: Minimum 2 up to 10
- Best season: February, March, April & September, October, November, December. Spring/Autumn.
- Climbing Ratio: 1+1 (1 Member 1 Climbing Sherpa Guide)
Trip Highlights
- Dhaulagiri I: 8172 meters, best views Rugachaur pass, Jaljalla pass, Gurjaghat pass, Mudi, Dansilek pass, and between Dharapani and Machim.
- Dhaulagiri II: 7751m, Dhaulagiri III: 7751m, best views of Dhamja pass and Dansilek.
- Dhaulagiri IV: 7661m, best views generally hidden by Gurja Himal
- Dhaulagiri V: 7618m, best views Jaljala Pass, Dhamja pass and Dansilek.
- Dhaulagiri VI: 7268m, best views generally hidden by Gurja Himal.
- Gurja Himal: 7193m, best views Gurja khani Deorali, between Dharapani and Machim; Rugachaur pass, Jaljalla pass, Gurjaghat pass, Dansilek, Dhamja pass and tributaries along Dhaula canyon.
- Churen Himal: 7372m, best views Rugachaur pass, Jaljala pass, Gurja Deorali and Gurjaghat pass.
- Putha Hiunchuli: 7246m, best views Rugachaur pass, Jaljala pass, Gurjaghat pass and Dhamja pass.
Gurja Himal typical climbing camp details used during the expedition:
Base Camp
- Location: Typically set up at around 4,500 meters, often in a sheltered area near the glacier.
- Facilities: Equipped with tents for sleeping, a dining tent, a kitchen tent, and communication facilities such as satellite phones or radios.
- Activities: Acclimatization hikes, equipment checks, and preparation for higher camps.
Camp I
- Location: Generally established at around 5,400 meters on a flat section of the glacier.
- Facilities: Tents for sleeping and a small kitchen setup. Basic facilities due to the altitude.
- Activities: Used for acclimatization and as a staging point for moving to higher camps. Rest and preparation for the climb to Camp II.
Camp II
- Location: Typically set up at around 6,000 meters on the glacier, near the base of steeper slopes.
- Facilities: Basic camping setup with tents for sleeping and minimal kitchen facilities. Essential gear and supplies are stored here.
- Activities: Further acclimatization and preparation for the summit push. Climbers ensure all gear is ready and rest to conserve energy for the final ascent.
Camp III
- Location: Established at around 6,500 meters, often on a high ridge or a sheltered area.
- Facilities: Minimal setup with just essential gear to reduce the load for the summit push.
- Activities: Final rest and preparation before the summit attempt. Climbers spend a very short time here to conserve energy.
Summit Push
- Route: The final ascent to the summit involves navigating snow and ice slopes, with some sections requiring fixed ropes. The route is technical and demands careful navigation and stamina.
- Timing: Climbers usually start the summit push early in the morning, around midnight or 1 AM, aiming to reach the summit by early morning and descend to lower camps by afternoon.
- Descent: After reaching the summit, climbers descend back to Camp II or Camp I for rest and recovery.
Additional Notes
- Weather: Weather conditions in the Dhaulagiri range can be highly variable and unpredictable. Expeditions must be flexible with their schedules and prepared for sudden changes in weather.
- Permits: Climbing Gurja Himal requires permits from the Department of Tourism (DoT) and other relevant authorities. Ensure all necessary permits are secured before the expedition.
- Guides and Support: Hiring experienced guides and porters is highly recommended for navigation, carrying equipment, and ensuring safety during the climb.
- Logistics: Due to the remote location, logistics such as transportation, food supplies, and emergency evacuation plans must be carefully planned and coordinated.
Preparation and Safety
- Training: Climbers should undergo thorough physical training and have experience with high-altitude climbing and technical routes.
- Acclimatization: Proper acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness. Climbers should follow a carefully planned acclimatization schedule.
- Gear: Essential gear includes high-altitude clothing, climbing equipment (crampons, ice axes, harnesses, ropes), camping gear, and sufficient food and water supplies.
- Health and Safety: Climbers should have a comprehensive medical kit and knowledge of first aid. Awareness of symptoms of altitude sickness and immediate action in case of emergencies are vital.
NOTE: Expeditions to Gurja Himal require meticulous preparation, physical fitness, and careful planning to ensure a successful and safe climb.
Itinerary
Cost includes
- Arrival & Departure: Arrival and departure transfer services to and from both domestic and international flights as per itinerary with assistance at the international airport by Xtreme Climbers while arriving and departing from Kathmandu.
- Hotel Accommodation In Kathmandu: 4 Nights 4**** hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on B&B basis.
- Hotel Accommodation In Pokhara: 2 Night *** Hotel Accommodation in Pokhara B/B basis.
- Domestic Air Transport: Schedule flight tickets for Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu to all the climbing members, Sherpa guide, liaison officer and kitchen staff.
- Permit: Expedition Royalty and permit of Nepal Government to climb Mt. Gurja (7,300M), Trekking Permit (Annapurna Conservation Park entry fee) TIMS card (Trekking Information Management System) and other necessary permits.
- Liaison Officer: 1 Government Liaison officer with full equipment, salary and accommodation.
- Garbage Management: Stool Shipment Transfer & Garbage Deposit fees.
- Trekking / Climbing Insurance: Medical & Emergency rescue Insurance for all involved staff during the trek and expedition.
- Trekking / Climbing Sherpa Guide: Experienced government-licensed high-altitude trekking and climbing Sherpa guides (Everest Summiteers) will be provided during the entire expedition period.
- Trekking Route Map. A trekking and climbing Route Map will be provided.
- Accommodation: Accommodation at Hotel/lodge/guest house or tent camp during the trekking / Climbing period
- Expedition Stuffs Transportation: Necessary equipment Transportation for all Members and Staff From Kathmandu-Mountain-Kathmandu.
- Member Luggage: Up to 40.Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carried by Porters/Mules.
NOTE: Baggage more than 40.Kg p/p will charge additional with the appropriate cost. - Lodging & Fooding: Food and fuel for base camp and Camps above. Food 3 meals a day (BDL, including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation at Hotel/Lodge/Tea house/Camp during the trek and Basecamp. Well-managed base camp set up for members & Staff. Appropriate high-altitude food for all clients and staff at base camp and above during the climbing period.
- Equipment: All required Tables, Chairs, Cooking utensils and equipment for Camping during the Trekking / Expedition.
- Oxygen and Masks Regulators: Bottles of Oxygen will be reserved at BC and camp above for emergency use only with an appropriate additional charge will be provided with the Latest model of Summit or top-out system masks and regulators.
- XTREME CLIMBERS Equipment: Xtreme Climbers 120.ltr Duffel bags for each expedition member and for trekkers (2 members 1 Duffel Bag) Sun Hat and Mask will be provided.
- Porter: Required numbers of necessary porters.
- Base Camp Staff: Experienced and well-trained Base camp Cook & kitchen Helpers as required.
- Staff Salary and allowance: Equipment allowances and wages for all Nepalese staff & porters daily wages, climbing Sherpas Guide, Cooks, Kitchen assistants and government liaison officers including equipment, food & clothing as per program.
- Base Camp equipment and Tent: At Base camp: foam mattresses and pillows per member, Dining Tent, Kitchen Tent, Communication Tent, Toilet & Shower Tent, Staff Tent, Tent for Nepalese base camp staff, and Store tents. NOTE: Each member will have an individual VE-25 North-Face tent in Base Camp and camp above.
- Climbing Sherpa Guide: Highly experienced government-licensed trekking Guide during trekking and climbing Sherpa guide (Everest Summiter 1 member 1 Climbing Sherpa) during the entire climbing period
- Climbing Ropes: Required necessary fixed and dynamic rope during the climbing period. For camps bove EPI gas and stove will be provided for cooking food.
- Communication: Radio Walkie Talkie and Thuraya Satellite phone carried by guide for communication. (SAT Phone available to clients at a cost of $5. USD per minute).
- Heater: Heater for base camp in each Dining and other necessary camp.
- Solar/Generator/Light: Solar panel or Generator for battery charge, light at base camp and electronics charging proposed.
- Comprehensive Medical kit: First Aid medical kits for the Group and the staff for basic use only.
- TAX and Office Charges: Our service charge and government Taxes.
- Farewell Dinner: Farewell Dinner in a Tourist standard restaurant with Xtreme Climbers Staff.
Base Camp Service:
In Base Camp: Xtreme Climbers provides very professional, helpful, and friendly service from Kathmandu to the ABC as well as during the climb. Our objective is to provide a good quality, helpful, safe, friendly, stress-free, and comprehensive service to maximize your summit opportunity.
In the base camp, our chefs and helpers will prepare and serve three delicious, freshly cooked, and plentiful meals a day. We will also ensure that hot and cold drinks are available 24 hrs a day. In the base camp, we provide spacious expedition-quality personal tents for all our clients both with full board or base-camp service only. In base camp, we also provide a dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet facilities and portable shower facilities and tent accommodation for our staff.
In base camp, we provide access to communication including satellite telephone and internet access, solar panels to charge your batteries, and UHF/VHF handheld radios on the mountain to maintain communications between ABC and high camps.
Our camp manager as well as guides and climbing Sherpa’s have extensive experience on multiple Everest climbs. They will ensure cooperation with other companies and organize base camp operations. In base camp, our guides will work with other teams to ensure contribution from all operators for tasks such as route fixing and to ensure the safety of climbers from ABC to the summit.
Base Camp Service Cost Includes:
- Arrival & Departure: Arrival and departure transfer services to and from both domestic and international flights as per itinerary with assistance at the international airport by Xtreme Climbers while arriving and departing from Kathmandu.
- Hotel Accommodation In Kathmandu: 4 Nights 4**** hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a B&B basis.
- Hotel Accommodation In Pokhara: 2 Nights *** Hotel Accommodation in Pokhara B/B basis.
- Trekking / Climbing Sherpa Guide: Experienced government-licensed high-altitude trekking and climbing Sherpa guides (Everest Summiteers) will be provided during the entire expedition period.
- Domestic Air Transport: Schedule flight tickets for Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu to all the climbing members, Sherpa guide, liaison officer and kitchen staff.
- Permit: Expedition Royalty and permit of Nepal Government to climb Mt. Gurja (7,300M), Trekking Permit (Annapurna Conservation Park entry fee) TIMS card (Trekking Information Management System) and other necessary permits.
- Liaison Officer: 1 Government Liaison officer with full equipment, salary and accommodation.
- Garbage Management: Stool Shipment Transfer & Garbage Deposit fees.
- Trekking / Climbing Insurance: Medical & Emergency rescue Insurance for all involved staff during the trek and expedition.
- Trekking Route Map: A trekking and climbing Route Map will be provided.
- Accommodation: Accommodation at Hotel/lodge/guest house or tent camp during the trekking / Climbing period
- Expedition Stuffs Transportation: Necessary equipment Transportation for all Members and Staff From Kathmandu-Mountain-Kathmandu.
- Member Luggage: Up to 40.Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carried by Porters/Mules.
NOTE: Baggage more than 40.Kg p/p will charge additional with an appropriate cost. - Lodging & Fooding: Food and fuel for base camp and Camps above. Food 3 meals a day (BDL, including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation at Hotel/Lodge/Tea house/Camp during the trek and Basecamp. Well-managed base camp set up for members & Staff. Appropriate high-altitude food for all clients and staff at base camp and above during the Climbing period.
- Equipment: All required Tables, Chairs, Cooking utensils and equipment for Camping during the Trekking / Expedition.
- Oxygen and Masks Regulators: Bottles of Oxygen will be reserved at BC and camp for emergency use only with an appropriate additional charge will be provided with the Latest model of Summit or Top out system masks and regulators.
- XTREME CLIMBERS Equipment: Xtreme Climbers 120.ltr Duffel bags for each expedition member and for trekkers (2 members 1 Duffel Bag) Sun Hat and Mask will be provided.
- Porter: Required numbers of necessary porters.
- Base Camp Staff: Experienced and well-trained Base camp Cook & kitchen Helpers as required.
- Staff Salary and allowance: Equipment allowances and wages for all Nepalese staff & porters daily wages, climbing Sherpas Guide, Cooks, Kitchen assistants and government liaison officer include equipment, food & clothing as per the program.
- Base Camp equipment and Tent: At Base camp: foam mattresses and pillows per member, Dining Tent, Kitchen Tent, Communication Tent, Toilet & Shower Tent, Staff Tent, Tent for Nepalese base camp staff, Store tents. NOTE: Each member will have an individual VE-25 North-Face tent in Base Camp and camp above.
- Communication: Radio Walkie Talkie and Thuraya Satellite phone carried by guide for communication. (SAT Phone available to clients at a cost of $5. USD per minute).
- Heater: Heater for base camp in each Dining and other necessary camp.
- Solar/Generator/Light: Solar panel or Generator for battery charge, light at base camp and electronics charging proposed.
- Comprehensive Medical kit: First Aid medical kits for the Group and the staff for basic use only.
- TAX and Office Charges: Our service charge and government Taxes.
- Farewell Dinner: Farewell Dinner in a Tourist standard restaurant with Xtreme Climbers Staff.
NOTE: Above Base Camp Xtreme Climbers services will be “ZERO”
Cost Excludes
- Airfare: International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
- Nepal entry Visa fee: Nepal Visa fee USD 60 per person for 30 days (to be applied for 60 days (USD 120).
- Lunch & Dinner: Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking / Expedition than the scheduled itinerary).
- Extra night in Kathmandu or during the trip: Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or during the trip than the scheduled itinerary. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking / Expedition (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- Insurance: Travel and high altitude insurance, accident, medical & emergency evacuation.
- Rescue Evacuation: Medical Insurance and emergency rescue evacuation cost if required. (Rescue, Repatriation, Medication, Medical Tests, and Hospitalization costs.)
- Personal Expenses: Telephone, Internet, battery recharge, Hot shower, Laundry, any Alcoholic beverages & soft drinks (during the trek and in Kathmandu but we will serve all kinds of beverages for members in base camp), and also Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking /Climbing Gears.
- Filming: Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
- Internet Service: Internet services are not included in this cost.
- Summit Bonus: The Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa USD 1500. (If the company offers Full Board Services).
- Customs Clearance: Nepal custom duty for import/export of expedition equipment
- Tips: Calculate some tips for Base camp staff.
- Extra: Any extra expenses arising out of various/unforeseen situations like natural calamities, landslides, political disturbances, strikes, changes in Government regulations, Personal climbing gears or any other services or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary or any other item not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.
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