Ama Dablam with caravan of yaks and prayer flags

The great crossing of Nepal, 1700 km walk on the roof of the world

from

£24,000

A 1,700 km trekking expedition of unparalleled magnitude, taking almost five months to cross the Himalaya mountain range.

From Simikot, we head east for the 138 day trekking expedition. Taking part of the high road of the Great Himalayan Trail (GHT) we will not only pass Lake Rara, Mugu, Upper Dolpo, but Mustang, Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Rolwaling and Kumbu, finally ending up in Makalu to finish at the Kangchenjunga base camp. Five months to soak up an authentic Nepalese experience by always taking less frequented routes.

In conclusion, this is simply a journey of a lifetime!

Participation in one or more steps is possible if you can’t commit to 5 months!

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Style Type
- Expedition
- Mountainous
- Nepal
- Secret Planet
- Trekking
Expedition
Level Ultimate
8/8
Group Size Medium Group
2-6

All about the The great crossing of Nepal, 1700 km walk on the roof of the world.

This Great Traverse of Nepal is part of Secret Planets tradition of long-distance travel, even more ambitious perhaps in terms of distance traveled on foot. Participants who have time can live an experience of a lifetime by making the trip in its entirety. Monthly payment terms are implemented to soften the budgetary impact of five months of travel. Other participants can join the journey for one or more stages. And some, finally, plan their trip over several years at the rate of one or more steps per year. This is why the structure of the expedition is maintained from one year to the next.

A GREAT CROSSING OF NEPAL IN TEN STEPS

It is possible to travel the entire course or only on one stage, or a combination of several stages. Do not hesitate to consult us. In summary, we have:

– Step 1: From Simikot to Lake Rara;

– Stage 2: Large caravan of Dolpo, from Lake Rara to Lo Manthang by Kekyap La (5,600 m);

– Stage 3: From Lo Manthang to Nar and Phu via Teri la (5,500 m);

– Stage 4: The Manaslu tour and the Ganesh Himal via the Larkye pass (5 130 m);

– Stage 5: From Langtang to Rolwaling via Tillman pass (5,300 m) or Ganja-la (5,100 m);

– Step 6: From Rolwaling to Khumbu via Tashi Lapsa (5,730 m);

– Stage 7: The region of Everest via the Renjo (5 360 m) and the Cho la (5 420m);

– Stage 8: From Everest to Makalu via Amphu Lapsa (5,800 m) and Sherpani pass (6,180 m);

– Stage 9: From Makalu to Kangchenjunga via Lumbasumba (5,159 m);

– Step 10: At the foot of Kangchenjunga on the borders of Nepal.

SUMMARY OF THE GREAT CROSSING OF NEPAL

We start our big crossing at Simikot. We cross the Humla region to reach Lake Rara, a unique opportunity to explore the very little traveled western Nepal. We pass numerous villages Chhetri, Bramanes and Takhuri and finish this first stage in the unknown region of Lake Rara. It is not an altitude trek and therefore a good acclimatization for the following stages.

Then we leave Lake Rara for the valley of Mugu and Dolpo. After crossing the “hidden country” with its monasteries and villages out of time, we continue to Lo-Manthang and pass five passes over 5,000m with a non-technical ascent to 6,000m, before joining the Mustang by a particularly wild route.

A crossing of the original Mustang, we can cross the Teri-la and reach the villages of Nar and Phu. We finish by crossing the Kang La at 5,306m which leads us to the foot of the route of Manaslu.

We pass the Larkye-la at 5,150 m in a glacial atmosphere of high mountains. Then we arrive at Lho and Sama, Tibetan villages as evidenced by the prayer flags, monasteries and chortens. We cross then many villages of different ethnic groups. After walking along the Ganesh Himal and crossing the Pangsang pass at 3,830m, we are back below the altitude of 4,000m.

We then make the full crossing of the Rolwaling with the high point, the famous Tillman passes at 5,300m and the magnificent lakes of Tin Phokari and Panch Phokari altitudes. The Tillman pass is a difficult pass and little borrowed. This trip is a reconnaissance trip that offers an alternative route via Gyanja la (5 100 m), which can be borrowed if the Tillman conditions seem too difficult.

To get from the valley of Rolwaling to Khumbu by the high road, we have to take a difficult pass, the Tashi Lapsa at 5 730 m, which requires us technical knowledge and equipment such as crampons, ice ax and harness. In a high mountain atmosphere, we flirt with the peaks at 6000 m and more! We arrive at Thame and find the lodges of Khumbu.

We continue through the Everest region and its high passes. The Renjo-la, the Cho-la, but also the Kala Pattar at 5,545 m and the Gokyo Peak 5,360 m. A beautiful immersion in high altitude to familiarize Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori, Cho Oyu and of course Everest.

Then we leave for a mythical expedition and difficult to organize, sometimes close to mountaineering. We are committing ourselves to the “climb of the 3 passes”: the Amphu Laptsa at 5,850 m, the West Pass at 6,143 m and the Sherpani
at 6,135 m, which allows an arrival at the base camp of Makalu. We use fixed ropes and rappelling. We live in a glacier and snowy landscape and flirt with the high peaks.

We follow a unique hike from the Makalu (8,463 m) base camp to Lumbasumba, an adventure that takes us on a rare journey: the Lumbasumba, the Arun Valley and the Tibetan border.

We leave for the final stage. The villages Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, Tamang and Tibetan are scattered along the route. We progress in a beautiful high mountain atmosphere to the North Kangchenjunga base camp at Pangpema (5,140 m). Then, after driving east through this mountain range, we reach the end of an extraordinary adventure of nearly five months

Travel Advice Summary

Nepal travel advice
by GOV.UK on 04/10/2024 at 10:25 am
Information on potential disruption to domestic and international air travel at Kathmandu airport (See ‘Air travel’ on the ‘Safety and security' page)

Days 1 and 2 ARRIVAL KHATMANDU
Arrival into Kathmandu.
Generally the arrival is done on day 2.
Welcome by our local team and free time to discover the city.
Transfer: in a private vehicle (1/2 hour)
Accommodation: night in a standard hotel
Meals: free lunch and dinner
Altitude at the end of the day: 1,300 m
Step 1 SIMIKOT TO LAKE RARA
First step of our Great Nepalese crossing!
We start at Simikot, cross the Humla area to reach Lake Rara. A unique opportunity to explore the western little traveled Nepal. We cross many villages Chhetri, Bramanes and Takhuri. It is not an altitude trek, but a good acclimatization for the following stages.
See details and day by day in the technical sheet ”From Simikot to Lake Rara”.
Number of days: 15 days
Accommodation: under tent
Difficulty: moderate
Accompaniment: Nepali guide
Step 2 CARAVAN FROM DOLPO, LAKE RARA TO LO MANTHANG BY KEKYAP LA (5,600 M)
An adventure that takes us from the little-known region of Lake Rara and the valley of Mugu to Dolpo then Mustang. After crossing the ”hidden country”, its monasteries and timeless villages, we continue towards Lo Manthang by the high passes that allow to reach the Mustang by a very wild route. More than five passes over 5,000 m and a small non-technical climb to 6,000 m. See details and day by day in the technical data sheet ”Dolpo, from Lake Rara to Lo Manthang by Kekyap La (5,600 m)”.
Number of days: 34 days
Accommodation: under tent
Difficulty: difficult
Accompaniment: Nepali guide
Step 3 MUSTANG TO ANNAPURNAS VIA TERI LA (5,500 M) AND KANG LA (5,306 M)
We continue our progression along the river until Kanigaon and Khola Bensi, with sometimes beautiful views of the peaks of Ganesh Himal and the valley of Machha Khola.
We reach Tatopani quite quickly, on the same bank of the river, where there is a hot spring, then we cross the Budi Gandaki by a suspension bridge to reach Dobhan (1300 m).
The valley of Budi Gandaki then narrows before arriving at Jagat.
Number of hours of walking: 7 hours
Altitude difference: + 660 m / – 220 m
Accommodation: night in the lodge
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Altitude at the end of the day: 1,300 m
Step 4 MANASLU TOUR VIA THE LARKYE PASS (5,130 M) AND GANESH HIMAL
The Manaslu massif is actually composed of three peaks: Manaslu itself (8,163 m), Himalchuli (7,893 m) and Peak 29 (7,871 m), located between the rivers Budhi, Gandaki and Marsyangdi. We pass the Larkye La at 5,150 m in a glacial atmosphere of high mountains. We arrive then at Lho and Sama, Tibetan villages as evidenced by prayer flags, monasteries and chortens. We then cross many villages of different ethnic groups. A trip away from the crowds, between many villages and in a high mountain atmosphere. After walking along the Ganesh Himal and crossing the Pangsang pass (3 830 m). Here we are again at a reasonable altitude, below the 4000-meter mark. Cf.
Number of days: 22 days
Accommodation: tent and lodge
Difficulty: moderate to difficult
Step 5 LANGTANG TO ROLWALING VIA THE TILLMAN PASS (5,300 M)
A mythical route and hardly used. We make the full crossing of the Rolwaling with the high point, the famous Tillman pass (5,300 m), then the magnificent lakes of Phokari tin and panch Phokari. We reach the Bhote Khosi River (the Tibetan River) and the ”old” road to Lhasa. The Tillman pass is a difficult pass and this trip is a journey of recognition. An alternative route via the Gyanja la (5 100 m) can be used if the Tillman conditions seem too difficult. See details and day by day in the data sheet ”From Langtang to Rolwaling via the Tillman Pass (5,300 m)”.
Number of days: 22 days
Accommodation: tent and lodge
Difficulty: difficult
Step 6 ROLWALING TO KHUMBU VIA TASHI LAPSA (5 730 M)
To get from the Rolwaling valley to Khumbu by the high road, we have to take a difficult pass that requires technical knowledge and equipment such as crampons, ice ax and shoulder belt, Tashi Lapsa. In a high mountain atmosphere, we flirt with the peaks at 6000 m and more! We arrive at Thame and find the lodges of Khumbu.
See details and day by day in the technical sheet ”From Rolwalling to Khumbu via Tashi Lapsa (5,730 m)”.
Number of days: 21 days
Accommodation: tent and lodge
Difficulty: difficult
Step 7 EVEREST REGION VIA RENJO (5,360 M) AND CHO LA (5,420 M)
In the heart of Sherpa country are the highest peaks in the world. On this itinerary, we will first meet this endearing population, its villages and monasteries to then take altitude and cross two passes at over 5,000 meters altitude, Renjo La, Cho La , and also climb Kala Pattar (5,545 m) and Gokyo Peak (5,360 m). A beautiful immersion in high altitude to familiarize Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori, Cho Oyu and of course, Everest. A beautiful route where we never leave the eyes high Himalayan peaks. We sleep in lodge in the villages we cross. See details and day by day in the technical sheet ”The region of Everest via Renjo (5,360 m) and Cho La (5,420 m)”.
Number of days: 20 days
Accommodation: in lodge
Difficulty: difficult
Step 8 EVEREST AT MAKALU VIA AMPHU LAPSA (5 800 M) AND SHERPANI COL (6 180 M)
We leave for a mythical expedition, which brings us closer to mountaineering than trekking. We commit ourselves to ”climb the 3 passes”: the Lapsa Amphu (5,850 m), the West Col (6,143 m), used for the first time by Shipton in 1951, and the Sherpani at 6,135 m (easier than the East), which allows an arrival at the base camp of Makalu. Sometimes we have to use fixed ropes. We live in a glacier and snowy landscape and flirt with the high peaks. See details and day by day in the technical sheet ”From Everest to Makalu via Amphu Lapsa (5,800 m) and Sherpani Col (6,180 m)”.
Number of days: 27 days
Accommodation: under tent
Difficulty: difficult to very difficult
Step 9 MAKALU TO KANGCHENJUNGA VIA LUMBASUMBA (5,159 M)
We go on a unique hike from Makalu (8,463 m) base camp to Lumbasumba. We continue to Makalu Lookout, where we can see Everest (8,848 m) and Lhotse (8,516 m). An extraordinary adventure that takes us on a rare and unprecedented passage: the Lumbasumba, the Arun Valley and the Tibetan border.
See details and day by day in the technical sheet ”From Makalu to Kangchenjunga via Lumbasumba (5,159 m)”.
Number of days: 34 days
Accommodation: under tent
Difficulty: difficult
Step 10 THE FOOT OF KANGCHENJUNGA
We are going on a wild and unique hike in a high mountain atmosphere. The villages Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, Tamang and Tibetan are scattered along the route. A route away from crowds that allows us to see an authentic Nepal, from the low valleys to the northern base camp of Kangchenjunga. An extraordinary adventure.
Number of days: 29 days
Accomodation: under tent or in lodge
Difficulty: difficult
Last Day KATHMANDU - INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT
Regardless of whether you complete the whole trip in one go, we will always have at least a day in Kathmandu, according to the schedule of the plane, transfer to the airport and return flight.
Transfer: by private vehicle (1 hour)
Accommodation: in hotel or on the plane
Meals: breakfast / free lunch / free dinner

Hiker posing at camera on the trek in Himalayas, Nepal

Trekker on the way to the valley covered with cloud on Manaslu circuit trek in Nepal

Ama Dablam with caravan of yaks and prayer flags - way to Mount Everest base camp - Sagarmatha national park - Nepal

Yaks Himalaya

Accommodation and meals

ACCOMMODATION

Standard category hotel (basic: double room) in Kathmandu and Pokhara, during the rest of the trip in tents (tents 3 places for 2 people) or lodge depending on the trip. The lodges in Nepal are of very random comfort. In general the conditions are rather good on the Annapurna tour and the Everest region, on the other hand in Mustang, in the Tsum valley and in the region of Kangch or Makalu they can be very rudimentary to the point of being a dormitory sometimes even a kitchen. The lodges can look like a shelter or sometimes a cottage from home. This is mostly a family home with double, triple or dormitory rooms. The toilets and showers are always separate. The cold or hot showers are sometimes payed for (between 1 and 2 pounds), most of the time the water is heated with solar energy.

MEALS

In the cities there are many small restaurants allowing us to discover the typical local cuisine. With the exception of Kathmandu, breakfasts and evening meals are prepared by the kitchen team or the cooks of the lodge. Food can be taken in to the dining room of the lodge or mess tent. Depending on the profile of the steps (length of day walking and / or presence of water), midday snacks will be served hot or cold in the form of picnics.

WATER: You should bring water purification tablets to disinfect the water you put in your bottle, depending on the source and on the advice of your guide.

District Namche Bazar. Everest track. Nepalese village and lodge. Behind the village there is a view of Mount Thamserku — Nepalese village and typical lodgings.

Man sitting lodge fireplace holding cup. — Himalayan Lodge

For your trip, allow 13 to 15 kg maximum, outside your hand luggage, even if in most flights you will be entitled to 20 or 30 kg in the cargo hold and 10 kg in the cabin. There is no point in being too busy and a little space is available to bring back memories. Attention, any extra and overweight bag will be charged directly by the airline during check-in. For domestic flights in Nepal: the baggage limit is 20 kg for Kathmandu – Pokhara flights and 10 kg for all other domestic flights.

A large flexible travel bag or backpack minimum 60 litres. This luggage must be water resistant (use a cover if necessary). You can also protect your belongings from dust or moisture by storing them in one or more plastic bags inside your bag.

A small backpack of about 40 litres for your personal belongings during the days of hiking. It will also serve you as hand luggage and cabin during air transport.

A secure waterproof bag to put your personal papers, passport and insurance, credit card and some bank notes, prescriptions on medical treatments personal, etc.

CLOTHING

It’s all in the technique! You need several layers to add or remove depending on the temperature and your activity. You’ll be able to wash some quick drying things on the way, including underwear and socks. For T-shirts, underwear and socks, plan to change 2-3 times a week if you do not wash anything on the way.

¨ Waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex® jacket

¨ Poncho or rain cape

¨ Polar and Gore-Tex® gloves

¨ Down jacket of mountain

¨ Buff, hot hat

¨ Sweater or micro-fleece jacket, thinner and / or softshell

¨ Technical and / or short-sleeved t-shirts (avoid cotton, long to dry)

¨ Lightweight canvas trousers

¨ Mountain trousers

¨ Zipper trousers, cropped trousers or Bermuda shorts

¨ Socks

¨ Underwear

¨ Swimsuit

¨ Hat, cap or headband covering the neck to protect from the sun

¨ Walking sticks (very useful during crossings of snowfields)

¨ A pair of practical logging cleats on frozen snow on a low slope

SHOES

¨ A pair of low-rise walking shoes, which you’re used to (to avoid blisters) to evolve on easy trail.

¨ A pair of high walking shoes for the possible courses in snow or on screes

¨ Possibly a pair of flip flops, sandals or Crocs® type for the toilet, especially but watch out for the weight!

SMALL MATERIAL AND MISCELLANEOUS

¨ 2 gourdes (1 liter minimum) or 1 Camelback® (ideal to hydrate many times while walking) in addition to a 1 liter bottle.

¨ Pellets to disinfect water

¨ Pocket knife type Opinel® or Laguiole® and / or a “Swiss army knife” multi-purpose, to put in the baggage recorded in the hold

¨ Petzl® headlamp + spare batteries

¨ Torch (with manual reloading, it’s greener and more economical)

Category 4 sunglasses

¨ Sunscreen (high index) + lipstick.

¨ Pair of binoculars to observe wildlife (optional).

¨ Camera and / or camera (optional). Remember to protect it from dust and moisture in a zippable plastic bag.

¨ Bring enough spare batteries to store in a warm pouch so they do not discharge or a solar system that fits on the bag to recharge while walking.

¨ Color photocopy of the passport facilitates administrative procedures in case of loss or theft (not to be kept in the same place as the passport!). Always in case of loss or theft of the passport, having aside two pictures of identities can be of great service.

¨ Four passport photos (for visa and various permits)

TOILET AND LAUNDRY

¨ Personal toiletries kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)

¨ Biodegradable soap sometimes used as laundry or biodegradable laundry

¨ Medium size towel quickly drying

¨ Plastic thread and some clothespins to dry your clothes

¨ Biodegradable wipes and tissues

¨ Sewing kit, with needles, threads, buttons, safety pins, etc.

PERSONAL PHARMACY

¨ As well as your own pharmacy kit if needed, we recommend taking the following:

¨ Altitude sickness tablets

¨ Pain relief

¨ Antibiotics

¨ Analgesics: Paracetamol 500mg

¨ Antidiarrheal

¨ Dioralyte

¨ Antihistamines (for bites, allergies etc)

¨ Local antiseptics

¨ Ointments

¨ Antimycotic powder (feet)

¨ Eye Drops

¨ Set of adhesive bandages and some compresses

¨ Double skin dressings for blisters

¨ Elastic adhesive tape (Elastoplast type)

Indicative list and not limiting, takes at least one of the products for each member. Take advice from your doctor or a tropical medicine centre if necessary.

When traveling, do not administer a drug to anyone who asks you to do it without the express consent of your guide. If in doubt do not hesitate to ask us.

Visa required for all foreign nationals (with the exception of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and a few others). It is obtained at Kathmandu airport against a photo ID and a sum in dollars or its equivalent in euros. Passport requirement valid and valid for 6 months after the date of return. The validity period of the visa starts only when the stamp is affixed at Kathmandu airport. For a stay of less than three months, several variations are possible:
• For 15 days: 30 dollars and a photo ID.
• For 30 days: $ 50 and a photo ID.
• For 90 days: $ 125 and a photo ID.

It is now possible to start the process online via this site: https://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa After answering a few quick questions (between 5 and 10 minutes), you receive a document with a bar code that must be printed and presented to the local authorities with your passport, then pay the amount requested on the spot according to the length of stay. However, this document is only valid for 15 days. Do not send the application too early.

For the full crossing in its entirety, a 90 day visa renewed once will be necessary.
These formalities may change and we thank you for checking the conditions of entry with the consular authorities of the country visited. Each traveler is responsible for compliance with these formalities.
With regard to security, we analyze situations on a case-by-case basis and stick to the reality of the terrain we are familiar with and its evolution. With our long-standing local roots, we rely on responsible and competent local teams and offer our programs with confidence. We explain our choices in complete transparency.

Please click the link for health advice

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